GENERAL INFORMATION

MAIL
Our address at Camp is:
Scout: (putname)
Troop #:
Muskingum Valley Scout Reservation
16905 CR 271
Coshocton, Ohio 43812

Incoming mail will be distributed to Scoutmasters at meal times. Out-going mail can be dropped off at the Health Lodge in the mailbox outside. Stamps are available at the Trading Post.

TELEPHONE
The camp phone number is (740) 829-2526. Only emergency calls will be accepted for scouts. There is a pay phone available for campers on the porch at the Health Lodge. A Scoutmaster MUST be present for all scouts under 18 to make calls.

VISITORS POLICY & MEALS
ALL visitors MUST check-in and out at the Health Lodge. Reservations for meals can be made at the Health Lodge and must be paid for in advance.

LEAVING CAMP
Any camper (adult or scout) leaving camp for any reason MUST check in and out at the Health Lodge.

PARKING
NO cars are allowed in campsites or to be driven around camp w'ithout authorization from the Camp Director. Please move vehicles to the Parking Lot after unloading on Sunday afternoon as quickly as possible.

VALUABLES
Valuable items such as cameras, jewelry, watches, money, etc. are the responsibility of each individual. We encourage troops to have a "troop bank" and remind everyone "a scout is trustworthy"! The camp cannot take responsibility for lost, misplaced or stolen items. Only bring valuables to camp that are necessary.

UNIFORMS
It shows "scout spirit" to travel to and from camp in full scout uniform. During the day at camp, "anything goes", but a shirt and shoes MUST be worn at all times around camp. Full scout uniform is requested for supper and retreat unless otherwise stated.

SUNDAY ARRIVAL AT CAMP
Check-in will begin at 2:00 pm Sunday (no one will be checked in before this time). Please do not arrive any later than 4.00 pm so we have time to go through all the orientation necessary. As you arrive in the Parking Lot, the Unit Leader and SPL needs to check-in at the shelter. Any fees due will be paid on Monday morning.

You will be assigned a USA (Unit Staff Adviser) who will be helping you with the check-in procedure. This staff member will take the boys to your campsite to unload gear first. If weather permits, you will be allowed to drive to your campsite to unload gear .After unloading, please take your vehicle(s) back to parking lot.

Boys must have swim gear handy as well as medical forms with medications and instructions. The USA will take boys and leaders to Headquarters for medical checks and to hand in any medications.

REMEMBER: a parent MUST sign health forms each year and EVERYONE staying a night at camp MUST have a health form.

For more detail on medical policies, please see "Camp and Medical Policies" section in this booklet. Following medical re-checks swim checks will be done at the pool and meal procedures covered at the dining hall. After this, you will have time to arrange your campsite. Your USA will remain with you for any help you may need and will fill out a check-in sheet for site equipment. Fireguard charts and emergency procedures should be reviewed. Supper is at 6.30 pm. Your USA will escort you to the dining hall. Please wear your uniform. After supper there will be a Leaders meeting - be sure to attend. A short chapel service and opening campfire complete the evening activities.

CAMPER RELEASE POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Muskingum Valley Council to release a camper only to an authorized person listed on the Campers Health/Medical form or in writing from the legal parent or guardian. Each camper leaving camp will do so with the permission of his scoutmaster or adult in charge. Each camper will sign out at the office before departure and will sign back in upon his arrival back at camp. Each camper will remain in the office for pick up, so verification can be made by camp personnel as to the identification of the transporting person or persons. When the transporting person(s) arrive, the camp administration will verify that the person(s) is an approved transport person as specified by the legal parent or guardian.

NO CAMPER WILL BE RELEASED TO ANYONE NOT APPROVED IN ADVANCE.

INTRUDER POLICY
It is the policy of Muskingum Valley Scout Reservation that all staff and campers wear an ID tag. Any person found without ID or proper identification will be escorted to the camp office. All unauthorized visitors will be asked to leave the premises. Exceptions to this policy will be during family night and when a scout, family or leader is visiting camp. These people must report to the camp office and receive proper ID while on camp premises.

CAMP & MEDICAL POLICIES

M.V.S.R. CAMP POLICIES
Scout Camp is a unique place where every one should live by the Scout Oath and Law. Persons found guilty of stealing, vandalizing, being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or tobacco products (if under age), or breaking camp rules will be told to leave camp immediately with no refund of fees. This applies to the use of firecrackers, explosive devices, slingshots, etc.

No gambling! Please leave radios, CD's, TV's and cassette players at home. Enjoy the week without them.

No standing trees will be cut without permission of the Camp Director or Camp Ranger. Shirt and shoes must be worn at all times around camp, except in showers and at the pool.

Liquid fuels must not be used to start fires. Adults must supervise lanterns and cooking equipment requiring liquid fuels. Only the fuel in the equipment can be kept in campsite, storage containers must be kept at the camp's fuel shed. Please check fuel out through Headquarters.

Never leave a fire unattended.

No sheath knives allowed in camp at all. Please make sure scouts are trained and supervised in the use of knives and axes.

There will be no vehicles in camp. Upon arrival at camp there will be 1 vehicle per troop allowed back at the campsite at a time. Once a vehicle returns to the parking lot, another vehicle from the troop will be allowed back to the site. Troop trailers will be allowed to remain in the site by permission of the Camp Director or Ranger.

Only golf carts will be allowed for handicapped scouts or scouters. In order to use these vehicles at camp you MUST have a handicapped sticker for your automobile or have special permission from the Camp Director. No other vehicles will be allowed in camp during the camp week. Golf carts must use appropriate roads and trails only.

Make sure everyone in your troop understands these rules and those set out in each program area to avoid accidents and injuries.

M.V.S.R. MEDICAL POLICIES

MEDICAL FORMS:
Every person coming to camp MUST have a completed and signed medical form in order to stay overnight. No exceptions!

PLEASE check your physical forms carefully. Especially check any special needs, medication requirements, parent's signature within the last 12 months, physician's signature and dates. Forms that are not properly completed, signed by parents or physician, could result in a camper or scouter not being able to stay at camp. Please call the Council office or the Camp Director at home if you have any questions.

MEDICATIONS
Campers and Scouters are to be checked by the first aid officer at the Health Lodge during check-in. All medications must be turned in at that time.

All medication that needs to be taken during camp must be in the original container with instruction label attached, and be accompanied by a "Medication Instructions" form (see sample below), signed by parent.

Medications are given out at sick call, 3 times a day, after each meal. If a Scout needs to take medication at a certain time, this needs to be on the "Medication Instructions" form.

PROGRAM AREAS

In the following pages, you will find exciting ideas for things you can do at MVSR this summer. It has information you need for merit badges, fun program opportunities and adventures.

Use these guidelines to plan and prepare each member of the troop for coming to camp.

The pre-requisite lists are a guideline for scouts wishing to start on badges at home. Most badges can be started and earned during camp, but more can be accomplished if certain requirements are already completed. Pre-requisites change yearly as badge requirements change yearly, please check carefully.

Make sure any money or equipment necessary for a badge or activity is available and bought. Get the most out of camp come prepared!

HIGH ADVENTURE AT M.V.S.R

Rappelling: If you have never tried rappelling before, now is your chance to do so. You must be 13 years or older to do this activity. you must wear long pants. Rappelling is done off cliffs that have been prepared for this activity. Days and time of rappelling will be announce at camp according to weather and staff availability.

Climbing Merit Badge: Must be at least 13 years old and 1st class rank.

Project C.O.P.E: This challenging experience for those 13 through adult will change your outlook on life! Learn leadership and teamwork skills, be challenged mentally and physically and truly reach the heights you have never reached before! Our Cope course is constangly changing with new additions, and of course the highlight of the week is to be able to achieve the high course.

Overnight: There will be an opportunity for anyone over 13 to go on an overnight campout to the "Dick Spring Shelter". Sign-ups for this will be held on Sunday evenings.

Canoe Trip: A weekly canoe trip is planned, depending on river conditions! Those taking the canoeing merit badge will have first option and then anyone who already has the badge will have an opportunity to join the trip. Bring shoes and clothes that can get wet! A shake down to review strokes and abilities will be required of those not taking canoeing merit badge that week.

THE LAKE

BADGES OFFERED
Canoeing: Bring towel and spare clothes if needed when swamping!
Motor Boating: Only takes 2 or 3 days
Rowing: None
Small Boat Sailing: Merit badge book helpful.
Kayaking award (new in 2005)

NOTE: ALL these badges require partIcIpant to have passed the "swimmer" classification test. You are also required to wear shoes because of the weeds and stones, so make sure you bring an extra pair that can get wet!

Other Opportunities
Kayaking is offered during open boating to all "swimmers". For those taking sailing, or who have experience sailing, a catamaran is available to try. Open boating is all afternoon and open to anyone wanting to try their hand at boating; even learners can go out in a rowboat with a lifeguard!

LAKE RULES

• The BSA safety-afloat program is followed at all times; the buddy board system is used.

• NO swimming in the lake - except during classes when this is required with supervIsIon.

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) MUST be worn when on the docks or the water.

• No fishing from the boats or anywhere in the boating area.

• Learners can only go in rowboats with a lifeguard. Beginners can only go in a rowboat with a swimmer. Swimmers can go in all boats.

THE POOL

BADGES OFFERED:
Swimming: Need long pants, long sleeve button-up shirt, and shoes that WILL get wet.
Lifesaving: MUST have swimming merit badge. You will need long pants, long sleeve shirt, socks and shoes that will get wet.

NOTE: ALL participants of these badges MUST have passed the "Swimmer" classification swim test.

Other Opportunities:
Instructional Swim: Time is set aside to help anyone with swimming techniques on any level.
Snorkeling: This is a BSA award and is offered to all swimmers, Equipment provided.
Mile Swim: BSA award that is offered to all swimmers who want to build swimming strength and endurance.
Open Swim: A time when anyone can enjoy the water. You must have taken the swimming classification test!
Troop Swim: Sign up with the Aquatics Director during your week of camp.

POOL RULES:

• Safe swim defense plan is used at all times.

• Buddy board system is used for everyone.

• Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are present. Climbing fence will result in being sent home with no refund.

• Discipline around the pool will be enforced - no running, diving, horseplay or dangerous activities will be allowed.

• Help keep the showers clean by tidying up after yourself.

• Valuables can be left with the lifeguards.

• You may only swim in the area(s) for which you have passed a test - Learners in the learner area only. Beginners in either beginner or learner areas, Swimmers in any of the three areas. Remember you may only swim in one area at a time, with a buddy, according to your buddy tag on the buddy board. Instruction will be given during Camp.

CIVICS

BADGES OFFERED & PRE-REQUISITES
Citizenship in the World: Req. 9a,b,d,e,f
Communications: Req. 5, 7
Citizenship in the Nation: Req. 2a,b
American Heritage: Req. 1,2b,4,5
American Culture: Req. 1
Public Speaking: Be able to communicate with a group
Disabilities Awareness: Req. 3

NOTE: You will need a note pad and pen/pencil for these badges. Look over the requirements carefully. Merit badge books are a MUST!

The required for Eagle badges are offered twice daily to help everyone fit them into their scheduIe. Make sure your Scouts have looked at the requirements before coming to camp so they are prepared for the assignments. Many things can be accomplished before camp therefore allowing more "free" time for enjoying the facilities of our camp.

ECOLOGY-CONSERVATION

BADGES OFFERED & PRE-REQUISITES
Environmental Science: None - book helpful
Fire Safety: Req. 6a,b,9b,11
Fish & Wildlife Management: Req. 5, 6c & 7d
Fishing: None
Forestry: Req. 5b, 7c
Geology: Req. 8,9b,11b,12b
Mammal Study: Req. 4a,b,d,e
Nature: Req. 4a2,4d1 & 2, 4f2.
Reptile & Amphibian Study: Req. 8
Soil & Water Conservation: Req. 7a
Weather: Req. 8b

This department, known as Eco-Con, is a popular place to visit. We will have many animals. We do not know until camp time what they will be. This is a great opportunity for boys to gain experience and knowledge first hand that they may not be able to get at home.

A well marked nature trail is available for all to enhance their eco-con knowledge; also, many of our camp conservation projects will be conducted through this department.

FIELD SPORTS

BADGES OFFERED & PRE-REQUISITES
Archery: Prior experience helps. Cost involved.
Rifle-Shooting: Prior experience with target shooting would be helpful.
Shotgun Shooting: Prior experience helpful. Cost involved.

Everyone at camp should take an opportunity to visit this area and take advantage of the facilities. However, we strongly recommend that only first and second year scouts with experience in shooting rifle, shotgun, or bow and arrow attempt to take these badges. Target requirements are hard and for those with little or no experience, we recommend they use their free time for practice.

COST:
Rifle - FREE
Shotgun - tickets can be purchased from the Trading Post for 30 cents each shot.
Shotgun Merit Badge - $25.00 total charge.
Archery - $2.00 for archery kit at the Trading Post.

NOTE - At this current time the prices are the same as last year, however, with limited amunition supply from the covernment and increasing prices, we may need to increase costs so please be prepared.

If you bring your own bow or gun, it MUST be turned into the range officer on Sunday upon arrival, or deposited at Health Lodge till arrangements can be made to take it to the range. NO FIREARMS, WEAPONS or AMMUNITION are allowed in the campsites.

HANDICRAFTS

BADGES OFFERED & PRE-REQUISITES
Art: None
Basketry: Need to purchase a 2 kits.
Leatherwork: Req. 4 cost of materials for projects
Pottery: Req. 5c,d,7
Sculpture: None
Woodcarving: None - sharp knife needed. Cost for project if purchased.

This area has activity all the time. We have well qualified staff to help fIrst-time handicraftsman and for those who want to do some advanced handicrafts. Adults are welcome to help in this department, or come learn some techniques yourself.

Some of these badges require kits which are available in the Trading Post. Most of the kits range in price from $5 - $10 depending on the project you wish to complete. Please have money available, or if purchasing on a troop account, a leader needs to be present.

Special times are set for Scouts in the Netami Program to take Handicraft badges. Please see "Netami Department" for further details.

SCOUTCRAFT

BADGES OFFERED & PRE-REQUISITES
Camping: Req. 9a,9b1,3; bring a backpack
Cooking: None
Backpacking: Req. 10,11
Emergency Preparedness: Must have First Aid merit badge; Req. 2c, 9a
Indian Lore: Req. 2d
Orienteering: Req. 10
Pioneering: Knowledge of knots necessary
Wilderness Survival: Must be 13 years old, overnight in shelter required

Be as prepared for these badges as you can. Then you will be able to achieve them to the best of your potential and have fun doing it. This is a great opportunity to gain basic scout knowledge and earn those badges required for Eagle. Camping and Wilderness Survival requirements for overnighters can be done at camp on Thursday evenings. Equipment for these are provided, but if you have tents for camping, bring them.

When is the last time you really plotted a map or laid out an orienteering course for your troop to follow? In Scoutcraft you can give it a try.

Indian Lore merit badge is also a fun thing to try your hand at, especially if you are in the Order of the Arrow. Our Trading Post will be stocked with the supplies you need to make parts for your outfit. Other Native American games and crafts can be learned at camp.

OTHER BADGE & AWARD OPPORTUNITIES:

FIRST AID & CPR
First Aid is taught by a certified first aider. If qualified CPR instructors are available, it will be offered. So if you need CPR for badges, want to renew your certification, or simply take it for the first time, check the schedule for times.

PATROL & TROOP AWARDS

Water Activity: Special awards are given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in the Water activity on Monday evening This is a troop competition at the pool for all who want to participate. Events are designed for all swimming classifications.

Troop inter-camp activities: Tuesday nights are "Open Nights", and although some program areas are open for your enjoyment, we encourage patrols and troops to participate in activities or games together. Get to know your fellow scouts.

Gateway Competition: Awards will be given for the best Gateway built in each troop's campsite each week. The judges will be looking for originality, theme, spirit and troop teamwork. Judging is on Friday afternoons.

Super Troop: Each troop will accumulate points during the week for participation in all activities. Earn points for high score on campsite inspection, attending chapel, flag raising and lowering, saying grace at meals, serving in a flag ceremony, doing a camp service project, etc. The troop with the most points earns the "Super Troop" award for the week.

Cleanest Campsite Award: Award for the troop that keeps the cleanest campsite for the week. The Commissioners and those helping to do campsite inspections, usually in the mornings, will judge this.

Largest Fish Of The Week Award: This award will be given to the boy who catches the largest fish each week. You must bring the fish to the Health Lodge to be "officially" measured and recorded. It must be a live fish - in water in a container! You will be told where to release it.

Best Rifle Target Of The Week Award: This award will be given the boy and adult who shoot the best target each week. The Rifle Range Officer will be the judge for this. You must hand in your target for scoring. Targets are for sale at the Trading Post.

Best Skeet Shot Of The Week Award: This award will be given to the boy and adult who shoot the best clay pigeons for each week. Range Officer will explain rules and you must sign up for "official" entry. Tickets for shots can be purchased at the Trading Post.

Scoutmaster Fellowship: On Tuesday and thursday there will be a Scoutmaster fellowship for all scout leaders to attend. This will be a time for leaders to get together and discuss/share ideas, not to mention, its sometime away from the boys! Bring with you copies of your troop newsletter and other ideas you would like to share.

M.V.S.R. Special Programs

Woodlands Program: This unique program, found only at MVSR, helps boys advance a rank, provides a fun packed, already planned week at camp, and ends with a memorable ceremony on Friday evening. A couple of things should be noted. First, the Woodlands Program has undergone revisions for this year with a number of enhancements. Also, adults have the opportunity to join in on the good times. There are levels for every boy and adult. See the separate "Woodlands Tribe Program" booklet that will be handed out at the Pre-camp meeting for the details.

Campfires: Sunday night's opening campfire is put on for you by our staff and gives you a chance to meet everyone. Wednesday evening is the troop's turn to entertain their parents and guests. The final campfire on Friday takes a slower pace to finish the week and includes our woodlands awards.

International Scout: We hope to have an international Scout at camp this year to be able to share scouting from another country. Details will be available closer to camp time.

Camp Games: Friday activities are planned for scouts as patrols. Games of all sorts will be organized to challenge scout skills. Winners of the event will receive an award.

Hikes: Each week we offer at least two hikes on the perimeter trail, which is about 5 miles. On Tuesday morning at 5:30 am we will offer a Yawn Hike and on Thursday evening we will offer a Night Hike. Patches are available at the Trading Post.

"Pig-Out": After the hike, everyone is hungry, so why not join the camp for food and fellowship at the dinning hall.

Big Idea: We ask Scout Leaders to Share a "thought for the day" with the rest of camp after breakfast.

Provisional Scouts: Some scouts are unable to come to camp when their own unit comes, or maybe a boy wants to come back a second week. We have made provisions for any boy wanting to do this, to become a member of another troop for the week. A Leader is provided and the boy can fit into a patrol, participate in all activities, and have fun! Same camp fees apply.

C.I.T.'s: (Counselor In Training) This is our program for training boys who would like to see what being a staff member is like. Excellent training in leadership, teaching, communications, etc. is taught and many new friendships are made. Boys must be at least 14 years old and first-class rank. Applications are available from the Zanesville Scout Office, the Camp Director, or at camp. A letter of recommendation from the Scoutmaster is required. This is a two-week program but boys must complete week one successfully before being asked back a second week. At least two merit badges are earned this week and a T-shirt, hat, and certificate are awarded to each participant. The fee for this program is just $50.00 payable on arrival at camp the week of being a CIT. We are taking applications now and will continue to take them through the last week of camp. The only week a boy cannot be a CIT is the week his own troop is in camp. Questions can be answered by calling the Camp Director at home. His number is in the front of this book.

S.P .L.'s: The job of an SPL is very important in camp and we want them to be prepared so their troop can get the most out of camp. Therfore, a special SPL packet will be waiting for you when you arrive at comp on Sunday afternoon at the registration shelter. A meeting will be held every morning after breakfast to inform you of daily changes. Make sure you are familiar with the program and what you want to get out of Camp so you can help your troop get a jump start!

Special Camp Opportunities

Buddy System
It is the policy of MVSR that every scout in camp follow the buddy system. Each scout must have a buddy scout while doing all camp activities, including badges. Younger scouts can pair with older scouts - remember there is safety in numbers. It is also not as easy to get lost when you use the buddy system.

Other Areas At Camp

Dining Hall
As home of our camp sing-a-long, the dining hall is always one of the focal points in our camp program. We use cafeteria style serving and serve seconds at nearly every meal, plus we feature a salad bar and breakfast bar. Our varied menu has been popular for many years. We require troops to provide "waiters" after each meal to help clean up. This will be discussed at the orientation on Sunday afternoon. If you have special dietary needs in your troop, please review the menus and notify the camp prior to attending if possible. Also see the cook on Sunday before supper so that special arrangements can be made.

TRADING POST
We will stock the Trading Post to meet the needs of Scouts, leaders and family guests. We will have individual Scout items, handicrafts, camp T -shirts, pop, ice-cream and candy, collectibles, books, uniforms, troop equipment, leader's books and supplies, patches, insect repellent, ice, fishing bait, Indian crafts, rope, ponchos and mosquito netting. Regular Trading Post times are posted at camp. Candy and ice cream will not be available for purchase until after lunch. Purchases of food and drink are required to be consumed at the Trading Post.

Troop accounts can only be opened and used by leaders. The Trading Post manager can help you with this. Accounts must be paid before leaving on Saturday. Remember: merit badge cards (blue cards) are required to sign-up for a badge, so these will be available to the Scoutmaster.

Chapel
One service per week will be held at our chapel on Sunday before the opening campfire. This is short and reflective and a great way to fulfill the 12th Point of the scout law, a scout is reverent. Those wishing to participate need to see the Camp Director during check-in. Chaplain Services are available 24 hours a day.

FAMILY NIGHT AND
ORDER OF THE ARROW

Wednesday evening is family night at MVSR. Scout families are welcomed in camp if it is in your troop's program. Guest meals are $5.00 and are to be paid for as a part of the check-in procedure by the troop. This will give us some idea of how many you are planning to have visit on Wednesday night. Families can also bring a picnic and use one of our camp shelters.

The evening activities include Trading Post time, Order of the Arrow call outs, and the campfire program put on by the campers.