Pioneer Skills Training
For Boy Scout and Venture Leaders
By completing the F.O.R.T. requirements, the adult leader will be trained and certified in specific skill areas in Fort Pontiac and may confidently bring the hands-on experience to their own unit - and bring their unit back to Agawam, where they can practice their ‘new, old’ skills themselves. All skills are presented in a distinctive old world environment by skilled instructors from across the council; each with expertise specific to their subject. Each year brings new opportunities to learn additional pioneer skills in this evolving program. Several program possibilities are presented each year while you hone your outdoor knowledge and sense of history. Ask your committee to support their unit by having a leader trained in the traditional skills that made Scouting what it is today - before those skills are lost through time. Do not miss this unique training opportunity to be a Fort Pontiac Pioneer! Down load the Flier or Pre-Course Information here.
Blacksmithing Leader Training
For Boy Scout and Venture Leaders
By completing the F.O.R.T. Blacksmith Leader Training, the adult leader will be trained and certified in the basics of the craft, and in a specific program that they may confidently bring to their unit. Completion of this program also provides the leader with special access to the Fort Pontiac Smithy and priority registration for their unit to learn the art of blacksmithing themselves at our Hammer-in. All skills are presented in a distinctive old world environment by skilled instructors from across the council; each with specialized, youth oriented training. Down load the Flier here.
Blacksmith HAMMER IN
For Boy Scouts and Venturers
At the Scout Hammer-In ,each patrol will be provided all the materials, instruction and equipment necessary to make several personal items and work towards earning the Metalworking Merit Badge.
Venture and Merit Badge Weekend Programs
For Campers at Camp Agawam.
The FORT PONTIAC Venture and Merit Badge Weekend Programs will be available on several weekends during the year. The FORT staff will be in the FORT and working most of the areas. The fort will be open to visitors, for anyone who is camping at Agawam that weekend. Various hands on activities may be offered depending on the projects being done by the staff. Additional fees may apply for materials or insurance. In addition there will be a limited number of openings on these weekends, for Venturers to work on the "Outdoor Living History" Ranger Award Elective. Boy Scouts may make arrangements with the Fort Staff to work projects for on the Woodworking or Metal Working Merit Badges. Adults Scouters who are trainers, involved in other council programs are invited to make arrangements to join the staff during these weekends to take the Fort Pioneer or Fort Blacksmith classes.
If you are camping with a unit a Camp Agawam on one of these weekends feel free to drop by the Fort to see what is going on.
If you are a Venturer interested in working towards the Outdoor Living History Elective please contact the FORT Staff at least one week prior to make arrangements to participate in the FORT programs during these weekends.
If you are a Scout interested in the working on Merit Badge Requirements please first contact a Merit Badge Councilor and then contact the FORT Staff to make arrangements. The Fort staff will work with you and your councilor to help you satisfy several of the requirements for your merit badge.
If you are an adult Scouter who has been on the training staff for other events. You may have had the desire to take the FORT Pioneer or Blacksmith Training but been unable to participate due to other training commmitments that have happened on those same weekends. This is your opportunity to become FORT apprentices durung these weekends. The Fort staff will work with you ensure that you have the opportunity to experience all of the elements of the other courses during these weekends.
Contact the FORT Staff at to make arrangements.
