What to Expect at Camp Chawanakee

Transcription

1 What to Expect at Camp Chawanakee Mark Bachman, Assistant Scoutmaster Camp Chawanakee ( is a Boy Scout summer camp run by the Sequoia Council Boy Scouts of America (6005 N Tamera, Fresno CA 93711, ). The camp is situated on the banks of Shaver Lake in the high Sierra s, and annually plays host to more than 4,000 Scouts and Scouters. A week at Camp Chawanakee gives Boy Scouts opportunities to experience outdoor camp living, participate in traditional scouting activities, take classes and earn merit badges, and generally have fun! Camp Chawanakee is located in a pristine area of the Sierra s on Shaver Lake. The views are beautiful and the skies are clear perfect for star gazing at night. The camp is quite large and provides many troop campsites. Each site contains two or more patrol sites, a cluster for four two-man semi-permanent tents. The tents have canvas roofs and walls, wooden floors, and contain two cots, each with a foam mattress. Troops reserve campsites in advance. Campsites are inspected for cleanliness each day. Scouts are responsible for maintaining a clean site at all times during their stay. The high altitude, high heat, and high activity can make for a dangerous combination. Boys should be careful to carry water with them at all times, and drink at least three liters of water a day. Scouts arrive on Sunday by 1 pm and stay until the following Saturday. The six days at Chawanakee are filled with activity and days start early. A typical schedule is like the following: Time Activity 6:00-6:45 Wake-up, wash, get dressed, make bed, clean tents 6:45-7:15 Breakfast #1 at dining hall (some troops) 7:30-7:45 Flag ceremony and morning announcements 7:45-8:15 Breakfast #2 at dining hall (remaining troops) 8:30-9:20 Merit badge classes, period 1, at various locations 9:30-10:20 Merit badge classes, period 2, at various locations 10:30-11:20 Merit badge classes, period 3, at various locations 11:30-12:20 Merit badge classes, period 4, at various locations 12:30-2:00 Lunch at campsite 2:15-3:00 Merit badge classes, period 4, at various locations 3:00-4:45 Open time: play, study, explore, do things 5:00-5:45 Dinner #1 at dining hall (some troops) 5:45-6:00 Retreat (flag lowering ceremony and evening announcements) 6:00-6:45 Dinner #2 at dining hall (remaining troops) 7:00-8:00 Open time: play, study, explore, do things 8:45-9:45 Evening activities (troop level or camp level) 10:15 Quiet hours Mornings Early mornings are typically spent waking up and getting ready for the day. This includes getting dressed in class-a uniforms, making beds, cleaning up the tents and making sure the campsite is clean. Campsites are inspected each morning by camp staff. Troops are scored for their cleanliness and scout spirit. Page 1 of 16

2 Classes Boys can take up to five classes each day. New scouts focus on the Trail to First Class and take a separate class each day on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks. A large range of merit badge classes is also offered during each of the five periods. Each class lasts ~45 minutes and takes 4-5 days to complete. Participation in the Trail to First Class sequence does not guarantee rank advancement. Scouts will need to demonstrate their knowledge of the skills learned before the requirement will be signed in their Scout handbooks. Similarly, Scouts can make good headway in up to five merit badges. They will be awarded those badges for which they have completed all the requirements. They will earn partial credit towards those that they do not complete. Scouts are encouraged to sign up for a merit badge or rank advancement class in each period. Free time Afternoons after 3:00 are typically free time for the boys to work on their Trail to First Class or merit badges, or simply to enjoy what the camp has to offer. Many camp areas and activities are made available to the boys for fun during the free time. Some activities that the boys can do during free time in the afternoons are: horseback riding, canoeing, rowing, sailing, motorboating, swimming, exploring, shooting, archery, fishing, fire-building, making things. All are available for the boys at no cost or for a small fee (e.g., trail rides cost $15). To find out when the areas are open for scouts, boys should go to the location and ask the staff who are there. The boys also enjoy working on pioneering projects in the campsite, playing horseshoes, or simply hanging around under the tall pines. Service work In addition to classes and fun, Scouts and Scouters are expected to devote time performing service to the camp. This may include such activities as repairing fences, cleaning up areas, digging holes, and yes, shoveling horse manure! The troop typically asks an adult to help coordinate work for the Scouts (and adults). However, boys can find service projects by simply asking staff at various locations if there is work that they can do. First year campers are expected to contribute one hour of service for the week. Second year campers volunteer two hours, and so on, up to five hours. Campers can perform their service work at any time such as during their free time. Each year the camp recognizes its campers service by advancing them a rank in Tribe of Chawanakee, a camp-wide honor society, at the Friday night campfire. The highest rank in the Tribe is Sachem, which is awarded in the fifth year. Eating Food is provided for the campers by the dining staff. Breakfast and dinner is served in the dining hall. Each troop is assigned a number of tables (each table seats 6-8 people), and each table is manned by a boy from the troop called the steward. Table stewards are responsible for setting the table, serving the food, and cleaning up the table. Steward shifts rotate among the boys, so that all boys have the opportunity to do steward work many times during the week. Lunches are provided for the boys to be eaten at the campsites. Typically, Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunches are simply sandwiches, while Tuesday and Thursday require cooking over a barbecue grill (e.g., hamburgers, hot dogs, or quesadillas). Hot lunches are a great opportunity for some boys to cook outdoors in partial fulfillment of their rank advancements. Evenings Evenings are typically spent around a campfire, either at the troop campsite or at a larger campfire event at one of the Chawanakee fire locations. The Chawanakee staff hosts four Page 2 of 16

3 campfire performances for the scouts, complete with skits, songs, stories, and scouting lore. There is some time for stargazing and story telling in the evenings, but most boys are ready to sleep by 10:00 pm. Toilets and showers Toilets (portable non-flusing) and showers are available for the boys near all campsites. Most boys take one to two showers during the entire stay. Chawanakee is dry and dusty, so the boys get pretty dirty. At least one shower is required on the Friday night before our departure. Flushing toilets and showers are available for adults at selected locations. Trading Post The camp operates a small store called the Trading Post that sells basics such as patches, scout kits, batteries, knives, cups, T-shirts, and the like. Additionally, the store sells fountain drinks, candies, and ice cream. Boys should bring extra money for the trading post. Adults Several adult Scouters (typically 5-7) accompany the Troop to Chawanakee and provide assistance. Each adult generally has a specific oversight responsibility. Adults do not take merit badges or participate in scout activities. Instead, the camp provides adult-specific activities and classes such as leadership training, friendly tournaments (golf, horseshoes, badminton), and CPR certification. Swim test To participate in water activities (swimming, boating, canoeing, etc), the boys are required to pass a BSA swim test. The test is straightforward: Jump feet first into the lake over the head in depth, swim three lengths (25 yards each length) using any stroke (no dog paddling), then swim a final length of 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. After completing the swim, boys must rest by floating for 5 seconds. The test is given on Sunday afternoon after the boys arrive, and is not difficult for boys who know how to swim. Adults must also take the test. However, be warned Camp Chawanakee is one mile in elevation and the air is much thinner. Most campers are not acclimated to the elevation on the first day and can get easily winded during the swim. Swimmers should perform the swim test slowly and not tire themselves out. The testers do not care how fast the swimmer goes during the test only that the swimmer swims in a confident manner. If your son is not a strong swimmer, practice beginning 1-2 months beforehand is advised. Page 3 of 16

4 Mark s tips for Camp Chawanakee What to pack Camp Chawanakee is a six day outing in a dry and dusty area in the High Sierra s. Boys are active and will get dirty, equipment gets abused, and stuff gets lost. Label everything with your son s name and troop on it. Here is what I recommend to pack for Camp Chawanakee. Small book bag, backpack or satchel (for the bus ride and for classes) Handheld video game (for the bus ride only) Snacks (minimize candy) Small tissues Boy Scout handbook (write name on side) Pens (2) and pencils (2) Notebook Reading book Playing cards Merit badge books Large duffel bag (for clothes, gear, etc.) Pants/shorts T-shirts (class-b) and other Hooded sweatshirt or fleece (it gets cool in evenings) Socks (7 pair) Underwear (7 pair) Hat Swimming trunks Towel Pajamas Full class-a uniform Coat hanger to hang class-a uniform Light jacket for possible rain Toiletry bag (toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, soap, mirror, comb, deodorant, shampoo, etc.) Water shoes for waterfront (optional) Sleep sack (for sleeping gear) Sleeping bag Ground pad Small pillow Gear (store wherever appropriate: fanny pack, backpack, duffel, scout pants, etc.) Water bottles, 16 oz or larger (2)!!! (Keep a water bottle on person at all times.) Flashlights, one to carry, one for tent Compass Pocketknife (no sheath knives allowed) First aid kit Emergency kit Cord, 20 ft (2) (for making clothes line, utility line, repairs, etc.) Camera (disposable or small digital) Carabineers (4) (for attaching water bottles to belt, attaching things in general) Permanent maker (for labeling things) Frisbee, ball, etc. Sunscreen Antibacterial hand cleaner or wipes (to clean hands, faces, toilet seats, etc.) Page 4 of 16

5 Plastic trash bags (for trash, dirty laundry, etc.) Ziplock bags (for storage, etc.) On person (to be worn on scout) Closed toe shoes at all times (boots preferred, but strong sports shoes OK) Money for lunch on travel (Sunday and Saturday), and for Trading Post Tot nchit card, firemanchit card Water (remember to carry water at all times) Small whistle Extra stuff (optional) Fishing rod and supplies Soccer chair Telescope Outdoor games (horseshoes, croquet, volleyball, water games, etc.) Keeping clothes clean Clothes tend to get dirty, especially class-a uniforms which are supposed to be clean. Scouts should dress out of class-a s after formal activities end, then hang them on a coat hanger in their tent. Earn merit badges and advancements It s easy to get lost in camp Chawanakee at first. Boys should check with the adult leaders on Sunday to find out their schedules and where classes are held, get their blue merit badge cards, then orient themselves to the Chawanakee geography so they know where to go. (Better yet, check the website in advance to find out where to go.) If they get lost, boys should ask adults or camp staff for directions (e.g., How do I get to pottery? ). Boys can attend almost any class even if they did not register in advance (however, some classes have limited enrollment). Once the scouts start classes, they should go to them every day, pay attention and do the activities. Adult leaders will sign off on advancements on Thursday and Friday after the boys have had time to learn their requirements and demonstrate skills. Scouts should read their handbooks to determine what they are supposed to do for advancement through tenderfoot, second class and first class. Some advancements require demonstrating skills such as knots, lashings, cooking, sharpening and building fires. Boys should ask adult leaders or older scouts for help during free time so that they can get these items signed off. Having fun Camp Chawanakee is about having fun in the great outdoors. Boys should take time to play, build, explore, enjoy each other, and have fun. Boys should look for ways to get involved and participate. The best way to ensure the most play time is to follow the rules, keep things clean, and play safely. If boys are rude or unsafe, then they generally lose freedom to play. If they litter or make a mess, then a leader will make them clean up. If the boys work together as a troop and patrol, then everything goes smoothly and everyone has more time for fun. Page 5 of 16

6 Photos of Camp Chawanakee The following photos should give an idea of what to expect when coming to Camp Chawanakee, and to illustrate Chawanakee life. More photos can be found on the Troop website photo galleries. Camp Chawanakee participants for Troop 606, Summer Page 6 of 16

7 After arriving at Camp Chawanakee, boys must haul their gear about 0.25 miles to their camp site. Some gear is taken by a van or cart, but don t count on it. The BSA swim test is given on the day of arrival (Sunday afternoon), so have swim trunks and towels within easy access in your pack. The line is long, so be sure to use the restroom before waiting in line. Don t forget that the high altitude (1 mile high) will make swimming seem more difficult. Go slow and steady on the swim test no need to race. Page 7 of 16

8 Boys sleep two to a tent, and tent assignments are organized by patrol. Tents have cots and mattresses, but boys should bring a sleeping bag and pillow. The troop may plan to camp under the stars, so boys should also bring a ground pad for that. Campers are responsible for keeping their tent clean and tidy. Class-A uniforms should be hung from a coat hanger in the tent. Other items should tucked away neatly before the camp inspector arrives. The campsite has a main area with tables and a fire pit. Boys often spend time here between events. Page 8 of 16

9 Classes take place at various outdoor locations at Camp Chawanakee. Some places do not have shade, so boys should be sure to bring hats, sunscreen and water. This class is teaching Trail to Second Class. Here s another class teaching a scouting merit badges. What a beautiful classroom! Page 9 of 16

10 Wakeup time is 6:00 AM each morning. For boys who want to do early activities, such as Polar Bear Swim at 6:00 AM, wakeup time is 5:30 AM. Chipmunks and birds know that food can be found in backpacks and duffel bags. This energy bar was in the bottom of my duffel under several layers of clothes. As you can see, the chipmunk found the food and ate a hole through the foil lined wrapper. Another camper found his ziplock cookie bag dragged across the camp area. Put all food in a strong bag and hang it off the ground so the critters can t get to it.. Page 10 of 16

11 Dining in a mess hall with 150 scouts is an adventure not to be missed! Surprisingly, it works out pretty well. Boys should carry a water bottle with them at all times, and drink water often. Most water bottles will clip on to a carabineer that can be attached to the boys belt, making it easy to carry around. Page 11 of 16

12 There s plenty of fun around the camp with pioneering projects and other building activities. Days can be exhausting. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and rest! Page 12 of 16

13 Chawanakee is located on Shaver Lake. There s time and places for fishing, swimming, and boating. Parents: here is the number one reason why you should consider volunteering time to help at Chawanakee. It s busy keeping track of 30+ boys, but there s still time for some quality parent-son activities. Page 13 of 16

14 Chawanakee merit badge courses, summer 2008 Course locations and classes The following is a list of locations and classes offered at Camp Chawanakee during summer These may change from year to year, and it is best to check the website ( for most recent offerings. Eagle Point The newest area in camp, it is out on the point and offers you some of the eagle required merit badges. Offers 6 Merit Badges and 3 rank advancement classes. 1. Citizenship in the Nation 2. Citizenship in the World 3. Communications 4. Computers 5. First Aid 6. Theater 7. Trail to First Class 8. Trail to Second Class 9. Trail to Tenderfoot Handicrafts Located just down the hill of the Trading Post, the Handicraft area provides the materials to earn all of your artistic merit badges. If you need to stamp your leatherwork project or fire some clay in the kiln, it s here. Offers 8 Merit Badges 1. Art 2. Basketry 3. Fingerprinting 4. Indian Lore 5. Leatherwork 6. Photography 7. Pottery 8. Wood Carving High Adventure This area is designed for the older Scouts, to encourage growth and leadership with team building skills, while challenging the scout s physical abilities. Offers 3 classes 1. C.O.P.E. 2. C.O.P.E. Adult 3. Climbing Page 14 of 16

15 Horse Corral The horse coral is one of Chawanakee s best attractions. Offering the Horsemanship Merit Badge and trail rides, it s an area that anyone can enjoy. Offers 1 Merit Badge. 1. Horsemanship Nature Located in nature itself, Camp Chawanakee has an excellent Nature Area. The Nature Lodge is full of resources to help scouts learn about nature and how we interact with it. Offers 12 Merit Badges. 2. Astronomy 3. Environmental Science 4. Fish and Wildlife Management 5. Forestry 6. Geology 7. Mammal Study 8. Nature 9. Oceanography 10. Reptile and Amphibian Study 11. Soil and Water Conservation 12. Space Exploration 13. Weather Scout Craft The Scoutcraft area offers scouts and scouters skills that help making camping fun and exciting. By using hands on demos you can learn cooking, pioneering, compass work, fishing, safety with knives and fires, and more. Offers 10 Merit Badges. 1. Backpacking 2. Camping 3. Cooking 4. Emergency Preparedness 5. Fire Safety 6. Fishing 7. Hiking 8. Orienteering 9. Pioneering 10. Wilderness Survival Shooting Sports Giving scouts an appreciation for shooting techniques, the shooting sports area teaches scouts how to become good marksmen while learning proper safety techniques. In general, Scouts must be at least 14 years old to take any of the 3 Merit Badges offered in Shooting Sports. 1. Archery 2. Rifle Shooting Page 15 of 16

16 3. Shotgun Shooting Waterfront Offering all the water activities you may want, the Waterfront is a camp favorite. During free time you can experience all the fun of swimming or for the more adventurous, maybe you ll want to take a canoe or sail boat out. Offers 6 Merit Badges plus the BSA Lifeguard certification. 1. B.S.A. Lifeguard 2. Canoeing 3. Lifesaving 4. Motorboating 5. Rowing 6. Small Boat Sailing 7. Swimming Page 16 of 16