Boy Scouts of America Gatlinburg Event

For nearly half a century, the Boy Scouts of America has been hosting an annual Winterfest that brings Venturing and Exploring youth ages 14 and older together for 3 days of exciting and competitive events. This year’s event – their 42nd – will once again be held in the Great Smoky Mountains. Sponsored by Trails End Popcorn, it’s bound to be the best ever. Registration is open!

Three locations throughout Gatlinburg will welcome Troops, Crews, Ships and Posts from across the country:

  • Gatlinburg Convention Center will host opening and closing programs and most competitive events.
  • The Gatlinburg Sportsman Club will host a variety of shooting sports and buckskin games.
  • At the Gatlinburg Community Center, participation in bowling, volleyball, basketball, disc golf, dodge ball and water activities.

Winterfest 2016 Cabin Rentals by Heartland Rentals

Scout Tournaments and Competitions

Fire Service Competition

There is so much to do during Winterfest 2016 that it’s impossible for the youth to participate in every activity offered. The opportunities are almost endless, but all are fun and certainly use skills learned throughout their years in scouting. There are tournaments, competitions for individuals and teams, and also a variety of events relating to law enforcement, emergency medical, fire service and engineering careers. Non-competitive events such as archery, flying squirrel, radio scouting and V-squeeze and swing test your nerves and utilize team-building skills.

View or Download the List of Winterfest Events

In addition to tournaments and skills events, a few Gatlinburg attractions are hosting late night fun exclusively for BSA Winterfest participants. Ripley’s Haunted House, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium and the Aquarium are staying open until midnight for late night fun! Zip Gatlinburg is offering a Late Night Zipline Adventure on their 9-line course that overlooks downtown for a true treetop aerial experience.

If your child has never participated in Venturing or Exploring Scouts, there is great adventure waiting for them! Visit Be A Scout to find your local BSA counsel and help locating a crew near year. Request a cabin rental brochure so when they’re old enough to participate in a future BSA Winterfest in Gatlinburg, you can book your stay with Heartland Rentals.