Trail to Eagle Program Guidebook

Transcription

1 Yankee Clipper Council Boy Scouts of America Trail to Eagle Program Guidebook August 2 to 7, 2015 Lone Tree Scout Reservation 12 West Shore Park Road Kingston, NH Yankee Clipper Council, Inc. Boy Scouts of America 36 Amesbury Road Haverhill, MA Page 1

2 March 15, 2015 Dear Scout, Welcome to the Yankee Clipper Council s Trail to Eagle Program. This year, the program is being offered at the Lone Tree Scout Reservation in Kingston, NH. This will be a truly enjoyable Scouting experience that you will never forget. We have recruited a highly experienced and top-notch staff of mostly volunteers to facilitate the program for you. The program will also be supported by an excellent and well-trained summer camp staff headed by Camp Director Brendan McNeill. All of us stand ready and eager to offer you an outstanding experience here at Lone Tree. This manual will provide you with the information necessary to get the most from your week in the Trail to Eagle program. Much time and groundwork has gone into the preparation of this manual. We ask that you take the time to review all of this important program material. We look forward to providing an exciting and enjoyable Trail to Eagle Program! See you at Camp! Yours In Scouting, Matt Jezierski Matthew J. Jezierski Trail to Eagle Scoutmaster and Trail to Eagle Program Director Page 2

3 General Camp Information Leadership: The Trail to Eagle Program will be administered by Trail to Eagle Program Director and Scoutmaster Matthew J. Jezierski. Matt is an Eagle Scout and lifelong adult Scout Leader and summer camp staff member. He will be assisted by several adult Assistant Scoutmasters in the campsite. Feel free to contact Matt any time at or Location: Lone Tree Scout Reservation 12 West Shore Park Road Kingston, NH Scouts may receive mail during their stay at the above address. Be sure to include the Scout s name and Trail to Eagle Troop in the address. Directions: From Interstate 495 take Exit 51B (Route 125 North, Haverhill, MA). In approximately 1 mile, turn right at the lights (just after McDonald s) in order to stay on Route 125 North. Cross into Plaistow, NH. In approx. 5.5 miles (just into Kingston NH), turn right onto West Shore Park Road. At the first stop sign (approximately ¼ mile), turn left into the camp entrance. Telephone: Scouts are required to refrain from bringing cellular phones and other electronic devices to camp. Parents are asked not to call camp except for emergencies. In these instances, the camp number is Parking: In accordance with BSA standards, all vehicles must be parked in the camp s main parking lot. The lot is located on the left side of the road, across from the Nature Lodge. (There is a dumpster at the back of the lot.) Vehicles are not allowed in campsites. Vehicles with registered handicapped plates or hang tags will be allowed to park at the Scouter s Lodge parking lot. Coming and Going During the Week: All campers MUST sight out at the Camp Office when leaving camp for any reason for any period of time and then sign in upon return. Trail to Eagle participants will not be allowed to leave camp during the week unless their parent plans the departure in advance with the Scoutmaster, or unless it is an unforeseen emergency. Scouts will not be permitted to run home for a baseball game or for other such non-essential reasons. Trail to Eagle participants will NOT be allowed to keep a vehicle in camp for the week. Page 3

4 General Camp Information Campsite: The Trail to Eagle Troop will be staying in the Sacawacas Campsite. Each camper will be camping together with another Scout, assigned by the Trail to Eagle Scoutmaster, in a standard BSA summer camp canvas wall tent. The tent is set up on a wooden platform with 2 cots inside. Scouts are required to bring their own mosquito netting and poles for the cots. A limited number of nets are available for sale at the camp Trading Post. Nets and poles are not allowed to be attached to the tent canvas or frame, or to touch the tent in any way. They must be attached to the cot only. All traces of attachment are to be completely removed at the end of the week. The recommended method of attachment is zip ties. Do not use duct tape. Latrine and Showers: There is a pit latrine with a cold water wash stand located in the campsite available for use by the campers. The camp shower house is also located nearby to provide hot showers. Scouts must use the camper designated portion of the shower house, and must abide by the schedule established by the Scoutmaster. Scouts are required to engage in latrine/shower cleaning duties. Visitor restrooms are available for parents at Scouter s Lodge. The Buddy System: The Buddy System is used at all times in camp. No Scout will be permitted to be outside of the campsite without another Scout as his buddy, and without permission from the Scoutmaster. Dining Hall: All meals will be provided in the Carter Dining Hall. Meals will be served family style. Scouts will be required to take turns serving as the waiter for their table. The menu will be posted in the Dining Hall during Eagle Week. The dining hall is able to accommodate special dietary needs. Please contact the camp office at least 1 week prior to camp at Trading Post: Lone Tree runs a small general store known as the Trading Post. For sale are custom Lone Tree camp merchandise such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other memorabilia. In addition, there are handicraft supplies, Scout supplies, some Merit Badge pamphlets, candy, ice cream, soda, and snacks. The amount of money Scouts bring to camp is an individual matter between the Scout and his parents. Each Scout will be responsible for his own money. The camp, the Council, and the staff will not be responsible for lost or stolen money. Page 4

5 Arrival Sunday August 2, 2015 Arrival Time: Please arrive between 12:30pm and 1:00pm. Please DO NOT arrive earlier than 12:30pm, as WE WILL NOT BE READY FOR YOU! Please do not arrive later than 1:00pm. Please eat lunch before arrival. Parking: Please park in the main parking lot, on the left, across from the Nature Lodge. (There is a dumpster at the back of the lot.) Please carry all gear from the main parking lot to the Sacawacas Campsite. Check-In: Scouts must check in, along with at least one parent or legal adult guardian, at the Sacawacas Campsite with the Trail to Eagle Scoutmaster. The parent will be required to stay until the Scout has completed his medical check-in with the Camp Nurse. Scout must wear his BSA Uniform Shirt to check in. BSA Annual Health and Medical Record: In order to attend camp, every Scout is required to have a physical by a doctor, and to provide the camp with a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record, parts A, B, and C. This form can be downloaded from this link: Parents should always keep the original document at home. A photocopy with all signatures and information, including a copy of the Scout's insurance card, must be provided to the Camp Nurse. The form may be mailed to Scoutmaster Matthew Jezierski, 77 Barnard Hill Road, Weare NH 03281, or ed to matt.jezierski@comcast.net. By providing the form in advance, the Scoutmaster will be able to review it ahead of time and notify you of any missing information. Medical Check: After checking in at the campsite with the Scoutmaster, each Scout and his parent will be required to visit the Camp Nurse. If you have not yet turned in a Health and Medical Record, you will be required to do so at this time. The Nurse will review the form and discuss any medical concerns relevant to the Scout s stay at camp. Also, if a Scout requires any medications during camp, these must be turned in to the Nurse at this time. Medications must be kept by the Nurse at the Health Lodge, and must be in their original prescription containers. All medications will be dispensed by the Nurse at proper times during camp. If a Scout requires to carry an epi-pen or an inhaler, then the Nurse must be notified, and must be provided a second back-up pen or inhaler to keep at the Health Lodge. All medications and/or empty containers will be returned to parents at the end of the week. Page 5

6 Arrival Sunday August 2, 2015 Move Into the Campsite: After being cleared by the Nurse, the Scout will move into a tent assigned by the Scoutmaster. The Trail to Eagle participants will be organized into a Boy Scout Troop and Patrol structure. Tents and tent mates will be assigned on that basis. Requests for tent mates and patrol mates may be made in advance to the Scoutmaster. Parents may assist the Scout moving in. Life to Eagle Seminar: Parents are invited to stay and attend a Life to Eagle Seminar facilitated by the Yankee Clipper Council Advancement Committee. All Scouts will attend this session from approximately 2pm to 3pm. Parent Departure: Parents are required to stay at least until the Scout has been cleared by the Nurse. Parents must depart no later than the end of the Life to Eagle Seminar. Swim Checks: After the Seminar, the Troop will change into swim suits and proceed to the waterfront for Swim Ability Checks. Scouts will be allowed to attend free swim periods during the week. They must take the swim test to be classified into an ability category in order to participate in swim times. Remainder of Sunday: The rest of the day will be the beginning of our routine for the week. We will have a Retreat flag ceremony in Scout Uniforms, dinner in Carter Dining Hall, and then return to the campsite. The evening campsite program for Sunday will include organizational Troop and Patrol activities, a review of rules and expectations, and some fun icebreaking activities. Scouting Expectations Scout-Like Behavior: Trail to Eagle participants are expected to live by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. They are candidates for Scouting s highest honor, and must exemplify Scouting s ideals. Un-Scout-like behavior will not be tolerated. Uniforms: The official BSA Scout Uniform shirt will be required for evening meals and Retreat ceremonies. Scout shorts and Scout socks are also encouraged. Page 6

7 Health and Safety Personal Safety Rules: *Barefoot Walking in camp is dangerous! Scouts must bring at least 2 pairs of shoes, boots, or sneakers for camp. Scouts may be without shoes only at the waterfront, shower house, or in their own tent. *Running is not allowed in camp except on the sports field or in controlled program activities. *Clotheslines should be strung out of the way of foot traffic and should always have something hung on them to show where they are. They must be at least 6 feet off the ground at the lowest point. *Saws and Axes must be used only with the Scoutmaster s permission, only in the campsite s axe yard. Scouts may not bring their own axes or saws. *Buddy System must be used at all times. *Liquid Fuel and Propane may not be used by Scouts. Scoutmasters may facilitate its use for lanterns and stoves. *No Flames In Tents. Electric lanterns or flashlights only are allowed. *Sheath Knives with fixed blades are prohibited. Folding pocket knives are allowed with blades no longer than 3 inches. The Scoutmaster reserves the right to confiscate any knife being misused by any Scout. A confiscated knife will be returned to a parent only at the end of the week. *Firearms, Ammunition, Fireworks of any kind, Archery equipment, and any other projectile equipment may not be brought to camp by Scouts. *Electronic Devices of any kind are prohibited. Banned Items: Camp leadership reserves the right to confiscate any prohibited items. Prohibited items include: *Alcohol *Drugs/Controlled Substances *Fireworks *Firearms *Tobacco Products of any kind *Sheath Knives or blades 3+ inches *Martial Arts Equipment *Aerosol Spray Cans of any type *Citronella Candles *Non-Resident Pets *Any item determined by camp leadership to be unsafe or used in an unsafe manner, or offensive/un-scout-like. Smoking Policy: No person under the age of 18 will be permitted to use or possess any tobacco product on camp property. Use of any tobacco product is prohibited in any place at any time in the presence of Scouts. Page 7

8 Health and Safety Youth Protection Policy: Lone Tree Scout Reservation Staff, Trail to Eagle Troop Staff, and all Merit Badge Counselors are required to be trained and certified in Boy Scouts of America Youth Protection, and are required to adhere to BSA Youth Protection Policies at all times. Lone Tree has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for all who camp there. Camp leaders and staff must be alert to several types of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. The BSA statement on this matter can be found at the Council Service Center. New Hampshire state law requires that suspected incidents of child abuse must be reported to local law enforcement agencies. All suspicions must be brought to the immediate attention of the Camp Director. Hazing and Bullying: Hazing or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. Any individual engaging in such activities may be required to leave camp without refund. Taps: 9:00pm is Taps for the Trail to Eagle Troop. At this time, all Scouts will be required to be quiet and in their own tents for the night. Proper rest is essential for all campers. Emergency Procedures: All Scouts will receive an orientation to the camp s emergency procedures on the Sunday arrival day. Emergency practice drills are also required during the Scout s stay. Illness and Accidents: Any and all accidents or illnesses are required to be reported immediately to the nearest Camp Staff member or Scoutmaster. Any and all illnesses or injuries, no matter how minor, are required to be treated by the Camp Nurse. The Nurse is on site, and on call 24 hours per day during the entire Trail to Eagle program. If a serious injury or illness occurs, parents of the Scout will be notified immediately. In case of emergency, Scouts will be taken to Exeter Hospital. Page 8

9 Setting the Example The Trail to Eagle program happens simultaneously with the Webelos overnight "So-Kee-Tay" program at Lone Tree. Scouts will often be interacting with Cubs during camp. The Trail to Eagle program intends to show off Scouts striving to reach the pinnacle of the program (the Eagle Scout Award), meaning each of you! We intend for the Trail to Eagle Troop to be an inspiration for these young Cubs. This is why wearing your uniform will be so important. If you have a Merit Badge Sash, please bring it to show it off to the Cubs. If you are a member of the Order of the Arrow, please bring your OA Sash as well. If you have Scout Pants, Scout Shorts, and/or Scout Socks, please bring those, too. Most importantly, we need you to set the example as Scouting's elite. Your behavior and attitude toward the Scouting program in general, and towards interacting with the Cubs more specifically, will leave a lasting impression on these Cubs. We are proud of you, and we expect the best from you. Departure Friday August 7, 2015 Parents Arrival: Parents are invited to arrive any time after 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon. Parents must park in the main parking lot, as they did for Sunday arrival. Scouts Check-Out: Once parents arrive, they must come to the Sacawacas Campsite and see the Scoutmaster to sign out their Scout. After a Scout is signed out, he becomes the responsibility of the parent for the rest of the evening. Parents may assist the Scout with packing and moving gear out of the tent and campsite. Medication: If the Scout provided any medication to the Camp Nurse upon arrival, then the Scout and his parent should visit the Camp Nurse at the Health Lodge to retrieve any leftover medication and/or empty prescription containers. Award Ceremony: Families and friends are invited to attend the Award Ceremony and final Retreat at the Parade Field at 5:00pm. Scouts are required to attend and wear uniforms. Advancement records will be distributed at the ceremony. Scouts depart after the Award Ceremony. Page 9

10 Daily Schedule The daily schedule has not yet been finalized. It will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner at appropriate times. It will include specific scheduled times for each Merit Badge. Every Scout will be able to attend appropriate Merit Badge sessions in order to earn each of the 4 Merit Badges he has chosen. We will also schedule specific times for "Free Swim", boating, archery, bb shooting, and other organized program activities. The program will also include several workshops and seminars in preparation for becoming an Eagle Scout. The Daily Schedule will be distributed on the first day of camp. Time Management: Because the Trail to Eagle Program is geared toward experienced Scouts who are pursuing the Eagle Scout Rank, the schedule for the week is largely open and flexible. The exact schedule of Merit Badge sessions has not yet been determined. Each Scout will be able to work on a maximum of four badges. Each badge will have specific session days and times, at which attendance will be required. During times when a Scout does not have a scheduled session, he will be expected to spend his time on research and homework related to his Merit Badges. The Sacawacas Cabin will be available for Scouts to use as a Merit Badge work area. Some closely supervised internet access, as well as paper reference materials, will be available. The Trail to Eagle adult leadership will assist Scouts, as needed, with time management. Page 10

11 Pre-Camp Merit Badge Preparation Each Trail to Eagle participant should take the necessary time and effort to prepare himself to earn his chosen Merit Badges at camp. Merit Badge Requirements: We suggest that the Scout familiarize himself with the current requirements for each badge. The current requirements can be found online at the following link: Scroll down and select the desired Merit Badge. Merit Badge Pamphlets: Another resource each Scout may consider is purchasing or borrowing the current BSA Merit Badge Pamphlets. Although this is not absolutely required, it is highly recommended. The Scout will find a wealth of knowledge and information that will aid him in his work. Merit Badge Worksheets: This free online resource is also highly recommended. These worksheets lay out an easy-to-follow format for completing each badge. They can be found at Scouts are encouraged to print these out and bring them to camp. Pre-Camp Merit Badge Work: Once the Scout is familiar with the requirements, he may begin to do any research that he can from home before camp. Although time and resources will be available during camp, each Scout will surely find it helpful to do as much pre-camp research and legwork ahead of time as possible. Be sure to bring copies of reference information to camp, or take lots of detailed notes to bring to camp. In addition to these general preparations, the following specific preparations for each badge should be made by Scouts before camp: (Note: If a Scout is unable to complete the indicated requirements before camp, he will receive a Partial Completion at the end of the week, and will have opportunities to complete badges after camp. See page 16.) Page 11

12 Pre-Camp Merit Badge Preparation Pre-Camp Merit Badge Starting Session Most of the badges offered cannot be completed within the week of Trail to Eagle. If a Scout wishes to complete his badges by the end of the Trail to Eagle session, then he must complete some requirements before camp. In order to give the Scouts a boost in getting started, we are offering a Pre- Camp Merit Badge Starting Session to meet with the Merit Badge Counselors 3 months before the start of camp. This will take place on Sunday April 26, 2015, at 1:00pm at Lone Tree Scout Reservation under the pavilion in front of Carter Dining Hall. If a Scout is unable to attend this session, then he can still do all the preparation on his own, as outlined in the Guidebook. If a Scout does not arrive at Trail to Eagle Camp with the outlined pre-camp requirements completed AND DOCUMENTED, then he will need to complete his badges at home after camp. Camping: Preparation: Most of Req. #9 must be done with your home Troop. Written verification by your home Scoutmaster of your prior camping experiences (#9a and #9b) must be brought to camp, including dates, locations and relevant specifics. Equipment: Bring a backpack, sleeping bag and personal mess kit Citizenship in the Community: Preparation: Req. #3a, #4b and #7 must be done prior to camp, and written verification from your home Scoutmaster must be brought to camp, including dates, locations, and details. Equipment: Bring to camp a map of your local municipality for Req. #2 and any desired photos, videos, or materials for Req. #8. Citizenship in the Nation: Preparation: Req. #2 must be done prior to camp, and written verification from your home Scoutmaster must be brought to camp, including dates, locations, details, and literature obtained during your visits. Also, Req. #3 should also be done before camp. Bring either the newspapers with you, or bring a written report about your TV broadcasts, including dates, the network, and a description of the news they followed. Page 12

13 Pre-Camp Merit Badge Preparation Citizenship in the World: Preparation: Req. #7 may be done prior to camp, and written verification from your home Scoutmaster must be brought to camp, including dates, locations, and details. Communication: Preparation: Req. #5 must be done prior to camp, and written verification from your home Scoutmaster must be brought to camp, including dates, locations, and details. Your notes and report must also be brought to camp. Note: Attendance and participation in the Thursday night campfire will be required. Cooking: Preparation: The new requirements for Cooking Merit Badge include preparing meals while on a hike or backpacking trip, Requirement 7. Parts A and B of this requirement must be done with the Trail to Eagle Cooking Merit Badge Counselor before the hike, part C with the Scout s Troop AND VERIFIED IN WRITING BY THE SCOUTMASTER, and parts D and E after the hike with the Merit Badge Counselor. If a Scout wishes to complete the Cooking Merit Badge by the end of Trail to Eagle, then he MUST attend the Pre-Camp Starting Session to meet with the Counselor, and must cook on a hike before attending Trail to Eagle. Otherwise, a Scout must start the badge at Trail to Eagle, cook on a hike after camp, and complete the badge at the Post-Camp Merit Badge Completion Session. Note: Scout will be spending most meals cooking and eating away from the Dining Hall. Equipment: Please bring a personal mess kit, cup, and silverware. If you have a backpacking stove, please bring it as well. Page 13

14 Pre-Camp Merit Badge Preparation Emergency Preparedness: Prerequisite: Scout MUST have earned the First Aid Merit Badge prior to camp. Written verification from your home Scoutmaster that you have earned First Aid MB must be brought to camp. If you have not yet earned First Aid, you should enroll in that badge instead of Emergency Preparedness. Preparation: Req. #8c must be done before and brought to camp. Note: Req. #2c will need to be completed after camp. The Scout will receive a Partial Completion at the end of the week. The Scout will have the opportunity to contact the Merit Badge Instructor after camp to verify completion of the badge. Environmental Science: Preparation: Any requirements involving research or written reports may be done before and brought to camp. Family Life: Note: Several requirements will need to be done at home after camp. Scouts will receive a Partial Completion at the end of the week, and will have the opportunity to complete the badge with the Instructor after camp. First Aid: Preparation: Req. #2d must be done before and brought to camp. Lifesaving: Recommendation: Although not required, it is strongly suggested that the Scout complete Swimming Merit Badge before attempting to earn Lifesaving MB. Equipment: Bring long pants, long sleeve shirt, belt, socks, and old shoes or sneakers, all to wear into the water. Page 14

15 Pre-Camp Merit Badge Preparation Personal Fitness: Preparation: Req. #1 must be done prior to camp, and written documentation must be brought to camp. Note: Req. #8 will need to be done at home either before or after camp. Scouts who attend the Pre-Camp Merit Badge Starting Session will be able to complete Req. #6 and #7, and thus be prepared to complete Req. #8 before camp. Scouts who are unable to attend the Pre-Camp Session will need to do Req. #6 and #7 during camp, and will receive a Partial Completion at the end of the week, and will need to complete Req. #8 at home after camp. See page 16. Personal Management: Note: Req. #2 will need to be done at home after camp, or may be done before camp, and written documentation brought to camp. If this was not done before camp, Scouts will receive a Partial Completion at the end of the week, and will have the opportunity to complete the badge with the Instructor after camp. Sustainability: Preparation: Req. #1 must be done prior to camp, and written documentation must be brought to camp. Note: Req. #2A Water and #2A Food may be planned and implemented at home AFTER completing Req. #1 at home. Records must be kept and brought to camp. Swimming: Equipment: Bring long pants, long sleeve shirt, belt, socks, and old shoes or sneakers, all to wear into the water. Page 15

16 Post-Camp Merit Badge Completion Saturday November 14, 2015 Scouts will have the opportunity to complete Trail to Eagle Merit Badges by attending the Merit Badge Completion Day at Lone Tree Scout Reservation. The Completion Day will begin at 9:00am, and should end no later than 12:00 noon. Scouts need only stay until they are completed, and need not stay until the end. Please eat breakfast before arrival, and plan on lunch after departure. Merit Badge Instructors from your Trail to Eagle Program will be on hand to finish up with you and sign off badges that you started at camp. Please bring all necessary documentation with you! Second Option: If a Scout is unable to attend the Merit Badge Completion Day, then it will be his individual responsibility to contact each Merit Badge Instructor to complete each badge. Each Instructor will be happy to meet with each Scout on an individual basis. Contact information for each Instructor will be provided to Scouts during the Trail to Eagle Program. Page 16

17 Equipment Checklist Required: Completed BSA Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A, B and C. Official BSA Class A Uniform Shirt, (Uniform including Scout Pants, Scout Shorts, and/or Scout Socks if required by Scout s home Troop) Sleeping Gear (Sleeping Bag or Blankets) Clothing: 1 complete clean change of summer clothes per day, plus at least 1 extra set. Also, pajamas as needed. Cold Weather: sweatshirt, long pants, warm socks Wet Weather: poncho or rain coat, rain hat or old baseball hat Footwear: at least 2 pairs of comfortable shoes, sneakers or boots Toiletries: soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, 3 towels Suggested: Trunk with lock Insect repellant (No Aerosols) Waterproof footwear Scout folding pocket knife Jacket Canteen or water bottle Bathing suit Individual first aid kit Sunscreen (No Aerosols) Rope for clothesline Mosquito netting, poles, zip ties Merit Badge Pamphlets Pillow Pens, pencils and notebooks Flashlight and extra batteries Money for Trading Post Scout shorts and socks Troop or Scouting t-shirts Merit Badge Sash Order of the Arrow Sash Please Leave At Home: All prohibited items (see page 7) All electronic devices (music players, phones, tablets, computers, etc) Valuables (cameras, jewelry, watches, etc) Un-Scout-Like publications Un-Scout-Like t-shirts or clothing, or alcohol/drug advertisements You must be wearing your Uniform upon arrival and check-in at camp. Pack your bathing suit and towel on top. You will need them first. Page 17