CAMPING POLICIES & PROCEDURES

• Accident Reporting
• BSA Adult Leader Policy
• Camp Closing for Snow Conditions
• Camp Code of Conduct
• Camp Trash Clean-up
• Camp Vehicle Policy
• D-bar-A Scout Ranch Horseback Riding Safety Guidelines
• Discrimination Policy
• Elliott Family Camp Guidelines
• Fire Prevention
• Health & Safety
• Insurance
• Lost Scout
• Smoking Policy at Camp

SUMMER CAMP

• Advancement Guidelines for Council Summer Camp
• Guidelines for the Summer Camp River Program at Cole Canoe Base
• Medical Policy
• Medical Requirements
• Medication in Camp
• Summer Camp Payments
• Youth Protection Guidelines for Camp Leadership

• Advancement Guidelines for Non-Council Summer Camp

Accident Reporting

If anyone has an accident of any kind at camp (requiring any kind of medical attention), you must turn in an "accident report" form, before you leave camp. This is very important and covers all troops, packs, and posts.

BSA Adult Leader Policy

The Boy Scouts of America require a minimum of 2 adult leaders with each unit at all times. One leader must be 21 years old, others may be 18 years or older. On council properties alcohol, pets, and firearms are not permitted!!

Camp Closing for Snow Conditions

The following procedure has been adopted by the Council Camping Committee for closing of camps for weekend use in case of heavy snow or other hazardous conditions.

1. Decisions will be made by 1:00 p.m. Friday. It's suggested that units call Council Service Center if there's a question about camp being open.
2. If we are able to maintain our camp roads in a passable condition and there is no highway emergency declared, our camp will be open.
3. If we close, units will have a choice of: (1) A full rebate; (2) Moving reservations to an available date.
4. No rebates or reservation moves if camps are open & available for campers. 

Camp Code of Conduct 

The Detroit Area Council through it's camping committee takes this opportunity to welcome you to our council camps, Cole Canoe Base and D-bar-A Scout Ranch.

THE SCOUT OATH AND LAW WILL BE THE LAW OF THE CAMPS

Gambling, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, pets, fireworks, firearms, slingshots, bows and arrows and other propellant devices are not permitted in the Detroit Area Council Camps.

1. Riding in the back of pick-up trucks, on the outside of cars or trailers is not allowed. Use normal passenger vehicles and avoid overcrowding.

2. Obey the 15 MPH speed limit when you must drive in camp.

3. Build cooking and campfires only in established fire areas. When finished with any fire, be sure it is completely out.

4. Do not use liquid fuels for fire starting.

5. Bunks are for sleeping. One person per bunk. No jumping, or playing on bunks.

6. Do not tamper with the fire alarms systems. You may reset the alarm after clearing any smoke. If problems with the system. contact the Camp Ranger,

7. All other equipment is to be used as it was intended

8. Please respect the traditions that thousands of Scouts have helped build here at the ranch. Knives and hatchets are to be used under the supervision of your leaders only. Do not carve your initials or deface our trees, buildings, or equipment in anyway, they belong to everybody.

9. We need every tree and shrub that we have. Good Scouts will see that these are not hacked or cut down for any purpose.

10. Be a good neighbor. Unless you receive an invitation to enter, stay out of all other buildings and campsites

11. Campers must be in their site and quiet between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am. allowing for eight hours of sleep.

12. No Scout should leave the ranch until it is time to leave for home unless it is for church or an emergency, and then only under the supervision of your leaders.

The Campmasters, Rangers, or Camp Staff will assist you in anyway they can and also answer any questions you might have regarding your stay in camp.

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD CAMPING

Camp Trash Clean Up

Each unit will be responsible for the cleanliness of its own campsite, path, and the area around its campsite. All trash should be placed in a plastic liner provided in your campsite. Instructions for final disposal will be given to you at camp.

The help of each Scout and adult is needed to keep our camp neat and clean at all times. Picking up any litter you see is a “Good Turn”. Remember - A Scout is Clean.

Camp Vehicle Policy

Camping is an outdoor sport! Boy Scout Camps are meant to be "walking camps". 

Our Camp Vehicle Policy has been developed with the primary purpose of insuring the safety of the more than 24,000 Scouts, Scouters and Guests who yearly use our facilities. Secondly, we must constantly strive to protect the environment around us while preserving the facilities that have been developed for our use.

The D-Bar-A Scout Reservation is one of only five working Scout Ranches in the country Because of the three camps within the Reservation and our year-round outdoor programs, it is necessary to allow vehicles inside the camp. One car may be kept at the site parking area.

At Cole Canoe Base, no vehicles are allowed in the campsite. Trek carts are available at Cole to move equipment into sites. They will also move your trailer into your campsite.

With that in mind, the following rules are the basis of our Camp Vehicle policy: 

• The standard BSA '15 MPH Speed Limit' is to be observed on camp property at all times. The safety of campers is most important.
• When transporting Scouts in vehicles other than buses, each Scout must use a seat belt.
• Trucks or trailers must not be used to transport Scouts. No riding on the outside of any vehicle. Each campsite, based upon its physical capacity, has been assigned a maximum number of vehicles that can be parked at that site. 
• Additional vehicles are to be parked at the Administration Building lot or other designated areas. 
• All guests will respect the judgment and decisions of the Camp Ranger or Camp Director on any vehicle or parking issue or dispute.

If you choose to by-pass the parking barriers installed, we will be forced to invoke the vandalism policy. Please help us keep our camp in great shape!

Discrimination Policy

The Detroit Area Council is an equal opportunity agency and does not discriminate against race, religion, sex, creed, ethnic background, economic status, or challenged Americans. Our employment policies are also equal opportunity and non-discriminatory. The Boy Scouts of America are committed to equal opportunity without discrimination. A Scout is friendly, courteous, and kind. The Scout Oath states, "On my honor, I will help other people at all times."

Fire Prevention

Fire prevention is important. The unit is to use the following guidelines.

1. You will be provided with a Unit Fire Guard Chart which will be explained at time of registration or orientation. It must be filled out and posted on your campsite bulletin board. It is to be signed daily by the Scout on duty.

2. Fires must never be left unattended.

3. Then unit leader should give instructions to all Scouts and adults on the proper procedure for putting out fires.

4. Fires should only be started with natural materials. No liquid fuels may be used to start fires.

5. In case of uncontrollable or wild fire, notify your camp office at once.

6. You will be given the fire alarm signal and response instructions at registration for weekend camping and Leader's Orientation for summer camp.

7. There will be no flames of any kind in tents at any time!!

Health & Safety

Adequate planning, proper instructions, and supervision must assure the Health and Safety of every boy and adult. Some regulations that must be observed are:

1. No liquid fuels may be used in camp for fire starting. Only adults may handle lanterns and other devices using liquid fuels.
2. Each boy should have proper instruction in the use of knives and axes, and earn his Totin’ Chip card.
3. No “moonlight swimming”! NO EXCEPTIONS.
4. Adult supervision must be present at all times. At least two adults are required in camp.
5. Keep “horse play” to a minimum. More Scouts are injured in horseplay than from any other cause.
6. Campers or leaders may not bring firearms, archery equipment, ammunition, fireworks, or other propellant exploding devices to camp. The camp will provide all necessary equipment for archery and shooting sports.
7. Shoes must be worn in camp at all times to prevent cut feet or puncture wounds, which could result in costly and painful medical services, and a curtailed program.
8. No Scouts should leave camp property. Leaders must inform the Camp Office when they leave. The Scoutmaster must checkout with the Camp Office any Scout leaving camp before that Scout may leave.
9. Alcoholic beverages, drugs, and fireworks are not allowed in camp under any conditions.

Violation of regulations 3, 6, or 9 will require dismissal from camp.

Insurance

No charge is made for services rendered in the Health Lodge. The unit or family of the Scout must pay for medical services required outside of camp. Many units provide this insurance on a year-round basis through policies offered by many different companies. The council maintains liability insurance to cover both the staff and volunteer leaders of our Scouting units. Detroit Area Council’s Camping Committee highly recommends that Troops and Posts have their own insurance.

Lost Scout

Quick action at the time a Scout is thought to be "lost" is critical. Please use the following guidelines when there is a "Lost Scout".

• Check tents and bunk to see if the Scout is in camp.
• Find out if the Scout is out of camp with his "camp buddy"
• Check camp and unit program areas.
• Notify the Camp Office and a Lost Scout Search will be enacted

Always use the buddy system when out of camp. The rule of 2 ... it works!

Smoking Policy at Camp

Smoking is the major preventable cause of premature death today. Nonsmokers are harmed by second-hand smoke. Scouters who already suffer from respiratory diseases, heart diseases or allergies may be at risk in a smoke-filled environment.

It is our intent to create a smoke-free environment within our Council camps. Therefore, effective January 1, 1992, nonsmoking will be the policy in the Council camp buildings.

This new policy is one of the most important steps that our council can take to improve our environment. We expect the cooperation of all our Scouters.

Therefore, there is no smoking in any camp buildings. Smoking is permitted by individuals 18 years and older in the campsite fire rings only, providing no youth are in the area.

Thanks for keeping boys safe. Ranger residence and maintenance area are exempt because these are not public buildings.

(Scoutmaster Handbook BSA # 33009 1999 Revision pg. 131)

Tobacco

Tobacco use is a way youth try to look grown-up. You can discourage tobacco use by helping boys find their talents, discover their strengths, and prove themselves in more acceptable ways. Do not allow the use of tobacco by boys at troop meetings and activities. Ask adult leaders to set an example by not using tobacco at troop activities

Medical Policy

The Boy Scouts of America requires that a youth (under 18 years of age) participating in camping experience over 72 consecutive hours (3 days and night) must have a medical evaluation by a physician licensed to practice medicine with 36 months of the camping experience. In addition, a recent medical summary (within the past 12 months) must be completed by the parent or guardian related to the youth participant's health history.

A health history revised within the past 12 months and a physical examination and T.B. test conducted with the past 36 months are required of an adult under 40 years old. Adults over 40 years old must show evidence of physical examination and T.B. test within the past 12 months.

The camping service has a revised form to 2000. This form can be attached to older valid forms. Supplies will be at the pre-camp leaders meetings.

Medical Requirements

Please be aware that the medical forms used for the Detroit Area Council Summer Camps are different than the standard BSA medical forms. The State of Michigan required forms can be obtained by calling or visiting the council service center.

Adults - 40 and older: 

An annual physical exam by a physician licensed to practice medicine within the past year. A negative TB test result within three years for all adults attending camp for more than 48 hours.

Adults - 18 to 39 years old: 

A physical exam by a physician licensed to practice medicine within the past three years. A negative TB test result within three years for all adults attending camp for more than 48 hours.

Youth - Under 18: 

A physical exam by a physician licensed to practice medicine within the past three years. A parent must sign youth medical forms each year.

Campers or adults not meeting these requirements must have a medical form completed by a nearby doctor at their own expense.

Medication in Camp 

If you have campers taking medication, you must let us know during your medical recheck. Please fill out the medical control form provided. Prescribed medication must be listed on the medical form with instructions for dispensing.

Summer Camp Payments

Your Council Camping Committee has adopted the following policy for summer camp payments. It is hoped that this plan will better enable the unit to plan and pay for its summer camp experience and still provide your camp with the necessary funds to purchase needed program equipment, plan for staff, and food purchases.

Troop Camping

1. A $75.00 deposit is required with all reservations. It is non-refundable.

2. A second payment of $25.00 multiplied by the estimated number of Scouts who will be attending camp must be paid by March 15th. At this time, your original estimate may be adjusted.

3. The final payment is due by May 31st. After this date, you will be charged an additional $10.00 per Scout.

4. For reservations made after March 15th, payment must be made in full 30 days prior to the start of the session being attended.

5. Payments for tents, cots, paper and plastic service, and gas hook-up are not considered part of the fee. These fees may be paid at camp.

6. No refunds will be made for cancellations made within 30 days of camp.

Last Updated   March 05, 2007