Camping
Camp Chawanakee 2006
Unit Leaders' Guidebook
Printer friendly version of this Camp Leaders Guide 2006
Introduction:
Once again, Camp Chawanakee is on the cutting edge of Scout Camp Technology with its first annual, interactive, computerized leader’s guide. This edition features several links to video features as well as to the various forms you will need to enjoy your stay at Camp Chawanakee.
A printer friendly version of this guide is available by clicking the link on the left navigation bar of this page. Also, use this left navigation bar as a quick way to access other forms you will need at Camp Chawanakee or to link up to helpful web pages that contain even more useful camp information. Changes to form requirements may occur; you will be notified of these changes when they occur or upon arrival in camp.
www.chawanakee.com Links you to the Camp Chawanakee website where you will need to sign up for all merit badges and is another location for camp forms and merit badge information. (requires internet connection)
www.weatherunderground.com Links you to a handy weather reporting website. Just type in 93664 where it asks for a zip code and it will give you current and up to 10 day forecasts for Camp Chawanakee. (requires internet connection)
Forms Required at Check-in to Camp Chawanakee
Local Tour Permit –A copy of the completed local tour permit will be required of all troops upon check in at the office. You will need to start this process at least one month prior to arrival at camp, in order to avoid delays. (requires adobe acrobat reader and legal-size paper to print.)
Class 1 and 2 Medical Form which is required of all participants 39 years of age and younger. (requires adobe acrobat reader.)
Class 3 Medical Form which is required of all participants 40 years of age and older. (requires adobe acrobat reader.)
Authorization and Consent Form which is required for ALL participants 17 years of age and younger.
Troop Roster which is required for check in at camp.
Scouts and Scouters who have never been to Chawanakee before may be interested in seeing some of the exciting things that happen here. Those who have been here before are sure to want to be reminded of them. By clicking the picture, your wish will be granted in the form of an approximately 8 minute slide show highlighting the wonderful features the camp has to offer, as well as a glimpse of its spectacular views. Sit back, click the picture, and enjoy. (Requires windows media player)
Dear Scoutmaster,
We want to personally express our gratitude to you for choosing Camp Chawanakee in 2006. Your troop is about to experience on of the finest Boy Scout camps in the nation. Your Scouts can join in the fun and adventures of camp by being a part of swimming, boating, hiking, horseback riding, field sports, and much more. The beauty and majesty of camp will act as a natural backdrop for an exceptional learning experience.
Our experienced Camp Chawanakee staff is eager to help make your summer experience a rewarding and meaningful one. Our program staff is well versed in the Scouting program. Serving your troop is our number one priority.
This guide contains a wealth of information to help your troop receive the programs it expects at Camp Chawanakee. We are continuing to fine-tune our offerings at camp and this guide will help you understand the changes we made for 2006.
Remember a Scout is prepared!
This guide supersedes all other Camp Chawanakee Leader’s guides issued by Camp Chawanakee, read it carefully and feel free to email the camp management team at gerardi@sbcglobal.net or gcameron169@hotmail.com if you have any questions.
Again, thank you for choosing Camp Chawanakee; we look forward to meeting all of you this summer.
In the Spirit of Scouting,
Garth Cameron, Camp Director
Jon Livaudais, Camp Program Director
Quick Reference Guide
| Arrival Times: | Saturday Arrivals |
No Earlier than 5:00 P.M. |
| | Sunday Arrivals | 12:30-1:00 P.M. |
| | Monday Arrivals | 6:00 A.M. |
| Departure Time: | Saturday | - Everyone 9:30 A.M. |
| |
| Check in Document Requirements: |
ΠPhotocopy of tour permit on file with your local service center |
| ΠMedical forms-signed by a doctor and parents (youth) or the participant (adults) for each participant. |
| Œ Parent permission forms signed by the scout’s parents |
| | ΠAll payment receipts to date |
| | Œ Proof of Registration/troop roster provided by your council or a copy of a Scout’s current Registration. |
| | **All participants must be registered members of the BSA** |
General Guide to Camp Chawanakee
Before Arrival at Camp: Please hold a familiarization meeting with your Scouts and their parents. This is a good time to complete the necessary paperwork that needs to be signed by the parents. Make sure that each participant (adults too) has a B.S.A. physical form completely filled out and signed by a doctor.
Camp Chawanakee highlights the patrol method of camping. Most activities will require that Scouts be organized into patrols of approximately eight boys each before they arrive in camp. It is also recommended that these patrols devise a name, yell, and flag. These patrols may be different from your regular patrol structure. Smaller troops may organize into smaller patrols, but may or may not receive one patrol site per patrol.
Arrival on the first day: Check in will begin at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday at the camp office. The adult most familiar with the scouts and your troop’s finances and the Troop Guide should check in. A camp staff guide will be assigned to each unit to provide an orientation of camp and act as your commissioner for the day. The rest of the troop may start the tour while the adult completes the Troop check in.
The guided orientation is mandatory and will include medical screening (Scouts should have their own medical and permission form in their possession, adults need their medical form only,) dining hall orientation to find out your eating session and table number(s),) and swim test (we recommend that participants wear their swim trunks under their uniform.) Please ask questions, it is the best way to learn about Camp Chawanakee. Your guide will be glad to take you on a detailed tour of camp, just ask.
A scoutmaster and SPL meeting is scheduled for 8:15 P.M. on Sunday at the point campfire bowl to give you more important information about Camp Chawanakee.
One car for every 25 boys (or fraction thereof) may be driven, at 5 mph, in to the campsites to transport GEAR ONLY. All cars must be returned to the camp parking lot by 6:45 P.M. on Sunday evening.
Troops arriving on Saturday will be charged an additional fee according to the following criteria: 1-8 people $50.00, 9-15 people $75.00, 16-24 people $100.00, 25 or more people $200.00. These fees are per troop, not per person. Saturday arriving troops must have vehicles removed from the campsite, by 7:00 p.m. Saturday night.
Departure on the last day: A camp staff guide will help you check your unit out of your campsite. The head commissioner will send staff guides to your patrol site(s) between 7:30-9:30 a.m. If you require an earlier check out, you may schedule it at the 10:00 a.m. Friday, leader’s meeting, held in the chapel. Check out procedures (detailed at camp.) must be completed by 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Transportation: Each troop is responsible for transporting their own Scouts to and from Chawanakee. Cars may be parked in the Camp parking lot. Due to limited parking space, car-pooling is highly recommended.
- Arrival at camp is advised to be between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
- Camp closes at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.
- Troops may arrive on Saturday, after 5:00 p.m., by indicating their intentions on their troop roster.
- There is a nominal fee for this privilege.
- Dining hall services are NOT available for early arriving troops.
- B.S.A. policy requires that no passengers be transported in truck beds or trailers.
- Motorcycles and ATV’s are not permitted in camp areas.
Tour Permits: A tour permit giving travel plans must be filed at your local Scout Service Center two weeks before your troop leaves for Chawanakee. You will be asked for a photocopy of the approved permit at check in.
Troop Rosters: A copy of your troop roster form must be sent to the Fresno Service Center (6005 N. Tamera Ave., Fresno, CA 93711) two weeks prior to your arrival at camp. This will help us better organize for your stay at camp.
Merit Badge Sign Ups: Sign up for merit badges at www.Chawanakee.com. If you do not have a user name and password, contact the Fresno Service Center as soon as possible. User names and passwords will be distributed after January 17, to troops who have made their first deposit. After you sign up, don’t forget to print a flat list of your boy’s merit badge schedule.
Medical Forms: All participants attending Camp Chawanakee (adults too) must have the appropriate B.S.A. medical form (Class 3 #4412A for adults 40 and over and Class 1/2 #34414 for anyone 39 years old or younger.) A doctor MUST sign the form. These forms may be obtained at your local council office, by clicking the blue links above, or online at www.Chawanakee.com. Class 3 #4412A forms are good for one year only and must be updated within 12 months to be valid. Class 1/2 #34414 forms are good for three years provided that the front portion, which includes a parent signature, is updated annually and attached to the doctor signed Class 1/2 #34414 form. Medical forms from prior years ARE NOT kept on file. Each participant must bring the appropriate, valid form, with them to camp. A check of this form is a mandatory part of check in, no one may participate in any camp activity until his or her medical form is completed and turned in.
Dining Services: Camp will serve meals “family style” for Breakfast and Dinner in two shifts each. You will be assigned to a shift and table(s) when you go through dining hall orientation at check in. To properly use the dining hall, troops need to send one “Table Steward” per assigned table to the dining hall at least 15 minutes before their shift begins. The steward will be responsible for preparing the troops eating accommodations. The steward will stay after everyone is dismissed to do clean up. Te dining hall steward will us the P.A. system to give directions for each step. Scouts will be required to listen for and follow all instructions.
Lunch Meals: Lunch is eaten in your campsite. Each troop should send at least 2 stewards per patrol to the back of the dining hall to pick up lunch. Should there be a shortage of food or too much, please send a runner to the dining hall with that information. Two lunches will need to be cooked in the campsite. Charcoal will be provided for these meals, but charcoal lighter is not permitted, please plan on lighting your charcoal with a “stack” or other method. Make sure to bring your Patrol Cooking Gear. To clean up, simply put any trash and excess non-storable food in the provided trashcans and wash out the bus tub and pitcher. The bus tub must be returned to the dining hall loading dock immediately after lunch. Pitchers should be returned after lunch on Friday. Scouts need to bring their own eating equipment for lunch. Any storable food (PB&J, bread, condiments, cookies, etc.) may be kept in your campsite for later use, FYI wildlife will enjoy your snacks if not properly stored.)
Friday Barbecue: Camp Chawanakee ends each session with an out-of-this world Barbecue on Friday night. For this meal only, there will be one shift of eating (right after flags.) Guests may pay at the door or buy a meal ticket from the Trading Post. A plate, fork, and cup will be provided.
Fires: A Scout is careful with fire in the woods. Please follow all fire safety guidelines closely:
- Use only the designated campfire circle in the traditional campsites to build fires
- Fire control tools may be checked out from the head commissioner at 8:00 a.m. on Monday
- Smoking is prohibited in any area of camp where Scouts are present.
- Smoking is also prohibited in any building or tent.
- NO OPEN FLAMES IN ANY TENT NO EXCEPTIONS
- Both state and county agencies prohibit the use of fireworks in camp.
Fireworks are not to be brought to camp for any reason.
Violators of this policy will be sent home and the appropriate law
enforcement agencies contacted.
- Personal firearms of any caliber and ammunition are not to be brought to camp.
- Fire pits may not be constructed in the patrol sites unless direct written permission
is granted by the Camp Facilities Director and Camp Director.
U.S. Forest Service guidelines will be followed for any fire built in camp.
- Campsite fires must be kept small. Flames should be no higher than two feet.
Your Patrol Site: Patrol site equipment consists of four tents, eight cots, eight mattresses, one stand alone BBQ, and one picnic table. It is recommended that troops bring their own dining flies. Garbage cans will be strategically placed for easy access by patrol sites. Full garbage cans should be placed next to the road by 5:00 p.m. each evening for pick up.
Commissioner Service: Commissioners are one of the key ingredients for the unit to have an outstanding week. Any needs concerns, and /or suggestions should be directed to your commissioner. Campsites will be inspected by the commissioner daily in accordance with a schedule set up between them and your Senior Patrol Leader. Campsite inspection scores are a key component to determining who wins the coveted “thumb-stick” award.
Participants: All leaders and scouts must be registered members of the B.S.A. A copy of your council roster or individual registration card is acceptable proof of this. Acceptance in this program is the same for everyone without regard for race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap.
Senior Patrol Leaders: SPL’s are the leader of the troop. It is essential for each trop to have one elected. SPL’s will attend daily meetings with the Head Commissioner. Meetings are held daily, at the dining hall, at 1:15 p.m.
Scoutmaster Meetings: A joint Scoutmaster and SPL meeting is scheduled for Sunday evening at 8:15 p.m., at the point campfire bowl. Scoutmaster meetings are scheduled for Tuesday and Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. A scoutmaster social is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
Adult Leadership: Every troop is required to have a minimum of two adults supervising their unit through the entire week. One adult must be 21 or older, the second adult must be at least 18 year so age. Troops who rotate adult leadership must make sure that this requirement is met the entire time they are at camp. Units not meeting this standard will not be allowed to participate in any Camp Chawanakee activity. All visitors and late arrivals must check in at the camp office upon arrival at camp.
Adult Features: Designated shower and rest room facilities on the point are reserved for adult leaders only. Adults will stay in strategically placed tenting near their patrols, which will house from two to four adults four the same gender. At camp we offer a variety of activities and training for your adult leaders such as:
- Safe Swim Defense
- Safety Afloat
- Youth Protection
- Climb on Safely
- Golf Tournament
- Internet Access (during designated times)
- A pay phone
- Risk Zone Training
Trading Post: the Trading Post provides goods, camp souvenirs, food, drinks, and candy for the needs of Scouts during their week at camp. Remember that certain Merit Badges do require the purchase of supplies (See Merit Badge Listings.) Merit Bade advancement items are available including pamphlets, handbooks, kits, and targets. It is suggested that $50.00 to $60.00 should meet the needs of most scouts, but be prepared to bring more for a thrilling horse ride and a beautiful camp T-shirt. Special Chawanakee merchandise will be available for sale at the Trading Post. It is also suggested that the Scoutmaster or an adult leader is the banker for the week. Scouts should turn in their money to him/her and he/she should distribute that money on an as needed basis back to the scout.
Mail: Mail is delivered into camp once a day. Letters or postcards can take anywhere from one to three extra days to get to camp. Scouts are encouraged to write home at least once during their stay. Address your mail in the following manner (be sure to include troop number, session, and campsite also be sure parents are aware of this information so they can write their Scouts at camp:) It is suggested that you photo copy this page and distribute it to all parents prior to leaving for camp.)
Telephones: the adult leaders may make outgoing calls from the Trading Post using the pay phone. Scouts are not allowed to use the pay phone unless their unit leader is present.
Messages and faxes may be left for individual until leaders and scouts, but must include the person’s name, campsite, and unit number. Messages are placed in the unit’s box, unless described as an emergency, in which case every effort will be made to contact the unit leader or scout as soon as possible. In any case, messages may take up to a day to get to the person they are intended for.
Mobile phones may be used from camp, but leaders must provide their own mobile phones and phone service agreements. Not all carriers service the Shaver Lake area.
Medical Support: A first aid person is present at camp at all times to treat medical emergencies and handle minor problems. Arrangements have been made with a local doctor and hospital for treatment of emergency cases.
In accordance with B.S.A. National Policy all prescription medicines brought to camp, with the exception of emergency use medicines such as an inhaler or bee sting kit, must be locked up by the camp medical officer. Adult leaders will be responsible for making sure Scouts receive the proper medication at the proper times.
Uniforms: Have your Scouts in full uniform for morning and evening flag ceremonies each day, as well as the closing campfire. Through the day, encourage them to wear Scout shorts and either a unit T-Shirt, ca camp T-shirt, or other Scout related shirt. The Boy Scout uniform is an important part o f the B.S.A. A scout should wear it proudly and properly. Scouts should arrive and leave camp in full class A uniform.
What to Bring to Camp
Each troop, patrol, and Scout should “Be Prepared” to bring certain items to camp in order to have a successful camping experience. The following is a suggested list of what to bring.
Troop/Patrol Equipment
- Patrol Flag
- Troop Flag
- US Flag
- Patrol Cook Kit
- Pot/Kettle
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Frying Pan (optional)
- Ice Chest (optional)
- Charcoal Starter
- Small Shovel
Personal Overnight Camping Gear
- Scout outdoor essentials
- Clothing for the Season (Weather changes daily at Chawanakee most of the time it is warm and sunny but,
“Be Prepared” for all kinds of weather, including rain and
cold weather.)
- Extra Shoes/Boots
- Pack
- Sleeping bag or 2-3 blankets
- Foam sleeping pad or air mattress (we do provide mattresses)
- Ground Cloth
- Eating Kit (Spoon, Fork, Knife, Plate, Bowl, Cup)
- Toilet Articles (Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Dental Floss, Comb/Brush, Washcloth, and Towel)
- Scout Uniform (to be worn to camp)
Personal Extras you may want to take:
- Watch
- Camera and Film
- Insect Repellent
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
2006 Schedules
| Sunday | 1:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. | Check In |
| | 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m. | Dinner Shift 1 |
| | 6:45 p.m.-7:00 p.m. | Retreat |
| | 7:00 p.m.-7:45 p.m. | Dinner Shift 2 |
| | 8:15 p.m.-9:15 p.m. | S.M./S.P.L. Meeting |
| | 10:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m. | Quiet Time |
| Monday-Friday | 6:45 a.m.-7:15 a.m. | Breakfast Shift 1 |
| | 7:30 a.m.-7:45 a.m. | Flag Raising |
| | 7:45 a.m.-8:15 a.m. | Breakfast Shift 2 |
| | 8:30 a.m.-9:20 a.m. | Merit Badge Period 1 |
| | 9:30 a.m.-10:20 a.m. | Merit Badge Period 2 |
| | 10:30 a.m.-11:20 a.m. | Merit Badge Period 3 |
| | 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. | Merit Badge Period 4 |
| | 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | Lunch and Patrol Time |
| | 1:15 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | SPL Meeting at the Veranda |
| | 2:15 p.m.-3:00 p.m. | Merit Badge Period 5 |
| | 3:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. | Open Time |
| | 5:00 p.m.-5:45 p.m. | Dinner Shift 1 |
| | 5:45 p.m.-6:00 p.m. | Retreat |
| | 6:00 p.m.-6:45 p.m. | Dinner Shift 2 |
| | 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Open Time |
| | 8:45 p.m.-9:45 p.m. | Evening Activities |
| | 10:15 p.m.-6:15 a.m. | Quiet Time |
| Saturday | 6:45 a.m.-7:15 a.m. | Breakfast Shift 1 |
| | 7:30 a.m.-7:45 a.m. | Flag Raising |
| | 7:45 a.m.-8:15 a.m. | Breakfast Shift 2 |
| | 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. | Check Out |
Schedules are subject to change upon arrival in camp. Changes will be submitted in writing as you check in.
Camp Program
Camp Chawanakee is proud to have one of the most diversified and exciting programs of any west coast camp. The following pages will walk you through our program. Take some time to review it in detail so you can be informed as to what is going on and of new activities for 2006.
Things you should know about our Merit Badge Program:
The following is information you need to know about the Chawanakee Merit Badge Program. Details of this program are covered at www.chawanakee.com. Due to late merit badge requirement changes from the National Office to some merit badge requirements, check the website frequently for updates. Those who register their email address at this site will receive an email when updates occur.
Difficulty Rating: This is a Ten Point scale that is used to reference which merit badges are appropriate for younger Scouts. It is our recommendation that younger Scouts take merit badges whose difficulty ratings do not exceed 5 nor take more than 3 merit badges. Younger Scouts are encouraged to participate in the Trail to First Class Program.
Pre-Requisites: These are items that need to be given attention to before arriving at camp. These requirements must be completed (and signed off on his blue card) by the Scout before camp with an approved merit badge counselor in their home city. These are items that either cannot be satisfactorily completed at camp or are otherwise inappropriate in the camp setting.
Recommended Requirements: These are requirements that may prove extremely difficult to complete at camp due to time constraints or weather related issues. You may want your Scouts to complete these requirements prior to camp to ensure completion of the merit badge.
Cost: Certain merit badges have a cost or costs that are over and above those covered by the basic camp fee. Make sure Scouts are prepared to cover any costs of their desired merit badges.
Period Taught: This refers to the period during the day that a merit badge is taught. The www.chawanakee.com website will not allow you to sign up for a period in which the merit badge is not taught. (note, some merit badges require more than one period to complete.)
Location: This is a handy way to tell where to meet for a merit badge on the first day of instruction.
Merit Badge Sign Up: To help ensure your scouts get the program they want and to promote fairness to all, all merit badges must be signed up for at www.chawanakee.com. Due to equipment and quality concerns, many classes have a cap on the number of scouts each period will hold, please signup early, all sign ups are on a first come-first serve basis.
Age Requirements: National Standards requires each scout camp to have an older boy program, therefore, some merit badges are limited to Scouts 14 and older; please check those merit badges that apply. Please do not ask for waivers on age requirements.
Changes to schedule may be made at camp, but cannot be guaranteed.
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Camp Wide Events
Campfires:
Opening Campfire: Start your week off right on Monday night when our staff puts on the opening campfire for your entertainment and enjoyment. Troop guides will lead troops to the campfire.
Commissioner Intertroop Campfire: On Wednesday night, Commissioners will host an inter-troop campfire in a pre-designated campfire bowl. Each troop should have a skit, song, or cheer to perform at the campfire. The best songs and skits will be chosen to perform for Friday night’s campfire.
Tribe of Chawanakee Campfire: On Thursday night the spirit of the Native Americans who inhabited this land when Camp Chawanakee was just a dream will come out to induct new members into the tribe and to advance in rank those who have returned. The highlight of this campfire is the reading of the legend followed by a customized induction ceremony for the rank you are advancing to. End the evening listening to the sage advice of the mighty Sachem. Scouts must either have completed their service hours prior this campfire, or swear on their honor as a scout that they will before they leave. Adults are welcome too!
Closing Campfire: Friday evening at the Point Campfire Bowl there will be a variety show second to none and you provide the songs and skits. That’s right, the troops are the main attraction here so plan to participate. The highlight of the campfire is a Flag Retirement Ceremony so wear your cleanest Class-A uniform.
General Program
Chawanakee Open: Two and a half! If you think all of the activities at camp are for the Scouts then you haven’t played in the Chawanakee Open. Tee off with the rest of the adult leaders on Wednesday with your custom made club, we provide the ball (tennis ball.) Lauded by many leaders as the most fun they’ve had at camp we hope you join us for the Seventh annual Chawanakee Open.
Wacky Tourist Friday: Make sure to bring plenty of items to decorate yourself and your campsite in wacky tourist duds. The tackier the better! The afternoon wraps up with our famous chuck-wagon style Barbecue.
Chawanadayze: Chawanadayze is our exciting fast paced camp wide games. After our Opening Ceremonies at the Waterfront, the troops will break up into their patrols and compete in competitions that will test the leadership of your patrol leaders and the skills of your scouts. Awards will be presented, on a Patrol basis, for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in individual events and one overall prize. Leaders are invited to the rifle range to try their hand at Black Powder Shooting or you may want to find your way to the climbing wall to test your intestinal fortitude against 52 feet of vertical fun.
Special Events and Activities
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| C.O.P.E.: | Difficulty Level: 10 | Pre-requisite: 14 Years Old or older
Cost: None
Merit Badge Period Held: 1&2, 3&4
Adult C.O.P.E. held period 5
Location: Fire Bell Rock |
C.O.P.E. (Challenging Outdoor Personal Encounters) is a course for older boys who want to learn about themselves and teamwork. Through games and physical challenges the boys learn the importance of working together while at the same time learning of their potential. Many boys don’t know how much they can do until they face a 40-foot drop and slide down our zip-line, one of the biggest in the Western Region. |
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| Climbing Wall: | Difficulty Level: 10 | Pre-requisite: 14 Years Old or older Cost: None Merit Badge Period Held: 1&2, 3&4 Free Climb from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Location: Climbing Wall |
Our 52-foot climbing tower is for older boys who want to learn about themselves and teamwork. The boys learn the importance of working together while at the same time learning how well they can climb. Our climbing tower has three “faces” to choose from, each with its own unique challenges. |
|
| Trail to First Class: | Difficulty Level: 4 | Pre-requisite: None
Cost: None
Merit Badge Period Held:
Period 1- Tenderfoot, Period 2- Second Class
Period 3- First Class, Period 4- Tenderfoot
Period 5- Second Class
Location: Eagle Lodge |
Adults are strongly encouraged to accompany their Scouts to this program area. New or younger Scouts along with their adult leaders will receive an opportunity to learn the skills needed to achieve the rank of First Class. They will work together on a variety of activities and skill including nature, hiking, orienteering, pioneering, first aid, and more. A printout, given out at the Wednesday Scoutmaster Social, will give you an update on what your scout has been taught so far. A final progress report will be a part of your check out packet on Saturday. |
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| Kayaking: | Difficulty Level: 2 | Pre-requisite: Pass Swimmer Test
Cost: None
Merit Badge Period Held: Upon Request
Location: Waterfront |
One of the most popular waterfront activities at Camp Chawanakee is kayaking. With our numerous kayaks, Scouts and Scouters alike will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful Shaver Lake. |
|
| Mile Swim: | Difficulty Level: 8 | Pre-requisite: Pass Swimmer Test, Endurance
4+ hours to complete
Cost: $3.00 (optional for patch)
Merit Badge Period Held: Early Morning,
Afternoon Open Time
Location: Waterfront |
This test of strength and endurance is a four-day event. To adjust to the altitude of Chawanakee scouts will be required to swim 200 yards, then ¼ of a mile, ½ mile and then the full mile. Scouts must be successful on each preceding leg to advance to the next. Each leg MUST be swum on a different day. Each swimmer will be required to provide a skilled rower and spotter to ensure their safety and success. Only one swimmer per boat is allowed. |
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| B.S.A. Lifeguard: | Difficulty Level: 10 | Pre-requisite: Pass Swimmer Test, Swimming Merit Badge, First Aid Merit Badge, Proof of C.P.R. Certification, 14 years old or older. Adults must have equivalent skills to merit Badges.
Recommended: CPR Certification
Cost: $3.00 (optional for patch)
Merit Badge Period Held: 3 & 4 & 5, plus
Open Time.
Location: Waterfront |
A B.S.A. Lifeguard can be a vital part for Troop outings. Our staff will help show your future lifeguards the proper techniques on how to keep a safe waterfront. Strong and responsible swimmers age 14 and older are required. Adults are welcome to participate. In order to complete this program, you MUST be CPR certified. This certification MAY NOT be offered at camp.
B.S.A. Lifeguard is a three-year certification. |
|
| Snorkeling B.S.A.: | Difficulty Level: 7 | Pre-requisite: Pass Swimmer Test
Cost: $3.00 (Optional for Patch)
Merit Badge Period Held: 5th Session
Location: Waterfront |
Learn how to snorkel at Camp Chawanakee and see the underwater world of Shaver Lake. After learning the basics of camp you will be able to take your newly learned skills with you anywhere.
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| Polar Bear Swim: | Difficulty Level: 1 | Pre-requisite: Getting Up Early and Cold Tolerance!
Cost: $3.00 for patch
Merit Badge Period Held: 6:00:32 a.m.
Location: Waterfront |
As you and the birds awaken in the early morning you will see the steam rising off of Shaver Lake. All of the brave souls in camp will meet at the waterfront and swim in sub-arctic waters. Don’t worry we won’t let such bravery go un-rewarded. [click here to see] |
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| Trails of Chawanakee | Difficulty Level: 10 | Pre-requisite: None
Cost: $3.00 for the patch (optional)
Merit Badge Period Held: Anytime you can!
Location: Mile Swim- Waterfront, All other |
Trails- On the Fleur de-lis on the dining
Hall side of the bridge. |
| | | |
| Cat Eye Trail: | This night trail allows you to follow the path of the cat. The eyes you see guide you to the end of the trail where your super adventure ends. |
| Nature Trail: | This self-guided tour takes you through the beautiful meadow of Chawanakee. Along the trail you will find signs that will explain the flora and fauna that can be seen throughout camp. If you have any questions, the trail goes through the nature area. |
| Warrior Trail: | This trail calls for your knowledge of orienteering. Pick up the bearings at the Scoutcraft Area and set out with your buddy to find out where the warriors went. |
| Adventure Trail: | The most rigorous of the Trails of Chawanakee is the adventure trail. This three-mile trek takes you through the beautiful back country of Chawanakee. Just follow the green arrows and dots to find your way! Beware the evil red, yellow, and blue dots and arrows that try to lead you the wrong way. Catch your breath before going up Heart Attack Hill! |
| Mile Swim: | (See previous description.) |
| Chieftain Run: | The Chieftain Run is the latest trail to be added to the Trails of Chawanakee. Scouts and Scouters will wake early to take an early morning jog to the entrance of Family Camp. Show your strength and ambition and join us for the Chieftain Run! |
An award is given at the closing campfire for any Scout or Scouter who successfully completes all five trails and the mile swim. A scorecard is available in the Scoutcraft area and must be completed and turned in by the 10:00 a.m. Scoutmaster meeting on Friday. |
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| Paul Bunyon Award: | Difficulty Level: 5 | Pre-requisite: Earned Tot’N’Chit
Cost: None
Merit Badge Period Held: Open Time
Location: Scoutcraft |
Follow the spirit of Paul Bunyan, Scouts will learn the proper care of and safety with wood cutting tools. Those who complete the experience earn the right to wear the Paul Bunyan patch on his uniform. |
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| Horse Trail Rides: | Difficulty Level: 3 | Pre-requisite: None
Cost: $15.00
Merit Badge Period Held: 3:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m.
and 6:30 p.m. Mon-Thurs.
Location: Horse Corral |
Take a hose ride through the forests of Chawanakee and observe the flora and fauna. On your one-hour ride perhaps you will see a coyote or a herd of deer. The number of riders is limited to 8 per trail ride. For the safety of riders and horses, there is a 225 lb. rider weight limit. Take a later ride and you could see the sun set over the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. Keep in mind which shift of dinner you have when signing up for evening times. |
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| Canoe Outpost: | Difficulty Level: 1 | Pre-requisite: For Canoe- Pass Swimmer Test
For Rowboat- Arrange with Commissioner
Two Deep Leadership
Cost: $3.00 for optional patch
Merit Badge Period Held: First Shift Dinner- 6:45 p.m.,
Second Shift Dinner- 7:30 p.m.
Location: Waterfront |
The overnight Canoe Outpost is a chance to get out of camp and see what is on the other side of beautiful Shaver Lake. Troops have the opportunity to paddle or row across the lake and camp under the stars. A cracker barrel will be provided for your troop’s enjoyment. While on the other side, troops can spend their evening enjoying leisure activities such as fishing, exploring, practicing your Scout skills or just have a good ol’ campfire. Two Deep Leadership is required for the Canoe Outpost. Sorry, swimming is not allowed. |
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Special Awards and Recognition
Pioneer Hike: This honor is bestowed upon a boy in your troop that has exemplified the Scout Oath and Law. The Pioneer hike takes place after Friday’s campfire. Pioneer hikers spend the evening under the stars and will write a short essay. Each troop is allowed to send ONLY ONE scout. Turn in the Scout’s name to the Program Director at the 10:00 a.m. Friday Leader’s meeting.
Honor Troop: An honor troop is one that adheres to the Scout Oath and Law in all their dealings. Honor troops show scout spirit, have high inspection scores, use the patrol method, and participate in programs and meetings. All honor troops will be recognized at the Closing Campfire.
Spirited Arrow Award: The purpose of the Spirited Arrow award is to encourage Scout Spirit. The troop with the most enthusiasm and always doing their best will be given this award. Judgment will be based on Patrols having flags, patrol yells, doing good turns, wearing the proper uniform at proper times, and Scouts simply doing their best to take pride in Scouting, but most of all, HAVING FUN!
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Tribe of Chawanakee
The Tribe of Chawanakee is Camp Chawanakee’s honor service organization. This program is designed to recognize Scouts and Scouters who exemplify the Boy Scout and Chawanakee’s ideals of Scout helpfulness. All Scouts and Scouters who attend camp are eligible for membership.
On Thursday night, all of the hard work from the week will culminate in a ceremony and campfire that will strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and Scout Spirit.
The ranks and corresponding requirements are:
| Hunter: | 1) One Week at Camp Chawanakee
2) One hour of work on a camp service project |
| Warrior: | 1) Earned Hunter
2) Two summers at Camp Chawanakee
3) Two hours of work on a camp service project |
| Chief: | 1) Earned Warrior
2) Three summers at Camp Chawanakee
3) Three hours of work on a camp service project |
| Medicine Man: | 1) Earned Chief
2) Four summers at Camp Chawanakee
3) Four hours of work on a camp service project |
| Sachem: | 1) Earned Medicine Man
2) Five summers at Camp Chawanakee
3) Plan, organize, and complete an approved service project, of at least 5 hours. (Please contact the camp commissioner for assistance.) |
All ranks require Scouts to show Scout Spirit the entire time they are at camp.
