Scouts BSA
Summer Camp
A full week of merit badges, aquatics on the lake, shooting sports, climbing and outdoor skills — delivered by Crew 777.
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Serving Scouts since 1964
The Adventure Begins Here
On the shores of Lake Murvaul, deep in the East Texas pinewoods, George W. Pirtle Scout Reservation has introduced generations of young people to Scouting's outdoor program. A classic Scout camp, still doing what it was built to do.
The Scout Law
- Trustworthy
- Loyal
- Helpful
- Friendly
- Courteous
- Kind
- Obedient
- Cheerful
- Thrifty
- Brave
- Clean
- Reverent
What's coming up
Upcoming at Camp Pirtle
Every program below has its own page with the full details — who it's for, what happens, and what to bring — before you register.
Dates for all camp events are on the council calendar.
View the East Texas Area Council calendar → (opens in a new tab)
Programs at Camp Pirtle
From a Cub Scout's first night in a tent to the highest level of adult leader training, it all happens here.
Thanksgiving week
Turkey Camp
A Camp Pirtle tradition all its own — volunteer-run, over the Thanksgiving holiday, and unlike any other week of the year.
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Scouts BSA
Winter Camp
Cold-weather camping and advancement in the quiet months, when the pinewoods look completely different.
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Cub Scouts & families
Mom and Me
An overnight weekend at camp for younger Scouts and their moms. Often a family's very first night under canvas.
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Cub Scouts & families
Dad and Me
The companion weekend — fishing, shooting sports, campfire, and a night in the woods together.
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Tejas Lodge
Order of the Arrow
Scouting's honor society. Tejas Lodge holds its Fellowship and Inductions weekends here at Camp Pirtle.
Learn moreTraining for leaders — and for Scouts
Camp Pirtle is where the East Texas Area Council trains the people who make Scouting work.
Adult leaders
Wood Badge
The highest-level training program for adult Scout leaders, run across two required weekends at camp.
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Youth
NYLT
National Youth Leadership Training — leadership skills for the Scouts who run their own troops.
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Adult leaders
IOLS & BALOO
Two different courses, often run the same weekend. Make sure you sign up for the right one.
Learn moreCamp at a glance
1964
Opened
14
Campsites
Lake
Murvaul waterfront
777
Camp staff crew
Since 1964
A classic Scout camp, kept that way on purpose
When Scouting grew across East Texas in the early 1960s, the council needed a camp. George W. Pirtle provided the land in Panola County, and a capital campaign headed by Robert Cargill built the facilities — with the Cargills personally funding the dining hall.
What Camp Pirtle lacks in modern amenities, it makes up in authentic, rustic charm. That is not an accident. The East Texas Area Council has maintained this place as a classic Scout camp, and the enduring nature of GWP is plain at the entrance, where the elements of the Scout Law greet everyone who drives through the gate.
GWP 60 Campaign
Invest in G.W. Pirtle Scout Camp
Keeping a classic camp first-rate takes more than routine upkeep. The council has identified specific projects: electricity to the staff tent pads, cabins built from donated materials, a fully renovated staff shower house, a resurfaced pool with a rebuilt pump and drainage system, and additional restrooms at the dining hall.
Every one of them makes the camp better for the Scouts who show up next summer.