dylfrick

Bayport SR in the Colonial Virginia Council operates 5 weeks of Scout camp. We also run one week of Weblos camp from Sunday to Friday. And we have the CHASE program that runs 8 weeks.

We use the Genesis compound bow. They are alright, and have stood up to three years of shooting very well. They are easy to adjust the weight, and are pretty durable. Look at replacing the strings and cables every few years as well, which can be rather expensive.

I like the idea of having troops run the program, however many troops come just for our program so they still expect the staff lead program. BUT I was thinking of suggesting the addition of a troop run sub-camp. Or a patrol-method sub-camp. One of our camps problems is dining hall space, and this sub-camp could add more boys to the camp without taking away dining hall space. Back to the first year part, I figured each troop could have a staff member that has access to any equipment, and is knowledgeable in skills the troop may need whether it is for Scout or Eagle. This way the troop and staff can help the scouts work on what they need instead of some scouts having to redo things they have already done. The staff, like you said, can help them set up a schedule for the week of not only rank requirements, but other fun activities such as kayaking or rifle during these program areas non-mb time.

I would like to thank you for the replies so far.

I agree on the point of breaking up the classes, and in fact that is what we do. One group is learning skills for an hour while others are off doing MBs. Each scout gets the chance to earn a handicraft (art, basketry, or photo), FA, and swimming.

I also agree on the age of staff, I plan on trying to have only experienced staff, and that's another thing our camp prides itself on is returning staff. The problem is, I find we need more staff. The past two years we have had 5-6 staff each week. This broke down to anywhere from 10 to 25 scouts per staff member depending on the amount of scouts in the program that week. I would like to put a limit on the number of scouts we can have each week but some of the people in charge don't seem too keen on that idea. You said it was hard keeping up with 7 others, try 24.

I dislike the fact that leaders assume that just because a scout went through the program that means they are now first class. We have records of all the scouts have done over the week and I try (and will try harder this year) to put emphasis on the fact that skills need to be tested by the troop before they are signed off.

I really like how you pointed out the troop guide part. That made me think, I may talk to my PD and see if I can implement a troop guide program, have them come in for an hour and help teach the scouts. The staff can help them learn to better teach and they can have the hands on experience.

I would like the help of this community to better the first year program at my summer camp.

I want to first off say that the program is already great, and we are known for the program. I would just like to make it even better.

I wanted to know what your experiences with a camps first year program was like (Scout or Scouter). The good and the bad. Were there any activities that you loved, or are there any camps that your troop goes back to every year just for the first year program?

All help is greatly appreciated.

Most camps will have a plan in place to help out disabled scouts and scouters. If they do not, I am sure they are more than willing to do so. I believe the BSA has a policy now to where there have to be handicap accessible bathrooms and showers. I know at the camp I work at we had a Weblo in a wheelchair and the rangers decided they'd build him some ramps. They built one for his tent, one for the shower house (we have rocks around it for drainage) and one for the dining hall (again rocks) that was a pre-built bridge. For recharging wheelchairs, we allow use of the dining hall at night, but we also have in 2 power outlets per site. The staff will definitely do what they can to help out however possible.

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I have personally never been to Goshen, so this is just going to be about Brady Saunders. I went there as a camper, five or so years ago. I did not like it at all, this of course came after going to bigger camps like Raven Knob and Otari for years. The staff was not pleasant at all. This could have been because it was the last week, but from experience being on camp staff, you should treat it as if it's your first. The food was terrible, it was reheated Stouffers meals. The kitchen staff brought out a hot rack with a bunch of tinfoil covered pans, you got one of those and a pan or bowl of sides. Not good quality. In fact the mashed potatoes actually bleached my friends hat...program was average, they had normal summer camp activities/mbs. Overall one of my worst summer camp experiences. This of course was five years ago, and you mentioned that you have had good experiences.

I did not go to Powhatan, but I did go to Otari for one summer camp, that was great. It rivaled Raven Knob for me. The main reason was for the staff, the facilities weren't the greatest, but I barely noticed because of how much fun I was having. Again these were years ago and they are not likely to have all the same staff, but I know camp run similar from year to year.

Now because of my working there, I have to mention Bayport Scout Reservation. I know this is a bit farther, but I just have to mention it. Great camp for new and older scouts. Not really the best for midranged scouts, but a wealth of merit-badges. A great camping experience.

I would like to point out I am not at all biased, and would greatly point out all the flaws of the camp I work at too, I want to see your boys have the best summer camp experience possible. I also agree that a change of pace is good every few years, you can get tired of the same old camp program

Never been, but did a little searching and found what sounds like legit contact information:

Camp O-Ki-Hi contact information:

mail: Beaver Valley Boy Scouts

Post Office Box 1684

Shingle Springs, CA 95682

phone: 530-862-1212

this came from http://www.foothill.net/BSA/troop4/CampMap.htm

Hope this helps!

You'll have a great time. But not only do you want extra toilet paper, make sure it's two ply; the one ply just doesn't cut it.

Bring a book for your free time, a hammock if you have one, and a water bottle! Pack smart, what you think you really need. The list you receive from the camp is usually a pretty good list to go by, it has been made by people that have been going to camp for years.

Have a great time, and good luck!

The current troop I am working with charges a fee of $1 a meeting so $4 a month and $56 a year. Since I have recently joined the troop I haven't seen it go to much. They claim the go on outings,I have yet to see it. I had to come in and change them from a "knots every meeting" troop. The other problem is the kids just don't pay it, we have one kid that is over $20 behind, and there really isn't anything they do about it. The leadership is off, but that's is a different thread.

In the troop I was a scout in, when I came in they had a decent amount of people and did a few fundraisers but most of the money had already been established and the CO funded a lot of the expenses.

I personally don't see a problem with a small fee, $150 seems a bit high but it was said that was a more active troop. I can easily see $50, but that my own opinion.

There's always pitch a tent with all but one blindfolded. The one not blindfolded can't help, only speak and the others cant speak only touch. Great teamwork/leadership skills.

Any variation where you take away a sense for most of the group and make them rely on one person is going to be a great team building experience.

Also not a troop one but a camp one, Scout Vespers sung x1 hummed until everyone is gone.

DP by accident.(This message has been edited by dylfrick)

If it is simply a cub scout activity, 18 is the age of the RO. They first need to be trained though. This can be a training course by a SS Dir.

For scout/venture a person the is 21+ that is NCS or NRA certified needs to be on property not necessarily at the range.

I know if it's a council camp they usually like to have the SS Dir there even if it is just cub scouts, but they are not needed.

Every camp I have gone to has had the same routine. Guide meets you, go through health checks, swim checks, dining hall, small tour, done.

As staff at summer camp last year we did something different because being a guide is kind of a pain. What we did was have people at different stations throughout camp. As soon as you get to the gate there is a greeter that gives you your parking tag and sends you to the parking lot. From there you are unload everything into one vehicle or onto the camp trailer. The scouts and SMs walk up to admin. They have a checklist of things to do, but first off they go to there sites where they meet subcamp directors/greeters. A subcamp worker goes around with the SPL and SM and checks all the site and signs off a sheet stating the quality of the site. Troop then goes to med checks which are stationed at the med lodge and a large white tent in the parade field (thus speeding up the process). After med checks its the pool or dining hall (your choice). Once everything is done you go off and do whatever you want.

Larger troops got a guide, and smaller ones if they needed them. If a troop wanted a camp tour they had a staff member do it after dinner.

There were a lot of positives to this, and a few negatives.

+ Do check in how you want

+ Speeds up check in

- Sometimes a backup at the pool due to kids from the Rivah Base (high adventure) side having to do swim checks.

IMO, I never liked guided tours...especially if everyone had already been to the camp, and the guide had to do his job.

This has been answered in part in the Summer camp section but I'll give what I have.

The section is about pre-camp swim checks.

This is taken from the Camp Property Management Book:

On supervision: A BSA Aquatics Instructor, BSA Lifeguard, and a 21+ with SSD and SA training.

OR

BSA Aquatics Instructor, BSA Cub Aquatics Supervisor, or BSA Lifeguard or those with lifeguard or swimming instructor training from other agencies

I read on a local council website that all neckerchiefs are going to be changed. They will be larger, the boy scout ones will be new colors, most of the popular color combinations will be discontinued and replaced with more "earth-friendly tones." The new boy scout ones are on scoutstuff.org.

I'll share my experience as a Scout and what I have recently learned.

The troop I was part of had a strong history, 70+ years, and when I joined we had 50 or more boys who were extremely active. I remember my first year of summer camp taking two charter buses down to camp. We gained boys and lost them as they grew out or grew into scouting. Many of the boys received their Eagle Scout and stopped coming but were then replaced by new Scouts coming from the local Pack. We had a great SM and great ASMs.

It started going down hill about two years into my scouting experience. We lost the SM, which I was recently informed was pushed out by the Committee. The Cubmaster for the local pack started sending boys to other troops because of his son lying about why he hadn't been advancing. The next few SMs were also pushed out, then we were down to about seven members after about five years. There were no cubs crossing over since the pack had lost many cubs and was just recently revived, and there was no recruiting.

Now who's fault was it? A bit of everyones, the scouts for not recruiting, the SM for not getting on the committee and COR for what they were doing, and a Commissioner that had no clue what was going on with the troop because he was too involved in another troop he was trying to start.

The troop was officially disbanded this year, after I believe 78 years or so, but luckily a new troop has been put in its place (also with very few scouts) and there are some Webs that are/did cross(ing) over.

Know what is going on behind the scenes if you are a SM!

Alright I've found in writing what is needed for a pre-camp swim check. This is taken from the Camp Property Management Book:

On supervision: A BSA Aquatics Instructor, BSA Lifeguard, and a 21+ with SSD and SA training.

On Pre-Camp Tests: "A local council has various options for deciding what swim classification procedures are acceptable for summer camp.

- Option A (at camp). Aquatics personnel administer the swim classification test at camp.

- Option B (council conducted/council controlled). The council or district arranges...predetermined dates...council approved locations and personnel...

- Option C (at unit level with council-approved testing personnel). Unit arranges swim test using council-approved resource personnel with training as BSA Aquatics Instructor, BSA Cub Aquatics Supervisor, or BSA Lifeguard or those with lifeguard or swimming instructor training from other agencies...

Director shall at all times reserve the authority to review or retest all participants to ensure the standards have been maintained."

So that's words from the officials...

As a member of camp staff, I love it when troops come in with their swim checks done. It cuts down on the lines, and we for some reason always had a thunder storm on check-in day, so they were good to go.

Pros: Cuts downs check-in time for both the troop and staff. Use the swim checks before and after camp for other water activities.

Cons: Not all pre-camp swim tests are approved for use by the director at camp (make sure if you get it from another camp, the director is certified to approve swim checks). If you do it with the troop, the scouts might get off easier if they can't really swim, the camp staff doesn't have bias and would like to see everyone pass but if they can't swim it's on them.

That's all I can think of right now, will post more as I think of them.

I believe that in the camp site, late at night it should not be a problem. Walking around during the day without a shirt is a different story, and as camp staff we are told to get on people that don't wear shirts around camp. If it is in your camp site it is the SM's call as the SM has final say in the site.

In my troop each patrol had two different "patrol boxes." One was a chuck box that contained all the cooking materials, and had a fold down front that doubled as a cutting board and had shelving inside. In one of these you would need your basics: paper towels, utensils (both cooking and eating), some small pans/pots, spices, soap, stove etc. It's the patrols kitchen in a box.

Now each patrols second box was a large metal container that consisted of 4 troop tents, an ammo box with stakes, a patrol tarp, a propane tree, and a stove rack. The poles for the tarp were on the trailer or if we needed to we could tie it between trees.

Here are some plans for chuckboxes:

http://www.troop168.net/forms/patrolboxa.htm

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When I zoomed in it was much more noticeable as a bird, parrot to be exact. It blends nicely with the fish though. I don't know who came up with the design, but I think a redesign is in order!

As SPL I usually ate with the adults simply because they had better food.

But I came up with an idea while reading this thread, maybe have a mini Iron Chef competition at each camp out. The SPL goes and judges each patrols food, and even the adults, then the winner receives something special like a "golden" spatula and bragging rights. Eventually it could catch on and all the patrols will want to compete, and even camp out more if they know the spatula is up for stakes!

Just a thought, might or might not work depending on the amount of patrols/boys in the troop.

The two recipes I did this past summer with the kids I worked with at camp were quesidilla pizzas, and grilled ham and cheese. We had probably 40 minutes to prepare and eat, and they were a hit.

The pizzas need 1 tortilla (fold in half), pizza sauce, cheese, and their choice of pepperoni. Put them in a small pan or a flat cast iron skillet and heat until melted.

Grilled ham and cheese...shouldn't have to explain that one!

This will cover most picky eaters, and its easy setup and cleanup.