Apologies for this very long post. Even if you’ve heard some of this before, please bear with me and read through to the end…
MEDICAL FORMS
You MUST have a BSA Health Form to attend summer camp. If you cannot see your regular doctor in time, some ‘Minute Clinics’ are able to provide the service. You need to take the BSA form with you; the medical professional needs to fill out and sign ‘Part C’ of the form. You can download a form from this link: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_ABC.pdf We need your medical form when we leave for camp.
WHEELS UP AT 11AM — MEET AT 10:30
We are departing from Spruce School (not Ascension Church) on Sunday. Please plan on arriving at 10:30 AM so we have time to assemble/load the gear into vehicles, etc. The goal is to be rolling out of the parking lot by 11 AM.
CLASS A UNIFORM
Make sure you have your Class-A uniform (shirt AND NECKERCHIEF) for camp. We wear the Class-A shirt for all meals and while traveling to/from camp. Neckerchiefs are needed if our Troop is asked to perform a formal flag ceremony during the week. (This is likely.)
FIRST DAY SWIM TEST
If you are planning on swimming (or taking a merit badge that requires swimming) you are required to take a swim test. Beaumont offers this on registration day (Sunday), which is by far the most convenient time to take it. Once the merit badge programs start, availability for the test is limited. We have found that if you come prepared on the first day you can take the swim test before we’ve even finished setting up camp. Wearing your swim trunks (or having them verily easily accessible in your gear) on Sunday is a great tip.
FAMILY NIGHT — THURSDAY
Family Night is Thursday. Details will be coming soon about what parents/families can bring to contribute to our picnic-style meal on Thursday evening. This is similar to All Scouts weekend where the Troop provides part of the meal and families are asked to bring side dishes, deserts, etc.
FIREWORKS — FRIDAY
Beaumont is planning a fireworks display on FRIDAY night in conjunction with a Cub Scout event. This is similar to last year where Cub Scouts and their families come to Beaumont for fireworks and the opportunity to camp overnight to Saturday. (Cubs will camp in ‘Cub World’ which is separated somewhat from the Boy Scout areas.) Please be aware there will be many additional people in camp on Friday. Last year everyone (Scouts, Cubs, and guests) had a meal at the dining hall, then Scouts went to the amphitheater for the fireworks while Cubs/Guests stayed at the dining hall parade ground. My GUESS is that it will be done similarly this year.
YOUNG & FIRST-TIME SCOUTS
For parents of younger Scouts, Family Night can come with challenges. You should know that it is not uncommon for first-time campers to ask to go home on the evening of Family Night. They can be having the time of their lives, but when Mom and Dad show up they can get emotional and want to go home. Several of our seasoned Scouts asked to go home on their first summer camp–and look at them now.
If you can resist the urge to give in to their pleading you will be doing them a service in the long run. Statistics show that Scouts who don’t make it through their first summer camp have a very high percentage of dropping out of Scouting all together. It is your choice, of course, but we encourage you to let them stay.
FACEBOOK PHOTOS
We try our best to post photos of the camp experience on the Troop’s Facebook page so parents and family can see what we’re up to.
ELECTRONICS
Our rule of thumb is that electronics are allowed while traveling, but are not allowed in camp. The goal is to encourage a camping experience which does not include video games, internet access, etc.
HERE’S TO A GREAT SUMMER CAMP 2017!
See you Sunday!
~~ Mr. Furin