Who is a CAMPMASTER?
The campmaster is a person or possibly a group of selected, trained, and registered Scouters who serve at council camps whenever troops, teams, Webelos dens, or posts are using any part of a Golden Empire Council -BSA camp property.
Campmasters select their own time and frequency of service, but they usually serve two to four times a year. The group is organized under the leadership of the council camping committee. The entire project and its personnel are responsible to the council camping director, or someone appointed by the Scout executive or council camping director. The campmasters generally meets twice a year to evaluate its program, schedule ahead, and arrange for the training of any new members.
Campmasters are selected on the basis of their ability in several areas: outdoor skills, specialized knowledge of nature and conservation, and leadership skills. All campmasters must have a record of demonstrated ability to get along with people, to lead, and to act in an emergency. All campmasters must have a working knowledge of Scouting, troop and team operations, and Webelos Scout camping. Experienced and registered Scouters, with the exception of unit leaders, are eligible for consideration as campmasters. (It is generally conceded that a unit leader's major concern must be the particular unit served.)
The Golden Empire Council –BSA manages five camping properties: Pollock, Pahatsi, Winton, Robert L. Cole and Lassen. Our council defines the campmaster as an individual responsible for the following:
- Assist camp ranger with rental groups on the property.
- Provide security when the ranger is not on the property for an extended period of time.
- Assist with maintenance issues.
- Assist camp ranger with work groups and or work weekends.
Some councils campmaster programs describe the duties for its campmasters to assist in helping Scouting units with their outdoor programs, assist with outdoor advancements, and aid in enhancing the total out of doors experience. This program is NOT described for that purpose.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
FIRST TO CALL IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Council Program Director: Ron J. Foronda Phone: 916-929-1417 ext. 123
Cell: 916-257-9724
E-mail: rforonda@gec-bsa.org
SECOND TO CALL IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Scout Executive/CEO: Jim Martin Phone: 916-929-1417 ext. 121
Cell: 916-257-4791
E-mail: jmartin@gec-bsa.org
THIRD TO CALL IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Director of Field Services: Danny Tucker Phone: 916-929-1417 ext. 115
Cell: 916-257-6641
Email: dtucker@gec-bsa.org
Email: ross4834@comcast.net
Council
(toll free in
Phone: 916-929-1417 ext. 117
Fax: 916-929-4461
Email: keaston@gec-bsa.org
Council Phone Number: 800-427-1417 ext. 115, 123, 121
Council Mailing Address:
Golden Empire Council, BSA
POB 13558
Website: www.gec-bsa.org
(click on “Council Camps”)
General Duties of Campmasters
These principles will serve to guide the work of campmasters.
- Each two campmasters serve one to four units per weekend. Preferably, they stay in the general vicinity of the troops.
- They render commissioner-type service to the units in camp, working with and through the youth leaders and adult leaders.
- An annual or semiannual schedule is made up with campmasters assigned for each weekend camp. In case of schedule conflict, the campmaster arranges his own substitute among other corps members and notify the council service center and the camp ranger of any change.
- Campmasters supply their own transportation, bedding, and food.
- Campmasters serve two to four times a year.
- The corps is a select group and should not be limited to a fixed number.
- Campmasters must be trained in the Scout method of camping, purposes of Scout camping, and the patrol method in camping. They should have completed Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
- Campmasters submit a report to the Camping Department in
- Campmasters should check groups in at the scheduled appointment time, review the rules, give a map of the grounds, describe off limit/dangerous areas, and review the parameters to be able to receive 100% of their cleaning deposit.
- A report of any damages to the camp or camp property by any rental group must be reported to the camping department.
- Campmasters should visit with the rental group AT LEAST one additional time before they check out and ensure the quality of their visit.
- Campmasters are required to check each rental group out, and make any notations of damages, uncleaned areas, and have them fill out an evaluation form.
- Campmasters are responsible to the council camping director. The campmaster should NOT be an organization. They do NOT become members of the council camping committee because of this service, but they do have a representative on the camping committee.
- Campmasters must attend campmaster training before performing their duties.
- When the camp ranger is away for other duties, or vacation, it is the campmaster’s duty to provide security for the property when assigned.
- Campmasters may be assigned to help organize and give leadership to work weekends when it becomes necessary.
- Be a problem solver.
- First Aid knowledge a plus, but not required.
- Make sure all BSA, tour leader’s have possession of a tour permit
Campmaster Characteristics
Would have an interest in assisting troops, teams, Webelos dens, and boys at camp two to four weekends a year
Is not presently a unit leader or assistant
Has ability in outdoor Scouting skills—not necessarily an expert in all
Has the ability to get along with people (very important)
Has acceptable character traits (Scout Oath and Law)
Would be eligible and willing to become a registered Scouter, if not one now
Willing to be trained on how to be a successful campmaster
Has leadership ability and can get results
Can size up a situation and provide necessary support
Is dependable
Has completed Youth Protection Training
Is certified in First Aid (not required)
Possible Sources of Campmaster Personnel
Wood Badge Scouters
Training committees
Other council committees
Certain commissioners
Former successful Scoutmasters
Outdoorsmen
Merit badge counselors (outdoor subjects)
Hobbyists of the area
Eagle Scouts—now adults
Troop committee members with outdoor experience
The Campmaster Corps and the
At the very outset, a cooperative and close relationship must exist between all campmasters and the camp ranger. The camp ranger is responsible for the upkeep, maintenance, and proper use of all camp facilities; any support he can receive in this endeavor is welcome. The precise relationship between the campmaster and the camp ranger should be stated in writing by the Scout executive, director of camping, or other person designated.
Campmasters work closely with the camp ranger, but are responsible to the head campmaster. It should be understood that the camp ranger, as a full-time employee, is responsible to the Scout executive and/or director of camping; therefore, no other person should give directives.
Emergency Procedures and Repairs
In the event of an emergency that is not readily taken care of by the unit and its leaders and/or by the rental groups and its adult supervisors, 911 should be notified and assistance rendered. The national REPORT OF FATAL OR SERIOUS INJURY OR ILLNESS folder (aka the Red Folder) should be reviewed and filled out if ANY of the following requirements are satisfied:
- There is a period of unconsciousness
- Person has to be admitted into the hospital as an INPATIENT
- Any surgical intervention other than suturing of the skin or setting of simple fractures
- Fatality
This file is available in the Campmaster binder held on property. Secondly, the council camping director should be immediately notified as well as the Scout Executive.
Any emergency repairs required on property should be brought to the attention of the camp ranger (if not available, please call the council camping director).
Local Tour Permits
Local tour permits are required to be submitted for approval for all Scouting Units wanting to use council properties. Tour permits should be faxed, walked in or mailed in to the council service center at least one week in advance prior to the being of the event. Tour permits may now be processed online after November 2007.
RENTAL GROUPS - Checking In and Out Procedures
Rental Groups refer to both Scouting and Non Scouting groups wanting to rent or use camp sites and/or facilities on the property. The council camping registrar will make arrangements with the rental groups wanting to use any of the camp grounds or facilities. The council camping registrar is also responsible for the recording of damages to council property and its allocation of payment for repairs.
Campmasters are assigned for only a week or weekend at a time (referred to as a period). A report from the camping registrar should be faxed, mailed or picked up from the office. In this report you will find the number of groups scheduled for the assigned period, contact information, and scheduled time of arrival. Please contact these groups to remind them of their appointment time to check in. Please ensure that rental groups understand that they have an appointment with you to check in and that they should be respectful of this.
A check out form must be filled out for each group on property. Proper recording of any damages to the property should be communicated by the campmaster to the rental group and to the council camping department. Please have the rental group sign forms. In the event that there is a discrepancy as the accurancy of the report made by the campmaster, the campmaster is to make note of the discrepancy and turn in with the report.
At no time should the campmaster engage an argument with anyone with associated with the rental group.
Rental group should be given an evaluation form with a return envelope. Please politely state that:
We are interested in any and all comments about their stay at the camp property. We invite you to use this form as a method to communicate these comments.
The campmaster must also check up on each rental group at least once during their stay on property. Inquiry must be made to the group as to the comfort level of their stay, and if there may be other accommodations that would help enhance their outdoor experience.
All forms and reports should be filled out and turned in to the camping department on the following Monday:
- check out form
- report of any damages
- report of the overall experience during the period of stay
- report of any damages, supplies needed
Rental forms – Please note that there are two rental forms: one for Scouting registered units wanting to rent our properties, and another form for non Scouting groups wanting to rent our properties. These forms are available on our website at www.gec-bsa.org under the camping department titled CAMPING.
What should be given to each rental group upon arrival?
□ Camp map
□ Copy of the Check out form
□ Copy of the
1. There is plenty of parking area but large groups must supply parking supervision.
2. Vehicles are at no times allowed in the camping areas.
3. Firewood is available on the grounds.
4. The
5. Groups are responsible for their own security.
6. Reservations for the use of all facilities are on a first come first served basis.
7. Exclusive use of the camp applies only to the user reserving the entire campground.
8. Alcohol, drugs, firearms and fireworks are not allowed on the property. (BB guns are allowed only with a certified Rangemaster.)
9. Nails, screws or other fasteners are not allowed to be driven into trees or buildings.
10. This is a protected wildlife area. Pets are not allowed on the property.
11. Fires are allowed only in designated fire pits.
12. Activities must be confined to the camp property. There is no perimeter fence. All activities must have adult supervision at all times. Please respect our neighbor’s property and privacy.
The following rules are taken from the first page of the Camp Pollock Rental Agreement.
Canoe Rentals
There may be occasions for campmasters to meet rental groups to check out and check in canoes at
Dress Code for Campmasters
Campmasters are asked to greet rental groups in either field uniform or field activity uniform (aka class A or class B uniform).
Sleeping Accommodations
Sleeping accommodations may vary from week to week. Depending on what rental groups are using for the assigned period, campmasters may be sleeping in the main lodge, the OA room, or in a campsite in a tent. Be prepared.
Religious Obligations
Many units may stay until Sunday and may want to observe religious services. The outdoor setting provides units many opportunities for personal and religious reflection. Downtown
The Outdoor Code
The Outdoor Code is a reminder to all of us to be respectful of our natural resources, and preserve them for future generations. The code is as follows:
As an American, I will do my best to -
BE CLEAN IN MY OUTDOOR MANNERS.
I will treat the outdoors as a heritage.
I will take care of it for myself and others.
I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, steams, fields, woods, and roadways.
BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE
I will prevent wildfire.
I will build my fires only where they are appropriate.
When I have finished using a fire,
I will make sure it is cold out.
I will leave a clean fire ring, or
remove all evidence of my fire.
BE CONSIDERATE IN THE OUTDOORS.
I will treat public and private property with respect.
I will use low-impact methods of hiking and camping.
BE CONSERVATION-MINDED.
I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, water, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy.
I will urge others to do the same.
Why Leave No Trace
Many of us have taken a pine cone or rock, veered off the trail to dodge mud puddles, gotten too close to wildlife or tossed an apple core into the woods. While these actions may seem harmless at the time, until we learn to reduce our impact, the quality of our outdoor experiences and the recreational resources we enjoy are at critical risk. Also at risk is our continued access to wildlands as land management agencies sometimes take restrictive action to protect the resources they manage. Unless, of course, education catches up with behavior, and we all learn to leave the outdoors as unchanged as possible by our presence.
The Solution
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics believes that while these impacts are widespread and the causes are complex, the solution is simple: change behavior through education, research and partnerships one person at a time. Leave No Trace is not a set of rules or regulations. Nor is it simply about remembering exactly what minimum impact skill you can practice in every outdoor situation–how far you should camp from water sources, where to pitch your tent, how to build a minimum impact fire or if you should build one in the first place. Rather, it is first and foremost and attitude and an ethic. Leave No Trace is about respecting and caring for wildlands, doing your part to protect our limited resources and future recreation opportunities. Once this attitude is adopted and the outdoor ethic is sound, the specific skills and techniques become second nature.
Principles of Leave No Trace
· Plan Ahead and Prepare
· Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
· Dispose of Waste Properly
· Leave What You Find
· Minimize Campfire Impacts
· Respect Wildlife
· Be Considerate of Other Visitors
More information about LEAVE NO TRACE may be found at: http://www.lnt.org/
OTHER RESOUCES:
- Golden Empire Council –BSA Risk Management Guide
- Safe Guide to Scouting
- BSA Handbook
- Fieldbook
- BSA National Camp Health and Safety manual
- Local Tour Permit
- Outdoor Code