Excerpts from council camp guide

The camp will not be responsible for lost or stolen articles

Upon Your Arrival

Arrival Times: Please arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Sunday. A guide will welcome you. Please try not to arrive early since the staff is just coming back from their day off and need to prepare for your arrival.

Check In: As your Scouts unload the cars, the leader checks in with the completed activity roster form at the camp office. If all fees have been prepaid, you won’t be there long.

Move In: As your camp troop leader is finishing up at the camp office, your unit will be shown to your campsite. Remember, all equipment is carried— no private vehicles allowed past the parking lot. After the gear is stowed prepare to go through the medical screening. Campsite dining flies, tents and facilities should be checked at this time so any maintenance needs can be reported to the camp ranger.

Medical Screening: Your guide will then take you to the health lodge or designated location where our medical officer will look over the health histories and spend a moment with each Scout and leader.

Swim Checks: We use the Eight Point Safe Swim Defense Plan. This means everyone using any of the aquatics facilities must have a health history and take a simple swim test to determine ability.

Orientation: During this first day, time will also be spent on informing everyone what goes on at summer camp and answering questions. A camp tour will also be provided.

Program: Scouts will have the chance to sign up for merit badges on this first day. That evening after dinner and vespers, the opening grand campfire will be staged by the staff.

Departure Times: Camping sessions will end each week on Saturday, between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Camp Closed: Camps Brinkley and Parsons are open from 1:00 p.m. Sunday to 11:00 a.m. Saturday. The time between closing and opening is staff time off; camp facilities are closed. We ask everyone to respect the staff's time off so they may rest in order to provide the best program possible.

Troops Arriving on Monday: If a troop needs to arrive Monday instead of Sunday for a regular camp session, they must notify the camp ahead of time to make arrangements for swim checks, medical screening and merit badge class registration.

Camp Merit Badge Program

To have a successful experience in the merit badge program, your Scouts must begin immediately on Monday and stick with it for the full week.

To help your Scouts earn merit badges, we offer the following suggestions which you may include in your planning.

Don’t over-schedule. We set no limit on the number of badges a boy can work on, but sometimes their desires are bigger than their abilities. Experience tells us the young first-year camper should probably not plan on more than two merit badges (and one of those should be a handicraft badge).

For the older, experienced camper, a normal maximum is four merit badges per week. Scouts are in camp for a lot of things other than merit badges. You know their capabilities, so guide them in setting obtainable goals.

Whenever possible, have Scouts complete the time-intensive portion of the requirements prior to camp, and see that they have documentation with them.

Supply each Scout with his merit badge application form. Complete all required information, including your signature, for presentation to his instructor at the first session on Monday.

A partial completion certificate will be given to Scouts who are unable to complete the full badge requirements while in camp.

Ensure that each Scout has prepared himself by studying the requirements for each of his badges before arriving at camp.

First Class Emphasis Program

Our camp programs have been designed to help support your summer camp program with opportunities for Scouts working on the Tenderfoot through First Class requirements. The program provides experiences and activities that will enable Scouts to develop their outdoor skills.

Some of your Scouts coming to camp this year for the first time may be First Class and have previous unit camping experience. Others may have just joined and completed their Tenderfoot requirements. The summer camp program for each Scout must be tailor-made and your troop has the responsibility for providing directions and activities for these Scouts.

The First Class Emphasis program is optional for use by troops. Some units prefer to have their own leadership and older boys help with the skill development of new Scouts within their own campsite. Let us know how we can help.

Program Concepts:

The Scout must bring his Scout Handbook to camp as a resource.

New Scouts may work on Tenderfoot through First Class rank requirements simultaneously.

This program is not intended to have Scouts advance to First Class rank during one week at camp. It is intended to supplement a troop's advancement program.

Throughout the week, the Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster for the new Scouts should have conferences with each Scout and interface with the director of the First Class Emphasis Program to learn how the Scout is doing and what additional support may be needed.

The camp staff for this program will evaluate and sign off the Scout’s advancement requirements for any of the activities (A. Completed Well Done; B. Completed Satisfactorily; C. Needs Help With). This report consists of a check sheet that will be presented to the Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster for new Scouts at the conclusion of the week. Depending on the degree of performance and the Scout’s comprehension, the leader should date and initial appropriate requirements on pages 438-443 of the Scout’s Boy Scout Handbook.

Helpful Hints on Merit Badges

Many merit badges can be completed at summer camp, others cannot due to time requirements, special projects and etc.

Below is a suggested list of merit badges we plan to offer at camp. The actual list depends on the talents of the summer camp staff. A nearly final list will be available by the April camp leaders' meeting.

Some of the prerequisites listed below are part of requirements which state "Do one of the following..." There may be options under the requirement that can be done at camp. It is important to read the merit badge pamphlet before coming to camp.

Merit Badge	Prerequisites	Comments
Archery (C)$	Some experience with previous range time and skill.	Need to schedule an additional hour of practice time each day; difficult M.B. to complete in a week. Beginners are encouraged to schedule general instructions, not merit badges.
Art (A)	Read M.B. pamphlet.	For all Scouts.
Astronomy (C)	Requirements 2a, 3a, 3b, 8a, 8b.	Depends on the weather!
Backpacking (C)	Requirements 10, 11	By appointment with skills director, a great way for older experienced Scouts to see our camps.
Basketry (A)$	Practice/read M.B. pamphlet.	Fun for all Scouts, cost for kit/material. Takes individual time for projects and instructions.
Bird Study (B-C)	Requirements 7b, 8	A very difficult badge. By appointment with nature staff.
Camping (B)	Requirements 8a-c, 9a, 9b.	Paperwork may be done before camp; bring a backpack for overnight hike.
Canoeing (C)	Must be "swimmer" classification.	Very difficult for younger, smaller Scouts, physical strength required. Need to schedule an additional hour of practice time each day. Difficult to complete in a week.
Climbing (C)	Study M.B. pamphlet.	For Scouts meeting age requirement.

Cooking (B)	Practice/read M.B. pamphlet.	Some paperwork must be done prior to camp. Food provided - time consuming. Tough to start and complete at camp.
Cycling (B)	Requirements 6,8,9	For all Scouts. [Brinkley]
Emergency Preparedness (C)	Requirements 1,8c.	For experienced Scouts.
Environmental Science (C)	Study M.B. pamphlet.	Much paperwork, some can be done at home, difficult for younger Scouts, plan for 1 additional hour per day for field study.
Fish & Wildlife Management(A-B)	Requirements 5a-c, 6c, 7d.	For all Scouts.
Fishing (B)	Practice and equipment.	Without previously meeting some of the requirements, difficult to complete.
Forestry (B-C)	Requirements 5a, 5b, 7b, 7c.	For advanced/experienced Scouts only.
Geology (B)	Requirements 9b, 11b, 12b.	Outstanding opportunity for all Scouts – time consuming - interesting.
Golf (C, $)	Prior experience required	Older Scouts
Hiking (B)	Requirements 4, 5.	Hikes should be done before camp.
Insect Study (C)	Requirements 3, 7.	By appointment with nature staff.
Indian Lore (B-C)	Read M.B. pamphlet.	Cost for materials used, time for projects.
Leatherwork (A)$	Read M.B. pamphlet.	Small cost for materials used - time for project.
Lifesaving (C)	Requirement 1a.	Very difficult for younger, smaller Scouts, physical size and strength required. Very challenging. M.B. requires 6 or more hours of practicing lifesaving skills.
Mammal Study (B)	Requirements 3a, 4a, 4e.	Complete written work.
Metalworking (A, $)	Read M.B. pamphlet.	For all Scouts.
Motorboating (B, $)	Must be "swimmer" classification.	2nd & 3rd year campers - strong boat safety.
Nature (B)	Requirements 5a-e.	Ideal for camp environment - much time needed - for all Scouts.
Oceanography (B)	Read M.B. pamphlet.	A fun badge for all
Pioneering (B)	Practice/read M.B. pamphlet.	For all Scouts splices most difficult – good projects
Reptile & Amphibian Study (B)	Requirement 8.	Interest in reptiles.
Rifle Shooting (C, $)	Previous experience.	Need to arrange additional practice and qualifying time each day.
Rowing (B)	Must be "swimmer" classification.	Need physical strength and coordination - time to practice.
Shotgun Shooting (C, $)	Previous experience.	Need to arrange additional practice and qualifying time each day. [Brinkley]
Small Boat Sailing (C)	Must be "swimmer" classification.	Requires extra experience, practice time and proper weather conditions.
Soil & Water Conservation (A-B)	Read M.B. pamphlet. Requirements 7a-c.	Fun for Scouts of all ages. A real confidence builder.
Space Exploration (B, $)	Read M.B. pamphlet Requirements 2, 5, 7	For older Scouts, will require extra time and expense.
Swimming (A)	Read M.B. pamphlet. Must be “swimmer" classification.	For all Scouts - bring long sleeve shirt and long pants (cotton).
Waterskiing (B, $)	Read M.B. pamphlet. Must be "swimmer" classification.	For older Scouts with time for learning and practice. First come - first served.
Weather (C, $)	Read M.B. pamphlet.	Interesting and challenging. Cost for 8a.
Wilderness Survival (B)	Know the M.B. pamphlet.	Good, challenging for older Scouts - time needed for projects and sleep out.
Woodcarving (A, $) Study	M.B. pamphlet. Have whittling knife.	Small cost for materials.
Woodworking (C, $)		Advanced Scouts, cost for materials

Code: (A) - Beginning Scouts; (B) - Advancing Scouts; (C) - Experienced Scouts;

$ - Extra Cost Involved

Archery

The archery range is available to all campers for recreational and merit badge work.

In the Archery Merit Badge classes, Scouts not only concentrate on their target scores and proper use of the bow, but also on learning to make bow strings and arrow fletchings. Extra money should be brought to camp to pay for supplies.

Rifle

Safety comes first at our rifle ranges. We use .22 caliber, single shot, bolt action rifles. The Scouts and Scouters can shoot only when our adult-trained supervision is present. The director of the rifle range is certified in the use of rifles and their safe instruction.

The Rifle Shooting merit badge is offered at Parsons and Pigott. Shotgun and black powder shooting occurs only at Camp Pigott. The cost for these merit badges varies with the experience of the Scout. A minimum of $7.50 for Rifle Shooting Merit Badge and a minimum of $35 for shotgun should be brought to camp to pay for the necessary target practice. Rifle ammo is sold at a cost of .75 for ten rounds. Tickets for this ammo can be purchased at the camp trading post.

Do not bring personal ammunition or weapons of any kind to camp.

Aquatics

Each camps’ aquatics areas are a little different. Plenty of time is allowed for free swimming and boating and nearly all of the aquatics merit badges, awards and certifications are available.

Awards, Etc.: Mile Swim, swimming instruction, snorkeling BSA, wind surfing, and BSA Lifeguard are offered. BSA Lifeguard is available to Scouts and can also be earned by skilled and knowledgeable adults - if they can be spared from troop supervision responsibilities.

Certifications: Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat certifications required for all troop outings in or on the water are available at camp every week. Both Scouts and leaders can qualify.

The Craftlodge

More Scouts earn the handicraft related awards than any other in camp.

Advancement Opportunities Include: Leatherwork, Basketry, Metalwork,

Woodworking, Woodcarving merit badges and others, depending on staff availability.

The craftlodge staff works hard to create new and exciting projects for Scouts to work on. Craft strip projects, leather work and baskets are all possible at camp.

The material cost varies for these merit badges, some require purchasing supplies from the trading post. Scouts should bring extra spending money for kits and materials.

Scoutcraft

Axe Yard: Scouts can learn the proper way to handle an axe, bow saw, knife and other wood tools. Use, maintenance, care, sharpening and storage of these tools are reviewed.

Cooking Area: Demonstrations cover a variety of skills and menus. Learn to use and care for a dutch oven, and fill it with an appealing meal. See the cookout demonstration; learn utensiless cooking and wilderness gourmet cooking.

Lashing/Pioneering: Troops have the opportunity to learn the skills needed to construct pioneering projects. Instruction is given on lashings, knots and structures.

Orienteering: Instruction can be given on map reading and orientation.

Use a compass and apply these skills on the camp compass course.

Physical Fitness: Test your troop’s skills and energy against the ropes and initiative course, run patrol challenges, play field games and try the camp monkey bridge.

Merit Badges: Orienteering, Pioneering, Cooking and Camping merit badges are offered. Most Scoutcraft badges require work outside class sessions and your Scouts should be prepared to set aside time for them.

Trading Post

The camp trading post provides a good selection of souvenir and comfort items for sale to Scouts and Scouters during the week. A list follows of what may be available. Actual goods stocked vary from year to year.

Souvenirs

Camp mugs

T-shirts

Patches

Neckerchiefs

Neckerchief slides

Personal Items

Flashlights

Batteries

Postcards

Stamps

Toothbrushes and toothpaste

Soap

Scout equipment

First aid kits

Food Items

Potato chips

Ice cream

Soft drinks

Other snacks

Advancement Items

Leather kits

Basket kits

Rifle targets

Woodcarving kits

Craftstrip

Merit badge books

Compasses

Miscellaneous

Rifle/archery awards

Scout literature

Scout knives

Fire starters

Sharpening stones

An adult should serve as “the banker” during the week checking money in and out for the Scouts. This prevents “sticky fingers” and “butter fingers” alike.

About $35 per Scout should be enough to meet most souvenir and other needs. Other money might be needed if merit badges have materials costs (especially Rifle and Shotgun merit badges).

Chief Seattle Council - BSA

CAMP

PIGOTT

Cascade Scout Reservation

WELCOME TO CAMP PIGOTT

Trail of the Mountainman

The Chief Seattle Council has added a new summer camp for 2003, Camp Pigott. This new facility features all of the things you have come to enjoy about Scout camping. Highlights include a large lake, new campsites with flush restrooms, COPE (high and low), a new spacious dining facility, and an exciting mountain man theme.

The camp wide mountain man theme provides Scouts the opportunity to learn the ways of the wilderness in a Boy Scout camp setting. To participate in the progressive program, all Scouts and Scouters will make a mountain man pouch (kits available at camp). Visit five different camp areas and complete their requirements to receive your full complement of beads for the year on the trail to becoming a Mountain Man.

This program culminates at Fort Omache, a period re-enactment center for older Scouts. Participants will have the opportunity to make period leather crafts, use a blacksmith's forge, throw a tomahawk, fire a muzzle loader, and learn more about the fur trading era in history.

Rendezvous Run: A troop relay race covering most of camp. Participants run, speed walk, canoe, row, and swim. Each team should have about ten members.

Charlie's Challenge: Using the patrol method and Scouting skills, patrols compete to do their best in this camp wide competition. "Be Prepared" and bring your patrol flag, patrol yell, and lots of spirit!

Hawaiian Night: Bring your favorite Hawaiian shirt and dress up for this special night during your week at camp.

C.O.P.E. Courses: C.O.P.E. (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience incorporates high ropes elements 35 feet in the air, as well as obstacle course style elements (low C.O.P.E.). Individuals and patrols can walk a suspended balance beam, rappel from a tower, and overcome group challenges. You will be among the first to try out these new facilities.

Mackenzie's Quest: A competition for all who have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of a great explorer. The route takes you by land and water on a grueling race for the best time.

Scoutmaster Fun: Adult leaders are invited to participate in activities such as aquatics training, Scoutmaster golf, shotgun shooting, dutch oven cookoff, horshoe tournament, and other daily programs.

A Day at Camp Pigott

Morning: All troops gather for the morning flag ceremony and meal at the dining hall. After breakfast, three sessions are scheduled for advancement or merit badge work. Older Scouts may participate in the Fort Omache program or try their hand at the COPE course. Adults may attend leader meetings, special training, and other activities.

Afternoon: Lunch is followed by another advancement session and some scheduled "troop time." Activity areas are open including the programs for the older Scouts.

Evening: After the evening assembly and dinner, there is a Scouts Own chapel service. Troops can schedule this time to visit their favorite program area. Each day concludes with either camp-wide or friendship campfire programs.

Campfire Programs: Campfires are held each night. Either camp-wide at the campfire bowl or in a troop site for a “friendship campfire," the programs can be fun and inspirational with good planning, good participation and creativity. Take some ideas home and use them for your troop campfire programs year ‘round.

Program Areas

Scoutcraft: Scouts learn knots and lashings, camp cooking, wilderness survival, outdoor skills, and compass skills. Staff members are experts at camp crafts and traditional Boy Scout outdoor knowledge.

Ecology/Conservation: The staff at Eco-Con shares their knowledge of nature and the environment through a nature trail, merit badges, and conservation projects.

Aquatics: The beach staff manages all the aquatics programs on Lake Hughes. Included are rowing, swimming, canoeing, snorkeling, small boat sailing, and lifesaving. Instructors are certified lifeguards trained by an accredited director. Every adult and camper who uses the beach must take a simple swim test to determine swimming ability. The BSA Eight Point Safe Swim Defense plan is used to ensure safety.

First Class Advancement: Using the patrol method, staff member’s help Scouts learn the skills they need to advance along the trail to First Class. Adults are invited to offer their assistance as instructors in this program.

Shooting Sports: .22 caliber rifle shooting, archery, black powder, and shotgun shooting are features of this camp program. An accredited director and trained staff administer these excellent programs.

Pigott Honor Patrol Award

This award recognizes exceptional patrols which use the patrol method, participate in and contribute to the camp program, and show excellent spirit and enthusiasm. Scouts should come to camp as patrols or plan to form patrols when they arrive. To qualify for this award each patrol must:

Participate in "Charlie's Challenge" patrol competition.
Participate in the "Rendezvous Run" troop relay race.
Participate in a patrol leaders' council with your troop and hold patrol meetings.
Participate in a song or skit at a campfire.
Participate and contribute to a Scouts Own service.
At least 50% patrol must complete a year on the Trail to Mountain Man program.
Each Scout must complete one merit badge, one rank advancement, or one older Scout program.
Participate in a friendship campfire.
Perform an approved camp service/conservation project.
Attend all camp-wide assemblies.
Keep campsites and living areas clean and neat.