Instructional Industries
ACTIVITIES (known as ‘INDUSTRIES’)
During each regular Mowglis day (regular meaning that there are no trips our outside activities for that day), campers participate in their chosen activities, which we call “Industries.” Mowglis offers a variety of land and water activities and boys can try several until they find something they really like. During each of three daily industry periods they work with experienced counselors to have fun, learn new skills, and progress toward mastery of a set of skills. The summer is broken into three periods and a boy chooses three Industries and in each 
period to attend each day. Younger boys tend to sample many Industries their first summer, while returning campers tend to concentrate on achieving certain ribbons.
Our 7 week season gives boys time to learn a great deal. The Industries are built on a progression of requirements, and each boy makes progress towards earning a “ribbon” or a “husky mark” as the summer goes on. The ribbons are valued for the skills and accomplishments they represent. As boys become more proficient, they often teach younger campers, giving them additional experience. Many of their achievements turn into lifelong interests, hobbies, or activities. Boys who earn four or more ribbons are invited to sit in the Inner Circle at the Campfire in a ceremony that is both moving and memorable.
Here are brief descriptions of the Industries, with links to the specific requirements of each industry.
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.
The Mowglis Craft Shop buzzes with activity all summer, with a whole range of opportunities available, including woodwork, leatherwork, drawing, painting, and pottery. The Black Ribbon is earned after a series of self chosen projects are completed.
One of the more difficult and thus prestigious ribbons is the Orange Ribbon, awarded for proficiency in axemanship. Many years ago Colonel Elwell developed a technique for safely teaching this skill, an Mowglis is one of the few camps that do it. Boys learn to use an knife, a hatchet, and then axe. The Orange Ribbon is available to boys ages 12 and older, with permission from home. They learn to split, chop, and finally to fell and to use their tree for a project to benefit the camp.
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.
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.
Crew
All the boys in camp row in the Mowglis Crew Boats, but the Crew Industry is a separate activity that focuses on learning how to row in shells. Boys begin in single man beginner rowing shells and progress to standard four-man shells. The Maroon Ribbon is awarded for those who meet the requirements.
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.
The Brown Ribbon is acquired by older boys after they gain skills in orienteering, accumulate miles, and climb a number of White Mountain peaks over the course of their Mowglis career.
The Purple Ribbon is awarded to those boys who have learned a good deal about the plant and animal life around them, and have an understanding of human interactions within the ecosystem.
Respect for firearms, knowledge of safety precautions, and real skill at target shooting has been a part of the Mowglis program for generations. Mowglis follows the widely-recognized NRA target progression, and boys earn medals as their skill improves. The Red, White, and Blue Ribbon requires boys to achieve all the riflery medals, including the coveted Expert Rifleman.
The Silver Ribbon includes the skills needed to handle traditional wooden rowboats. Boys who pass the Rowboat Safety Test can take a boat out on their own, or with a friend.
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. The Skipper’s Test qualifies a boy to take out a boat alone and the Golden Anchor provides all the skills needed for a committed small-boat sailor.
The Mowglis waterfront is a true gem, and boys of all ages learn to become strong swimmers. The White Ribbon follows the American Red Cross progression, which is a major part of the Mowglis program. All boys are encouraged to advance their swimming skills. Safety awareness and a certified staff make the waterfront a safe, and a very fun place to be each day.
The Black and White Ribbon teaches boys the basics of photography. They learn how to take photos, and develop an understanding of the equipment and the development process.
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, educates boys on how to read the skies and predict the weather.
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.
