Camp Usage Guidelines

Safety is our number one priority, and it is important to us to provide a great experience to everyone who uses our camps. All our camp properties are operated following the policies and guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America. In addition, we have established several guidelines to ensure a smooth reservation process, promote safety, and protect our camps and equipment for future use.

It is important that everyone who visits camp be aware of the camp usage guidelines. Not only will you help us promote safety and a pleasant visit, but knowing and understanding these guidelines will help you know what to expect and be prepared for any restrictions that may be applicable to your event planning.

Reservations

Our camps see a lot of use throughout the year and often by multiple groups simultaneously. In order to fairly provide reservation opportunities to as many groups as possible and to ensure a smooth reservation process, these guidelines have been established:

  • Full payment is required at the time of reservation for Scouting and non-profit groups. Reservations will not be confirmed without payment.
  • The Application for Camp Usage must be completed in full and signed by the group leader. No reservations will be held or “penciled-in” without a complete form and accompanying payment.
  • Reservations must be made at a minimum of 72 hours in advance.
  • Priority of reservations goes to council and district events. These events are scheduled first before opening the camp to reservations January 1 one year in advance of the reservation.
  • All reservations are first-come, first-served.
  • Reservations for the COPE and climbing programs must be made separately using the COPE and Climbing Reservation Packet.
  • Check-in for weekend programs is between 5pm and 9pm Friday. Check-out is no later than 3pm on Sunday.
  • COUNCIL REFUND POLICY: Individuals or groups that cancel a program reservation 30 days prior to the date of the event, will receive a refund of fees paid, less 15% administrative charge. No refunds will be made after the 30-day cancellation deadline.

Availability

Camp usage is given priority to council and district events. This is to ensure the greatest impact upon our Scouting membership. Once these events have been scheduled, the camp is opened to reservations to other groups following these guidelines:

  • Camp Friedlander, Camp Craig, and Cub World are closed to reservations during the summer camp season. The season begins June and ends August.
  • Camps are sometimes closed to reservations during holiday weekends, hunting seasons, and large events. No reservations will be accepted during these times.
  • All reservations are subject to availability of facilities. After submitting an application to use a camp, you must confirm receipt and that your request has been approved.
  • Reservations of another group will not be changed to meet the needs your group.
  • Programs and activities are subject to the availability of staff and volunteers.
  • Unheated shower houses as weather permits, typically between mid-April and mid-October. Two shower houses are available year-round at the Dan Beard Scout Reservation. In winter months, hot water is generally not available in shower houses.

Vehicles and Parking

In a youth camp, vehicles are the number one hazard. As BSA policy generally prohibits all but maintenance vehicles from driving with camp, authorization to use a vehicle beyond the camp gates is considered a privilege and not a right. When planning an event, event coordinators should plan on not using a vehicle beyond the camp gates. It is the belief of the camp that part of the camping experience is for campers to pack in and out their personal gear(hand carts are available at the entrance to each camp) If use of a vehicle cannot be avoided, the following guidelines apply:

  • Parking is permitted in designated areas only, i.e. the parking lots and handicap spaces.
  • Only vehicles displaying a vehicle pass are permitted beyond the camp gates. Vehicle passes are provided by the Campmasters or Rangers. Authorized drivers must provide a copy of their current driver’s license and proof of insurance.
  • Groups wishing to drive a vehicle in camp, if authorized, may drive one vehicle at a time to their location at camp for loading or unloading. Vehicles must then be returned to the parking lot as soon as possible.
  • Vehicles authorized to drive in camp may not park within the camp gates with the exception of vehicles needed for campers with disabilities.
  • The speed limit of 15mph must be strictly adhered to.
  • All vehicles must remain on the camp roads at all times. Driving on grass areas, within campsites, or in other natural areas is not permitted.
  • The driver will be held responsible for any damage to camp grounds, structures, or equipment.
  • Any attempt to subvert camp gates or locked areas may result in removal of driving privileges or expulsion from the camp. Electronic gate codes are not given out and must be opened by a Campmaster or Ranger.
  • Golf carts, ATVs, or other utility vehicles, except those used by the Ranger staff, are not permitted. Ranger vehicles are not available for public usage.

Scouting Specific Guidelines

The following guidelines apply to all Scouting groups using camp:

  • All BSA Youth Protection guidelines must be followed while in camp. This includes separate bathroom use by adults and youth and separate sleeping rooms/tents for adults and youth (except where the adult is the parent/guardian of the youth).
  • Overnight camping by Tiger, Wolf, and Bear Cub Scout dens as dens is not approved. See the Scouting Camping Program and Age Appropriate Guidelines for more information.
  • Tiger Cubs may only participate in boy-parent excursions, day camps, or council-organized family camps.
  • Webelos Scouts may participate in overnight den camping when supervised by an adult. In most cases, the Webelos Scout will be under the supervision of his parent or guardian. Webelos Scouts must be under the supervision of a parent-approved adult.
  • At least one registered leader and another leader over the age of 18 are required for all events. Co-ed overnight activities require a male and female leader.
  • More guidelines specific to Scouting programs can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting.

Other Guidelines

  • Alcoholic beverages and controlled substances are prohibited on all BSA properties.
  • All camps, including buildings, shelters, and general grounds are non-smoking. Smoking is only permitted in the parking lot in your personal vehicle.
  • Campfires may be built in permanent fire rings only. All fires must be extinguished if no one is present.
  • All shooting, archery, boating, and aquatics activities must have certified supervision. Proof of certification must be filed with the council and brought on site.
  • Pets are not allowed.