ACTIVITIES (known as 'INDUSTRIES')

During each regular Mowglis day, campers participate in two activities, called 'industries.'  During each industry period they work with our experienced counselors to have fun, learn new skills, and progress toward mastery of an activity. 

Industries are a lot like Boy Scout badges.  They are buiilt as a progression of activities, so that as the summer goes on, a boy will make progress towards earning a "ribbon" or a "husky mark". These ribbons are valued for the accomplishment and goal-setting ability they reprecent.  Boys who earn four or more ribbons are invited into the prestigious Inner Circle at the Campfire Circle.

The summer is broken into thirds, and in each third of the summer, a boy chooses two Industries to focus on each day. Younger boys tend to sample many industries in their first summer, while returning campers begin to focus on achieving ribbons in a few areas.

Below are brief descriptions of the Industries, with links to the specific requirements of each industry.

Click on the title of each activity to learn more.

Archery

The Mowglis archery program offers instructional opportunity for boys from novice to expert. Campers begin with the fundamentals of equipment safety and proper shooting technique. The Golden Arrow Husky Mark is awarded after displaying skill and safety and scoring a requisite number of qualifying targets.

Mowglis' most renowned archer was W. Richard West Sr. (Wa-Pa-Na-Yah) who served as Archery instructor and left a legacy of extraordinary art to Mowglis and to the world.

 

Arts and Crafts

The Mowglis Craft Shop buzzes with activity all summer, with a whole range of opportunities available, including woodwork, leatherwork, drawing, painting, and pottery.

 

Axemanship

One of the more difficult and thus prestigious ribbons is the Orange Ribbon, awarded for proficiency in axemanship. The Orange Ribbon is available to boys ages 12 and older, with permission from home. Safety and awareness are the key, as boys learn the parts and technique of an knife, a hatchet, and then axe. Older boys learn to split, chop, and finally to fell and to use their tree for a project to benefit the camp.

 

Camping

A basic foundation in camping skills is a requirement of all Mowglis Graduates. The Green Ribbon provides instruction in camping, backpacking, Leave No Trace principles, wilderness first-aid, trip-planning, basic orienteering and much more. Every Mowglis alumnus remembers completing his "fire-in-the-rain" requirement.

 

Canoeing

Mowglis has a long tradition of teaching boys the skills needed to paddle canoes safely in flat-water and in rapids.  Boys seeking the Red Ribbon will develop the skills needed to go on an exciting whitewater trip at the end of the summer.  Mowglis Alumnus and Trustee Charles Walbridge, a nationally known whitewater expert, returns to camp each summer to pass on his skills.  The Canoe Safety, which covers basic flat-water boat handling, is a requirement for all Mowglis Graduates.

 

Drama

Every summer, several skits and plays are learned, created, and directed by the boys and are performed for parents and alumni on Visiting Weekends.

 

Hiking

The Brown Ribbon is usually acquired by older boys, as they gain skills in orienteering, accumulate miles, and bag peaks (reach the top of the mountain) over the course of their Mowglis career.

 

Nature

The Purple Ribbon is awarded to those boys who exhibit a knowledge of the plant and animal life around them, and an understanding of human interactions within the ecosystem.

 

Photography

The Black and White Ribbon teaches boys the basics of photography. How to take photos, as well as an understanding of the equipment and the development process are all covered.

 

Riflery

Respect for firearms, safety, and the skill of target shooting are an old tradition at Mowglis. Riflery is based on NRA target progressions, and boys receive their medals at the end of the summer. Receiving the Red, White, and Blue Ribbon requires passing all the Bars, including the coveted Expert.

 

Rowboating

 

The Silver Ribbon is taught in traditional wooden rowboats. Boys who demonstrate proficiency can take a boat out on their own, or with a friend.

 

 

 

 

Sailing

Mowglis has several different sailboats for recreation and instruction. Recently, three 420's were added to the program. All the parts of the boats, safety, and sailing ability are taught. Newfound Lake provides a great place to learn how to sail.

 

Swimming

The Mowglis waterfront is a true gem, and boys of all ages take to the water regularly. The White Ribbon follows the American Red Cross Curriculum, and is a major part of the Mowglis program. Safety awareness and certified staff make the waterfront a safe, and a very fun place to be each day.

 

Tennis

Mowglis has two clay tennis courts for recreation and instruction. The Yellow Ribbon is a popular one, and many boys dream of the clay courts of the French Open.

 

Weather

The Blue Ribbon, otherwise christened Pageant of the Skies by long-time instructor, Abe Unger, requires boys to learn how to read the skies and predict the weather.

 

 

 

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is a fairly recent addition to Mowglis, but has proved to be very popular. On a windy day, Mowglis boys can be seen zipping around the lake with the brightly colored sails leading the way.

 

Woodworking

 

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