BSA Rules and Safety
In addition to the rules of whatever facility we are camping at, all Cub Scout camping is conducted in full accordance with the Guide to Safe Scouting (hereafter referred to as the GSS). Some of the highlights you need to be aware of include the following:
- two-deep leadership at all times
- medical forms on hand for all participants
- separate shower and bathroom facilities for respective genders' privacy
- married adults only in quarters together
- children only in quarters with their parents or with other children
- only adults manage camp stoves, lanterns, fire, etc
- buddy system - no lone rangers!
- leave no trace
- smoking must be not only in designated areas, but out of sight from scouts
- closed-toe shoes at all times
- no pets
- alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden
Conduct
All electronic diversions (MP3 players, handheld game systems, tablets, etc) are to be left at home.
Please limit cell phone use to what is needed. We're here to enjoy the outdoors.
There may be other groups at this camp while we are there, and we want them to have the best impression of scouting possible.
Inclement Weather
We always keep tabs on the weather when camping. If bad weather is coming, we will pack up and leave. You are welcome to decide to leave at any point you feel the need, but you must inform the camping coordinator before you leave camp. Our goal in pack camping is to provide a fun, positive, outdoor experience for the entire family so that there will be excitement about the next event. As such, we'll camp if there is light precipitation or intermittent rain, but won't camp in extreme weather.
Duty Roster
Pack camping is a group activity, including meals. For a group this size that means there will be a duty roster sorted for each meal. There's plenty of hands to make this easy.
Meals
This is usually how we will have meals in camp:
- Friday dinner is each family on their own. Everyone will be setting up their tent and belongings, so please bring a brown-bag meal for your family or eat early before you arrive.
- Saturday breakfast will be cooked by the pack leadership. In the past we have done a pancake breakfast and or cereal. We will request help from other parents if needed.
- Saturday lunch will be cooked by the pack leadership. Plan on something that requires no or minimal cooking such as: cold or grilled sandwiches, hot dogs, etc.
- Saturday dinner will be cooked by the scouts. Also on Saturday evening we will have a "cracker barrel" which is a snack (most often s'mores!) provided by the pack.
- Sunday breakfast is "grab & go" style provided by the pack. Everyone will be breaking down camp and preparing to leave, so the offerings will be muffins, danishes, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, bagels, etc.
What to Bring
Personal items:
- tent
- sleeping bag
- pillow
- camping mattress/cot (if you so desire)
- any needed medications (must be administered by parents)
- something to sit on (lawn chair)
- a rain poncho
- class B uniform (pack T-shirt)
- class A uniform
- jacket
- closed-toe shoes/boots
- fishing gear (depending upon itinerary)
- toiletries
- flashlight
The pack leadership will bring a large grill and propane for it as well as the camp kitchen gear needed for cooking the pack-provided meals.
Families will need to provide their own method of camp cooking and gear to provide their contribution to the potluck. If you need assistance, please inquire with pack leadership.
In Closing
We realize that this sounds like a lot just for the simple act of going camping. However, camping with your family and camping with 15+ scouts under the insurance of BSA are not the same thing.Thank you for working with us and helping to provide a safe and fun camping experience for our scouts.