The Camp Mattatuck Resident Boy Scout Summer Camp Program Guide!!!

Transcription

1 The Camp Mattatuck Resident Boy Scout Summer Camp Program Guide!!! 2017

2 Highlights for 2017 Specialty Programs 2017 Counselor-in-Training Experience Camp Mattatuck 2017 Dates and Fees Background Information The Camp The Staff Tuesday Night Meeting Once You Arrive Check-in Sunday Afternoon A Typical Day Program Section Department Area Aquatics The Nature Center Scoutcraft Handicraft Shooting Sports C.A.P.E Mountain Biking Climbing Tower C.O.P.E. Adventure Treks Program at a Glance Adult leader training Climbing Tower COPE Giant Board Games Mountain Biking Nature Center Page - 2

3 Scoutcraft Service Projects / Trail Work Shooting Sports Sports Waterfront Weekly Occurrences Sunday Night Campfire Parent s Night Troop Campfires Camp Wide Game Friday Morning Events Court of Honor Honor Camper Award Troop Activities First Year Camper Opportunities Troop / Patrol Campsite Cooking Conservation /Service Projects 12th point, quiet hours and lights out Outdoor Requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class Scoutcraft: Tenderfoot: 2nd Class: Nature: Waterfront: 2nd Class: 1st Class: Important Scoutmaster Information Youth Protection Unit Leadership Special Skills Sunday Morning & Vehicles in Camp Health Lodge A word on medication in camp Emergencies Page - 3

4 Merit Badge Guidelines Troop Equipment Pictures Directions Mail Dining Hall Leaving Camp Checkout Restrictions Valuables Final Note Unit Checklist for Summer Camp Table 1. Months and Months Before Camp Table 2. May-June Time Frame Table 3. Tuesday Night Program Planning Table 4. After Tuesday But Before Sunday What To Bring To Camp Page - 4

5 Welcome to Camp Mattatuck, Our goal is to develop Character, Citizenship and Fitness in future world and local leaders by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law through a fun and engaging outdoor adventure. This guide will help you plan for your unit's week at summer camp and introduce the variety of programs we offer. We hope you'll take this occasion to familiarize yourself with the program and the opportunities available so you can better answer your scouts' and parents' questions, as well as your own. There are a number of changes, so look carefully. You'll find most of the programs we will offer this summer listed inside, additions may be made so stay tuned. The staff at camp wants to deliver a memorable experience for you and your scouts; if you can't find what your unit is looking for, ask us about it,and we ll cater a program to your needs. Units will definitely need to prepare their scouts before camp by reviewing requirements, counseling on merit badges (beware of the new/changed requirements), and going over personal equipment lists. Camp is in good shape and we look forward to meeting all the needs of your scouts, patrols, and troop. We can be found on the Internet through More information and resources, including on-line registrations and payments are available on the Council website: Our summertime contact information is: Camp Mattatuck 221 Mount Tobe Rd. Plymouth, CT Tel Fax Our Camp Director, Jeromy Nelson, can be reached at (203) or Jeromy.Nelson@scouting.org We are eagerly awaiting you joining us, Neath the summit of Mt. Tobe. Yours in Scouting, The Camp Mattatuck Staff Program Director: Peter Gati C.A.P.E. Director: Christopher Moon Shooting Sports Director: Ray Hanley Waterfront Director: Ryan Dickey S.T.E.M. Director: Cody McQuarrie Scoutcraft Director: Williem Duckworth Nature Director: Simon Winter Page - 5

6 Highlights for 2017 It s been a very busy and productive year. Here are just some of the improvements at your summer home. The Matta-Cup Award As an added layer to our program we have created a camp cup award. Upon arrival troops will be sorted into houses using historic figures from camps past. The houses will be able to gain points over the course of the week for scout like behavior or activity. These points will be awarded by our staff. Scout like behavior, doing good turns, and achieving goals related to the aims and methods of scouting will result in earning points while unscoutlike behavior may result in the loss of points. (Hint: Think the House cup from Harry Potter) First Class Requirements Our Departments will spend one night a week conducting requirements for scout, tenderfoot, second class and first class. Each department will work on requirements relevant to their specific area. Scoutcraft will be Monday, Waterfront is Tuesday, and Nature is Thursday. All departments will be available for a makeup session on Friday if requested in advance. Honor Camper Award This year at Camp Mattatuck we will be expanding our honor camper award for participation in program in all of our different department areas, with scouts being responsible for keeping track of what they have accomplished. Scouts will complete service projects and experience multiple levels of what camp has to offer. This is not a mandatory program, but is available for individuals or for units. All forms completing the program are due back to the camp office by 6:30 PM on Friday of your week at camp. Shooting Sports Ranges In order to utilize space we have and build programs in all facets of camp, more modifications have been made to our shotgun and pistol ranges in our shooting sports complex. This was all possible courtesy of a grant from the N.R.A. Feel free to take a walk down to the ranges and check them out. They are available for use in offseason program. For more information feel free to contact us. Wednesday Night Barbeque Tired of having to carry a stack of pizza down to the picnic grove on visitor s night? Don t want to deal with the hassle of having to make the trip to the sandwich shop and order/pickup your food? Want to enjoy more of what camp has to offer instead of preparing food in your campsite for your guests? This year at our visitor night, we will be offering a barbeque served by our dining hall and Camp Staff. This will be available from 4:30 to 7:30 for scouts, their families and other guests. The BBQ buffet includes hamburgers and hotdogs with all of the fixings, french fries, pasta salad, watermelon wedges and drinks. Tickets are 10 dollars per head (scouts are included with the cost of their week at camp). Page - 6

7 S.T.E.M. Department Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are already interconnected with the daily lives of our scouts. Now they are part of our program as well! We will be expanding our program to offer welding and blacksmithing demos in morning program. Stay tuned for more information at program planning!!!!! Page - 7

8 Specialty Programs 2017 S.T.E.M. Nova Program Week 2: July 9th - July 15th This is an opportunity to work on the S.T.E.M. Nova Award, which is focused around Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This program will include an emphasis on S.T.E.M. Related merit badges, as well as S.T.E.M. projects that can take place in a summer camp environment. The program will examine how S.T.E.M. can impact and effect everything we do at summer camp. Trail to Eagle Week Week 3: July 16th - July 22nd Spend a week at camp, with a focus on earning merit badges to advance yourself, or your scouts along your/their Trail to Eagle. This program is intended for scouts who have attained the rank of first class. The program will also help you learn about and better understand the Eagle Scout project and the work book. Citizenship Day Saturday July 22nd This is an opportunity to work on some of the requirements for Citizenship in the World and Citizenship in the Nation merit badges. Some prerequisite work is required for completion of these badges. Adventure Week Week 4: July 23rd - July 29th Are you interested in climbing on real rock? Mountain boarding and mountain biking in new places? Sailing on boats and ships alike? Maybe testing out your hand at an aerial adventure park? Well maybe adventure week is for you. We will cater the program to what your improvised troop would like to experience. OWNE (One Week s Not Enough) Camping Available all weeks of camp The name says it all! For a discounted price, come back to camp for a 2 nd or 3 rd week of summer adventure and make new friends by staying with leaders and scouts from a host troop! Merit badge completion, additional skill building, and requirement completion are just some of the benefits of spending an extra week at camp. Through this program, scouts who can t get enough Page - 8

9 of the Mattatuck Experience can go through a whole new week of program, bonding, and get to know staff and camp even better. Why let the fun stop after only seven days? See below. $100 DISCOUNT FOR A 2 nd or 3 rd WEEK OF CAMP This special discount can be applied to most Connecticut Rivers summer camp program. It cannot be apply to NYLT or CIT. The first week is paid at full price; the second week has the $100 discount. What a great way to experience camp some more, take some new merit badges or programs. Page - 9

10 Counselor-in-Training Experience Imagine getting to see the behind the scenes of your favorite TV show; all the ins and outs of what makes the show so great, and how it gets through each and every episode, yet still being able to be a fan. Now imagine having that same behind the scene experience at Camp Mattatuck. With the Mattatuck Counselor in training (CIT) program, take a look behind the curtain and see what makes that Mattatuck experience so great; but yet still enjoy the camper experience. This opportunity to take a peek at the inner workings of Camp is called the Counselor-in-Training Program. If you or anyone you know has ever had interest in becoming a staff member, participating in the CIT Program is a great place to start. While campers get to participate in Camp Mattatuck program and staff get to run it, CIT s are able to do both. A CIT will get the unique opportunity to view camp in an exclusive way, while being able to earn merit badges and have that great Mattatuck experience as well. In order to participate in the CIT Program a Scout must be at least 14 years of age, attended camp at least 12 months prior to application, obtained the rank of First Class, and have discussed their plan to become a CIT with their unit leader. There are two different types of CIT s: Week One CIT s and Week Two CIT s. Week One CIT s will spend their mornings in a different program area every day. This gives them a multifaceted perspective on how camp runs and help them pinpoint which department intrigues them the most. In the afternoon, CIT s are invited to take merit badges (at least two for Week One CIT s) and help out in different department areas that need assistance. The price to be a Week One CIT is $150. This covers the cost of food, and can be paid when they report to Camp at 11:00am Sunday. At the end of the week, all CIT s will have exit interviews. This is an opportunity to look back on the week s experience and talk about what went well and what may need improvement. If a department feels a CIT did well, they may ask the CIT back for a second week, which if accepted, will promote them to a Week Two CIT. This will grant them the unique opportunity to spend their entire week in one department--likely helping out with merit badge classes or other camp programs. This allows CIT s a slow transition into the world of a staff member. There is no charge to be a week two CIT. CIT s learn many useful skills while participating in the Counselor in Training program. They will learn what it takes to be a leader, how to teach the skills they develop, and most importantly, that little secret to what makes that Camp Mattatuck experience so great! Page - 10

11 Camp Mattatuck 2017 Dates and Fees 2017 SUMMER CAMP RESIDENT FEES Early Fee - $405 A $50 deposit per named Scout camper is due on March 2, If paid in full by May 15, 2017 the fee will be $405. Payments received after May 15th, 2017 will be charged a late fee of $50 making the total fee $455. Regular Fee - $430 A $50 deposit per named Scout added to your camp roster after March 2, If paid in full by May 15, 2017 the fee will be $430. Payments received after May 15, 2017 will be charged a late fee of $50 making the total fee $480. Discounts for Scouts Encore week (the O.W.N.E Program) $305. The registration process will require the Scout s other camp/week to be identified. To qualify a scout must have already spent or intend to spend a week in a Scout Camp and the discount applies to a second week at one of the CRC s camps. Leader Fees Fees for extra leaders are calculated at $15 per day/$90 per week. Names of leaders are not required until May 15. Two leaders are free. Additional leaders may be free according to the schedule below: # of youth per program # of free leaders All additional adults $ $ $ $90 Webelos Crossovers & New Scouts These Scouts are always afforded the lowest possible camp fee rate. Because many troops don t know what Webelos will be joining their troop until after the March 2 deposit date, a special registration category will be established for them. This will also include any Scouts who join the troop as new Scouts between March 2 and the beginning of the troop s week at camp. This registration will be available May 16. Page - 11

12 Camperships The Connecticut Rivers Council will continue to award camperships to Scouts in need of funds to attend camp who might not otherwise do so. The annual campership fund is limited and fluctuates from year to year. Similar to Webelos crossovers and new Scouts, campership Scouts will also be afforded the lowest possible rate to attend camp. The unit process for paying for these Scouts is to be determined. Specialty Camp Programs Registration for all Specialty Camp programs will be accomplished on an individual scout basis. These programs will include Trail to Eagle Week, C.O.P.E & Climbing Week, S.T.E.M Week, and various other daily or weekend programs. Payments ALL deposits and subsequent payments for camp MUST be made online through your MyCouncil page on the CRC web site. Payments may be in the form of an E-Check or credit card. There is no charge to the unit using this method of payment Connecticut Rivers Council Summer Camp Refund Policy The Connecticut Rivers Council must commit financial resources to purchase equipment, hire staff, and otherwise prepare to provide the high quality programs in our camps they have come to be expected well in advance of the camps opening for the summer. Participants therefore must also make a financial commitment to attend. Refund requests made before July 1st the fee will be reimbursed minus the cancellation fee of $75. Requests after July 1st fee will be reimbursed minus the cancellation fee of $125. All requests for refund consideration are to be in writing and sent either in the form of a letter or to: Connecticut Rivers Council Attn: Jim Waters 60 Darlin St, East Hartford, CT jawaters@bsamail.org Page - 12

13 Background Information The Camp Camp Mattatuck, (the Native American word for hills without trees), is located in scenic Plymouth, CT where it opened for summer camp in The camp sits on a beautiful 500 acre property just outside of the city of Waterbury, roughly the midway point between Boston, Massachusetts and New York, New York. Over the course of the summer 1,500 scouts spread over a 5-week period turn the camp into home. This includes a Cub Scout Day Camp, Cub Scout Resident Camp, Webelos Resident Camp and a Boy Scout Resident Camp. Scouts reside in two or four man wall tents set on platforms with bunks and mattresses, in one of our unit campsites. The dining hall provides scouts with three square meals a day nutritionally balanced and prepared by a chef and his staff.. Once at camp the available activities are astounding. Take a hike down to our shooting ranges and try your hand with our.22 rifles, shotguns, or bows and arrows. If that s not your speed take a walk up the hill and try out our mountain boards, or take a bike for a spin on one of our many Mattatuck biking trails. Pop by Mohawk cabin and try your hand at lighting a fire with the staff of Scoutcraft. If you want to relax go for a leisurely sail around our private lake, or a paddle in one of our canoes. If you re feeling a little more adventurous the climbing tower is close and can be seen in the climbing merit badge book. If you d rather relax head to the trading post and grab a soda, slushy or an ice cream and play a giant game of jenga or chess on our extra large sized boards. The Nature Center is always looking for the biggest fish so bring your fishing pole and land a big one. Camp Mattatuck offers something for everyone young and old, come pay us a visit and let your adventure begin. The Staff The Staff of Camp Mattatuck take pride in their work. We spell STAPH with a PH because much like the disease, being a staph member at camp is infectious. We take youth leaders from local Boy Scout Troops and Venturing Units, selected by Connecticut Rivers Council, and provide them with the tools to develop into future world and local leaders. Many of them view camp as a home away from home, and their love of what they do shines through in the programs they teach. Our department directors and camp director are trained by Boy Scouts of America National Camping School. These directors spend time at the beginning of each summer training their staph to be successful in the areas they will teach over the course of the summer. This ensures that no previous experience is required to become a staff member, and develops youth into leaders who can serve at any troop level. They can be trusted with responsibilities of teaching, running program, and working alongside your adult leaders to more successfully deliver the program envisioned by Baden Powell. Our staff has a vision of delivering service with a smile to make your units experience at camp the best it can be. If you need particular accommodations, ask, and our staff will do their Page - 13

14 best to either find you an answer or a solution to your problem. If there are particular programs you would like to see, ask, and we will do everything in our power to provide it for you. Your unit is what our staff works to benefit both in and out of camp. They are driven, passionate, creative, and always willing to lend a hand. Working at camp is an experience unlike any other. If any of your scouts or scouters are interested in this opportunity, encourage them to apply on our web site: We would be happy to have them aboard!. Tuesday Night Meeting Program Planning There is a pre-camp planning meeting held in the dining hall at 7:30 PM the Tuesday night before your troop's week. It is extremely important that your unit has its summer camp Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader there to plan your week's program so that our staff can be prepared for your arrival. A good strategy for making the most of this time is to bring a copy of what you did for program in past years as a reminder of what your unit has yet to do. If your troop is not located within a practical distance for you to attend, let us know and we will take care of scheduling program for you so that you can still have an amazing experience. Should you have to use this option, please send us a suggested list of activities your troop may be interested in. You should bring the following to the pre-camp meeting with you: 1. Your Senior Patrol Leader 2. Completed medical forms for our Nurse to review (you ll get them back that night) 3. Special needs for participants (diets, activities, medical needs, etc.) 4. Scouting spirit, excitement, and a plan Page - 14

15 Once You Arrive Check-in Check-in starts at 12:45 PM Sunday. Please follow the directions of our parking crew in the lot in order to ensure every one's safety. In the Pine Grove at the end of the parking lot will be a tree with your troop number on it (our parking staff can direct you there). This is where you will meet with your unit. Our Staff Guide will join you shortly. Troops will wait there until all scouts and their Staff Guide are present. Once the entire unit has arrived the leader accompanied by our Staff Guide will see the Business Manager. The Business Manager will need: An accurate number of scouts and adults in camp (troop roster). Any balance must be paid on-line at Sunday Afternoon Your staff guide will bring you on a tour of camp ending at your campsite. Scouts and leaders get into their swim trunks and get ready for the check-in process. They will walk down to the amphitheater and will meet with another staff member. Medical Forms (signed by a doctor and a parent within the last year) and medication will be distributed from a leader to each of their scouts for a medical recheck by the Camp Nurse. Remember, it is mandatory that everyone must have an annual physical and use the BSA Medical Form. At this time all medication must be turned in to the nurse to dispense along with the Troop Medication form (see attached), listing all medications for scouts and adults. After the medical recheck, it's down to the Waterfront for a boating talk, then a swim check. This swim check covers 100 yards consisting of the following Jump into the water feet first then swim 100 yards continuously in a strong manner, with 75 yards on your chest 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 during the course of the week. Other opportunities to take this check can be arranged with the waterfront director. At 4:30 PM the unit leader and Senior Patrol Leader have meetings with the Camp Director and Program Director. They will meet at the dining hall and relocate from there. It will last about 30 minutes. At 5:50 PM is flag lowering, followed by dinner at 6:00 PM with everyone in Class A uniform. After dinner at 6:45 PM is the merit badge sign-up for scouts to talk with their counselors and hand in their filled out and signed blue cards (Units should have a plan before arriving as to the merit badge sign up procedure). At 7:45 PM in the amphitheater is a mandatory orientation for the Archery and Rifle ranges. Immediately following, there is a campfire sponsored by the staff to introduce themselves and to get the scouts acquainted with camp and its staff. Page - 15

16 A Typical Day The morning starts out with reveille at 7:00 AM, flag raising at 7:50 AM, and breakfast at 8:00 AM. During the morning, Units attend various activities; from Nature hikes and Scoutcraft skill activities to Archery and Rifle shooting sessions. Also during the morning is instructional swimming and boating, where every scout can improve their skills or learn new ones. Newer scouts can work on the Outdoor skill requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class, while older scouts might find the mountain bikes, Adventure Treks, or the week long C.O.P.E. program more to their liking. For more information see the outdoor requirements section. While Units are busy doing all the above mentioned activities, the Camp Commissioner inspects the campsites and rates how clean, neat and safe it is. A Unit s daily goal should be a perfect score of 100. Lunch is at 12:30 PM, followed by options for various other activities including merit badges that run throughout the afternoon. From 4:00 5:00 PM there is open swimming and boating, a time for cooling off and fun. Sailboats are available, a favorite of adult leaders wanting to try out their sailing skills. Also available on the waterfront are kayaks and paddleboards for qualified individuals. Open shoot at the archery and rifle ranges, open climbing at the climbing tower (13 and over), mountain biking (13 and over), mountain boarding, and spar pole climbing are just some of the activities going on in this time block for everyone to make some memories with. At 5:50 PM the flag is lowered, followed by dinner at 6:00 PM with everyone in their Class A uniform. After dinner, troops enjoy free time and can do things like water polo, open boating, volleyball, the climbing tower, softball, Frisbee, troop campfires, etc. At 9:30 PM prayer bell tolls: a time for everyone to remember the 12th point of the scout law and reflect upon their day. At this time scouts should be back in their camp sites preparing for quiet hours. All the fun and games will resume bright and early tomorrow. Page - 16

17 Program Section Department Area Aquatics At Camp Mattatuck, our staff sets out every day to instill life skills in your Scouts. At the Waterfront, our goal as a staff is for everyone to be comfortable in and on the water. Our aquatics staff members are rigorously trained to ensure participant safety, learning, and most importantly fun! At the swimming side, our staff will seek to match each Scout s ability and comfort levels. For those Scouts just learning to swim, and/or those needing aquatic requirements, our staff is on hand to tirelessly work with your Scouts during not only a morning troop instructional swim time, but also during our free swim, every day from 4-5pm. For the more experienced Scouts in your troop, we focus on introducing them to other swimming activities such as flipping off of diving boards, using fins and snorkels, and going off of our Blob. For boating, our staff guides your Scouts in the use of fixed- and sliding-seat rowboats, canoes, sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks, sailboats, and stand-up paddleboards. During open boat every day from 4-5pm and 6:45-7:30pm, fish from a rowboat, attempt the English Gates in a whitewater kayak, or test your paddling skills in our canoe slalom, to name a few options. Throughout the week, for those older Scouts that think they have done it all, we offer an Extreme Aquatics Tournament to challenge them and their aquatic skills like never before! On Thursday night, we hold our Annual Dive Competition (that also includes a sandcastle building competition and Path of God competition). If you feel daring, you can attempt a mile swim while at camp. Your unit can sign up for an early-morning polar bear swim (or water polo, or blueberry madness, or the best wake-up in the camp the Blob) or a fishing trip to start your day off right. After dinner, your troop can sign up to come on down and play water polo or Moby Duck, Blob or play on the blueberry pads there is always fun to be had at the Waterfront! The Nature Center Our Nature staff is always on the prowl looking for the next interesting animal, plant, tree, scout, cloud, piece of bark, or even rock in the woods of Mattatuck. Feel free to visit them at any time throughout the course of your day, they are always open and always willing to share their Page - 17

18 can to make it happen for you. knowledge of their own little corner of the world. Your unit can help them set up displays, perform conservation projects or simply locate the next teaching tool for other scouts to enjoy. Activities such as nature hikes, slime walks, trees and shrubs, edible plants, requirements hike, and Leave No Trace are available. The Nature Trails are open year round. Go to the Nature Center mailbox to get a guide map for either of them. If you feel the urge to reel in the big one, you can borrow fishing poles at the Nature Center. See our Nature Staff if you don t see what you want or if you don t know what you see. We ll do everything we Scoutcraft The Scoutcraft Program area is located at Mohawk Cabin. Here Scouts can learn and participate in many useful Scout Skills, such as cool pioneering projects, setting up campsites, survival shelters and fires. Scouts can also learn knife & axe sharpening and the safety that comes along with using them. At Scoutcraft cooking seems to never stop; so come on by, show your outdoor cooking skills and learn all the fun and delicious recipes of the Scoutcraft Department! S.T.E.M. S.T.E.M. ( S cience, T echnology, E ngineering, and M athematics) is a program made up of 28 merit badges and is for scouts of all ages. We try to bring the cutting edge of science and all the latest technology to our program. Scouts can take any merit badges ranging from Welding to Chemistry to Digital Technologies to Emergency Preparedness. This Department helps scouts explore and enhance their knowledge throughout the 28 merit badges.. These merit badges encourage the common curiosity of each and every scout so if they see something on the S.T.E.M. merit badge list that peaks their interest why not and try encourage them to sign up! Of these merit badges scouts can take chemistry and learn different chemicals, their properties, and how they are properly used or even take home repair merit badge which includes building your own tool box or even making a workbench. Whatever it may be that sparks your interest stop by and sign up for any of the merit badges. We are happy to announce that there will be morning program for the S.T.E.M. department. Welding and Blacksmithing will be apart of the morning program from 9-12 each morning so make sure that Page - 18

19 you sign up your troops at your program planning night! We can wait to have yet another great and exciting year with all you leaders and scouts! Handicraft This department offers individuals and troops the chance to paint, draw or create just about anything. This is where Basketry, Leatherwork and Woodcarving merit badges are taught as well as Art and Photography. How about scouts coming down and making a keepsake for their favorite Scoutmaster or parent?? There is a small charge for the kits for each of these badges (basket kit $3.50 and Knife pouch $7.00), which are available in the Trading Post. Scouts taking Photography merit badge should remember to bring a digital camera so you can take great shots of camp! Make sure you stop at the camp office to share your photos with us so that your photo ends up in the slideshow at the end of the week! Shooting Sports For these program areas, scouts are instructed on the safety of shooting. Scouts by troop must have an annual orientation at each range before they are allowed to use the equipment. On the Archery Range, scouts are shown the proper and safe use of archery equipment. Standard targets as well as action archery and our field course with 3D targets present challenges to scouts and leaders. For a number of reasons, scouts and adults are not allowed to bring any kind of bow or arrow to camp. The.22 caliber rifle range offers 8 bays for scouts to improve their marksmanship. Under NO circumstances can anyone bring firearms or ammunition to camp. Hints from our trained staff will certainly improve a scout's aim. Shotgun shooting and Black Powder will again be offered. These are an older scout program with certain qualification that must be met by scouts and adults alike. The ages are 14 and older for Shotgun and 16 and older for black powder. There is a no charge for using the shotguns,.22 rifles or black powder rifles. C.A.P.E Adventures is our new department focused on delivering a program to your older scouts that zero s in on providing them with opportunities to partake in adventures both in and out of camp. It consists of Mountain Biking, Climbing, COPE and Adventure Treks, and strives to create opportunities for your scouts to experience new and different things around camp. Page - 19

20 Mountain Biking At Mountain biking, scouts of all ages can ride together as a troop for a morning or evening program. Scouts can challenge their biking skills on the skills course over a variety of obstacles. There are also 3 miles of trails that will take them all around the property, some places very few people have been before. Of course, all participants will be wearing helmets. We must insist that the scouts leave their bikes home, sorry. But scouts can bring their helmet from home and water bottle if they like. Of course weather will determine when and where we can open the trails. Open Mountain biking for scouts 13 and older is generally open later in the afternoon an evening. After a quick orientation, the fun begins. Additionally, we have a BMX course available for both troop program as well as open program. In addition to our Mountain biking program we offer mountain boarding for those of you who want to try your luck with balance and extreme sports. Come and learn how on our beginner hill, and work your way up to conquering the COPE road. These opportunities are available during open program time as well as for patrol activity. Climbing Tower The Camp Mattatuck Climbing Tower is one of a kind. It has been featured on the cover of Climbing Merit Badge. It offers a challenge to climbers of all ages and levels. The 70 Bouldering Wall is used by all scouts. The tower is for scouts 13 years or older and adults looking for a challenge. The program runs in the afternoon and early evening. Participants will learn the proper use of technical climbing equipment, including climbing harnesses, ropes and belay devices, to ensure an environment of safety first, second and always exists. There may be troop bouldering climbs for scouts of all ages. Look for a number of special demonstrations and teaching sessions to educate scouts and scouters so they can add these types of activities to their year round programs. Unit Leaders are welcome (sometimes goaded) to participate and we even have extra large harnesses to accommodate big egos. You can bring your personal helmet, harness and climbing shoes. Of course, we will inspect them before use. C.O.P.E. COPE ( C hallenging O utdoor P ersonal E xperience) is an exciting outdoor activity that can attract and hold older Scouts in the Scouting program. It is designed to meet the needs of today s scouts who are seeking greater challenges to their physical and mental abilities. COPE is based around eight goals that form the backbone of the program. They are Teamwork, Page - 20

21 Leadership, Planning, Communication, Trust, Self-Esteem, Decision Making, Planning and Problem Solving. This is a week long program for Scouts 14 years of age and older, and when space permits Scouters (see COPE Director for limitations). The COPE program consists of three types of activities: initiative games, low elements and high elements. Initiative games are exactly what they sound like, games and activities designed to get the Scouts to take the initiative and grow as a team. These games stress learning each other s name, the importance of teamwork, and communication such as would be needed to lead a blind folded partner along a path in the Mattatuck woods, and problem solving. This program uses many activities and games which you may or may not have come across before and is always changing, the chance of coming across the exact same game twice is very unlikely, and all part of the fun. Low elements take place during the middle of the week. As the group shows proficiency in the initiative games they move to the more challenging activities of the low course elements. These include a Mohawk Walk, the Nitro Crossing, and The Wall a twelve-foot wall over which the entire group will go. These tasks will help to forge a bond of teamwork and the ability to make decisions that they will need later on in the week. The low course also lays the groundwork for strong self-esteem and trust as they overcome the growing difficulty of each element. The program concludes with the High Course. The classic example of a high course element is the Zip Line. It is amazing what one learns about oneself after stepping off a 2 ft by 2 ft wooden platform perched 30 ft up a telephone pole and zipping 685 3½ through the air on a cable and pulley. The initial anxieties and fears are swept away and replaced by the exhilaration and self-fulfillment achieved as a result of one s own courage. This is just one illustration of a program where the participants learn through their own personal and team adventures. The program is open to all scouts 14 and older after they have counseled with their Scoutmaster and turned in the registration form (see attached) into the COPE staff on Sunday night during the merit badge sign up. The program runs 9-12 AM Monday-Friday. COPE is an awesome opportunity for scouts who have completed their days of taking merit badges, and need a great reason to come to camp and get out of the house. A COPE program provides an opportunity for each participant to achieve success as an individual and as a member of a team. The activities are not designed to be competitive or to be a race against time. More important objectives include building confidence, developing leadership skills, and attaining a sense of common cooperation among team members. The course is designed to build more self-confidence in a shorter length of time than anything most people have experienced. A personal helmet and harness may be used on the COPE course after being inspected and accepted by the COPE Director. Questions can be answered at the Tuesday night program planning meeting. Sign up for COPE takes place during the merit badge sign up time on Sunday evening. Page - 21

22 Adventure Treks Keeping in mind that the Mattatuck COPE program is a 5 day program designed for scouts 14 and older to have an alternative activity in the morning hours, leaders had requested something different during that time slot for 13 year old scouts. Here it is. The Adventure Treks are for scouts 13 and older. Each morning a different activity will be offered. Scouts can pick and choose go to one or two or all of them, however, they must sign up ahead of time so we can plan on staff and equipment. your program planning meeting. These are some of the activities that may be done during your week. Stay tuned for changes during Flying Squirrel Put on a harness and helmet. Back up and get ready. Your group will pull you into the air. Yes, you will be flying over their heads just like a Flying Squirrel. Whitewater Tubing Trip Go tubing through the rapids of Satan s Kingdom on the Farmington River. Climbing and Rappelling Climb at the Whitestone Cliffs, one of Western Connecticut s favorites climbing sites. A variety of routes are waiting for you. Spar Pole Climbing Use gaffs and a harness to climb a pole. Scouts will sign up for these exciting programs during your units Tuesday night program planning meeting or during merit badge sign up on Sunday night at camp. As with all camp programs, these are subject to change due to weather, staffing and equipment limitations. Program at a Glance These activities and many more are available to scouts and units to help plan their program. Ask for more information during the Program Planning meeting the Tuesday before your week of camp. Page - 22

23 Adult leader training Safe Swim Defense Safety Afloat Climb On Safely Trek Safely Leave No Trace Awareness Aquatic Supervision, Swimming and Rescue Aquatic Supervision, Paddle Craft Safety IOLS Climbing Tower Troop Bouldering Troop and Patrol Team-building Slack Line COPE Team Building Giant Board Games Cribbage Jenga Chess Handi-Craft leather pocket flap? Mountain Biking Troop Rides Bike Games Beyond the Wheel Lost Lake Lunch Rocky Road/BMX Time Trials BMX Ride Mountain Boards Nature Center Nature Hike Slime Crawl Requirements Hike Star Gazing Nature Trail Page - 23

24 Animal Track Casting Floata and Fauna Leave No Trace Awareness Edible Plants & Herbal Teas Beyond the Wheel Conservation Projects Scoutcraft Fire Building Dutch Oven Cooking Lashings Basic Knots Advanced Knots Splicing Knife, Axe and Bow Saw Totin Chip Skills Matchless Fires Orienteering Flag Etiquette Trial by fire Service Projects / Trail Work Shooting Sports Archery Orientations Rifle Orientations Archery Demonstrations Shotgun Range / Trap Shooting Black Powder 3-D Field Course Water Dunk Troop Shoots (rifle & archery) Sports Disc Golf Ultimate Frisbee Volleyball Waterfront Instructional swimming and boating Snorkeling Floata and Fauna Page - 24

25 Fishing trips Polar bear swims Mile Swims Kayaking Water polo Blueberry madness Blob Moby Duck Sailing Slalom course English gates Extreme Aquatics Tournament Dive competition Stand-up paddleboards S.T.E.M. Blacksmithing/metalworking instructional Welding instructional Weekly Occurrences Sunday Night Campfire Sunday night in the amphitheater, at 7:45 PM our Archery and Rifle staffs will give short orientations for both ranges to allow for more shooting time when you arrive at the ranges during the week. This orientation is followed by our Sunday Night Campfire. This fire is designed to introduce the scouts to the Camp Mattatuck Staff. The Songs, Skits, and Cheers will be performed by our staff for your viewing pleasure. Each department will also have an opportunity to introduce themselves to you. This helps energize your scouts for the week ahead. At the end, after things have slowed down, our Camp Director reminds us that we are all scouts, shares some words of wisdom for our week, and reminds us to be reverent and respectful. Prayer Bell is at 9:30 pm and Lights Out is 9:45. Page - 25

26 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 any time 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. also a cook out dinner will be served from 4:30 to 7:30 on the front porch of the dining hall for $10 a head. scouts and leaders attending for the week are already included. Afterward at 8:00 PM, the scouts and staff put on a camp wide 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. Remember: You're never too old to embarrass yourself. Troop Campfires At each site there is an area provided for Troop Campfires. For any troop campfire our staff is always willing to visit your site and join in with your program. Maybe your scouts could invite their favorite staff members up for a campfire. It is our hope that scouts will cherish the times spent in the company of good friends. Campfires can provide memories that last a lifetime. We encourage troop campfires on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights. Camp Wide Game At the end of the week there is a camp wide patrol competition in the form of a game. The game can range from races on our waterfront to a scavenger hunt. The competition will be outlined to you when you arrive at camp, stay tuned for information throughout the course of the week. people-power. Friday Morning Events On Friday mornings at camp there are typically additional programs that take place to supplement merit badges, or other programs offered at camp. These include the high course at COPE, JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) program from 9-12 at the archery range, and the Whitewater merit badge scouts trip down the Farmington River. Adults are needed to transport scouts to and from the river. Let us know if you can help. Because of all these activities, Scoutmasters will want to pay attention to their available 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. Page - 26

27 Honor Camper Award This year at Camp Mattatuck we will be introducing an honor camper award for participating in program in all of our department areas. Scouts will be responsible for keeping track of what they have accomplished. More information about this new and exciting program will be available soon. Troop Activities First Year Camper Opportunities There are camp staff members specifically set aside to take care of the needs of these younger scouts. Most of these opportunities take place Monday through Thursday mornings. Scouts can work on the outdoor skill requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. Scouts who have just joined Boy Scouts have special needs; basic skills which will allow them to succeed come the fall. Since you know the strengths of your scouts and troop best, our Scoutcraft, Nature and Waterfront departments offer a number of programs to help units in teaching scouts these basic skills. While the newer scouts are learning a basic skill, the older more experienced scouts could be learning an advanced one. The staff does not sign off any rank requirements, we only teach the skills. When scouts are confident in their ability they go to their Troop leadership to demonstrate the skill and get it signed off. Of course any Troop Guide, Troop Instructor or Assistant Scoutmaster who would like to help would be greatly appreciated. Troop / Patrol Campsite Cooking We encourage each troop to cookout at least once during their week. This allows scouts going for First Class to complete some cooking requirements. To cookout, stop by and discuss with the dining hall Steward what you need by filling out a requisition form at least 48 hours in advance. If your troop has its own equipment, go ahead and bring it. It is logistically easier that way. If you have any secret recipes and need a taste tester, our Commissioner is always willing to help. Conservation /Service Projects While at camp, we encourage all units to sign up with us to perform a conservation or service project. This helps us keep the camp green and clean. Furthermore, scouts can use it toward their Second Class, Star or Life. The Camp has a list of many projects to choose from or your unit could suggest one for possible inclusion. Possible undertakings include trail clearing, rock removal from campsites and trails, making brush piles for animals or water erosion control. Page - 27

28 12th point, quiet hours and lights out The 12th point of the scout law is observed every Wednesday at 7:30 AM with an ecumenical service held at the Picnic Grove. The Grover Memorial Bell will toll 12 times at 9:30 every evening, one for each point of the scout law. During this time we ask that the camp stop and reflect in silence about the 12th point of the law. By now, all scouts should be in their campsites. Taps is sounded at 9:45 PM. Lights out -- all quiet. Quiet hours are 9:45 PM till 7:00 AM. Page - 28

29 Outdoor Requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class This is for your reference in planning your morning unit activities with the camp staff. It shows possible requirements that can be covered by our camp staff. As in all situations our camp staff will not sign off requirements however when your scouts feel they have learned the material from our camp staff, they can seek the appropriate avenues to be signed off. Scout: Scoutcraft: 1e. Repeat from memory the Outdoor Code. In your own words, explain what the Outdoor Code means to you. 4a. Show how to tie a square knot, two half-hitches, and a taut-line hitch. Explain how each knot is used. 4b. Show the proper care of a rope by learning how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope. 5. Demonstrate your knowledge of pocketknife safety. Tenderfoot: 1a. Present yourself to your leader, prepared for an overnight camping trip. Show the personal and camping gear you will use. Show the right way to pack and carry it. 3a. Demonstrate a practical use of the square knot. 3b. Demonstrate a practical use of two half-hitches. 4a. Show first aid for the following: Simple cuts and scrapes Blisters on the hand and foot Minor (thermal/heat) burns or scalds (superficial, or first-degree) Bites or stings of insects and ticks Venomous snakebite Nosebleed Frostbite and sunburn Choking 4c. Tell what you can do while on a campout or other outdoor activity to prevent or reduce the occurrence of injuries or exposure listed in Tenderfoot requirements 4a and 4b. 5c. Explain the rules of safe hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night. 7a. Demonstrate how to display, raise, lower, and fold the U.S. flag. 2nd Class: 1c. On one of these camp outs, select a location for your patrol site and recommend it to your patrol leader, senior patrol leader, or troop guide. Explain what factors you should consider when choosing a patrol site and where to pitch a tent. 2b. Use the tools listed in Tenderfoot requirement 3d to prepare tinder, kindling, and fuel wood for a cooking fire. 2c. At an approved outdoor location and time, use the tinder, kindling, and fuel wood from Second Class requirement 2b to demonstrate how to build a fire. Unless prohibited by local Page - 29

30 fire restrictions, light the fire. After allowing the flames to burn safely for at least two minutes, safely extinguish the flames with minimal impact to the fire site. 2d. Explain when it is appropriate to use a lightweight stove and when it is appropriate to use a propane stove. Set up a lightweight stove or propane stove. Light the stove, unless prohibited by local fire restrictions. Describe the safety procedures for using these types of stoves. 2f. Demonstrate tying the sheet bend knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot. 2g. Demonstrate tying the bowline knot. Describe a situation in which you would use this knot. 3a. Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Use a map to point out and tell the meaning of five map symbols. 3b. Using a compass and map together, take a 5-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian. 3c. Describe some hazards or injuries that you might encounter on your hike and what you can do to help prevent them. 3d. Demonstrate how to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass or an electronic device. 6a. Demonstrate first aid for the following: Object in the eye Bite of a warm-blooded animal Puncture wounds from a splinter, nail, and fishhook Serious burns (partial thickness, or second-degree) Heat exhaustion Shock Heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and hyperventilation 6b. Show what to do for hurry cases of stopped breathing, stroke, severe bleeding, and ingested poisoning. 6c. Tell what you can do while on a campout or hike to prevent or reduce the occurrence of the injuries listed in Second Class requirements 6a and 6b. 6d. Explain what to do in case of accidents that require emergency response in the home and back country. Explain what constitutes an emergency and what information you will need to provide to a responder. 6e. Tell how you should respond if you come upon the scene of a vehicular accident. 8a. Participate in a flag ceremony for your school, religious institution, chartered organization, community, or Scouting activity. 8b. Explain what respect is due the flag of the United States 1st Class : 3a. Discuss when you should and should not use lashings. 3b. Demonstrate tying the timber hitch and clove hitch. 3c. Demonstrate tying the square, shear, and diagonal lashings by joining two or more poles or staves together. 3d. Use lashings to make a useful camp gadget or structure Page - 30