Linas

Camp Rakas is in Michigan, but our troop and scouts who use Camp Rakas are in Illinois, we are not constituents, and so I don't think the "write a letter to your legislator/governor" is the correct approach for us. And this probably doesn't need to be addressed at the level of governor/legislators.

If anyone wants a copy of the memo, send me your email address via private message and I'll send you my pdf of the memo. I received the memo in my capacity as camp director of a scout sailing camp that we conducted this month at Camp Rakas near Custer, Michigan.

I searched for the memo on the internet as well. I think it is not online. All of the Michigan camp consultants (inspectors) have a copy, and so did our fire inspector.

I'm curious how various individual BSA camps in Michigan will deal with Michigan's new requirement for tents. A 06/10/11 memorandum issued by Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing of the Michigan Dept. of Human Services, entitled "Applicable Rules And Clarification Tents, Tee Pees & Other Hybrid Structures," states in Paragraph 9 as follows:

"Exiting from tents and tee pees with occupant loads of 12 persons or fewer shall at a minimum be through two remote exits that provide a net clear opening that is at least 5 feet high and 36 inches wide, do not present a trip hazard, and which employ quick release means to open such as magnetic strips, easily openable Velcro or other similar method that is pre-approved by the Department. Zippers are not an acceptable means of release for required egress openings."

I think this is an ill-advised new requirement and it would be nice if someone who has a good relationship with that Department would try to get it rescinded.