DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL CAMPMASTER CORPS INSTRUCTION

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1 DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL REV: November 11, 2010

2 DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL REV: November 11, PURPOSE: It is important that the DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL provide the best and most effective short term camping program possible to meet the needs of the Units, the Youth and their Leaders. It is important to recognize that short term camping is the core of the scouting program. An effective weekend camping program at Griswold Scout Reservation will result in greater satisfaction. With the growth of the DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL and the significant improvements recently completed at camp, it has become important that a program be put in place to provide improved on-site assistance at Griswold Scout Reservation as well as an interface to the increasing number of units using our camp. The resident camp ranger can no longer provide the adequate supervision and interface required. It will be the function of the Campmaster Corps to form a strong, well oriented group of leaders who will officially represent the DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL. The purpose of the Campmaster Corps Program will be threefold: Assist the council in the protection of our property, help diminish vandalism, lessen maintenance expenses and have someone available during peak periods in the event of an emergency. Ensure that all safety standards are met and adhered to. The Health and Safety of the Scouts and Scouters is of paramount importance. The Campmaster Corps will provide that added protection for the council. Most important is to provide a central point of contact to act as camp liaison for units and other camp visitors. 2.0 WHAT IS THE : The Campmaster Corps is a group of selected, trained and registered Scouters who will serve at the DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL Griswold Scout Reservation whenever units or other visitors are using any part of the camp property. Campmasters are volunteers and select their own time and frequency of service on a council sign-up

3 basis. The Corps will be organized under the leadership of the Program Camping Committee. Training and recruiting is a function of the assigned Chief Campmaster with the assistance of the camping committee. 2.0 SELECTION OF CAMPMASTERS: Campmasters are selected on the basis of their ability in the areas of outdoor skills, knowledge of nature, conservation, field sports and leadership skills. All campmasters must have a record of demonstrated ability to get along with people, to lead, and to act in an emergency. All campmasters must have a working knowledge of Scouting regulations, of Scout Troop operations, Scout advancement requirements and Webelos/cub scout camping. Any registered Scouter is eligible for consideration as a Campmaster. Training prerequisites are a minimum of completion of Boy Scout Basic Leader Training. A Campmaster must have at least two years experience as a scout leader, assistant, or committee member. A minimum of 6 months of this experience must have been in the DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL. Familiarity with the council Griswold Scout Reservation is a necessity. 4.0 GENERAL DUTIES OF CAMPMASTER: a) The Campmaster will check in with the camp ranger when reporting for duty. Duty times will generally be from Friday at 6:00pm to Sunday at 2:00pm. Exceptions may be made based on the scheduled activities and registered number of units at the camp for the weekend. b) The Campmaster will be housed in the Bell Lodge Apartment. This will provide a central location for the Campmaster while at the camp. The Administration building will be the check in point for units and the kitchen will be available for the campmaster to prepare his/her meals for the weekend. The Campmaster will be responsible for his own transportation, bedding and food while at camp. c) In general, it is desired that 2 Campmasters will serve on any one weekend. A single Campmaster may be sufficient if there are only minimal units at the camp. Two, however, are preferred to allow for a backup in the event that one has to leave the camp. d) The Campmaster will render commissioner type service to the units and other visitors in the camp, working with and through the unit adult leaders. e) The Campmaster will serve as the friendly face and central point of contact for: check-in and check-out of all units

4 obtain unit roster of all campers & visitors assignment of campsites issue / turn-in of all approved requested equipment opening / closing of authorized event areas camp discipline and policy enforcement Assurance of appropriate credential for program areas such as shooting sports, aquatics, COPE & Tower, etc. f) The Campmaster will introduce him/herself to new leaders and offer assistance in orienting them to the camp and its facilities. A formal orientation will be provided to new units or leaders in camp for their first time. This can be scheduled at his/her convenience by working with the leaders. The Campmaster should check with each unit on an occasional basis to ensure that all needs of the unit are met satisfactorily. g) Campmasters will coordinate the work of any specialists or merit badge counselors present at the camp to allow units to receive maximum benefit from these skilled volunteers. The Campmaster will coordinate among units to share knowledge, if so desired by the units in camp. h) The Campmaster will coordinate and work closely with the camp ranger, advising him of any potential problem or safety areas noted. A pre-brief and de-brief between the Campmaster and the camp ranger will be conducted at the start and end of each short term camp weekend. i) Campmasters at the end of the weekend will complete a report of units attending camp, areas and equipment utilized by the units, and any problems that occurred during the camping period. This report is submitted to the Camp Ranger and the Chief Campmaster who will use it to provide a consolidated report to the Camping Committee. The report format is provided in appendix B of this instruction. j) The Campmaster will wear the official Scout Leader Uniform at all times while on duty. k) The Campmaster will call: Camp Ranger AND Director of Support Services or Program Director, or Scout Executive in the case of any serious emergency. 5.0 CAMPMASTER RECRUITING: Campmaster Corps recruitment will be the responsibility of the Council Camping 3

5 Committee. Recruiting tools will include: Camping Chairmen recruiting at roundtables Scout Sign Articles Recruiting mailers sent by mail with regular scheduled packets Use training events to actively recruit volunteers 6.0 CAMPMASTER QUALIFICATIONS/PREREQUISITES: The following are the recommended prerequisites for volunteering for the position of a Campmaster: Be a registered leader Have completed Boy Scout Basic Leader Training At least two years experience as a unit leader, assistant or committee member of which 6 months must be in the DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL Familiarity with Griswold Scout Reservation Wood Badge training is desired but not required Current BSA Youth Protection Application will be made by the volunteer to the Camping Committee, who will review the background of the volunteer and make recommendation for approval or nonapproval to the Director of Support Services. Final approval will be at the Council level. Upon approval, the volunteer will be slated for the next course of the DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL Campmaster Training. 7.0 CAMPMASTER TRAINING: Campmaster training will consist of a one afternoon training course and an on site walk through inspection of Griswold Scout Reservation. This training will consist of a review of current BSA policies, Scouting operations, and a thorough familiarization of our camps. The recommended training syllabus is attached as appendix A. 8.0 DUTIES OF THE CHIEF CAMPMASTER: a) The Council Coordinator has the responsibility of maintaining a sufficient 4

6 Campmaster cadre to ensure an effective program. b) Campmaster Corps training will be conducted under the auspices of the coordinator and a selected staff of Corps members. c) The coordinator will set up and maintain the master Campmaster schedule. He will have the responsibility of ensuring that volunteers are present at the camp at the stated times. d) The coordinator will maintain a current listing of names, addresses and telephone numbers of all certified campmasters. A copy of the listing will be kept at Council Services and with the ranger at camp. e) The coordinator will serve on the Camping Committee in an advisory status. On a monthly basis, the coordinator will provide a report of the units using the camp during the month, the event areas utilized, and any problems that were noted by the Campmasters either with the units or the camp. 9.0 CAMPMASTER SCHEDULING: a) A quarterly schedule will be made up by the GSR Ranger to assign a Campmaster for each short term weekend camp. Every effort will be made to keep a 6-month schedule for sign-up purposes. b) This master schedule will be maintained by the DANIEL WEBSTER COUNCIL in Council Services. Updated schedules are mailed or faxed to registered campmasters on a quarterly basis. This will allow registered campmasters to review openings and provide consideration to volunteering for those open dates. c) Volunteer Campmasters will call the GSR Office at and advise them of the dates for which they wish to be signed up. Council Services will add their name to the dates desired. On a weekly basis, the Campmaster coordinator will be advised of the dates that have been filled CAMPMASTER CERTIFICATION AND IDENTIFICATION: The designation of Campmaster within the Council is considered a high honor bestowed upon the volunteer. Recognition of achieving this honor will be given at the District level at the annual District Banquet. Upon certification as Campmaster, the volunteer will receive a Certification Card and a Campmaster identification recognition to be worn with 5

7 the uniform. The Official Campmaster Hat will be available for each Campmaster s. The Campmaster on Duty will wear the Campmaster Hat during his/her tour of duty. Appendix A TRAINING SYLLABUS 6

8 Appendix B CAMPMASTER POST-WEEKEND REPORT Dates of Report: Campmaster: Assistant: UNITS AT CAMP: UNIT** #ADULTS #YOUTH #SIBLINGS CAMPSITE LEADER IN CHARGE ** INDICATE TYPE OF UNIT AND NUMBER: P-PACK, T-TROOP, C-CREW, E-POST, V-TEAM, G-GROUP, O-OTHER PROGRAM AREAS USED: PROGRAM AREA UNIT TIMES PRECHECK POSTCHECK 7

9 EQUIPMENT CHECKED OUT: EQUIPMENT UNIT NAME CHECKOUT CHECKIN COMMENTS/PROBLEM AREAS: NOTE: Use additional sheets as necessary Campmaster Signature 8