Daily Program Schedule

Evening Program Schedule

General Information

Visitors
Parents and families are always welcome at Ransburg. Please register in the camp office upon arrival. The campfire held on Friday night and on Wednesday troop evening are two excellent times for visitors. If a visitor is going to be in camp and desires to eat a meal, they can purchase a meal ticket at the camp office at a cost of $6.00 per meal. Please let us know two days in advance so we can ensure there is room for your guests.

Ransburg Wisdom
Ransburg has been providing a summer home for Scouts for over 30 years and we have learned a few things that might help you with your stay in camp.

1. Uniforms are encouraged for chapel service, campfires, evening flag ceremonies and evening meals.
2. Merit badges are not the only things going on at Ransburg. We encourage troops to try new adventures and activities.
3. Be prepared for camp. Check equipment needs before coming.
4. Take time to enjoy the beauty of the Hoosier National Forest, Lake Monroe, and Ransburg Scout Reservation.
5. Show troop spirit! The troop that comes to camp with ideas and spirit challenges the rest of camp to come alive.
6. Our staff tries to do its best to serve every Scout. Please let us know how we can meet your needs.
7. If you have a special need or want to do something spectacular, tell us about it and we will give it our best shot.
8. It is unfortunate when someone loses something of value. Please have a plan for storing valuables.

Troop Photographs and CDs
Troops will have the opportunity to take home a troop photo for each Scout attending Ransburg. Troops are encouraged to bring troop and patrol flags to make their Ransburg camp photo complete. Troops should dress in uniform, troop T-shirts, or Ransburg T-shirts for the photo. Photos will be taken early in the week for $8 per 8x10 photo. Please check with the camp office for details.

Staff takes digital photos throughout the week. CDs with all of the week's pictures and Friday night campfire slide show are available for $5 at the camp office on Saturday morning.

Mail
Parents are encouraged to send a letter or a package to their son at Ransburg. They should allow a minimum of three days delivery time. When possible, items arriving after Scout's departure will be returned to sender. To insure delivery, items should have the campsite and troop number listed and addressed in the following manner:

(Scout's name)
Cliff Dweller - Upper, Troop 810
Ransburg Scout Reservation
7599 E Waldrip Creek Rd
Bloomington, IN 47401

Troop Campsite
Each campsite is fully equipped with the following items:

1. Propane lantern (one per troop)
2. Wall tents on platforms with sleeping pads
3. Cots with sleeping pads for adult leaders
4. Dining fly with picnic table
5. Latrine with running water, toilet paper and cleaning supplies
6. Flag pole with American flag
7. Broom and hose at the latrine
8. Additional equipment is available to be checked out from the camp Quartermaster

Camp Policies

At Ransburg Scout Reservation, the Scout Oath and Law are our guiding principles. We expect each leader to provide the guidance within the troop to follow these principles, the policies of Ransburg Scout Reservation, the Crossroads of America Council and the Boy Scouts of America.

• Firearm Restriction: Camp will provide rifles, shotgus, bows, arrows and ammunition at the shooting sports ranges. Under no circumstances should ammunition or firearms be brought to camp.
• Alchoholic Beverages and Illegal Drugs: Achoholic beverages and illegal drugs are not permitted in Scout camp. Possession or use of them on camp property will be cause for removal from camp.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited except in designated areas. The goal of this policy is to keep smoking away from Scouts. All buildings are smoke free environments; smoking outside the entrance or exit of any building is not permitted. In addition, all campsites should be on a smoke-free basis. A designated smoking area is available in the central camp area.
• Boats: There is no access to Lake Monroe for personal boats at camp. If you have your own boat and would like to take your troop on an activity in it, you must check your troop out of camp and put in at a local boat ramp. No personal boats are allowed to moor on any Ransburg docks.
• Vehicles: Vehicles are not permitted in campsites. Vehicles should be parked only in the main parking lot. One vehicle will be allowed to make one trip to the campsite to deliver and remove troop and personal gear at check-in and check-out. Only camp service vehicles are allowed on camp roads during the week. Please note that BSA Policy does not allow any individual to be transported in the back of any pick-up truck or trailer.
• Personal Items: The camp is not responsible for lost or stolen items. If such an unfortunate event occurs it is recommended that a police report be filed for insurance purposes.
• Fuel: All fuels must be kept locked. The camp quatermaster can assist with this service. Remember that any type of open flame is not permitted in any tent.
• Youth Protection: We adhere to all youth protection provisions of the BoyScouts of America. Two deep leadership is required at all times. Please remember that leaders and Scouts cannot sleep in the same quarters and that mixed genders are not allowed to tent together. Exceptions are a parent/son or married couple.
• Medication: All prescription medications must be stored at the Health Lodge in its original container. Inhalers, EPI pens and heart medications will be kept by the Scout or leader at the discretion of the Health Officer. Over-the-counter medications will not be allowed in camp unless they are prescribed by a physician. Upon leaving camp, it is the responsibility of the unit leader to pick-up unused medications that were brought to camp.

  MEDICATION INSTRUCTIONS FORM
  Name:
  Troop: 810	Campsite: Cliff Dweller
  Medication name:
  Instructions (include how much, how often, and times, if needed)
  Parent's signature:

• Personal Tents: Personal tents must meet the Boy Scout standard of 30 square feet of sleeping space per Scout. Personal tents should also have a "NO FLAMES IN TENTS" sign affixed to them. The signs are available from the Quartermaster.
• Visitors: All visitors must check in with the camp office when coming into camp, and check out when leaving.
• Leaving Camp: If you plan to leave camp, please sign in and out in the camp office.
• Pets: No pets in camp please.
• Hazing: Hazing is strictly prohibited. There are many instances where "hazing" has led to serious consequences, both to the physical well-being and emotional stability of the Scout. Even a "mild" incident can convince a Scout to never return. Be aware that new campers are particularly suceptible to hazing. Knowledge of any abuse should be reported to the Camp Directory immediately.
• Camper Release Policy: Campers will only be released from camp to custodial parents. Release to others mus be communicated in writing in advance, with troop leader's knowledge. Parents must indicate in writing who the Scout will be leaving with and the time and day of departure. For the Scout's safety, scoutmasters must escort the scout to the camp office and sign the scout over to approved persons.
• Physical Forms: Every youth attending a camping program and every adult responsible for youth supervision must bring a completed Personal Health and Medical Record form with them to camp. Adults under 40 and all youth must bring a coplted Class 1 form signed by a parent or guardian within 12 months of the time they are in camp. In addition all adults under 40 and all youth who are spending more than 72 consecutive hours at camp must also bring a Class 2 form completed by a licensed medical practitioner within 36 months of the time they are in camp. Adults over 40 who are spending more than 72 consecutive hours in camp or who are participating in COPE or climbing must bring a Class 3 form completed by a licensed medical practitioner within 12 months of the time they are in camp. ONLY those who have a completed Class 1 and 2 or a Class 3 will be permitted to participate in aquatic activities. Parental signatures must be updated annually. Doctor signatures are good for 3 years for youth.
• Pay Phone: A pay phone is located on the porch of the office for leader use, or for scouts who have a leader present. Many times, homesick Scouts try to use the phone without the knowledge of an adult leader. Please keep an eye on them.
• Personal Transportation Vehicles: Individuals with disabilities desiring to bring a golf cart type vehicle to camp must apply for a permit through the camp office prior to arriving at camp.
• Tour Permits: Any troop traveling over 50 miles should file a tour permit. Camp will sign the permit at check-in.
• Insurance Information: Each scout and adult leader should bring a copy of his or her medical insurance card and prescription card. Upon Sunday check-in, this information will be collected with the appropriate physical form.

The Eagle Quest area is located on the middle of Ridge Three. Please check the Eagle Quest area for the schedule of the different requirements that will be completed each day and see what you will need for your rank advancement.

Scout leaders are always welcome to observe the area and assist the staff. Eagle Quest will provide a meaningful learning experience for the scouts that seek advancement throughout the week.

First-Year Camper Program

The First Year Camper Program is a new program at Ransburg that introduces first year campers to various areas of camp. Have your scouts pick up their Passports to Ransburg at Eagle Quest. They will experience camp by doing different activities in program areas, participating in evening programs, and completing merit badges. Your scouts will need to turn in their passports so they can be recognized in front of the whole camp.

Program Areas and Merit Badges

There are many merit badges to work on at Ransburg. All schedules and prerequisites are on the merit badge sign-up page. Scouts must submit this form 2 weeks prior to camp. After submitted the selected merit badges will be reviewed by your adult leaders before being approved. Merit Badges are an important part of the summer camp experience, but keep in mind there are many other activities in camp that are beneficial to Scouts.

Aquatics
The aquatics area is one of the most popular areas in camp and features many activities other than merit badge program. This year we have upgraded the area so check out our new equipment. Merit Badges and Activities in this area include: Swimming, Lifesaving, Rowing, Canoeing, Small Boat Sailing, Motorboating, Waterskiing, Instructional Swim, Open Boating, Open Swim, Boardsailing/Kayaking, Mile Swim, BSA Lifeguard, Canoe Trek (by troop or patrol), Troop Swim.

Ecology and Conservation
The ecology area is an excellent place to explore the world around us. Each Scout should try to see the new creatures we have acquired each week. Merit Badges in this area include: Environmental Science, Nature, Mammal Study, Astronomy, Forestry, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Bird Study, Soil and Water Conservation, and Archaeology.

Scoutcraft
The Scoutcraft area is a place where Scouts learn the basic skills of Scouting. Scoutcraft activity features knots, camping, pioneering, orienteering, and much more. It is also the headquarters for Firecrafter and OA. Merit Badges and activities in this area include: Camping, Wilderness Survival, Emergency Preparedness, Pioneering, First Aid, Firecrafter, Paul Bunyan Award, Totin' Chip, and Firem'n Chit.

Handicraft
The handicraft badges are a good start for first year Scouts. The pried and satisfaction of making something with your own hands is a good lesson for a young Scout to learn. New Scouts always find success in this area, so encourage them to pick at least one activity from this area. Merit Badges in this area include: Leatherwork, Woodcarving, Metalwork, Basketry, Art, and Indian Lore.

Field Sports
Safety is the first consideration at Ransburg ranges. When visiting a range, listen carefully to all instructions from the directors. The sports area is located between the rifle range and archery range. Just look for the new sports shelter and basketball court. Scouts are encouraged to enjoy the expanded merit badges and intramural sports at this area. Set up team competitions and have some great fun. Merit Badges and Activities in this area include: Rifle Shooting, Shotgun, Archery, Personal Fitness, Sports, Athletics, Orienteering, Mountain Biking, and Intramurals.

Ransburg Ranch
The new Ransburg Wrangler Award, trail rides, riding instruction, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, and Horsemanship merit badge are among the activities offered at the Ransburg Ranch. Merit Badges and Activities in this area include: Horsemanship, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Ransburg Wrangler Award, and Trail Rides.

Climbing Tower
The Climbing Tower is challenging for all Scouts, and may be too difficult for some. Group size is limited. Boy Scouts of America Standards are followed for participant safety (specifically, scouts must be 13 by January 1, 2004 to participate in the climbing program). Leaders who wish to participate on the climbing tower must also have a Class 3 physical form in camp. Climbing Merit Badge and Open Climbing are offered in this area.

Firecrafter Program

Firecrafter is a camp rank system that recognizes and develops a Scout's camping skills. In Firecrafter, Scouts will join a camping service organization that started in 1920 at Camp Chank-tun-un-gi (now Belzer Scout Camp). This popular program is unique to the Crossroads of America Council. the desire to be a Firecrafter is often the push a Scout needs to come back to summer camp another year or to give him the added confidence to strive for Eagle and other advancement.

The camp ranks can only be earned at camp. They serve to compliment your Scouts' advancement work. Most of the camp rank requirements are taken directly from Boy Scout rank advancements. Scouts may try for more than one rank during the week, but this is not encouraged. Our Firecrafter coordinator works out of the Scoutcraft area.

• Camper is the first year program. All first year Scouts and Scouts new to Ransburg are encouraged to become Campers. The requirements cover camp citizenship, the Scout Oath and Law, the origins of Scouting, map and compass, hiking, and one hour of camp service.
• Woodsman is the second year program. Campers should be encouraged to become a Woodsman. The Woodsman rank covers camp skills (fire building, knot tying, knife and ax), nature, first aid, leadership and two hours of service.
• Firecrafter is the third year program for First Class Scouts and above. While some exceptional Firecrafters have attained it in their first or second year in camp, it is usually the Third Year before a Scout has the physical or emotional maturity to candidate for Firecrafter. The standards for the Firecrafter rank are high and include all areas of Scouting skills. The three most difficult requirements are planning and leading a campfire, building a fire by friction, and the "unknown test" of the Firecrafter Ritual, which takes place after camp is over.
• Minisino is a Miami Indian word meaning "tried and proven". A youth is eligible to be tapped out for Minisino the summer following his becoming a Firecrafter. After a Firecrafter is tapped out he must successfully complete a two-week candidacy at one fo the council camps. Only those who are tapped out know its requirements.

Older Scout Programs

Project C.O.P.E., the Climbing Tower, Ransburg Ranch, Firecrafter, Advanced Motorboating, and older Scout merit badges are a few main camp programs designed for older Scouts.

The Ransburg Rendezvous & Continental Tie and Lumber

This is a chance for older Scouts to experience making their own lead shot and shoot it from a muzzle-loading rifle. To add to the adventure, staff members are dressed in 1800's period clothing as they teach the art of muzzle loading and tomahawk throwing. The redezvous is Thursday night, 7:15pm at the rifle range. The Continental Tie and Lumber is an opportunity for older scouts to practice making railroad ties, log splitting, and lumberjacking.

Project C.O.P.E.

Project C.O.P.E. is a challenge of ropes course. Its events are meant to inspire an individual to his potential. C.O.P.E.'s activities have been carefully designed and constructed to offer its participants a challenging and exciting arena in which to pit their skills. Climbing, swinging, balancing, and experiencing the zip line are just a few of the activities that Scouts will encounter. Scouts must be 13 years of age by January 1, of the year they are in camp, to participate in C.O.P.E.

C.O.P.E.'s tenets are:
Leadership: Everyone has a chance.
Problems solving: Instructors divulge nothing.
Communication: Speaking isn't the only way.
Self-esteem: You do it, not us.
Trust: You rely on the group.
Decision-making: There are many possibilities.
Teamwork: It can not be done alone.

Scout can choose from two different times. The group meets daily from 9:00am - 12:00pm or 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Order of the Arrow

One of the most meaningful experiences in all Scouting is to be elected to the Order of the Arrow. Jaccos Towne Lodge #21 serves the Crossroads of America Council. The Order of the Arrow is a group of honor campers and was established to accomplish several goals:

1. To recognize Scout who best personify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily actions.
2. To promote Scout camping, to develop and to maintain its traditions and to foster the spirit of Scouting.
3. To focus on the Scouting principle of willing service to others.

Ransburg has an Order of the Arrow Coordinator, who is responsible for all O.A. cermonies, elections and promotions. If your troop or individual scouts are members of a dance or ceremonial team, they are invited to talk to the camp O.A. coordinator about joining in the ceremonies while they are in camp.

Tuesday dinner is O.A. sash night and then after the Tuesday camp-wide event, the Order of the Arrow will conduct a "call-out" ceremony for the entire camp. All newly elected O.A. candidates will be called-out, and candidates who have recently been called-out may be recognized at the ceremony.