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Industries
In 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. The structure encourages boys to
try new things, set goals, and to develop skills and confidence in the
activities they try.
Each Industry, in many ways similar to a merit badge in scouting, is
built as a progression of activities, so that as the summer goes on, a
boy will make progress towards completing his Industry, and thus
earning a "ribbon" or a "husky mark". These ribbons are valued for the
accomplishment and goal-setting ability they represent, and boys who
earn four or more are introduced into the 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. In addition to these
two instructional periods, Industries are also available each day for
a Sign-up period, in which boys can either try something new that day,
or devote more time to a project all ready in progress. 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.
 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sailing
Mowglis has several different sailboats for recreation and for
instruction. Recently three 420's were added to the program. In
sailing 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 very
fun place to be each day.
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.
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.
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.
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