Health Lodge
The Health Lodge is located in the Headquarters Building. The Health Lodge at camp is available 24 hours a day and is prepared to handle minor injuries and illnesses. The buddy system should be followed at all times.
For minor injury or illness bring the Scout/adult to the Health Lodge for treatment. The waiting area for the health lodge is on the porch area just outside the building near the entrance to the health lodge. A screening will be conducted on the porch before any person is brought into the lodge for treatment.
For a major injury (broken bones, unconsciousness, unsure), send a runner to the Health Lodge and medical staff will come to the Scout or adult. Please do not move a Scout or adult with a major injury! Any emergency that cannot be treated at the health lodge will be referred to a local hospital or doctor’s clinic. The unit leader or assistant will transport the patient to the outside medical facility. In the event of a medical emergency, report to the health lodge at the camp headquarters building.
- If the camp medics are not in the office, there is a whiteboard near the door that will advise how to reach them.
- Every Scout and adult who attends camp MUST have an annual BSA Annual Health and Medical Record completed within the last 12 months prior to attending camp. A copy of your health record will be turned in during check-in at camp.
- The camp reserves the right to refuse admittance to a Scout who, in the opinion of the camp health officer and the camp director, has any physical or medical problem which could present a hazard to themselves or other Scouts. Scouts may be sent home at their expense.
Hospital or Doctor Treatment
Should any participant at Camp Strake require medical treatment beyond the first-aid capabilities provided by camp staff at the health lodge, they will be evacuated to the nearest medical treatment facility. Special arrangements for treatment of more serious cases have been made with physicians and hospitals at the nearest hospital, Conroe Regional Medical Center, 504 Medical Center Blvd, Conroe, TX. If such treatment is required, the camper's parent(s) will be notified by telephone, and their desires concerning further treatment will be respected.
In the event that a camper requires the attention of a doctor or the services of a hospital, the following procedure must be followed:
- The responsibility of the unit leadership is to provide transportation for unit member(s) requiring services from a doctor or hospital.
- One adult leader from the unit will accompany the unit member(s) requiring services from a doctor or hospital and is asked to carry insurance forms in for completion. He must obtain the individual's health record from the health officer before going to the doctor or hospital.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) will be immediately notified by the winter camp health officer of any serious illness or injury.
- The camp will provide transportation ONLY when a unit has none available.
- Directions to doctor's offices and hospitals will be available at the health lodge.
- All cases requiring outside medical care must be cleared by the camp health officer. This is an agreement with the local health services facilities, insurance company, and a claim procedure.
- Check back in with health officer upon return to camp and return health form.
Any clarification of the above procedures may be obtained by discussing them with the health officers on duty at the health lodge.
Health Special Risk (HSR) Insurance
All registered members of Sam Houston Area Council troops are covered by Health Special Risk (HSR) unit insurance. Should a Scout or Scouter need professional medical assistance (meaning greater care that the camp can offer), the family’s primary health insurance must be used. In the event a family does not have health coverage, the council’s HSR policy will become the primary policy and cover 100% of eligible cost up to a $15K maximum per incident. Families will be contacted by Wayne McLeland to discuss how to coordinate benefits with the council’s secondary coverage after camp is concluded. “out of council” troops must provide proof of accident and sickness insurance upon arrival at camp.
BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR)
All persons coming to winter camp, whether youth or adult, and regardless of the amount of time spent in camp, must have a completed BSA Annual Health and Medical Record consisting of Parts A, B and C. The form must be completed in its entirety and must contain all applicable signatures. Forms can be downloaded at www.scouting.org/scoutsource/healthandsafety/ahmr.aspx. The form must be completely filled out and signed by a physician.
Forms must be completed annually. An AHMR is valid through the end of the 12th month from the date it was administered by the medical provider. For example, a physical administered December 3, 2021, would be valid until December 31, 2021. There is no provision for the administration of a physical examination to be done at camp. If a Scout does not have an Annual Health and Medical Record, they will either have to secure one from an area doctor at their expense or return home.
BSA Health and Medical Record
Please carefully review all BSA Annual Health and Medical Records prior to check-in. Common errors made on the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record:
Part A is missing immunizations or is missing dates for the immunizations. Please complete the form rather than attaching an immunization record alone. Incorporating the information into the form speeds up the process of evaluating the form itself at check-in.- Part B is not signed by the adult participant or by an adult or guardian (for youth). In order to be able to treat youth in camp for more than immediate life-threatening conditions, our medical staff must have signed consent of a parent or guardian of a youth as contained in Part B. Also, adults who cannot otherwise consent due to incapacity must have signed this page in order for our medical staff to provide more than stabilization treatment.
- Part C of the form signed by a physician. The physician’s examination must have been completed since January 1st. Updated Part C’s will not be accepted, even if signed by the physician. Therefore, ensure that the physician completing Part C dates the form when signing.
- Using an outdated form. Using the latest form available at www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/ahmr.aspx.
When bringing forms for check-in, please do not bring the form in a binder or plastic sheeting. Parts A, B and C should be stapled for one person. This will allow the staff to efficiently review and file the forms. There is no room in the office to store troop binders.
Do not provide original forms. While the camp staff will try to return forms, it is best to provide copies. The forms are destroyed after camp.
Ensure parents check (Yes or No) on Part B2 of the medical record whether non-prescription medications (e.g., acetaminophen, antibiotic ointment, antacids, antihistamine, hydrocortisone cream) can be administered at camp.
FAQs about the Annual Health and Medical Record
Read about important medical risk factors
Prescription Medication
The camp medical officer will review the health form provided by Scouts for instructions regarding medications that may be administered to the Scout. Scouts and adults who require medication should bring enough of the medication in sufficient quantities in the original container to last throughout camp, but only send the amount of medication needed at camp. If requested, pharmacists will provide a second labeled container for medications so only the needed prescription can be sent to camp and the remainder can be kept at home. All medications must be listed on the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record. Make sure the prescriptions are not expired, including inhalers and EpiPens. Campers should not stop taking any maintenance medication unless instructed to do so by their doctor.
The taking of prescription medication is the responsibility of the individual taking the medication and/or that individual’s parent or guardian. Unit leaders should ensure that prescription medications for their Scouts are properly stored and administered.
BSA National Camping Standards (HS-508) states the following rules apply to storage and administration of medication:
HS-508: Medication Control (revised January 1, 2020)
A. The camp requires that all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications be stored under lock (including those requiring refrigeration), except when in the controlled presence of health care staff or other adult leader responsible for administration and/or dispensing medications.
1. An exception may be made for a limited amount of medication to be carried by a camper, leader, parent, or staff member for life-threatening conditions, including epinephrine injector, heart medication, and inhalers, or for a limited amount of medication approved for use in a first-aid kit.
B. Medications must be 1. Kept in their original containers; or 2. Labeled and maintained in a fashion approved by the council health supervisor.
C. Medications must be administered and/or dispensed as follows: 1. For prescription medications, in accordance with the prescribing health care provider’s directions or a parent/guardian’s signed summary thereof. 2. For OTC medications, in accordance with the original label, except as otherwise provided by the council’s health supervisor, or a prescribing health care provider’s directions, or a parent/guardian’s signed summary thereof.
Locked refrigerated storage is available in the health lodge. The camp medical staff shall advise the acting Scoutmaster as to whether a medication falls under exceptions (HS-508A1).
Non-prescription Medication
The taking of non-prescription medication is the responsibility of the individual taking the medication and/or that individual’s parent or guardian. Unit leaders should ensure that prescription medications for their Scouts are properly stored and administered.
There is an option on the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record to allow non-prescription medication (e.g., Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol) to be administered at camp. If the option to allow non-prescription medication is not checked, then it will be necessary for the unit leader of camp medical officer to attempt to contact the parent or guardian for permission to administer such medications. If they are unable to reach a parent/guardian, then the Scout will need further medical evaluation by the designated camp physician or hospital facility.
Special Accommodations
If a participant has special medical needs, such as refrigeration for medicine, please ensure that information is included in the online registration. CPAP machines must be battery powered, as power outlets close to campsites are scarce; however, the camp staff will attempt to meet reasonable requests to accommodate timely requests submitted through registration. Participants may need to bring specialty items to help make some requests possible. Learn more about special dietary needs.
Youth Protection
As a residential camp accredited by the Boy Scouts of America, all youth protection policies set forth by the Boy Scouts of America are followed. In addition, the State of Texas has statutes and regulations concerning youth protection that also apply. No exceptions to these policies may be made.
Two-Deep Leadership
It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that trips and outings may never be led by only one adult. At least two adult leaders, one of whom must be 21 years or older, are required for trips or outings. It is the responsibility of the chartered organization of any troop to inform the committee and leadership of the unit that sufficient adult leaders are provided on all trips and outings.
Adult leaders may rotate in and out as needed so long as there are two adult leaders from each troop on the property at all times. Every leader must be registered and have an Adult in Camp Compliance form completed. When such rotations occur, adults must check-in and out of the winter camp office so that our staff is made aware of the identity and contact information for all adult leaders for each troop in camp.
Texas Youth Camp Safety and Health Act
In order to protect the health and safety of youth attending residential camps in the State of Texas, the Texas legislature has enacted the Texas Youth Camp Safety and Health Act. While many portions of this statute concern the facilities and staffing of a youth residential camp, portions of this law affect troops directly.
All adults coming to camp, whether working on staff or not, must complete the Adult in Camp Compliance form no later than December 15th. Completing this form allows council office staff to complete a criminal background check on each adult in camp (regardless of time spent in camp).
Youth Protection Training (YPT)
Every adult in camp must take Youth Protection Training (YPT) online at My.Scouting.org (expires every two years).
A copy of every adult's YPT certificate must be provided to the council office. To obtain a copy of the YPT certificate, go to My.Scouting.org, click on Menu (upper left corner), click on My Training, click on the printer icon next to YPT status.
Emergency Preparedness
The camp has emergency phone numbers posted near all camp office telephones and FM radio communication throughout the camp. In an emergency, the camp director, or designee, will initiate emergency procedures depending upon the situation. During emergencies, adult leaders should supervise their own unit’s response appropriately.
Emergency signals
There are two types of emergency alarms. The first is a solid tone for general emergencies. Upon hearing the camp alarm (siren), the troop must immediately be assembled at the troop campsite, a headcount taken, and then the senior patrol leader reports attendance to the staff member in charge, and awaits further instructions. If for whatever reason the campsites are unsafe, the staff will direct people to the grand pavilion as a secondary assembly area. Stay at the assembly area until the all-clear is given.
The second type of alarm will be a pulsing siren. This signifies a weather emergency. This part of Texas is prone to afternoon thunderstorms during the summer, with potential for the formation of tornados. Whenever a serious storm approaches, everyone in the camp should move into the nearest designated shelter. All permanent structures at Camp Strake are suitable shelters during an emergency.
Emergency Evacuation
In the event of a fire or other hazardous condition that requires evacuation of the camp, instructions will be provided by the camp staff at the Grand Pavilion on procedures to follow to exit camp as quickly as possible, while maintaining accountability of staff and campers.
Drills
In accordance with BSA National Camping Standards (AO-805), an emergency drill will be conducted each week of camp. Every person must report to their campsite when the alarm is sounded, drill or no drill!
Council Insurance
The Sam Houston Area Council Accident and Sickness Insurance plan covers registered Scouts and adult leaders while at camp. (Please register parents staying with your troop as a member of your troop committee). This coverage does not include out-of-council units. Out-of-council units should bring a claim form from their council.
The Accident and Sickness Insurance plan is with Health Special Risk, Inc. and is excess coverage. This means any bill with a remaining balance after it has been processed by the family's medical insurance carrier can be submitted to Health Special Risk, Inc. for additional reimbursement. Families without insurance will receive instructions from Health Special Risk, Inc., but in any event up to $15,000 of coverage for sickness or injury is provided (Special coverage limits cover dental and transportation). For additional information, contact wayne.mcleland@scouting.org.