Webelos Woods Leader, parent guide and information BOOKLET

Webelos Woods Leader, parent guide and information BOOKLET 1

WEBELOS WOODS Dear Leaders & Parents, We are thrilled that you will be joining us at the Black River District Webelos Woods on September 16-18 2016. Thank you for taking the time to read and become familiar with details found in this Leader, Parent Guide. Understanding the information in these pages will help ensure your boys have the best possible experience, and help you avoid unexpected challenges. Camp will be held at Camp Wheeler Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation. Driving directions will follow in this guide. As a leader & parents, there are several areas that will be of great importance but nothing is more important than safety; safety for Cub Scouts, safety for leaders, safety for parents and safety for the camping staff. Camp is designed to be fun, build positive experiences, promote physical activity and offer an opportunity for boys to interact with other Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and adults. There will be camp staff present; however, you attentiveness and involvement at camp are vital for a successful Webelos wood experience. The Webelos Wood web site can be found at: br.ppbsa.org Please take time to become familiar with the web site and its links. We look forward to Webelos Woods with you and your scouts! See you soon Sincerely, Black River Webelos Woods Committee 2

Webelos Woods Frequently Asked Questions What is Webelos Woods? Webelos Woods is the first opportunity for 4th-grade & 5 th -grade Webelos Cub Scouts to learn what Boy Scouting is all about. It is a weekend trip that exposes the boys to Boy Scout camping using the Patrol Method, in a Boy Scout-led outdoor adventure, supervised by adult Boy Scout leaders, and with parents nearby. (The Patrol Method is the way Boy Scouts organize that gives them an experience in group living, working, and fun it places responsibility on young shoulders and teaches boys how to accept it). The weekend event gives the Webelos Scout a taste of a little more independence and self-reliance than in Cub Scouts (and this is very attractive to boys at this age.) Why is Webelos Woods important? Studies show that we often lose Webelos Scouts between 4th and 5th grade, and when it is time to graduate into Boy Scouts. By getting the boys to try a new, fun and more challenging camping experience before the end of the school year, they are much more likely to continue in Cubs over summer and into the fall, and more likely to then make the move into Boy Scouts the following spring. By building the relationships of the boys & their parents with their local Boy Scout Troop s youth & adults, joining a Troop becomes comfortable, easy, and exciting! Why is it so important that our boys stay in Scouting? Boy Scouting offers our youth opportunities for personal growth, as well as fun, which are unmatched in other youth activities or elsewhere in our society. The timeless values and outdoor activities of Scouting provide them with a foundation for learning that has nothing to do with school. Scouting teaches responsible independence, decent and respectful treatment of others, cooperative citizenship, and appropriate leadership. As parent leaders, we also learn how to be better role models of these behaviors ourselves. The Scouting movement has over one hundred years of experience in crafting all of this learning into a program that seems all about fun to the youth. Most of them don t really notice all that they have gained from it, until they grow up to be parents and Scout leaders themselves! In this time of so many negative cultural and peer influences in children s lives, our families and community desperately need the positive alternative support that Scouting provides. What will we do at Webelos Woods? The boys in your Webelos Den will form a Patrol, just as if they were in a Boy Scout Troop. They will tent, camp, and cook all for themselves, and participate in Scout skill-building events as a Patrol. They will learn to do these things under the leadership of actual Boy Scout leaders: an adult Scoutmaster, a youth Senior Patrol Leader, and youth Patrol Leaders. Parents will get to try this too, with an adult Boy Scout leader to guide them, to answer questions, and to provide an enjoyable way to actually get to know your local Troop. How is this different from attending a Scout Troop camping trip? At Webelos Woods, 4th-grade & 5 th -grade Webelos Scouts are the majority in attendance and older boys are in the minority, but focusing their attention on the younger Webelos Scouts. This reduces the intimidation 3

level for the younger boys, keeps them from being viewed as tag-a-longs, and helps to raise their comfort level. It is a very welcoming environment and leaves the boys (and their parents) with a pleasant memory of their first Boy Scout experience. Is it true that parents camp separately from the boys? Yes, a little bit. Webelos Woods is designed to give our Webelos Scouts more independence, under supervision, which is very attractive to most of them at this age. Parents will camp and cook in a site that adjacent to their boys site close at hand in case they are needed. However, this is still a Cub Scout camping event; one adult should attend with each Webelos Scout. So, if my son is on his own for the weekend, what do I do? You will get a chance to see, first hand, how the Boy Scout program operates and how it is different from a Cub Scout Pack and Den. For example, in Boy Scouts, the Troop is led by the boys, putting much less emphasis on constant parent entertainment of the Scouts (that should be good news for many!). On the other hand, the job of teaching boys how to do things for themselves requires lots of parent involvement! Your local Troop should also provide an adult Leader to be a model Patrol leader for your Webelos parents, and an ongoing communications link to the Troop. Besides helping the parents, if needed, with their own camping, they can answer your questions about Scouting in general and their Troop in particular, and, most of all help you begin to become acquainted with the people in your local Scout Troop. There will be some special events for parents, but there will also be some R&R time. Be sure to bring a lawn chair, a coffee mug and maybe even a good book. Unlike Cub Scout camp, you will have a chance to relax a bit! Will our boys be able to count Webelos Woods toward their Arrow of Light? Yes, Webelos Woods will help them accomplish the Arrow of Light requirements by participating in a Webelos overnight camping event, learning to tie a square knot, and learning more about Boy Scouts. Does Webelos Woods take the place of our Camp-o-ree/or other Troop campouts? No, it does not! Webelos Woods is designed to be the first of several events that Webelos participate in on their way to the Arrow of Light and their journey to Boy Scouting. Also you need to plan on attending our District Camp-o-ree and/or another Troop campout with a Boy Scout Troop in the fall & spring. These, too, are important to your son s future in Scouting, and Webelos Woods will help them get more out of each. So where do these Boy Scout youth and adult Patrol Leaders come from? One of the main objectives of Webelos Woods is to build relationships - between Webelos Dens & Den Leaders, and the Troops & Scoutmasters they may likely join next year, and between Webelos boys & their parents, and the youth & adults of those Troops. If you already have a Den Chief, he is a very likely choice (and if not, maybe you ll be able to recruit your Webelos Woods Patrol Leader for that job ). Contact the Scoutmaster of a local Troop (they already should know all about this) and ask for names of Scouts and adults who are willing to come with you. Meet with them and let them help you plan your camping trip. Wow, what a great program! How do I find out more? By contacting District Executive Marc Maratea at (973) 765-9322 EXT. 240, Committee Chair Glenn Treier (973) 627-8026, or Co Chair Andy Monka (973) 479-5215 4

From I-80 DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO CAMP WHEELER Take Exit 25 (Route 206 North, Newton). Take the first ramp to the right. (Follow the Waterloo Village signs). Take the first right, just before the light, onto Continental Drive. Go to the end of Continental Drive and turn left onto Waterloo Road. The entrance to the camp is approximately one mile ahead on the right, approximately 300 hundred yards past the entrance to Waterloo Village. NOTE: If you miss the first right hand turn after exiting I-80, don't panic! Proceed on US- 206 past the Black Forest Inn, to the second traffic light. Turn left at this light onto Waterloo Road, and continue to camp. From the east - NJ - 10 Follow NJ-10 West until it ends at US-46 in Ledgewood. Continue straight onto US-46 West and follow the US-46 directions below. From the east - US-46 Follow US-46 West to the intersection of NJ-10 in Ledgewood. Continue West on US-46 approximately 1-1/2 miles up the hill, and take the exit for I-80 West. Continue on I-80 to Exit 25 and follow the directions from I -80 found above. From the north - US-206 Follow US-206 south to Waterloo Road in Byram, NJ. At the intersection of Waterloo Road and US-206 there are signs to Allamuchy State Park and Waterloo Village. Turn right and follow Waterloo Road approximately 2.5 miles to the camp entrance on the right. Upon entering Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation Watch for the Camp Wheeler / Kent Center sign. Make a right turn at the sign and follow the dirt road for about one mile to the Camp Wheeler parking lot. GPS or Google Maps If using a GPS, the address: 1 Camp Allamuchy Road, Stanhope NJ 07874 (or Andover NJ 07821) will take you to the Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation entrance. The directions provided by Google Maps will be somewhat different than the ones above. The map below shows the exact location of Camp Wheeler. Click on the Get Directions link above the map for turn-by-turn directions from any location. Get Directions to Camp Wheeler at Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation: https://goo.gl/maps/xq1pabxmrku 5

Webelos Woods Policy Information Reminders It is the responsibility of the Cubmasters or leader in charge to make sure that everyone in their Webelos Den is aware of the policies and information reminders in this handbook. All adults are asked to please help ensure that these guidelines are adhered to by all. Doing so will ensure a happier, safer and more positive Cub Scout experience for all. There is Zero Tolerance with regard to the possession and use of illegal drugs and alcohol in camp at any time. Anyone found to be in violation of this National Boy Scouts of America policy will be expelled from camp. There is no place for such things in a Scout camp. Any accident, injury, missing adult/youth and any other emergency must be reported to the Webelos staff. Webelos staff have radios and / or cell phones of other staff and emergency responders. It is also required that an incident report be completed for each occurrence. If you need to leave camp for any reason during the weekend, you must sign out with the Webelos check - in building. This is done so that we do not start a search for a lost person, who is not indeed lost. Upon your return check in with Webelos check in building. The buddy system is to be used at all times while in camp. This means that under no circumstances is any Scout to be walking around by themselves. They must have a buddy (parent or pal) with them at all times. This is for health and safety concerns. Even though there may be several fire rings in your site, we ask that you have only one campfire in your site. This makes it safer for everyone, knowing that there are not several scattered fires. Flames from your campfires are not permitted to be more than three feet high. (There are no exceptions for anyone regardless of outdoor skills or professional background). This is a health and safety issue. Please consider this the first and only warning. Any fires found to be too large will be extinguished. Do not deface any property. The tent platforms can be used by campers for their own tents, but please do not drive nails into them. Please do not carve, write-on or deface the picnic tables. 6

Do not kick, roll, toss or in any other way move rocks that line the trails leading to the waterfront or around camp. These rocks are particularly placed there to assist with conservation/trail erosion. If you see anyone moving these, please see that they are placed back where they originated. Around the camp in the woods and around the lake are large boulders. No one is permitted to stand, climb or walk on them, unless as part of an official bouldering or climbing program. Do not leave any food (leftovers, scraps, garbage) out in your campsite. Make sure that everything is put away properly, especially at night. Food should be stored in coolers with lockable lids or in a bear bag. Never put food, especially snacks and candy, in tents. Animals can be attracted such as raccoons, skunks, mice, fox and bears. Be considerate of others. There will be many people in camp during the weekend. Keep out of other people s campsites, tents and possessions. If you find something that does not belong to you please turn in it in to the Check in building Lost and Found. Everyone must be out of camp no later than 11:00 AM on Sunday. Allow your Den enough time to have breakfast, take your gear to the parking lot, properly clean up your site, and have your site inspected by a member of the Webelos staff. Webelos Woods s patches will be distributed after inspection is completed at the Check in - Check out building. There is no running in camp, unless it is part of an organized game or competition. Appropriate footwear should be worn at all times. Barefoot is not an option. Flip flops and other open toed shoes are not appropriate for camp. 7

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA - SMOKE-FREE POLICY Position It is the responsibility of the Boy Scouts of America to protect the health and safety of the young people in our program. It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that leader s should not use tobacco products in any form in the presence of youth members. In addition, extreme care should be exercised to provide smoke-free environments for all Scouting participants. Therefore, along with the national organization, local councils should approve the following motion: Motion All building or facilities under the control of the local council are to be designated as non-smoking facilities. Smoking outside entrance/exit doors is not permitted at any location. In addition, all Scouting functions, meetings, or activities should be conducted on a smoke-free basis with permitted smoking areas located away from all participants. Implementation While at camp, please do not smoke in camp. If you have to smoke, please go down to the parking area to do so. Before you leave the parking lot, please field strip your cigarette butt. This means make sure the cigarette is out, break off the filter and put it in your pocket to be thrown in the garbage. Do not leave the parking lot full of butts, as it may be your Den that has to clean the lot as their service project. 8

HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Patriots Path Council, Boy Scouts of America will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate persons with disabilities at its meetings. Please call Marc Maratea at 973-765-9322 Ext.240 with your request. PHOTO RELEASE I understand that by attending this program, sponsored by the Patriots Path Council, Boy Scouts of America, I consent to the use of photographs, film, videotapes, electronic representations and/or sound recordings made of me during that time by the Boy Scouts of America, at their discretion, and I hereby release the Boy Scouts of America from any and all liability from such use and publication. RULES FOR ACCEPTANCE AND PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAMS Rules for acceptance and participation in the programs are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, or handicap. CANCELLATION POLICY In all programs offered by the Patriots Path Council, BSA, a great deal of planning and purchasing takes place well in advance. These plans include, but are not limited to, staff, food, program materials, patches and awards, rental and purchase of equipment, and in some cases, items of clothing such as T-shirts that are given as part of a program fee. When an individual or group makes a reservation for an activity or program, these items are included in ordering of materials and staffing for that event. REFUND POLICY Individuals or groups that cancel a program reservation must cancel 10 days before the date of the event will receive a refund of fees paid, less a 15% administrative charge. No refunds will be made after September 6 2016 cancellation deadline, unless there is a medical or other emergency ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING AND SENT TO THE PATRIOTS PATH COUNCIL, 1 Saddle Road Cedar Knolls, New Jersey 07927: District Executive Marc Maratea at (973) 765-9322 EXT. 240. 9

BLACK RIVER Webelos Woods CHECK-IN PROCEDURE Friday Evening - Check in will be from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. ALL DENS SHOULD BE IN CAMP BY 7:30 PM. PROGRAM STARTS FRIDAY NIGHT AT 8:00 PM THE ONLY ROSTER THAT WE WILL ACCEPT IS ON THE WEBELOS WOODS WEB SITE!!! The first person from the Den that arrives at camp must have the roster. Each Den must provide at check in the following 1. Roster - listing ALL persons. 2. Class 1 Medical Form, 2 copies needed, 1 copy must be in a binder and 1 copy must be in an 8x12 envelope with the Den leader name and Pack number on the outside of the envelope for each person at this event. The Leader will show the binder at check-in. Then the leader will keep the binder with him/her and the WEBELOS Woods staff will keep the envelope and will give it back at check-out. 3. Wrist bands will be issued at the time of check-in for those listed on the roster 4. Site guides will take the Den to their campsite. 5. ALL cars must have a white parking permit in their vehicle (driver side front window) with driver s cell phone number and Pack number. 6. REMEMBER THERE ARE NO VEHICLES ALOWED PASSED THE PARKING LOT!!!!! Thank you for your cooperation Webelos Woods Camping Committee 10

CHECK OUT PROCEDURE Check out will be on Sunday 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM 1. MUST bring down your fire pail & Shovel (if they are at your campsite) 2. MUST turn in the Evaluation Report 3. MUST have your campsite inspection Once you do all that, you will be given your medical forms and patches for all that attended Webelos Woods. Then your Den can leave. EVERYONE MUST BE OUT OF CAMP BY 11:00 AM!!!!! Thank you for your cooperation From your Webelos Woods Committee 11

Site Inspection Criteria All fire rings cold and clear of trash Wood piles replenished (if in Site) Latrines clean All garbage taken to the dumpster Platforms returned to their original position Lean-tos cleared out (if used) Remember: We want to be invited back again, so leave the camp cleaner than the way you found it. 12

Do Your Best List 1. Do have a safe weekend! Emergency care will be available in camp. Report all injuries no matter how small to the Webelos Woods Check in building, First aid building, or go to the Campmaster office! 2. Do bring proper clothing, supplies and equipment. 3. Do bring a sense of humor, a smile, patience and Scout Spirit. 4. Do remember animals like food, no matter where it is! 5. Do arrange carpooling. There is parking, but it is not unlimited. 6. Do follow the directions of the Parking Staff. 7. Do make sure the parking pass is clearly placed on the dashboard and completed. 8. Do pack light. You will carry in all of your gear. 9. Do arrange handicap access or special needs in advance. 10. Do leave fireworks, firearms, slingshots, sheath-knives, and bows and arrows at home. 11. Do use saws only. No chain saws or hand axes, please. 12. Do stay dry. Do not swim or wade in the lake or streams. Swimming is not permitted. 13. Do use propane, charcoal or wood only for fires. Liquid fuels are not allowed. 14. Do Your Best! 13

Webelos 1 Den Equipment List 1. Pots to heat water 2. Cleaning supplies to wash dishes and dry dishes soap, sponge, paper towels 3. Lysol for latrine cleaning 4. Propane lantern to light area at night 5. Dry paper or fire starters to start fires 6. Fire Pail with water at site (mandatory) 7. Tarp to hang over the food prep/eating area 8. Rope to hang the tarp and for the Bear Bag 9. Garbage bags 10. Matches 11. Hammer to bang tent pegs into the ground 14

Webelos 2 Den Equipment List 1. Lysol for latrine cleaning 2. Propane lantern to light area at night 3. Dry paper or fire starters to start fires 4. Fire Pail with water at site (mandatory) 5. Tarp to hang over the food prep/eating area 6. Rope to hang the tarp and for the Bear Bag 7. Garbage bags 8. Matches 9. Hammer to bang tent pegs into the ground 15

Personal Equipment to Bring Tent Ground cloth to put under tent (plastic or vinyl sheeting) Sleeping bag and pillow Sleeping pad or extra blankets to insulate between your sleeping bag and the ground (NO air Mattresses) Flashlight with batteries Supply of dry clothes especially socks and dry shoes or boots in case of rain or mishaps Scouting/Den t-shirt to wear on Friday & Sunday Official BSA uniform for Leaders & Scouts on Saturday (MANATORY) Back Pack or Day Pack (get as much of your gear into your backpack as possible) (MANATORY) Webelos Book (MANATORY) Pajamas or sleeping attire (sweat suit) Rain gear (umbrellas are not practical in the woods) Sweater, sweatshirt or jacket, and hat appropriate to weather Eating utensils, Mess Kit with cup for drinks (Coffee, Tea, Hot chocolate & cold drinks) (MANATORY) Dunk bag to wash your Mess Kit, eating utensil and cup (MANATORY) Soap, towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc Insect repellent Water bottle or canteen (MANATORY) Personal First Aid kit (MANATORY)( Assemble a hiking first-aid kit at home, Webelos handbook page 98) Camping or lawn chair Toilet paper just in case Plastic bags for both clean and dirty clothes Watch, camera, notebook, pen, or pencil 16

WEBELOS WOODS DATE AND TIME FRIDAY September 16, 2016 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Check-in at Wheeler office and setup camp. 8:00 PM meet at Wheeler office 10:00 PM return to campsite 11:00 PM lights out. SATURDAY September 17, 2016 6:00 AM Reveille. Prepare for the day activities 7:00 AM eat breakfast at the Kent Center 8:00 AM Programs start SUNDAY September 18, 2016 7: 00 AM Reveille, begin camp breakdown 7:30 AM eat breakfast (Webelos 1 at the campsite Webelos 2 in the Kent Center) 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM brake down camp and check out 11:00 AM Camp close IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO REMEMBER Registration online: Regular Price of $30.00 per person. Register on or before September 4, 2016 Late Price of $ 35.00 per person after September 4, 2016 AND before September 8, 2016 at midnight REGISTRATION ENDS September 8, 2016 AT MIDNIGHT!!!!!! 17

SCHEDULE All participants will be organized into patrols and will go through the schedule together. The patrols will be 10 to 14 boys depending on registration numbers and depending on the size of your Webelos den, it could be combined with boys of other Packs. Detailed schedules will be given to the Pack leaders at check-in Adult Program We will be running programs for the Adults all day at the Wheeler office as your Scout goes around doing their activities. The programs will follow the same time schedule that the Scout is following. You will hookup with your Scout for lunch (Webelos 2 only). Webelos 1 will eat at the Wheeler office the same food that your Scout is eating. Everyone will see their Scout at dinner time. The Cubmaster and / or Webelos leaders and / or assistant leader will be with the Scouts all day We will be giving out what the programs are and times that the programs will start at check-in Friday 6:00-7:30 PM Arrive and receive check-in materials and setup camp Saturday 6:00 AM 8:00 PM Orientation. AOLs assigned to Boy Scout patrols. Scouts elect Patrol leaders. Patrol assignments. 10:00-11:00 PM Return to camp area and lights out Reveille and eat breakfast 8:15 AM Morning program starts 12:00 AM - 1:00 PM Prepare & eat lunch 1:00 PM Afternoon program starts 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Prepare & eat Dinner 7:30 PM Campfire program 11:00 PM Lights out Sunday 7:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM Breakdown camp and start checking out 11:00 AM Camp closed 18

MEALS All Meals are included in the price of Webelos Woods. The only meals that are not included are snacks that you would have at your campsite. Any Allergies, Special diets or Concerns. Please call Black River District Executive Marc Maratea at (973) 765-9322 EXT. 240. and/or email marc.maratea@scouting.org There are no flush toilets in camp, only latrines Be Prepared Please bring a roll of toilet paper to camp 19

BUDDY SYSTEM Everyone needs a buddy! The buddy system is to be enforced at all times while in camp. Under no circumstances are any scouts to be walking around camp by themselves. They must have a Buddy (parent or pal) with them. Thank you for remembering the children s safety! 20

Leaving Camp Forgot Something? Need a new tent?? Son has a soccer game! Too much rain and decided to go home!! Whatever the reason, if you plan on leaving camp at any time during the weekend, you must sign-out at the check-in BUILDING! 21

MANDATORY MEETING ALL Webelos leaders & PARENTS THAT ARE GOING TO Webelos Woods must come to this meeting on: THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 7:00PM, At the council office 1 Saddle Road Cedar Knolls, New Jersey Thank you for your cooperation The Webelos Woods Committee 22

Evaluation Report Your comments and constructive criticism is our way of making sure your next camping experience with us is even better than this one. Please take a moment and fill out this sheet and return it to the Webelos Woods Check - out building upon check-out. Use a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best: Informative meetings 1 2 3 4 5 Informational paperwork 1 2 3 4 5 Check in 1 2 3 4 5 Check out 1 2 3 4 5 Webelos activities 1 2 3 4 5 Adult program(s) 1 2 3 4 5 Camp condition 1 2 3 4 5 Staff readiness 1 2 3 4 5 Any other comments you may feel would be helpful 23

PARKING PERMIT Must be placed on driver s side dashboard Due to the number of cars, your car might be blocked in for the entire weekend due to the limited space for parking. Please DO NOT ask to be parked so that you can get out early or leave and come back! If you need to leave early you MUST park your car on the side of the road. Leave plenty of room for emergency vehicles to pass on the road. You will need to carry your equipment in from the parking lot to your campsite and from your campsite back to your car. ALL INFORMATION MUST BE FILLED OUT WEBELOS WOODS PARKING ONLY NAME CELL PHONE # PACK # & DEN # Circle One WEBELOS WALKABOUT OR AOL CAMPER Make as many copies that your DEN will need Thank you for your cooperation The WEBELOS WOODS Committee 24