Expedition: Cryptozoology

May 21, 22, and 23, 2021

Lake Towhee County Park 800 Old Bethlehem Road Applebachsville, Pa 18951

Leader’s Guide

Communication: (ke.myoone’kaSH’en) The imparting or exchanging of information or news.

Please communicate the information in this Leader’s Guide to other leaders, youth leadership, and parents

Safety: (Covid - 19) (as of 3.1.2021) To help ensure the safety of everyone attending Expedition: Cryptozoology (EC) please follow the policies of: ● Please follow the Covid 19 policy of your Chartered organization ● Bucks County Department of Health www.buckscounty.org ● Pennsylvania Department of Health www.health.pa.gov ● Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov ● www.Scouting.org/covid

All units participating in either the 2-day camping experience or the one day Cub adventure should do their pre-event screening BEFORE arriving at EC. The pre-event screening checklist is available at www.Scouting.org/covid. Units should plan to meet off-site from EC first, do the pre-event screening then commute to EC

Everyone attending EC should submit themselves to the pre-event screening. This includes scouts, adult leaders, staff, parents, siblings, drivers, anyone who will be at EC even if they are “temporarily” attending.

Scouts/Adults exhibiting symptoms of Covid -19 at EC. Will be isolated and sent home immediately. Unit adult leadership will be responsible for transportation.

Anyone who feels unsafe while at EC or has thoughts they might not be safe prior to EC, should consider NOT attending EC.

Anyone who is considered “High Risk” should not attend EC.

Unit Leadership should prepare for everyone attending to wear a mask at all times (except when eating or drinking), social distance, have hand washing stations at each campsite, and bring hand sanitizer. Tents should have no more than 2 people staying in them. Units should have extra face masks on hand.

Safety All youth members should travel through Lake Towhee County Park using the Buddy System. At no time should scouts be by themselves. Please remember that the park is open to the general public. Tri buddies are required when youth are travelling in the park in a coed group.

The Lake Towhee dam and spillway are off limits - this area presents significant danger to a serious injury. No fishing from the dam.

Scouts are not permitted to gather in parking lots. If youth need to cross a parking lot, then do so safely by being aware of moving vehicles. Ball playing, frisbee, etc in the parking lots are prohibited.

There are a significant number of standing dead trees at Lake Towhee County Park. Units should not set up tents, easy ups, etc under these dead trees. Please follow directions from staff when setting up camp. Hammock camping is prohibited at EC.

Parking Parking at Lake Towhee will be limited. If directions are followed (by parking lot staff) we should have no problems. Please follow directions.

Lake Towhee County Park’s speed limit is 15 MPH - Because of the increased amount of youth at the park, we are recommending a 5 MPH speed limit - it is more appropriate. Please be very careful.

Units that are participating in the 2-night camping experience will be directed to the south parking lot (the first right after entering the park. An unloading zone will be established - then driver’s will be able to park their vehicles. The unloading zone is where the units will check in.

Driving vehicles on the fields to the campsite is prohibited.

Units that have trailers are permitted to bring them and we will have a designated parking area for them. Trailers will need to be unhooked from the towing vehicle. Trailers should be properly secured so that it doesn’t roll. Units should unload then lock their trailers. Parking lots are off limits to scouts once vehicles are unloaded.

Venture Crew, Webelos, and Cub Scout parking will be in the North or Main parking lot. Check in procedures The unit leader should check their unit in at the unloading zone at Camporee HQ. Leaders will need to bring a filled out “Unit Roster” (on the last page of this guide) of everyone attending. Camporee staff will check you in - verify your numbers and the unit will be escorted to the area of their campsite. Check in begins at 6pm on May 21. Please do not arrive earlier as camporee staff will not be prepared to do early check ins. Venture Crews will check in at the Venture Crew campsite.

Cell Phones Units should implement their own cell phone policy. Individuals should be ethically responsible when displaying or streaming content. Cell service at Lake Towhee County Park is good. Please note: There is no place to charge electronics.

Prohibited The following are prohibited at EC and could result in immediate dismissal from EC. They apply to everyone. - Alcohol beverages, illegal or non-prescription medication, firearms, fireworks, hazing, bullying, vandalizing personal or private or park property, stealing, driving on grass, fires in non-designated areas, fighting, and/or behaviors inconsistent with the Scout Oath and Law. No pets please. Cutting trees down (live or dead) is prohibited. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Camping Units are required to: ● All “campers” (adult & youth) must be currently chartered members of the BSA ● Every adult must have current youth protection training (YPT 2.0) ● Adults who are Pa. residents must complete the 3 required Pa clearances ● Adults must complete Hazardous Weather Training found on My.scouting.org ● One adult per unit must complete Outdoor Skills Training (Baloo for Cub Scouts or Intro. To Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) for Scouts BSA Troops). ● Each unit must have at least 2 trained leaders in attendance. Female units must have one trained female leader in attendance. ● Unit Leaders must have a signed Annual Health and Medical Record )(AHMR) form in their possession for everyone attending EC (camping or day camp) Parts A&B only are required. A photocopy of each individual's health insurance card

should be submitted also. Hard copies only! Please remember that AHMR’s should never be digitized or stored on a storage device (like a thumb nail, etc).

Due to standing dead trees, please camp where EC staff has directed. Hammock camping is not permitted. Tents should have no more than 2 people staying in them.

Water is located at the latrine. Units should bring water jugs to fill. Washing of oneself or camp cookware at the water spigot is prohibited.

All units should have a handwashing station in their campsite. Soap and Water!

Ground fires are not permitted at unit campsites.

Digging is not permitted at Lake Towhee Park

Propane stoves and grills are permitted at EC and must not be set up under tarps/easy ups. Charcoal grills are permitted but must be 24 inches from the ground. Units are permitted to use the park's charcoal grills at Camp HQ, Pavilions 1&2, and the Venture Crew campsite. Units should supply their own charcoal and be prepared to extinguish charcoal after they are done with using the grills. Charcoal lighter fluid is not permitted at any BSA function.

Dutch oven cooking is strongly encouraged at EC. Units could use charcoal grills at their campsite. Units may use fire rings at Camporee HQ, Pavillon #1, Venture Crew site. Units should prepare to extinguish their fires/charcoal. Charcoal lighter fluid is not permitted at any BSA function.

Bucks County Parks and Recreation has asked us not to move picnic tables. Please bring your own tables and chairs for your campsites.

Medications Parents should turn over medications for their youth to a designated adult leader in their unit. Medication should remain in its original prescription container. The unit designated leader is responsible to make sure the youth receives their medication. Rescue inhalers and epi pens should remain with each scout who requires them.

Smoking Smoking/Vaping should never occur in front of the youth. There will be a designated smoking area near the South Parking lot. Thank you for anticipated cooperation.

Uniforms All units should implement their uniform policy when traveling to and from scouting events. The official uniform of Expedition: Cryptozoology is the Field Activity Uniform (commonly referred to as “Class B”). For review, the field activity uniform consists of: scout pants/shorts, scout belt, scout socks, a scouting or solid color T shirt, and a scouting hat (optional). Unit Leaders: we will need your help with this. Please no street clothes. This is a great time to show off all of those great unit t-shirts or you can order Expedition: Cryptozoology T shirts. (See order information in this Leader’s Guide) In addition, closed toe shoes are required. Flip Flops/Sandals are inappropriate.

The Park will be open to the public. The best way to distinguish our scouts from other visiting youth is for them to be clearly identifiable by wearing a field activity uniform.

Trash Pack it in - Pack it out! Units should take their trash with them when departing. Units should implement their recycling program. Trash cans at Lake Towhee County Park may be used for personal trash items.

Wildlife Lake Towhee County Park is located in a semi - rural area, the park supports numerous species of wildlife. Common wildlife found at Lake Towhee are raccoons, skunks, deer, snakes, fox, and the occasional black bear. Food/Drinks should never be in tents. Food should be stored in airtight containers and/or in the trunk of cars. Trash bags should be secured at night. Other smellables that should be sealed are soap, lotions, deodorant, sun block, hair products, etc.

Poison Ivy & Poison Oak Poison ivy and Poison oak are present in Lake Towhee County Park. Everyone should know what it looks like, avoid it, know what to do if they come in contact, and know the first aid. Staying on trails will reduce the chance of you getting poison ivy.

Injuries and Illnesses All injuries and illnesses must be reported to the camporee medical staff immediately. The location of the camporee medical staff will be disclosed at the leader’s Friday night cracker barrel. In extreme situations please dial 911 and then have someone notify the camporee medical staff.

Latrine and Port o Johns Let’s keep them clean! The latrine will be for adult females on the one side (marked “men” we will have a temporary sign in place) Youth females will use the side of the latrine marked female. Everyone else will use Port o Johns which were leased for EC. Again - Lets keep them clean! and vigorous hand washing afterwards. Going “in the weeds” or “behind a tree” is considered inappropriate in today's BSA. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Departures EC will end on May 23 no later than 11am. Final assembly is scheduled for 10 am. Units are welcome to stay (on their own) after 11am. The senior patrol leader will notify camporee staff that they are ready to depart. Camporee staff will inspect the camping area and then give the green light for departure. Units should take their trash with them. A camporee survey should be turned in at that time.

Program Features at Expedition:Cryptozoology These features are tentative and could change. More features are under development and will be added by the beginning of EC.

Sea Monstering (canoeing/kayaking) EC will have a waterfront program. The following must be done prior to EC by the unit: ● Written parental permission for each youth for canoeing/kayaking. This permission slip must be in the unit leader’s possession during EC. An electronic permission slip is considered invalid. ● A current Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) Parts A&B must be in the possession of the unit leader. All youth and adults. ● A BSA swimmers test must be performed prior to EC. All youth and adults must pass the BSA swimmers test - No exceptions. ● Unit Leader’s will identify everyone in their unit eligible to participate in canoeing/kayaking on the unit leader roster that is turned in at check in. (the last page of the guide) - Hard copies only ● Cub scouts/Webelos are permitted to participate in canoeing - they must be deemed eligible. Cub Scouts/Webelos must canoe with a person that possess strong paddling skills (an adult or older experienced scout). Kayaking is not permitted for Cub Scouts/Webelos. ● Please no personal watercraft, we will have plenty for everyone.

All participants must follow directions of the waterfront staff, failure to do so could result in individuals not being able to participate.

Sea Monster Hunting (Fishing) Lake Towhee offers opportunities to catch the big one! Species include: Panfish, largemouth bass, catfish, and smallmouth bass. Local anglers will say that Lake Towhee offers the best pickerel fishing in Southeast Pennsylvania. Bring your fishing rods and tackle and try your fishing skills out. Pennsylvania fishing regulations are in effect at Lake Towhee. Anglers 16 years of age and over must possess a current fishing license.

Shooting Sports Thanks to the Council Shooting Sports Committee and Venture Crew 3030, BB gun target shooting will be offered. Emphasis will be on safety. All participants must follow directions given by the shooting sports staff. The range will be set up on an adjacent property in the rear parking lot of the Haycock Fire Company. To get there: follow the dirt road by pavilion #2 - there will be a marker to make a left through a wooded area. Please remember we are guests on this property - appropriate scouting behavior is required. Special accommodations can be made for those who have mobility challenges, please see camporee staff.

Cryptozoology - Pioneering Contest The camporee staff is asking each unit participating (Camping & Day Camp) to get creative! A contest will take place incorporating pioneering, craftsmanship, creativeness, and cryptozoology. Judging will take place after 4:30 pm on Saturday. Three rules: (1) no digging (driving stakes is permitted) (2) all pioneering projects over 6 ft tall will be disqualified. (3) must be scouting appropriate. Units should bring all the materials they will need.

Dessert Challenge All units are encouraged to participate in the Cryptozoology Dessert Challenge. Dens, Packs, Patrols, Troops, and Crews can participate. One rule: the dessert must be made during EC (in other words no store-bought desserts). Please submit your entry to the judges in between 6pm and 6:15 on Saturday at Pavilion #1

Campfire Program We will have an awesome campfire program and all units are encouraged to participate. Please see Mr. Bob Sellers by 5 pm on Saturday to get in on the campfire program.

Volleyball Tournament So who is the King or Queen of the court? Dens, Packs, Patrols, Troops and Crews are encouraged to participate so that we can find the best volleyball team in Tohickon district. Special thank you to the Tohickon Chapter of the for organizing. . Chess Tournament Bring your chessboard and pieces and let's find out who is top dog in Tohickon district

Tug of War Time to muscle up! Who has the most “pull” in Tohickon district? We will find out….

Life to Eagle Sit down with the experts and find out what you have to do to be an Eagle Scout. The Tohickon Advancement team will be here to answer your questions. This course is for Star and Life scouts who aspire to be Eagle Scouts, parents of prospective Eagle Scouts, Unit Leaders, Unit advancement teams, and Troop Committees.

At the time of this Leaders guide being constructed, there are numerous other programs and activities under development. We will provide additional program content at the Friday night leaders meeting.

Cub Scout/Webelos Adventure Day Camp Saturday May 22 9am to closing campfire ● Cub Scout Packs/Dens are strongly urged to attend. Please be sure to perform your Covid pre-screening before you come to Expedition: Cryptozoology. ● Please check in near the playground by the north parking lot. ● All Cub Scouts/Webelos must be under the adult leadership of a parent/den leader/Cubmaster. Cub Scouts should NOT be dropped off with no direct adult supervision. ● As of 3.1.21 all program features are open to Cub Scouts/Webelos (except Kayaking). Please “Be Prepared” if you’re planning on joining in on the canoeing program (see Sea Monstering) ● Meals - bring a quick bagged lunch. For dinner - have a Pack or Den picnic. Feel free to utilize the charcoal grills or bring your own - the 2 pavilions are available for dining. ● Better yet: coordinate with a Scouts BSA Troop and have dinner with them. ● Bring kickballs, Frisbees, cornhole, etc and challenge other Cub Scout Packs or Dens. ● Please No Pets.

It’s going to be fun!!!

Order your Official Expedition: Cryptozoology T shirt Shirts will be delivered to your campsite on Friday night or at check in on Saturday morning. Youth Sizes: YS YM YL - $10 Adult Sizes: M L XL XXL XXXL -$12 Deadline to place your order: April 23, 2021

T shirt orders are submitted by unit on the unit registration link

Notes

Expedition: Cryptozoology Roster and Boating Eligibility

Unit______No.____

******This roster to be turned in at Check in and when everyone has completed unit event pre-screening Covid protocols****

Youth

Name: Eligibility (Check Mark)

Adult Eligibility Name: (Check Mark)

Eligibility Requirements for Canoeing and/or Kayaking: 1. A signed permission slip by a parent in the Unit Leader’s possession (Hard Copy). 2. An Annual Health and Medical Record form (Parts A&B) in the Unit Leader’s possession (Hard Copy) 3. A successfully completed BSA Swimmers Test within the past year (after May 22, 2020) this applies to youth and adults.

Unit Leaders Signature:______

(please use reverse side of roster for additional participants)