Sunday Afternoon . . . After being guided to the campsite, scouts get into their swim trunks and get ready for check-in. They walk down to the Dining Hall porch, with Medical Forms signed by a doctor within the last three years (and a parent within the last year) in hand for a medical recheck by the Camp Nurse. At this time all medication must be turned in to the nurse to dispense along with the Troop Medication form listing all medications for scouts.
After the medical recheck, it's down to the Waterfront for a boating talk, and then a swim check. This check, covering 100 yards consists of ”Jump into the water feet first then swim 100 yards continuously in a strong manner, with 75 yards on your stomach or side and 25 yards on your back in a resting manner.” This check is required for all scouts and leaders who wish to go in or on the water. At 4:30 PM the unit leader and Senior Patrol Leader have a meeting with the Camp Director and Program Director in the Dining Hall. It will last about 30 minutes. 5:50 is flag lowering, followed by dinner at 6:00 with everyone in uniform of course. After dinner is the merit badge sign-up for scouts to talk with their counselors. That evening there is a campfire, which all troops must attend, sponsored by the staff to introduce themselves and to get the scouts acquainted with camp. Just prior to the campfire is an orientation for the Archery and Rifle ranges.
A Typical Day . . . The morning starts out with reveille at 7:00 AM, flag raising is at 7:50, with breakfast at 8:00. During the morning, the troops attend various activities (see program section); Nature hikes, Scoutcraft skill sessions, Archery and Rifle ranges where they learn how to shoot safely. Also during the morning is instructional swimming and boating where every scout can improve their skills or learn new ones. Older scouts might find the mountain bikes or the weeklong PROJECT COPE program more to their liking. Newer scouts can work on the Outdoor skill requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. At this time the Camp Commissioner is inspecting the campsites and rates them on how clean, neat and safe they are. Lunch is at 12:30 PM followed by more activities including merit badges that run all afternoon.
From 4:00 – 5:00 there is open swimming and boating, a time for cooling off and fun. Sailboats are available all morning and afternoon, especially if adult leaders want to try their sailing skills; also available are kayaks and fun-yaks for qualified individuals. Open shoot at the archery and rifle ranges with open climbing at the climbing tower (13 and over) and mountain biking (13 and over) are just some of the activities going on now to help everyone have fun. 5:50 is flag lowering, followed by dinner at 6:00 with everyone in their scout uniform of course. After dinner, troops enjoy free time and can do things like water polo, open boating, volleyball, the climbing tower, softball, Frisbee, troop campfires, etc.
Parent’s Night . . . Wednesday night is Parent's Night. Because camp and unit programming is going on other times during the week, we ask that visitors and parents only come up on Wednesday night. Parents are invited to come up anytime after 5:00 PM. Picnic tables are available in the Picnic Grove on a first come-first serve basis. Scouts can eat with their parents at these tables, but there is only enough room in the dining hall for scouts spending the week. Afterward at 8:00, the scouts and staff put on a campwide campfire for the parents. Come up and join in on the fun, singing, cheers, stunts, and skits. You never know what lunacy the scouts and staff might be up to; plus you're never too old to embarrass yourself.
Hawaiian Shirt Thursday . . . Thursday is Hawaiian Shirt day at camp, make sure you bring yours! During the morning and afternoon, everyone can wear their loud, colorful shirt throughout camp.
Court of Honor . . . Saturday morning, directly after breakfast is the camp Court of Honor. This event is where camp and departmental awards, as well as any unit awards are given out. It’s also a great place to tell your parents to meet you to pick-up their scouts. Pick-up time should be planned for 9:15am.
The Trading Post . . . A Trading Post is available at camp. We sell merit badge books, scouting supplies, patches, candy, soda and ice cream. Items stocked are on a first come, first serve, while they last basis.
Reprinted from July, 2009
