Notes about camp

Troop 94 Summer Camp meeting
June 8, 2009

A. INFORMATION FOR SCOUTS:
Our camp week is from June 28-July 4
1. Scouts using camp tents & cots
2. any dietary restrictions?
3. any special needs?
4. turn in individual advancement sheet
5. release form for Discover SCUBA for those

6. Uniforms: Why do Scouts have a uniform? For the same reason any sports team does; to show that every member is equal and to give a sense of unity. At camp, the uniform does just that. It can be worn any time during the week, but we especially expect it at Flag Ceremonies, supper and evening Special Events. During the day, your troop may have its own distinctive T-shirt, or a Camp Birch T-shirt. Setting the example is the most important step you can make toward having a uniformed troop.

7. Flag Ceremonies: Flag raising is held at 7:45 a.m. at the Parade Field. Retreat is at 5:45 p.m. at the Parade Field. All of Troop 94 will be expected to be on time for flag.

B. INFORMATION FOR ALL
Our camp week is from June 28-July 4. We’ll meet at the church by 11:30 a.m. and plan to depart by noon. Drivers are needed at this time.

1. registration forms and final payment due
June 15, if not, no summer camp — sorry
2. medicial forms due June 15, if not, no summer
camp — sorry
3. Trading Posts — according to leaders’ guide the
average scout spends $25-$35 each week
4. camp emergency number is (937) 767-7126
5. for mail (delievered daily except Sunday),
address as follows:
Scout’s name
Troop 94
Camp Birch
4057 Swimming Pool Road
Yellow Springs OH 45387
6. Parents night is Friday, supper has nominal fee
Campfire for all planned, and parents are welcomed and encouraged to stay the night, for driving home Saturday morning. Scouts are not permitted to leave for home until Saturday when the entire group departs together. Plan to arrive by 7-8 p.m.
7. Visitors in camp/leaving camp
Parents/friends welcome to visit camp. Sign in at McMillan Building upon arrival — same for checkout. If a Scout leaves camp, unit leader, parent or guardian much check him out.
8. Expectations of Scout: follow instructions, be early to each activity, in addition to all that Scouts are. We’ll do our part as leaders to help with homesickness

9. Wildlife & Nature’s Hazards: Camp Birch is blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Every Scout should be able to recognize poison ivy. Wild animals are important to camp, but can be dangerous if cornered or threatened.
We should remember that the camp is the animals’ home 12 months of the year and we are here for only and short time.

10. What NOT to Bring to Camp
The following items are not allowed in camp: electronic games, devices and cellphones, bicycles, sheath knives, bows, arrows, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, drugs, alcohol, pets or tobacco. And anything not listed that is not consistent with the Scout Oath or Law.
NOTE: If a cellphone comes to camp without permission, it will be taken and not returned until after camp is completed.

11. Tecumseh Island for 1st year scouts
Tecumseh Island is Camp Birch’s program for new Scouts. This program is designed to provide instruction for young Scouts to help them advance. It is possible that a Scout who joined your unit in the spring could leave Camp Birch with only a few requirements remaining toward First Class Rank as well as two merit badges.
There’s no better boost to a Scout than to succeed early!
Scoutmasters should complete a worksheet that shows which requirements each scout has completed prior to coming to camp. We can streamline the program by focusing on the requirements that more Scouts need while offering more individual instruction for Scouts who need an odd requirement or two.

12. Older Scout/Adult Program
This is a new program for older scouts and adults that is geared to reinforce scout values, increase scout spirit and provide some fun, and semi-high adventure activities. Once all the merit badges are earned and scouts and leaders still want something fun to do at camp, that’s the role of Older Scout/Adult Program. Some of the greatest minds in the council are hard at work coming up with a unique, enriching and exciting program to add to our summer camp experience. Get in on the ground floor of this program and have a blast at camp! There will be a $15 fee to cover extra materials, but it will be worth it!

POSTCARDS FROM CAMP
I plan to offer updates of our week at Camp Birch with photos on my blog at jimmason94.blogspot.com
You can signup for e-mail alerts, which are sent out early next day after I’ve posted something new. Subscribe via e-mail or signup to be a follower, by clicking on one of the links on the right hand side of the page.
Be sure to check daily to see the fun we’re having.
This is a great tool for me to help communicate with each of you, not just during camp week, but during the entire year.

Thanks again for allowing your Scout this opportunity,
Jim