2016 Cub Scout Family Camp Guide Campin’ with Sasquatch!!

Northern Star Council 393 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55102 Phone: (651) 254-9153 Fax: (763) 231-7202

www.northernstarbsa.org/camping Revised 2016-02-18

Table of Contents

Welcome from the Camp Directors

3

Getting to Stearns

4

Camp Facilities

5

Things to Note 2016

6

Notifying Camp of Health Needs

6

Before You Leave Home

7

Checking in and out of Camp

8

Schedule

8

Camp Program

9

Map of Camp

10

Camping with Wildlife

11

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Welcome to Cub Scout Family Camp! Dear Families, Thank you for choosing a Northern Star Council camp for your Cub Camping adventure destination. We have been diligently preparing for your visit. We have a great program in store for you! The staff at Family Camp have charged themselves with developing age progressive activities for all of our programs to ensure that the camp is immersed with fun and adventure around every corner. This summer’s theme will be “Super Hero.” So get ready to explore camp this summer. We will be holding swim checks on Friday nights. It is very important that you know every adult in your group must be prepared to take a swim test right after checking in. If you would like to speed up your check in process, you can complete swim tests prior to arriving at camp. (See Swim Classification Form in this packet or on line at www.goscouting.org. Camp is an awesome experience for all campers, not just the younger ones. Just think...three days away from all the stress of daily life, where each day is spent swimming, trying new activities, and playing games in a beautiful camp setting, all along-side your children. As a role model, your children look to you and you will have a big influence on his experience. Find inspiration in your kids’ energy, excitement, and interest. The more excited and involved you are in the activity, the more excited and involved your kids will be. Remember, you’re a paying customer too, so HAVE FUN! Conducting yourself in a Scout-like manner will help teach your children the values, maturity, quality character, and independence that are the goals of Scouting. What better place to do this than at summer camp? Thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to accompany your family. Scouting depends on active, involved leaders such as yourself. This camping trip may not have been possible for your Scouts without you being involved. Since you’re here, make sure you take advantage of it! We’ll do the best we can to give everyone an enjoyable, memorable experience. We can’t wait for you to arrive at camp this summer! If you have any questions regarding our programs being offered this summer please don’t hesitate to call. We’re prepared to give you and your kids the best summer camp experience they’ve had to date, now it’s your job to spread the word about our programs so that as many Cub Scouts as possible can benefit from them. Thanks for all you do for Scouting!

Ryan McDonald

Kendra Jones

Ryan “Muffin” McDonald Camp Director, Phillippo Scout Reservation Cub Camping Executive, Northern Star Council [email protected] 651-254-9136

Kendra Jones Camp Director, Stearns Scout Camp [email protected]

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Camp Stearns Spotlight on Stearns Scout Camp Stearns Scout Camp is located near St. Cloud, Minnesota, and features Lake Caroline along with several other lakes. It contains hundreds of acres of open fields and wooded areas, and is an ideal setting for outdoor activities. It is our hope that during your stay you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of this valuable resource we call Stearns. The design of the Cub Camp program provides experiences in all facets of Scout outdoor activities including camping, nature, aquatics, shooting sports, advancement and pack and den development programming. The aim of the program is to provide a quality outdoor experience built through careful consideration of each Scout’s physical, mental/emotional capabilities, health, safety, respect for each other and for the environment.

Getting to Stearns From Interstate 94 Take I-94 north to the Clearwater exit. At the Clearwater exit go left (south) on Hwy 24. Follow Hwy 24 to Co Rd 40. Turn right on Co Rd 40. Co Rd 40 become Co Rd 46, follow to Co Rd 44. Turn Left on Co. Rd. 44. Follow Co. Rd. 44 to Stearns Scout Camp. The camp gate will be on your left.

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Camp Stearns Facilities New Program Building: There is a brand new building that will be used for program and indoor housing near Diamond Lake Lodge. This building will provide indoor housing for participants who sign up for it. Sleeping arrangements will be worked through at camp on Friday night upon arrival for the new building. Campsites: Your den will be camping in tents as a group, or in a large bunkhouse as a group, depending on how you made your reservation. If you have fewer than five Scouts, it is likely that your den will be combined with another smaller group. Your den site will also include these items: Picnic table, shelter, kitchen equipment and a fire ring. Please note: Digging, trenching, raking and cutting standing brush is prohibited on Scout property. Sanitary Facilities: A latrine with a washstand is located near your campsite. Dens will be assigned to clean these facilities on a rotating basis to keep them clean. Showers are available for all campers. Food Service: At Stearns, your food is prepared and served at the dining area. Campers are responsible for setting and clearing tables. Campers may want to bring treats for campsite campfires. Meal service begins at breakfast on Day 2. Many special diets can be accommodated (e.g. vegetarian, gluten/wheat free, peanut free, etc.) contact [email protected] for special meal accommodations (please arrange special accommodations no earlier than 2 weeks prior to your arrival at camp). Program Areas: All programs at Camp Stearns are age progressive. Though each pack will stay in a campsite together they will be divided by rank to participate in the programs. Each program station has different activities for each age group. Programs include Cub Scout camping skills, boating, nature, crafts, swimming, BB gun & archery target shooting, and campfires. Both adults and Cubs participate in all the activities. Trading Post: The trading post will be open at different times throughout each day. The trading post has much to offer including camping items, souvenirs, pop, and snacks. For your convenience the trading post accepts credit cards. Medical Services: Minor first aid can be handled by your Pack with your Pack’s first aid kit. Camp medical staff and additional supplies, if needed, are located at camp. Other injuries or illnesses can be referred to the Health Officer. Medical services are available 24 hours a day. In an emergency, contact any staff member for further assistance.

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Things to Note in 2016 Health Forms: Health form (part A and B) must be filled out by all participants. Both documents will be kept by the camp at the end of the weekend. Bring health forms and waivers with you to camp, DO NOT mail in. Shooting Sports Waiver: The Northern Star Council Camping Waiver has been replaced with the Shooting Sports Waiver. The shooting sports waiver must be filled out for youth attending camps in the state of Minnesota. *both the Health form and Shooting spots waiver can be found at http://camping.northernstarbsa.org/ FormsandResources.aspx SWIM TESTS: Swim Tests will be held first thing on Friday night during check-in. Please note that all adults in your group need to take the swim test with the youth. Your family may choose to do their Swim Test prior to your arrival at camp as part of a Pack or Den activity this spring or early summer. Families that are not able to take a Swim Test prior to camp will have an opportunity to take a Swim Test upon arrival at camp. We ask that families needing a Swim Test arrive at camp early and will immediately head to the beach after dropping off their gear at their campsite. Encourage your kids to wear their swimsuit on the ride down to camp to help save them some time once they arrive at camp. CHECK IN TIMES: (camp opens at 6:00p.m. Friday evening) For those taking a Swim Test at camp, check-in at 6:00 p.m. For those not taking a Swim Test prior to camp, check-in at 7:00 p.m. Dinner is not provided the evening of check-in.

How to Handle Special Requests Go into your online registration and enter their health information. There are boxes for allergies, dietary needs, and other medical concerns. All of those fields show up on a health officer report for camp so they can confirm the notes at check-in. This is the best thing way to notify camp. Contact the goscouting.org hotline at 651-287-3699 for online questions.

The following are some common needs that our camps like to know ahead of time to best serve your needs:

    

Vegetarian meal requests Gluten Free meal requests Special diet concerns (we cannot always accommodate every diet, but will discuss options with you) Electricity needs in campsites/buildings for CPAP or other machines Accommodations for wheelchairs or other disabilities

If you have a different situation, and are not sure how it will affect you at camp, contact us at [email protected] . In your email specify the camp you will be attending and some details of your needs.

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Before You Leave Home ADULT LEADERSHIP: It is recommended that families bring two adults as many kids will have different interests and abilities based on age which could split family groups up, but every family is only required to have at least one adult with them.

HEALTH FORMS: Please DO NOT mail in Health Forms. MINNESOTA LAW requires all campers to provide a current health history form upon arrival to camp. Youth forms must be signed by a parent or guardian. Health forms are available at either Scout Office or get one online at: http://camping.northernstarbsa.org/ FormsandResources.aspx Adults must have a completed health history form as well. Northern Star Council Shooting Sports Waiver: The Northern Star Council Camping Waiver has been replaced with the Shooting Sports Waiver. The shooting sports waiver must be filled out for youth attending camps in the state of Minnesota. This form can also be found at: http://camping.northernstarbsa.org/FormsandResources.aspx .

TELEPHONE SERVICES: You can reach Stearns Scout Camp at (320) 236-7879. Note that phone calls made during the week may not be returned immediately as much of the camp is closed down during the week. You can call (651) 254-9153 for immediate assistance during the week.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST: * Optional Items; BOLD items are very important ___Uniform Shirt

___Pants/Slacks/Shorts

___Sweater or jacket

___Swimsuit

___Underwear & Socks

___Mosquito repellant

___Mosquito netting*

___Pajamas

___Cub Scout Handbook

___Poncho or Raincoat

___Flashlight

___Sun Screen

___Personal Hygiene Items

___Towels

___Shoes (2 Pair)

___Binoculars*

___Lawn Chairs

___Camera*

___Matches (adults only)*

___Water Bottle

___Watch*

___Cub Scout knife*

___ Whittling Chip

___Small Backpack or Tote Bag

___Spending money for Trading Post

___Sleeping bag

___Sports equipment for free time*

NO ROLLERBLADES – NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES-NO PETS

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Checking In & Out of Camp CHECK-IN: Plan to arrive at Camp at your specified check-in time (on page 4). Camp does not open until 6:00PM. Please be punctual and have your health forms, waivers, and swim classification form (if taking test prior to camp) accessible when you arrive. Showing up on time will allow you enough time to bring your equipment to your campsite, take your swim test (if needed), unpack your campsite, and be ready for the camp orientation & tour that evening with your campsite commissioners. At the orientation/tour, you will be given further information regarding your stay.

PARKING: Staff will greet campers near the entrance to camp and direct them to their designated parking lot based on which campsite they are staying in. All cars must remain in the parking lot. The in-camp road is reserved for camp vehicles only. If for any reason you need to drive into camp, you must first receive permission from the Camp Director.

CHECK-OUT: Packs will check out of their campsite before lunch on the last day. Your campsite commissioner will arrange for a check-out time, and give you a “Get Out of Camp Free” card to claim your Pack’s check-out bag when check-out has been completed.

Sample Schedule Friday 6:00PM 8:00

Check-in and Orientation Movie Night

Saturday 7:30AM 9:00 12:00PM 1:00 2:00 5:00 6:00 8:00

Breakfast Family Activity Time Lunch Rank Advancement Time Family Activity Time Break Dinner Camp Wide Campfire

Sunday 7:30AM 9:00 12:00PM

Breakfast Camp Wide Carnival Lunch and Checkout

Trading Post Trading Post is open during all meal times and during select times during the weekend. Trading Post hours are posted on trading post door.

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Camp Program OPEN PROGRAM: During your stay, much of the schedule will be open. This will give families the ability to plan their own schedule and choose their own activities during the day. Families can be as active as they would like or take some time to read or relax in their campsite. There will be some select scheduled activities during the weekend such as nature hikes and tie dye that can be done if families would like.

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR PROGRAMS THAT YOU CAN DO DURING YOUR STAY: AQUATICS: Swimming and boating are the exciting activities in this area. Play water games or work on your swimming skills during your swimming rotation. Take out a canoe or rowboat at the beach during free time on Saturday or Sunday. Every camper must take a swim test before he or she may participate at either aquatics area. Canoes are limited to those who receive the “swimmer” classification.

PEDAL GO-KARTS: These karts are top of the line and can be used by kids of all ages. They are fun and challenging enough to keep the older kids busy and our smaller karts are perfect for our younger kids. These can be ridden on our dirt roads and on our tracks. TIE DYE: We will have a few select tie dye sessions during the weekend. Your tie dye t-shirt can be purchased from the trading post for $7.00 which will cover the shirt and the supplies used. SHOOTING SPORTS: BB guns and archery are the two rotation activities in this area. Learn safety regulations, proper shooting techniques, and hone skills with plenty of time to shoot. Webelos will get the opportunity to expand their archery skills at our action archery range.

MINI GOLF: We have a very unique mini gold course at camp. It is one that you make yourself!! We give you the parts to make the course and you set it up the way you want it. There are turns, loops, bridges, and more. The possibilities are endless. See how hard of a shot you can make.

CLIMBING/BOULDERING: We have a large climbing tower that can be used by kids and adults at camp. We have a trained staff that runs the area, and equipment to keep things safe and fun. Any kids who think climbing might be too tough can try out the bouldering wall to test their skill and get the hang of climbing.

FAMILY TIME: We encourage all families to take some time to themselves while they’re at camp to take in the beauty of being outdoors at our wonderful facility. Remember to take some time with your family as you make your way through the weekend.

CAMPFIRE: On Saturday night the staff will put on a show that is sure to be a great time. They will perform skits and songs that will get everyone laughing. You don’t want to miss out on this.

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Map of Stearns

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Camping With Wildlife ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR A SAFE VISIT AT CAMP (Please review this information with your group prior to camp) CAMPSITE PRECAUTIONS: This section of the education material is directed to the precautions that must be taken in your campsite so as to avoid attracting animals. Animals typically found at camp include field mice, raccoons, deer and wild turkeys. There are not any dangerous wildlife typically found at our camps, but they can be nuisance to your stay. If you feel threatened by any wildlife please contact Camp Management. Camp Sanitation: It is essential that campsites and their surrounding areas be kept clean. Food: This is perhaps the most important precaution to be taken. Food produces odors that attract critters in search of a meal. All food at camp must be stored in a scent-proof container or the trunk of a car. Food In Tents: There simply is absolutely no excuse for eating food, your meals or snacks, in your tent. These foods will leave appealing odors that will attract wildlife. Empty snack wrappers, food boxes, juice boxes, soda cans, or even water bottles that have had flavored drinks mixed in them are not to be kept in tents. FOOD OF ANY KIND SHOULD NEVER BE STORED IN A TENT. Cooking of Food: If your unit is going to bring snacks to cook the last night of camp, the cooking preparation and dining areas should be as far as possible from the sleeping tents. Clean Up After Food Preparation: Dishes should be done immediately following completion of the meal. Leftovers should be properly disposed of or stored as food in the manner described above. All tables used in food preparation and eating must be washed. Food spilled on the ground must be picked up. Liquid food spills must be cleaned up by removing the soil that is contaminated with the spill. Snacks: Many Cub Scouts and families bring snacks to camp for their stay. Snacks must be stored in the same manner as food is stored as described above. Snacks also include beverages other than water. Soda pop, powdered beverages, juice boxes, or other drinks should never be consumed in a tent. Spills from these products give off odors that are very appealing to critters. Garbage: Garbage containing food should not remain in a campsite. Garbage should be properly bagged and disposed of in the provided cans. Make sure that any leakage from your garbage bag is properly cleaned up as well. Staff will be by each day to collect garbage. You may choose to bring your garbage to the dumpsters if you notice the garbage run has already been made for the day. Tick Awareness: Problems associated with various ticks have been widely reported throughout much of the country including the area surrounding our Council camps . With proper planning and education, tick problems can be minimized. To assist groups with educating its campers, the staff have prepared the following plan: 1.

All campers should wear a good quality insect repellant when they are in the woods. The most effective repellant to combat ticks is one that contains 30% Deet (or permethrin).

2.

Parents may wish to bring spray type insect repellant so that it can be sprayed on clothes. Please do not let Scouts use aerosol sprays unsupervised because of potential dangers from misuse including damage to eyes and the flammability of the product.

3.

Review tick information that is available in your camp program room. Share this information with the youth and parents in your group.

4.

Make “tick checks” part of the daily routine at camp. Youth should be reminded every day to check for ticks. Having a buddy such as a tent mate assist is a good idea. Regular showers will also help with early detection.

5.

See your camp Health Officer or Camp Director if you have additional questions.

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QUALITY CAMPING The Northern Star Council Camping Committee is committed to camps that meet high standards for health and safety, food service, program, maintenance, conservation, staffing, and administration. All of our camps are inspected and accredited on an annual basis.

THIS EMBLEM IS ONE OF YOUR ASSURANCES OF A QUALITY CAMP

NORTHERN STAR COUNCIL / BSA 393 Marshall Avenue St. Paul, MN 55102-1717 763-231-7201 Fax: 763-231-7202 www.northernstarbsa.org/camping

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