2015
Camp Madron – Boy Scout Program
2015 Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Boy Scout Leader’s Guide
Dear Unit Leader:
This Leader’s Guide is designed to provide you with the information you need to make your week of summer camp a memorable one for you and your boys. Please review the information carefully prior to your arrival at camp and with your Scouts.
The Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Staff would like to thank you for choosing Rota- Kiwan and to welcome you and your boys to camp this summer for an outstanding summer camp experience.
If you have any questions, please call or e-mail us, as we want to hear from you to ensure success for you and your boys. For the latest summer camp information, please visit the Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation section on the Michigan Crossroads Council website at:
http://www.michiganscouting.org/Camping/RotaKiwanScoutReservation/
We look forward to your arrival this summer!
BSA MISSION STATEMENT It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law:
Scout Oath Scout Law
On my honor A Scout is I will do my best to Trustworthy do my duty to God Loyal and my country Helpful and to obey the Scout Friendly Law; Courteous to help other people Kind at all times; Obedient to keep myself Cheerful physically strong Thrifty mentally awake and Brave morally straight. Clean and Reverent
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Table of Contents
Welcome to Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation 5 How Do I Sign Up for Summer? 7 Camper and Adult Fees 2015 7 Recommended Packing List 12 The Scout Uniform 15 National BSA and Camp Policies 16 Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Health and Safety 17 State Laws & Policies 19 Check-In Procedure 20 Schedule Overview 23 Weekly Schedules 25 While You Are at Camp 27 A Scout is Reverent! 34 Advancement in Camp 35 1st Year Campers – Pedro Patrol 37 Program Areas 38 Aquatics Program Area 38 Scoutcraft Program Area 42 Handicraft Program Area 44 Fine Arts Program Area 46 Shooting Sports Program Area 48 The Ecology/Conservation (Nature) Program Area 49 Eagles’ Nest 51 Health and Safety 53 Trading Post 55 Other Program Offerings 56 OA in Camp 56 Leader Training and Programs at Camp 58 Checkout Procedures 60 Camp Emergency Procedures 63 Directions to Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation 63
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Camp Map 64 Appendix 65 2015 MCC Roster – Camp Check-in 66 2015 Camp Accommodation Request 67 Camp Madron Spirit Award 68 Leaders Check-in Checklist 69 Medication Log 71
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Welcome to Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation
The Michigan Crossroads Council, Boy Scouts of America, prides itself in operating Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation. At Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation you will find over 199 acres of beautiful terrain dotted with oak, pine, maple, cedar and poplar. Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation has frontage on Bass Lake and Scouter’s Pond. Fish and wildlife are plentiful.
The camp is rich in program, a perfect setting for your Scouts to experience real Scouting adventure! We offer over 50 merit badges and instructional activities as well as activities for older Scouts, and our staff is committed to assisting you, the troop leader, in helping your Scouts reach First Class in a year with our world-class Pedro Patrol program.
Eleven troop campsites complete with nearby modern shower houses and flush toilets are available. Major activity areas include aquatics, shooting sports (rifle, archery, and shotgun), ecology/conservation (nature), outdoor living skills (Scoutcraft), a new fine arts area (photography and cinematography). Handicraft, Pedro Patrol, and Eagles’ Nest.
Acceptance and participation in the camping programs at Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.
The Aims and Methods of Scouting
It is the purpose of the Boy Scouts of America to provide an effective program for youth designed to accomplish the following Aims of Scouting: • Participating in Citizenship
• Growth in Moral Strength & Character
• Development in Physical, Mental, & Emotional Fitness
These purposes are accomplished by using the following eight defined Methods of Scouting: • Scouting Ideals
• Adult Association
• Outdoor Program
• Uniform
• Patrol Method
• Advancement
• Leadership
• Personal Growth
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The camp staff and troop leadership must be aware of the Aims of Scouting and the Methods used to achieve them. They should plan to use the methods of Scouting throughout the camping season.
What is your Troop’s leadership role at camp?
With the camp staff available and handling a number of programs, what is the role of the troop leader?
It is not the staff’s intent to take over the operation of your troop. Instead, their support should enable leaders to devote more time to the real task at camp – a Scout’s development.
A Scout’s development at camp generally takes place in two ways - as an individual and as a part of a group. As an individual, he will be learning through merit badge and other camping skills, challenging himself in activities like the mile swim, and increasing his self-confidence through the accomplishment. Your role as leader will be to give him guidance, encourage him as he tries new things, motivate him to stay on schedule with his goals, and provide understanding and counseling when things don’t go right.
As a member of a patrol and troop, he will learn responsibility, cooperation, and leadership. That is a lot to ask of a young boy, but it is also why camp is such a good experience. Your role as a leader will be to help the PATROL METHOD succeed. Don’t shortcut it - you will only be undercutting the boys’ development. Work with and through your Senior Patrol Leader and the Patrol Leaders Council, and allow the boy leaders to lead. Important: Advise all your boy leaders (SPL, JASM, patrol leaders and their assistants, etc.) to schedule their own camp time wisely, so that they not only have time to earn merit badges for themselves but also time to teach and pass the younger Scouts on requirements for Tenderfoot, Second, and First Class rank.
The Boy Scouts of America’s policies state that meetings, trips, and outings must never be led by only one adult. At least two adult leaders, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required for all meetings, trips, and outings. Troops may camp together and share leadership, but each troop must agree to have leadership in camp at all times. If two or more troops intend to share leadership, the leaders must meet together before camp and get to know one another, and both troop committees must approve of these arrangements. All troops must fill out a separate reservation form.
Your second adult must be at least 18 years of age or older. The term “adult leader” includes officially registered leaders (Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Member, etc.) and parents of Scouts. Parents who agree to serve in this role must register as adult leaders prior to camp.
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Online Merit Badge Sign-Up and Other Activities
The Michigan Crossroads Council will enable online signups for merit badge classes and other activities. You must have your participants registered first before they can sign up for classes and activities. Many Merit Badge classes have an attendance limit, so registering your boys in a timely manner is advised to help make sure your boys get the merit badges they want. Detailed online Merit Badge/Activity registration instructions will be provided once Merit Badge/Activity registration has been enabled.
Camper and Adult Fees 2014
Paid in full by May 4, 2015 Paid on or after May 5, 2015
Scout $300.00 $315.00
Adult Leader $135.00 $135.00
Summer Camp Fee Payment Schedule
$200 reservation fee per is required to register and reserve your campsite for the 2015 camping season. http://www.michiganscouting.org/files/d/usr/37/MCC%20Summer%20Camp%202 015%20Final.pdf
The best way to make sure that you get the dates and campsite that you wish to have is to register early. Campsites are reserved on a first come first served basis.
Please visit the Michigan Crossroads Council website at www.michganscouting.org for up to date information about the remaining per camper fee payment dates.
Campership Assistance
If any Scout lacks the ability to pay the full camp fee he may apply for a campership. Campership applications are reviewed and are approved when a Scout or his parents cannot afford the camp fee.
The Campership application is due at your Field Service Council Service Center no later than April 1, 2015. Applications received after the due date will be reviewed and only awarded if funds are available.
Each Field Service Council Campership Committee will determine number and amount of camperships awarded. This amount will depend on the number of requests and the amount of campership funds available. The Campership application is available at this link: http://www.michiganscouting.org/Camping/News/Camperships Page 7 2015 Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Boy Scout Leader’s Guide
Camperships are not transferable nor may they be split within the troop. If an individual that was awarded a campership is unable to attend camp or no longer has the need for the campership, please advise the Michigan Crossroads Council Service Center, so that another camper may receive this support.
Vehicles at Camp
BSA policy forbids transporting Scouts in the back of trucks or campers. All passengers must wear a seat belt.
A maximum of two vehicles with equipment and trailers will be allowed in the campsites to drop off equipment. However, all vehicles must be moved back to the parking lot before dinner.
Only Vehicles that have a permit pass displayed in the windshield of the vehicle may be parked anywhere other than in the designated parking area or driven on camp roads during a camping session. This is for the safety of the scouts and Scouters and will be strictly enforced. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
If you have a special circumstance that may require you to have a vehicle permit, the Camp Director will review these situations and issue them if warranted.
Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Address
Mail is picked up once a day. Incoming mail will be delivered at dinner each evening. Be sure to mail early, as the postal service may not deliver before your Scouts leave camp! You must include the Scout’s name and troop number on the front of the envelope; otherwise, the mail may not be delivered. All undeliverable mail will be returned to the sender.
Please address your mail to the camp in the format below:
Name: ______Troop #______C/o Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation 6278 Texas Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49009-970
Camp Telephones
Incoming calls are for emergencies only. Parents can reach leaders and Scouts through this phone, but this will require camp officials to notify the troop leader, and the return call may take a while. An adult leader must accompany all Scouts wishing to use the camp telephone.
Boy Scout Camp Office 269-375-0027
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Youth Protection
All adults in camp must have a current certificate of training for Youth Protection prior to coming to camp. If you have adults that come to camp without Youth Protection Training we offer the training at 7pm Monday at Adult Leader Training.
One of the most rewarding experiences in Scouting is providing leadership to you boys at a BSA camp. Few outdoor settings offer such a unique opportunity to serve in responsible positions that combine the teaching of important skills to Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Ventures’, and Varsity Scouts with tremendous personal growth experiences.
Part of your camp leadership responsibility is to be alert to any activities or conditions that could threaten the safety of campers. When any threat to the safety of campers is detected, troop leadership must inform the camp director or another designated senior staff member as soon as possible.
One of the areas for which troop leadership must be on the alert is child abuse. Child abuse affects all segments of our society and may happen wherever children are found - even in Scouting. Child abuse is never acceptable, and child abusers are subject to legal consequences. Troop leaders and camp staff members are the eyes and ears of the camp and, as such, have an essential role in preventing abuse in camp as well as in helping Scouts when they have been abused - wherever the abuse occurred.
A great resource available to you is the brochure “Camp Leadership - Youth Protection Begins With You” available on the MCC website. This brochure will help BSA camp staff & troop leadership members be prepared to fulfill their youth protection responsibilities.
The Boy Scouts of America believes that its top priority is to protect the safety of children. The BSA has developed “Barriers to Abuse Within Scouting” that create safer environments for young people involved in Scouting activities. All Scout leaders must comply with these policies. Violations of these policies put Scouts at risk and will result in disciplinary action, including expulsion from camp and revocation of membership. All camp staff members are required to understand these policies and report any suspected violations as directed by the Camp Director.
• Two-deep leadership • Youth leader training and • No one-on-one contact supervision • Respect of privacy • Member responsibility • Separate accommodations • Unit responsibilities • No secret organizations • Prohibition of hazing • Appropriate attire • Prohibition of bullying • Constructive discipline
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Physical contact between adults and youth should be kept to a minimum. Using common sense, it is acceptable to shake hands, pat a boy on the back, or touch when demonstrating or teaching a skill, such as first aid, or when taking action to prevent an accident. Giving long hugs or massages, or wrestling are examples of inappropriate contact with a child.
All campers are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft, verbal insults, ethnic slurs, crude or sexual jokes, pornography, demeaning behavior, and drugs and alcohol have no place in Scouting and may result in discipline up to, and including, the revocation of membership.
Youth Protection Reporting Policy
Any suspicion or belief that any child is or has been physically, emotionally or sexually abused, exploited or exposed to any form of violence, threat, pornography or obscene material should be reported to the local authorities AND to the Scouting executive. At summer camp, the Camp Director serves as the designee for the Scouting executive.
The Michigan Department of Human Services hot line # is 855-444-3911. This toll- free number allows you to report abuse or neglect of any child or adult any time day or night.
Valuables in Camp
Unfortunately, thefts can occur at camp. Money and valuable items (cameras, phones, GPS’s or other items) should never be left in a tent or unattended campsite. Troops should secure these items in a vehicle or trailer. Remember, Scouts should never enter another troop’s campsite without first asking permission. Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal property.
2015 Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Boy Scout Leader’s Guide
Michigan DHS Clearance
! !The State of Michigan requires all adults (21 and older) that are on MCC camp property to go through a Central Registry Clearance with the Department of Human Services of Michigan (DHS). Although the rule states that this pertains to “staff”, the state defines “staff” as either a paid employee OR a volunteer who has responsibility for the direct care or supervision of campers or who has unsupervised contact with campers. The state of Michigan requires the MCC to document that EVERY individual aged 21 and older on camp property be cleared by the Central Registry / State of Michigan. In addition, the MCC requires that ALL camp staff members (paid or volunteer) be cleared regardless of age.
If you are 21+ years of age and plan to attend or visit any MCC Summer Camp (Boy Scout or Cub Scout) this summer, a letter from the State of Michigan stating you have been cleared by the Central Registry must be on file in the camp office. This is a one-time clearance at no cost to the person asking for the clearance. Upon approval, the person seeking a clearance will receive a form letter, DHS 1910, from the State of Michigan showing that you have been cleared. You should keep the original for your records and make a copy to be turned in at camp. http://www.michiganscouting.org/pubs/Central_Registry_Clearance_Request_Instruc tions_Form_2015_v2.pdf
Steps to request Central Registry Clearance: 1. Fully complete the attached “Request for Central Registry Clearance” form. 2. Be sure to include a clear copy of your picture identification with your request form. 3. Fill in your address – results can only be sent to the address on your picture ID. 4. Mail the completed form along with a clear copy of your picture ID to the address listed at the top of the form – DO NOT mail to camp!
Once you receive your Central Registry Clearance please keep the original and make a photocopy to turn in at camp this summer. For more information on Central Registry Clearance requests, please click on the following link: www.michigan.gov/canregistryclearance .
To ensure that your Pack & Troop family & friends who will be visiting you this summer do not get turned away or delayed, please notify your Pack & Troop families of this State of Michigan rule. The State of Michigan requires that individuals not cleared must be accompanied by someone with clearance.
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Recommended Packing List
Be sure to pack everything into a backpack or footlocker that is easy to carry. Bring ample clothing and always plan for the possibility of rain.
Items to bring to camp ____ Signed and completed current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record Parts A, B, and C(Turn in to troop leader)
____ Necessary medications in original containers (enough to last the week)
____ Boy Scout Handbook
Clothing (Enough to last a week) ____ Official Boy Scout Uniform – See the” Scout Uniform” section for specifics
____ Comfortable shoes - Must be closed toed and closed heeled - no crocks or sandals
____ Long pants
____ Shorts
____ T-shirts
____ Underwear
____ Socks
____ Swimsuit
____ Rain gear (poncho)
____ Pajamas
____ Sweat shirt
____ Jacket
____ Bag for dirty clothing
Equipment ____ Backpack or footlocker
____ Sleeping bag (or sheets & blanket) and pillow
____ Insect repellent and sun screen
____ Flashlight with fresh batteries
____ 2 Bath towels and washcloth
____ Toilet kit – toothbrush; toothpaste; soap in plastic container; shampoo; comb
____ Mosquito netting
____ Water bottle or canteen
____ Pen/pencil and paper
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Optional Items ____ Pocket knife
____ Personal First Aid Kit
____ Money for Trading Post
____ Fishing pole and tackle
____ Camera
____ Water shoes
Be sure your name and troop number is on all of your equipment & clothing!
DO NOT BRING
A Bad Attitude, Alcohol, Drugs, Controlled Substances, Fireworks, Pets, Televisions, Firearms, or Water Guns, Radios, Walkman, Gameboys, iPods, Pagers, Cell Phones, or other electronic devices.
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What Your Troop Should Bring to Camp
Each troop and patrol is urged to bring some of its own equipment for a more independent and quality experience in its own campsite. The following is a recommended list of equipment:
Lantern - (propane or electric battery only, please!) Troop flag - (show that troop spirit!) Patrol flag - (show that patrol spirit!) Handbooks and other literature Materials to teach Scouting skills Sharpening stone and file Map and compass Troop advancement materials Anything that will make your troop’s campsite comfortable and unique to your troop! Cooking equipment/supplies for the troop in-site dinners Food and eating materials for Wednesday night Troop pot-luck dinner (See Family Night section on page 25.)
Each campsite is fully equipped and ready to go from the moment you walk in to the camp. The following items are provided in the site and are on the campsite inventory. They should not be removed from camp:
- Tents (2 Scouts/tent)* - Cots* (2 per tent) - Mattresses* (1 per cot) - Dining fly - Picnic table(s) - Flag pole - Bulletin board - Shovel, rake, and fire - Bowling Pin extinguisher
* Not included in sites that are listed as “Bring your own tents.”
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The Scout Uniform
The Scout uniform is the outward expression of the Spirit of Scouting. One of the main reasons a boy joins Scouting is so he can wear the uniform. This in itself makes the uniform important. In addition, the uniform says something to the person wearing it, and the person who sees it. When you wear the uniform, people expect something from you; they see a person of high standards and moral values. It says that we are different from other camps. It’s more than a shirt and pair of pants. The uniform honors the wearer and challenges him or her to be worthy of it. The uniform can be a powerful force in the hands of camp staff.
At camp we recommend that all wear a Scout uniform every day. • The Class A uniform is detailed below and must be worn for the evening meal and when parents are on camp (arrival, departure, closing campfires.) • The Class B uniform is the same except the official BSA short or long sleeve shirt is not required. Any BSA T-shirt may be worn.
The Field Uniform
The Scout uniform consists of the following parts: • Boy Scout long/short sleeve shirt • Boy Scout trousers/shorts/switchbacks • Venture short sleeve dark green shirt • Venture gray shorts/trousers • Appropriate shoulder tabs • Proper patches in place • Scout socks (ankle socks, knee socks, crew socks; scout or venture to match uniform) • Scout belt • Scout hat • Neckerchief (optional) • Comfortable shoes (closed toed and closed heeled) • A smile • A cheery disposition
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National BSA and Camp Policies
1. The Scout Oath and Law are the codes of conduct and behavior at Rota- Kiwan Scout Reservation. 2. There must be two registered adult leaders in camp at all times. This is a troop responsibility. Troops must have an ADULT (21 years or older) and at least one additional leader 18 years or older supervising at all times during their stay at camp. Troops must also add one adult for every ten Scouts. 3. Troop leaders are accountable for the Scouts in their troop at all times. A count of boys should be taken at meals and in the evening at taps. 4. Everyone - campers, leaders, and staff must check-in and out of camp at the camp office. A sign-in and sign-out clipboard is located on the camp bulletin board outside the door to the camp office. 5. Any camper that is a minor and is to leave camp for any reason needs to be signed out by a parent or legal guardian. All other individuals must be listed on the camper’s medical form and must have a photo ID to verify their identity. 6. The Scout uniform is the best dress. Please see the “The Scout Uniform” section for specific guidance. 7. Be on time for all events including flag ceremonies and meals. 8. Closed toed and closed heeled shoes and socks must be worn at all times, except when in your tent or in the shower or when swimming. Shoes, shirts, sock, and pants or shorts should be worn at all meals. 9. Encourage Scouts to observe personal hygiene and camp cleanliness. 10. No alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or fireworks are allowed in camp. 11. Smoking is NOT allowed on Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Property. If you need to smoke, you MUST sign out and travel to property outside of camp. 12. Sheath knives are not allowed. 13. Personal bows, firearms and ammunitions are NOT to be brought to camp. 14. Under no circumstances is an open flame to be used inside a tent. Lanterns (except those that are battery operated), candles, etc., are not allowed in the tent. Use of propane gas stoves and lanterns with adult supervision are permitted in the site. 15. Pets in camp can cause problems with Scouts or wild animals. Therefore, all pets are to be left at home. This includes all “visiting” pets. 16. Swim wear per BSA standards – For males, brief tank suits, such as Speedos are inappropriate. If preferred, males may wear brief tank suits, but they must be worn underneath boxer or gym style swim trunks. For females, bikini suits are not suitable. One-piece competitive style suites are suitable.
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Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Health and Safety
Health Lodge
Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation has a certified Health Officer on camp at all times. We also have arrangements with local health agencies and emergency services that can promptly handle any case deemed more serious than our Health Lodge is equipped to handle. The Health Lodge is located next to the camp office in the administration building. All injuries/accidents requiring first aid must be reported to the Health Officer.
The Health Lodge carries a supply of basic over-the-counter medications and can distribute these if approval is given on the camper’s health form. We also have facilities for properly storing insulin and other medications requiring refrigeration.
Medical Information
All Scouts and adults attending Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation must have a current Annual Health & Medical Record - Parts A-B-C (completed within the past year and signed by a parent each year) and a physical exam (performed within the past 12 months and signed by a physician.)
The “BSA Annual Health and Medical Record” is available for download on the national website:
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/ahmr.aspx
Please use this new form for all youth and adult physicals.
The State of Michigan Camp Licensing requirements require us to keep on file for 3 years all youth health forms for Boy Scout Resident Camp - please make sure that Scouts bring a PHOTOCOPY of their health form to camp this summer as they will not be returned.
Medication must come in its original container and only the dosage for the time at camp is needed. All medication, except for life saving medication (inhalers, Epinephrine shots, heart medication), will be kept by the troop leaders in lockboxes as stated by National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) Standard HS-508. Medications needing refrigeration may be turned into the Health Officer.
Scouts and leaders who do not have correctly completed medical forms will not be allowed to partake in any aquatics activities until the proper medical form is produced. If the proper paperwork is not produced within 24 hours of the start of camp, Monday at 12:00 p.m., those individuals will be asked to leave Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation.
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Health Surveillance Procedure
All troop leaders and staff will be aware of the regular and daily health status of all campers. All suspected or questionable health situation shall be immediately reported to the Health Officer. Any camper, troop leader, or staff member suspected of having a communicable disease would be immediately isolated and referred for appropriate medical care.
Allergies or Dietary Issues
Allergies, dietary issues, or other information necessary for staff to ensure the safety of every camper must be reported to the camp at least two weeks prior to attending camp. Please use the “2015 Camp Accommodation Request” in the Appendix.
Rest at Camp
The amount of sleep a boy gets can make the difference between a great camping experience and a poor one. The Scoutmaster is responsible for seeing that each boy has the opportunity to get at least eight hours of restful sleep each day. This means that each troop should respect the quiet time period from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Hazing is prohibited.
The Scout Oath and Law are the accepted code and constant guide to all relationships within the camp. A camper shall not be deprived of food or sleep; be placed alone without supervision, observation, or interaction; be subjected to ridicule, threat, corporal punishment, excessive physical exercise, or excessive restraint.
Child Protection Act
The following is published in compliance with State Laws regarding child protection, and this policy is adopted pursuant to rule 115 of the Michigan Department of Social Services.
Camp staff and volunteer leaders will report all suspected incidents of child abuse and/or neglect to the Camp Director and Health Officer.
“Child abuse” means harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare by a person responsible for a child’s health or welfare which occurs through non- accidental physical or mental injury; sexual abuse including a violation of Section 14c of Act 328 or Public Acts of 1931, being Section 750.145c of the Michigan compiled laws; or maltreatment.
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“Child neglect” means harm to a child’s health or welfare which occurs through negligent treatment, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. Suspected incidents of child abuse and/or child neglect will be reported to the Camp Director or Health Officer irrespective of geographical location of the suspected occurrence.
MCC Youth Protection Reporting Policy: Any suspicion or belief that any child is or has been physically, emotionally or sexually abused, exploited or exposed to any form of violence, threat, pornography or obscene material should be reported to the local authorities AND to the Scouting executive. At summer camp, the Camp Director serves as the designee for the Scouting executive. The Michigan Department of Human Services hot line # is 855-444-3911. This toll-free number allows you to report abuse or neglect of any child or adult any time day or night.
The Camp Director will investigate all allegations of child abuse and child neglect referred by camp staff and volunteer leaders. Upon verification of information regarding suspected child abuse and/or neglect, the Camp Director will notify an appropriate governmental agency. No camp staff member or volunteer leader will be prevented from notifying an appropriate governmental agency when a suspected incident of child abuse and/or child neglect is reported. All camp staff members and volunteer leaders will monitor and enforce ACT 238 PA of 1985 as amended.
State Laws of Michigan
PUBLIC ACT 116 OF 1973 PROVIDES FOR THE LICENSING OF YOUTH CAMPS. ADMINISTRATION RULES ADOPTED BY THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE RULES ON APRIL 17, 1984 REQUIRES WRITTEN PROCEDURES ON THE ITEMS BE PROVIDED TO EVERY STAFF MEMBER.
Rule 111: The ratio of campers (staff members and Scouts under the age of 18) to adults (volunteer leaders and staff members 18 years of age and older) will be maintained at a 10 to 1 ratio in the activity areas and campsites.
Rule 113: No camper shall be deprived of food or sleep, be placed alone without staff supervision, observation and interaction, or be subjected to ridicule, threat, corporal punishment, or excessive physical exercise, or excessive restraint.
Rule 115: It is mandatory that any staff member or volunteer report to his director any actual or suspected case of child abuse or neglect immediately. The director shall immediately contact the Camp Director whom, if after the investigation finds abuse or neglect shall by phone report to the department of Social Services and file a written report within 72 hours.
Rule 119: Each staff member and volunteer leader must be alert at all times to each camper’s physical state. Any observed change should be reported to the director for the appropriate action. This can be most easily done at swim time and at meal times for behavioral patterns.
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Check-in Procedure
Check-in for all sessions will be from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. • Please do not arrive prior to 12:00 p.m. The staff is not ready and in position for check-in.
• If your troop cannot until arrive after 2:00 p.m., please let us know so that arrangements can be made.
Please check-in as a complete troop, not as individual Scouts. Car-pooling is important because we only have a limited amount of parking spaces. It also reduces the amount of traffic in and out of camp. Any troop arriving prior to check-in time must assemble and wait near the Oaks Shower House parking lot.
All troops arriving at camp will be met by their Campsite Host who will inform them of where to park their vehicles. Once that is done, your Campsite Host will take you to your campsite. At this time, the adult leader in charge needs to check-in at the Check-in Table in front of Boy Scout Administration. BSA regulations require us to obtain verification of any absentee or “no show” Scouts.
Please follow the directions of your campsite host even if you have been to camp before; some things do change from year to year.
Campsite Check-in Inspection
The Senior Patrol Leader, with advice from his troop leader, is responsible for the inspection of his campsite upon check-in with the campsite host. The objective is to make sure the campsite has been left in both a clean and safe condition. Your campsite host will inspect the campsite with your SPL prior to setting up your campsite. A checklist of camp provided equipment will be signed by your SPL. Your SPL should pay particular attention to the condition of the tents and cots.
Scouts should carry their own gear to their campsite. Troop trailers will be permitted to park in or near the campsite, but the tow vehicle must be removed to the main parking area. Handicapped parking needs should be addressed during check-in so that a “Camp Vehicle Permit” may be issued.
Troop Leader’s Check-in Checklist
This checklist is found in the appendix so that it can be easily duplicated.
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Tips for Easy Check-in:
• Scouts are advised to pack swimsuits on top so they can get them easily for swim check. Do not pack personal gear in troop trailers because troop trailers are not guaranteed to be in your site in time for you to change for swim checks. Carry in your personal gear. Lock up ALL valuables in your Troop Trailer especially during swim checks and during check-in day!
• Scouts and leaders should have medical forms and medications (if any) in hand on arrival for the medical check.
• The Scoutmaster should have all paperwork, receipt copies, campership lists and troop rosters etc. as indicated on “Leader’s Check-in Checklist” found in the Appendix.
Medical Check and Swim Test - Your troop will be scheduled when to report to the waterfront. All Scouts must report to the Health Lodge because the Health Officer team will meet your troop there and conduct the arrival medical screening. All Scouts and leaders must have their health form available and all medication in hand prior to the re-check with the Health Officer.
Immediately following the medical screening, all Scouts and leaders needing a swim check are then tested. If your troop has completed early-bird swim checks, the “Early Bird Swim Check Form” should be turned into the Aquatics staff so that buddy tags may be issued.
The rest of the check-in process includes issuance of camper bracelets, dining hall orientation, and an optional camp tour as well as ample time to set up your campsite. Remember your campsite is your home for the week.
Experience Tells Us
This is the collection of what experience has taught us regarding merit badges, advancement, and other camp items:
• Summer camp is NOT a merit badge factory where you pay a fee and get badges automatically. Instead, camp offers merit badges as one portion of the overall program. • The first year Scout camper should try no more than two merit badges.
• No Scout should plan to earn more than three merit badges in one week, unless he has completed most of the work required prior to camp.
• The most difficult merit badges to earn are those requiring a great deal of physical skill, coordination and stamina. These are Lifesaving, Rifle Shooting, Archery, Shotgun, Pottery, Search and Rescue
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• Complete advance written work at home. Camp is not an ideal setting for written work and the prepared Scout will arrive at camp with all written work already done.
• Plan time for your Scouts and leaders to enjoy Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation’s trails and lake area.
• You should come to camp prepared! Have patrols already organized. Work on ideas as patrols and have the patrol leaders represent the group at camp. Elect or appoint a camp Senior Patrol Leader for your time at camp if the troop’s regular SPL cannot attend. Come with some of your own activities planned.
• Your campsite is your home for the week, so work at making it comfortable. Bring banners and flags to dress it up.
• Schedule time for rest. That’s right, rest. Too often, Scouts and leaders don’t take time to sit and enjoy the beauty of camp around you. Don’t maintain such a feverish pace that you miss the trees, the nature, the fresh air and the magic of camp.
• A top troop shows spirit! The troop that comes to camp with ideas, spirit, and challenges will make the rest of camp come alive. Bring your troop cheer to camp and show everyone that you’re Number One. Proper wearing of the complete Scout uniform shows Scout spirit and is encouraged. Troop/camp t- shirts look neat and make a great daytime activity uniform.
• Be flexible. Each week, as many as 250 Scouts attend camp. While the staff is here to meet everyone’s needs, we all must practice the Scout Law in camp when dealing with others.
• Communicate. If you have a special need or want to do something spectacular, tell us about it and we’ll give it our best shot. Please let us know in advance. If you have an issue, please tell camp management right away. Give us a chance to fix it.
• Scouts should leave valuables at home. Watches, spending money, and other items of value should not be left in the shower room, program areas, or in an unattended campsite. Staff will not be responsible for care of these items.
• Scoutmasters should bring a footlocker or other lockable container to protect both Scout and leader valuables.
• One last thing. We want to make Rota-Kiwan one of the best camps in the nation. If you have any suggestions, we’ll gladly listen to you and your ideas.
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Schedule Overview
Merit badge and related activities at Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation are designed to fit into a five-day schedule. Merit Badge classes are held in a scheduled program format Monday through Friday. The camp wide Water Carnival will be held Friday afternoon.
Adult Leader/SPL Meetings
Initial Leader Meeting – Each troop is required to send a minimum of one adult leader and encouraged to send your SPL to the initial Adult Leader Meeting in the Firebowl at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Camp Director, Program Director, area directors, and commissioners will introduce themselves and will be available to answer your questions.
Daily Meetings – The adult leaders will also meet Monday thru Friday at 9:00 a.m. at the Dining Hall. Immediately following lunch, at 1:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday, the SPLs will also meet at the camp chapel area to discuss their responsibilities.
Evening Activities
There are a variety of evening activities. • On Sunday night the Kalamazoo Catholic Committee on Scouting will hold a scouts own chapel service at 7pm at the chapel. All are welcome to attend. Opening campfire will be held in Scout Firebowl following the SPL/ Scoutmaster meeting.
• Monday evening will start with Vespers at the camp chapel at 7:00 p.m.
• On Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. there will be a campwide Flag Retirement ceremony at the Scout fire bowl. Then at 7:30 p.m. on both evenings all the program areas will open. Your troop can schedule Troop Shoots, Sewing Classes in Handicraft. Observe blacksmithing demonstrations at Scoutcraft.
• Wednesday evenings are family night, Taste of Madron Dessert Contest, and Order of the Arrow ceremonies. Program areas are closed.
• On Thursday, all the program areas will open. Your troop can schedule Troop Shoots, Sewing Classes in Handicraft. Observe blacksmithing demonstrations at Scoutcraft.
• Friday evening is the closing campfire at the Scout Fire Bowl.
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Dining Hall Service
Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation’s Dining Hall feeds campers family style. Each troop appoints a “Jumper” for each meal. The jumper is responsible for setting up the table and cleaning up after the meal. Jumper duties will be explained during the camp orientation dining hall tour. The table assignments will be by campsite. It is important that campers remain at the same table for the week as moving back and forth between tables will create problems.
If there are any special dietary needs, these should be communicated to the camp using the “2015 Camp Accommodation Request” found in the appendix at least two weeks in advance so that the kitchen has enough time to ensure proper food preparation.
A limited number of meals for visitors are available. Meal prices are listed below:
Breakfast $5.00 Lunch $5.00 Dinner $5.00
*10 and under for any meal are free
Meal tickets may be purchased at the Trading Post. Reservations for guest meals must be made at least 24 hours ahead of the meal. If the dining hall is full, guest meals will be refused. Call the camp office at (269) 375-0027 to make reservations.
Taste of Madron Dessert Challenge
Meals are served in each campsite on. Wednesday. After dinner, is the Taste of Madron Dessert Challenge. The camp will provide a mystery food item that your troop must turn into a delectable dessert. A troop representative should come to the dining hall no later than Lunch on Wednesday to get this mystery ingredient. You will then have the afternoon to use your troop’s patrol box supplies (or supplies you go pick up in town) to create your one-of-a-kind dessert for tasting that evening. Make sure your entry is at the Scoutcraft area at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday night for the judging!
Flag Ceremonies
Flag raising is every morning at 7:50 a.m. and flag lowering is held at 5:50 p.m. each evening Troops are encouraged to take part and share in this ceremony and act as color guard during the week. Sign up at the SPL meeting with the Program Director.
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Family Night
Wednesday night is family night. We like to show off our camp to our parents and friends. Families participating in this event are encouraged to arrive at camp and meet up with their troops at about 5:30 p.m. Bring your own food
Please make sure your 21+-year-old visitors have their MI DHS Registry Clearance letters.
Although the program areas will not be conducting activities, camp staff will be in each area from 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. to answer any questions that parents and guests might have. Please show them around camp. This is a cook in site meal.
Weekly Schedules
Sunday Schedule
Time Activity 12:00 p.m. Check-in, medical check, swim check, and setup campsite 5:40p.m. Jumper call 5:50p.m. Assembly – Troops report to parade ground – retire colors (Class A uniform) 6:00 p.m. Dinner 7:30 p.m. Leader and SPL Meeting at Firebowl/ Optional Camp tour for new campers 9:00 p.m. Opening Campfire 11:00 p.m. Taps
Daily Schedule: Monday – Thursday
Time Activity 7:00 a.m. Reveille 7:40 a.m. Jumper call 7:50 a.m. Assembly – Troops report to parade ground - colors raised (Class B uniform) 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 –11:50 a.m. Morning Open Period and Merit Badge Classes 11:55 a.m. Jumper Call 12:15 p.m. Lunch 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Rest Period/SPL Meeting 2:00 – 2:50p.m. Merit Badge Classes 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Open Period 4:30 p.m.– 5:00 p.m. Mile Swim Practice 5:40 p.m. Jumper Call 5:50 p.m. Assembly – Troops report to parade ground – retire colors (Class A uniform) 6:00 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m. Evening Program 11:00 p.m. Taps
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Evening Schedule: Monday – Thursday
Day Time Activity Monday 7:00p.m. Scouts Own Church Service – Camp Chapel 7:30 p.m. Evening program – Troop boat/shoot/ 9:00 p.m. Program areas – close 11:00 p.m. Taps – Lights Out Tuesday Flag Retirement Ceremony – Scout Fire Bowl 7:00 p.m. Evening program – Troop boat/shoot/ Blacksmithing Demonstration in 7:30 p.m. Scoutcraft 8:00 p.m. Adult Cracker Barrel –Dining Hall 9:00 p.m. Program areas – close 11:00 p.m. Taps – Light Out Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Troops gather at Scoutcraft field for Taste of Madron Dessert Challenge 8:30 p.m. OA Call Out 11:00 p.m. Taps – Light Out Thursday Evening program – Troop boat/shoot/ Sewing Class in Handicraft 7:00 p.m. Tomahawk, Muzzelloader, and Knife Throwing Demo 7:30 p.m. Euchre Tourney Boy Scout Dining Hall 9:00 p.m. Program Areas Close 11:00 p.m. Taps – Light Out Friday Schedule
Time Activity 7:00 a.m. Reveille 7:40 a.m. Jumper call 7:50 a.m. Assembly – Troops report to parade ground – colors raised (Class B uniform) 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 – 11:50a.m. Morning Open Period and Merit Badge Classes 12:05 a.m. Jumper Call 12:15 p.m. Lunch 2:00 –3:00p.m. Afternoon Open Period and Merit Badge Classes (Sign-Offs) 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Water Carnival 5:00 – 5:40 p.m. Troop Time – Clean-up for Dinner 6:00 – 6:50 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m. Next Year Staff Meeting Camp Chapel 7:30 p.m. Merit Badge Review at Camp Chapel 7:45 – 8:45 p.m. Parents arrive and Troops prepare for closing campfire 9:00 p.m. Closing Campfire 11:00 p.m. Taps – Lights out
Saturday Schedule
Time Activity 7:00 a.m. Reveille 8:00 a.m. Breakfast – Continental style picked up at Dining Hall by Site Host 9:00 -10:00 a.m. Campsite Inspections/Check out
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While You Are at Camp
Adults During Camp Week
Be certain there is two-deep leadership in your campsite whenever Scouts are present. At no time should Scouts be in your campsite with an adult presence.
Visit classes periodically to observe your Scouts. If you want a progress report on your Scout, please talk with the merit badge counselor at any time
Check your mailbox in the Dining Hall every morning and afternoon for any camp updates. Camper mail will be delivered each morning at the leader’s meetings or is available for pickup in the camp office.
Watch your Scouts for dehydration. If they get headaches, homesick, or aren’t hungry – make them drink water. They are very likely to be dehydrated.
For many Scouts, this is their first time away from home. Listen and watch the needs of each camper closely to ensure the physical and emotional well being of the boys. Watch that they are eating properly. Be prepared to help deal with issues such as homesickness, low motivation, and “nighttime issues” (such as being scared of the dark). These issues are often best resolved by cooperation between the leaders and the staff, as opposed to making phone calls home or having parents visit which could result in the Scout leaving camp and Scouting, never to return.
With coffee always on, Scoutmasters and any adult leader can congregate in the Chapel for refuge and a chance to catch up on some of the paper work.
Volunteer your services where you have skills. Each adult leader who comes to camp brings special teaching abilities that can benefit the camp program. If you can assist in teaching or want to instruct a merit badge, please talk with the Program Director on Sunday.
Each week classes are available for adult leaders. Please see the chart on page 65. The class topics and timing will depend on leader requests. If you are interested, please consult the adult training schedule provided at check-in or ask a commissioner. Leaders may use their open swim for practical Safe Swim Defense experience. They can also complete the Mile Swim, or take Swimming and Water Rescue and/or Paddle Craft Safety.
Please attend the daily leader meetings at the Dining Hall following breakfast. Scoutmasters and other troop adult leaders will meet with the Camp Commissioner and other members of the camp management staff. This meeting takes place at the dining hall at 9:00 a.m. This meeting provides the troop leadership the opportunity to discuss problems with the camp staff, learn techniques, sign up for various activities, and learn more about summer camp at Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation. It is very
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important that one or more adult leaders from each troop be present at this daily meeting.
Make sure your SPL (or his designee) attends the daily Senior Patrol Leaders Meetings. This meeting also takes place at the Dining Hall at 1:00 p.m. This meeting serves to provide SPL’s with the information they need regarding campsite inspection, changes to the camp program, and other information. It is mandatory that each troop be represented at the SPL meeting each day.
Commissioner Services
One of the most important resources at camp is the Camp Commissioner staff. They are experienced Scouters who have volunteered their time to assist your troop during your summer camp adventure. They will be available to answer questions and to help coordinate the various activities during the week. Camp commissioners are a tremendous resource – if you need help with anything, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Your troops’ first contact with the Camp Commissioner will be a phone call at least a week prior to your arrival at camp to go over arrival instructions and any new or updated information.
The Commissioner will assist your troop in any program and advancement needs. Any problems should first be directed to the Commissioner. Your troop leadership corps is the first teachers in skills. However, the Commissioner staff will complement your staff in skill instruction. Both the Camp Commissioner and Camp Chaplain will have an office at the camp chapel.
Attention all Leaders – We are always looking for volunteers for the Camp Commissioner staff. Spend a week at camp on us in exchange for performing the duties of a Camp Commissioner. You will be tasked with assisting troops in their campsites and assisting staff in program areas. !
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Campsite Practices and Policies
The troop’s campsite arrangement and orderliness reflects upon the troop’s standards. Living in a clean and well-organized site helps a Scout feel pride in himself and Scouting.
Listed below are aspects of a well-established troop campsite. A Camp Commissioner will visit you and your site during the week. The Commissioner may share ideas with you about ways to improve your site. For your troop to be considered for the Camp Madron Spirit Award, your campsite should possess these attributes:
Campsite gateway constructed U.S. and troop flags displayed with troop identification. First aid kit available in a central location. Troop provided tents marked with “No Flame in Tent” sign or stencil. Campsite clean — litter free; personal items stored, surfaces clean. Trash bags emptied regularly – take to the dining hall or the campsite entrance for the Ranger staff to pick up. Bulletin board with roster, fireguard chart, emergency procedures, and program schedule information posted. Saw/axe yard separated from central site, marked, and adequate size. Patrol flags or other markings so patrol areas are clearly identifiable.
Clean Campsite
You will be expected to keep your campsite, latrine, and share in keeping your shower house clean. A water hose and broom will be issued to you from the camp quartermaster to help do this job. If you have trouble (leaky pipes, etc.), please report it to the Camp Commissioner. Although checked regularly by the Ranger staff, toilet tissue may be obtained from the Camp Commissioners. !
Shower House Cleaning
The three shower houses are associated with campsites. The campsite your troop is in determines which shower house it will use and is responsible for keeping clean. The chart below shows the shower house assignments and when each campsite is responsible for cleaning.
The camp staff will provision each shower house during the day (generally before noon). Troops are responsible for keeping their shower house clean. When it is your Troops turn to clean its shower house, be certain that all trash and paper is picked up and disposed of, the floor is swept and mopped, toilets unplugged and clean, and sinks unplugged and clean. Your Troop is responsible for cleaning both the youth and adult sides of the assigned shower house. Remember that your troop cannot check out until your shower house is clean!! Page 29 2015 Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Boy Scout Leader’s Guide
Shower House Assignments*
Shower House Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Pines Fremont Colter Bowie LaSalle Fremont Oaks Houghton Marquette Cody Bridger Houghton Tamaracks Houston Crocket Lewis Houston Crocket
* May be altered based upon number and location of campers. ! If repairs are necessary in the shower house, please turn in a work order. If damage from vandalism occurs, your troop is financially responsible for the cost of repairs. This cost will be allocated between the troops assigned to the shower house.
Tents
All troop-provided tents must be clearly marked with “NO FLAMES IN TENTS” labels or signs. !
Fires & Fuels
Ground fires are permitted during summer camp in a fire ring IF a burn ban is not in place. This will be covered at the Sunday night leader’s meeting. Liquid or propane fuels are to be used only under adult supervision. Liquid fuel containers must be stored under lock and key in the troop trailer or a leader’s personal vehicle. Under NO circumstances are they to be stored in the campsite. Liquid fuels cannot be used on open fires or to start a fire. !
Tools
We have an assortment of tools for your use. Check them out from the Quartermaster when you need them. The Dining Hall Steward also serves as the Quartermaster. Return all tools promptly after you have finished with them so others can use them. All equipment checked out to your troop must be returned or paid for before you leave camp.
Patrol Camping Areas
MAKE PATROL CAMPING AREAS. Your campsite is your home for the week so work at making it comfortable by bringing banners and flags to dress it up.
THE SCOUT is helped to meet his own personal advancement goals by the design of the merit badge programs. In addition, awards are handed out during the week to individuals who demonstrate particular skills in certain areas.
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THE PATROL method is basic to good Scouting. Baden-Powell once said that the patrol was the secret of success in Scouting. There must be certain activities for which the patrol has complete responsibility. Typical activities that can be handled by patrols under general troop supervision are camp craft, contest practice, camp improvement, hiking, basic instruction and troop activities. Leadership development and an increase in Scout spirit are positive results from the use of the patrol method.
Patch
Each Scout and paid leader will receive a distinctive Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation patch that may be worn on the right pocket of a Class-A uniform as a temporary patch. The troop will also receive a participation ribbon for the troop flagpole.
Work Orders
Put It In Writing – If your campsite needs a repair or you notice any camp facility needing maintenance, please turn in an RK Work Order to the camp office. Work orders are available in your campsite notebook, the camp office, the dining hall, or from a camp commissioner.
The Ranger or an assistant will be informed and the repair made as soon as possible. The Work Orders help camp management track and prioritize camp maintenance issues.
Provisional Campers
If a Scout isn't able to come to camp with his troop he can still be a part of the Rota- Kiwan Scout Reservation camping experience. Under the provisional plan, a Scout can sign up to come out to camp and be placed in a troop with experienced leadership. This plan also makes it possible for a Scout to enjoy a second week at camp. It does not matter which week!
Hopefully, if we are made aware soon enough, we can arrange for the provisional Scout and his parents to meet the Scouts and Scouters from the provisional troop and attend the troop’s camp preparation meetings.
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Visitors at Camp
We do not encourage visitors at camp with the exception of Family Night on Wednesday night!
During the course of a Scout’s week at summer camp, he is involved in many activities. It is our experience that visiting family members and friends serve as a distraction both to the Scout and the staff – unless visitors are coming out for a special troop program, such as a Court of Honor. All visitors are required to check-in at the camp office upon entering the camp property, must turn in a State of Michigan Registry Clearance form, and be issued a visitor ID bracelet. Any visiting adult NOT in possession of a Michigan DHS Clearance Form must be escorted through camp by an adult who has been cleared! Therefore, if you have a visitor in camp without clearance, the Commissioner will need one of your troop adults to serve as this escort.
All visitors are expected to park in the Oaks shower house parking lot and walk to the campsites. Scouts who are leaving camp with a parent or guardian should meet the parent or guardian at the camp office and sign out.
Trading Post
The Trading Post is located next to the camp office. The store offers a variety of camp souvenirs, patches, camping supplies, handicraft items, snacks and beverages. The Trading Post will have camp T-shirts and signature slushie cups again this year. The Trading Post hours are as follows:
Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m. and after the campfire until 10:30 p.m.
Monday-Thursday 8:45-11:45 a.m. and 1:00-5:00 p.m. and 7:00-10:30 p.m. (The Trading Post will be closed during vespers.)
Friday 8:45-11:45 a.m. and 1:00-5:00 p.m. and 6:45-8:30 p.m. (The Trading Post will open after the campfire until all are served.)
Saturday 8:15-10:00 a.m. ! ! ! CAMP%SHIRTS%WILL%BE%AVAILABLE%IN%THE%TRADING%POST.%% PRE5CAMP%ORDER%FORMS%WILL%BE%AVAILABLE%ON%MCC%WEBSITE%% !
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Meal Reservations for Guests
Please either send your reservations and payment with your Scoutmaster to be turned in during check-in or pay the fee at the Trading Post. Trading Post personnel will be able to tell you if the meal has room for guests.
If a parent or leader is visiting camp and have not paid the weekly fee, please sign up and pay at the Trading Post. You will be given a ticket that camp personnel will collect in the Dining Hall.
Bikes at Camp
Feel free to bring your own bikes and helmets to camp. Bikes must be in good working order.
Helmets are REQUIRED to be worn any time your bike is in motion – even around the campsite. If a Scout or adult is caught on a bike without the helmet on and secured, the bike will IMMEDIATELY be confiscated, to be returned at checkout. It is recommended that you bring a bike lock as well. Bikes are to be ridden on the roads only – not paths.
Senior Patrol Leader ! Each troop’s Senior Patrol Leader is a part of the “Senior Patrol Leader’s Council” which meets with the Program Director each day, or as scheduled. At these meetings, campwide activities are planned and important camp information is discussed. If your Senior Patrol Leader is unable to attend camp with your troop, your troop should elect a “camp” Senior Patrol leader.
Lost and Found
All “found” items are to be turned in to the camp office. If an item is “lost” be sure to check the camp office before you depart. !
Buddy System
The buddy system should be used in all camp activities, at all times. A Scout should never be alone. Staff will be on the lookout for Scouts by themselves. Troop leadership will be informed.
Camp Speed Limit is 15 MPH
Speed limit in camp is 15 mph and we ask that you demonstrate regard for the safety of campers. If you are raising a dust cloud, you are driving too fast.
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A Scout is Reverent!
Grace ! During the adult leader meeting Sunday evening, troops will be asked to volunteer to lead the camp in grace before meals. Troops will provide a representative following the program notes after morning or evening flag ceremonies or in the dining hall before lunch is served. This representative will lead the camp in an appropriate grace before the meal. The Philmont Grace is always appropriate at Rota-Kiwan. Other graces may be used but troop leaders should be sure they are appropriate for the variety of religious beliefs that are present at Rota-Kiwan. If you have any questions, you may check with the Camp Chaplain, the Camp Program Director, or Camp Commissioner.
Religious Dietary Needs
While the staff of Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation is sensitive to the religious dietary needs of our campers, some special meals, with a two-week notice may be prepared for those with dietary concerns. Some sensitive dietary needs will not be able to be accommodated by the camp’s cooking staff. For this, a storage space in a kitchen refrigerator and access to a microwave will be provided for Scout use. An adult must accompany the Scout in the kitchen area. Menus can be provided 2 weeks prior to the start of camp. Please contact the Camp Director for menu information.
Scout Vesper’s Service
Please encourage Scouts to attend the Vesper Service held Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the camp chapel. If your Chaplain’s Aide or other Scouts wish to participate in the service, please contact the Camp Chaplain in advance. All are welcome to attend.
Camp Chaplain ! There will be a Chaplain in camp. The Chaplain will: • Lead the Monday evening vesper service at the camp chapel.
• Acquaint Scouts and leaders with the religious awards program of the Boy Scouts of America.
• Facilitate “Rota-Kiwan Scout of Faith Award” classes.
• Conduct “Chaplain Aide” training upon request.
• Make frequent visits to campsites to offer assistance to troops as they deal with homesick Scouts.
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Advancement in Camp
The troop program should be designed to enable every Scout to advance one rank while in camp. Advancement, like the rest of the camp program, should be fun; no program should be so rigorous that it “takes the fun out of it” for the Scout.
A Scout learns - A Scout is tested - A Scout is reviewed - A Scout is recognized
Advancement in camp happens through program! Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation offers your troop numerous ways to advance, from the new Scout all the way through to the seasoned veteran working on his last few merit badges for Eagle.
In the this section of this guide you will find a list of all the merit badges offered at camp along with the prerequisites that should be done by the Scout before he comes to camp.
The staff is trained in the areas they are serving. They will instruct your Scouts in advancement; and will certify that the Scout has received the instruction, but the troop has the final word of approval on all advancement. Scouts are expected to earn the badges they are attempting.
Merit Badge Application & Record
Each Scoutmaster is responsible to maintain a record of the merit badges his Scouts are taking during the week at camp. At the end of the week, both signed “blue cards” and list of any partial completions will be provided in the checkout packet. Leaders are encouraged to check with merit badge counselors throughout the week on the progress of their Scouts.
Board of Review
Boards of Review can be conducted in camp by your own troop, followed by a formal Court of Honor during the closing days of camp. Any troops wanting to conduct Board of Reviews for their boys at camp may coordinate with your Camp Commissioner. The Commissioner keeps a list of available leaders that can help during your week at camp.
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Merit Badge Classes
Classes at Rota-Kiwan are conducted in a scheduled format. With very few exceptions, Scouts can attend any area at any time during the scheduled periods to obtain instruction from the merit badge counselors.
It this important to understand that this type of schedule allows your Scout a better chance to customize their individual experience and activities. However, the Scout has more responsibility to work on the requirements on their own and to ask merit badge counselors for guidance, rather that sit in the traditional “lecture format”. This will require the leaders to take a more active role in helping younger and more easily distracted Scouts to stay on task, but creates a great environment for teaching Scouts self-control and responsibility.
There may be some scheduled time for some instruction that is best conducted in a class format. Those times will be determined by the merit badge counselors on a subjective basis. All merit badge sign-ups will be for “open enrollment”.
You can save yourself a lot of disappointment and increase your enjoyment of summer camp by reading the requirements for merit badges and completing many of the written requirements before attending camp. Bring the completed work with you. Study the requirements in the merit badge books before summer camp so you can plan your summer camp experience in a manner that is consistent with your goals, experience, and abilities. Merit badges in camp are earned just as they are back home. These are the steps:
1. The Scout discusses merit badge topic with his Scoutmaster and receives a signed blue card to indicate that he is eligible to earn the merit badge. Only badges offered at camp should be requested. These applications (also called “blue cards”) are available at Council Scout Shop’s or, if need be, the camp office. 2. In camp, the Scout attends class with the appropriate counselor for each badge. Together they review all requirements and agree on a plan of action to complete all them. 3. The Scout should plan out a personal schedule, allowing himself ample time to work on the merit badge and have its requirements signed off by the counselor.
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First-Year Camper Program
Pedro Patrol
The Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation staff is committed to helping you, the troop leader, in your goal to have each new Scout attain the First Class rank in one year. The Pedro Patrol is set up to assist any new and/or younger camper work on the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class.
We recommend First Year Scouts sign up for the Pedro Patrol fun, offered in the morning. In addition, First Year Scouts will have the opportunity to work on and earn up to 2 merit badges during the afternoon merit badge period. Please make sure that your Scouts select these badges prior to coming to camp and complete any pre- requisites that may be necessary. Most Scouts who take advantage of this program complete almost all of the rank requirements for the Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class ranks. They will be introduced to all of the areas in camp while in the Pedro Patrol, plus, get to save the Camp Director from drowning and get a chance to make some cool stuff.
But our staff does not intend to take the place of the troop’s adult leadership or junior leaders when it comes to skills instruction and “signing off” on requirements. We are here to assist you. If your troop, for example, asks two of your assistants or junior leaders to instruct some Scouts in Tenderfoot requirement #10, (identify local poisonous plants and tell how to treat for exposure to them) those leaders should take the Scouts to the Ecology/Conservation Area. There they can work with them alone or can seek assistance from one of the staff members.
Please remember that it is the leader's responsibility to sign off the requirements in the Boy Scout Handbook. However, the camp staff will provide the leaders with a list of completed requirements.
If your Scouts are planning on taking the Swimming merit badge be certain they are strong swimmers. We want all 1st year campers to be successful and have the very best camp experience they can have.
% A%schedule%for%Pedro%Patrol%will%be%added%to%the%MCC% Website%once%completed%% ! ! ! ! ! !
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Program Areas
The following pages will tell you what each Scout can encounter during his stay at camp. Also included later is a listing of what prerequisites (if any) need to be completed before the Scout comes to camp. This will assist you in planning your troop camp program. Please note that some specific program offerings or details may change between the time this guide prints and your troop arrives in camp. Please check the council website for any updates. We will notify you of any changes upon your arrival or earlier if possible.
Aquatics
The Aquatic Area staff has set up numerous features for your troop's advancement and enjoyment. The Scouts have many programs they can attend and the waterfront also offers a daily period of instructional swim so that beginners and learners among your group can work on their aquatic skills.
Upon arrival, all Scouts and leaders will be classified as one of the following swimming abilities:
• Learner [WHITE]: Persons who are unable or do not want to swim.
• Beginner [RED]: To be classified as a beginner, you must jump feet first in to the water, surface, level off, and swim for 25 feet using any stroke, turning mid-water, and swim back 25 feet to the starting point, for a total of 50 feet.
• Swimmer [BLUE]: To be classified as a swimmer, you must jump feet first in to water over your head, surface and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes - crawl, trudgeon, breast, or side stroke. Then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. You must then show your ability to float with a minimum of motion.
Summer camp is ideal for earning hard to get merit badges like those offered here in our Aquatic area. Nowhere else are the action packed adventures offered at our waterfront more easily accessible than here at summer camp. Participants at the waterfront may swim in their classified area or a lower area only. Only swimmers may use boats. However, a beginner or learner is allowed to be a passenger in a rowboat. A safe waterfront area requires that every person follow the rules that are in effect for the area.
You must be classified as a “swimmer” to work on any aquatics merit badges. The waterfront offers a variety of opportunities for all levels of swimming abilities.
• Mile swim practice — On Monday through Wednesday from 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. This is a mandatory practice for the mile swim. The mile swim will occur on Thursday, at 1:00 p.m. with a weather make-up day available on Friday.
Page 38 2015 Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Boy Scout Leader’s Guide
• Instructional swim — Monday – Thursday afternoons from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. the Aquatic staff is ready to help your Scouts. From basic swimming skills, endurance building, help with floating, and additional evaluations, we will have your Scouts become better swimmers.
• Swimming — Open swimming is available for all campers from 3:00- 5:00p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
• Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense — will be offered to all adult leaders. These training session times will be announced at the Sunday night leader’s meeting. Certification is valid for two years.
Open Boating
Boating will be open throughout the day during open program times except when specific boats are needed for merit badge instruction. For example, if a Scout or Scouts come down to work on the Canoeing MB, they will take precedent over open boating. Other times may be restricted due to staff availability. Scheduled open boating time is from 3:00 p.m. –5:00 p.m. and during evening program time on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Opportunities for Advancement in the Aquatics Area
Second Class Requirement 7 First Class Requirement 9
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Page 39 2015 Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Boy Scout Leader’s Guide
Aquatics Program Area Activity Chart
Pre- Times Offered & Activity Description requisites Capacities No Boy Scout will ignore a plea for help. However, the desire to help is of little use unless one knows how to give the proper aid. The main purpose of the Lifesaving merit Pass the badge is to prepare Scouts to assist those 9am-9: 50am BSA Swim involved in water accidents, teaching them the 11am-11: 50pm Test basic knowledge of rescue techniques, the Lifesaving skills to perform them, and the judgment to Cap 8 know when and how to act so that they can be prepared for emergencies. Swimming is a leisure activity, a competitive sport, and a basic survival skill. Scouts who 9am-9:50am Pass the earn this badge will learn about safety when 10am-10:50am BSA Swim swimming and diving, how swimming can 11am-11:50am Test 2pm-2:50pm contribute to overall fitness and health, and Swimming gain some basic competitive swimming skills. Cap 30 Recommended only for strong swimmers – requires additional practice times daily. Must be classified as a “Swimmer”. To complete the Mile Swim, Scouts must report to the Pass the 4:30pm-5pm waterfront each day at 1pm. They will start BSA Swim with shorter distances to gain strength and to Test No Cap practice, with the aim of achieving a mile on Mile Swim BSA Thursday, and a weather make up on Friday This is not a merit badge. The Snorkeling BSA requirements introduce Scouts and adult leaders to the special skills, equipment, and safety precautions associated with snorkeling; encourage the development Pass the 3pm-5pm of aquatics skills that promote fitness and BSA Swim recreation; and provide a foundation for those Test No Cap who later will participate in more advanced Snorkeling BSA underwater activity. This is not a merit badge.
For Scouts who are not able to swim – yet.
This class will focus on swimming basics, with 3pm-5pm the aim of getting the Scout to the point of None being able to pass the Beginner level swim No Cap test. This is not a merit badge. Learner Swim This class is aimed at Scouts who were classified as “Beginners” in the swim check. This basic swimming instruction is intended to 3pm-5pm Beginner build confidence and skill, with the goal of Swimmer getting the Scout to the point of being able to No Cap pass the swim check. Beginner Swim This is not a merit badge.
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Waterfront Activities (on Bass Lake)
Rota&Kiwan!Scout!Reservation!offers!four!watercraft!merit!badges:!Canoeing,!Kayaking! Rowing,!and!Small!Boat!Sailing.!All!Scouts!must!be!classified!as!a!“Swimmer”!in!order!to! participate!in!any!aquatic!merit!badge!class.! ! Times offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities For several centuries, the canoe was a primary method of travel for explorers and settlers. Today, it remains an important part of the Pass the BSA 9am-9:50am wilderness experience and an enjoyable leisure Swim Test 10am-10:50am
activity that teaches communication, teamwork, Canoeing and physical fitness. Cap 18 Kayaking has become one of the fastest- growing paddlesports in the United States. An estimated nine million Americans enjoy this 11am-11:50am port. The most popular style of kayaking is 2pm-2:50pm recreational kayaking followed by touring/sea Pass the BSA kayaking, and whitewater kayaking. This merit Swim Test Cap 12 badge will introduce Scouts to recreational Kayaking kayaking and help prepare them for advanced paddlesports such as touring/sea and whitewater kayaking.
Rowing is fun, but is harder than 9am-9:50am Pass the BSA canoeing. Scouts will need physical 2pm-2:50pm Swim Test strength and coordination. Cap 14
Rowing
10am-10:50am Must have previous boating experience. 2pm-2:50pm This is for Experienced Scouts – Pass the BSA Recommended for third year campers or at Swim Test Cap 6 least 13 years old. Small Boat Sailing
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Scoutcraft
The Scoutcraft Area is the hub of all activity in camp. Scoutcraft teaches the skills that make regular kids into Scouts! From the youngest Scout to the Eagle candidate, everyone interested in doing “Scout Stuff” will find what they need here. Here the Scouts can learn the camp crafts of our forefathers; outdoor cooking, pioneering, map and compass work, and the proper use of the knife and axe. Scouts come to the Scoutcraft Area to work on merit badges as well as to spend time learning exciting outdoor skills.
Scouts interested in the Scoutcraft merit badges are strongly encouraged to be First Class Scouts or above, as they will be required to recall several skills learned on their trail from Tenderfoot.
Times Activity Description Pre-requisites Offered & Capacities Camping is one of the best-known methods of the Scouting movement. When he founded the Scouting movement in the early 1900s, Robert Baden-Powell encouraged every Scout to learn the 9a, 9b 10am-10:50am art of living out-of-doors. He believed a young 11am-11:50am person able to take care of himself while camping Camping would have the confidence to meet life's other No Cap challenges, too.
Chess is a two-player strategy board game played on a chessboard, a checkered gameboard with 9am-9:50am 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. It is 10am-10:50am one of the world's most popular games, played by None 11am-11:50am millions of people worldwide in homes, parks, clubs, online, by correspondence, and No Cap Chess in tournaments. This merit badge will teach Scouts the basics of the game.
The Cooking merit badge introduces principles of cooking that can be used both at home or in the outdoors. Scouts who earn this badge will learn 10am-10:50am about food safety, nutritional guidelines, meal 7 2pm-2:50pm planning, and methods of food preparation, and will review the variety of culinary (or cooking) careers Cap. 20 Cooking available.
The ability to use fire safely is essential to human survival. By earning this merit badge, Scouts will 9am-9:50am learn to uses fire safely and responsibly, how to 11 11am-11:50am prevent home fires, and how to handle fire safely, as well as burn prevention, and camping safety. Fire Safety No Cap
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Times Activity Description Pre-requisites Offered & Capacities The word geocache is a combination of "geo," which means "earth," and "cache," which means "a hiding place." Geocaching describes a hiding place 10am-10:50am on planet Earth - a hiding place you can find using 2pm-2:50pm a GPS unit. A GPS (Global Positioning System) 8, 9 unit is an electronic tool that shows you where to No Cap go based on information it gets from satellites in Geocaching space. Scouts learn the basics of this growing outdoor sport. Scouts will begin their work on this merit badge by learning about the properties of metal, how to use simple metalworking tools, and the basic 3pm-5pm metalworking techniques. Then they will practice None using these tools and techniques before 12 concentrating on the more intricate skills of one of Metalwork four metalworking options.
Orienteering, the use of map and compass to find 9am-9:50am locations and plan a journey, has been a vital skill 11am-11:50am for humans for thousands of years. Orienteering is
also a recognized sport at the Olympic Games, and None No Cap thousands of people participate in the sport each Orienteering year in local clubs and competitions. Pioneering—the knowledge of ropes, knots, and splices along with the ability to build rustic structures by lashing together poles and spars—is 10am-10:50am among the oldest of Scouting's skills. Practicing 2pm-2:50am rope use and completing projects with lashings 2a also allow Scouts to connect with past generations, No Cap ancestors who used many of these skills as they Pioneering sailed the open seas and lived in America's forests and prairies. 9am-9:50am In their outdoor activities, Scouts learn to bring the 11am-11:50am clothing and gear they need, to make good plans, Bring materials and do their best to manage any risks. But now and Thurs. Night then, something unexpected happens. When things for Req. #5 with Overnighter go wrong, the skills of wilderness survival can help you to camp Wilderness make everything right again. No Cap Survival
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Handicraft Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation boasts one of the best-staffed and equipped Handicraft Areas in the nation. Handicraft is the area in camp where a Scout may try his skills at leather tooling, woodcarving, basket weaving, and craft braiding for earning merit badges or just as a project for his own enjoyment. This area features basketry and leatherwork merit badges, and is open to all Scouts. The Woodcarving merit badge is designed for older Scouts. Totin’ chip is required for all those interested in Woodcarving. Materials necessary for these classes will be available in the Handicraft Area.
All of the tools and paints needed for projects are provided in the handicraft shelter
Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities
This merit badge concentrates on two- dimensional art, specifically drawing and 9am-9:50am painting in various media, including an None 11am-11:50am introduction to design applications in the fields of graphic arts and industrial design, history No Cap Art and design principles, and how these fields relate to fine art. Basketry is a handy skill for a Scout. A basket can be a sturdy companion on campouts, carrying clothes snugly and efficiently, holding 10am-10:50am potatoes and corn for roasting over a 2pm-2:50pm campfire, or carrying the day's fishing catch None back to camp for dinner. Baskets and basket- No Cap Basketry weaving projects also make great gifts for family and friends. In earning the Fingerprinting merit badge, Scouts will learn about and use an important technique that is used by law enforcement 9am-9:50am officers, along with other materials like None 11am-11:50am matching dental records and DNA sampling, to help identify amnesia victims, missing No Cap Fingerprinting persons, abducted children, and others. Far different from the stereotypes or common images that are portrayed on film, on television, and in many books and stories, 3pm-4pm American Indians have many different 4pm-5pm cultures, languages, religions, styles of dress, None and ways of life. To learn about these different No Cap groups is to take an exciting journey of Indian Lore discovery in which you will meet some of America's most fascinating peoples.
Scouts who complete the requirements to earn the Leatherwork merit badge will explore leather's history and its endless uses. They 10am-10:50am will learn to make a useful leather item using 2pm-2:50pm the same types of raw materials that our None ancestors used; be challenged to master skills No Cap like hand-stitching, lacing, and braiding.; and Leatherwork learn how to preserve and protect leather items so they will last a lifetime and beyond.
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Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities
The Pottery merit badge provides an introduction to pottery making, enabling 9am-9:50am Scouts to gain skill and understanding from 7a or 7b or 7c 11am-11:50am actually creating pottery. Completing the requirements will include hands-on production Cap 12 Pottery of a work of art, from start to finish.
As with any art, wood carving involves
learning the basics of design, along with 10am-10:50am material selection and tools and techniques, 2pm-2:50pm as well as wood-carving safety. The Totin’ Chip Card requirements of the Wood Carving merit No Cap Wood badge introduce Scouts to an enjoyable hobby Carving and that can become a lifetime activity.
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Fine Arts
The Fine Arts Program Area is located in Oaks Cabin. In this area we offer merit badges that encompass some of the finer of the disciplines: Music, Photography, Cinematography, Journalism, and new this year – Graphic Arts, are offered in this area. Our counselors are trained and excel in these areas.
The merit badges here will take a lot of time, but the time spent is usually outside of the classroom venue. If you have them, please bring your own digital cameras, camcorders, laptops, etc. This equipment will be available at camp but in limited supply. Secure storage will be provided in the Fine Arts Program Area.
Depending on the merit badge Scouts should bring the things they need. For Cinematography they’ll need a sketch pad and pencils, for music they’ll need blank sheet music. Blank DVDs, CDs or other office supplies will be provided. The Cinematography and Photography merit badge classes will be producing the final campfire video.
Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities
Technology has come a long way since
Computers merit badge was first introduced 9am-9:50am in 1967. This badge will teach Scouts about 6 11am-11:50am technology in the digital age.
Digital Technology No Cap Electricity is a powerful and fascinating force of nature. As early as 600 BC, observers of the physical world suspected that electricity 10am-10:50am existed but did not have a name for it. In fact, None 2pm-2:50pm real progress in unraveling the mystery of electricity has come only within the last 250 No Cap Electricity years.
Electronics is the science that controls the 9am-9:50am behavior of electrons so that some type of 11am-11:50am useful function is performed. Today, None electronics is a fast-changing and exciting No Cap field. Electronics
The field of graphic arts includes many kinds of work in the printing and publishing 10am-10:50am industries. Graphic arts professionals are 2pm-2:50am involved in the creation of all kinds of printed None communication, from business cards to books No Cap to billboards. The scope of printing Graphic Arts communications is huge.
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Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities
Inventing involves finding technological solutions to real-world problems. Inventors understand the importance of inventing to 9am-9:50am society because they creatively think of ways 3c, 6, 7, 8a or 11am-11:50am to improve the lives of others. Explore the 8b world of inventing through this new merit No Cap Inventing badge, and discover your inner inventiveness.
One thing is for sure about journalism: It is never boring. For a reporter, almost every 10am-10:50am day is different from the last. One day you 2pm-2:50pm might interview the mayor of the city, the next None day report on a car accident, and the day No Cap Journalism after that preview a new movie.
Moviemaking includes the fundamentals of producing motion pictures, including the use of effective light, accurate focus, careful 9am-9:50am composition (or arrangement), and 2pm-2:50pm appropriate camera movement to tell stories. None In earning the badge, Scouts will also learn to No Cap develop a story and describe other pre- and Moviemaking post-production processes necessary for making a quality motion picture. The history of music is rich and exciting. Through the ages, new music has been created by people who learned from tradition, 10am-10:50am then explored and innovated. All the great 3 2pm-2:50pm music has not yet been written. Today, the possibilities for creating new music are No Cap Music limitless. Beyond capturing family memories, photography offers a chance to be creative. Many photographers use photography to express their creativity, using lighting, composition, depth, color, and content to None 9am-9:50am make their photographs into more than 2pm-2:50pm snapshots. Good photographs tell us about a Photography person, a news event, a product, a place, a No Cap scientific breakthrough, an endangered animal, or a time in history. Bring Own Camera While earning the Theater merit badge, Scouts will learn to appreciate live performances as members of the audience 11am-11:50am as well as go behind the footlights to see the 1 view from the other side. Much more goes on No Cap in theater than ever meets the audience's Theater eye.
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Shooting Sports
Archery and rifle ranges gives Scouts a chance to use the tools of our forefathers and earn the Archery, Shotgun Shooting or Rifle Shooting Merit Badges. Our Shooting Sports Director oversees all the shooting ranges on the Rota-Kiwan and is N.R.A. and B.S.A. certified in the instruction of all the Scout shooting programs.
Your Scouts and you will have fun with our shotguns; black powder muzzle loaders; single shot .22 caliber rifles; or testing your skill with our archery equipment. Note: Due to standards set by the B.S.A. and the State of Michigan, only firearms, bows, arrows and ammunition issued by our Range Director can be used on our ranges. Please do not bring personal firearms, bows, arrows, or ammunition to camp.
Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities
9am-9:50am Archery is a fun way for Scouts to exercise 10am-10:50am minds as well as bodies, developing a steady 11am-11:50am hand, a good eye, and a disciplined mind. This 2pm-2:50pm merit badge can provide a thorough introduction None to those who are new to the bow and arrow—but even for the experienced archer, earning the Archery badge can help to increase the understanding and appreciation of archery. Open Shoot Cap 8
Unless a rifle is handled incorrectly or recklessly, 9am-9:50am it is not dangerous. A rifle, like any other 10am-10:50am precision instrument, is manufactured to perform 11am-11:50am a specific task and can do so at no risk to the None 2pm-2:50pm user or others. By earning this badge, Scouts can develop their shooting skills while learning Open Shoot Rifle safe practices. Cap 15
9am-9:50am 10am-10:50am A shotgun is a precision instrument, designed to 11am-11:50am shoot a shot charge in a specific pattern to cover Rife MB 2pm-2:50pm a designated area at a certain distance. Unlike a rifle, the bore of the shotgun is not rifled, so the Recommended Open Shoot shot emerging from the muzzle is not spinning. Cap 8 Shotgun
Open and Troop Shoots Open Program Times Monday – Thursday, 3:00-5:00 p.m. is open shooting.
Monday and Tuesday evenings, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Shooting Demonstrations
Scoutmaster – SPL shooting matches and troop shoots can be arranged with the Range Officers.
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Ecology/Conservation (Nature)
Our Ecology/Conservation Program Area offers Scouts the opportunity to see living displays of wildlife indigenous to our environment, along with hundreds of hands on materials Scouts can learn from. The nature area is located at the foot of the Dining Hall and is nestled in a shaded area of deciduous trees. In other words, at the Ecology/Conservation area, the weather's cool, and the staff's cool.
Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities In learning about astronomy, Scouts study how activities in space affect our own planet and bear witness to the wonders of the night sky: the 8pm-9pm nebulae, or giant clouds of gas and dust where None with Thu Star new stars are born; old stars dying and Gazing Session exploding; meteor showers and shooting stars; Astronomy the moon, planets, and a dazzling array of stars. Cap 14 Birds are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth. Many are beautifully colored. Others are accomplished singers. Many of the most Individual important discoveries about birds and how they 8 live have been made by amateur birders. In No Cap pursuing this hobby, a Scout might someday Bird Study make a valuable contribution to our understanding of the natural world.
9am-9:50am While earning the Environmental Science merit 10am-10:50am badge, Scouts will get a taste of what it is like to 11am-11:50am be an environmental scientist, making 6 2pm-2:50pm observations and carrying out experiments to Environmental investigate the natural world. Cap 24 Science
In Scouting for Boys, Baden-Powell offers this advice: "Every Scout ought to be able to fish in 10am-10:50am order to get food for himself. A tenderfoot who None 11am-11:50am starved on the bank of a river full of fish would look very silly, yet it might happen to one who No Cap Fishing had never learned to catch fish."
Wildlife management is the science and art of managing the wildlife—both animals and fish— 11am-11:50am with which we share our planet. Maintaining the proper balance and the dynamics that go with it No Cap requires humankind's attention. We use this stewardship tool to help minimize or eradicate None Fish & Wildlife the possibility of extinction of any given species. Management We want our descendants to have the opportunity to experience the same animal diversity that we now enjoy.
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Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities In working through the Forestry merit badge requirements, Scouts will explore the remarkable complexity of a forest and identify many species of trees and plants and the roles they play in a forest's life cycle. They will also discover some of 5(A) or 5(B) 2pm-2:50pm the resources forests provide to humans and No Cap come to understand that people have a very Forestry large part to play in sustaining the health of forests.
In earning the Insect Study merit badge, Scouts
will glance into the strange and fascinating world of the insect. There, they will meet tiny creatures Individual with tremendous strength and speed, see insects 7 that undergo startling changes in habits and form No Cap as they grow, and learn how insects see, hear, Insect Study taste, smell, and feel the world around them.
A mammal may weigh as little as 1/12 ounce, as do some shrews, or as much as 150 tons, like the blue whale. It may spring, waddle, swim, or 9am-9:50am even fly. But if it has milk for its young, has hair None of some kind, is relatively intelligent, and has No Cap Mammal warm blood, then it is a mammal. Study
There is a very close connection between the soil, the plants, and all animal life, including 10am-10:50am people. Understanding this connection, and the 11am-11:50am impact we have upon it, is important to 4a2 preserving the wilderness, as well as to our own No Cap Nature well-being as members of the web of nature.
Boys always have been interested in snakes, turtles, lizards, and alligators, as well as frogs and salamanders. Developing knowledge about these captivating creatures leads to an 9am-9:50am appreciation for all native wildlife; understanding the life cycle of a reptile or amphibian and 8 No Cap Reptile & keeping one as a pet can be a good introduction Amphibian to natural history; and knowing about venomous species can help Scouts to be prepared to help Study in case of an emergency.
Meteorology is the study of Earth's atmosphere and its weather and the ways in which temperature, wind, and moisture act together in 10am-10:50am the environment. In addition to learning how None everyday weather is predicted, Scouts can learn No Cap about extreme weather such as thunderstorms, Weather tornadoes, and hurricanes, and how to stay safe.
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Eagles’ Nest
Program in this area is recommended for boys that are Star Rank and above. This program area is similar to the first-year program offered by the Pedro Patrol; a place for the older boys to experience advanced skills. This will include demonstrations in addition to working on the merit badges. Camp can be a great place to work on some of those hard Eagle required merit badges that can be difficult to work on at home. Eagles’ Nest also offers a few merit badges that are “just for fun” as they appeal to boys in this age group.
Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities
The United States is a nation of immigrants. Every 9am-9:50am person came to America from somewhere else—or 2pm-2:50pm their ancestors did—and understanding these various 1,5 cultural backgrounds can help Scouts to live in No Cap harmony with others in our varied and increasingly American Cultures multicultural society.
Every Scout swears to an oath that includes duty to his country. A better understanding of American heritage, 9am-9:50am the ways in which the past has lead to our present 3c, 4b or 4c or 11am-11:50am nation, is key to truly knowing what it means to be an 4d or 4e American. No Cap
American Heritage
As Scouts fulfill the requirements for this merit badge, they will learn how to become active citizens are 10am-10:50am aware of and grateful for their liberties and rights, to 2a or 2b or 2c, 2pm-2:50pm participate in their governments and protect their 3 freedom, helping to defend their country and standing 20 Cap Citizenship in the up for individual rights on behalf of all its citizens. Nation
Scouts who earn the Citizenship in the World merit badge will discover that they are already citizens of the 10am-10:50am world. How good a world citizen each person is 11am-11:50am depends on his willingness to understand and None
appreciate the values, traditions, and concerns of 20 Cap Citizenship in the people in other countries. World This clear and concise definition comes from the U.S. Department of Education: "Communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings 9am-9:50am within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, 5 2pm-2:50pm and media. The field of communication promotes the effective and ethical practice of human 20 Cap Communication communication.
10am-10:50am Learn the ins and outs of how your favorite video 5, 6, 7 11am-11:50am game is designed. No Cap Game Design
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Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities
Fitness is the capacity to achieve the best quality of life possible. Personal fitness is your individual effort and desire to be the best you can be. If you are fit, 9am-9:50am you are healthy. In this merit badge, Scouts will think 1, 7, 8 2pm-2:50pm about how their body works in various situations and about things that affect their quality of life. Personal No Cap Personal Fitness fitness is not just physical. A lot happens during the course of every person's life and your ability to communicate your feelings and ideas is the best way to connect to the larger world. 10am-10:50am Even if you haven't stood at a podium on the stage None 11am-11:50am and find the whole idea scary, sooner or later, someone is going to ask you to get up and say a few No Cap Public Speaking words. If you are prepared, it won't be scary. It can even be fun. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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Health and Safety
Health and Safety is not just about keeping our body healthy and fit; it is also about our mental health and fitness and how to avoid the negative influences that surround us every day. We all must learn to make the right choices in everything we do. This area focuses on the health and safety style merit badges teaching Scouts first aid, emergency preparedness, and safety.
Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities
Preventing crime, which can be as simple as reducing 10am-10:50am the opportunities for crime to occur, is far less costly 2pm-2:50am than apprehending and bringing legal action against 2, 7a or 7b
those who break the law and it helps save people from No Cap the anguish of being victims Crime Prevention
Look around at the Scouts in your unit, the members of your sports teams, and the kids in your class - you will 11am-11:50am see that each person has their own personalities, None distinct interests and ideas, different physical features, No Cap Disablities and different strengths and needs. Awareness
Scouts are often called upon to help because they know first aid and they know about the discipline and planning 9am-9:50am needed to react to an emergency situation. Earning this 2pm-2:50pm 1, 2c, 6c, 8b, 8c merit badge helps a Scout to be prepared by learning the actions that can be helpful and needed before, Cap. 13 Emergency during, and after an emergency. Preparedness First aid - caring for injured or ill persons until they can receive professional medical care - is an important skill 9am-9:50am for every Scout. With some knowledge of first aid, a 11am-11:50am Scout can provide immediate care and help to someone 1, 2d, 7
who is hurt or who becomes ill. First aid can help Cap. 13 prevent infection and serious loss of blood. It could First Aid even save a limb or a life.
Earning this merit badge enables a Scout to learn about 10am-10:50am the history and kinds of laws, the purpose and methods 7 of law enforcement, consumer protection agencies, No Cap emerging law, and careers in the legal profession. Law Search and rescue (SAR) is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger. The general 9am-9:50am field of search and rescue includes many None Cap: 13 specialty sub-fields, typically determined by Search & Rescue the type of terrain the search is conducted over.
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Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities
American Sign Language (ASL) is the third most used language in the United States. The Signs, Signals, and 11am-11:50 Codes merit badge will cover Morse code, ASL, Braille, 2pm-2:50pm signaling, trail markings, and other nonverbal 7 communications. Did you know that some of these have No Cap Signs, Signals, even saved people’s lives? and Codes Staying safe in traffic wherever you live is getting more difficult all the time, as more and more people take to 10am-10:50am the road. Earning the Traffic Safety merit badge and will
give Scouts some crucial tools to stay safer, when 5 No Cap driving a car on a highway, riding a bike across town, or Traffic Safety jogging across a busy street. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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Trading Post
Times Offered Activity Description Pre-requisites & Capacities
Earning the American Business merit badge can help Scouts learn practical business matters that will be 9am-9:50am useful throughout life. Learning how businesses 2, 5 function will help you understand society and uncover a No Cap American number of career options Business By earning the Entrepreneurship merit badge, Scouts will learn about identifying opportunities, creating and 10am-10:50am evaluating business ideas, and exploring the feasibility 2b (how doable it is) of an idea for a new business. They No Cap will also have the chance to fit everything together as Entrepreneurship they start and run their own business ventures By studying salesmanship, Scouts can learn self- confidence, motivation, friendliness, and the persistence necessary to overcome obstacles and solve 2pm-2:50pm 5, 6 problems. Sales can offer a challenging and rewarding career for those who enjoy interacting with people from No Cap Salesmanship all walks of life. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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Other Programs Offered
! ! Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation offers many other programs during the week including:
Order of the Arrow
The Order of the Arrow is the National Brotherhood of Scout Honor Campers, chartered by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The purpose of the Order is fourfold: 1. To recognize youths who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. 2. To develop and maintain the traditions and Spirit of Scout camping. 3. To promote Scout camping, “which reaches its greatest effectiveness as a part of the troop's camping program.” 4. To develop a Scout’s spirit of helpfulness into skills of leadership for a life purpose of cheerful service to others.!
Arrowmen in Camp ! All Arrowmen are urged to pack their OA sash right next to their Scout Spirit of cheerful service and bring it all to camp! During summer camp at Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation, the Order of the Arrow has several duties and activities. Primarily, they run and facilitate inductions and act as an information link into Kishahtek Lodge for visiting troops. They also provide troops with the knowledge they need to help their OA members grow into quality youth leaders through the Order.
If requested, troop OA elections may be held in camp. We will need to know by the Sunday evening leader’s meeting.
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OA Call-Out
Wednesday is the most exciting day at camp for Arrowmen. This is the day of the weekly call out, held during a special OA campfire ceremony. Troops who had new member elections during the previous year submit the names of those elected who have not been recognized or inducted yet. Parents are invited to this ceremony as part of the Family Night festivities. This is done in front of the entire camp as serves as a glimpse into our order for non-members and as an impressive way to recognize the Scouts and Scouters who have exemplified the Scout Law and Scout Oath in their everyday lives. OA members will be needed as a part of the ceremony so make sure to inform the Staff who is available in your troop.
Those elected to be eligible to become members, called “Candidates,” have a period of one year from the date of their elections (not from the date of their call out) to complete the Ordeal weekend. If a candidate does not complete their Ordeal weekend within one year from the date of election, they must be reelected to become a candidate again.
All troops are requested to bring a copy of their completed unit election form to summer camp to ensure that all candidates receive proper public recognition.
Out-of-council troops must provide written permission from their home Lodge in order to participate in the callout ceremony. Units from councils other than the MCC must provide written permission
OA Ice Cream Social
An ice cream social will take place at the Dining Hall Wednesday evening at 9:30 p.m. During this time OA members on staff will give a quick synopsis of the OA’s programs and exciting upcoming events. They will inform members on how to get more involved and how the OA fits into Boy Scouting in general. OA members from any lodge are welcome to join us for the social! ! Camp Madron Spirit Award ! The Camp Madron Spirit Award is a tradition that fosters participation and camaraderie among the troops in camp for the week. Each day a troop will be given the Spirit Stick to embellish with their troop spirit. The troop that has showed camp spirit with the most points at the end of the week will be awarded the camp spirit stick at the closing campfire on Friday night. The criteria for the Camp Madron Spirit Award are found in the Appendix.
Friday Evening Merit Badge Review
Each Friday evening the Program Area Directors will be at the Camp Chapel from 7:30 until 8:00 p.m. If a Scout or leader has a question on a partial or incomplete merit badge, this is the time to address it.
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Leader Training and Programs at Camp
Details – The times and locations for these training sessions Training will be announced during the Sunday leader’s meeting.
New Leader Introduced in 2010, join a discussion between new Scout Leaders and Scouters Essentials with years of experience.
Trek Safely is the Boy Scouts of America’s recommended procedure for organizing and carrying out outdoor treks that involve Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Trek Safely and Ventures. Trek Safely applies to all types of outdoor experiences that involve trekking, including hiking, backpacking, canoeing, horseback riding, caving, rafting, kayaking, sailing, ski touring, mountain climbing, and mountain biking.
You'll learn the aims and purposes of the Boy Scouts of America's core program and then zero in on the job. You'll cover the seven parts of the troop meeting, the Boy Scout Leader troop committee, outdoor program, and other basic concepts of Scouting, all in Fast Start one short online experience. It's the best way for someone new to the program to quickly grasp how troop Scouting works and where additional resources can be found.
Participants will be certified in Leave No Trace basic principles and practices. Leave No Trace This course is essential for all troops as we continue to go into the future of conservation.
Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of Safe Swim Defense one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense training.
Safety Afloat has been developed to promote boating and boating safety and to set standards for safe troop activity afloat. Before a BSA group may engage in an Safety Afloat excursion, expedition, or trip on the water (canoe, raft, sailboat, motorboat, rowboat, tube, or other craft), adult leaders for such activity must complete Safety Afloat Training.
Training for BSA Swimming & Water Rescue provides BSA leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness Swimming & Water instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training. Persons completing the Rescue training should be better able to assess their preparation to supervise unit swimming events. The BSA recommends that at least one person with this training is present to assist with supervision whenever a unit swims at a location that does not provide lifeguards. This is an 8-hour training.
Float trips are popular Boy Scout & Venturing activities. Safety Afloat awareness training provides guidelines for safe float trips and is required of unit leaders, but does not provide the skill training mandated by those guidelines. BSA Paddle Paddle Craft Safety Craft Safety expands Safety Afloat training to include the skills, as well as the knowledge, needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water. Persons completing the training should be better prepared to supervise paddle craft activities. This is an 8-hour training.
Youth Protection Certification is now required every 2 years. Stay current.
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Scoutmaster Merit Badge
Purpose: The merit badge is designed to give adult leaders opportunities to be actively involved with the camp operations. Scouters will have opportunities to visit the program areas, work with the staff in the areas, conduct service projects and generally have a good time.
Process: Only the Program Area Director, Camp Program Director, Camp Director or Camp Commissioner can sign each requirement. After completing 7 of the 10 requirements, you have met the requirements of the badge. Take this sheet to the Camp Trading Post and you may purchase the special “Scouter’s” merit badge. The money collected for the badge ($3) will go into the RKSR campership scholarship fund.
Requirements
1. ___ Attend a leader’s roundtable with the camp leadership after breakfast
2. ___ Attend the camp for a minimum of one night and one day.
3. ___ Visit the following areas in camp during the week. You do not have to participate in each area, but you do need to visit. NOTE: Area Director’s may sign for these requirements.
Aquatics Area _____ Ecology Area _____ Office ______Trading Post _____ Shotgun _____ Fine Arts ______Dining Hall _____ Handicraft Shelter _____ Health Office ______Outdoor Skills Area ____ Pedro Patrol _____ Rifle ______Archery Area _____ Eagles’ Nest _____ Emergency Services _____
4. ____ Serve on a 3-hour work project for the benefit of the camp.
5. ____ Participate in Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Training or Youth Protection Training.
6. ____ Help an Area Director for 1 block period with a merit badge or Pedro session.
7. ____ Cook in the Adult Leader Cook-off.
8. Serve as an adult on a overnighter for Wilderness Survival Merit Badge, (Worth 3 signatures)
9. ____ Majority of troop attends Monday night chapel services.
10. ____ Troop serves as Color Guard during the morning or evening flag service,
11. ____ Troop signs up for a site next year
Total of checks: Need 7 of the 10 to qualify for the merit badge
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Checkout Procedures
The End of Camp
The most confusing days occur at the end of the week. This section is provided to assist you in finishing your week at camp without difficulty.
Friday ! • Merit Badges — All Merit Badge work should be completed by 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Work that is not completed should be scheduled as soon as the Scout returns home. All completed merit badge applications and partials will be handed out at the blue card metting
• Water Carnival — At 3:30 p.m. the campwide water carnival will take place. Your SPL will receive specific information about this event at an SPL meeting.
• Retreat And Campfire — The colors will be retired All Troops are to be present and lined up at the parade field. Visitors should be directed to lineup in the parade field. After retreat, the staff will lead all to the Scout Fire Bowl. Remember the bug spray. Please be sure to have adequate lights for escorting your guests to their vehicles. The Trading Post will be open after the campfire.!! • Unit's Financial Check-Out with the Business Manager – This is where you will make sure all fees are paid for, for camp if a meeting hasn’t already been setup prior to Friday.
Saturday ! A continental breakfast will be picked up from the dining hall by the site host at 8:00am Saturday morning. After breakfast, troops will pack up and clean out their campsites. After a brief staff meeting, the campsite host will return to your campsite to check you out. Afterwards, troop leaders should go to the camp office to get your Checkout Packet and any medications you may have turned into the Health Officer.
In order to receive your packet, a successful campsite inspection must have occurred. Once this inspection has been accomplished, your troop will not be allowed to return to the campsite.
Check-out Packet
The packet will contain: • Camp patches • Troop Photos • Merit badge forms • Pedro Patrol Accomplishment Sheet, and any other pieces of information pertinent to your stay and departure from camp.
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Campsite Check-out Inspection
The Senior Patrol Leader, with the campsite host, is responsible for the inspection of his campsite for check-out. Together they will complete the Check-in/Checkout Checklist. The objective is to make sure you leave the campsite in both a clean and safe condition. Especially note any damage to tents and cots so that appropriate charges can be accessed. Remember a Scout is Trustworthy and Clean!
Troops should plan on leaving camp by 10:00 a.m. so that the staff can get the camp ready for the next session.
Troops Leaving Camp Early
Troops that plan on leaving Friday evening must let the camp management know by Friday at breakfast so that Checkout Packets can be prepared early and that they can be properly checked out of camp and all Scouts can be accounted for. Troops may not depart camp until a campsite inspection is completed. !
Be careful going home!
As you drive home, consider taking the BSA Driver’s Pledge. The Driver's Pledge is really a simple, commonsense statement. It is simply a pledge for drivers to take care of themselves so they won't be fatigued or inattentive. Here it is:
• I will not drive when I feel fatigued. I realize that when I am fatigued, I process information more slowly and less accurately and this impairs my ability to react in time to avoid accidents.
• I will arrange my schedule so that several days before a Boy Scout “driving trip,” I will get a good night’s sleep every night to avoid the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep.
• I will make trip preparations far enough in advance so that last-minute preparations don’t interfere with my rest.
• I will make travel plans that take into account my personal biological clock and only drive during the part of the day when I know I will be alert.
• I will be smart about engaging in physical activities during Scout outings and will make sure that I will be ready to drive alertly.
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A Final Word … ! Before departure, be sure to check your mailbox one last time, and also check the lost and found to see if any of your Scouts’ “stuff” is there.
The Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation management and staff hope your stay at camp is a fun and enjoyable experience for both your Scouts and you. Many of the programs are new and were designed for the convenience of your Troop and you. Toward the end of your week's stay here, please fill in the Evaluation Form you received during check-in. Please be truthful and earnest in filling out the evaluations. They are a tremendous help and a wonderful tool in planning future programs. Thank you in advance. We will see you at camp!
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Camp Emergency Procedures
No two emergencies are the same. Your own good judgment should be the final authority until you are able to access necessary assistance. The safety and well- being of the campers and staff ALWAYS comes first.
Camp Emergency Procedures were written for camp staff. They are found in your Campsite Notebook and are there so that your troop leadership will know what the staff is trained to do or if a summer camp staff member is not present you will know what is expected.
As a troop leader your primary job during an emergency is to ensure the safety of your Scouts and fellow Leaders.
• Gather your troop and get a head count. Account for every member of your troop. • If appropriate, lead them to the main parade field. • Follow instructions from staff. • Do not send a runner. The staff will come to you.
Directions to Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation
From the East or West
Take Interstate 94 to Exit 74. Take Exit 74B and go south on US 131. Take the 1st exit, Exit 31, and go west on Centre Street for 2 miles (Centre Street becomes Q Ave W.) Turn right (north) on 8th Street at Texas Corners. Approximately 100 feet north turn right onto Texas Drive for 0.8 of a mile. Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation is on your left at 6278 Texas Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
From the North or South
Take US 131 to Exit 31, Centre Street and go west on Centre Street for 2 miles (Centre Street becomes Q Ave W.) Turn right (north) on 8th Street at Texas Corners. Approximately 100 feet north turn right onto Texas Drive for 0.8 of a mile. Rota- Kiwan Scout Reservation is on your left at 6278 Texas Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
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Appendix
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2015 Camp Accommodation Request
! If your troop has a camper, Scout or adult, that has an allergy, dietary requirement, an accommodation request, or there is any other health or behavior issue that camp staff should be made aware of – please use this form.
Please use a separate form for each camper, print clearly, sign, and return to:
Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation 6278 Texas Drive; Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Phone: 269-353-4631
Date Form Submitted: ______Pack/Troop #: ______Council: ______
Session Dates: ______
______First Name Last Name Preferred Name
______Birth Date Grade Next Fall Home Phone
______Parent/Guardian First Name Last Name Email Address
______Home Phone Cell Phone Work Phone
______Emergency Contact First Name Last Name Cell Phone
This signature authorizes Camp Management to share the medical information on this form with appropriate camp staff. Please contact the Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Executive Director if you have any questions with this process.
______Parent/Guardian Signature
Please tell us about the medical issue:
______
______
______
______
______
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Camp Madron Spirit Award
Troop ______Camp Session ______
The Camp Madron Spirit Award is a tradition that fosters participation and camaraderie among the troops in camp for the week. Each day a troop will be given the Spirit stick to embellish with their troop spirit. The Troop that has showed the Camp spirit with the most points at the end of the week will be awarded the Camp Spirit Stick at the closing campfire on Friday night. The Camp Commissioner staff will be responsible for all scoring. The criteria for showing the best spirit are:
1. Leave no trace ethics being followed by the troop. (Critiqued Daily) A clean campsite including shower house:
Proper planning for events; Proper disposal of waste, entire camp; Leave what you find; Respect wildlife; Being friendly to others; Proper campfires
Points: Good (50) Very Good (75) Excellent (100) Total ______
2. Campsite gateway
Imagination; Construction; Shows Troop Pride
Points: Good (25) Very Good (50) Excellent (75) Total ______
3. Involvement in camp activities a. Campsite enthusiasm – 5 point a day 25 points b. Participate in Taste of Madron 25 points c. Participation in Water carnival 25 Points d. Act as color guard for a Flag ceremony 25 Points e. Dining Hall Clean Table Award – 5 points a day 25 Points f. Have a Troop Cheer – 10 points a day 50 Points g. On time for flags – 5 points a day 25 Points h. SPL at SPL meeting – 5 points a day 25 Points i. Adult leader at leader’s meeting – 5 points a day 25 Points
(275 Points Max)
4. Bonus Points Total ______
Do a conservation project in camp that will benefit Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation. Must be approved by the Camp Director and the Camp Ranger. 100 points
Grand Total ______
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Leaders Check-in Checklist
_____ 1. Troop Roster completely filled out, accurate, and in alphabetical order, ready to turn in. A printed form is preferable. • Verify all Scouts are registered with the BSA. • Unregistered youth may not spend the night in camp. Blank Scout Registration forms will be available.
_____ 2. Health Records – Every Scout and every leader must have a “2015 BSA Annual Health and Medical Record” Parts A-B-C signed by an appropriate medical practitioner annually. Each Scout’s Medical Record must also be signed by a parent. The current form and the BSA policy on its use can be found on the MCC Council Website under the “Forms and Downloads” page under “Rota-Kiwan Resident Camp”.
The State of Michigan Camp Licensing requirements require us to keep on file for 3 years all youth health forms for Boy Scout Resident Camp - please make sure that Scouts bring a PHOTOCOPY of their health form to camp this summer as they will not be returned.
_____ 3. Central Registry Checks – All leaders over 21 must have passed the Michigan Child Registry Check. • a photocopy of the clearance letter be brought to camp and be collected at check-in - DO NOT mail to MCC or to camp. Clearance Verification Request Forms are located on the council website at: http://www.michiganscouting.org/pubs/Central_Registry_Clearance_Req uest_Instructions_Form_2015_v2.pdf The check takes 1 to 2 weeks. • If a leader arrives at camp w/o clearance, he/she will be required to be escorted at all times during the week by a leader from your unit with clearance. Please submit MI DHS clearance requests for ALL unit leaders by April 1st to make sure you have them ready to turn in at check-in. _____ 4. Camper Medication Policy: • Please have a lockable container for troop medications. • Troops are responsible for each camper’s (youth and adult) medication storage and ensuring that each camper gets the correct medication, at the correct time, and in the proper dosage. Please complete the Medication Log found in the Appendix. • Be sure all medications are in original containers with the person's name and troop number. Place each individual's medication in a zip lock bag with their name on the bag. • When your troop sees the Health Officer during the check-in process, please turn in any medications requiring refrigeration.
_____ 5. A Tour & Activity Plan – BSA regulations require Tour Permits for any troop attending any residence summer camp. This applies to every Michigan Crossroads Council troop including Pathfinder troops.
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_____ 6. Turn in any Order of the Arrow Election Forms or arrange for an OA election during your stay in camp. An OA representative will be available during check-in.
_____ 7. All vehicles must be parked in parking lots. VEHICLES MAY NOT BE PARKED IN CAMPSITES without a “Camp Vehicle Permit”. A “Camp Vehicle Permit” will be issued during check-in if necessary.
_____ 10. A Campsite Binder will be received from the Campsite Host. Troops that share a campsite will share this notebook. The notebook will be returned to the campsite host at checkout. It contains: • Check-in/Check-out Inspection Checklist • Weekly Schedule • Office and Trading Post hours • BSA policy on flammable fuels in camp • BSA Tent Policy Statements • Emergency Procedures • Camp Map • Fireguard Chart
_____ 11. Fill one Merit Badge Application (Blue Card) out for each Merit Badge each Scout wishes to earn. Ensure the troop leader signs them. Forms are available at the Council Service Center and camp office.
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Medication Log
2015 Medication Log Camp Week Campsite Camp Scoutmaster
Troop Number Address
Council District City State Zip
Office Use Number of Bottles
After 4:00 After Before Scout’s Name Medication Name/Dose Breakfast Noon p.m. Dinner Bedtime
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