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Aquia District

Spring Camporee 2018

Boy Scouts, Venture Crews,

Sea Scouts & Varsity Scouts

Orienteering

And other Scouting Skills!

Curtis Memorial Park

58 Jesse Curtis Lane

Hartwood, Virginia

20-22 April 2018

IMPORTANT: THERE WILL BE NO ONSITE REGISTRATION. ALL UNITS MUST REGISTER ONLINE BEFORE APRIL 14th 2018

Aquia District Spring Camporee – CURTIS PARK 20-22 Apr. 2018

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1.0 CAMPOREE OVERVIEW

In 1974, the BSA added the

Orienteering merit badge to the

elective merit badge group. It has been a vital skill for humans for thousands of years. It is also a recognized sport at the Olympic Games, and thousands of people participate in the sport each year in local clubs and competitions. Throughout the weekend, scouts should look forward to participating in activities oriented toward the Orienteering merit badge, as well as utilizing teamwork and fundamental scout skills.

We hope you enjoy your weekend.

Yours in Scouting,

Eric Gilgenast, Troop 199

1.1 All Boy Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts & Varsity Scouts Are Invited

The program features competitions which are appropriate for all Boy Scouts groups of all levels except Webelos/Cub Scouts. See Section 2 for the detailed program information.

1.2 Patrols

Because there are a variety of events in this program, we strive to ensure every Scout has fun and plays an important part in his patrol’s activities. Therefore, we orient some of the events to specifically ensure some of the younger (and probably smaller) Scouts are prominent in the activity. We ask that your patrols show an even distribution of age and rank, so we all compete fairly. Any patrol that appears heavily stacked with senior Scouts may be asked to redistribute itself. It is recommended that each patrol has 4-6 scouts whenever possible.

1.3 When and Where

The Camporee is being held at Curtis Memorial Park on April 20-22, 2018. The park is located at 58 Jesse Curtis Lane, Hartwood, Virginia. Check-in begins at 5pm on April 20th.

1.4 Registration Deadline

Online registration opens on March 13th. Register by Saturday, April 7th to pay the early registration fee of $20 per person.

The regular registration fee of $30 per person begins on April 7, 2018 and will run until April 14th at midnight. EVERYONE that is camping overnight or participating in the events must be registered.

THERE IS NO ONSITE REGISTRATION.

The registration website is: https://scoutingevent.com/082-19416?

1.5 Camporee Staff

The following individuals are responsible for the Camporee. If you have specific questions, please contact the individual responsible for the area, or for general questions contact the Camporee Director:

Camporee Director – Eric Gilgenast

443-528-2854

Health & Safety – Michael Lince

Camporee Commissioners – Nik Gilgenast

District Executive – Phil Duggins

District Committee Chair – James Dunham

Campfire Leaders – Aquia Order of the Arrow

2.0 The Competition

Each registered unit will automatically compete for the Commissioner’s Cup (and bragging rights). The competition is based on the scores from the following:

· Unit Site Inspection (100 pts)

· The total points awarded for the patrol competitions.

· Scout Trivia points.

· Cooking Competition

2.1 Patrol Competition

Even though two patrols from the same troop may compete against each other, each score is entered in the overall competition. In other words, every patrol is competing against ALL the other patrols in every event.

2.2 Camporee stations

There will be stations where the patrols will work to earn points towards the Commissioner’s Cup. The stations will focus on everything from teaching/testing parts of the Orienteering Merit Badge to testing Scout skills like fire building, knot tying, pioneering and using GPS for Geo-Caching.

After the Camporee is over, a spreadsheet will be sent out to all the Troops noting which requirements were met for the Orienteering Merit Badge and whatever Rank Advancements are completed. Each Troop will be responsible for completing blue cards within the unit.

JAMBOREE ON THE AIR (JOTA)

We will have a Ham Radio set up to participate in the Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA). JOTA is an annual Scouting event that uses amateur radio to link Scouts around the world, around the nation, and in your own community. Held on the third full weekend of April each year, this worldwide jamboree requires no travel, other than to a nearby radio amateur’s ham shack.

Once at the ham radio station, the communication typically requires speaking into a microphone and listening on the station speakers. However, many forms of specialized communication can also take place, such as video communication, digital communication using typed words on the computer screen transmitted by radio, communication through a satellite relay or an earth-based relay, and many others. The stations you’ll be communicating with can be other Scouts across town, across the country, or even around the world! The World Scout Bureau reported that the 2014 JOTA had more than 1 million Scout participants from more than 11,500 stations, nearly 20,000 amateur radio operators, and reached 157 countries.

There are no official hours, so you have the whole weekend to make JOTA contacts. The event officially starts Friday evening and runs through Sunday morning.

How Can I Participate as a Scout?

We will have an amateur radio set up to educate Scouts on JOTA and allow you guys to talk with Scouts around the world, and maybe even the SPACE STATION!!!

3.0 REGISTRATION, ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN

3.1 Registration

All units planning on attending should register online by Saturday, April 14th at https://scoutingevent.com/082-19416?. This registration information will be used to establish program plans and to assign campsite locations and class sizes.

All Camporee Registration must be done online on the website. Payment must also be made through this portal. If your unit needs an exception to this, please contact the District Executive: Phil Duggins.

There will be NO ONSITE registration this year. All units must register online prior to April 14th in order to attend.

Refund Policy: Cold or wet weather is not a valid reason to cancel a camporee registration. In the highly unlikely event the camporee is entirely cancelled due to extreme weather conditions or other Acts of God, all pre-paid registrations will be returned minus a charge for actual costs incurred.

3.2 Campsite Assignment

We will be assigning camping sites at the Camporee Headquarters. You will need to get your site assignment and a map before you enter the camping area.

3.3 Camporee Fees and Registration

The registration cost is $20.00 ($30.00) per Scout or Adult for the entire weekend. This includes the camp fee, Scout insurance, a Camporee patch and materials for the various events. This fee must be paid when the unit registers.

3.4 Traffic Control and Parking

Trailers can be temporarily parked along the road to unload at campsites, then must be parked in the parking lot overnight. There will be scouts and adults helping to direct traffic as you enter the park.

Troops are encouraged to car pool as much as possible and arrange to have as few cars as necessary remain at the Camporee parking site. The main gate into Curtis Park will be locked starting at 8pm each night. Please contact the Camp Director if anyone from your unit needs to arrive (or leave) between 8pm-8am.

3.5 Locating Your Unit’s Campsite

Each site is individually marked with a numbered marker. Your site assignment will be in your registration packet.

3.6 Checking In

Everyone in camp must be registered. Upon arrival at the camporee, one adult leader from each unit must check in at the Camporee Headquarters tent. The adult unit representative must bring the following:

· A roster of scouts listed by patrols

· A copy of the unit’s online registration form.

3.7 Camping

Campsites will be assigned based on the number of Scouts and Scouters registered.

3.8 Late Arrival and Early Departure

If a unit is not going to arrive Friday night or is leaving on Saturday night, please indicate this during registration.

NOTE: Your campsite must be inspected by Camporee Staff prior to your unit’s departure. Campsites must be inspected for checkout by 7:30pm on Saturday.

3.9 Check-Out Procedures

Each unit will receive a check out form in the registration packet. Additional copies will be available from the Campsite Commissioners. After you have cleared your campsite of all unit and personal gear and policed the area, send someone to notify your Commissioner. When the Commissioner arrives, he/she will inspect your camp and then sign off on the check-out form. After the closing ceremony Sunday morning, bring your signed form to the Camporee Headquarters tent. At that time, you will be cleared to depart. All units should be out of camp by 10:00 A.M.

4.0 GENERAL CAMPOREE

INFORMATION

4.1 Changes and Cancellations

The Camporee Director is the only individual authorized to change or cancel a scheduled activity or event. Any necessary changes will be made at the earliest possible time and posted in writing at Camporee Headquarters.

4.2 Leadership and Youth

Protection

National BSA policy stipulates "Two registered adult leaders, or one adult and a parent of a participating Scout, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older,” are required for all trips or outings. There are a few instances, such as patrol activities, when no adult leadership is required. National BSA policy also states that "When staying in tents, no youth will stay in the tent of an adult other than his or her parent or guardian.”

It is every unit leader's responsibility to see that these policies are enforced within his/her unit. Questions or concerns should be directed to the Camporee Director or to the District Executive immediately.

4.3 Emergency Contact

It is recommended that units should have access to several cellular phones, which could be used as a primary contact for members of their unit. Parents are encouraged to contact their unit’s staff directly. However, onsite unit leaders can reach the Camporee Director Eric Gilgenast at 443-528-2854 if there is an emergency.

4.4 First Aid & Emergency Medical

The First Aid Station will be set up near the Headquarters area and will be marked with a prominent sign. All injuries, even minor ones treated in the campsite, must be brought to the First Aid station personnel for treatment and/or recording.

4.5 Parental Authorization

In case of serious injury or illness requiring emergency medical services or hospital treatment, a health history record and permission form signed by a parent or guardian are required. This form must be accessible to the adult leader/leaders at all times. If a Scout is brought to the First Aid Station for any type of treatment, his parental authorization form should be available for review by the Camporee staff. Every participating unit is responsible for having current copies of parts A and B of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record for each participant (both Scout and adult).

4.6 Fire & Ambulance Service

In the unlikely event that fire or ambulance services are needed, send a runner to the Camporee Headquarters, so that an emergency call can be placed and the Camporee Director can be notified immediately.

Please note that any calls to 911 or other emergency services should only be place by the Camporee staff.

5.0 CAMPING GUIDELINES AND OUTDOOR ETHICS

5.1 The Campground

Here are some specific rules established by the Stafford Parks and Recreation department:

•• Only above-ground fires in metal fire-pits are allowed. Never leave them unattended. Do not scorch the ground.

•• ABSOLUTELY NO DIGGING.

•• This is a field used by many people and teams. Please take all tent stakes with you.

•• Park only in the approved/designated parking areas.

5.2 Ground Conditions

The camping will be in relatively flat grassy areas with limited tree cover. There are low spots, so rain may make certain sites muddy. Protect your tents by bringing sturdy ground cloths and protect your body by bringing foam pads or air mattresses for a good night's rest.

5.3 Natural Habitat

No trees, shrubs, or bushes will be cut within the campground or neighboring areas. Wood that has fallen from trees may be burned. Do not molest or interfere with the area's wildlife.

5.4 Tent Ditching

There will be no tent ditching or other changes made to the ground contours. Remember that proper pitching of tents does not require ditching.

5.5 Ground Fires

Units are responsible for bringing their own stoves, grills, and fuel for cooking.

LEAVE NO TRACE! This means NO digging fire pits – all fires should be constructed 4” above ground (e.g., in a metal backyard fire pit).

There is some dead wood on the ground, but this is limited. Units should bring their own firewood for campfires.

Fires must not be left unattended and must be extinguished before retiring for the night. Leave No Trace: Carry out all ashes and debris from fires.

5.6 Use of Liquid Fuels

The safety of our Scouts and Scouters must be a prime consideration in the use of liquid fuels. The use of liquid fuels in lanterns and stoves is acceptable at this Camporee only if: 1) A knowledgeable adult provides supervision over the storage, transportation, and usage of the fuel; and 2) Scouts have been taught the safe and proper handling and usage of the fuel, stoves, and lanterns.

5.7 Availability of Water

Two water spigots are available on-site. These will be the sole source of water, so you might have to wait your turn to get to it. Some carrying of water will be required. It is highly recommended that you bring additional water. Each troop will bring an initial supply of water with them, and then refill their jugs as needed. This will help prevent an initial traffic jam at the spigots during troop arrivals. Washing of dishes at the central water location is prohibited.

Water bottles or hydration bladders should be carried during the program on Saturday, as drinking water will not necessarily be readily available in the program areas. Proper hydration is critical to keeping our Scouts healthy. To avoid the serious consequences of dehydration, ensure everyone regularly consumes water, especially as they travel to and from program areas and while in the areas.

5.8 Latrines

Porta-a-Johns will be available at convenient locations around the Camporee area. Please respect them and keep them clean.

NOTE: There will be one designated FEMALE ONLY latrine. Please respect that.

5.9 Trash

Every unit should bring a supply of plastic trash bags to securely bag their own trash. Please keep the campground clean and do not leave bags of garbage unattended; wild animals and birds love unattended garbage.

PLAN TO TAKE YOUR TRASH WITH YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE.

5.10 Lost & Found

Any items found should be turned in to the Camporee Headquarters tent. Items may be claimed during the camporee or at the May district roundtable.

6.0 CAMPOREE RULES

6.1 Law of the Camporee

As in all Scouting activities, the Scout Oath and Law will be the Law of the Camporee. Any individual who does not act as he should may be putting his unit's future Camporee privileges in jeopardy and jeopardizing future Camporee privileges of the Aquia District. Unit Leaders are reminded that their Scouts should have adult supervision at all times. At least TWO adults must be present for 1 to 10 youth members, (“two deep leadership”). At least one adult must be a registered Scouter, 21 years of age or older. At least one adult must have completed Youth Protection Training (now available online – see www.boyscouts-ncac.org). If you need staffing assistance, ask your neighboring Scout unit, or see the Camporee Director for assistance, we are here to help.

6.2 Pick-up Trucks

The Boy Scouts of America regulations state that Scouts may not ride in the back of pickup trucks. This rule will be strictly enforced at the Camporee.

6.3 No Flames in Tents

No open flames of any kind are allowed in any tent. Electric battery lanterns and flashlights are recommended.

6.4 Proper Uniform

BSA Field Uniforms (Scout shirt and Scout pants or Scout shorts) should be worn at the morning flag ceremonies and at the Campfire. Class B can be worn at all other times.

6.5 Discipline

Leaders will be responsible for the behavior of their Scouts at all times. Adult Leaders who are not helping in the events, should circulate through the events in which their Scouts are participating. Also, in past Camporees, pickup ball games (both supervised and unsupervised) have become a source of injuries. Leaders are asked to discourage such games and urge boys to focus on Camporee activities. Sports equipment should not be brought to the Camporee.

6.6 Quiet Hours

All units will be subject to quiet hours and lights out from 10:30 PM to 6:00 AM. Leaders in each troop are responsible for enforcing quiet hours and lights out. Be attentive – do not make another unit’s leader discipline your Scouts.

6.7 Knives

Sheath knives and knives with blades longer than 4 inches, except cooking knives, are not allowed at the Camporee. If any are found, a member of the Camporee staff will hold them for the remainder of the Camporee. Folding knives that are in a case or worn on a belt are permitted.

6.8 No Alcoholic Beverages

No alcoholic beverages of any kind are allowed at the Camporee.

6.9 No Firearms

For safety reasons, firearms, pellet guns, BB guns, bow and arrows, or slingshots of any kind are not allowed at this Camporee.

6.10 No Fireworks

Absolutely no fireworks are permitted.

6.11 No Vandalism

Anyone caught vandalizing property will be turned over to the sheriff’s office.

6.12 No Pets or Animals

6.13. No Electronic Equipment

We come to camp and enjoy the outdoors. Please leave electronic devices at home.

Scouters are asked to help ensure their Scouts comply with these guidelines.

For Scouts and Parents not attending the Camporee,

You are invited to attend the Campfire and OA Callout

Beginning at 8:00 PM on Saturday, April 21st, 2018

Orienteering Area

Stafford Scouting Area

Scout Camping Area

NO PARKING ALONG ROAD

Camporee Activities / Stafford Scouting Area

Campfire & OA Callout

HQ Tent

Scout Camping Area

Flags

NO PARKING ALONG ROAD

Park Entrance

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

(Subject to Change)

Friday

5:00pm- Scouts arrive/check in.

9:00pm- Cracker Barrel (SPL plus one adult)

10:30 pm- Quiet Time

Saturday

6-8:00am – Wake up/Breakfast

8:30am – Opening Flag ceremony

9-11:30am – Patrol events

11:30am-1:00pm – lunch

1:30-4:30 pm – Patrol Events

5-7:00pm Dinner

8:00pm Campfire/OA Callout

10:30pm- Quiet time

Sunday

6-8:00am – Wake up/Breakfast

8:00am – Closing Flag ceremony/Awards

8-10:00am – Campsite pack up/cleanup. All units signed out by 10am.

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