SUMMER CAMP 2011 AT
CAMP RODNEY
SCOUT RESERVATION

Last Updated: 07/19/2011   [jkb]

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Troop 141 will be traveling to the DelMarVa Council's RODNEY SCOUT RESERVATION in nearby Cecil County Maryland for summer camp this year.   "Rodney Scout Reservation is located on over 900 acres of rolling upland woodlands at the head of the Chesapeake Bay and boasts over a mile of prime bay frontage.  It has been in continuous operation since 1923.  Rodney is located in Cecil County Maryland, only a short drive from I-95 and MD RT-40 in the town of North East.  "   We are tentatively assigned to the LONE PINE campsite -- please address your mail / correspondence accordingly!  ((see below))

NOTE::PRE-CAMP SWIM TESTS will be administered on Friday July 22 at the Valley Forge Military Academy.   Those who can not complete their Swim Tests at that time (or during a make-up session the following week) will need to do this the afternoon we arrive at camp (Sunday August 7).   Please pack your swim trunks and towel in your DAY PACK for easy access upon arrival -- we may not have the opportunity to access your foot lockers before the swim test is conducted.

This page provides up-to-date information on summer camp preparations, announcements and other general information.   Watch this page for updates as we prepare to travel south to Camp Rodney for a week of Scouting Fun !



SUMMER CAMP IMMINENT!!


*** TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS
 AND REMINDERS ***


·         GEAR / LOADING :: We are again asking that all Scouts bring their PERSONAL GEAR (foot lockers, etc.) to the Scout Cabin on SATURDAY AUGUST 6th from 5PM - 7PM.  We will load the troop trailers that evening.  PLEASE limit your gear to ONE (1) foot locker or duffle bag.   If all goes well, we will have Troop T-Shirts for summer camp available the same evening. . .

·         TRAVEL BAG::  All scouts should pack a Bag Lunch, their swimsuit and towel (if swim test is required), any medications (prescription OR over-the-counter) in a day-pack to travel with them in the car on Sunday.   These will be the first items needed on Sunday and we may not have a chance to unpack before medical check-in and swim tests.   Class "A" uniforms will be needed for Retreat / Flag Ceremony and dinner on Sunday evening ... pack these near the top of your foot locker!   We will be checking for uniforms in the parking lot on Sunday morning...

NOTE: ALL medications -- prescription AND over-the-counter -- must be checked in with our Health Officer Mrs. Arsalane UNLESS ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE WITH THE ADULT LEADERS.   Each medication MUST be presented in its ORIGINAL CONTAINER and MUST be labeled with Scout's name, troop-number (T-141) and dosage.   Please keep ALL medications handy and in a convenient zip-lock bag for check-in!

·         DEPARTURE :: We are meeting at the Scout Cabin in the Church parking lot at 9:30 AM on Sunday morning August 7.   ((Church may still be in session or just getting started at that time -- please be considerate and careful driving in the parking lot!))   We want to be ON THE ROAD by 10:00 AM ... expect a 1.5 to 2 hour car ride!   We will NOT make any stops on the way except in case of extreme emergency.   we hope to arrive near Camp Rodney by 11:30 AM or 12:00 Noon . . . PLAN ACCORDINGLY!

·         SUNDAY LUNCH :: We will stop and eat a quick snack / brown bag lunch in the WalMart shopping center outside North East MD near the camp.   Do NOT expect there to be any vending machines or other food services -- bring a BROWN BAG LUNCH and BEVERAGE.   "Official" check-in times are not assigned -- presumably first-come-first-served, so we will want to arrive at the camp entrance as close to 1:00 PM as possible.

·         Text Box:  


RETURN :: The camp staff would like us to be CHECKED OUT by 9:00 or 9:30 AM on Saturday August 13 ... we would like to be on the road by 10:00 AM and arriving in the Hatfield area around 11:15 or 11:30 AM.   Unless you hear otherwise, expect to pick up the little darlings at 11:30 AM Saturday.

SPECIAL NOTES / ANNOUNCEMENTS

·         PRE-CAMP SWIM TESTS :: The troop will host a pre-camp swim night at the VF Military Academy on Friday July 22nd.   (A make-up test may be administered at NPHS on Tuesday  July 26 for $3 – see Mr. Collins for details.)   All Scouts able to attend will be given their BSA Swim Test, eliminating the need to get in the pool at check-in on Sunday.   This will greatly simplify our registration / check in process and expedite our camp set-up.   The First Class rank swim test requires: `
"Jump feet first into water over your head in depth, swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating. "

·         COMPLETE CAMP INFORMATION :: Complete details about summer camp at the Camp Rodney may be found at their website at the links :
Unit Leaders Guide :: http://www.doubleknot.com/openrosters/DocDownload.aspx?orgkey=1516&id=91445
Rodney Camping Forms Library :: http://www.delmarvacouncil.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=37618&orgkey=1516
  The Forms Library page contains links to various documents, including the program guide, camp map, Friday dinner reservation form and other information.  

·         CAMP DATES :: We will be attending camp the week of Sunday August 7 through Saturday August 13.   There will be NO TROOP MEETING on Thursday August 11th.

·         SUNDAY DEPARTURE ::   We will assemble at HEIDELBERG UCC on SUNDAY August 7th at 9:30 AM for a 10:00 AM (SHARP!) departure.   We are looking at a 1-1/2 to 2 hour car ride ... we need to leave promptly!
SATURDAY RETURN ::   We hope to depart from Camp Rodney by 10:00 AM on Saturday morning August 13th, expecting to arrive back at Heidelberg UCC around 11:30 AM.   Parents should expect to pick-up their scouts at Heidelberg and their equipment at that time.   We will attempt to make phone calls from the road ONLY if we are running much later than expected.   If you don't hear from us, assume the little darlings will be home by 11:30 AM.

·         MEDICAL FORMS :: ALL Scouts AND ADULTS must have a CURRENT medical form with all requisite signatures and a copy of their insurance card (front & back) or they will not be admitted to camp!
ALL Scouts and adults should be using the new BSA "Annual Health and Medical Record" form ( link ).   ALL SCOUTS must have a parent's signature on their medical form dated in the last 60 days to confirm no significant change in health history or medication since the last doctor's visit.  

THESE FORMS REQUIRE A PHYSICIAN'S SIGNATURE -- don't delay : make your appointments early!   All completed medical forms should be submitted to the troop as soon as possible.

REMEMBER - NO ONE will be admitted to camp without a CURRENT, SIGNED Medical Form!!

·         MEDICATIONS :: All prescription medications, especially those requiring refrigeration, must be turned in to the troop Health & Safety Officer (Mrs. Arsalane) for camp inspection and (possibly) storage when the troop checks in to camp.   Epi-Pens, Inhalers and other "emergency" medications which should remain with the individual are excluded, though troop leaders and Camp Health officers need to know about these requirements.   All medications must be presented for inspection at check-in in THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS and clearly labeled with the Scout's name and Troop Number.   Please see Mrs. Arsalane or Mr. Baer for more information about medication needs.

·         SUNDAY TRAVEL::  Scouts are to wear their 2011 SUMMER CAMP TROOP T-SHIRTS on Sunday for travel to camp.  Other scouting-appropriate T-shirts may be worn during the week.  
NOTE:: Troop T-Shirts for summer camp are being printed and will be available before we leave.   These new shirts feature the traditional buzzard logo on the front, and include a special-edition screen print on the back appropriate for our adventure at Camp Rodney.
Scouts are reminded that FULL CLASS "A" uniforms are required for Dinner, Retreat, Vespers, Campfires, OA Ceremonies / reception and other camp-wide activities.   This includes scout shirt, pants/shorts, neckerchief, slide and socks!   Please pack accordingly... and DON'T FORGET YOUR O.A. SASH!

·         CONTACT WHILE AT CAMP :: Scouts may receive mail at camp - address each letter / package to:
       {Scout Name} - Troop-141
       Lone Pine Campsite
       Camp Rodney Scout Reservation
      400 Rodney Scout Road
      North East, MD 21901  
Be sure to mail well in advance - any letters or packages mailed after Wednesday August 10 may not reach us in camp before we leave and will be discarded!

In the event of an emergency ONLY, the camp office business phone number is 410
2875888.   In general, phone messages will be delivered at the next meal.   THIS IS AN EMERGENCY-USE-ONLY LINE!

·         VISITATION :: Generally, visiting your Scout at camp is discouraged.   Visitor traffic into and out of camp disrupts the "flow" of the summer camp experience and often produces unnecessary and unwelcome distractions.   ((Sometimes it is the parent who misses the boy more than the other way around!))   Individuals may inquire of the Camp Rodney Scout Reservation administration office about the specific visitation policies of the camp during the week.

Friends and families of Scouts and Scouters are invited to join us for a Roast Beef Dinner on Friday evening in the Dining Hall at Rodney Scout Reservation.   The cost is $7.50 per person; our campsite is scheduled for the 5:15 PM seating in the dining hall (don’t be late!)..   Please see Mr. Baer if you intend to join us for the Friday night dinner, or mail in the form on the Rodney website with a check made out to ‘Del-Mar-Va Council’.   TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY TUESDAY MORNING the week we are in camp -- if you intend to visit us on Friday and enjoy the barbecue WE NEED TO KNOW IN ADVANCE!   Parents and families are also invited to the Friday night Closing Campfire.   There is no charge for attending the closing campfire, which begins at 8:45 PM.

·         ADVANCEMENT PLANNING :: All Scouts should have planned their advancement and other activities for their week at camp.   Please see the Camp Rodney Leaders Guide packet for a list of merit badges offered, and pre-requisite requirements to complete prior to arrival at camp.   All scouts should provide Mrs. Michener or Mr. Wolkey with the list of the merit badges they wish to pursue and the times they will attend instruction by JULY 29 so we can establish a master list of who is supposed to be where for the week.   These will be entered into the RSR on-line registration system ... BE PREPARED FOR CONFLICTS / CLOSE-OUTS!   In addition, all scouts will need to fill out a BLUE CARD for EACH MERIT BADGE they intend to pursue.   Please have these available BEFORE leaving for camp - each requires a signature from a registered Adult Leader (SM/ASM).   See Mr. Baer for blank blue cards.

·         OTHER PROGRAM ACTIVITIES :: The Leaders Guide and Program Description documents contain overviews of the various activities planned throughout the week which are not part of the advancement program.   This includes water skiing, bay walks, night orienteering and plenty of other fun activities.   (Note the emphasis on “boat shoes”, not simply water socks or water shoes, for the activities in the Bay…)   These extracurricular activities are a vital part of a successful summer camp experience, and Troop 141 leaders are committed to promoting participation in as many of these as we can.   After all, "...we may never pass this way again ...".

·         ADDITIONAL PROGRAM NOTES ::

>> Some of the Adult Leaders may have wood-blocks for neckerchief slide carving, and several rolls of 'gimp' for leatherwork merit badges.  Please see the adult leaders if you need any of these supplies.

>> The troop WILL be participating in one or more service projects ... please be sure to bring work gloves and boots for the week.

>> Each Patrol MUST have a PATROL FLAG!

>> The troop WILL be working towards the RSR equivalent of "Honor Troop" and "Honor Patrol" awards, recognizing units who take full advantage of the many activities available during the week.  

·         SPENDING MONEY :: Everyone attending Summer Camp should plan on bringing at least $30 to $40 to camp with them for snacks and craft items from the Trading Post.   Parents can ask the Adult Leaders to manage the cash for their scouts (so it isn't all spent on candy bars and ice cream the first day!).

·         SPECIAL ITEMS ::
FIRST YEAR SCOUTS :: Don't forget to bring a DAY PACK!  
EVERYONE is reminded that MOSQUITO NETTING for your tent / cot is strongly recommended by the camp.  Don’t delay – purchase yours early!

·         PARENTS OF ALL SCOUTS ATTENDING SUMMER CAMP SHOULD PLAN TO ATTEND THE TROOP MEETING ON JULY 21st FOR FINAL INSTRUCTIONS AND DETAILS ON SUMMER CAMP!!!

Please note there will be NO troop meeting on Thursday AUGUST 11th
((most of us will be at camp ... why won't you?!))


 

SUMMER CAMP EQUIPMENT LISTS

·                     Personal Equipment List

·                     Troop Equipment List

·                     RSR Suggested Equipment List

·         MEDICAL FORM

·         BSA Medical Form

CAMP RODNEY SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION

·         Unit Leaders Guide :: http://www.delmarvacouncil.org/openrosters/DocDownload.aspx?orgkey=1516&id=91445

·         Program Descripton :: http://www.delmarvacouncil.org/openrosters/DocDownload.aspx?orgkey=1516&id=91547

·         RSR Camping Doc. Library :: http://www.delmarvacouncil.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=37618&orgkey=1516