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For Leaders Attending Massawepie
Scout leaders love Massawepie for two reasons: it's a great place for their Scouts, and it's a great place for leaders. You can find details about the programs for Scouts in other parts of this web site, using the left-hand navigation bar. Below you'll find information on programs just for leaders, details on how we can help you be a successful camp leader, and some general information about camp leadership.
Programs for Camp Pioneer Leaders
While at Massawepie, you can enjoy a week or two in the great outdoors. After all, your troop or team is youth-run, right? You'll enjoy watching your Scouts learn new skills, and seeing your group develop teamwork. And the Adirondack scenery all around you will help you forget about work for a few days.
In case you get too relaxed, there are programs just for adults. For example, you can take Scouter training courses while you're already at camp, rather than trying to find time out of your busy schedule at home! Training offerings include Fast Start, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, and BSA Lifeguard. See the "Camp Pioneer Supplementary Schedule for Adults" (available for download on the Resources page) for tentative times for these events. Additional training will be available most weeks, including New Leader Essentials, Boy Scout Leader Specific, Youth Protection, Troop Committee Challenge, and Merit Badge Counselor Orientation. For more information on these, check the Training Information and Registration Form on the Resources page.
Looking for something strictly for fun? Enter the Fishing Derby, Bocce and Horseshoe Tournaments, Rifle Tournament, or Scouter's Merit Badge. See the "Camp Pioneer Supplementary Schedule for Adults" (available for download on the Resources page) for tentative times for these events.
Help for Camp Pioneer Leaders
One of the unique features of Boy Scout summer camp, unlike camp programs offered by other organizations, is that Scouts attend with their troops (Venturers with their crews). The Scouts enjoy the comfort of being at camp with other youth and adults they already know. The adult leaders are there to continue the program that the troop or crew has been working on since the beginning of the Scouting year. As an adult leader, be assured that Otetiana Council personnel and the Massawepie camp staff are dedicated to helping you and your Scouts have the best possible summer camp experience. How? Here are a few of the ways Otetiana Council supports your summer camping program.
Before Camp
- Want to get your Scouts excited about camp? You can borrow the Massawepie promotional video through the Otetiana Council Servicenter to show your Scouts and parents all the fun of Massawepie. A fall Court of Honor would be a great time to build enthusiasm for camp before Scouts and families make other summer plans.
- You will receive information by March about the BadgetTracker Online Merit Badge Signup process. This system allows a troop representative to register your Scouts for camp merit badges in the spring and receive immediate confirmation of the registrations.
- Special "Here's How" evening meetings in April provide new leaders with vital pre-camp information, and let experienced leaders find out about the latest programs and changes at camp.
- The latest "Camp Pioneer Guide for Unit Leaders" (available for download on the Resources page) is distributed at the "Here's How" meeting, along with other key forms and information.
Have questions before or after the Here's How meeting? Check this website, or Contact Us at any time!
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During Camp
- A guide assigned to your unit will meet you upon arrival at camp. This staff member will escort your troop or crew to your campsite, while one adult visits the medical recheck area with completed medical forms for each Scout and adult at camp. The guide will explain the Sunday schedule, answer any questions, and escort you to key locations like the Dining Hall and waterfront.
- On Sunday you will also meet your Camp Commissioner. This staff member's full-time job is to help your unit (and a few others) get the most out of its Massawepie experience. You will see your Commissioner often during the week - don't hesitate to ask for help or share any concerns. The Commissioner can also supply basic campsite items such as twine, and can loan equipment such as saws and Dutch ovens.
- A Leaders Meeting is held Sunday night. You'll get up-to-date information about camp, as well as a chance to speak directly with key staff members. But you don't need to wait for a meeting - the camp leadership is available all week and wants to hear from you.
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Before You Leave Camp
- Your Billing Conference on Thursday provides a chance for you to double-check your unit's camp fees and any credits or additional charges.
- Your Scouts' merit badge "blue cards" will be ready for you on Saturday morning. Check them over - if there are any discrepancies, the best time to address these is before you leave camp, while the camp staff is still on-site.
- You will have a convenient opportunity to register for summer camp for the following season at Massawepie. The process is simple. It will be one less thing for you to worry about later. Once you've registered, your unit will be assured of continuing its camping tradition - at Massawepie!
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Adirondack High Adventure Treks
Massawepie's Adirondack High Adventure Treks, which include all food and group equipment along with a Voyageur-trained guide to assist your unit leadership, are a great way to provide a more challenging program for your older Scouts. For more information, go to our Adirondack High Adventure Trek section, or Contact Us.
Leader Qualifications
The New York State Department of Health requires that Massawepie maintains records at camp of the qualifications of each leader. Each troop must have at least two adult leaders at camp at all times, one of whom must be 21 or older. Every adult camp leader must be a currently registered member of the Boy Scouts of America, and have:
- A High School Diploma or equivalent experience.
- Experience in camping and supervision of children, or have completed acceptable training ("Here's How", "New Leader Orientation", etc.).
- Positive background and character - verified through BSA registration application process, including references, along with the "Adult Camp Leader Registration Form." (available for download on the Resources page)
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Any group of campers leaving Camp Pioneer for activities such as overnight camping must be accompanied by a qualified trip leader, and enough other adult counselors (camp leaders and/or staff) to make a ratio of one leader for every eight campers (minimum: two adults). To qualify for out-of-Pioneer activities, the unit must ensure that:
- At least one adult leader is currently certified in American Red Cross Responding to Emergencies first aid or holds equivalent certification.
- At least one adult leader has current American Red Cross or equivalent CPR certification.
- Each adult leader is approved by the Chartered Organization and the Camp Director.
- At least one adult leader is competent in the activity the unit is undertaking, and knowledgeable of the destination/area.
- The unit has filed an appropriate "Pack and Paddle" form.
- Transport vehicles are equipped with flares, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.
- Each driver is properly licensed. Each vehicle is registered, inspected, and properly insured.
- If boating or swimming activities are planned, at least one adult leader must possess current Lifeguard (BSA, YMCA, or Red Cross) and CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification. BSA Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense guidelines must be followed.
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Policy on the Proper Care of Scouts
All adult leaders must understand and follow these policies:
- The Scout Oath and Law are the code of conduct at camp.
- Leaders should see that camp is quiet from 10:00 p.m. until 6:20 a.m. to allow all Scouts adequate rest.
- All units are encouraged to wear Scout uniforms to and from camp, during chapel services, for evening flag lowering, at evening meals, and at camp-wide campfires on Monday and Friday nights. (Uniforms are optional at morning flag raising and breakfast.)
- The BSA Youth Protection guidelines must be followed at all times. These include having two-deep leadership, avoiding situations where leaders are one-on-one with Scouts, and maintaining privacy of Scouts and Scouters.
- A Scout must never be denied a meal as discipline.
- Corporal punishment is absolutely forbidden.
- Inappropriate physical contact with Scouts is absolutely forbidden.
- Hazing is absolutely forbidden.
- Let's make camp a fun and safe place for all Scouts and leaders!
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Conclusion
You are the key to a successful summer camp. Your Scouts are counting on you! Thousands of leaders like you have had fun while serving their Scouts at Massawepie over the past 50 years. If we can assist you in any way, please don't hesitate to Contact Us. |
