Camp Tres Ritos

Tres Ritos is the High Adventure base for the South Plains Council established in 1959. The council had camped at several other locations in prior years but could not find adequate water at those camps. They were able to find it at Tres Ritos. The camp is located in the New Mexico's Carson National Forest near Vadito, 315 miles northwestof Lubbock and only 45 miles southwest of Philmont Scout Ranch, at 9,000 feet elevation. The camp will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2008.

The camp itself is only on 17.5 acres with 10 campsites, but they have the whole Pecos Wilderness Area to roam around in. There are several different high adventure programs offered at the camp. Many troops use the camp as a starting point for backpacking trips into the mountains. All cooking is done by patrols and troops bring their own tents as the physical facilities are limited. Before winter they "roll up" the water lines and store them due to the very cold weather and snow. This camp is the most popular camp of the council.

Here are some of the programs found at the camp:

Matador Patrol (First Class Emphasis): The primary focus of the Matador Patrol is to introduce the first year camper to all that Scouting has to offer. Each scout receives more personal support from the staff, as he pursues requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Also, each Scout earns his Tot’en Chip, Fire’n Chit, and First Aid Merit badge. This program takes the first three sessions of the day during summer camp. During the Fourth period, the boys can choose their own class to take.

Pecos Packer: This is a unique program of the camp in which Troops can make a one-week trek through the Pecos Wilderness area. The terrain is similar to Philmont Scout Ranch but it has mountains, water, and higher altitude. Crews travel ten miles per day or less, depending on their goals. There is also the opportunity to earn the 50 Miler patch.

University of Tres Ritos: This program is designed for the older scout. The highly trained faculty is proficient in Law, Computers, Citizenship in the Community, Nation, or World. Astronomy, Public Speaking, Salesmanship, and Space Exploration are also course offerings.