Where to go camping Written by: Sac-n-fox lodge #108 #173 Winnebago Council, Boy Scouts of America 2929 Airport Blvd Waterloo, Iowa 50703 319-234-2867 www.winnebagobsa.org The Order of the Arrow The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s "Brotherhood of Honor Campers." We promote camping and the outdoor experience. We are a regular part of the BSA's camping program. We participate at both the Troop and Council levels. We are guided by the principles of Cheerful Service. This guide is an example of that cheerful service. Purpose of the Order of the Arrow 1. To recognize the campers - Scouts and Scouters - who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such recognition, cause other campers to conduct themselves in such manner to warrant recognition. 2. To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit. 3. To promote scout camping, which reaches its greatest effectiveness as part of the Unit? Camping program, to help the District and Council camping program both year around and in the Summer Camp, as directed by the Camping Committee and the Council. 4. To crystalize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others. History Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carroll A. Edson founded the Order of the Arrow in 1915 at the Treasure Island Camp of the Philadelphia Council, Boy Scouts of America. It became an official program experiment in 1922 and was approved as part of the Scouting program in 1934. In 1948, the Order of the arrow, recognized as the Boy Scouts of America's national brotherhood of honored campers, became an official part of the camping program of the Boy Scouts of America. INTRODUCTION As Scouters, we are always looking for new and interesting places for our troops to camp. Some troops like to camp in "old familiar" camps. Others prefer to change their Camping Program from year to year. One of the primary purposes on the Order of the Arrow is to promote Scout camping. This guide, “Where to go camping." is a means to that end. In Scouting, we believe that each Scout should have the maximum opportunity to enjoy and learn from the outdoors. Each Scout can learn to appreciate the grandeur that is Nature - from the majesty of the forests to the vastness of the oceans. This edition of the "Where to go Camping," book is by no means complete, nor is it meant to be. We believe that this should be a continuing work in progress,” which will be added to and deleted from by successive camp Promotion Committees and Troop Committees. By doing this, each Troop can add to its “camping database” and, we hope, have a more complete “camping experience.” We also hope that, as Troops learn of new and interesting places to camp, they will not keep this information secret. Instead, they should “pass along” the information to other Troops or the Lodge’s camp promotion committee. This way, all Troops can enjoy the various camping possibilities. Much of the information in this book was gathered from Scouts and Scouters like you. It is correct and current, to the best of our knowledge. Your additions, corrections, or other information and comments are welcome and will be utilized in updating this book. Please feel free to contact a representative of the order of the Arrow to submit such comments, questions and suggestions. Thank you for your support and continuing the great tradition of camping in the BSA program! Lets’ Go Camping! CAMPING ETHICS Everyone who travels in the backcountry should do so with a sense of ethics. These ethics should also carry over in county parks, state parks, Boy Scout Camps, and anywhere else Scouts may camp. Ethics are a system of self-imposed rules geared to maintaining a certain level of respect towards a person or place. With more and more people using the outdoor environment, this is more important than ever. Below are a few of the more common codes of outdoors ethics. Don’t be surprised if you find that you and your unit already follow most of these rules, because most are common sense. There are lots of little instructive hints and ideas that can be found to aid your unit when it goes camping. The adults of your units, the parents, your local Forest Service Rangers and many other people may have a wealth of knowledge for you to tap into. Books, clerks at outdoor stores and magazines are other good sources of information. The 10 Golden Rules of Wilderness Camping and Travel Obtain required permits, and abide by local regulations. Use common trail courtesies Camp in already impacted sites Bury human waste well away from water and water resources Use soaps and detergents sparingly or not at all; never allow these or anything else to enter streams or lakes. Change nothing in the natural environment that’s not necessary for your health or survival Avoid costly and intrusive rescues by planning your trip carefully, knowing your limitations, and using the proper equipment during your travels. When appropriate, restore the landscape (pick up litter, break down illegal fire rings, etc.) Pack out what you pack in. Take nothing but pictures and memories. The Seven Principles of Leave no Trace The Leave No Trace program was developed by the National Park Service, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to create a code of ethics to be followed by all outdoor users. It is very similar to the 10 golden rules found above. The Boys Scouts, National Outdoor Leadership School and Outward Bound have all accepted these rules and have made them part of their programs. The Principles of Leave No Trace 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare Proper trip planning and preparation helps hikers and campers accomplish trip goals safely and enjoyably while minimizing damage to natural and cultural resources. Campers who plan ahead can avoid unexpected situations, and minimize their impact by complying with area regulations such as observing limitations on group size. Schedule your trek to avoid times of high use. Obtain permits or permission to use the area for your trek. 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Damage to land occurs when visitors trample vegetation or communities of organisms beyond recovery. In high-use areas, campers should concentrate their activities where vegetation is already absent. Minimize resource damage by using existing trails and selecting designated or existing campsites. Keep campsites small by arranging tents in close proximity. In more remote, less-traveled areas, campers should generally spread out. When hiking, take different paths to avoid creating new trails that cause erosion. When camping, disperse tents and cooking activities--and move camp daily to avoid creating permanent-looking campsites. Avoid places where impacts are just beginning to show. Always choose the most durable surfaces available. Check with land managers to be sure of the proper technique. 3. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out) Accept the challenge of packing out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Help prevent contamination of natural water sources: After straining food particles, properly dispose of dishwater by dispersing at least 200 feet (about 80 to 100 strides for a youth) from springs, streams, and lakes. Use biodegradable soap 200 feet or more from any water source. Proper human waste disposal helps prevent the spread of disease and exposure to others. Catholes 6 to 8 inches deep in humus and 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites are often the easiest and most practical way to dispose of feces. 4. Leave What You Find Allow others a sense of discovery, and preserve the past. Leave rocks, plants, animals, archaeological artifacts, and other objects as you find them. Examine but do not touch cultural or historical structures and artifacts. It may be illegal to remove artifacts. Replace surface rocks or twigs that you cleared from the campsite. On high-impact sites, clean the area and dismantle inappropriate user-built facilities such as multiple fire rings and log seats or tables. Good campsites are found, not made. 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts Some people would not think of camping without a campfire. Lightweight camp stoves make low-impact camping possible by encouraging a shift away from fires. Stoves are fast, eliminate the need for firewood, and make cleanup after meals easier. After dinner, enjoy a candle lantern instead of a fire. Whenever possible, use an existing campfire ring in a well-placed campsite. True Leave No Trace fires are small. Use dead and downed wood that can be broken easily by hand. When possible, burn all wood to ash and remove all unburned trash and food from the fire ring. Be certain all wood and campfire debris is dead out. 6. Respect Wildlife Quick movements and loud noises are stressful to animals. Observe wildlife from afar to avoid disturbing them. Store food securely and keep garbage and food scraps away from animals so they will not acquire bad habits. Never feed wildlife. Help keep wildlife wild. You are too close if an animal alters its normal activities. 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors Thoughtful campers respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Travel and camp in small groups (no more than the group size prescribed by land managers). Let nature's sounds prevail. Keep the noise down and leave radios, tape players, and pets at home. Always travel and camp quietly to avoid disturbing other visitors. Respect private property and leave gates (open or closed) as found. Be considerate of other campers and respect their privacy .