Summer Camp is almost here. (July 14th is the first day of camp.)
Link to the Leader’s Guide for Camp: https://wfbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buck-Run-Leaders-Guide-2023.pdf
The Leader’s Guide will be referred to multiple times.
There are 2 Campgrounds. Camp Conestoga is on top of the hill, is where the older scouts camp, and is where we will all meet as a pack to check in. We will be assigned a check in time (that I haven’t received yet) between 5 and 7. There I will turn in all of our paperwork and we will meet with the camp nurse. After checking in, any campers (youth and adult) who need to take the swim test or want to retake the swim test can do so.
The Cub Scout side of camp is called Buck Run. We will leave camp Conestoga and drive down to Buck Run to drop off gear. There is very limited parking at Buck Run. Cars need to park at Conestoga for the duration of camp. You can take your car to Buck Run to drop off gear but will need to take it back to the parking lot at Conestoga after you’re done. I recommend carpooling the gear to eliminate needing to walk back to camp.
Kids will sleep in cabins on bunks. Adults will sleep in canvas tents on cots. A large sheet of cardboard under the foam mattress may make the cot more comfortable. (More information about the accommodations can be found on page 15 or the leader’s guide )
Uniforms
The Scout uniform is the proper dress for retreat and dinner. I will do my best to have the kids hang up their shirts after evening colors and dinner.
There is a trading post . If you send your kid with money please let me know so I can help them keep track of it. Information about the trading post is on page 16.
A schedule for campers is on page 20. The actual activities will vary each day. The next several pages describe the activities in each rotation and how they change as the week goes on. We will be traveling to all activities as a pack.
***Special Note *** Bears ( scouts entering 3rd grade) There will be an opportunity to earn your whittling chip. If you decide to bring a knife it must have a locking blade and be no bigger than the palm of your hand. YOU MUST GIVE THE KNIFE TO A LEADER WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT CAMP!! You will not have earned your whittling chip until the end of camp.
Webelos and Arrow of Lights may bring and keep a knife to camp as long as they follow the rules they pledged when earring their whittling chip.
There is a Fishing Contest at camp. While I am sure there are some fishing rods and supplies at camp, you may want to consider bringing your own.
It possibly will be hot the week we go to camp. Please bring a reusable water bottle. There will be water jugs located all over camp to refill them. I will be encouraging the kids to drink often.
It also could rain while we are at camp. We camp and do activities RAIN OR SHINE.. Hopefully it will just be some sprinkles that will feel refreshing in the heat. Make sure to pack rain gear. If the weather does turn bad the camp has precautions set up to keep us safe.
If you choose to bring snacks, drinks or any other type of food please let a leader know so it is stored properly at night. No Food in tents or cabins.
We have a page on the website for recommended items to bring to camp.
There is also a list on page 37 of the leaders guide. (Our list did expand on that list.)
CELL PHONES AT CAMP
As a mom I understand wanting to send your child with a way to contact you if they need to. As a scout leader I understand camp is the place kids learn the independence and self confidence that will make them great leaders some day. Camp is for camping so cell phones will be stored at camp during the day. I will allow the kids to send messages at night after dinner if they would like. If anyone is really feeling homesick I will try to find time during siesta as well. Short calls and messages only. No games, internet or music. I will warn everyone that service will be spotty. My son Jonathon has sent me several messages I did not receive for hours, sometimes the next day. I will also do my best to check the remind app each day if anyone wants to try and reach us through that.
Telephone Service Camp Phone Number: 814-444-8531 The camp phone is available for business and emergency use only. If parents must call camp, it will take time to reach your child’s leader. All messages will be given to the leader, and we will have the leader return the call. Scouts will not be allowed to call home themselves.
Mail Service The camp mailbox is checked every day and mail is delivered at mealtimes. To mail your camper a letter or postcard, have it addressed as follows:
Cub Scout’s Name Pack Number
Camp Buck Run
255 Conestoga Camp Road
Somerset, PA. 15501 A letter from home is always nice but be sure to mail it in plenty of time. You may want to mail the letter before your child leaves for camp to ensure that they receive it during their stay.
Directions to camp can be found on page 33 of the Leaders guide along with a map
Anyone who arrives at camp after we have checked in as well as anyone who needs to leave camp early must check in/out at the dining hall.
There are special forms to fill out if you need to leave early from camp. Page 36 and 51 of the leaders guide explain that. Please inform a leader from our pack if you are leaving camp, with or without a scout. We need to have an accurate list of who is on camp ground and where in case there is an emergency.
There is also a medication form that needs to be filled out if your child is going to have medication at camp regardless if you will be there to administer it or not. (Page 53)
Link to Medical Form. Scouts & Adults going for the Weekend only needs to fill out Part A & B. Scouts & Adults going for the week need to fill out A, B, and C.
Week Medical Form (A, B, & C)
ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN COMING TO DINNER ON THE LAST NIGHT OF CAMP FOR YOUR SCOUT PLEASE LET US KNOW BY FRIDAYS DROP OFF. I WILL NEED TO TURN IN A LIST WITH NAMES AT THAT TIME. Anyone is welcome to attend. You do not need a medical form nor clearances to attend. Guests may show up at 4pm on the last day to help pack up. There will be a $5.00 charge for the evening meal. See page 30 in the leaders guide
