http://www.bsatroop581.com

Parent Guide to Summer Camp

Our summer camp is held at Sagamore Council’s Camp Buffalo. Camp Buffalo is located nine miles north of Monticello,

Indiana, on the banks of the Tippecanoe River. (9400 North Boy Scout Road, Monticello IN 47960)

Visit http://www.campbuffalo.com for more information about the camp.

Sunday, June 12, 2016 – Meet at K-mart by 11:00 am for departure

Saturday, June 18, 2016 – Meet at First Christian Church between 11:00 am -12:00 pm for return

• The boys are to have eaten a lunch first or bring something to eat on the ride up in the vehicles.

• The boys will call around a half an hour before they return.

Leader Cell Phone Numbers:

Scott Walter (765) 210-3353

Jeff Fivecoate (765) 868-0980

David Hinton (812) 605-0691

Bev Smith (765) 513-9795

Camp Buffalo Emergency Contact: (574) 278-7114

To mail a letter to a camper at summer camp:

Scout's name

Troop #581

Camp Buffalo

9400 N Boy Scout Road

Monticello, IN 47960

Letter should be postmarked by Tuesday evening to

guarantee arrival by the end of the week.

Advancement and Merit Badges

First Year Campers:

Brown Sea Island is the place to be! Work as a member of a special patrol made of first year campers, while learning the

requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks during the first three morning periods.

During the fourth period these Scouts can pick a merit badge class. The Swimming MB and the First Aid MB are highly

suggested, but others that can be considered include Indian Lore, Fish & Wildlife Management, and Soil & Water

Conservation.

In the afternoon when the Scout rejoins his home patrol, we have a wide variety of afternoon activities including

additional merit badges, games, swimming, etc. First year Scouts can also work on the Trailblazer Program, which helps

reinforce the basic Scout skills, and is the first step on the path to earning the Trailblazer award.

Second Year Campers:

Scouts in this group have a wide variety of merit and activity badges to pick from. Some that may

be most appropriate, and at their level, include:

• Aquatics: Swimming, Canoeing, Rowing, Fishing (all boat classes require to have passed

the BSA Swimmer test)

• Handicraft: Indian Lore, Art, Basketry

• Health and Safety: First Aid

• Ecology: Environmental Science

• Shooting Sports: Archery, Rifle

• Outdoor Skills: Camping, Wilderness Survival

Third Year Campers:

Scouts of this age have become comfortable with camp. They understand the expectations and

know what they want to accomplish. Many Scouts at this age also feel they have accomplished all

the merit badges they want and are looking for something different. Merit Badges that we

encourage for Scouts this age include:

• Handicraft: Metal Work

• Shooting Sports: Shotgun, Muzzleloader (Tuesday afternoon only)

• Aquatics: Lifesaving, Kayaking, Snorkeling (activity badge)

• Ecology: Forestry, Weather, Nature, Mammal Study

• Outdoor Skills: Pioneering, Geocaching

• Eagle Quest: Citizenship in the Community, Nation, and World, Photography, American

Heritage

Visiting Camp

Parents and friends are always welcome at camp. We invite them to visit, see the camp, and see what the Scouts have

been doing. While visitors are welcome at any time, there are certain times that tend to be better than others.

Mornings and afternoons tend to be busier in camp, while late afternoons and evenings tend to offer a more relaxed

atmosphere.

Sign-in

All visitors need to check in at the Commissioner’s office before entering camp. Each visitor will be issued a wrist band

that must be worn in compliance with the youth protection

Meals with your scout

Families and visitors are also welcome to attend meals. Tickets can be purchased for $6 either at the Trading Post or

with the registrar at Sunday check-in.

Parking

All visitors are asked to use the main parking lot, or park along Boy Scout Road. Campers should plan on meeting their

parents/visitors at the Trading Post porch to escort the visitors back to the troop’s campsite.

Disabilities

Persons with disabilities should notify the Commissioners, preferably prior to their arrival, so transportation can be

arranged to the campsite.

Overnighting

No overnight camping by visitors is allowed without the permission of the Camp Director.

Something to remember…sleep can make or break a week! It is essential that everyone gets the rest they need. Please

help ensure "quiet time" is enforced between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Noise travels very well at night, so please respect

your neighbors.

Wednesday Parents’ Night

All parents are encouraged to come for a carry-in dinner on Wednesday night. The time for dinner is usually set by the

camp. A parent volunteer is assigned to email scout parents with the time and asking everyone what food and dining

supplies are being brought. The scouts will cook the meats for the families and enjoy the

evening visiting. Parking and sign in is the same as stated above.

Medical Forms

EVERY Scout who attends camp MUST have a health history (Parts A and B), completed by the Scout’s parent or

guardian, and have received a medical evaluation (Part C), completed within the last 12 months (1 year), and signed by a

person licensed to practice medicine. This is a National BSA Policy.

The forms are available at the troop’s website: http://www.bsatroop581.com

Scouts and Scouters will not be permitted at camp without this form.

SCHOOL ATHLETIC PHYSICALS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

All medications (over-the-counter or prescription) need to be given to the Scoutmaster.

Summer Camp Recommended Packing List

All electronics, cellphones, fireworks, and valuables should stay at home.

Personal Equipment:

• Cot or sleeping pad (if cot, the legs should be rounded to not damage tent floor.)

• Pillow and sleeping bag

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Mess kit with cup

• Toiletries (deodorant, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, bath towel, washcloth, antibacterial handwipes)

• (2) Plastic trash bags for clean/dirty/wet/muddy clothes

• Pocket knife (must be folding, with a Totin’ Chip card)

• Canteen / water bottle

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent (non-aerosol)

• Rain gear

• Watch

• Compass

• Sunglasses

• Hat

• Swimsuit/towel

• Camp chair

• Work gloves

• Scout Handbook

• Spiral-bound notebook and pen

• Merit Badge books

• Sharpie marker

• Spending money (snacks, drinks, crafts, and scouting supplies are available in store) – No more than $40!

• Game items (playing cards, baseball/glove, basketball, football, soccer, Frisbee)

Clothing:

• Official Scout Uniform shirt (must be worn at all evening meals)

• Scout neckerchief and slide, scout belt, scout socks

• Pants

• Shorts

• T-shirts (all t-shirts must be class B or of an acceptable design)

• Underwear (at least a few extra)

• Socks (at least 2 pair per day)

• Light jacket

• Sweatshirt (must be an acceptable design)

• Tennis shoes – one or two pair (NO sandals or open-toe shoes)

• Hiking boots and/or water-proof boots

• Slipper shoes for pool and shower area (NO sandals or open-toe shoes)

• Pajamas or other sleepwear

Cell phone rules and Electronics:

• Youth cell phones are NOT recommended.

Boy Scout uniform:

• Make sure your son has his official Scout Uniform. We will wear them at evening meals, vespers, and campfires.

Camp Buffalo Summer Camp 2016 Daily Schedule

Camp Buffalo Summer Camp 2016 Merit Badge Schedule