Zion’s Camp at Cumorah Frequently Asked Questions What are the deadlines for final roster and camp fees? o The deadline is May 1. There will be an invoice sent to you prior to this time to clarify the number of adults and boys that are coming. What are the sleeping arrangements at Camp Dittmer? o The camp provides platform tents with cots sufficient for all campers assigned to a campsite. If you wish to use your own tents, you are welcome to bring them, but be advised that the campsites can only handle a few extra tents without becoming inconvenient. When is Merit Badge registration? o Merit Badge registration will be performed online. Classes will have size limits, so those that register earliest will have priority. The Program Guide will contain the classes and a worksheet for using the online registration. It is highly recommended that each troop register all boys at one time, which is easier when you fill out the form in advance. Registration runs from Apr 1 10am to May 31 midnight. o Registration details and instructions will be included in the Camp Leader & Program Guide which will be published and emailed to you mid‐February. Can my unit come to camp early? We’ve never been to Palmyra and want some time to visit the church history sites. o We’re glad that you want to visit the church history sites! On Wednesday, as a whole camp, we will be attending the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Visits to the Smith Family Farm, Sacred Grove, Palmyra Temple or Peter Whitmer Farm will need to be scheduled independently. o Units can arrive July 15 Saturday morning. You will be admitted to your campsite. The camp kitchen will be open to cook your own food. If you would like to take advantage of early arrival, please contact Camp Director Jess Markel directly to make arrangements no later than June 1st by calling 585‐343‐0307 or email: [email protected] o Toilet and shower facilities will be available. If we stay over on Sunday where can we attend services? Is there a special draw to any ward? o Fayette Ward: The building is right at the Peter Whitmer Farm (open 12:30pm to 7 on Sunday), where the church was organized. 1455 Aunkst Road Waterloo, NY. Meetings at 9:30am. 16 miles. Regular camp activities will not include this historic site. o Palmyra Ward: This is close to the Smith Family Farm and Sacred Grove (open 12:30pm to 7 on Sunday) and Palmyra Temple. 2801 Temple Rd, Palmyra, NY. Meetings at 9:00am. 15 miles. You will likely be attending with the cast members of the pageant. o Lyons Ward: 954 Sohn Alloway Road, Lyons, New York 14489‐9735. Meetings Sun at 9:30 am Sacrament meets first. Bishop Collett 315‐946‐4109. How can I spiritually prepare my young men for Zion’s Camp at Cumorah? o In addition to a merit badge earning camp, your young men will have the opportunity to attend devotionals with motivational speakers that will help inspire them to service in the Aaronic Priesthood. Actively participating in the Duty to God program will help them gain the most advantage from these events. o Your unit should be organized to hold daily devotionals and scripture study. Being in the land of the Book of Mormon and Restoration of the Church gives the opportunity to connect events they learn in the classroom to a real location. Encourage them to study these significant parts of church history. Can my unit do the swim check before camp? o YES! It is highly recommended, so that you have more time on Monday. You can perform a swim check under the supervision of a certified Life Guard. Do your youth a favor and don’t compromise their safety by classifying a boy higher than he should be. If he doesn’t have full swimmer capability, camp is a great place to achieve that goal! Do an internet search for “BSA swim test form” or use this link: BSA Swim Test Form. Bring this form with you to camp, or send a photo of the form in advance to have buddy tags waiting for you upon arrival. How does camp handle my boys’ Medical Forms and medications? o Be sure that all of your young men and leaders get their Class A, B, C medical form filled out by their health provider. The medical form is mandatory for all youth campers, adult leaders, and staff. Here’s a link to the form: BSA Medical Form o The BSA medical form includes consent for both over‐the‐counter and prescription medications, signed by both parent and doctor. Please be certain that this portion is completed for everyone under 18 years of age. Without it, our Health Officer is restricted from providing even minor remedies such as headache medicine & calamine lotion. This is a NYS Health Department regulation. o Controlled medications must be kept in the possession of the camp medical staff. Boys will need to go to the health lodge for taking their medications. Can my unit do a service project during the week of camp? o Scouting means service! There are ample opportunities to do one‐hour service projects at camp. A list of opportunities will be available through your commissioner at camp. If we want to fish at camp, what are the requirements? o Bring your fishing gear. We’ll have worms for sale at the Trading Post. With over 100 acres of lake you’re sure to find a quiet spot either to learn to fish or to catch your dinner! o Scouts and Leaders over the age of 16 may be required to hold a NYS fishing license. They can be purchased in advance online at: https://decals.dec.ny.gov/DECALSCitizenWeb/citizenhome.htm Restricted items o Sheath knives are not permitted at camp. o Fireworks are not BSA approved and are also illegal in New York State .