Camp Karankawa Boy Scout Camp

Bay Area Council Boy Scouts of America

2016 Parent and Leader’s Guide For Summer, Fall and Winter Camps

Table of Contents Camp Policies ------------------------------------------------------- 2 Sign-Up Information ----------------------------------------------- 4 2016 Camp Karankawa Fees -------------------------------------- 5 Visitors to Camp -------------------------------------------------- 6 Check-In Procedures ----------------------------------------------- 7 Check-Out Procedures --------------------------------------------- 7 Health & Medical Services ----------------------------------------- 8 Emergency Procedures --------------------------------------------- 9 Youth Protection Policies ----------------------------------------- 10 Communicating with Scouts at Camp --------------------------- 11 More Information---------------------------------------------------- 12 Gator Trek – River Trek ------------------------------------------- 15 1

CAMP POLICIES We are all, first and foremost, members of the Boys Scouts of America. The basic policies governing Camp Karankawa are: The Scout Oath On my honor, I will do my best, To do my duty to God and my country And to obey the Scout Law: To help other people at all times: To keep myself physically strong, Mentally awake, and morally straight

A Scout is:

The Outdoor Code As and American, I will do my best to – Be clean in my outdoor manners Be careful with fire. Be considerate in the outdoors, and Be conservation minded

The Scout Law Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean & Reverent

The Principals of Leave No Trace Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Minimize Campfire Impacts Leave What You Find Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors The Environment: Camp Karankawa will be operated and maintained in such a way as to minimize impact upon the land. Principals of Leave No trace should be followed. This is accomplished through placing trash in proper receptacles, rotating campsites and program areas, using certified forest managers, maintaining open space, and staining buildings and signs to blend with the surroundings. From Troop leader’s comments, we know that our setting is one of our biggest assets. Please join us in Leaving No Trace by maintaining the property as an outstanding rural, forested setting so that future generations of Scout will be able to enjoy the pristine environment of Camp Karankawa. Camp Accreditation: Camp Karankawa meets all state and local health/safety codes and is reviewed yearly during a visitation conducted by the Boy Scouts of America. Our National Accreditation assures Scouts a clean, comfortable, safe, fun-filled quality experience. 2

Uniforms: Scout and Leaders are expected to be in full field uniform (Class A) for evening flag and dinner periods. During the day time periods scouts should be wearing activity uniform with a scouting shirt or appropriate shirt if a scouting shirt is not available. No open toed shoes are allowed except in the shower and pool facilities. Driving In Camp: Camp and vendor vehicles are allowed in camp at the discretion of the Camp Director. During camp, private troop or unit vehicles are not allowed in camp. Private vehicles are to be parked in the parking lot. Only the Camp Director may grant exceptions to this rule. Anyone driving a vehicle is expected to obey the posted camp speed limit and drive safely. A vehicle operator must be at least 18 years of age to drive on camp property. No one is allowed to ride in the bed of a truck and everyone must wear a seatbelt. The camp speed limit is 10 MPH. Personal Hygiene: A Scout is Clean – Troop and unit leaders are urged to make sure Scouts shower regularly. Showers are located at the main shower house. The camp has separate shower facilities for adults and youth. Separate shower facilities are available for female leaders as well. Troops/Units will be asked to clean the Shower House they use at least once during their stay at camp. Smoking Policy: Smoking is discouraged at camp, but we recognize the prerogatives of adult leaders. There is one designated smoking area in camp which is located in main parking lot. E cigarettes are considered a part of this policy as well. It is strictly forbidden for anyone under the age of eighteen to smoke and adults are not to smoke in front of youth. Leaders Leaving Camp: Two-deep leadership must be maintained within your Troop at all times. Troop leaders are responsible for the supervision of their Troop’s youth at all times. If sufficient leadership is available and a leader desires to leave camp, the leader must sign out with the camp office. Upon returning, leader must sign back in with the office. The Leaders may not consume alcohol during short, temporary absences from camp. Campsite Safety: • The Buddy System should be used by Scouts at all times. Scouts should never travel alone. • Walking barefoot in camp is dangerous! Scouts may only be without their shoes in the immediate pool area, camp showers, and in tents. • Clotheslines should be strung away from trails and should always have something on them. Don’t use tent outriggers or guidelines. • Knives with fixed blades, or any knife with a blade longer than 3” are prohibited for both Scouts and adults. The council finds absolutely no purpose for such knives in camp. Food in Campsites/Trash: Since food and food odors attract animals, all food maintained in a campsite must be secured in tightly sealed containers. Trash generated during the day should be secured in plastics bags and left in the trailer at the horseshoe near the bath house no later than 5:00 PM each day. Staff will conduct a trash collection run each day of operation on or after 5:00 PM. Do not leave garbage or trash in your campsite overnight.

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Lanterns and Stoves: Propane stoves and battery or propane lanterns are allowed. The use of liquid fuel may only be used by adults with prior approval of the Camp Director and stored under supervision of the Ranger. OPEN FLAMES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN TENTS! Campfires: Units can have campfires in the provided fire rings only, and cannot be more than 3 feet high. Each unit is responsible for filling out the unit fireguard chart every day and is located next to the latrine. Please do not move the fire rings.

SIGN-UP INFORMATION “How do I sign-up for Camp Karankawa?”

Come with your Troop Your Troop can attend Karankawa with all its Scouts and under its own leadership. It is always more fun to go with the scouts in your Troop. Your unit will stay at a campsite that is all prepared and ready for your arrival. Make sure you speak with your Scoutmaster about attending Camp. Prepayment of all Scout fees must be paid in full with registration. Stay as a Maverick If your Troop is unable to attend camp a Scout can attend as a provisional camper known as a Maverick. Mavericks will camp together as a Troop and we will provide experienced adult volunteers to offer proper guidance and leadership. Don’t let your Scout miss this unique opportunity. Promote being a Maverick to all of your Scouts. Become a Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Take the opportunity to challenge yourself, learn about leadership and the skills required of a camp staff member. The CIT program is designed for Scouts 14 years of age and over who are interested in preparing themselves for camp staff duty. You will enter a training program and spend time learning how to be an effective member of the camp staff. You will learn leadership and camp skills under the guidance and direction of a senior staff member. Learn, grow, and develop leadership skills in the CIT program. Participants are selected by the Camp Director. Submit a staff application now to the Camp Director for consideration. There is no fee for this program!! Become a Gator Guide (GG) River guides for our Gator Treks. One day to 4 day/3 night 50 miler river treks. Guides need for summer river program. Register online or fill out an applications are available on the Camp Karankawa website located at www.bacbsa.org Camp Karankawa page.

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Join the Staff Do you have the skills necessary to be on camp staff? Want to be able to share your knowledge and have fun in return? Come be on camp staff. Register online or fill out an applications are available on the Camp Karankawa website located at www.bacbsa.org Camp Karankawa page.

2016 Camp Karankawa Fees It’s only $175 for a Scout and $85 for a Leader to attend Camp Karankawa. For this amount scouts and scouters attending camp get meals provided, have access to all our program areas, a dedicated camp staff who are there to not only assist each scout with their Merit Badge requirements, but will also committed to making each scout’s stay a special one. Other fees may apply for certain merit badges. Camp registration will be open Feb 24th with merit badge registration open May 1st. Camperships It is the policy of the Bay Area Council that NO Scout shall miss the opportunity to attend camp for lack of funds. For this reason, a limited number of Workership aid is available through the council. Please contact the Bay Area Council for more information. Merit Badge/Program Schedule Merit badge classes and schedules will be available for registration May 1st. We will offer block scheduling for our classes. Refunds/Cancellations Refunds will only be granted to the original paying customer, whether it is the unit or individual. All unit refunds will be paid to the Committee Chairperson of record for that unit. All but 15% of an individual’s fee is refundable, under certain circumstances (sickness, death in family, summer school, military deployment or relocation only) as long as it is requested in writing, with back-up documentation, and received in the scout service center, 3020 53rd St., Galveston, TX 77551-5917. Refund requests due to light weather issues, homesickness, schedule conflicts and misinterpretation of printed council policies and procedures or reasons other than those noted above will not warrant a refund. In addition, partial refund will not be granted for partial camp stays. If a camp if forced to be canceled by the council, because of severe weather, or circumstances prior to the camp occurring, the council will reschedule the camp or initiate the refund process. All requests are due to the council office within 15 days of the final day of the camp date.

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Visitors to Camp Visitors to Camp Are Welcome Visitors are welcome in camp if invited by their Troop. All visitors must sign in and out at the Leaders Lodge and must be approved by the Camp Director. A name tag or wrist band will be issued to all adults not on staff. All adults not on camp staff are required to wear a name tag/wrist band to identify them as having signed in. The camp must know who is in camp in the event of an emergency. Meals Visitors in camp are more than welcome to join their Troop during a meal at the Dining Hall. Visitors who wish to eat with their Troop in the Dining Hall should see the Camp Director and arrange for meal payment. The costs are as follows: Breakfast $4.00 Lunch $5.00 Dinner $7.00 Overnight Visitors Visitors are welcome to stay overnight if invited by their Troop. Visitors must sign in at the Leaders Lodge and must be approved by the Camp Director. They also must provide a youth protection certificate and a full signed medical form. The cost for an overnight stay is just the cost of their meals. Following BSA guidelines, units must have two registered adults or one registered adult and one parent of a participating Scout (one age 21 or older and the other 18 or older) with the Troop at all times. When leadership changes during the week, leaders must sign in and out at the Camp Office and incoming leaders must pick up a wristband. All those who stay overnight, both adults and youth, must have a current Medical Form (Parts A-C) on file in the health lodge and a face to face Youth Protection certificate. Visitor or Scout Check-Out Visitors and Scouts must sign-out at the Leaders Lodge if they are leaving camp prior to the normal Saturday morning departure. The scout’s parent/guardian must fill out a Camper Release Form and submit it to the Camp Office during check in for any early departures of camp. 6

Check-In Procedures Arriving at Camp: A staff member will meet you and direct you to your gear drop off and parking. All gear is to be placed in your campsite. If parents are dropping their own children off please make sure they know which camp site their child is staying at. In case of rain, please bring tarps to cover the gear. You may begin your Check In by starting with the Richardson Leader’s Lodge, where a leader will settle the unit account. Please present your troop roster to the Camp Director listing ALL scouts & adult leaders, including anyone who is checking in later in the week. You will then go to where the Health Officer will check in all adults and youth. After this you will go to the pool to for swim tests (Summer Camp only). For Summer Camp: Your unit should arrive at camp, no earlier than 1:00pm on Sunday, June 12th. Swim tests will be given on the day of registration. Please make sure to visit the pool BEFORE 4:30pm. For Fall Camp: Your unit should arrive at camp, no earlier than 5:30pm on Friday, November 18th. For Winter Camp: Your unit should arrive at camp, no earlier than 1:00pm on Monday, on Dec 26th. Medical Check-In: At camp check-in, you will turn in bagged medicines and complete the medical check with our Health Officer. Please make sure all medications are in their original bottles and placed in a plastic bag with scouts name and troop #. Buddy tags will be issued (for Summer Camp only). Youth Protection: All adults are required to take the Boy Scout online and Texas State Youth Protection Training. Please make sure all adults who will be on camp premises have a copy of their certificates for check in. A face to face training for all adults who need to take Youth Protection will be offered within first 12hrs of camp.

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Check- Out Procedures All troops are required to check out at the end of camp at the Richardson Leaders Lodge. Only one leader from every troop is required. At this time all paperwork submitted will be returned. For Summer Camp: The earliest units can leave is after breakfast on June 18th. For Fall Camp: The earliest units can leave is after dinner on Nov. 24th . For Winter Camp: The earliest a unit can leave is after camp fire on Dec 30th. Any scout that needs to leave early must submit to their leader, prior to check in, a Camper Release Form. The scout will be allowed to leave camp at the time specified with prior permission from legal parent/guardian. The unit leader must bring the scout to the Richardson Leaders Lodge to check him out before departure.

Even though we will be returning all medical forms and youth protection certificates at the end of camp, we strongly urge that the original be maintained by the unit/family. Provide a copy to camp.

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Health & Medical Services Health Lodge Our Health Lodge is always open to those in need of medical attention. If the Health Officer is not in the Health Lodge, she or he can be reached through our radio network. All of our program areas are equipped with first aid kits that are regularly checked and restocked by the Health Officer. We are required to log all incidents requiring any level of first aid or medical attention. If a scout is sick for more than a day, then a parent must come & pick him up. He cannot stay at camp! If mom, dad, or anyone listed on the Medical Form cannot pick him up, the leader is responsible for bringing him home. Medication All medications must be brought to the Camp Health Officer upon check-in. This includes any non-prescription medications (i.e. Tylenol). The scout or scouter may carry a limited amount of medication for life threatening conditions including EpiPens, heart medication and inhalers. All prescription medications must be in their original, pharmacy-labeled containers and must be logged in with the Camp Health Officer. Unit leaders are asked to assist the Health Officer in making sure that the Scouts requiring medications report to the Health Lodge at the appropriate times. The Health Lodge stocks several non-prescription medications as directed in the camp physician’s standing orders. Adults (18 and older) may not retain their own medications. It is required that these medications be listed on the adult’s Medical Form.

Emergency Procedures The camp has emergency phone numbers posted near all telephones, FM radio communication throughout the camp, a written agreement with the local rescue squad, local hospital and local physician. If you have any questions on emergency procedures, please ask. During an emergency, your responsibility is for your Troop. Emergency Signals When you hear the camp siren, you must immediately assemble your Troop at the Parade Field next to the Main Pavilion, take a head count, have your Senior Patrol Leader report your attendance to the Staff member in charge, and await further instructions. If for whatever reason the Parade Field is unsafe, the staff will direct people to the main parking lot as a secondary assembly area. Leaders need to make Scouts aware that emergency vehicles may be traveling the roads as well. Stay on the Parade Field until the all clear is given. What follows are instructions you should carry out if you have an accident within your own Troop, somewhere in camp or on the trail.

Drills

Every person must report to the parade field when the siren is sounded, drill or no drill! In accordance with National BSA camp policy, an emergency drill will be conducted each week of camp. For planning purposes Leader’s will be given information as to when this drill is scheduled. Please keep drill time confidential!

Storms

Whenever a serious storm approaches, everyone in camp should move into the nearest designated shelter. The primary shelter is the Dining Hall. Personal Accident 1) Give immediate first aid. 2) Report accident to Health Lodge, Camp Office, or nearest Staff member with a radio. 3) Health Officer will administer medical care and/or make contacts for assistance. Lost Bather 1) Report situation to Aquatics Director 2) Aquatics Director and the Camp Director or the Ranger will provide directions. Lost Person 1) Report situation to the Camp Office at once, including as much information as possible. 2) Camp Director and the Ranger will provide directions.

Fire 1) Evacuate your Troop to the Parade Field. Immediately report the location of the fire to the Camp Director, the Ranger or nearest Staff member with a radio. 2) Check your Fire Guard Chart provided at your camp site for further details. Flood or Thunder &Lightning 1) Camp Director & Ranger will direct operations. 2) Senior Staff will direct Units. 3) Evacuations will follow as directed by local authorities if required

Youth Protection Policies The following policies have been adopted by the Boy Scouts of America to provide security for the youth in our program. In addition, they serve to protect adult leadership from situations in which they are vulnerable to allegations of abuse. Troop Leadership Policy Two-Deep Leadership Units are required to provide a minimum of 2 registered adult leaders or one registered adult and a parent of a participating Scout, at all times in camp. One must be at least 18 and one must be at least 21. Co-ed units must have at least one male and at least one female leader. If there is a problem, contact the Camp Director immediately. No One-On-One Contact One-on-one contact between youth and adult members, except in parent-child situations, is strictly prohibited. In situations that require a personal conference, the meeting should be conducted in the view of others. Respect of Privacy Leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp. Adult leaders are not permitted to enter a youth shower facility and youth members are not permitted to enter an adult shower facility. Separate Accommodations When in camp, no youth or youth Staff member is to share or sleep in the same tent as an adult or adult Staff member, other than his own parent or guardian.

No Secret Organizations There are no secret organizations recognized by the Boy Scouts of America. All Scouting programs are open to parents and leaders. Proper Clothing Proper clothing for activities is required. Skinny dipping is not an appropriate Scouting activity. Constructive Discipline Discipline in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting values. Corporal punishment is not permitted. Hazing Physical or mental hazing is strictly prohibited and is not included in any Scouting activities. Supervision Leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and see that Boy Scouts of America policies are obeyed. Scout Travel out of Camp If a Scout requires transportation from camp (i.e. to the hospital), the Troop must provide the adult leader, a second Scout and transportation. On trail trips away from the base camp, two adult leaders must be present. Reporting Abuse It is required by law that suspected incidents of child abuse be reported immediately to the state agency having this responsibility.

Communicating with Scouts at Camp Two of the most common questions from parents are:

"Where will our son be?" and "How can we reach him?"

Please write, but don't call the camp unless it is an emergency. Remember that there is no telephone next to your son's tent! The camp phone is for business and emergencies. Mail: Camp Karankawa (Scout’s Name) Troop # 3249 FM 1459 Sweeny, TX 77480

Camp Director J.R. Frausto

Camp Ranger PJ Brown

Emergency Phone #’s Camp Karankawa Office 979-345-3964 Bay Area Council 409-744-5206

979-345-3964 - office 979-236-7785 - cell 979-417-6564 - cell

Food Packages Food packages mailed to your Scout at camp should only contain as much food as can be eaten in a single day. Scouts should not store food in their tents. Cellular Phones It is up to the unit leader to make sure that all cell phones are secured upon arriving at camp. Youth can use their phones at the proper time, during siesta or evenings. Any leader may bring their own cell phone for their personal use, and at their own discretion. Reception at our properties is unreliable, and the BAC will not provide facilities to keep batteries charged. Units leaders who allow youth to use their personal phone due so at their own discretion, and the BAC is not responsible for damages.

More Information Trading Post/ Gator Junction Our Camp offers a trading post where youth and adults can purchase items such as flashlights, merit badge books, mess kits, camp stools, reference books, as well as candy, snacks, ice cream, soda, sports drinks and custom products. The trading post takes cash, checks and credit cards (no American Express). Please make sure to send small bills, no larger than 20s. Individual Items Needed o Please make sure to send along the right gear for the season, swimsuits for summer and hats and gloves for winter. Be prepared for wet weather! It may not rain, but if it does, Be Prepared. A poncho or rain suit will work great. Rubber boots or a good pair of waterproof hiking boots and a second pair of comfortable shoes is recommended. Don’t forget to bring plenty of good clean socks! o Water bottles are a must at camp. We provide drinking water at program areas, but you must bring your bottle! We encourage everybody to drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Carrying a water bottle is a good reminder to drink during the day. Water bottles can be purchased at the Trading Post if forgotten. o Merit badge books are needed to do class work as well as get additional information needed to complete badges. Please plan to bring the correct merit badge book to camp. They are also offered in Gator Junction for purchase if a Scout needs one. o Notebooks and pen or pencil. Many merit badges require written reports or note taking. Please make sure all Scouts have these items. o Flashlight or head lamp. When night comes it gets really dark here. It is highly recommended that everybody bring flashlights to avoid walking into trees, fences and even to avoid a random hole or root in the ground.

Gator Trek – Canoeing Trek Are you prepared for the outdoor challenge? Brave the high adventure canoe trek and test your scout skills in the South Texas wetland environment. You’ll travel along the San Bernard River with access to the 54,000-acre San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge where there is more water than land. Trek includes stops on the beach. Wildlife watching, photography, fishing, birdwatching, and environmental education programs are all available. More than 320 species of birds call the refuge home for all or part of the year, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise. It is because of its significance to waterfowl and migrating birds that San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge and its companion refuges were designated an Internationally Significant Shorebird Site by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. Summer Camp Gator Trek 1 – 4 day/3 night river trek The Gator Trek will follow the BSA High Adventure participation requirements. Which include: • Participant Eligibility o Physical requirements o Swim requirements • Physical Examination • Parental Permission • Training requirements for both adults and youth • Pre-Trek preparations Look for the Gator Trek Guide posted April 1st for details at: http://www.bacbsa.org Camp Karankawa page