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Camp Unit Registration Form pdf Unit Roster Form pdf Medical Form pdf Camp Director Contact - Dittmer@itcbsa.org Iroquois Trail Council: Camp Dittmer
LDS ~Leaders Guide 2007 Boy Scout Summer Resident Camp
A Celebration of the Iroquois Nation
The Haudenosaune ("People of the Long House") were some of the most influential Natives Americans in the United States. The League of Six Nations (Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora) were and are great warriors with a uniquely rich history. See how their lives and culture still influence us today.
Have fun with the building various native tools and seeing how the canoe and fishing pole played a vital part of everyday. See how they fought and worked: how they ran their villages and acted with others. Their Spirit lives on in us a as Boy Scouts and we follow their Trail.
Iroquois Trail Council Boy Scout of America 45 Liberty Street Suite 2 Batavia, New York 14020 Phone 585-343-0307 Fax 585-815-0312 www.itcbsa.org
Dear Scout Leaders: Thank you for choosing Camp Dittmer for your troops 2007 Summer Resident Camp. All year long, you work with the Scouts in your troop to teach them Scouting Skills. At camp, you will see the fruits of your labor come to life, We remain as excited about leading Camp Dittmer, as we were last summer. This year we bring to the table one more year of experience. We are already hard at work putting together what will hopefully be one of the best camp experiences you and your Scouts have had. You will see some new faces on the staff as well as many returning staff members. Our team has thoroughly examined the 2006 season and there are some exciting changes already being planned, many based on your feedback. First and foremost is this leader’s guide. Hopefully it will provide you with the necessary information needed to plan an enjoyable camp experience for you and your scouts. Many of you have expressed your thoughts on the program/merit badge schedule. Our intent is to offer quality programming not quantity. As such, the merit badge schedule will be out in the near future. Rest assured, you will have plenty of time to work with your scouts on scheduling prior to camp. As always, if you have any questions about Summer Camp, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the camping director or camping staff advisor at the Council Service Center.
Yours in Scouting,
Melinda Whitford Ray Yaw Ron Boyd Camp Director Boy Scout Program Director Cub Scout Program Director
I. Reservation & Fee InformationCamp ScheduleFor the summer season of 2007 Camp Dittmer will operate 1 exciting week for LDS programming as listed below.
Reservation ProceduresBoy Scout Troops register for a campsite & week, and Boy Scouts and their adult leaders attend together. At least two adult leaders per troop are required. If the troop brings at least 10 Boy Scouts, these two leaders attend at no cost, as long as at least one is Boy Scout Leader Specific and Youth Protection Trained. See the chart below to calculate additional free and fee leaders, based on troop size.
Camp fee: $240 per youth per session, paid ON TIME, $255, paid LATE $90 per adult per session (2 qualified leaders at no cost with at least 10 youth)
Session Deposit: $100 per troop per session
Troops attending Camp Dittmer in 2006 may “pencil hold” space in the same session and campsite for 2007. $100 Troop site/session deposit is due by October 18, 2006. After October 18, 2006, all remaining sites in each session are open for all troops. $100 site/session deposit holds space for the Troop in the preferred site/session. Each session has a maximum camp population. Troops may submit youth payments in full at anytime, January – May 11, 2007. As soon as the maximum camp session population is reached, the session will be closed to new registrations, and remaining unpaid troops may be asked to move to a session with space available.
Payment:
February 21, 2007 $230 per person (youth) due May 11, 2007 Final ON TIME payments due ($240 per youth, $100. per adult)
After May 11, 2007 Youth fees are $255, adult fees are $100 per session.
There are no sibling discounts. Only registered Boy Scouts, leaders, and parent/leaders may attend camp.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING WEBELOS AND NEW SCOUTS: Webelos Scouts in the fifth grade who graduate into a Boy Scout Troop in 2007 should attend Boy Scout Summer Camp with their new troop. Packs and troops should plan ahead to facilitate on time payment for these new Boy Scouts to attend Boy Scout Summer Camp. If packs and troops follow the Webelos to Boy Scout Transition Plan, their new Webelos graduates will be able to pay ON TIME by May 11, 2007. Leaders of new Boy Scouts who join after the February 21 and May 11 deadlines should call the Camping Director for clarification of payment deadlines and amounts. We’re On Line!You can communicate with us via e-mail cd@itcbsa.org. Send us your e-mail address and we’ll add you to our mailing list for program updates or if you just have questions. Leader FeesThe basic adult leader fee is $100 for the week. If your troop is bringing a minimum of 10 Scouts, two adult leaders are admitted free, only if one of the leaders is trained in Boy Scout Leader Specific, and Youth Protection Training. When troops have more than 20 boys, an additional leader can go free: (i.e. – 20 boys-3 free; 30 boys - 4 free; etc.) Maximum per troop ‘free leader’ is 5. When a troop has fewer than 10 boys the second leader will be charged $90 to cover his or her meals. Also, adults not spending the full week (partial leaders) will be charged $5 per night, plus their meals.
Remember that all adults must be currently trained in Youth Protection!
Note: Special camp recognition will be presented to the troop adults for all ‘week-long’ leadership! (Troops will be able to purchase additional recognition items for their additional leaders) Refund PolicyAll refund requests should be submitted in writing to the Council Service Center by either the family or the unit. Requests for refunds received after September 30, 2007 will not be considered. Basic camp fees ARE TRANSFERABLE AMONG CAMPERS WITHIN THE UNIT. Refunds of camp fees will be subject to a $25.00 cancellation fee. This cancellation fee does not apply in the following circumstances:
Visitor MealsVisitors are always welcome at camp, but must check in at the camp office. We ask that parents contact their son’s Scoutmaster prior to coming out to camp. If a visitor wishes to stay for a meal, they must make a reservation at the camp office at least 24 hours in advance. Visitor meal charges are to be paid at the trading post. Visitors will receive a ticket to be presented upon entering dining hall for each meal. The prices are as follows:
II. General Information
Camp Dittmer has a license, (issued by New York State) to operate a youth camp. We are inspected periodically by the New York State Health Department and meet or exceed all of their requirements. Additionally, Camp Dittmer is an accredited camp through the National Council Boy Scouts of America. To be an accredited camp, Camp Dittmer must meet a long list of very strict quality standards, which encompass everything from long range planning to staff qualifications and training. We are inspected annually. Copies of our most recent New York State Health Department or National BSA inspections are available upon request by contacting the Council Service Center.
FacilitiesFor general camp use, Camp Dittmer provides shower facilities, dining hall, First Aid building staffed 24 hours a day by certified medical personnel, supervised boating and swimming, shooting sports ranges, nature area, craft lodge, scout crafts area, high adventure course (Project COPE), and much more.
For troop use, Camp Dittmer provides each unit with a campsite, which contains two man tents on wooden platforms, bunks, picnic table, bulletin board, flag pole, equipment storage shed, campfire area, washstand and latrine, and site maintenance. Troops are encouraged to bring their own dining flies, cooking equipment, lanterns/stoves, woodsman tools, program “rainy day” equipment, and other such items that will make their stay at camp more enjoyable for their Scouts.
StaffCamp Dittmer has a trained staff of around 30 men and women, headed by a camp director, business manager, a program director, and a camp commissioner. Many staff members are over the age of 18 and most have previous years of camp staff experience. The staff completes rigorous training prior to your arrival. The staff will assist and accommodate your unit in every way possible as we work to ensure that you get everything we have to offer out of camp. The role of the camp staff is not, however, to assume the leadership or programming for your troop (except in an emergency). Our staff will work to smoothly coordinate the needs of your Scouts and troop into what becomes the camp program. Occasionally, it may be necessary to shift or rearrange certain program plans so that we may accommodate the largest number of campers. We will try to keep you informed of any such changes. ProgramNot all troops are alike. That is why troops can develop a program at summer camp that suits their needs. Each troop has a custom-made program. That is why at Camp Dittmer, we do not provide the program for your troop. Rather, at Camp Dittmer we provide a camp full of program opportunities for your troop. Advancement opportunities, older Scout opportunities, first year camper opportunities, troop and patrol opportunities (troop shoots, polar bear swims etc), and individual opportunities. It is our hope that each unit sits down with this manual at their next Patrol Leader Council meeting and develop your troop’s camp program based on your needs and what the camp has to offer! The staff does not provide the program for your Scouts; rather, the staff supports your troop’s program by providing you with all kinds of unique and fun opportunities. We hope you see the difference in philosophy…good camping!
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Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
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$3.00 |
$4.00 |
$5.00 |

Units are required to cook two meals in their campsite each week (one lunch & one dinner). If you wish to cook any additional meals in your site, please let us know at least two weeks prior to attending camp.
Troops will need to supply their own cook kits, utensils, etc. Campsite supplies such as toilet paper, garbage bags, and latrine disinfectant can be obtained from the dining hall during normal operating hours.
Note: The New York State Health Department dictates how many in-site meals each Troop may prepare during the week.
Trash pickups will be made daily immediately after dinner. If your trash needs to be picked up, please tie the bag and set it by the side of the road near your campsite and it will be picked up.
Camp Dittmer offers 2 separate shower facilities. In order to keep these areas clean and neat, we have created a daily shower cleaning schedule that units will be expected to follow.
Please review and discuss these standards with your Scouts. The laws of camp are the Scout Laws. If ever in doubt of whether or not something is appropriate for camp, ask this question. “How does this lead to Citizenship Training, Character Development, or Physical and Mental Fitness?”
Each unit must have a minimum of two adults in camp at all times. One of these adults must be over 21 years old. At no times are Scouts to be left unattended in camp. If there are Scouts in the campsite, there needs to be an adult present in the site as well! Scouts cannot be left unsupervised in a campsite. If a leader wishes to leave camp, arrangements should be made with the Camp Director for coverage. Under NO circumstances may the troop be left with one leader, or unattended. If adult leadership changes during the week, please advise the Camp Management. Anyone entering or leaving Camp Dittmer during the week must sign in or out at the camp office. For everyone’s safety, each person in camp must also wear his or her proper identification bracelet. Remember, per Iroquois Trail Council and National Regulations, all adults must be trained in BSA Youth Protection. This includes all parents who plan to stay overnight in camp!
Anytime a visitor, leader, or camper enters or leaves camp, they must sign in or out at the camp office. There is a sign in/out book available 24 hours a day. All persons (campers and guests) who have properly checked in will receive an identification bracelet. Unregistered visitors to camp will be charged with trespassing (this applies to anyone found in camp without a bracelet on).
Normally, discipline of a camper is the responsibility of the adult unit leader in charge at the summer camp. All discipline problems shall be reported to the Camp Director immediately. Under no circumstances shall a camper be deprived of food; isolated; subjected to corporal punishment or abusive physical exercise; or verbally abused as a means of punishment. Initiation or hazing of Scouts is not allowed. Raiding of other campsites or of program areas is strictly prohibited and will result in those responsible being removed from camp.
It is recommended that a Scout have a complete Official Boy Scout Summer uniform for his stay at camp. The summer uniform consists of a short-sleeved Scout shirt, Scout shorts, Scout socks and belt. Scouts respond best to a good example. Leaders are encouraged to set a good example by wearing a proper, complete BSA uniform. The complete uniform is to be worn at dinner and for camp wide events.
Camouflage type clothing is not allowed to be worn. All campers are to wear proper footwear at all times to prevent stone bruises, cuts, and thorn punctures, which may prohibit swimming. Camp terrain is not suitable for walking sandals. No bare feet will be allowed. Any article of clothing with foul language or images will not be permitted. Per national policy, the Confederate flag is inappropriate for the Scouting Program. Female leaders should also keep in mind that appropriate dress is required at all times. Only one-piece bathing suits are appropriate. We should all keep in mind the Scout Oath and Law as it pertains to our clothing. Scoutmasters should enforce this rule in their campsites.
Only camp owned rifles, bows, and ammunition may be used in camp. Privately owned rifles and bows are not allowed in camp. Non-folding sheath knives are not allowed.
Alcohol, illegal drugs and fireworks are prohibited at any Boy Scouts of America camp. Anyone caught in possession of them will be arrested by the local authorities and removed from the camp property. Since Scout camp is hardly the place for a boy to learn to smoke (or to further the habit) troop leaders should not permit any Scout to smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Troop leaders are encouraged not to smoke; however, there are limited designated areas for those leaders that do smoke: leaders are requested to confine their smoking to these areas and away from the youth of the troops. This is in accordance with National BSA policy.
Stone throwing is dangerous and will not be tolerated. Liquid Fuels must be used with care. Only trained adults may fuel or light liquid fuel items (Propane is a liquid fuel). Liquid fuels must be locked up at all times. Liquid Fuels Training will be offered for adults. Aerosols are not only bad for the environment but damage the waterproofing of the tents. DO NOT bring them to camp. No flames in tents. Only battery operated lights or glow sticks are allowed in tents.
The amount of sleep a boy gets can make the difference between a great camping experience and a poor one. Each person needs an adequate amount of sleep to function in a cheerful and positive manner. The Scoutmaster is responsible to see that each boy has the opportunity to get at least 8 hours of sleep each day. Each troop should respect the quiet time 10:00pm to 7:00am. There will also be a one-hour siesta each afternoon.
Any Scout or Scouter who leaves camp at any time, for any reason, must stop at the camp office to sign out. When returning, he/she must stop and sign-in. NO SCOUT will be permitted to leave camp without permission of the Scoutmaster and parent/guardian. All registered visitors, leaders, and campers will wear arm bracelets.
To be considerate of other campers, please observe the camp policy of being in your campsite by 10:00pm and quiet by 10:30pm.
Swimming is only allowed in the waterfront area and only when the area is open and under staff supervision. Scouts are not allowed on any activity that is over 6 feet off the ground (with the exception of COPE activities). Any troop projects like monkey bridges; etc must be approved by the camp office. Dangerous and off limit areas will be pointed out during your camp tour. Please help us ensure your Scouts safety by enforcing these rules.
Fishing is a great activity but can also be a dangerous one. Scouts must use the buddy system when fishing. Please remember that a scout is clean, so please clean up after yourself before moving on to another activity.
Camp Dittmer exists as a service to you and to your unit. Please do not destroy or deface any equipment, facilities, or trees No trees are to be cut - at any time. A $10.00 per inch of diameter penalty will be enforced. Units will be billed for equipment that is damaged, destroyed, or lost.
The BSA is also a low impact “Leave No Trace Organization.” We discourage the use of fires on a 24-hour daily basis.
Because of potential safety hazards, vehicle permits are restricted to Camp service vehicles only. Heavy traffic ruins our roads and is expensive and hard to fix. Any requests for special permission to drive in camp for health reasons must be submitted in writing to the Camp director, two weeks prior to arrival at camp and MUST include Doctor’s signature. NO EXCEPTIONS! Camp Rangers will be available for the delivery of materials to a campsite during the week.
Please take note of these important dates and important information. It is important that units take full advantage of the pre-camp activities. Every attempt will be made to hold pre-camp swim tests at various locations throughout the Iroquois Trail Council. If you want a fast check on your first day of camp then this is a must. Dates and times will be made available as soon as possible.
The adult leaders and senior patrol leader from each troop are invited to camp the pre-camp registration meeting.
Pre-camp meeting will be held on Friday, May 11, 2007. Place to be announced. It will be an opportunity for you to fast track your unit through the check in process at camp. We will hold a brief meeting and answer any questions you may have. But here’s the good part—you will have the opportunity to sit down and pre-check your unit in. By doing so, you will greatly speed up your check in at camp on Sunday. Please come prepared with the following.
Units are asked to check in between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Monday afternoon. Registration will not begin before 1:00 p.m. so please do not arrive early. Express check in is available for qualifying troops. Your campsite guide will greet you in the Parking Lot when you arrive and act as your guide during this process. After you check in at the office your unit only has three things to do before dinner.
After dinner, we’ll all get together for the fantastic opening campfire. A short leader’s meeting will be held after the campfire in the dining hall. We ask that each troop send at least one representative.
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Monday Check In Schedule |
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1:00 |
Troop arrives |
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Scoutmaster check-in at camp office. |
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Verify Rosters, Payments and seating assignments for meals. |
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Campsite guides lead troops to Health Office for Medical ReChecks. |
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Introductions and hike to campsite. Prepare for swim tests |
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Swimming tests, first come first serve as units arrive at waterfront. |
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Issue Bracelets – Camp Tour if time allowed. |
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5:40 |
Waiters report to the Dinning Hall |
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5:45 |
Flags |
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6:00 |
Dinner |
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7:15 |
Camp Tour |
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8:30 |
Arrive at Campfire |
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8:45 |
Opening Campfire |
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Make an appointment on Friday with your Commissioner for final check out. Campsite equipment will be checked for maintenance needs and damage. Troops are all encouraged to enjoy the closing campfire and stay until Saturday morning.
Troops planning to join us for Breakfast on Saturday Morning need to inform the Commissioners no later than the Thursday morning Scoutmaster Meeting. All troops must leave camp by 10:00 am Saturday Morning. The staff needs 24 hours off so please be courteous of them.
Remember: “A Scout is Clean” He always leaves the camping area cleaner than he found it.
A medical form must be submitted for every youth and adult staying at camp. Only the official BSA form provided by Iroquois Trail Council is acceptable. All information must be complete. Please review these forms before you turn them in; this will help offset problems at check in. Specifically, check for parent and doctor signature, immunization dates, insurance information, emergency contact names and numbers, etc. Consent for over-the-counter medications must be included for everyone under 18 years of age.
The patient’s history and parental signature must be updated annually for everyone. For Scouts and adults under 40, the doctor’s signature must be within 36 months. Adults over 40 must have a doctor sign their form annually. Upon arrival at Camp, a medical re-check will be made. Any Scout or Leader not having a complete and signed medical form will be UNABLE to take part in any activities at Camp. The completed health form must be in camp within 24 hours of arrival or you cannot stay in camp! These forms must be kept on file at camp so do not turn in originals!
A Health Officer is present in Camp at all times and a local doctor is on call for emergencies. All first aid treatment will be given and recorded at the Health Lodge. Serious cases are sent to local hospitals. All injuries must be reported to the Health Officer, even if treated by Troop Leaders.
All youth medication must be turned in at the designated area during check-in. Medication must be in the original container, NO EXCEPTIONS and must be listed on the participants Medical Form. The Health Officer will observe the Scout’s administration of his medication. Rescue Inhalers Bee Sting kits and Epi-Pens will be allowed to be carried by Scouts as long as the appropriate section of the health form is completed. Scouts may not possess nor administer over-the-counter medication. Treatment of minor ailments can be obtained at the Health Lodge per the individual’s doctor and parent permissions. Please make sure that any medication turned in at camp is properly labeled as to what it is, dosage info, Scout’s name, troop #, and campsite.
All injuries, whether treated in the site or not, must be reported to the Health Officer and logged. In the case of serious injuries or illnesses, do not move the victim. If you are trained in first aid, begin that and then have someone contact the nearest staff member and they will handle the situation.
We encourage all units to take precautions when it comes to blood born pathogens. When treating a wound, the first aider should wear appropriate gloves. All contaminated materials (gauze pads, clothing, etc.) should be set to the side so that they can be properly disposed of by the Camp Health Officer. Surfaces that have been contaminated (tables, cots, etc.) need to be disinfected by the Health Officer. For more information and training in blood born pathogens, please talk to the Health Officer when you arrive in camp. While first aid may be initiated by any camper, leader or staff member, the Health Officer must be notified immediately.
Please make every effort to get to know the medical history of your Scouts before camp. Sleepwalking, allergies, etc. are not conditions that you want to find out about when they happen!
Scouts or adults who have special needs due to a physical or mental disability will be accommodated to the best of our ability. Please be sure to let the camp office know as soon as possible as to any special needs or equipment. Scouts or leaders who need special diets due to medical or religious requirements will be accommodated if possible. Please give us specific instructions as soon as possible so that we can work toward making the week a good one for that person.
Proper supervision is required at all times. While the camp provides a staff to handle programming, instruction and supervision in the program areas, individual troops are required to ensure that Scouts are supervised whenever they are in the campsite and that the buddy system is in effect when scouts are traveling between the campsite and other areas of camp and in between daily sessions.
An individual sign out system must be used in each campsite. Each troop may have a system of their own design, but it must be in use and able to be understood by others in the event of an emergency. It is recommended that individuals be able to ‘sign out’ for up to three different locations at a time. This coincides with the daily schedule a boy is likely to follow. The camp leadership team reserves the right to inspect the use of check in systems. If you need more specific instructions on how to fulfill with this requirement please ask prior to your arrival at camp.
In the unlikely event that a troop is not in compliance with the campsite supervision and/or a campsite sign out system requirements the entire troop may be asked to leave camp immediately.
All Scouts are required to use the buddy system at all times in camp. Buddies do not have to be from the same troop. Scouts found without a buddy will be escorted to his destination and their name will be given to the camp director. A second offence will lead to a conference with the Scout, his Scoutmaster and the camp director. A third offence will lead to the dismissal of the Scout from camp.
The following areas of the camp have restrictions and use thereof will be in accordance with the following information:
Entry to the waterfront is restricted to an approved entrance and exit and then only when the waterfront personnel permit such use. Waterfront personnel are in complete charge of all waterfront activities. Certain weather restrictions apply to all waterfront activities.
Use of these areas is under the direct supervision of the appropriate Range Officers. The Range Officers will control the exit from and entrance to the Range.
Use of the C.O.P.E. and climbing areas is restricted to approved entrance and exit areas. Assigned camp staff are in complete charge of all area activities. All participants of Project C.O.P.E. must be 13 years old by January 1, 2007. No exceptions will be made. Certain weather restrictions apply to all C.O.P.E./Climbing activities.
At no time should any camper (Scout or Adult) enter any program area when there is no staff member present!
Camp Administration will continue to provide adequate and proper training for all unit leaders. The major thrust of this training will center upon the close supervision of Scouts, which is the responsibility of all staff and all adult leadership.
Dismissal from camp for policy violations will not result in a refund of any fees.
On the first day of each camping week (Monday) all unit leaders attending will be instructed in the procedures listed within this guide. This takes place each week upon the arrival of the unit on camp property. Topics discussed are:
Scoutmaster Meetings will be held everyday after breakfast.
Senior Patrol Leaders Meetings will be held everyday after lunch.
The best defense against any emergency is preparedness. Being prepared, understanding policies and practices governing the actions of staff and campers is the adult leader's responsibility. The health and safety of everyone in camp is the primary concern. Each leader must not only know what to do in an emergency, but also what can be done to prevent them. Please become very familiar with the content of this section. In time of crisis, there is only limited time to react.
These procedures must be ingrained - a life may depend on it!
In any emergency, the following should remain in the up most in our minds:
When an emergency presents itself, the following steps should be followed:
A camp-wide emergency will be signaled by blasts from the camp siren. Non-camp-wide emergencies will be relayed down through the chain of command. Follow all instructions explicitly:
CONTINUOUS SIREN - CAMP EMERGENCY
1. All campers and leaders report to the parade field at as quick a pace as is safe. When all campers are accounted for or after 10 minutes have passed, the SPL or responsible leader reports the status of your unit to the staff member in charge. Do not wait longer than 10 minutes from the time you have arrived.
2. Please note: Scouts at the shooting sports ranges, COPE Course or other remote areas as defined by the Camp Director may be held during an emergency. Scouts and leaders that are out of camp will be cleared at the office.
3. If a Scout or Adult Leader is not accounted for, then their name and last known location must be noted and reported to the staff member in charge. DO NOT attempt to find the individual on your own.
4. Second Continuous Siren - All Clear. Resume normal activities.
Sneakers
Scouts cannot be admitted to camp without a completed medical form
NOTE: Scouts interested in taking waterfront merit badges (Swimming, Lifesaving, Rowing, or Canoeing) or the BSA Lifeguard training should bring long trousers, a long-sleeved button-down shirt, and a pair of old sneakers. They will use these clothes for rapid undress and/or emergency swim requirements and should plan to get them wet. For this reason, old clothes are suggested. Also anyone participating in any C.O.P.E. activities should being wear long, durable pants; blue jeans are recommended. Lightweight footwear is required; sneakers are preferred, and boots are prohibited. Large belt buckles are not allowed on the course. Gloves must be leather or leather-palmed. Participants should leave watches, knives, keys, and jewelry in their campsite. Proper headgear will be issued.
Fireworks, ammunition, firearms, sheath knives, camouflage and military clothing, valuables, radio boom box or CD players motorized or remote controlled toys, personal CB radios, and aerosol cans of any type. For self-protection, valuables that are merely “creature comforts” (radios, tape players, Game Boys etc.) should be left at home. We carry no insurance on personal items and come on, this IS CAMP, isn’t it?
Each troop is encouraged to bring a troop first aid kit.
Special
Reference Books
The summer camp program is everything that happens to a Scout while he is at camp. Because of this, Camp Dittmer offers a wide range of possible opportunities for a Scout to enjoy. While advancement activities make up an important part of these opportunities at summer camp, other activities are equally important to the development of a Scout into a better adult. As you read through the following pages, please keep this in mind:



Maximum Program
1. A summer camp program is limited only by a troop's imagination!
2. If your troop is to get the most out of summer camp, it needs to plan BEFORE arriving.
3. A troop's program at summer camp needs to be aimed at meeting the needs of the troop, the patrol and the individual Scout.
4. If your troop is to get the most out of summer camp, not only is it required to have 2 deep leadership in your campsites at all times, but it needs to have the direction of sufficient adult leadership, all week long.
Senior
Patrol Leader’s ResponsibilitiesYou are a leader who plans the encampment with the Patrol Leaders under adult supervision. You make assignments to Patrol Leaders for this part in the Troop’s program and follow through to ensure that these assignments are carried out.
REMEMBER: That you, the Senior Patrol Leader, give leadership to your Troop program at summer camp just as you do the rest of the year.

Scoutmaster’s
ResponsibilitiesHere are some of the DO’S and DON’T’S on Unit Programming
DON’T:
Laying out the summer camp program should be a major topic of interest at patrol leaders council meetings for several weeks before your unit actually goes to camp. It is a responsibility that cannot be done in haste or at the last minute. Use the guide sheets in this book as an aid.
REMEMBER: A good program is a flexible program.
Do not miss out on a good opportunity because it crops up at a time that you are too tightly scheduled to take advantage of it.

Service Projects: Star and life service projects may be carried out at camp with the approval of the Scoutmaster and the related camp personnel. Eagle service projects cannot be done at camp.
Life to Eagle Transition: A Life to Eagle Seminar will be conducted weekly at Camp for those Star and Life candidates on the road to Eagle, their Unit Leaders, and parents. Life to Eagle will be held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm.
Merit Badge Applications: Proper merit badge applications must be used at camp. Please try to have the cards completed before camp so as to hasten the sign up procedure; however, merit badge cards may be purchased in the Trading Post. Unit leader signatures are required on all cards. Completed cards will be distributed to the Scoutmaster through their campsite mail slot after completion. The area directors and Program Director will be available at Friday’s Merit Badge Pickup to discuss any problems or answer questions.
Merit Badge Counselors: All Merit Badge Counselors are qualified members of the camp staff under the direct supervision of an area director. Recognized merit badge counselors at camp may not necessarily be recognized counselors in the community, but all are fully qualified instructors in their fields and are approved and trained by the Council Advancement Committee. At no time will a requirement be waived or altered by any member of the camp staff. Camp conditions may require the limitation of optional requirements (i.e. if there are 3 options to complete a requirement, it is possible that only 1 or 2 will be available at camp).
Partial Merit Badge Completions: Scouts that turn in a merit badge card and finish some, but not all of a merit badge’s requirements will receive a partial completion form. This form is valid until the Scout's eighteenth birthday. The partial completion will be honored at camp and at home. Any merit badge counselor can be contacted for the completion of a merit badge started at camp.
Advancement Reports: Unit Leaders must file the Standard Advancement Report for any advancement in merit badges or rank. These forms are available at the camp office.
Rank Badges, Merit Badges, and other recognition will be available for purchase at Camp. In order to purchase merit badges at camp, you must submit an Advancement Report at camp. Merit and Rank Badges may be purchased on Friday at the Leader’s Merit Badge Pickup. Authorized Leaders may use their Unit Account for these purchases. Unit accounts will be frozen at the Service Center the Friday prior to your arrival at camp for your use at camp. During your week, account purchase may be made by authorized leaders at camp, but not at the CSC. Please check your account balance before leaving for camp (this can be done via the telephone).
I. Elements of a Good Program
A. Patrol Activities: The patrol method is the preferred method of Scouting. Camp provides a weeklong opportunity to make it come alive.
B. Troop Activities: An opportunity to allow your Junior Leaders to lead and build troop spirit.
C. Camp-wide Activities: A weekly highlight; a time to make new friends and share new experiences.
D. Conservation Projects: An opportunity to leave behind your mark.