RODNEY STAFF HANDBOOK

RODNEY STAFF HANDBOOK

SECTION 1 RODNEY SCOUT RESERVATION & RODNEY STAFF The Staff of Rodney Welcome to the Camp Rodney Staff! You are now part of a proud tradition of providing quality program experiences to Boy Scouts from many states including Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. Rodney Scout Reservation was founded in 1923, and has been in continuous operation ever since. Each year, the staff takes on the responsibility of maintaining high standards of excellence in providing not only quality program, but a high level of customer service and a happy and safe environment. Position Descriptions The staff in camp has a variety of job titles and descriptions, but everyone is equally as important to the success of Camp Rodney and the continuation of its strong and positive reputation. Here are the general job categories with a basic description of their expectations and job functions. Keep in mind that your specific position title may be more specific (ie Aquatics Instructor or Trading Post Staff), but this will cover the basics of all positions in camp. No matter what category your hired position may fall into, every person in camp is responsible to uphold the values of the Boy Scouts of America included in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. One of our main functions is to provide an exciting and safe atmosphere for all campers (youth and adult), staff members and visitors.

Instructors & Staff This category of staff is the largest on the camp staff and many would say the most important to our success. Anyone in this category reports directly to a director or manager and is most likely assigned to a specific area of camp (ie Nature, Dining Hall, Shooting Sports, etc.). Area instructors are generally responsible for leading classes and delivering program to the Scouts or adults in camp. The Ranger and Support Services staffs work to ensure that customer service is top-quality in the campsites, Trading Post, Dining Hall, or Camp Office. Every staff member is expected to help out where and whenever necessary to ensure professional and smooth operations of all aspects of camp. Aquatics Instructors Brownsea Instructors Camp Clerk Chaplain Climbing Instructors Commissioners Handicraft Instructors Health & Fitness Instructors Food Services Staff N.E.S.T. Instructors Quartermaster Ranger Assistant Scoutcraft Instructors Shooting Sports Instructors Trading Post Staff Managers Those staff categorized as managers take on additional responsibilities including the supervision of one or more instructors or staff, and being the lead staff member in charge of a particular program area with all of its programs and paperwork. Managers work closely with Directors to evaluate camp operations and the camp staff on a continuous basis. The role of the manager typically extends beyond that of the summer camp season and may include preparations and training in advance and closing reports afterwards. Archery Range Manager Boat Yard Manager Brownsea Manager Climbing Manager Handicraft Manager Health & Fitness Manager N.E.S.T. Manager Pool Manager Rifle Range Manager Sailing Base Manager Scoutcraft Manager Shotgun Range Manager Trading Post Manager Directors Those categorized as directors take on additional responsibilities including ensuring that all of the camp programs run smoothly in a coordinated effort and also take a lead role in the customer service provided by the entire staff. Some directors may also supervise one or more managers, instructors or staff. The roles of the directors extend beyond that of the summer camp season and may include assisting with interviews, preparations and training in advance and closing reports afterwards. Aquatics Director Assistant Camp Director Assistant Program Director Business Director Camp Director Camp Ranger Food Services Director Head Commissioner Health Officer Program Director Counselors-in-Trainings (CITs) The future of Camp Rodney exists in our Counselors-in-Training. These individuals are 14 or 15 years old and have volunteered to spend 3 or more weeks in camp to learn the ins and outs of being a staff member. CITs will usually spend time in one program area per week to experience the programs offered and assist in the sessions taught by a staff instructor or manager. If a registered Boy Scout, CITs are encouraged to earn at least one merit badge per week while in camp and encouraged to take part in a National Youth Leadership Training the same summer to better prepare themselves to be a full-time staff member the following year.

Volunteer Staff Although many of the staff members in camp are paid for their hard work, there are a select few who volunteer their time and resources to help make Camp Rodney a better place and continue its strong reputation. All paid staff should be mindful these individuals are the backbone of the Scouting movement and without volunteer support, there would be no Scouting. International Staff Camp Rodney is privileged to host one or more staff members each summer from another country. With each person comes the opportunity to learn about their home country, culture, customs, and even Scout program. American camp staff members are encouraged to get to know those visiting staff members and make them feel comfortable in our country and provide them with opportunities to see local tourist sites and sample American cuisine.

SECTION 2 BOY SCOUTS 101 THE BASICS The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is the largest youth organization in the U.S. with nearly 3 million youth members and 1 million registered adult leaders. The BSA was founded in the U.S. in 1910, and over 110 million Americans have been members. Today, the BSA s traditional programs are divided into 3 main groups: 1. Cub Scouts boys ages 7-10 2. Boy Scouts boys ages 11-17 3. Venturing boys & girls ages 14-20 Camp Rodney s summer program is designed to primarily serve those in the Boy Scout group. Below and on the next couple pages, you will have the basics of the program you will serve most at camp this summer. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. BOY SCOUT AIMS Participating citizenship Growth in moral strength and character Development in physical, mental, and emotional fitness Scout Motto Be Prepared Scout Oath Do a Good Turn Daily Scout Sign done while raising your right arm with your elbow at a right angle and holding the three middle fingers of your hand upward Scout Salute form the Scout Sign and bring your forefinger to the brim of your hat or tip of your right eyebrow Scout Handshake done by extending your left hand to firmly grasp the left hand of another Scout Highest Rank Eagle Scout BOY SCOUT METHODS IDEALS Oath-Law-Motto-Slogan PATROLS Peer groups-elected representationactivities OUTDOORS All outdoor programs ADVANCEMENT Self-reliance-ability to help others-challenge ADULT ASSOCIATION Image-role model-example PERSONAL GROWTH Good Turn-service projects-religious emblems LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Leadership skills and practice-citizenship UNIFORM Commitment to aims-identity

The Scout Law and How it Pertains to Camp Staff The principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Law guide EVERY endeavor and action in camp. We become the prime motivators in exemplifying this way of life to each Scout in camp. Many people have set aside a moment each day to review silently their contributions to their fellowman. This practice may well be a part of every staff member's day. A SCOUT IS TRUSTWORTHY. Through your life as a staff member you will find that trust and success go hand in hand. The camp has specific requirements outlined for its personnel. Your Camp Director will entrust to you, duties and responsibilities related to your assignment. Your very attitude in taking on an assignment is directly reflected on the Scouts with whom you deal. A SCOUT IS LOYAL. Loyalty to the camp and your associates is essential to be an excellent staff member. You should constantly be observant and concerned about matters affecting the total harmony of the camp and bring such matters to the attention of the Camp Director. A SCOUT IS HELPFUL. Staff members are expected to display a helpful spirit. It begins with an attitude of helpfulness to the newly arrived Scout and his family. Even apart from the service rendered, that first impression of helpfulness means so much. A SCOUT IS FRIENDLY. As you pass a Scout or leader on the trail, even if you've never met say "Hi, Scout!" A friendly word costs nothing yet gives so much good will. Be a friend to all, not just a clique of buddies. Be a brother or sister to every other Scout in the fullest sense. Scout Law A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. A SCOUT IS COURTEOUS. You represent the Boy Scouts of America as you deal with the boys, leaders, parents, or the public. In your visits to nearby towns, you represent the camp, and this implies a certain code of personal conduct that will reflect credit upon you, the camp, the Council, and the BSA. Courtesy may be interpreted as respect for the time of others. Be on time always. Above all, it means a reputation for reliability and promptness. A chief factor in personal health and welfare of the staff member is in establishing regular and adequate hours for sleep. Be courteous to the staff member and camper that needs to get to bed even earlier than that. A SCOUT IS KIND. Kindness is often interpreted in its relationship to animal life. Show boys how to be thoughtful to the animals in your camp. Kindness and consideration for others, however, is of even greater importance.

A SCOUT IS OBEDIENT. A staff member carries out his responsibilities to perfection and responds to direction of supervisors and the Camp Director. This does not call for unquestioning obedience, but it does call for personal trustworthiness and loyalty to the camp and the Camp Director. If you have something on your mind, get it off quickly to the right person - your supervisor or the Camp Director. A SCOUT IS CHEERFUL. A happy and spirited camp is a successful camp. Happiness is contagious, particularly in a Scout camp. There is no one in a better position to promote and stimulate this attitude than you. Each staff member, regardless of position, should take it upon him or herself to motivate and give an outlook of cheerfulness and happiness in the minds of all. A SCOUT IS THRIFTY. Each staff member should consider his responsibilities in protecting and conserving the equipment, physical property, and resources of the camp. You are in a position to save thousands of dollars that might have to be used to repair or replace damaged property. Staff members are expected to be thrifty in the use of water and electricity around camp and be conscientious to turn off water and electricity when no one is in a building. A SCOUT IS BRAVE. This summer you represent the largest organization for boys in the world, and you are an employee of one of the finest Scout camps in the world. You represent Scouting in all aspects. You believe in the Scout Oath and Law; otherwise you wouldn't or shouldn't be here. Bravery is to do the right thing even if it is unpopular or difficult. A SCOUT IS CLEAN. Your personal living quarters are to be an example of cleanliness and orderliness. It is obvious that if your living quarters are disorderly or dirty, campers can hardly be expected to do better. Those who have to shave will be expected to do so prior to breakfast. Get a haircut when needed, and shower at least daily. A SCOUT IS REVERENT. Being faithful in his or her religious duties becomes of great importance to us as camp staff members because of the force that our example has on Scouts. Do not forget to promote and attend our weekly chapel service. It is expected for every available staff member to attend chapel services. Scout Oath On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

SECTION 3 STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES Staff Agreements Every staff member (paid & volunteer), as well as all counselors-in-training, are issued a staff agreement before the beginning of the summer camp season. This document identifies the person and their role in camp as well as their defined work dates, position and potential salary. Pay Schedule Salaried staff will be paid as indicated on their signed summer staff agreement. The Camp Director determines salaries as directed by the Del-Mar-Va Council camp staff salary guidelines. Any questions or discrepancies relating to your salary should be addressed only to the Camp Director directly. Out of respect to yourself and others, the amount of your salary should be kept confidential. Staff Evaluations At least twice during the summer season (midsummer and final), all staff will be evaluated by their immediate supervisor with guidance from a second-level supervisor. This evaluation will be a measurement of your growth as a staff member. During your mid-summer evaluation, your immediate supervisor will discuss your performance with you and help you set goals to improve as a staff member before the end of the summer. During your final evaluation, your supervisor will review your progress and make a recommendation on whether a summer camp environment is right for you. Counselors-intraining are evaluated weekly by their area director. On a weekly basis, a staff member and a counselor-in-training will be recognized as having been the most outstanding member of the week based on feedback from Scouts, adult leaders and other staff members. Awards may also be given to those recognized. Staff Week Overview Staff week is filled with lots of hard work setting up campsites, cleaning cabins, completing job specific training and preparing program areas. We will cover a lot of ground very quickly. Be sure to send in any outstanding required forms to camp to expedite check-in day no later than June 1st.. You will need work clothes for the week, as well as the rest of the gear suggested in the appendix coverings recommended items to bring to camp.

Program Schedule SECTION 4 CAMP PROGRAM Camp operates on a set schedule. While this schedule will be reviewed during camp staff training, it would be advantageous to be familiar with it before showing up to camp. It is found at www.dmvc.org/rodney/summer/planning for your review. Dining Hall & Meals Three well-balanced, well-prepared meals will be served daily. A salad bar is available for lunch and dinner, and vegetarian options are prepared as well. All staff members are required to be present and on-time for all meals. The staff eats together in a designated staff area for most meals. It is the responsibility of ALL staff to ensure that the staff eating area is left at a level of cleanliness that surpasses the expectation we have for Troops following every meal. Our dining hall program consists of grace and a song or skit. All staff members are expected to participate in all dining hall program, and to assist with set-up/ clean-up as assigned. Singing at meals is a Scouting tradition and can be a lot of fun. You would be surprised how heated an Old McDonald session can become! During each week, you will be assigned to be on a crew responsible for assisting in the Dining Hall and led by an area manager or senior camp staff member. When your crew is on your responsibilities are basically as follows: 1. Check-in with your crew leader 2. Lead an appropriate grace prior to the meal 3. Lead the program after the meal 4. Check with your crew leader before leaving the dining hall. Campfires Campfires serve as unifying influences, spirit builders and provide great fun. Scouts always remember good campfires. During Staff Week, we will all work hard to develop 2 solid campfires to present to Scouts, leaders, and guests. Songs are a major part of campfire program in addition to being sung daily at lunch and dinner. Keep the following in mind when you are called upon to lead, develop, or assist with skits and songs: The program moves briskly. Each participant should know his spot in the program and Be Prepared. Speak up. Be heard. Talk to the back row. Be seen. Stand in the light. Don t use skits that will embarrass a Scout or leader. Avoid the Gray Areas as discussed during staff week. Have fun and don t be afraid of making a fool of yourself. Let the precepts of the Scout Oath and Law guide you. Don t lose your cool. Have a Plan B ready when things go wrong. Be sure your audience knows what you want them to do in songs and action skits. In summation...keep it bright. Keep it moving. Keep it happy.

Song Leading An audience expects six things from a good song leader: The name of the song. Announce each song clearly and name tune if it is not an original song. The pitch or key. Sing a few notes to give the pitch. The tempo-beating time. Start everyone at the same time, let s go ; or clap hands; or stamp with the foot and start the next beat. Use simple motions- - an up and down, pump-handle motion will get you started. Don t try to imitate a symphony orchestra conductor. Information about the song. The words, the tune. Be sure your whole group knows the song, if they don t teach them. Pep-enthusiasm. Don t insist on volume, at least at the start. Tell the crowd that it s singing you want, not noise or volume. If it doesn t go so well, then no one will know the difference. Leadership-control. Don t ask what they want to sing, tell them! Formal leadership is not always necessary. Sing in natural groupings, someone starts the song, and everyone just sings. Old favorites can be used effectively in this type of singing. Use old, familiar songs with new groups. Men usually prefer good harmony. Boys like action songs. Substituting motions for words will help the leader establish control. KNOW THE SONGS YOU ARE LEADING! START WITH KNOWING THE MOST FAMOUS CAMP SONG AT RODNEY. The Rodney Song We ve got a Scout camp on the Chesapeake A camp that s really worth your while We ve seen a dozen other scouting camps But Rodney s got them beat a mile or two or three You better come to Rodney s camp today Put on your shorts and come prepared to stay When Scouting time rolls round Again you ll say! Again you ll say! Rodney s the place for me. Yay Rodney!

SECTION 5 STAFF LIFE Camp Communications and Staff Organization Good communications in camp are essential to coordinating programs, fulfilling our responsibilities to respond to the needs of the Scouts and Scouters in camp, and in developing excellent working relationships throughout the entire staff. Information in camp generally flows down the chain of command, as depicted in the staff organizational chart. The chain of command is very important for dealing with many situations that may arise in camp, from issues with Scouts and Leaders to emergencies. Please read and observe the staff organizational chart before arriving in camp. Mail Letters can be mailed out at the main camp office on a daily basis. Each staff area also has an incoming mail slot in the office. Letters to staff members should be addressed with name and the staff they are on, or CIT Staff for CITs, as shown below: Joe Staffer Nature Staff c/o Rodney Scout Reservation 400 Rodney Scout Road North East, MD 21901 Telephones Business and emergency incoming calls will be accepted on the camp s main phone line by the Clerk on Duty, call (410) 287-5888. A message and call back number will be taken and the message will be relayed to the appropriate staff member in a timely manner. Cell Phones in Camp As camp staff members we must be always act professionally. Staff members are welcome to bring their cell phones for personal use during time off. Many people now use a cell phone as a time keeping device in place of a watch. You may do so if it is appropriate to your work environment. You must always remain professional in the use of the cell phone or it will be removed from your possession and kept by the Camp Director to be returned home and not kept in camp. If you have questions about cell phones, please talk with your area manager.

Visitors in Camp ALL visitors to camp must check in at the main camp office. Visitors do not belong, and are not permitted, in staff living quarters. Visitors are welcome to tour camp with you and visit program areas at appropriate times with the approval of the Camp Director. Visitors that distract staff from their duties as a staff member will be asked to leave camp. All staff visitors must leave camp by 11:00 PM, unless permission is granted otherwise by the Camp Director. Medical Needs A camp health officer will be on hand at all times during the summer. All staff members are required to present a completed current BSA medical form, upon arrival at camp. This form does require a physician s signature resulting from a physical examination within the past calendar year. All illnesses and/or accidents must be reported to the camp health officer, and logged into the camp s First Aid Log. If you are sick or injured, you should notify your cabin leader or area director, and proceed to the health lodge. If further medical care is required, staff members will be seen by the on-call physician or taken to the hospital. Uniform The Scout uniform is an important part of the total Scout program. It reminds everyone that we are proud members of the Boy Scouts of America. The two acceptable forms of dress are: Official BSA Field Uniform ( Class A ): Boy Scout Option (for those registered in a Boy Scout Troop or new to Scouting) Official BSA Scout shorts BSA web belt or approved leather belt Official BSA Scout shirt with appropriate insignia and shoulder loops Official BSA Scout socks Closed-toe shoes or boots If a hat is worn, it must be an official BSA hat, Rodney hat, or another approved by the Camp Director Venturing Scout Option (for those registered in Venturing) Official BSA Venturing shorts BSA Venturing web belt or approved leather belt Official BSA Venturing shirt with appropriate insignia and shoulder loops Official BSA Venturing socks Closed-toe shoes or boots If a hat is worn, it must be an official Venturing hat, Rodney hat, or another approved by the Camp Director Camp Staff Work Uniform ( Class B ): Khaki activity shorts with Scout appropriate belt Athletic socks Red Rodney staff polo shirt If a hat is worn, it must be appropriate for Scout camp Closed-toe shoes unless told differently for your particular program area * Aquatics Staff must wear navy blue guard bathing suit while in aquatics areas ** Dining Hall Staff may wear red Rodney t-shirt instead of polo shirt ***Ranger Staff may wear uniform appropriate pants instead of shorts No apparel other than that listed above is appropriate during working hours while campers are in camp. Civilian clothes may be worn during the opening staff week and closing staff week as directed, when off duty in your cabin, or on nights out (provided you are leaving camp).

Laundry and Personal Appearance Laundry equipment is provided behind Brown Lodge and at the pool for all staff to keep their uniforms clean. Items should be removed from the room in a timely fashion, and the laundry room should be kept clean. Staff members must set the example for all by living up to the eleventh point of the Scout Law: A Scout is clean. Hair must be neat and clean. A beard or mustache is permissible if you keep it neatly trimmed. Remember that you represent the Boy Scouts of America and your appearance should reflect the points of the Scout Oath and Law. Living Quarters & Personal Property All staff members will stay in cabins. Lights-out times will be set by the camp administration and discussed during staff week. Most cabins have bunks for sleeping, electricity, and a refrigerator. You may bring sodas or some snacks to enjoy after working hours. No food may leave the dining hall. Before bringing televisions, personal computers, gaming systems, or air conditioners for use in your living area, you must discuss doing so with the camp ranger staff or camp director. If you have furniture to donate to the living area, check with the camp ranger first. You may bring an electric fan. Some cabins have bathrooms, while others utilize the comfort stations. Your quarters must set the example of neatness and cleanliness for all others to see. All living quarters will be subject to inspection at any time by the camp administration. Campers and Leaders are not permitted to enter staff quarters. Female sleeping areas are off limits to male staff members and male sleeping areas are off limits to female staff members. Rodney Scout Reservation, the Del-Mar-Va Council, and/or the BSA are not responsible for personal property brought to camp. We recommend you bring a lockable footlocker for your person items. It is recommended that you do not bring valuables to camp. Cell phones or other handheld electronic devices will be taken by the camp administration if their use interferes with your job expectations. We come to camp for a fun outdoor experience and to enjoy the company of fellow staff members and campers. Smoking and Tobacco Products Smoking is not only a fire hazard, but is a serious health hazard. No smoking or use of tobacco products is permitted in camp except in designated areas. Designated areas are outdoors and without youth present (sight or smell). You may not smoke in ANY camp buildings nor may you smoke close enough for the smell of smoke to enter any buildings. In accordance with Maryland Law no one under the age of 18 will be permitted to smoke at any time. Adult staff must not smoke in the presence of youth (under 18) staff or Scouts. Staff members under 18 caught smoking or using other tobacco products will call their parents from the Camp Director s office and may be dismissed from staff.

Vehicles & Bicycles in Camp All staff member's vehicles will remain parked in the camp parking lots, unless specific permission is granted otherwise by the Camp Director. We must set the example for other leaders in camp. Only those who are over 18 years of age may operate camp vehicles. All camp vehicle drivers must have a valid United States driver s license and be authorized to drive a camp vehicle by the Camp Director or Camp Ranger. If you are under 18, you may not drive in camp unless you are leaving camp for time off or returning from time off. No one may ride on or in any vehicle, in any location, without a seatbelt. The Del-Mar-Va Council is not responsible for any damage to vehicles. Park or drive at your own risk. Staff members are welcome to bring bicycles to camp as they can help with some of the traveling around the reservation. The staff are expected to lead by example and follow the rules of bicycle safety at camp: 1. A helmet must be worn (and fastened) by the rider at all times. 2. Each bicycle is permitted to have a maximum of one rider. 3. Only bicycles with lights are allowed to be ridden after dinner. 4. Riders are expected to know the rules of the road for bicycles (ie ride to the right side of the road). 5. Bicycles are for use on the roads only and not permitted to be used on trails or in campsites unless part of the Mountain Biking program. 6. Bicycles are expected to be used in a safe manner at all times, slow and cautious. A Scout is courteous on the road, beware of pedestrians. 7. When not in use, bicycles are expected to be parked off of the roadways. The Del-Mar-Va Council is not responsible for lost or damaged bicycles. Prohibited Items ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, UNLABELED PRESCRIPTIONS, AND ILLEGAL DRUGS are strictly prohibited in all parts of camp. Violations of this policy will result in immediate dismissal and possible criminal charges. Other prohibited items include: -Fireworks -Firearms (Unless checked in with the Shooting Sports Staff) -Airguns -Pets -Sheath Knives

Recreation & Time Off A staff lounge is provided for the staff in part of Brown Lodge. It is air-conditioned! You may read, watch movies, play games, play billiards or just relax. There is a refrigerator in the kitchen for staff use and snacks and refreshments will be provided from time to time. Cleanliness and care of the equipment in this area will be the responsibility of every staff member. Lost or damaged equipment, unless an individual has taken responsibility, will be the responsibility of the entire staff to repair or replace. Every staff member will be provided with one 24-hour period as "time off" each week. During camp this will generally be from 12:00 PM on Saturday until 12:00 PM on Sunday. ALL RETURNING STAFF MEMBERS MUST BE AT THE OPENING STAFF MEETING BY 12:00 PM SHARP IN PROPER UNIFORM! During this time off, all staff members are required to leave camp. During this time, the staff member is not under the direction, control or responsibility of the Del-Mar-Va Council or the BSA. No meals will be available during this period. At the discretion of the Camp Director, during camp, most staff members will also be provided with one "night off" per week. Camp Staff may leave camp for a "night off" at the end of their duties for the day at 5 PM, and must return by their assigned curfew time. Staff MUST check with their immediate supervisor prior to leaving for an evening off. Staff leaving camp must sign out, and sign back in, at the main camp office. Camp staff members under the age of 18 must provide written permission from a parent or guardian to be permitted to leave camp, at any time, with anyone other than that parent or guardian. All staff members must personally sign out when leaving camp and in upon returning to camp at the main camp office. Camp is an amazing place to work and you will make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.