Leader Meeting Notes Ockanickon Scout Reservation

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2008 Program and Leader Guide

The May Leader Meeting proved to be another successful event in the march towards the 2008 season. Thank you to all leaders who attended and asked the useful questions that made the event so valuable. The following notes were taken from the meeting and review the major points brought up by department heads and questions taken from the floor. Not all questions asked are here as many had answers that were easily findable in other areas of the Leader Guide.

Department Notes

Dan Beard

• Due to the increase in size over the last several years, we are no longer able to safely and efficiently conduct a Dan Beard Overnight trip.
• The cookout has been moved from Tuesday during lunch to Thursday evening.
• Textiles Merit Badge has been removed from the program, and Fire Safety Merit Badge has been added.
• First Aid Requirements have been added
• Units do not need to register their scouts for Dan Beard ahead of time. However, a final number of scouts for the program must be given to the Dan Beard director during the Sunday Leader's meeting.

Handicraft

Handicraft provided a very detailed outline of the program for every badge as well as time estimates and guidance. This document is available here as a pdf or here as an rtf. In addition to this very detailed piece, some other notes were included:

• Handicraft badges are not guaranteed simply through attendance. Many badges require extra time to complete projects and Scouts should plan appropriately.
• Scouts that may not safely perform merit badge tasks will be asked to leave.
• Handicraft will be starting a gallery to which participants may submit pieces for display.

Photography

• Troop Photos
  • Checks must be made out to Post 507
  • Reprints are available if photo identification information is included
  • Product is guaranteed, replacements will be provided if problem is found with a photo
• Merit Badge
  • Minimum age 13 (corrected in Leader Guide, previously listed as "any age")
  • Selected Scouts must sign-up for a Tuesday session during the Sunday evening session.
  • Participants must bring $5.00 to cover materials costs (printing and developing).

Scoutcraft

• Cooking merit badge does not have any make-up sessions. If a Scout wishes to take another all day activity, the Scout should not take Cooking merit badge.
• A Scout with a dietary restriction for Cooking or Wilderness Survival must inform the area director of this or the unit leader must so alternate food can be arranged.
• Wilderness Survival should have a pack to carry their survival kit for the hike to the overnighter site.
• A pre-requisite sheet is provided to Scouts taking badges with pre-requisites. A Scout wishing to receive credit for pre-requisites must complete as much of this sheet as possible and turn it in Wednesday during the badge session.

Shooting Sports

• All campers that wish to shoot during the week whether it be bow, shotgun or rifle, must attend the Sunday Range Safety Meeting and complete the range safety quiz.
• Scouts attempting Shotgun Shooting merit badge must either have Rifle Shooting merit badge or demonstrate the ability to safely handle a shotgun or the Scout will be asked to leave the shooting range.

Question and Answer Period Notes

In the coming days, these questions will receive hyperlinks to pertinent areas of the web page, be integrated into the FAQs and receive a grammar check.

Q: Can we tell Scouts to not bring cell phones?  Can we take them from Scouts?
A: Your prerogative as unit leader includes telling Scouts not to bring cell phones.  We’ve found first time campers bringing cell phones to camp can greatly exacerbate domestic nostalgia.  As for taking cell phones, if you’ve discussed this option with your Scout’s parents, you are well within you rights to do so.

Q: Do all camp sites have potable water?
A: Yes.  All campsites include a two-stall latrine with clean running water?

Q: Are there trash cans in each campsite?
A: No.  There are neither trash cans in campsites nor trash pick-up.  Units may get garbage bags from the quartermaster during open hours and filled bags should be placed next to the door of the camp compactor behind the dining hall.

Q: What types of religious activities are there at camp?
A: While the exact schedule of events changes from week to week, Rev. Betsy Lerch usually offers two Scouts’ Own services during the week.  Additionally, morning quiet reflection periods are run at the camp chapel.  Other service are offered during the week, please refer to the Daily Times during your stay for a more exhaustive list of religious activities.

Q: Can we put trash in the latrine?
A: No.

Q: Can a Scout present a printout from Troopmaster to show completion of pre-requisite.
A: Where appropriate, a Scout can present a printout from Troopmaster or similar tracking software as proof of completion for some pre-requisites.

Q: Low COPE is a pre-requisite of High COPE, when is High COPE done during the week?
A: Low COPE is done during the Belay Training on Monday which is offered either as an all morning or all afternoon session.

Q: Pack and Paddle and DROP both list participation fees, are these fees in addition to or instead of normal fees?
A: The specific listed fees for DROP and Pack and Paddle cover the specific costs of those programs in their entirety.  No additional fees are required.

Q: Is the hand-drawn camp map available?
A: Yes.  The hand drawn camp map has been added to the maps page.

Q: Where can I find merit badge pre-requisites?
A: Merit badge pre-requisites are available under that department’s program information.

Q: Do you have a hiking trail map?
A: As of now, Ockanickon does not have a hiking trail map.

Q: Can a weak swimmer receive swim lessons?
A: Yes.  Scouts may receive help during the Instructional Swim period as listed on the Master Schedule.

Q: How are adjustments to a badge for a special needs Scout done?
A: Adjustments are a collaborative process between the department head, the unit leader and the Scout.  Adjustments are always made with the spirit of the requirements in mind.  If you suspect you may need a significant adjust, tell us ahead of time so we can plan modified requirements.

Q: Can Scouts do written requirements for badges ahead of time?
A: Yes.  Scouts may complete any portion of a badge ahead of time, but please note that it is the prerogative of the instructor how to interpret or accept these requirements.  If a Scout completes a written requirement that only takes up a portion of a session, completing it ahead of time would be essentially fruitless.  Instructors are under no obligation to accept work from Scouts who’ve attempted to complete the entire badge ahead of time.  These activities are best done with instructors at the local level.

Q: Can swim tests be done ahead of time?
A: Oh dear yes.  We strongly encourage units to complete their swim tests before arriving.  If swim results are submitted with the final unit roster, swim tags can be prepared ahead of time and be ready for your unit’s arrival.  Please see the swim test form for more information.

Q:  Ockanickon had said it accepts merit badge cards from previous years, I thought partials were only good for a year?
A: A merit badge instructor may accept a partial regardless of time past.  If the requirements have since changed, the badge must be completed entirely using old requirements or entirely using new requirements and not a combination of the two.

Q: Will hand-sanitizer be used again in the dining hall?
A: Yes.

Q: How often are latrines and portable bathrooms emptied?
A: Latrines are emptied twice during the season as well as by request.  Portable bathrooms are services every other day and the firm that provides those facilities cannot service them more often.

Q: How many seatings are there for each meal?
A: Two.

Q: What style of serving does your dining hall use?
A: Ockanickon serves all meals family-style where each table is served by a waiter provided by each unit.

Q: May Scouts participate in Golf merit badge if they bring their own equipment?
A: Yes.

Q: How many sessions is Safety Afloat?
A: One.

Q: Can COPE activities be attempted individually?
A: If a Scout is participating in the weeklong Adventure Sports program, they may attend individually.  If a Scout wishes to participate in an Adventure Sports for a single session, they may do so assuming there are no pre-requisites for that activity.

Q: What shower facilities are available?
A: Youth – Shower house at pool.  Open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM except during cleaning
Adult Males – Shower facility behind Palmer Lodge.  Open 24 hours except during cleaning.
Adult Females – Shower facility behind Health Lodge.  Open 24 hours except during cleaning.

Q: Do Scouts participating in mountain biking need to bring a helmet?
A: No.  But a Scout may be more comfortable with their helmet than ours and are welcome to bring his own.

Q: Does the Golf Outing run if its raining?
A: Yes.  The event runs rain or shine but during periods of thunder, the Scouts are brought into the clubhouse.

Q: One of our Scouts is a vegetarian, with there be a vegetarian option at meals?
A: Yes.  Scouts who are vegetarians should indicate this on their health forms as this is how Ockanickon documents allergies and other food needs.  During meals, it will be the duty of the Scout to get any alternate meals from the kitchen service line.

Q: Will there be a Magic tournament again this year?
A: Yes.  As of now, it will be Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM.

Q: Can adults take photography merit badge?
A: No.

Q: What are leader meals as listed on the fees page?
A: Leader meals are for the weird and rare case where an adult is in camp and not part of your unit’s listed contingent and has a meal.  This situation is very rare as camp allows neither visitors nor free temporary adults, but this fee schedule is there for these rare occasions.

Q: Who can sign a medical form?
A: Any health care provider authorized by your state.  This generally includes MDs, RNs, LPNs, and Doctor’s Assistants.

Q:  May we keep medications for our Scouts in our campsite in a lock box?
A:  No.  All medications except for the noted exceptions must be stored in the health lodge.

Q: Is power available for leaders who use a CPAP machine?
A: Yes.  Please request a site using the site request page.

Q: Will CPR training be offered?
A: Yes.  CPR training will be available at least three times during the week with one session reserved for campers taking BSA Lifeguard.

Q: Are printouts from PatientFirst acceptable physicals?
A: No.  Only BSA approved forms may be used.

Q: How do we check-in or check-out Scouts after arrival?
A: Check-ins and check-outs during normal camp office hours are done at the camp office.  Check-ins and check-outs at other times are done by the Duty Officer out of Totem Lodge.

Q: Can we drive to our campsite to unload gear?
A: Each unit may bring in one vehicle into camp during Sunday’s check-in and Saturday’s check-out.  Vehicles are not allowed in camp otherwise.

Q: Do Scouts need a mess kit?
A: Scouts that eat in the dining hall do not need a mess kit.

Q: When will Law merit badge be offered?
A: The exact times for Law merit badge are not yet known, but will coincide with the times for CPR training.

Q: Are High Adventure base medicals accepted?
A: Yes.

Q: Is there a specific waiver required for Horsemanship.
A: As of now, no.

Q: What badges have limited enrollment?
A: Photography, Small Boat Sailing, Climbing, the Science Badges, and Horsemanship all have some sort of limit.  Please look at the department information for each for specifics.

Q: May Leaders bring their bikes to camp?
A: Yes, with some restrictions.
1) Leaders must wear helmets at times while riding.
2) Riders must obey the camp speed limit of 5 mph.
3) If the leader plans on going on a biking trip with Adventure Sports, the bike must be inspected for safety by the Adventure Sports Director.

Q: How far is the Horseback Riding Facility from camp?
A: About 15 minutes.

Q: May Scouts participate in Golf during other times in the week?
A: No.  The Golf program is available only during the Tuesday and Thursday times listed.

Q: We have a very large unit, should we plan on bringing tents?
A: Unless otherwise asked, no.  We select sites based on unit size and can accommodate very large units.

Q: Are any preferences given to older Scouts in lottery badges?
A: No.  All entrants have an equal chance of gaining admission.  The exception to this is Sailing where a Leader may yield his spot on the boat to the Scout of his choice if that leader is one of the two drivers.

Q: Are there any minimum rank requirements for any activities?
A: No.

Q: When will campsites be assigned?
A: Campsite assignments are issues two weeks before your unit arrives.

Q: Is there a map of camp that shows site capacity?
A: There is currently no schematic map listing site sizes.  One may become available as the season approaches.

Q: What merit badges take five days?
A: Badges listed on the master schedule as five day generally take five days.  Other badges may take five days if the material is covered slowly by a group.

Q: Is there a needs list for Dan Beard?
A: No.  All needed things need for Dan Beard are provided except for a hat, sun screen, a water bottle, and water.

Q: Can anyone participate in Fire Safety MB without participating in Dan Beard.
A: No.  The badge is done in a patrol setting and verification of requirements are done throughout the week and can not easily incorporate non-Dan Beard participants.

Q: We have a large number of new Scouts doing Dan Beard, will they participate as a single group?
A: No.  While we attempt to have Scouts in the same unit in the same patrol, large groups are broken up into smaller groups of between 7 and 12.

Q: Is a listing of requirements covered each day available for each badge?
A: No.  Badge requirements are not always covered in the same order nor do all groups cover material at the same rate.  Also, as the season passes, instructors change the badge a bit to keep it interesting both to themselves and those they teach.