Camping Information
Camping Information
New scouting parents often have a lot of questions before their first camp out. Don't Worry! We have plenty of tips to help you. Get started with the checklists below:
NO ALCOHOL, FIREARMS, OR PETS at the Camp Out
Camp Bovay - October 2024
SHAC Info: https://shacbsa.org/adventure-camp
Download the App for the most up to date information about Camp Bovay from SHAC!
Dates: October 25th-27th, 2024
Arrive Friday Evening or early Saturday morning, leaving Sunday morning
Location:
Weather: Click Here
Cost:
$50.00 per Adults (registered leaders and parent/guardians)
$50.00 per Youth (ages 5+)
Uniforms
Bring a Halloween costume for the Spooky trail
Activity uniform = Scouting t-shirts during the day
Field uniform = Uniform shirt for dinner
Arrival and Departure
Camp opens at 4pm Friday, plan for a 1.5 hour drive and try to get there to set up in the light.
Departure is after breakfast on Sunday between 9:00 am - 11:00 am.
The camp quartermaster will drop off cleaning supplies at the restrooms on Sunday morning. Follow the written instructions for cleaning assigned showers and restrooms.
Scouts should conduct a police line where Scouts stand within arm’s length of each other and walk the entire campsite picking up all trash.
The camp quartermaster and camp staff will inspect each campsite to make sure the campsite, restrooms, showers, and pavilions are undamaged and clean, and that all gear and trash is removed.
The trash is to be taken and dropped off at the dumpsters near the front of the camp on the way out.
Dumpster at the dining hall is for kitchen use only. After passing inspection, the designated leader should proceed to the administration building to sign out and pick up paperwork (me).
Pack Campfire:
We will host a campfire for our pack. Each den should bring their assigned ingredients and prepare their assigned skit, song, or joke.
Lions: marshmallows
Tigers: sticks
Wolves: chocolate
Bears: Reese’s cups
Webelos: graham crackers
AOLs: white chocolate
Funny story - Cubmaster - The Purple Gorilla
Song - Tigers and Lions - Penguin Song
Skit - Webelos and AOL
Song - Wolves and Bears
Spooky story - Cubmaster - The Unstoppable Coffin
Skit - Bears and Wolves
Song - Webelos and AOL
Jokes - Committee chair
Song - Cubmaster - Cub Scout Spirit (Quieter every verse)
Documents Needed: All Adults Camping Must Complete
All Participants Must Turn in Health Forms: Click Here for the Health Forms.
Volunteers are needed: Signup here
Important Rules
FORBIDDEN ITEMS: No Pets, Alcohol, or Firearms at Camp
No liquid fuels
Possible fire ban, see Bovay regulations on site
What to Bring
Copy of a current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record
(Part A & B for all Scouting events) for every participantTent
Sleeping bag, sheets or blanket
Pillow
Cot or air mattress
Personal items (e.g., deodorant, comb, medications, toothpaste, toothbrush)
Water bottle, canteen, or cup
Scout uniform, determined by pack leadership
Clothing appropriate for weather and extra clothes
Closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes) and extra pair
Pajamas or sleeping clothes
Rain gear
Flashlight and extra batteries
Personal medications
Swimsuit and towel (weather permitting)
Towel and washcloth
Sunscreen
Pocket knife and Whittlin' Chip (3rd-5th graders)
Personal first aid kit
Day pack
Hand sanitizer
Optional:
Money for patches, snacks and beverages, and t-shirts at the camp trading post, Trader Vics.
Alarm clock
Battery operated lantern
Bicycle and bike helmet
Book of Faith
Camera
Camp chair
Cub Scout Handbook
Fishing gear
Glow sticks (great to keep track of your kids at night and to play games)
Lockable footlocker
Shower shoes
Snacks (do not keep in the tent)
Sports drinks or flavor packets for water (to help keep Scouts hydrated)
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Phone battery backup charger
Wagon
Information from Camp Bovay:
Arrival at Bovay Scout Ranch starts on Friday at 4 pm. Please proceed to your campsite to set up.
Check-In and Campsite Assignments
· Check-In 6 pm - 8 pm next to the medic, please follow the signs: Pack registration: please have a leader bring health forms(pages A, B1, B2, copies of insurance card front and back) for everyone attending camp to check in. Family registration: please have an adult member of your family come to check in with your health forms. If you are the only adult attending with your Cub Scout, please bring him/her .
· Campsite Assignments: Refer to the attached file. Assignments were made by pack number.
Sharing Campsites
· Smaller packs and individual families will share campsites for safety, convenience, and adequate YPT-trained leadership.
Campsite Etiquette
· Respect other campers' space and avoid walking through other campsites.
· Use the closest bathhouse to your assigned campsite.
· All water is potable at camp and each campsite has a water spigot.
Trash Management: Please use the provided trash bags, if you need additional trash bags, please ask a staff member. We ask that you do not overfill the trash. Tie them securely and leave them by the roadside by 2 pm and 8 pm daily for pick-up.
Program Schedule
· Refer to the attached file for the outline schedule and program details
· Your pack/family will receive a specific schedule and program map at check-in to avoid lines and ensure all Cub Scouts can participate in every activity.
· Please advise your families that they do not have to attend all program activities, we understand that kids get tired and some may need some downtime. The number of rotations, activities help reduce the numbers at the ranges. Our goal is to make sure everyone gets an opportunity to participate.
Driving and Parking
Speed limits are 20 mph on main roads and 5 mph on campsite roads.
Do not drive or park on the grass.
If there is no parking available at your campsite, park in the HQ parking lot.
This is a pedestrian camp. No vehicles are allowed to move during camp time.
Handicap plaques allow you to park in designated spaces, but they do not authorize you to drive in camp. If necessary we can make arrangements to have a staff member drive you to program locations. Please let us know if we can assist you.
Pickup trucks - please do not transport anyone in the back of pickup trucks at any time.
All children must be under parental supervision at all times
Camp Rules
No pets, skates, skateboards, scooters, or RVs.
Closed shoes are required at all times.
Bring a water bottle. Water will be provided at stations to refill bottles.
Electrical outlets in the pavilions are for CPAP support only. No power strips or other appliances.
There are restrooms and shower houses near each campsite, we ask that you use the one closest to your assigned campsite.
Bring sunscreen, lip balm, extra socks, and clothing for cool mornings and warmer afternoons.
Rain gear is always a good idea.
Dining Hall Reminders:
· Clean Up: After each meal, please help maintain a clean environment by:
o Wiping tables with provided sanitizing solution.
o Sweeping under your table.
o Disposing of trash in designated bins.
o Pouring liquids into the orange/blue 5-gallon buckets near trash bins.
Bicycles at Camp:
· Only bicycles in proper working order (functioning brakes) are allowed.
· Helmets are mandatory for all riders (adults and youth).
· Scooters, Razor scooters, skates, and rollerblades are prohibited.
· Pedestrians have the right of way on roads and trails.
Burn Ban
We are under a burn ban. Open fires are prohibited. If it changes I will make sure to send out an update. Camp stoves or other forms of cooking equipment even if not using open fire needs to be approved by a camp ranger before use.
Respecting Our Dedicated Youth Staff
Our Cub Scout Adventure Camp is largely run by enthusiastic young individuals 14 years and older. These passionate Scouts actively participate in Scouting and enjoy contributing to the camp experience.
Their involvement offers several benefits:
· Growth and Leadership: They gain valuable experience through service and leadership opportunities.
· Positive Role Models: Their dedication serves as an inspiration to younger Cub Scouts.
Our Responsibility:
As adults, it's our collective duty to:
· Support and Guide: We are committed to providing these young staff members with the tools and guidance needed to succeed.
· Mentorship: We actively mentor and coach them, fostering their personal and leadership skills.
Open Communication:
We understand that mistakes can happen. If you have any:
· Concerns
· Observations
· Complaints regarding the youth staff, program or facilities
Please direct them to me personally, or Ryan McMillan who is the council professional support for council camp programs . This ensures a proper and constructive approach to addressing any issues.
Mutual Respect:
We expect all adults to treat the youth staff with the same respect and courtesy you would expect for your own child in a similar situation.
By working together, we can ensure a positive and rewarding experience for both the Cub Scouts and our dedicated youth staff.
All Adventure Day Events will proceed as planned, even in the event of rain.
Here's what to expect:
· Program Adjustments: We may relocate activities and make minor adjustments to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment.
· Be Prepared: Please pack rain gear and extra clothing for your Cub Scout.
· Secure your Tent: Ensure tents are properly guy-lined to prevent rain from entering.
Heavy Downpours:
· Follow Instructions: Program staff will provide clear directions in case of heavy rain.
· Shelter in Place: If heavy rain is short-lived, we'll take temporary shelter and resume activities once it passes.
· Alternative Activities: Additional indoor activities are planned in case outdoor programs are disrupted.
Communication:
· Stay Informed: Download the "Sam Houston Area Council" app (available on Apple and Android) for real-time updates and possible changes.
Event Cancellation:
· Your Choice: You have the option to not attend due to weather concerns.
· Refund Policy: Please refer to the council's refund policy (https://shacbsa.org/refund-policy) for details.
· Note: Refunds may not be available within a week of the event due to pre-purchased supplies and meals.
We look forward to a fun and safe Adventure Camp!
--
Dora Moreland I 832-639-2281
dora.moreland@gmail.com
Sam Houston Area Council -
Assistant Camping & Outdoors Program Committee Chair - Cub Scouts
Colonneh Lodge - Co-Associate Lodge Advisor of Service