The Wizard Safari - A Great Scouting Tradition

In 1941, Mahlon N. Haines began a Scouting tradition by holding the first Haines Safari at Wizard Ranch in Hellam.  He believed so strongly in Scouting that he left Wizard Ranch to the York-Adams Area Council.  In a 1960 letter, he writes “I hope to live long enough to see this as one of the great Scout Reservations in America, which will add much to making better boys, better men and better people in the community by enjoying the privileges of being out of doors.”
 
In 1987, the York-Adams Area Council started a new tradition to honor the memory of this great Scouting advocate by holding the first of the modern Safaris.  The modern Safari focused on the current Scouting generation, but was also filled with memories of Safaris past.  A new chapter will be added to The Great Wizard Safari tradition this year, with the holding of the sixth modern Safari "Great Scouting Round-Up."  So get ready to hit the trail as we saddle up for Safari 2007.

The program will focus on a variety of activities that celebrate the western expansion of the United States of America.  We will have a great council encampment complete with Boy Scout unit gateways, featuring unit hometown history.  This Safari will also be special because the Keystone Area Council will be participating.  This is the first time that the two councils have worked together on a camping event for all to participate in.  Complete with a wagon trail, a pass-in-review will be held at 6:45 PM on Saturday evening, followed by the famous Wizard Safari campfire show.  This show will be held for the entire encampment and visitors in the campfire circle beginning at 7:30 PM.

More than 2,800 Scouts and adult leaders have signed up to be a part of the 2007 Wizard Safari and we're looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Wizard Ranch starting this Friday for a great weekend of Scouting fun and adventure.  Hope to see you there!

Wizard Safari Weekend
Traffic and Parking Alert

Campers arriving at the Wizard Safari on Friday, September 28 are reminded that any vehicles driven into the encampment areas to unload passengers or equipment must be removed from the campsites to the established parking lots by 4 PM on Friday afternoon.  After 4 PM, no vehicles are permitted to be driven past the parking lots into the camping areas to ensure the safety of our campers.

If you choose to park in the permanent parking area, you will be parked in and not able to move your vehicle until 11 AM on Sunday, September 30.  Another option is to go to the temporary parking area, which will be used for the day visitors and those that plan to leave before 11 AM on Sunday.

Parking and security personnel will be directing vehicles to the appropriate lots upon arrival to Wizard Ranch.

Directions to the Safari

Please follow these driving directions to the Wizard Safari.  Signs will be posted  along the roads from Route 30 to the Wizard Ranch to assist you in finding your way

Special Needs Transport

A handicapped-accessible van with a chair lift will operate a transportation loop for those individuals requiring assistance in getting around the Safari.  The van's operating hours are Friday from 6 to 10 PM and Saturday from 8 AM until 10 PM. 

Past Safari Memories