Welcome to Troop 61

Hi All,

Summer camp is a short couple weeks away! I can smell that bug spray already!

If you haven’t had a chance to check recently, your Child Protection Training
needs to be renewed annually. You can do it online at the BSA website,
www.Scouting.org; just click on the Online Training box, and the whole program
only takes about an hour- less really. When you print the certificate out at the
end, would you send me a copy so I can have it on file? As many adults as we can
have as possible in our troop who are up to date with this the better before
summer camp. And it’s easy to do.

If you need to refresh the rules and BSA policies before camp, I’ll print them
here. I think it will help us if anything should come up like any homesickness
(never), or a sick boy that has to be transported down to the nurse during the
night…etc.

The BSA has adopted the following policies to provide additional security for
our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth
members; however, they also serve to protect our adult leaders from false
accusations of abuse.
Note: Bold type denotes rules and policies.
* Two-deep leadership.
Two registered adult leaders or one registered leader and a parent of a
participant, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all
trips and outings. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that
sufficient leadership is provided for all activities.
* No one-on-one contact.
One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In
situations that require personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster’s
conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.
If a Scout gets homesick or ill during the night, call another adult to
go with you. You can probably use the help anyway - I usually do.
* Respect of privacy.
Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as
changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that
health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar
situations.
There are adult times set up for the shower facilities at the campsite -
check your scout and parent summer camp guide. And adults only can use the
facilities at the restrooms and showers across from the dining hall at any time.

* Separate accommodations.
When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than
his own parent or guardian. Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate
shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not
available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted
for showers.
I’ll post a stick or some barrier with a flag on it on the latrine door
when in use. I think I’m the only female using the facilities, so it shouldn’t
be a problem.
* Proper preparation for high-adventure activities.
Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper
preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures.
Like helmets for rock wall climbing…..Camp Carpenter folks will
remember.
* No secret organizations.
The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of
its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by
parents and leaders.
Like Order of the Arrow.
Appropriate attire.
* Proper clothing for activities is required. For example,
skinny-dipping is not appropriate as part of Scouting.
* Constructive discipline.
Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting’s
values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.
I think I’ll post the Values on my tent ! So I can remember to quote
them at the appropriate time!! (kidding)
* Hazing prohibited.
Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part
of any Scouting activity.
* Junior leader training and supervision.
Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior
leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed.

Hope this helps. It was a reminder to me actually of several things that
have come up on previous trips, like starting to transport a hypothermic Scout
down to the heated lodge during a freezeout - and suddenly remembering that we
needed another adult! It’s easy to forget.

So don’t forget to pack your rope, your fishing rod, your book, and your
mosquito netting! and we’re going to have a great time. And a safe one.

See you soon - if not at the parade tomorrow!

And send me those certificates please!

Anne