Muddy Squirrel

March 24, 25, 26  -- Camp Bethel

Donation amount

UPDATES 3/23/23

***Click here for the Spring Scamper map. Maps are also available from a folder on the front porch of the office at Camp Bethel.


***Parking: It's going to be a busy weekend at Camp Bethel, so please park in the Cave Trail Field, which is behind the Retreat Center. Signs will help direct you there. Your car can be your official start/finish.


***Email your score, time and a few photos to muddysquirrelinfo@gmail.com. You can also share them to our Facebook page



Spring Scamper is a FREE navigation event where solo competitors and/or teams use a map and compass to search for up to 20 control points placed in the woods and fields around Camp Bethel (328 Bethel Rd, Fincastle, VA). Competitors have up to 6 hours to find as many points as possible and return to the start/finish. Total length of the entire course is approximately 10-12 miles, but that will vary widely based on how many points you find and how you find them! Points will be marked on the map and can be found in any order.


Course maps will be available to download from this page the Thursday before the event. We will also have a folder of printed maps on the porch of the camp office. Bring your own compass, water, and snacks. Teams must stay together (no splitting up!). Families are encouraged to participate. Beginners can decide when to "call it a day."


You may find some snacks and treats at selected points :)


The Spring Scamper course will be open from 8 am Friday, March 24th until 4 pm Sunday, March 26th. The course will close at 5 pm each day and re-open at 8 am. You can choose your day and your start time -- still 6 hours max. The start/finish is the paved ARK parking lot at Camp Bethel. Please depart the camp BEFORE dark.


This event is FREE, but we welcome donations! Please consider making one to help offset the time it takes to design, put up, and take down the course. Thanks in advance for your generosity :)


Fall Frenzy will follow a similar format, but with a different course on November 3-5.

How does this work?

This format is a competitive navigation adventure where individuals/teams use a map & compass to navigate an area in search of control points (CPs).  The adventure must be completed totally on FOOT and teams MUST stay together.  Our goal in course design is to take you to cool places that you might never travel to otherwise.  We definitely will encourage you to navigate the road less traveled.  Our courses are challenging for experts, but are also welcoming to beginners.  We'll have CPs suitable to every ability level.  Here are the basics...

  • You are looking for a hanging orange and white 3-D flag (CP)
  • CPs are worth different point values
  • Punch your scorecard when you find a control
  • You can find CPs in any order you choose
  • 6 hour time limit
  • Most points wins
  • In the event that multiple teams "clear the course," fastest team wins
  • We provide maps -- or print your own
  • You provide the compass​
  • Great for families or teams of friends 
  • We also offer "custom" navigation experiences for any group​

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Spring Scamper 2023