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General Information

General Information, Policies and Procedures for Camp

CAMP LEADERSHIP

The policy of the BSA states that all unit outings must be led by at least two adult leaders. One must be at least 21 years old. The other can be 18 years or older. The first leader MUST be the camp Scoutmaster and must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America. The preferred leader is the regular Scoutmaster, but the Troop Committee may find it necessary to appoint a parent or member of the Troop Committee to serve as the Camp Scoutmaster if need be. This leader must be a least 21 years of age. Unit leaders should be able to account for their boys at all times. A head count should be taken at reveille, before and after each meal, and before taps.

CAMPERSHIPS

The Baltimore Area Council has limited funds to help needy scouts with the payment of summer camp fees. The campership application can be filled out and returned to the Scout Service Center. Applications must be filled out completely and submitted by the listed due date (near the end of April).

DISMISSAL

The Camp Director or Campmaster may, for violation of camp policies, dismiss individuals, patrols, or troops from camp.

FISHING

We encourage Scouts and Scouter to go out after the "big one" in our lake. Anglers must provide their own tackle. Fishing from rowboats is permitted by making arrangements with the Pier Director. Anyone 16 years or older must have a current Maryland Fishing License. Live bait may be used. Good Luck!

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HAZING

This activity is strictly forbidden in Scout Camps. This type of activity has been known to get out of control, leading to undue stress on the part of your campers. A Scout shall not be deprived of food, isolated or subjected to corporeal punishment of abusive physical exercise as means of punishment.

Any reported or suspected child abuse will be reported to the State Police, according to Maryland State Law.

HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORDS

Each scout and adult leader must have the appropriate medical form completed prior to coming to camp. All scouts and leaders under 40 years of age must have a properly completed Form No. 4414A. This medical requires a current health history to be completed by a parent or adult. A physical examination is required only once every 36 months. If the medical evaluation is not completed on a B.S.A. form, a copy of it must now be attached to the B.S.A. medical form.

Adults over 40 years of age must complete medical form 4412A. This medical requires an annual physical to be performed by a physician.

* Adults in camp less than 72 hours, part time in scout camp, or attending Cub Scout, Webelos, or Family Camp, may elect to just complete the health history and not have a physical. If this is done, those adults may not participate in boating, swimming, or other strenuous camp activities.

Everyone must be re-checked by the camp Health Officer. No one will be classified for swimming until the medical recheck is completed. No physical examination can be done at camp. This must be done before arrival in camp; otherwise, the Scout must return home. NOTE: These medical procedures apply during long term summer camp. We recommend that all unit leaders camping, even for a weekend whether it be at Broad Creek or anywhere else, should have copies of both youth and adult medicals. These medicals should include permission for the leader in charge to admit an injury case to a hospital for treatment.

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HEALTH INSURANCE

All physicals, both scouts and leaders, must have the information related to medical insurance coverage completed. Broad Creek does not provide medical or health insurance. This is the responsibility of each unit to have either unit medical insurance or to see that each participant has personal medical insurance. The name of the insurance carrier and policy number must appear on each physical.

HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

Scoutmasters must monitor the health of each Scout while at camp. Please do not let a small problem get out of hand due to lack of attention. Be on the lookout for skin irritations, poison ivy, ticks, etc., when a Scout bathes. Be alert that some Scouts change their toilet habits at camp. We must watch for changes in a Scout's physical appearance and activity level. Ask questions if changes occur.

LATRINES

Make sure that objects are not thrown into latrines as this will cause serious problems in both plumbing and disposal units. When water is added daily, (one bucket per hole per day), the yeast and bacteria work well and odors are greatly reduced. Please Do Not Pour Pine Oil In The Pits As This Will Increase The Odor. Only use disinfectant on the floor of your latrine.

LIQUID FUEL

The use of liquid fuel lanterns and stoves is discouraged at camp. We recommend battery lanterns. Propane lanterns and stoves may be used when under the direct supervision of the Scoutmaster. Only adult leaders are to refill the lantern or stove. Be cautious with the storage of fuels.

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MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT

Tents, cots, tent floors, equipment, etc., are expensive to replace. Care for them as you would your own property. Small rips in cots and tents should be reported immediately. When camp property is damaged, a charge will be made to cover the necessary repairs or replacement. In wet weather, ropes on all tents should be loosened because rope and canvas shrink when wet. If rain is of long duration, continual loosening is essential. Tent flaps and walls should be rolled up each day if weather permits. This allows visible control of site as well as airing out the inside of the tent.

OFF-LIMITs AREAS

While Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation in its entirely exists to be used by all scouts and leaders, there are certain areas which are inherently dangerous or where courtesy and privacy due others dictates that everyone else stay clear of those areas. Such "off-limits areas" are designated for the health, safety and welfare of all. These areas are as follows:

Off Limits:

  • 1. Dam and Bridge
    • a. Use of bridge is reserved for camp vehicles only.
    • b. Foot traffic, scouts and leaders may walk across the bridge for hiking to other areas of the reservation except after dark.
    • c. Pushing, shoving, leaning over the rail, walking on rails or any type of "horse play" on the bridge is prohibited.
    • d. Fishing is not allowed from the bridge.
    • e. The dam and area immediately below and/or the sides of the dam are strictly off limits.
  • 2. Ranger's house and grounds
  • 3. Water towers, pumping stations, filtration houses
  • 4. Staff family quarters
  • 5. Staff areas
  • 6. Maintenance areas and warehouse (except for the Quartermaster at posted time)
  • 7. Other troop campsites (unless invited)
  • 8. Pool and waterfront areas (except during designated periods under camp staff supervision)
  • 9. Perimeter of the Rifle Range and Archery Range

We thank you for your anticipated cooperation and assure you that these "off-limits areas" are for the protection of all scouts, leaders, and staff.

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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Have your Scouts make a list of material and equipment they bring to camp and have them check off items as they prepare to leave camp for home. Mark items with the name and troop number. Parents will be happy when their sons return home with all their original equipment. Make sure that your boys don't bring along too much money, and if they do, lock it up for safe keeping so that it and other valuables don't develop legs.

PETS

Sorry, BSA policy will not permit pets in camp by campers or leader.

PROHIBITED

All forms of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, depressants, stimulants, and drugs in any form are not allowed in camp. Violators, whether boys, leaders, or staff will be asked to leave camp immediately.

QUARTERMASTER

Hours will be posted for pick-up and delivery of equipment. Each troop is responsible for all items borrowed.

RIFLES AND ARCHERY EQUIPMENT

Please note the following policy statement:

  1. Individuals may not bring rifles and archery equipment into camp.
  2. No ammunition of any kind (including fireworks) may be brought into camp.

SLEEP

Particular emphasis is placed upon providing every Scout with nine (9) hours of sleep every night. This is necessary if he is to enjoy an active program and get the most from his stay in camp. It is the responsibility of the Scoutmaster and other troop leaders to see that his camp is a courteous one. Rowdiness, talking and confusion after taps and before reveille, will not be tolerated.

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TELEPHONE

Any questions about camp reservations should be directed to :

Caping Services at the council Service Center:
443-573-2500 Ext. 103

BCMSR maintains three phone numbers for the operation of the camp:

For Emergency and Business use only, Baltimore line:
410-879-4922

For Emergency and Business use only, Local line:
410-452-8155

The camp telephone is primarily for use as a camp business phone and for emergency calls. Those who do call the camp phone will be advised that the person being called may be a considerable distance from a phone. Knowing which Camp and which campsite the person is in, and knowing the person's troop or pack number, is very helpful in delivering a message. A message will be taken for the scout or scouter to return the call. Pay phones are available at the Trading Posts for use by our campers.

TROOP ROSTER

Fill out a Troop Roster completely, listing all your campers in alphabetical order, giving name, address, zip code, and telephone number. Make sure all are registered with the Boy Scouts of America. Retain one copy of the roster for your own records and bring two (2) copies for camp use.

TRADING POST

The Trading Post will be stocked with a variety of program materials, literature, crafts, candy, soft drinks, and ice cream. T-shirts, mugs, patches, and pins will also be in stock. Hours of operation will be posted.

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TROOPSITE CAPACITIES

Each troopsite has a definite size regarding boy capacity. This is done to accommodate small and large troops alike. The Camp Director reserves the right to transfer a troop to a site that would best fit the unit if the troop cannot fill at least 75% of the troopsite or if the troop is too big for the signed up site.

UNDERSTANDING

The Camp Scoutmaster is in charge of his troop at all times and is responsible for the conduct of his Scouts. Scoutmasters must know of Scouts who need special attention due to physical handicaps or personal problems, ie. heart, diabetes, hernia, asthma, excessive shyness, allergies, etc.

UNIFORM

The Scout uniform, correctly worn, is proper at any time, but especially recommended for the evening activities. Scout shorts and tee shirts are acceptable daytime wear. Some Scouts may not have a uniform, through no fault of their own, and we must note that a uniform is not a prerequisite for attendance at camp. Shoes or some type of adequate foot gear must be worn at all times as a matter of safety, especially to prevent puncture wounds, which could prohibit swimming.

UNLOADING OF VEHICLES

To Assure the Safety of the Scouts at Camp, and
To Minimize Impact on the Environment, Roads & Trails:

One car or truck will be permitted to go to the campsite to unload at a time. All other vehicles must remain at the parking lot. No vehicles will be kept at the campsite.

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Reservation Procedures and Dates

SUMMER CAMP (long-term)

Summer Camping Reservation Policy & Schedule

In order to better serve the many troops who traditionally camp at Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation during the summer, we will continue the policy of giving those troops the first option of renewing their reservation for that particular week and site for the following year. Troops have the right to reserve their site and their week in camp until the Last Saturday in May of the preceding year (this date changes each year; please, check with camping services). The troop must file their reservation with the required deposit before May 30 to ensure their continued use of their preferred week and site for the following summer. On the Last Saturday in May of the preceding year, sites not reconfirmed will be available to any troop to reserve. Reservations accepted after May 30 will be honored on a first come, first served basis. We will begin accepting summer reservations at the Open House on Sunday, April 27, 2008, at Broad Creek.

Summer Camp Fees, Schedule of Payments, and Dates (See also the Cost Page)

To reserve a campsite for Summer Camp, the following payment schedule applies:

  1. Scout Troops sign up using the Summer Camp Registration Form and submit it to the Council Service Center along with a site deposit of $200. The total $200 is NON-REFUNDABLE
  2. By January 31, $50 per Scout is due in the Scout Service Center. Also by January 31, troops must advise final minimum numbers of Scouts going to camp. After this date you may still add scouts if there is space available, but any reduction in number will incur a $50 cancellation fee per each cancelled Scout or adult. Request for additional space must be submitted in writing. All requests will be filled on a first come first service basis.
  3. By March 1, an additional $100 site re-confirmation deposit is due to the Scout Service Center.
  4. If your unit registers for summer camp after March 1, the total $300 site deposit is due with the application.
  5. For every 10 Scouts you receive 1 adult leader for free, you must have a minimum of 2 leaders. Additional adult leaders are welcomed for a fee as listed below. This covers the week or any part of the week. There are no partial week rates.
  6. By April 1, an additional payment of $50 per Scout is due.
  7. All deposits are applied to the final camp fee, not individual scouts.
  8. FINAL youth fees, adult fees, and the roster of campers are due in the Council Office Camping Department 14 (fourteen) days prior to arrival at camp.
  9. Written notice of cancellations must be received at least 14 (fourteen) days prior to arrival at camp. After this "due" date all cancellations and/or no shows at camp are non-refundable.
  10. After the "due" date a late fee of 10% will be added to any remaining payments. Campers added after the due date will also incur a late fee of $10.
  11. Units registering with less than the minimum number of Scouts and leaders for a desired site will be required to share their campsite with another troop.

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Year-Round Reservation Policies & Procedures

Year-Round Camping Policy

April 1 - Council and districts have the first opportunity to make Broad Creek reservations for the following year. This allows us to help schedule our BIG events that require multiple sites. Districts have scheduled their training events, Cub Scout and Boy Scout camping events, camporees, Cub Scout overnighters, and theme events. OA events have been booked for a full year in advance (e.g., 2000 is booked by Dec. 31, 1998), as well as Philmont and Jamboree weekends.

May 1 - the Camping Services will accept reservations from our special needs Scout units, for Hansen Lodge on May 1 for dates in the next year. By encouraging and accepting early reservations from our special needs units, our hope is that this will eliminate the possibility of units being bumped from Hansen Lodge. Our special needs units have the entire month of May to make these reservations.

Special Needs Units have priority registration beginning May 1 through September 30. All other units can make tentative reservations beginning May 30. Any special needs units making reservations during this period (May 1 through September 39) may bump a tentative, non-special needs unit reservation.

All reservations must be confirmed October 1, after which time no bumping will occur.

The Last Saturday in May - beginning at 10 a.m., representatives from the camping service will be on hand at the Schapiro Scout Service Center to accept reservations for the next calendar year. Reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Reservations will be accepted for the entire succeeding calendar year. To make a reservation the proper application must be submitted along with the required site fee. If you have any questions, please contact the camping services for details.

Year-Round Camp Reservation Procedures

  1. Short-term Camp Application must be filed two (2) weeks prior to requested date.

  2. Reservations will only be made when full site fees and completed application have been approved at the Scout Office. A copy of the approved campsite application will be returned to the group leader to confirm the reservation. "Full Site Fees" are defined as THE FULL SITE FEE or $1.00 PER PERSON, whichever is greater. This is separate from the Insurance Fee noted (6) below and paid at check-in.

  3. The completion of the application will serve as a local tour permit. Units agree by completing this form, they will be bound by the guidelines listed on the local tour permit. Required vehicle insurance coverage is still necessary of any vehicle used to transport scouts to camp.

  4. As in any scout activity, a minimum of two adult leaders is required to be on site at all times.

  5. Cancellations will be accepted and fees refunded if made prior to two weeks before the scheduled weekend. Cancellations made after that will result in a refund of fees, provided the site is rented to another unit. Cancellations caused by "Act of God" as determined by the Camping Director will result in a complete refund.

  6. Check-in officially starts at 7 p.m. on Friday at Reservation Headquarters Building (Camp Saffran), regardless of where you are camping for the weekend.

    If you need to check in earlier, please contact a Camp Ranger at least a week before arrival; early check-in is only a problem if the Rangers are not informed.

    All units must check-in at Reservation Headquarters Building. Check-in requires a copy of the unit roster (those attending the weekend) as well as the unit copy of the application.

    Units will pay the liability insurance fee at check-in. The liability insurance fee is separate from and in addition to the site fee. The liability insurance fee is $2.00 per person per weekend or $1.00 per person per day. Units should complete the check-in process before moving to their campsite.

  7. Check-out should be made by 3 p.m. on Sunday.

  8. To Assure the Safety of the Scouts at Camp, and
    To Minimize Impact on the Environment, Roads & Trails:

    Units are limited to one vehicle to their campsite to unload equipment. Please consider this point when loading your transportation. This policy applies to checking in and checking out.

  9. Non-BSA groups must provide with their application:
    • Hold Harmless Agreement
    • Certificate of Liability Insurance

  10. Units leaving facilities in unsatisfactory condition will be charged a $50 clean-up fee.

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Physical Facilities

CAMP SAFFRAN

Adirondack

Three (3) adirondack buildings are equipped with a gas range and refrigerator. Scouts and leaders sleep in tents (their own during the winter). These wilderness troopsites with patrol tables, latrine and water accommodate a maximum of 14 people.

Lodges

Eight (8) lodges are equipped with a gas range, refrigerator, electricity, patrol tables, water, 18 cots, latrine, and fireplace or wood stove. During the winter each lodge is winterized. The maximum number of campers per building is 18 or 40 campers can be accommodated when tents are used. During the winter troops supply their own tents.

Cole Lodge

This lodge provides cots and indoor eating for 20 scouts and leaders. It is equipped with a large and complete institutional kitchen, heated in the colder months, with hot and cold water, electricity, bathroom, and tables. An Englander wood stove provides heat for the sleeping area. The cooking facility allows the unit to prepare meals for groups of more than 300.

Nentico Pavilion

This large, open air pavilion with roof, is located next to Cole Lodge. It can seat at picnic tables about 200 campers. It has a large fireplace and electric lights and receptacles. This facility is perfect for large gatherings either for a weekend or day use for a unit event or picnic.

Saffran Administration Building

This building sleeps 10 campers. It is equipped with a propane burner top, refrigerator, electricity, table and chairs, wood stove, and an indoor bathroom. No fire wood is provided. Units are to provide the fire wood for the duration of their stay. Any dead fall located on the reservation may be used for fire wood. No standing trees will be cut.

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CAMP SPENCER

Manor House

This facility has a gas range, refrigerator, bunks for 18, wood stove, water outside, and a latrine. An excellent facility with plenty of outdoor space for activities. Forty (40) can be accommodated when using tents.

Troopsites

Ten (10) troopsites are available for units or districts desiring to camp using their own tents during the winter. Troop pavilions, patrol tables, water and latrines (with skylights!) are provided.

Hansen Lodge

This facility provides sleeping for 46 scouts and leaders, inside bath and showers, hot and cold water, central heat, and a fireplace. Kitchen facilities are also available. NOTE: Units that serve handicapped scouts have first call for use of this lodge. To reserve the lodge, units with handicapped scouts should make reservations eight weeks or more in advance of the planned outing. Reservations will only be confirmed from other units after a date eight weeks prior to the intended use if no handicapped unit is using the lodge that weekend.

Dining Hall

The dining hall and kitchen are available for district and council events. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, refrigerator, pots and pans, dishes and a dishwasher. The dinning room is equipped with a fireplace, central heat, and seating for 180 people. No sleeping is permitted in the Dining Hall. The attached Pavilion can seat 400.

Administration Building

This building provides sleeping for a maximum of twenty (20) scouts and leaders. An electric stove, refrigerator, 20 cots, table and chairs and a bathroom are provided. There is no camping permitted around the building.

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CAMP OEST

Dining Hall

The Dining Hall consists of a kitchen, hot and cold water, wood stove, refrigerator, pots and pans, electricity, and a gas range. There will be no sleeping in the Dining Hall. It has no indoor bathroom facilities.

Reiman Pavilion

The Reiman Pavilion seats 300 as an open-air dining structure. It is adjacent to the Dining Hall and kitchen described above.

Bunk House

There are thirty (30) cots for scouts and leaders and a wood stove. A latrine is located outside.

Troopsites

There are ten (10) troopsites with latrine, water, and patrol tables. Troops camp using their own tents during the winter. They are great for that troop outdoor overnight.

Houck Lodge

This facility consists of central heat, kitchen with gas range, refrigerator, pots and pans, a dining room for 32 and a meeting room for groups and complete bath facilities. It has indoor sleeping for 30 people.

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Equipment

Equipment can be borrowed or rented from Reservation Headquarters. Some equipment is:

  • Archery Equipment - with adult supervision
  • Patrol & Troop Cooking Equipment
  • Tents - for a fee
  • Pioneering and Log Sawing Equipment
  • Star Charts
  • Library of Merit Badge Books
  • Boats - $10 per day or $15 per weekend

Row boats, canoes, and sailboats may be rented for use on Lake Straus or rivers near Broad Creek. Proof of Safe Swim Defense/Safety Afloat is required to ue boats or canoes.

Affirmative Action Policy Statement

It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America to offer equal employment opportunity, training, development, advancement, and continuation of employment on the basis of relative qualifications and ability without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or physical handicap that is unrelated to an individual's ability to perform the job assignment.

Specifically, this means that in matters affecting employment, volunteer work, application of both respectively and clientele, the Baltimore Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, will take affirmative action to insure that each employee, volunteer, applicant, and client will be accorded equal treatment. The commitment to this policy applies uniformly to all levels of administration.

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