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 - no peeking
- married adults only in quarters
- children only in quarters with parents or with other children
- adults only manage fire, etc
- buddy system - no lone rangers!
- leave no trace
- smoking must be but out of sight from scouts..If you are seen smoking then you are too close.
- Shoes at all times. These must cover the entire foot (i.e., no
sandals, crocs, flip-flops, or bare feet) - No pets
- alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden
You are welcome to read the GSS in it's entirety online at:
Conduct
All electronic diversions (MP3 players, gameboys, etc) are to be left
at home. Cell phone use will be limited to Leaders only and must be used
for emergencies only. 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 have a weather radio with us when camping. If bad weather
is coming, we ditch out. You are welcome to decide to ditch out at any
point you feel the need, but please let the camping coordinator know
before you leave camp.
Our goal in pack camping is to provide a fun, positive, outdoor experience
for the entire family, such that there is excitement about the next event.
As such, we'll camp if there is light precipitation or intermittent rain, but
won't (knowingly) 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 figured out for each meal. There's
plenty of hands to make this easy.
What to Bring
The Following items are what you need to bring:
- good attitude
- a tent
- sleeping bag
- pillow and camping mattress (if you so desire)
- any needed medications (must be administered by parents)
- something to sit on (lawn chair)
- a rain poncho (there are some really cheap ones out there at wal-mart)
- class B uniform (pack T-shirt) for most activities
- class A uniform for the campfire program
- appropriate clothes for the weather
- appropriate footwear-NO flip flops
- toiletries
- flashlight. I recommend the kinds you wear on your head.
- hot hands.
What not to Bring
- Electronics
- Generators
- Propane unless trained by BSA
- Knives: unless scout has earned his Whittlin' Chip and must have it on him. Also knife must be approved by a leader in order to bring it to an event.
In Closing
I realize this sounds like a lot just for the simple act of going camping. However, camping with your family
and camping with 50+ boys under the auspices (and insurance) of BSA are not the same thing.