Life in Camp
There are as many as 1,200 campers plus 180 staff sharing Heritage Reservation with your unit during an average week of camp. It is essential that we all follow some basic guidelines, procedures and policies to make sure everyone has a great time while here. Our common Scouting bonds are the Scout Oath and Law.
Health Services
The primary function of Heritage Reservation Health Services is to render three types of medical care to campers and guests. Health Officers provide emergency care 24 hours a day, and coordinate with local EMS personnel if the situation warrants. They also evaluate and treat in-camp illness and injuries, referring patients to Uniontown Hospital as necessary. Third, camp First-Aiders are trained to treat minor injuries. The Reservation Health Officer also monitors the Reservation for health and safety concerns.
A Health Officer will visit each camp daily for the purpose of Sick Call. Sick Call is the best time for a non-urgent ill camper to be evaluated by a Health Officer. Sick Call occurs in your camp program hall at 10 a.m., Monday through Friday.
Annual Health and Medical Record
The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America introduced a new form to replace all other forms for BSA medical/physicals. This form will be mandatory for all events after January 1, 2010. For summer camp 2009 we recommend using this form, Annual Health and Medical Record (#34605), for all campers who need a new physical, competing sections A, B and C. Campers that have an unexpired Class III physical (3 years for under 40 and one year for 40+) can still use that physical for this summer if it is attached to the new Annual Health and Medical Record (#34605) with parts A and C completed. Those attending Camp Independence less than 72 hours, (3 days, 2 nights) should use the new form completing parts A and C.
Heritage Reservation Supplemental Medical Form
Each camper must also present a Heritage Reservation Supplemental Medical Screening Form at check-in. This form helps us meet several National Boy Scout standards, and comply with certain federal and state laws. This form also expedites the check-in process. A new supplemental form must be completed each summer, as close to the summer camp session as possible.
- PART I must be completed for all campers, listing his or her allergies, and any prescription medications to be taken at camp.
- PART II must be completed for campers under the age of 18 who are taking any prescription medications at camp. This part is to be signed by the Scout’s unit leader. With his or her signature, the unit leader takes responsibility for storing the medications securely, and administering the medications as prescribed.
- PART III must be completed for all campers under the age of 18. It allows the Scout’s parent or guardian to indicate those non-prescription medications that we may administer to their child if necessary.
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Campsite Amenities
- Campers stay in camp-provided tents.
- Each unit will camp together, two males to a tent, two females to a tend, and two adults to a tent.
- Adults sleep in separate tents from Scouts.
- Male and female adults will sleep separately unless married.
- Each campsite has several picnic tables, dining flys, fire ring and garbage cans
- Each campsite has a water source with potable water (safe for drinking).
Showers and Latrines
- Several shower buildings are available in each camp. They are designated for youth male, youth female, adult male or adult female. Please respect the privacy of others.
- Each campsite has a latrine. Units are responsible to keep it clean.
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Camp-Wide Emergencies
- In the event of a camp-wide emergency, the camp siren may sound. At which time, all adults and Scouts are instructed to report to their campsites and do a roll call. A staff member will come to the camp site and account for everyone in each unit. Everyone is to remain in their campsites until the “all clear” signal, or other instruction is given.
- A camp-wide emergency situation will consist of any severe weather, wildfire, lost or missing campers, lost or missing swimmers and any possible severe medical emergency. Anyone who becomes aware of an emergency situation or danger should notify the nearest staff member who will contact the appropriate camp leadership.
- Any information in regards to a bomb threat, unauthorized visitor or dangerous animal should be reported to the Program Hall immediately.
Wristbands
All Scouts, leaders and guests must wear camp wristbands at all times. These bands are intended as a safety precaution to determine who should be in camp, where they should be and to signify that each participant wearing one has completed the proper camp check-in procedures. One is provided for every camp participant to the unit leader at check-in. Each additional wristband will cost one dollar. They are designed to last the week and this is our identification system so we know who belongs in camp. All guests will be given a wristband upon proper check-in at the Program Hall.
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Gear to Bring
- One or two sets of stay-dry clothes
- One or two sets of get-wet clothes
- Underwear (sport appropriate)
- Socks (including a pair of wool)
- Loose, comfortable pants and shorts
- Sweatshirt or Jacket and Rain gear
- Hiking Boots and Walking shoes
- Swimsuit (one-piece for females)
- Personal Hygiene items and towel
- First Aid Kit, pocket Knife, flashlight
- Insect Repellent (non aerosol)
- Sunscreen, Hat and/or Sunglasses
- Annual Health and Medical Record
- Medication (original container)
- Water bottle (one liter)
- Camera/Film (optional)
- Fishing Gear (optional)
Due to limited storage, participants should plan on wearing their clothing for two
to three days at a time. Participants will become dirty by the end of the week.
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