Campout Rules

The following rules apply to all Scouts and adults regardless of whether the Scout and/or his parents have signed them below.

Click here to download Microsoft Word copy of rules.

GOVERNING POLICY

Scouts, adults and visitors are governed by the following BSA policies at all times:

• The Scout Law
• The Scout Oath
• The Outdoor Code
• Leave No Trace
• The Guide to Safe Scouting

UNIFORM

Scouts are expected to be in uniform when traveling to camp. Scouts are to remain in uniform until the flag is raised. At troop campouts, flag raisings may be informal however, at council events, Scouts are expected to be in uniform for all flag ceremonies, religious services, campfires and any other times indicated by the event staff.

BUDDY SYSTEM

The buddy system is very simple and applies to both Scouts and adults: Never leave your buddy nor let him leave you. The buddy system is in force (a) for all water activities; (b) when outside immediate camp area; or (c) if separating from the main group when traveling.

ADULT SUPERVISION/CURFEW

The Standard BSA policy of “two deep leadership” will always be in effect. Under no circumstances will scouts be left unsupervised. The hours between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM should be relatively quiet time so as to respect the rights of others in camp. Scouts should not be outside the immediate vicinity of their campsite during these hours unless under adult supervision.

CAMPING BY PATROL

At campouts, patrol members camp together in the location designated for their patrol. Sharing of tents by Scouts within a patrol is encouraged. Adults do not share tents with Scouts, including their own sons. Adults will camp in their own designated campsite.

LEAVING CAMP

Scouts are strongly encouraged to attend the entire campout. Scouts may not leave the immediate camp area without the express permission of the Scoutmaster. All Scouts are expected to remain in camp until dismissed by their Patrol Leader after the troop’s “clean sweep” of the campsite just prior to departure.

CELLULAR PHONES/PERSONAL ELECTRONICS

Scouts are not allowed to posses cellular phones on campouts. Adults may have cellular phones for emergency use. Personal electronics such as MP3 players and game consoles are prohibited.

POP/BOTTLED WATER

Scouts should not bring pop or bottled water. Each Scout should carry a canteen for water.

PERSONAL FOOD

Scouts should not bring any food not listed on the patrol’s menu.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Any existing medical conditions and medications should be reported to the adult leader. In case of emergency, it is important that the leaders know of any conditions or medications. Scouts will be allowed to carry their own medications on troop campouts. Over-the-counter medications should never be given to another Scout without consulting with the adult leaders. Prescription medications will not be given to another Scout. Council events may require turning medications in to first aid personnel.

FIRST AID KIT

If you use something from the first aid kit, it is your responsibility to replace those items before the next campout.

DUTY ROSTER

Each patrol leader designates individual Scouts to be in charge of planning patrol menus, collecting money, arranging transportation, preparing equipment, buying food, cooking and clean up. Every patrol should have a duty roster. All Scouts and adults are expected to do their share of patrol duties in accordance with the duty roster. Time schedules for duties will be enforced and patrol members must stay in camp until duties are complete

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

Stoves, lanterns, heaters, or any appliance using liquid fuel are to be used under adult supervision. Remember no open flames in any tent or other structure is allowed. Bulk storage of liquid fuels will be in accordance with accepted safety standards as outlined by BSA policy. Scouts are not allowed to posses liquid or compressed fuels.

FIRES

Scouts may build and light ground fires (cooking and campfires) only when and where authorized by the adult leadership. No unauthorized fires are permitted. Fire safety rules will be strictly enforced. A fire must never be left unattended. Nothing but wood should ever be put in a burning fire. Garbage and food waste are never disposed of in the fire. Appropriate non-wood tinder is allowed.

NO FLAMES IN TENTS

No fires or open flames (including stoves, lanterns or propane bottles) are allowed in or near tents.

FIREARMS / BOWS & ARROW

Guns are not permitted in camp unless they are being incorporated into an established range activity being operated under BSA standards. Firearms and bow and arrows must be surrendered to the assigned adult upon entering camp.

KNIVES, SAWS, AXES

Sheath knives are not allowed. Scouts are encouraged to earn their Totin’ Chip card and carry folding knives with a blade length less than five inches. Scouts may carry a folding saw. Axes are provided by the troop – Scouts are not authorized to carry personal axes. Chainsaws are prohibited.

WATER SAFETY

Scouts will follow Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense procedures and policies at all times for all water activities.

FIGHTING, HAZING OR EXCESSIVE ROUGHHOUSING

There will be no hazing or harassing of any kind. Fighting, hitting, wrestling, or rough horseplay is not permitted. A Scout will not put himself or another Scout in physical danger.

CONSEQUENCES

The consequences of failing to abide by the camp and troop rules may include quiet time isolation, extra work detail, calls home, being sent home, or in severe cases being suspended or even expelled from the troop. Parents may be required to travel to camp at their expense and take a Scout home that fails to abide by the troop and camp rules. A warning system will be in effect for minor inappropriate behavior problems. Consequences will be assigned as warranted. The most severe consequences may be assigned directly without assignment of less-severe consequences first.