Troop 111 Summer Camp
Camp Powhatan 1999

Official Troop Policies

Note that the Master of Ceremonies will check you in as "present;" thus, if you have to temporarily leave FOR ANY REASON, let him/her know so we don't leave without you!

(2) Dress Code - The Troop will travel in FULL SCOUT UNIFORM, minus bolo ties and Scout socks (use white athletic socks). Non-standard pants are not allowed. (This includes khakis.) Hats are strongly recommended. All Scouts showing up "Out of Uniform" will be sent home to get properly dressed. The Master of Ceremonies will check each Scout's Uniform upon arrival.

(3) Forms - All Remaining Forms go to the Forms Coordinator; DO NOT ASSUME YOU HAVE TURNED IN ALL FORMS! - See the Forms Coordinator Second!

(4) Packing - All packing should have been completed on Saturday Night, as discussed at the Orientation Meeting. If you have any remaining items (other than daypacks), see Chris W. for packing.

(5) Money - Scouts should have $10 in hand - NOT IN THEIR PACKED STUFF - for meals on the trip down. As was suggested in the "Guide," each Scout should also have $30 for the week in the Troop Bank (of which $10 will be reserved for meals on the return trip). These funds (singles and fives only, no checks) should be given to the Troop "Banker" during the Saturday evening assembly for safekeeping/disbursement through the week. Excessive money is not desirable and is discouraged. No Junior Scout (defined as not having completed 8th Grade) will be allowed to keep the major part of his cash! In addition, note that Senior Scouts who insist on bringing (and retaining) excessive money on their own are fully responsible for its safekeeping - the Troop is responsible only for funds turned into the Banker. See the Banker last.

(6) Junk Food - As was specified in the "Guide," NO JUNK FOOD IS TO BE BROUGHT TO CAMP BY ANY SCOUT. ANY AND ALL JUNK FOOD FOUND IN POSSESSION OF THE SCOUTS WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CONFISCATED. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE!!! Junk food causes problems with the local wildlife invading the tents, causes problems with the 'Haves' versus 'Have-Nots' among the Scouts and causes problems with camp cleanliness; excessive sugar and caffeine are also distinct health risks with respect to severe dehydration in an extremely hot and humid camping environment. As we have for the last 11 years, the Troop will have a copious in-camp supply of acceptable "goodies" and drinks for all Scouts which will be dispersed in reasonable amounts and at reasonable times. There is absolutely no need for the Scouts to bring extra junk food. This issue is non-negotiable.

In addition, Scouts who appear to be "living in the trading post" will be subjected to immediate monetary restrictions for Health and Safety reasons. This has been a distinct problem in years past, when a number of Scouts ate nothing in the Dining Hall, but spent $15/day on trading post garbage (and Camp Powhatan has an absolutely marvelous Trading Post.) These boys were all sick and miserable by Wednesday, and were also distinct behavioral problems for everyone else. If necessary, we will deny ALL trading post privileges for Scouts unable to control themselves. PARENTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THIS ISSUE WITH YOUR SCOUTS!!!

(7) Electronics - ANY AND ALL ELECTRONICS AMONG THE SCOUTS ARE BANNED; ANY ELECTRONICS FOUND IN THE POSSESSION OF THE SCOUTS WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CONFISCATED. This includes Walkmen as well as electronic games. These items continuously detract from what the Scouts are trying to accomplish, again causes tensions between the 'Haves' versus 'Have-Nots,' and are a distinct theft hazard in a camp which will have over 1,000 Scouts in attendance. There is a good chance that a main trail for the camp will run right through the middle of our campsite, so all desirable items are at risk. This issue is also non-negotiable.

(8) Discipline - All Scouts are expected to conduct themselves by the Scout Oath and Law. The following infractions, if serious enough to warrant Adult intervention, will be considered grounds for sending a Scout home for the remainder of the week - theft, fighting, repeated or gross insubordination to the JASM's and/or Adult Advisors, possession of fireworks or other illegal materials or substances, starting unsupervised fires and gross infractions of camp rules, particularly in the Field Sports and Waterfront areas, which physically endanger fellow Scouts. Note that discipline has been an issue at several past summer camps; problem Scouts will be sent home! It is strongly advised that each Parent have a discussion with their son(s) concerning this critical issue. You can do it ahead of time, or while driving your son home from camp mid-week; your choice. By the way, Camp Powhatan's (and the Troop's) policy is no refunds for Scouts departing early, for any reason.

(9) Medications - All Scouts using medications are responsible for providing the "Medication Coordinator" (Ray D.) with two times their week's prescription, divided into two equal sets and properly labeled. This especially includes medications taken during the school year for Attention Deficit Disorder and/or Hyperactivity (e.g., Ritalin or Dexedrine); there are no "Drug-Free Holidays" at the expense of the rest of the Troop. Parents who feel that their son(s) do not require their normal medication(s) for summer camp are required to stay at camp for the entire week in order to provide parental control. Either provide us with the medication, or come yourself. No exceptions. We require two full sets of medications so that we have one for the camp (required), and the other for us in case the camp fails to do its job (which has been a problem in past years at other camps.) All Scouts requiring medications must also have the Camp Powhatan medication administration form filled out, signed, and given to Matt B.

(10) Merit Badges Pamphlets - The Troop will bring its Merit Badge Pamphlet Library, which will be shared communally between all Scouts. Scouts are also responsible for bringing and maintaining possession of their personal Merit Badge Pamphlets. All Scouts should sign the inside front page of their pamphlets, and list "1999", so that it can be returned in case it's misplaced (typically, they get left at the MB sites). If any book does not have "TR 111" prominently marked on the front cover, you should so mark in large black magic marker. If the pamphlet is the personal property of the Scout, he should still mark "TR 111" on the front cover (so it can still be returned), but also add "personal copy" on the inside cover.

(11) Parental Visits - Parents may visit at any time during the week; in the past, parents have typically visited either Wednesday or on Friday afternoon just before the Closing Campfire. Note, however, that it's one heck of a long drive to Powhatan (at least 6 hours.) If you're unexpectedly coming on Friday night, please call Regina C. (who will relay the info to us); we may be able to save someone else a needless drive. If you're planning on visiting, get directions from Rick W. before we depart for camp.

(12) Other Merit Badge Requirements - Scouts are responsible for bringing all personal documentation and equipment - as specified in the "Guide" - necessary for individual Merit Badges. Problems, call the Merit Badge Coordinator first, then me.

(13) Communications - Matt B. will be calling Regina C. every day for mutual exchanges of information. All non-emergency communications should be relayed to Regina. Doing a "blind call" to the camp trying to get a hold of us is hopeless - we will likely never receive the messages. Emergency calls should be made to the Camp Powhatan Emergency Number, as detailed in the Summer Camp Guide.

Finally, parents are referred to the "Guide" for other Phone Numbers and the Address for Camp Powhatan. Questions should be directed to Matt B., this year's Summer Camp Coordinator. You may also call me, but please do so only as a last resort.

- Dr. Bob, Scoutmaster

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29 November 1999