Each boy who attends summer camp should be prepared for a great adventure. A week in the woods, or by a lake is often the highlight of the Scouting year.
Participation in summer camp is by the invitation of the Scoutmaster. The basis for this is the attitude, and Scout spirit shown throughout the year by the Scout.
Each Scout should decide which advancements and merit badges he wishes to work on. Preparation is the key.
One of the Assistant Scoutmasters will meet with each Scout to review his plans for the summer camp.
If the Scout is not yet First Class he will be encouraged to focus on finishing these requirements. Most camps will teach the skills needed, but require the Scout to demonstrate his new knowledge and skills to a troop member. A Scout should be sure that a Troop Guide, adult, or other Scout authorized to sign off the requirement will be available. It is the responsibility of each Scout to complete his requirements.
Most merit badges will require prerequisites to have been accomplished before arrival at camp. Others will require that the Scout bring certain equipment. All require that the Scout have read and brought to camp the merit badge pamphlets. It is the responsibility of each Scout to make sure that the ‘blue card’ for each merit badge is filled out, then delivered to the counselor at camp, returned at the end of camp, correctly signed if done or have the correct partial completion signed off, and then returned to the Assistant Scoutmaster.
Partially completed merit badge cards can be completed at any time before their 18th birthday.
Most camps serve meals in a dinning hall, so no cooking equipment is needed unless the Scout wishes to work on a specific cooking requirement or merit badge. If that is so, contact the Assistant Scoutmaster to see if the Scout needs to bring equipment.
Each Scout attending summer camp must bring at least one full field uniform. This will be worn for morning and evening assemblies. Each Scout must bring at least two Troop 612 tee shirts, and usually our troop wears the distinctive Troop 612 cap.
Each boy attending summer camp must have a current medical form on file with the Scoutmaster. No Scout can attend without this form. Registered adults must also have a current medical form on file.
These forms can be found on the SFBAC council web site:
If the Scout must take any medicine it must be in the care of an adult designated by the Scoutmaster. Enclose the medicine(s) in a zip-lock plastic bag with clear instructions as to when the medicine should be given, how much, in what manner, and any warnings that the adult leadership should be aware of. This includes aspirin, cold medicine, motion sickness pills, and inhalers. In the later case the Scout may be allowed to carry their inhaler so long as the adult leadership knows the circumstances of its use.
A schedule will be made for each boy to insure that they receive their medicine in a proper manner. The times and amounts of all medicines dispensed will be recorded.
In addition any cuts or scrapes incurred and treated will be recorded.
If you do not send pain relievers along with your son, we will not dispense any to him.
In instances where your son requires attention beyond the scope of the adult leaders, he will be taken to the camp medical personnel who will take what action is necessary. Be sure that you can be contacted at any time.
Departure from the San Lorenzo Community Church will usually be at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. The Scouts should arrive 1/2 hour earlier to load supplies. Return can be anytime Saturday afternoon.
A bag lunch will be eaten on the departure Sunday.
Money for lunch on the return Saturday should be about $5 and placed in a sealed envelope with the Scouts name, and “RETURN LUNCH” written on the outside.
Money for trading posts, supplies, and souvenirs should be placed in another envelope with the Scout’s name and “SPENDING MONEY” written on the outside. All money must be in one dollar bills. Please do not send large amounts of money, and do not allow your son to have any other funds with him.
All moneys will be locked in a strong box that is chained to an immovable object at camp. Only two adult leaders will have keys to the box. Any time the Scouts wish to obtain funds, they must justify why they need the funds, and sign for the amount received.
The Scout should not bring anything valuable with him to camp. If such is to be brought, (i.e. a camera for photography merit badge), be sure to make arrangements with the Scoutmaster before leaving for camp. Do not assume that room will be available in the strong box for your valuables.
Troop 612 Handbook