Pennsylvania Dutch Council Campmaster Manual Updated February 2018
Contents PURPOSE OF THE CAMPMASTER CORPS... 3 WHAT IS THE CAMPMASTERS CORPS?... 3 REQUIREMENTS TO BE A CAMPMASTER... 3 GENERAL DUTIES OF A CAMPMASTER... 4 DUTIES OF A CAMPMASTER FOR NON SCOUTING UNITS... 4 IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS... 4 CAMPMASTER S WEEKEND INSTRUCTIONS... 5 FRIDAY... 5 SATURDAY... 5 SUNDAY... 6 USE OF CAMPMASTER S CABINS... 6 CAMP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES... 6 TRASH... 6 CAMP PROJECTS... 6 VANDALISM AND DESTROYED PROPERTY... 6 INSURANCE... 7 PARKING AND VEHICLES... 7 LAKE AND POOL USE... 7 TELEPHONES... 7 WATER AND BATHROOM FACILITIES... 7 CAMPFIRES AND FIREWOOD... 7 UNIT LEADERSHIP... 8 LIQUID FUELS... 8 PROHIBITTED ITEMS... 8 TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, AND ILLEGAL DRUG USE... 8 CAMPSITE AND CABIN RENTALS... 8 PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH COUNCL, BSA CAMPING GUIDELINES... 9 AQUATIC PROGRAMS... 9 SHOOTING SPORTS PROGRAMS... 9 SKIING, SNOW SHOEING, SLEDDING, AND SNOW BOARDING... 10 COPE AND CLIMBING PROGRAMS (Bashore Only)... 10 DINING HALL AND KITCHEN USE... 10 EMERGENCIES... 10 WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY... 10 YOUTH PROTECTION... 11
PURPOSE OF THE CAMPMASTER CORPS The Campmaster Corps has an important part in achieving the camping mission of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council and does this in many ways: By providing a program to units participating in weekend camping. By overseeing safety By relieving the Rangers of unit responsibilities for the weekend, freeing them for other work, as well as personal time. The Camp Rangers are responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and proper use of all camp facilities. The support you give to the Rangers will greatly add to the overall effectiveness of the Rangers and the quality camping experience of the units. By acting as the Council/Camp representative to the units for the weekend. Your presence will make a world of difference as to how the scouts and leaders perceive our camps and Council. Please remember that in the relationships with units in the camps on weekends, it must be kept in mind that a unit should maintain its own identity and be encouraged to carry out its own programs. WHAT IS THE CAMPMASTERS CORPS? Campmasters are: A group of registered and trained Scouters who volunteer to serve at our Council camps when units are using them on a short-term basis. Selected for their ability in outdoor skills, nature and conservation, leadership, communication skills, and their knowledge of scout unit operations, advancement, and camping policies and procedures. Able to get along with people and to lead and act in the event of an emergency. Available to serve from September through May. REQUIREMENTS TO BE A CAMPMASTER Campmaster s must: Be a registered Scouter and maintain current Youth Protection Training Attend Campmaster training prior to serving Be a strong communicator and problem solver Serve a minimum of two weekends per year Be willing to stay in the Campmaster Cabin while on duty. Immediate family members are welcome to stay with the Campmaster. Campmasters must provide their own food, bedding, other personal items, and transportation to and from camp.
GENERAL DUTIES OF A CAMPMASTER Render commissioner type service to units in camp during scheduled weekends. Work through the units youth and adult leadership In the event of a schedule conflict, notify the head of the Campmaster Corps and help to arrange a replacement. Report to the head of the Campmaster Corps and, while on duty, report to the Camp Ranger. Coordinate any special programs or merit badge counselors arranged for the weekend. Provide a written evaluation of the weekend experience to the Camp Ranger prior to leaving. DUTIES OF A CAMPMASTER FOR NON SCOUTING UNITS Non Scouting groups will on occasion be using the camps on weekends during the Campmasters stay. These groups will register with the Council Service Center and follow and abide by all the rules and regulations covering camp use. Groups will have a Letter of Agreement and Hold Harmless executed with the Council Service Center. The Campmaster s role in interfacing with these groups will be the same as afforded to Scouting units with the following exceptions: Campmaster will not be providing program assistance to the group. Camp work projects are not made available to the groups. These groups are not covered under the BSA insurance programs so in the event of an accident or emergency the Campmaster does not issue insurance forms. The groups provide their own insurance and hold harmless agreements to the Council Service Center as part of their registration. IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Campmaster Chief Darron Young (717) 824-9067 youngd@bsa268.org Camp Mack Main Phone (717) 626-8711 Mack Ranger Gary Guare (717) 824-5052 ggurare@comcast.net Camp Bashore Main Phone (717) 865-4583 Bashore Ranger Council Program Director Dave Matterness (717) 304-5796 david.matterness@scouting.org Daniel Hanson (717) 553-4205 daniel.hanson@scouting.org (616) 835-8849 Council Scout Executive Matt Adams (717) 553-4211 matthew.adams@scouting.org (734) 478-6265
CAMPMASTER S WEEKEND INSTRUCTIONS FRIDAY Contact the Camp Ranger either Thursday or early in the day Friday to inquire as to which units will be in camp for the weekend. This is done to determine the arrival time of the earliest unit. Arrive in camp before units do. If this is not possible arrangements must be made with the Rangers to cover until you arrive. Upon arrival meet with the Ranger to pick up keys, check in and check out sheets, trading post cash box, list of possible work projects that could be done over the weekend, and any other additional details. Check-in at the Campmaster cabin and await the arrival of units while preparing yourself for your program or activities. Check-in units. Be sure the forms are filled out completely. While checking in units: o Fill out check in form o Arrange trading post hours with the units. Try to keep it the same for all units. o Establish your program time, place and length with unit leaders if you are offering a program. o Tell units (and show them if needed) where to find you in the event of an emergency and that all emergencies must be reported. o Make announcements and give instructions to each unit as are necessary and advisable for the weekend. o Inform unit leaders that trash is to be bagged and taken to the dumpsters. Mack Dumpsters Near Maintenance Building or Behind kitchen Bashore Dumpster Near Maintenance Building o Provide any special instructions pertaining to lodge use. o Inquire as to checkout times. o Offer each unit the opportunity to work on a camp project. o Answer any questions the unit may have. Meet with any unit that may have come prior to your arrival and cover the above information. SATURDAY Provide your program at the prearranged time. Open and operate trading post at scheduled time. Handle any problems that may come up for the units. Visit units and confirm departure time on Sunday. The rest of the day and night should by yours, ENJOY.
SUNDAY Check the units out preferably at scheduled times. Ensure that floors have been swept, kitchen areas cleaned, wood stoves cleaned out, and all beds are arranged as found. Check to make sure firewood has been restocked in cabins. Turn all monies, paper work, and keys back to the Ranger. Provide Ranger with evaluation form (Ranger will route evaluation forms to the Chairperson of the Corps). THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!! NOW GO HOME AND BRACE YOUSELF FOR THE REAL WORLD!!! USE OF CAMPMASTER S CABINS Both J. E. Mack Scout Reservation and Bashore Scout Reservation have assigned cabins as Campmasters quarters for the weekends. We ask that you treat the cabins as you would your own home. Please carry out the following list of chores before you leave: Clean the kitchen area. Cleaning materials are provided. Clean out the refrigerator and take unused food home. Clean the bathroom including sinks, toilets, showers, and floors. Sweep the floors and carpets. Brooms/sweepers/dustpans are provided The furniture isn t the finest in town, it does suffice. Please help us make it last. Take all personal garbage to the dumpsters. At last, remember Leave a place a little better and a litter cleaner then you found it. All chores should not take more than 15 or 20 minutes. This is a small investment. If you have any problems with the cabins contact the Camp Rangers. CAMP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TRASH All garbage is to be bagged, tied and taken to the dumpsters. CAMP PROJECTS The Ranger will provide you with ideas for camp projects. The tools to accomplish these and other chores around camp will be located at the maintenance shop at Camp Bashore and Camp Mack. All tools and gear must be returned to these areas prior to checkout. The Campmaster is responsible to assure that tools and gear are returned and in good shape. VANDALISM AND DESTROYED PROPERTY All vandalism and destruction of property must be reported to the Camp Ranger. The Campmaster will fill out an incident report and route the form to the Ranger. Units responsible for vandalism and destruction of property will be billed through the Council Service Center for the replacement
cost of the damage. INSURANCE All Pennsylvania Dutch Council units are covered under Council Accident and Sickness Insurance Policy. If an accident should occur provide an insurance form with the unit leader. A supply of these forms is on hand at the Campmasters cabin. Non-Pennsylvania Dutch Council Units should be covered either under their home council s Accident and Sickness Insurance Policy. Unit leaders will need to contact their home council for an insurance form. Do not provide a Pennsylvania Dutch Council Insurance Policy form. Non-Scouting units that may be using the camp during the weekend have provided to the Council Service Center their insurance information and Hold Harmless Agreements so no forms need to be issued. PARKING AND VEHICLES All Vehicles should be parked at the camps' parking lots. Vehicles may be used to transport gear to the campsites and lodges but should be returned to the main parking lot after the job is done. Unit trailers may remain in campsites or near cabins. Scouts are NOT PERMITTED to ride in the back of trucks or trailers. Vehicles in campsites pose a safety risk and could limit access for emergency vehicles if needed. LAKE AND POOL USE Use of the camps lakes for boating and canoeing must be prearranged. Pool facilities are not available at either camp. TELEPHONES Both Camps Mack and Bashore have decent cellular service. Phones are available in the Campmaster lodges as well as in the camp office and maintenance building. A list of important and emergency phone numbers is posted near each phone. WATER AND BATHROOM FACILITIES The water system at each camp is shut down and winterized between October 15 and April 15 each year. The Camp Ranger may adjust this time based on local conditions. The shower house facilities in camp are seasonal. If a group makes use of them, please help to keep them clean, and notify Camp Ranger of any problems. CAMPFIRES AND FIREWOOD Campfires may be built in any established fire ring or fireplace. Do not move fire rings or build new ones without permission of Camp Ranger. Do not bring in outside firewood. Firewood is provided at the cabins and is to be used in lodge woodstoves only. Firewood in the cabin needs to refilled from the firewood provided in the outside wood
shed before a unit checks out of camp. There is an ample supply of firewood in the surrounding woods. Any fallen timber may be cut up and utilized as needed. Any group that cuts down or damages live or standing timber will be held financially responsible. There is also a supply of wood available to refill the firewood boxes through coordination with the Camp Ranger. The use of chainsaws is restricted to operators who are at least 18 years old and have successfully completed the BSA Chainsaw Safety Training Class and are pre-approved by the Camp Ranger. Please observe fire safety rules at all times never leave fires unattended. Cabins woodstoves are not to be used for cooking. Cleaning water may be heated using woodstoves. Certain weather conditions (high winds or drought) may prohibit or limit fires in camp; you will be notified by the Campmaster or Camp Ranger if such conditions exist. UNIT LEADERSHIP All units must be under the direction of two deep leadership. One of these leaders must be at least 21 years of age. If the unit has co-ed youth participants they must have at least one adult male and female adult leader. LIQUID FUELS Liquid fuel lanterns and stoves will not be permitted for use in cabins/lodges. PROHIBITTED ITEMS Weapons of any kind (slingshots, firearms, paintball guns, crossbows, etc.), Fireworks, Alcoholic Beverages, Illegal Drugs (controlled substances), Motorized ATV's (snowmobiles, 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, etc.) and Electric, Kerosene or Gas heaters. Violation of this policy may result in confiscation of item(s), eviction from camp property, and legal prosecution if applicable. No pets are permitted in PA Dutch Council Camps, with the exception of those belonging to permanent residents (Camp Rangers) and those persons requiring a service animal. Owners are responsible for any damage or injuries caused by their pets. TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, AND ILLEGAL DRUG USE Tobacco use is limited to individuals over 18 years of age and should be done in designated smoking areas only. Smoking may not be done under any roof, tarp, or structure. Alcohol and illegal drugs are not permitted on camp properties. Individuals found partaking in such things on property will be asked to immediately leave and the authorities will be notified if needed. CAMPSITE AND CABIN RENTALS The campsites and cabins at both camps are available for rent from Labor Day to the weekend of Memorial Day. Camps will be closed during the regular big game hunting season and certain
holidays, as determined by the Camping Committee. PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH COUNCL, BSA CAMPING GUIDELINES These guidelines are meant to help all of us preserve the camping facilities for the future use of the Scouts and Scouters of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council and its guests. The rules of Scout camps everywhere are based on the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and common sense. Please insure you and your units follows these basic guidelines and enjoys your stay in our camps. AQUATIC PROGRAMS Swimming Bashore Lake swimming is allowed in the designated area of the lake. Units must meet the requirements as set forth in the Safe Swim Defense plan. The unit must request the use of the swimming area in their camp use permit, before arriving in camp. Normal time frame for use will be May 15 to September 15. The Pool at both Camp Mack and Camp Bashore are not available. Canoes, Rowboats, and Kayaks At both camps the canoes and rowboats can be used on the lakes in the camp with prior arrangements and with proper leadership (Safe Swim Defense Plan and Safety Afloat programs must be completed and followed). A nominal fee will be charged for their use and use must be arranged prior to attendance. Boats cannot leave camp property. Ice Skating and Ice Fishing Ice-Skating and Ice Fishing in designated areas on the lakes at either camp will be permitted only if the ice depth meets safety requirements and is approved by the Camp Ranger. Adult supervision on shore must be present for any activities. SHOOTING SPORTS PROGRAMS Shooting Ranges must be requested prior to attendance by using a Shooting Range Request Application. Use will be approved by the Council Service Center. Camp equipment will be provided as agreed upon prior to attendance Groups participating in shooting sports programs must provide properly trained supervision as outlined on the Range Request Application, the BSA National Shooting Sports Manual, and the Pennsylvania Dutch Council Range Standard Operating Procedures. o Campmasters should verify supervision credentials. When not in use equipment must be stored under lock and key. Ammunition must be kept in separate locked storage. Cub Scout Packs are not permitted to participate in shooting sports activities outside of District and Council organized events.
SKIING, SNOW SHOEING, SLEDDING, AND SNOW BOARDING May be done in areas designated by the Camp Ranger. COPE AND CLIMBING PROGRAMS (Bashore Only) COPE and climbing programs must be arrange prior to attendance through the Council Service Center and Council COPE & Climbing Committee. Only properly certified individuals are authorized to open and run climbing, high COPE, and Low COPE programs. All participants must provide a completed Hold Harmless Agreement. DINING HALL AND KITCHEN USE Prior approval must be received from the Council Service Center to use the main camp dining halls or kitchens. The individual overseeing kitchen use must provide proof of Cooking For Crowds, ServSafe, or equivalent training. EMERGENCIES While we hate to think about them and try to do what we can to prevent them, emergencies may happen while you are serving as a Campmaster. During unit check-in, please remind all groups that all emergencies must be reported to the campmaster immediately. During your time in camp, if you become aware of an unsafe situation you have a duty to address it. If it is a program that is being run in an unsafe manner, bring concerns directly to those running the activity. Make sure you include it in your weekend report so any needed follow up can take place. If you become aware of something unsafe related to the camp facility (dead trees, broken windows, exposed wires, etc., etc.) make sure you report these items directly to the Camp Ranger. WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY For minor medical issues requiring no more than basic Scout first aid, use the first aid kit provided in the Campmaster lodge. Make sure that you: o Record the incident in the First Aid Log book provided in the Campmaster Lodge o Complete an Incident Information Report For more serious emergencies: o Get help for injured parties as soon as possible. Depending upon where the injury is in camp, you may need to help direct EMS to the location. o Report the emergency to the Camp Ranger/Council Program Director and follow their instructions. Emergency Phone numbers are located in the Campmaster Cabin and near each phone in camp. o Provide any follow up assistance that may be needed. o For Pennsylvania Dutch Council units, provide a copy of the Pennsylvania Dutch Council Accident & Sickness Policy and Claim Form.
o Complete Follow-Up Incident Reports Provide as much detail as possible when completing reports and make sure all sections are complete. Attach additional pages if needed. Near Miss Report Complete for any incident not requiring First Aid or that could have been much worse. Incident Information Report Complete for any incident requiring from basic first aid to emergencies requiring transport to the ER. An Incident Information Report is also required for fatalities and allegations of suspected sexual abuse/victimization of a Scout. YOUTH PROTECTION The following items relate to the BSA s Youth Protection Standards and Required Reporting Policy.
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