IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT SUMMER CAMP

Post date: May 08, 2017 2:33:53 AM

We are looking forward to a week of fun and excitement at Summer Camp (7/2-7/9); there is much to prepare for, so please read this post carefully for important information about camp.

What to Bring

See Packing List at the bottom of this page and also Helpful Hints below. We highly recommend that Scouts pack their personal gear in a plastic footlocker with wheels. Many parents purchase the following:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-Footlocker-Black/16415912

Helpful Hints for Packing

- When packing for camp, remember to pack your swimsuit and towel on top in your trunk, one of the first activities after arriving at camp is the swimming proficiency test.

- Remember that all electronic devices (cell phones, gaming systems, iPods, etc.) should stay at home. If your scout thinks he needs something to do during downtime, bring a book (summer reading!) or work on another badge or rank advancement.

- Be sure to pack a mosquito net and non-aerosol bug spray or an insecticide towel. The inexpensive kind of mosquito net that fits over a single bed/cot is fine and the ceilings over the bunks have hooks for installation.

- Bring sunscreen; a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses are a plus. If your scout is bringing a hammock, be sure to pack two 10' lengths of climbing webbing or rope (nylon is the best option) rated for 400+ pounds, and 2 climbing carabiners - safety is key. If you have your Tote 'n Chip, bring your own bar of soap or balsa wood for carving.

- Battery powered fans are appreciated and will ensure your scout's popularity among his roomies. Pack plenty of extra batteries.

- Although not a merit badge offering, scouts invest a good deal of time in poker; from learning as beginners to advanced gaming strategies. All are welcome and included, especially those scouts who have prepared by packing AWESOME CANDY. Best are individually wrapped candies like Starburst, Jolly Ranchers, etc., 'non-meltables" that can withstand heat. Milk chocolate does not stay neat in the heat.

- Have your scout bring a folding chair and a hanger for his Class A uniform, which will be worn each evening.

- New scouts will work on their swimming merit badge - please pack a long-sleeved button down shirt and long pants. These will be used to learn water survival skills.

- Scouts should bring some cash for sundries and snacks at the Trading Post

Preparing for Departure to Camp

Tuesday, June 27 - In order to streamline departure on Sunday morning, we will be loading the trailers with troop gear and personal trunks during the Troop meeting on Tuesday, the 27th. Please bring your packed trunk to BUMC on the 27th.

Sunday, July 2 (12:15pm) - Please arrive at BUMC in full Class A uniform. We will load some last minute items into the trailers and organize scouts into the parents' vehicles that will be traveling to Camp Horseshoe (90 minute drive). Please eat lunch before you arrive, or bring a packed lunch to eat on the way, as we will not be stopping on the way to camp. Parents are not required to accompany their scouts to Camp Horseshoe, although we may need some extra drivers to get all scouts and gear to camp.

Links and Important Forms

Please download these documents (found at the bottom of this page) and read through, as they cover everything from driving directions to medication policy and procedures, the Scouts' daily itinerary, merit badge offerings (including badge prerequisites) and Trailblazer's program (for new scouts).

- 2017 Camp Horseshoe Program Guide

- Packing List

- Medication Instruction/Approval Form

Medications at Camp

See Medication Instruction/Approval Form here. Please fill out one section for each medication to be administered at Camp. This form should be completed for anyone who will be staying overnight at camp. This includes scouts and adults who need to take medication while at Camp Horseshoe. All medications should be in the original container with the original label prepared by the pharmacy or physician which provides all of the customary information such as the patient‘s name clearly marked, drug name, dosage and instructions. All non-prescription medication must be marked with the patient‘s name and any instructions. ) WE ASK THAT THIS FORM BE COMPLETED BY THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN AND TURNED IN TO TROOP LEADERSHIP at the troop meeting on Tuesday, 6/27. All medications (except Epi pens, Lactaid and albuterol inhalers) must be turned in to the Troop Leaders at the start of the stay in camp. EPIPENS AND RESCUE INHALERS should be carried by the scout at all times while at camp, in accordance with the prescription or instructions from the patient‘s physician.

Adult Campers

Moms, Dads and Grandparents are not only welcome to join in the camping fun, but are needed in order to fulfill the two-deep leadership requirement. This means that we must have four adults in case any leaders need to leave camp for any reason. Adults don’t need to stay for the full week – although we recommend a minimum of 2 or 3 nights in order to really benefit from the unique Horseshoe camping experience. There is no camp charge to adults (free vacation!) and Wi-Fi is available at Camp Headquarters. If you are not needed by the scoutmaster, you can pop in at headquarters to check email and make quick phone calls if necessary. Sign up at this link:

Moms, Dads and Grandparents are not only welcome to join in the camping fun, but are needed in order to fulfill the two-deep leadership requirement. This means that we must have four adults in case any leaders need to leave camp for any reason. Adults don’t need to stay for the full week – although we recommend a minimum of 2 or 3 nights in order to really benefit from the unique Horseshoe camping experience. There is no camp charge to adults (free vacation!) and Wi-Fi is available at Camp Headquarters. If you are not needed by the scoutmaster, you can pop in at headquarters to check email and make quick phone calls if necessary.

Adults sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0b4fa8a829a57-2017

Evening Retreat Ceremony

Each night at 5:45 there is a "retreat" ceremony in which all troops at camp participate. You can see all of the troops at camp marching in formation (yes - this is what the scouts having been practicing for!) and retiring the flags for the evening. To see the televised ceremony, click on the webcam at 5:45 at http://cccbsa.org/webcam

Emailing Your Scout

To send an email to your scout, go to the same webcam link at http://cccbsa.org/webcam. You will see an area on the webpage where you can enter your scout's name, the troop number (181) and the campsite (Roberts).

Sending Packages to Your Scout

Scouts enjoy receiving packages from their families when they are away at camp. If you want to send snacks, small toys, etc. to your son, use the mailing address below. Be aware that it will take a few days for your package to arrive at camp, so it is recommended that you mail your package by Monday of the week of camp. You can even send your package on Friday before camp starts to ensure arrival early enough during camp week for the goodies to be enjoyed.

Camp Horseshoe

Scout's Name - Troop 181, Week #2

1286 Ridge Road

Rising Sun, MD 21911

If Your Scout Needs Something Urgently

Contact one of the parents who is scheduled to go down to camp - he or she might be able to take something down to your son. See parent camping schedule at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0b4fa8a829a57-2017

Court of Honor Ceremony

On the Saturday of camp week (July 8), we will hold our summer Court of Honor ceremony for scouts and families, where awards and merit badges will be presented. All families are welcome. Plan on gathering at the Roberts campsite around 5pm, and then walk to the central grounds for the 5:45 retreat. After the retreat, we will return to the Roberts campsite for dinner and the Court of Honor. Afterwards, families are welcome to stay for the Horseshoe bonfire at 8pm. Please pack a dinner for your family and bring folding chairs for each family member. Please also bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share with the troop.

Saturday Evening & Sunday Pickup

We require that all scouts stay overnight at camp after the Court of Honor on Saturday. Although it is tempting to take your scout home that evening, it is important for him to stay until camp is over on Sunday. The scouts will have breakfast together and attend a Sunday worship ceremony if they wish. Each year we have the privilege of spending a fun week at Camp Horseshoe and Sunday is the day we get to "pay it forward" to the next week's scouts. The troop must clean up the Roberts campsite and another designated area at Horseshoe in order to prepare for the next troop arriving in the afternoon. Scouts have the responsibility of packing not only their personal gear, but helping to pack up troop gear and loading the trailer for the return trip. The trailer also needs to be unloaded once we return to BUMC. Parents should get a phone call when their scouts are nearing BUMC as they travel back. Typically, the scouts arrive around midday.

Questions? Contact Susan Huck at 610-722-9475 (home) or 484-612-2546 (cell)