NCAP-Strake

Camp Strake Trading Post

General: The camp trading post is much like a general store, stocking everything from soup to toothbrushes. It is a business operation and will follow sound business practices. Reasonable profit will be provided for in pricing items for sale. Every sale is a cash-and-carry transaction. The trading post manager is completely responsible for the trading post operation. The manager will be at least 18 years old and be able to keep accurate records of cash and merchandise. A friendly but businesslike personality is essential in good customer relations. Any assistants working in the trading post should have the same qualifications.

Procedures: The camp trading post will be open for business during most of the daytime hours with the hours it is open clearly posted at the entrance. The camp will not operate a banking system for campers. Guidance will be given to unit leaders and parents by suggesting the amount a youth might reasonably spend while in camp. The council suggests that the unit leader arrange to safeguard money carried by campers. All sales to campers and staff are on a cash basis or via bank card. Before the trading post opens, the business manager or camp director will determine a list of items to be carried.

General categories:

• Scouting equipment, including knives, compasses, canteens, cooking equipment, and uniform replacement parts
• Snacks, ice cream, milk, soft drinks, etc.
• Sundries such as soap, toothpaste, shaving cream, toothbrushes, and combs, and apparel such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, rain gear, and camp souvenirs
• Handicraft materials and Scouting literature such as merit badge pamphlets and handbooks. Controls are established through a regular weekly inventory and daily cash reports. All inventories are based on retail prices. Proper stock controls are established so the trading post manager may reorder in a timely manner to maintain stock

Before Camp Opens

• Be sure the trading post refrigeration units are working.
• Check for proper vermin-proofing of the building.
• Ensure all storage, shelving, and display areas are adequate.
• Clean up and paint.
• Wash all windows.
• Place trash containers in convenient locations.
• Place orders for merchandise. BSA Supply items should be ordered on receipt of the order forms. This service supplies the council with a complete recap of all items shipped and quantities returned. Use this with the holdover inventory to establish the current year’s order. Copies of last year’s trading post sales by item are essential for determining the current year’s order.
• Some stock should be placed on display and the reserve stock properly stored.
• Checked and initialed invoices are given to the business manager for processing.
• A complete opening inventory of all items is prepared and priced at retail. The trading post manager signs for this and is held accountable.
• The trading post manager also signs for a revolving fund to provide change for business.

Stock Control

• It is impossible to sell items when they are out of stock. Therefore, a minimum stock supply should be established for each item. When this is reached, the item should be reordered.
• A regular weekly inventory must be taken and computed at retail prices. When this is balanced against cash deposits, errors can be investigated immediately. The inventory results must be provided to the Business Manager no later than noon on Saturdays during the long term camping season.
• The weekly inventory helps the manager determine rate of sales and take steps in reordering.

Reordering: Reordering supplies is the job of the trading post manager. It is best done by requisition
approved by the business manager. All items received by reorder should be treated as were the
original shipments. All items are charged to the trading post at wholesale price and sold at retail.

Cash Records

• Cash records are a vital part of trading post operation. The first money received is the revolving fund, which is held until final accounting. All cash on hand at the close of each day in excess of this amount is turned over to the business manager.
• Trading post operations in the council bookkeeping system should be clearly defined. All bills are to be supported by checked invoices and are paid by the council through its regular business channels. The trading post account should be balanced every day and closed at the end of the season.
• Since all sales are for cash or by bank card, there are no problems with billings. Often the camp program will include prizes of candy bars and other items. In such cases, the program director should pay for them at retail price from the director’s own petty cash fund.
• Staff treats are handled in the same fashion through the camp director’s expense account or petty cash fund. The director must at any moment be able to produce evidence of cash or merchandise as evidence of good stewardship.

Close of Season

• It is important to list and pack all returnable goods and arrange to have suppliers give receipt and credit for them.
• All items to be held over are inventoried and carefully packed. Items to be transferred to the council service center for resale are listed and priced, and receipts secured. Make a final cash report balancing out with the business manager, who issues a receipt for all cash, including revolving fund and inventoried supplies.
• All facilities are prepared for closing, and a physical equipment inventory is prepared as a part of the trading post manager’s suggestions for the next season before the staff departs.

Purchasing: Councils purchase a great variety of materials, supplies, and services.

• During the precamp season, usually one or two individuals will make all the requests for purchases.
• Once camp is in operation, however, many individuals may request goods or services.
• Sound business management requires that authorization be under the supervision of one person, and requests as well as authorization be in writing.
• Before doing any purchasing, requirements must be determined and lists developed in various categories: commissary, trading post, program, operating supplies, etc.
• Depending on budget and quantity, several factors can be determined. Some items can be purchased from specialty sources or traditional suppliers, and large purchases may be put to bid.
• Significant savings can be obtained through bidding.

Check Requisition: When a request for a check is not supported by an invoice or some other documentary
evidence, a check requisition should be prepared. If no forms are available, a formal memo may
act as a substitute document.

• The use of check requisitions is important in a camp setting, such as for refund of fees, a travel advance, or buying a large amount of postage stamps for resale at the trading post.
• The check requisition should include all information necessary to support the disbursement and the accounts to be charged, and should be signed by an authorized person.
• Check requisitions should be requested well in advance of the needed date to allow ample time for processing.
• Check requisitions should only be used when a purchase order is not accepted.

Receiving: An important element in the control system for purchasing and paying for goods is the documentation of delivery of those goods. Experience has shown that particular attention must be paid to this function. Careless handling or unscrupulous delivery personnel will result in the camp not receiving its full delivery of merchandise.

• Receiving responsibilities should not be left to young staff members who may be inexperienced or easily intimidated.
• All deliveries received at camp should be based on purchase orders. However, some commissary supplies, such as bread and milk, or trading post supplies, such as ice cream, candy, and beverages, are ordered by phone prior to delivery. In this case, the business office should print up a confirming purchase order, which is then compared with delivery slips.
• It is important to check the processing dates stamped on milk cartons or bread wrappers.
• Be sure the food received is not “leftovers” from the previous day’s delivery route.
• Discrepancies should be called to the attention of the delivery person immediately. The processing date is also important to control the rotation of perishable items.
• During confirmation of delivery, each item should be checked and notations made of backorders, damaged merchandise, differences in quantities, or substitution of items.
• Notations also should be made of date and time of delivery. This may be necessary to determine the cash discount period.
• All completed purchase orders and corresponding delivery slips are to be returned to the council service center as quickly as possible for proper and timely processing. These documents must be signed by the person receiving goods or merchandise and by the person authorized to approve payment.
• Frequently, items delivered will be used by different departments at camp, such as commissary, program, trading post, or maintenance. The delivery slip should be categorized by the person knowledgeable of the ultimate use of the items.

Needs/Wants List: For supplies that must be replenished during the camping season, staff members may use a purchase requisition to make known their needs. If the items requested are not in stock, purchase orders may be made out by the camp business manager. If the requested supplies cannot be furnished because of cost, the business manager or camp director should make this known to the staff member involved.

Paying Bills

• Bills are paid by the council service center through normal accounting procedures.
• Checks are drawn on the basis of approved purchase orders.
• When there is an agreement for the return of merchandise at the end of the season, final payment of bills may be held up for adjustment, or the supplier may agree to issue a refund check for returns.

Camp Strake COPE Adventure Area Local Operating Procedures

SHAC Climbing Website: shacbsa.org/climbing SHAC Climbing Training: shacbsa.org/training-schedule#climbing SHAC Climbing Committee Contacts: shacbsa.org/climbing#contacts Camp Strake Climbing Tower/COPE Reservations: shacbsa.org/weekend-camping/#strake

1. General Site Description

1.1 High Element COPE Course

Located on the east side of the COPE Adventure Area tower, this self-guided high element COPE course offers 12 different COPE high elements on two levels: Swing Steps, Alt Handline Rope Walk, X-O Walk, Single Beam, Vine Walk, Vertical Rope Lumber Ladder, Long Island Bridges, Rope Walk W/Handline, EQ Tremor Walk, Hour Glass, Tremor Bridge, and Vertical Lumber Ladder. This course allows the participant a chance to test their abilities and improve their confidence.

1.2 Zip Line

Located on the top floor of the south side of the COPE Adventure Area tower are two 826 ft. long zip-lines. The zip line landing platform is across the lake on the east side of the road near the aquatics area.

2 Scope

This manual is intended to support the event Lead Instructor (Director or Level 2 Instructor) for COPE-related activities at the Camp Strake COPE Adventure Area. These activities include the dual zip-lines and the multi-level, self-guided high COPE elements incorporated in the tower located in the COPE Adventure Area. Additional OEM information, BSA policies from National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP), first aid procedures, equipment logbooks, and other reference materials are contained in other Camp Strake policy and procedure manuals.

3 Policies

• COPE Staff—Sam Houston Area Council Climbing/COPE policies and procedures outlined in this manual should be understood and followed by all staff operating Camp Strake COPE Adventure Area facilities. Regardless of their level of training, every COPE Instructor within the site during operational activities is expected to maintain safe conditions at all times and work within their personal capabilities and experience.
• Governing Policies—The most current editions of the Guide to Safe Scouting, National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP), and Belay On are the governing documents for COPE activities within the Scouts BSA program.
• Unit Qualified Instructors and Qualified Supervision—NCAP and Belay On provide awareness and identify requirements for a Unit-based climbing activity regardless of location. Ensure that Qualified Supervision is on-hand to assist Qualified Instructors in the activity.
• Event Staffing/Qualified Instructors—Units, districts, and camp directors are responsible for ensuring that all activities are staffed in compliance with NCAP and Belay On standards:
  • A lead instructor is required and shall be a currently registered Scouter having completed: COPE Level 2 or COPE director
  • At least two additional trained instructors (18 years +) of appropriate training per NCAP requirements must be present to use site.
  • Per NCAP and Belay On, additional qualified instructors are required inside the activity area to maintain a six (6) participant to one (1) Instructor (6:1) ratio at all times.
  • To operate the zip line, a minimum of three qualified instructors are required at all times (two on the sending platform and one on the landing platform).
  • To operate the COPE course, a minimum of three qualified instructors are required at all times.
  • All Instructors are to be approved by the Council Climbing/COPE Committee chair or designee.
  • The lead instructor shall ensure that qualified supervision is also present in proper ratios for the number of participants in the COPE Adventure Area.

4 Procedures

4.1 COPE and Zip-Line Reservations

4.1.1 Weekend Camping (Unit, District, or Council)

During weekend camping seasons, COPE facilities and zip lines are available for unit reservations by the half-day, or full-day through SHAC’s online reservation system.

NOTE: The unit must provide their own Qualified Instructors, as approved by the SHAC Climbing/COPE Committee Chair and trained on Camp Strake facilities (see Event Staffing in the Policies section above), OR the unit must submit a request for staff support to the Council Climbing/COPE Committee at least 3 weeks prior to the event.

4.1.2 Long Term Camps

Reservations for long-term camps (summer camp and winter camp) must be handled through direct communication with the SHAC Support Services team and the Camp Director.

4.2 Unit Activity Check-In

Before starting any activity or visiting the COPE Adventure Area site, the Lead Instructor must check-in with the on-duty Campmaster or Camp Ranger and receive the access keys.

The Campmaster or Camp Ranger shall verify the approved reservation with the Lead Instructor prior to allowing access to the equipment and activity area.

4.3 Equipment Check-Out and Check-in

4.3.1 Check-Out:

• All equipment is stored indoors at the Climbing Pavilion storage room.
• Lead Instructor is responsible for inspecting all equipment that will be used for the activity and the equipment is:
  • In good working order and free of defects or damage per manufacturer’s recommendations
  • Within its documented service life
  • Specific to the activity, (e.g. zip line helmets and harnesses are used only for the zip line, etc.)
• Lead Instructor must record pre-use inspection in appropriate logbook.

4.3.2   Check-In:

• Collect all equipment from the tower area and landing zone and return to the Climbing Pavilion storage room.
• Lead Instructor shall inspect and log any equipment concerns or damage experienced during event and notify the COPE Committee Chair of any deficiencies.
• Fill-in all logbooks (rope, helmet or harness) and inventories with requested information.
• Contact Campmaster or Camp Ranger to confirm the return of all Council equipment and gear in good condition and to return the access keys.

5 General Operating Practices

• Qualified Instructors—All BSA COPE requirements, current Council policy, prior training and personal experience shall govern activities. See Policies>Event Staffing/Qualified Instructors section above.
• First Aid Training—At least one adult at the site during the activity must have current training in CPR/AED and either Basic First Aid or Wilderness First Aid from an accredited organization.
• First Aid Kit—A First Aid Kit shall be present at the equipment storage room of the Climbing Pavilion.
• Site Inspections—Mandatory pre-use and post-use inspections are required at each site and on all equipment to be used. As required, critical maintenance items are documented, reported to the Council Climbing/COPE Committee Chair, and promptly addressed. All mitigation is documented and approved by the Council Climbing/COPE Committee Chair prior to resuming activities. In the event that timely repairs are not feasible, the affected site, element, or component will be designated “Out of Service” and so marked in both the logbook and physically on the site, element, or component. No “Out of Service” item will be returned to service until the mitigation plan has been reviewed, approved, and executed by the Council Climbing/COPE Committee Chair and/or designee.
• Environmental Conditions—Weather and environmental conditions shall be monitored continuously during the activities and appropriate actions, including the termination of the event, shall be taken to keep participants and instructors safe.
• Participant Equipment—Participants may use personal helmets provided the Lead Instructor has inspected the item and they meet the same industry standards as required for BSA equipment as detailed in Belay On.
• Instructor Equipment—Instructors/COPE Staff must wear ANSI-approved helmets and harnesses. During Instructor training, the Lead Instructor can supplement equipment using additional personal climbing/COPE gear provided it meets the exact same industry standards as required for BSA equipment as detailed in Belay On.
• Tether/Belay Practices—Anyone (e.g. participants, instructors, staff, visitors, etc.) located higher than their shoulder-height from the ground and in a fall hazard area (e.g. no handrails, ladder cages, etc.) shall be on a personal safety tether or on an active belay (rope or auto belay device). No one, under any circumstances, shall be functioning in an unsafe manner.
• Safety Orientation—Prior to beginning any activity, the Lead Instructor or designated Qualified Instructor will conduct a safety orientation for all participants. See below.

5.1 Safety Orientation for Participants

Prior to setting up or starting activities, Qualified Instructors will conduct a safety orientation with all participants explaining the following:

• There are inherent risks associated with these activities; safety is for everyone and monitored by all so watch each other and the instructors. Be safe at all times.
• A red zone/drop zone, or activity area, is identified for all: Instructors, Qualified Supervisors, participants, and visitors/observers.
• No one, including an observer, is allowed in a red zone without wearing a properly fitted helmet.
• Review the “challenge by choice” model and note that all Instructors, Qualified Supervision, participants, and visitors/observers are encouraged to provide positive reinforcement and encouragement. At no time may anyone present degrade or insult a participant.
• Review proper fit of helmet and harness to be used.
• If participant needs to use the bathroom, both harness and helmet must be removed and left in the designated area. No harness or helmet is allowed in the bathroom.
• Review any commands (e.g. “Transferring,” “Locked,” “Permission to enter?,” “Landing Clear,” etc.) used in the activity area and instructions for entering, leaving, or moving around the COPE Adventure Area (tower and landing platform).
• “ROCK!” is a general term yelled whenever anything besides a rope is dropped or knocked off from height. Do not look up; make yourself small under your helmet.
• If using the COPE high element course, a full Ground School will be held to instruct the participants in the safe operation of the SmartSnap tether system. All participants must demonstrate how to use the SmartSnap tether system on the demonstration wire located at the base of the tower prior to entering the tower to begin the activity.
• Never leave or place anything on railings or ledges at height as it becomes a DROPS hazard and can fall and injure someone.
• Keep ALL equipment out of the dirt at all times and avoid stepping on rope or other soft goods (webbing, harnesses, etc.).
• If Council-owned equipment or gear needs to be cleaned up after use, the Lead Instructor shall be responsible for assuring everything is cleaned properly and dried as needed prior to return to storage.
• No Council property is to be removed from the Camp Strake Adventure Area.

5.2 High Element COPE Course Operational Practices

The following general operational practices for the self-guided high element COPE course are to be followed in accordance with all NCAP and Belay On practices. All Qualified Instructors and COPE staff will follow all training and applicable safety guidelines to operate a safe program at all times.

• Active Participants—No more than two (2) active participants per level will be on the elements at the same time.
• Pre-Use Inspection—Lead Instructor must follow the most current version of the Self-Guided High Elements Pre-Use Inspection checklist located in the logbook.
• Safety Signs—Ensure that the “authorized personnel” and “CHECK” safety signs are clearly displayed.
• First Aid Kit—A First Aid Kit shall be present at the equipment storage room of the Climbing Pavilion. Inspect the First Aid Kit prior to use.
• Equipment/Gear Inspection—Inspect all the equipment to be used for the day: Petzl JAG rescue bag, SmartSnap double-gated safety carabiners, tethers, harnesses, helmets, etc.
• Ground School—In addition to the instruction on helmet and harness fitting, participant rules, and commands, a full Ground School will be held to instruct the participants in the safe operation of the SmartSnap tether system. All participants must demonstrate how to use the SmartSnap tether system on the demonstration wire located at the base of the tower prior to entering the tower to begin the activity.
• Closing Down— Lead Instructor must follow the most current version of the Self- Guided High Elements Post-Use Inspection checklist located in the logbook.

5.3 Zip Line Operational Practices

The following general operational practices for the Lip Line are to be followed in accordance with all NCAP and Belay On practices. All Qualified Instructors and COPE staff will follow all training and applicable safety guidelines to operate a safe program at all times.

• Active Participants—No more than four (4) active participants will be allowed on the top floor of the tower at one time: two (2) active participants being rigged and two (2) participants waiting inside the gate to be rigged. No unauthorized personnel are allowed in the tower.
• Pre-Use Inspection— Lead Instructor must follow the most current version of the

Zip Line Pre-Use Inspection checklist located in the logbook.

• Safety Signs—Ensure that the “authorized personnel” and “CHECK” safety signs are clearly displayed.
• First Aid Kit—A First Aid Kit shall be present at the equipment storage room of the Climbing Pavilion. Inspect the First Aid Kit prior to use.
• Equipment/Gear Inspection—Inspect all of the equipment to be used for the day: Zip Line rescue bag, tethers, harnesses, helmets, etc.
• Ground School—In addition to the instruction on helmet and harness fitting, participant rules, and commands, a full Ground School will be held to instruct the participants on safe Zip Line riding practices prior to entering the tower to begin the activity.
• Closing Down— Lead Instructor must follow the most current version of the Zip Line Post-Use Inspection checklist located in the logbook.

6 Emergency Procedures, Incident Reporting & Rescues

6.1Emergency Procedures

Emergencies can occur anytime and anywhere. In accordance with Belay On COPE and Climbing training standards, the Camp Strake Adventure Area staff will follow the CALMER method when reacting to an emergency situation.

C—Communicate with the participant. A—Assist the participant. L—Lower the participant. M—Move the participant. E—Evaluate. R—Rehearse.

The Climbing Pavilion will serve as the designated emergency muster point for both the Climbing Wall and Zip Line Take-off/High Element Tower. The Lead Instructor shall direct or perform the rescue with safety in mind, getting the injured party to the ground safely, if possible. The Lead Instructor must consider the Qualified Instructors’ and Qualified Supervisions’ capabilities, their own capabilities, and the available gear when assessing an emergency situation and rescue plan. There is a first aid kit and backboard in the equipment storage room at the Climbing Pavilion.

• If someone is injured and needing medical assistance or emergency rescue services, immediately stop the activity and implement the emergency communications plan calling 911 and notifying the Camp HQ as dictated by the emergency.
• Coordinates to Climbing Pavilion parking area: (95.2591 West Longitude, 30.6220 North Latitude)
• Camp Address: 2020 Camp Strake Road, Coldspring, TX 77331
• Camp Director: Erick Simmons, 713-756-3315.

DIAL 911: We are located at Camp Strake Scout Camp at… 95.2591 West Longitude, 30.6220 North Latitude 2020 Camp Strake Road, Coldspring, TX 77331

• Administer First Aid as determined by on-site trained first aid individuals.
• Have junior staff, with assistance from available adult Scouters, calmly and quickly move all participants and visitors to the designated Muster Point, where a full roster will be verified. No one is allowed to leave the Muster Point until so directed by the Lead Instructor, Camp Director, or their authorized designee.
  • Climbing Wall > Muster Point is the Climbing Pavilion
  • Zip Line Take-off Platform > Muster Point is the Climbing Pavilion
  • Zip Line Landing Platform > Muster Point is the Boat House Pavilion (located on the opposite side of the boat house from the Landing Platform)
  • Self-Guided High COPE Elements > Muster Point is the Climbing Pavilion

6.2 Incident Reporting

Following any incident or emergency, NCAP and Belay On require documentation of the incident:

• As designated by the Lead Instructor, an adult shall have all persons present immediately write down their own independent observations of the event.
• Do not disassemble any equipment associated with the accident.
• A Council representative will document the set up and disassemble gear.
• As directed by a Council representative, fill out the appropriate incident form(s) and follow directions on the incident forms.
• Deliver form(s) to the appropriate Council leadership.
• Log any incident in the logbook denoting which gear was employed at the time.

6.3 Rescue Techniques–Self-Guided High Element COPE Course

The goal of any “rescue” is to allow the participant to recover and continue the activity with the minimal amount of intervention required to allow them to continue. Hence, the order of “rescue” techniques listed below.

Following the CALMER method in Belay On, and in the tradition of Reach, Row, Throw, and Go for establishing the order of rescue procedures, the Camp Strake COPE staff will train and employ the CAMP method for the order of COPE rescues. C—Communicate: Talk the participant through self-rescue methods to continue the activity. EX: Pulling themselves up by their lanyard. A—Assist: Provide some assistance which allows them to continue. EX: Slide an etrier out to them on a carabiner. M—Meet Up: Go out on the line to meet the participant and provide direct help in continuing the activity. EX: Employ the Petzl JAG rescue bag’s mechanical advantage device to raise them up to get back on the course. P—Prepare to Lower the participant is lowered via belay down to the ground. EX: Employ the Petzl JAG rescue bag’s I’D EVAC descender to lower the participant to the ground.

Note that all rescues, or interventions, are not prescriptive in nature. The Qualified Instructor will follow all training and governing safety standards (Belay On and NCAP) to assess a particular situation and effect a rescue.

6.3.1 Self-Rescue

The instructor will simply talk the participant through the necessary steps to safely stand back up on the element and either continue the activity or reverse back to the nearest access gate. Another self-rescue method is to clip the etrier (in Petzl JAG rescue bag) onto the wire with a steel carabiner and the instructor, if able to, simply slides the etrier to the participant so that they can pull themselves up. A variation on this method would be for the instructor to walk out to the participant, sliding the etrier with them, and then provide a more direct communication with the participant.

6.3.2 Lower to Ground

A Petzl JAG rescue bag will be available at all times and located with the Lead Instructor at the highest level of the activity. This bag contains all the necessary equipment for the Lead Instructor to safely unload a participant from their Smart- Snap lanyard and lower them to the ground. Note that the lead instructor on-duty is required to have the Petzl Grillon Personal Positioning System connected on their harness at all times.

Lowering a participant to the ground is achieved by employing the gear in the Petzl JAG rescue bag to first connect the participant to the Petzl I’D EVAC descender (belay line) before using the Petzl JAG mechanical advantage system to remove them from their Smart-Snap personal tether system.

Example rescue technique is as follows:

1. Halt operations.
2. Attempt to talk the participant through a self-rescue or an assisted rescue to get back on the course. See Self-Rescue section above.
3. Connect Lead Instructor’s lanyards and Grilion positioning system to the life line cable before taking the complete Petzl JAG rescue bag out to the participant’s location.
4. Guide the participant through self-rescue techniques employing direct assistance or gear from the Petzl JAG rescue bag (e.g. leveraging up, etrier, etc.).
5. Remove Petzl 4:1 mechanical advantage haul system from bag and connect to belay cable.
6. If required to keep the haul system stationary, attach a prusik to the belay cable and haul system.
7. Ensure that the 11mm x 30m belay rope will be free to deploy when bag is dropped to ground.
8. Connect the belay line carabiner to the participant’s sternum ring connection.
9. Run through C-A-B-S check to ensure a secure system connection: Climber/Connection-Anchor-Belay-Stack.
10. Using white rope of 4:1 mechanical advantage haul system, lift participant up to put slack in the participant’s SmartSnap lanyard. The participant can also self- assist by pulling on the white rope to raise themselves up.
11. Remove participant’s SmartSnap lanyard using the instructor’s key in the Rescue Bag.
12. Clear area below and drop rescue bag.
13. Direct assistant on the ground act as a back-up fireman’s belayer.
14. Position yourself and the participant to a clear lowering position (ensuring that all obstacle elements are clear).
15. Lower the participant to the ground using the I’D EVAC descender.
16. When participant is on ground, assistant removes belay carabiner.
17. Instructor and assistant recover equipment and reset rescue bag.
18. Clear element and return to normal operations.

6.3.3 Extension Ladder/Bucket Truck Rescue (THE LAST RESORT):

If there is a ladder that can extend and reach the high elements, then lean the extension ladder against the cable or other part of the element. This would allow the participant to either clear any obstruction and continue on the element; climb down the ladder while on belay; or a facilitator could climb to the participant to aid in rescue.

If fire truck rescue aid is called, a ladder or the use of a boom-operated bucket are the most likely models of rescue as determined by the responding agency.

6.4 COPE Petzl JAG Rescue Bag Contents

4:1 JAG mechanical advantage haul system (block & tackle) complete with: 2 TRIACT-LOCK triple action auto-locking carabiners Petzl I’D EVAC descender 11mm x 30m AXIS rope Prusik loop with 1 aluminum screw-gate carabiner Webbing etrier with 1 steel triple action auto-locking carabiner 1-SmartSnap instructor key (outside pocket of bag) 25L Red Petzl JAG Rescue Kit bag

Petzl JAG Rescue Bag

6.5 Rescue Techniques—Zip Line

The goal of any “rescue” is to allow the participant to recover and continue the activity or exit the activity with a minimal amount of intervention. Hence, the order of Zip Line “rescue” and retrieval techniques listed below.

Following the CALMER method in Belay On, and in the tradition of Reach, Row, Throw, and Go for establishing the order of rescue procedures, the Camp Strake COPE staff will train and employ the CAMP method for the order of Zip Line rescues. C—Communicate: Talk the participant through self-rescue methods to continue the activity. EX: Firmly seating the capture prongs of the ZIPKEA around their trolley if it didn’t catch and is in reach. A—Assist: Provide some assistance which allows them to continue. EX: Slide the ZIPKEA out to the participant if they are within distance. M—Meet Up: Go out on the line to “meet” the participant to provide direct intervention. EX: Employ the Zip Line rescue bag to get on the cable to travel to the participant and tow them back to the landing deck. P—Prepare to Lower the participant is lowered via belay down to the ground. EX: Employ the Zip Line rescue bag’s Petzl I’D EVAC descender to lower the participant to the landing platform.

The following hierarchy is established for Zip Line operations whereby the participant, for whatever reason, is unable to reach the landing platform. The design features of the Camp Strake Zip Line mitigate the vast majority of opportunities for an incident. The most likely occurrence is that the participant does not have enough body mass to make it to the landing platform.

Note that all rescues, interventions, or retrievals are not prescriptive in nature. The Qualified Instructor will follow all training and governing safety standards (Belay On and NCAP) to assess a particular situation and effect a rescue or retreival. The following are example rescue techniques.

6.5.1 Participant Trolley Did Not Catch ZIPKEA (Within ZIPKEA Reach)

1. Halt operations and clear landing platform.
2. Calmly talk to participant while preparing ZIPKEA to rethrow.
3. If participant is unresponsive, begin emergency procedures: direct assistant to call 911 and have additional assistants standing by to help lower the participant to the ground.
4. Move AutoPrusik Emergency Arrest Device (EAD) towards back of landing platform.
5. Have participant hold T-handle bars.
6. Throw ZIPKEA back to catch trolley.
7. Participant trolley (RED) caught; pull in participant.
8. Follow regular recovery operations with ladder.
9. Reset ZIPKEA.
10. Reset AutoPrusik EAD.
11. Resume Operations.

6.5.2 Participant Trolley Did Not Catch ZIPKEA (Out of ZIPKEA Reach)—Responsive

1. Halt operations and clear platform.
2. Calmly talk to participant while recovering AutoPrusik EAD back to hard stop by pulling on lanyard (white rope).
3. Recover ZIPKEA back to platform.
4. Have an assistant unclip self-retracting lanyard (SRL) from instructor harness and secure to ZIPKEA to hold it back as far as possible.
5. Have assistant help with setting up ladder.
6. Retrieve omni directional GOLD trolley, red prusik loop, and carabiner from Zip Line rescue bag; clip rescue bag to harness.
7. Clip short leg of Y-lanyard to AutoPrusik EAD lanyard eye (white rope).
8. Secure long leg of Y-lanyard to wire, towards participant.
9. Climb ladder and secure GOLD trolley onto wire between Y-lanyard and ZIPKEA.
10. Tie a prusik around wire between GOLD trolley and ZIPKEA and use the carabiner to connect to GOLD trolley.
11. Run through C-A-B-S check to ensure a secure system connection: Climber/Connection-Anchor-Belay-Stack.
12. While grasping prussik, unclip long leg of Y-lanyard from front of GOLD trolley and move between red prusik and ZIPKEA.
13. Unclip short leg of Y-lanyard from Prusik lanyard eye and “Stack Clip” to eye of long leg.
14. Holding one hand on top of GOLD trolley and the other on the prusik, slide to participant.
15. Have assistant clear ladder.
16. After instructing the participant to put their hands down to the side and not to touch the Instructor or the cable, secure the short leg of the Y-lanyard to the primary RED trolley carabiner.
17. Check all connections, have participant put hands back on T-handle bars.
18. Using hand-over-hand method, pull participant back to landing platform.
19. Direct assistant to bring the ladder.
20. With assistant’s help, secure long leg of Y-lanyard to eye of AutoPrusik EAD lanyard.
21. Disconnect prusik carabiner from GOLD trolley and remove trolley from wire, leaving trolley connected to harness.
22. Follow regular recovery/dismount operations with ladder.
23. Remove red prusik from wire and verify wire is clear.
24. Reset AutoPrusik EAD.
25. Reset ZIPKEA.
26. Resume operations.

6.5.3 Participant Trolley Did Not Catch ZIPKEA (Out of ZIPKEA Reach)—Unresponsive

1. Halt operations and clear platform.
2. Direct an adult to call 911 and the Camp Director/Ranger.
3. Recover AutoPrusik EAD back to hard stop by pulling on lanyard (white rope).
4. Recover ZIPKEA back to platform.
5. Have an assistant unclip self-retracting lanyard (SRL) from instructor harness and secure to ZIPKEA to hold it back as far as possible.
6. Have assistant help with setting up ladder.
7. Retrieve omni directional GOLD trolley, red prusik loop, and carabiner from Zip Line rescue bag; clip rescue bag to harness.
8. Clip short leg of Y-lanyard to AutoPrusik EAD lanyard eye (white rope).
9. Secure long leg of Y-lanyard to wire, towards participant.
10. Climb ladder and secure GOLD trolley onto wire between Y-lanyard and ZIPKEA.
11. Tie a prusik around wire between GOLD trolley and ZIPKEA and use the carabiner to connect to GOLD trolley.
12. Run through C-A-B-S check to ensure a secure system connection: Climber/Connection-Anchor-Belay-Stack.
13. While grasping prussik, unclip long leg of Y-lanyard from front of GOLD trolley and move between red prusik and ZIPKEA.
14. Unclip short leg of Y-lanyard from Prusik lanyard eye and “Stack Clip” to eye of long leg.
15. Holding one hand on top of GOLD trolley and the other on the prusik, slide to participant.
16. Have assistant clear ladder.
17. Secure the short leg of the Y-lanyard to the participant’s primary RED trolley carabiner.
18. Check all connections.
19. Using hand-over-hand method, pull participant back to landing platform.
20. Direct assistant to bring the ladder.
21. With assistant’s help, secure long leg of Y-lanyard to eye of AutoPrusik EAD lanyard.
22. If a sufficient number of assistants are available to lower the participant safely to the ground:
    1. Direct the assistants to raise the participant up far enough to unload the RED participant trolley.
    2. Disconnect the backup line carabiner.
    3. Remove the trolley from the line and carefully lay it on the participant.
    4. Direct the assistants to support the head/neck/body of the participant while lowering them to the landing deck.

23. If, and only if, there are not enough available assistants available to raise the participant’s weight off the trolley and lower the participant to the ground:
    1. Remove the Petzl I’D EVAC descender from the Zip Line rescue bag.
    2. Connect the top carabiner to the line between the Instructor’s connections/tether points and the participant.
    3. Connect the carabiner to the waist belt connection of the participant harness.
    4. Loop the rope over the I’D EVAC guide and secure the belay line.
    5. Run through C-A-B-S check to ensure a secure system connection: Climber/Connection-Anchor-Belay-Stack.
    6. With your assistant’s help and using the ladder for leverage, use the I’D EVAC to take as much slack out of the line as possible.
    7. If there is not enough slack to unweight the trolley to remove it from the line, then, and only then, disconnect the backup carabiner from the line and use the scissors from the Zip Line rescue bag to cut the RED trolley line.
    8. Lower the participant to the ground using the I’D EVAC descender while your assistant supports their head and neck.
24. Disconnect prusik carabiner from GOLD trolley and remove trolley from wire, leaving trolley connected to harness.
25. Remove red prusik and all other gear from wire and verify wire is clear.
26. When directed by Camp Director, reset AutoPrusik EAD and ZIPKEA and resume operations.

6.6 Zip Line Rescue Bag Contents

• Petzl I’D Evac System w/10mm x 5m black rope
• Orange prusik cord w/aluminum screw gate carabiner
• Gold Petzl TrackPlus bi-directional trolley
• EMT shears

Appendix A: High Elements COPE Pre Use Inspection Checklist
Area	Description	Mitigation
Tower Ground Level	Walk grounds outside of the area barricade and verify that no debris (tree limbs, etc.) is present that would create a hazard to the participants, including the sidewalk.	Remove as required
	Walk grounds inside of the area barricade and verify that no debris (tree limbs, etc.) are on the ground surrounding the area or on any of the guy wires or activity lines.	Remove as required
	Verify that the supporting guy lines are taut and all hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Do Not Conduct Activity Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
Take-Off Tower	Instructor must be tethered to a lifeline when outside of gates at any time.
	Ensure stairs and stair landings are swept of debris.	Remove as required
	Verify activity gates and latches are functioning and that they are latched closed	Note any issues with gates in logbook
	Ensure porches are swept of debris.	Remove as required
	Verify that activity wires are taut and the hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify elements and their associated components (rope lines, wood rails, etc.) are in good condition without potential participant hazards.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify that lifeline wire has no visible anomalies and SmartSnap keys are intact.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify that all lifeline hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify that all supporting guy line hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify Petzl JAG Rescue Bag is on activity level with lead instructor	Inspect contents prior to use.
Appendix B: High Elements COPE Post Use Inspection Checklist
Tower Ground Level	Walk grounds outside of the area barricade and verify that no equipment was left out. Inspect any equipment found and return to storage location.	Place in proper storage location. Note any condition issues in logbook
	Walk grounds inside of the area barricade and verify that no equipment was left out. Inspect any equipment found and return to storage location.	Place in proper storage location. Note any condition issues in logbook
	Verify that the supporting guy lines are taut and all hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Note condition in logbook. Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
Element Access Levels	Instructor must be tethered to a lifeline when outside of gates at any time.
	Verify activity gates and latches are functioning and that they are latched CLOSED.	Note any issues with gates in logbook
	Verify activity lines are taut and hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Note condition in logbook. Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify elements and their associated components (rope lines, wood rails, etc.) are in good condition without potential participant hazards.	Note condition in logbook. Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify that lifeline wire has no visible anomalies and SmartSnap keys are intact.	Note condition in logbook. Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify that all lifeline hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Note condition in logbook. Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify that all supporting guy line hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Note condition in logbook. Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify contents of Petzl JAG Rescue Bag and return to indoor secured storage room.	Inspect contents prior to storage. Note any issues in logbook,  Notify Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Ensure no equipment was left on any level, any element, or surrounding area.
	Ensure that tower door is locked.
Appendix C: Zip Line Pre Use Inspection Checklist
Tower Ground Level	Walk grounds outside of the area barricade and verify that no debris (tree limbs, etc.) is present that would create a hazard to the participants, including the sidewalk.	Remove as required
	Walk grounds inside of the area barricade and verify that no debris (tree limbs, etc.) are on the ground surrounding the Zip Line Tower or on any of the guy wires or Zip Lines.	Remove as required
	Verify that the tower guy lines are taut and all hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
Take-Off Tower	Instructor must be tethered to a lifeline when outside of gates at any time.
	Ensure stairs and stair landings are swept of debris.	Remove as required
	Verify activity gates and latches are functioning and that they are latched closed.	Note any issues with gates in logbook
	Ensure Zip Line take-off porch is swept of debris.	Remove as required
	Verify that Zip Line wires are taut and the hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify that all tower guy line hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify that all lifeline hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Install two participant tethers to the lifeline, one at each gate.	Inspect prior to use
Landing Platform	Walk grounds around landing platform and verify that no debris (tree limbs, etc.) are in the surrounding area that would create hazard(s) for the participants or staff.	Remove as required
	Ensure stairs and landing platform are swept of debris.	Remove as required
	Verify that Zip Line ground guy lines are taut and the hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Instructor must be connected to SRL or tethered to zip line when inspecting ZIP-KEA, AUTO-PRUSIK EAD, and zip line hardware using the ladder.
	Verify recovery ladder is fully functional and in good working order.	Note any issues in logbook. If ladder deemed unusable, tag “Out of Service” and request to borrow 6ft step ladder from Camp Ranger. Notify Climbing Director on issue with ladder.
Area Description	Verify that the Instructor SRL lifeline hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Install Instructor SRL to lifeline with steel auto-locking carabiner and verify operation of SRL.	Inspect prior to use
	Verify that Zip Line wire hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Open ZIPKEA Dynamic Arrestor and perform inspection and verify operation of rollers and double-prong capture mechanism per RopeWorks and ZIPKEA instructions.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify condition of ZIPKEA reset rope, including the bowline knot.	Note any issues in logbook. If r
	Perform “glide test” and “pull test” verification of ZIPKEA operation per RopeWorks and ZIPKEA instructions.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify condition and operation of Auto-Prusik Emergency Arrest Device lanyard and cam device on Zip Line wire. Move Auto-Prusik EAD on wire to ensure movement.	Do Not Conduct Activity ​Call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Position ZIPKEA to primary recovery (“reset”) position by throwing out on the Zip Line wire, ensuring correct orientation and reset rope has not twisted around wire.
	Position Auto-Prusik EAD to secondary recovery position forward of the Zip Line end termination wire clamp.
Appendix D: Zip Line Post Use Inspection Checklist
Tower Ground Level	Walk grounds outside of the area barricade and verify that no equipment was left out. Inspect any equipment found and return to storage location.	Place in proper storage location. Note any condition issues in logbook
	Walk grounds inside of the area barricade and verify that no equipment was left out. Inspect any equipment found and return to storage location.	Place in proper storage location. Note any condition issues in logbook
	Verify that the tower guy lines are taut and all hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Note condition in logbook and call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
Take-Off Tower	Instructor must be tethered to a lifeline when outside of gates at any time.
	Verify activity gates and latches are functioning and that they are latched CLOSED.	Note any issues with gates in logbook
	Verify that Zip Line wires are taut and the hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Note condition in logbook and call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify that all tower guy line hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Note condition in logbook and call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify that all lifeline hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Note condition in logbook and call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Ensure that tower door is locked.
Landing Platform	Walk grounds around landing platform to verify that no debris or equipment was left out and not placed in its proper location.	Remove as required
	Verify that Zip Line ground guy lines are taut and the hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Note condition in logbook and call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Instructor must be connected to SRL or tethered to zip line when inspecting ZIP-KEA, AUTO-PRUSIK EAD, and zip line hardware using the ladder.
	Place recovery ladder in its applicable storage location: short term-landing platform secured with provided locking mechanism or long term-equipment storage room.	Note any issues in logbook. Notify Climbing Director on any ladder issues.
	Verify that the Instructor SRL lifeline hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Note condition in logbook and call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Remove Instructor SRL from lifeline and return to indoor secured storage location.	Inspect prior to use
Area Description	Verify that Zip Line wire hardware (nuts, bolts, clamps, etc.) is properly made-up.	Note condition in logbook and call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Open ZIPKEA Dynamic Arrestor and perform inspection and verify operation of rollers and double-prong capture mechanism per RopeWorks and ZIPKEA instructions.	Note condition in logbook and call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Verify condition of ZIPKEA reset rope, including the bowline knot.	Note condition in logbook and call Climbing Director & Camp Ranger
	Recover Auto-Prusik EAD back to Zip Line end termination wire clamp.
	Recover ZIPKEA back to Auto-Prusik EAD.
	Ensure no equipment is left on landing platform or surrounding area and close gate.

Resources:

⇒​ Guide to Safe Scouting: Climbing and Rappelling
⇒​ BSA Climbing Resources
⇒​ Belay On Manual 
⇒​ Climb On Safely 
⇒​ Climbing Merit Badge
⇒​ SHAC Climbing Website 
⇒​ SHAC Climbing Training
⇒​ SHAC Climbing Committee Contacts
⇒​ Camp Strake Climbing Tower/COPE Reservations

Camp Strake Nature and Conservation Programs

Conservation Website: shacbsa.org/conservation Camp Strake Nature Guide: shacbsa.org/camp-strake-nature-guide Conservation Committee Contacts: shacbsa.org/conservation-contacts

Scope: This document contains instructions for implementing Outdoor Ethics principles at Camp Strake. Outdoor ethics is the Scout's guide to making recreational choices that reduce impact to the land and preserve outdoor experiences for others. Scouting’s statement of outdoor ethics is the Outdoor Code. The Outdoor Code is augmented by the Land Ethic, supported by principles and ethical decision-making skills of the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace, and supplemented by the principles and skills of Tread Lightly!

Policies: The Scouts BSA has adopted the principles of Leave No Trace, which are easy to learn and apply. All activities at Camp Strake should be conducted with Leave No Trace in mind. As members of the ScoutsBSA, we should be good stewards of our environment through< knowledgeable use of resources. We all must take responsibility for our decisions when we use Camp Strake, and we should treat the environment with respect so that future generations of Scouts can enjoy the camp as we do today. All campers are expected to practice the Leave No Trace principles in everyday use of the camp.

Procedures: Understanding and adhering to the principles of Leave no Trace will help all campers effectively implement our Outdoor Ethics program.

Plan ahead and Prepare - Adequate trip planning and preparation helps campers accomplish trip goals safely and enjoyably, while simultaneously minimizing damage to the camp. Poor planning often results in miserable campers and damage to natural resources. Rangers often tell stories of campers they have encountered who, because of poor planning and unexpected conditions, degrade camp resources and put themselves at risk. All Scouts BSA units using Camp Strake facilities should have written plans in place before they come to camp.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces -The goal of travel in the outdoors is to move through natural areas while avoiding damage to the land. Understanding how travel causes impacts is necessary to accomplish this goal. Travel damage occurs when surface vegetation or communities of organisms are trampled beyond recovery. The resulting barren area leads to soil erosion and the development of undesirable trails. Backcountry travel may involve travel over both trails and off-trail areas. All campers should travel on established roads, paths, and trails. Do not create new paths by cutting cross country. Camp only in designated campsites

Dispose of Waste Properly - “Pack it in, Pack it out” is a familiar mantra to seasoned campers. Scouts have a responsibility to clean up before they leave. Inspect your campsite and any other areas you use for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash and garbage. There are trash dumpsters located at the entrance to Camp Strake and at the Maintenance building where trash can be deposited. Do not use the dumpster at the dining hall.

Leave what you find - Leave areas as you find them. Do not dig trenches for tents or construct lean-tos, tables, chairs or other rudimentary improvements. If you clear an area of surface rocks, twigs or pine cones replace these items before leaving. For high-impact sites like campsites, it is appropriate to clean up the site and dismantle inappropriate user-built facilities, such as constructed seats or tables. Consider the idea that good campsites are found and not made. Do not dismantle or move any permanent items in campsites such as the fire ring, flag poles, or bulletin boards.

Minimize Campfire Impacts - The use of campfires, once a necessity for cooking and warmth, is steeped in history and tradition. Campfire building is an important skill for every camper. Yet, the natural appearance of many areas has been degraded by the overuse of fires and an increasing demand for firewood. For cooking, use lightweight gas camp stoves (no liquid fuels) for cooking. Stoves have become essential equipment for minimum-impact camping. They are fast, flexible and eliminate firewood availability as a concern in campsite selection. Stoves operate in almost any weather condition—and they Leave No Trace

All campfires at Camp Strake must be contained within an existing fire ring. Keep the fire small and burning only for the time you are using it. Allow wood to burn completely to ash. Put out fires with water, not dirt. Dirt may not completely extinguish the fire. Do not leave any fire unattended.

Respect Wildlife - Learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look.” Observe wildlife from a distance so they are not scared or forced to flee. Large groups often cause more damage to the environment and can disturb wildlife so keep your group small. If you have a larger group, divide into smaller groups if possible to minimize your impacts.

Quick movements and loud noises are stressful to animals. Travel quietly and do not pursue, feed or force animals to flee. In hot or cold weather, disturbance can affect an animal’s ability to withstand the rigorous environment. Do not touch, get close to, feed or pick up wild animals. It is stressful to the animal, and it is possible that the animal may harbor rabies or other diseases.

Sick or wounded animals can bite, peck or scratch and send you to the hospital. Young animals removed or touched by well-meaning people may cause the animals parents to abandon them. If you find sick animals or animals in trouble you should notify a camp Ranger.

Store all food and garbage in your campsite such that animals cannot get into them.

Be Considerate of other visitors - One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to maintain courtesy toward other campers. Excessive noise and damaged surroundings take away from the natural appeal of the outdoors.

Technology continues to shape the outdoor experience. Personal preferences range from high-tech outdoor travelers, who might want to listen to music and collect images on their devices, to an anti-tech perspective that favors a minimal use of gadgets. Camp Strake does not have a universal policy regarding personal electronic devices. That decision is left to each unit. However, in your decision making please consider how your experience is affecting the way someone else enjoys the outdoors.

The general assumption on a narrow trail is that hikers headed downhill will step aside to allow an uphill foot traveler to easily pass. In many places, there’s an expectation that hikers will yield and that bicyclists will yield to hikers on trails. Stay in control when mountain biking. Before passing others, politely announce your presence and proceed with caution.

References:

⇒​ Outdoor Code
⇒​ Leave No Trace
⇒​ Tread Lightly
⇒​ SHAC Conservation Website
⇒​ Camp Strake Nature Guide
⇒​ Conservation Committee Contacts

Orienteering Course

Orienteering Basics: The sport of orienteering began in the late 19th century in Scandinavia. In its classic form, orienteers (competitors) are given a topographic map with a series of controls marked on it. They find these controls in order and return to the starting point; the orienteer with the best time wins. 

Scope: Following are instructions for the orienteering courses currently established at Camp Strake. Operation of these courses supports the conduct of the Orienteering Merit Badge and rank advancement requirements. From time to time, it may also support troop program activities as well as council-supported orienteering events.

Policies: Orienteering is normally an individual competitive event. It is essentially a cross-country race using a map and compass to find specified waypoints. However, in order to comply with BSA safety requirements, any orienteering activity at Camp Strake must use the buddy system. Participants will be advised not to cross any fences on the camp property. The northern boundary of the orienteering courses is the range road. There are no orienteering control points located north of this road.

Procedures: The present full course is over a mile in length (straight-line distances) and thus meets the First Class rank orienteering requirement. Clearly, it is not possible to travel in straight lines between points because of the terrain and vegetation. That will challenge even the more experienced orienteering participants. The objective of the course is to use the orienteering map provided to find and identify correctly all of the control points in the order laid out for the course. The following table contains the key for the order of the points in the course.

Sequence	Latitude	Longitude	Comments
Start	30.617822 N	95.254781 W	STEM Building
1	30.615464 N	95.253134 W	Future Chapel Site
2	30.617731 N	95.251278 W	North of Campsite #1
3	30.622100 N	95.251081 W	Trail NW of Training Ctr
4	30.623303 N	95.255112 W	West of Lake Spillway
5	30.625055 N	95.254448 W	Road from Archery to Lake
6	30.625747 N	95.260593 W	South of ATV building
7	30.622606 N	95.257953 W	NW of climbing tower
8	30.619964 N	95.257466 W	West side of silt pond
9	30.617326 N	95.258206 W	Road west of Campsite #17
Finish	30.618887 N	95.254777 W	West of Grand Pavilion

The overall layout of the points is shown in the picture below. This is provided primarily for use by the leaders supervising the orienteering activity. It can be used in debriefs following the activity to help participants find any points they had difficulty with during the course. Yellow points are orienteering course control points.

Participants should know their pace counts. A football field makes a good known distance. There is a known distance marked on the Camp Strake activity field near the course start point. Most scouts have a count between 110 and 120 paces per 100 yards. The participants should use the orienteering map along with a compass to find the control points in order.

Distances can be estimated using the scale on the map.

• When the participants reach control points, they should record the point name in the table on the back of the orienteering map sheet in the box corresponding to the control point number. Or use the hole punch at the control point to punch a pin pattern on their course card. Those in charge of running the course can check the completeness and accuracy of the card once participants complete the course.
• To run an event, provide buddy pairs (never do Scout events solo) with a map and compass. Sequence buddy pairs so that they start every 30-60 seconds apart. Record their start time.
• Orienteering is a timed event; thus, the winner is the buddy team with the fastest time while also getting all of the control point names correct.
• Cards with incorrect names or hole punches will result in the buddy pair being disqualified for competition purposes. Being disqualified does not prevent scouts from meeting the rank advancement requirement nor any of the applicable Orienteering Merit Badge requirements.
• Organizers should recognize the top finishers with an appropriate reward.

References:

• Orienteering Merit Badge
• Orienteering Troop Meeting Plans and Ideas
• Orienteering Information

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Geocaching

Geocaching is a sport that combines land navigation using maps and GPS receivers with problem-solving and competition. In geocaching, participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook where the geocacher enters the date they found it and signs it with their established code name. Often, there are tiny trade items you can take away as souvenirs.

Geocaching is often described as a “game of high-tech hide and seek.” It’s a fun way to spend a day or a weekend and to practice important Scouting skills.

Scope: Following are instructions for the geocaching course currently established at Camp Strake. Operation of this course supports the conduct of the Geocaching Merit Badge and rank advancement requirements (use of a GPS). From time to time, it may also support troop program activities as well as council-supported events.

Policies: Geocaching is normally an individual activity. It is essentially a cross-country treasure hunt find specified caches. However, in order to comply with BSA safety requirements, any geocaching activity at Camp Strake must use the buddy system.  Participants will be advised not to cross any fences on the camp property. The northern boundary of the orienteering courses is the range road. There are no geocaches located north of this road.

Procedures: The present set of geocaches comprises a course is over a mile in length (straight-line distances) if the participant chooses to find the caches in the order listed. Clearly, it is not possible to travel in straight lines between points because of the terrain and vegetation. The objective of the course is to use a GPS receiver (handheld receiver or cell phone app) along with a map to find the caches. Caches may be located in the order listed, or individually depending on the time available. If you choose to use the caches as a course, you will find clues to find the next cache in the sequence in the current cache. So, it is possible to complete the course by providing only the location of the first cache in the sequence. The following table contains the key for the order of the points in the course, if you choose to do so.

Cache #	Latitude	Longitude	Cache Name	Location
1	30.617609 N	95.253761 W	Science Guy	STEM Building
2	30.615467 N	95.253695 W	Reverence and Reflection	Future Chapel
3	30.617187 N	95.247325 W	Welcome Mat	Entrance Building
4	30.619995 N	95.251963 W	Sunshine Bridge	Bridge west of Training Building
5	30.621333 N	95.253581 W	Showtime	Arena
6	30.622512 N	95.251482 W	Little Dutch Boy	Dam
7	30.625229 N	95.254942 W	William Tell	Archery Range
8	30.622671 N	95.257429 W	Stairway to Heaven	Climbing Tower
9	30.621508 N	95.263697 W	The Heights	Mt. Franklin
10	30.620071 N	95.255895 W	Pirates Cove	Boathouse

References:

• Geocaching Merit Badge
• Geochaching Troop Meeting Plans and Ideas
• Geocaching Information

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Disc Golf 

Disc golf is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target; it is played using rules similar to golf. There is a 9 hole course at Camp Strake. Players complete a hole by throwing a disc from a tee pad or area toward a target, known as a basket, throwing again from where the previous throw landed until the basket is reached. The number of throws a player uses to reach each basket is tallied; players seek to complete each hole in the lowest number of total throws.

 

 

References:

• Disc Golf in Support of Scouting

Camp Strake Shooting Sports Policy and Procedure Manual

BSA Shooting Sports Manual SHAC Shooting Sports Committee: www.shacbsa.org/shooting-sports/#committee Archery: www.shacbsa.org/shooting-sports/#archery Shooting Sports: www.shacbsa.org/shooting-sports/#shooting Resources: www.shacbsa.org/shooting-sports/#resources Contacts: www.shacbsa.org/shooting-sports/#contacts Shooting Sports Training Reserve a Range

Scope: All operations will be conducted in accordance with Sam Houston Area Council procedures listed in this section along with the rules and guidelines required by the Boy Scouts of America and procedures recommended by the National Rifle Association (NRA). References for this manual were developed from the BSA National Shooting Sports Manual and NRA Range Operations Manuals These procedures have been approved by the Sam Houston Area Council Camping Committee.

The Sam Houston Area Council has chosen to restrict some shooting range activities that are allowed by the NRA and National Council of the BSA.

Organizational Chart

Policy - General:

• All programs must be conducted in accordance within the rules set out in the Guide to Safe Scouting, the BSA National Shooting Sports Manual, and the Shooting Sports Section V of Camp Program and Property Management.
• Prior to admittance to the range, Scout groups must have at least a one-hour safety class conducted by a certified instructor (BSA National Camp School Certified or NRA Certified) and pass a safety exam given by the instructor (80% minimum score). (Rules of Safe Gun Handling, Rules of Safe Shooting, Range Safety Briefing & Firearms Operations)
• A range safety briefing must be given to the entire group while in the waiting area (spectator area) of the range, just prior to use.
• All range rules will be obeyed and enforced. Anyone not observing the range rules or the directions of the certified instructor or RSO will be removed from the range area.
• All firearms to be used must be inspected by the instructor in charge for proper type, operation and condition prior to use. Only firearms belonging to the Sam Houston Area Council are allowed on council ranges.
• All ammunition to be used must be inspected by the instructor in charge for proper type and condition prior to use. Only ammunition(s) furnished by the Sam Houston Area Council are allowed on council ranges.
• The Sam Houston Area Council does not allow any type of reloading equipment on council property.
• A certified instructor must be present at all times when the shooting range is occupied. (The instructor may be replaced for short periods by an NRA Certified Range Safety Officer.)
• All firearms and ammunition must be secured (lock and key) before the instructor can be allowed to leave the range area (except as in #7).
• When storing firearms and ammunition they must be stored separately and under separate lock and key.
• No pets are allowed on the range complex.
• Changes to any part of this manual must be made in writing and approved by the Sam Houston Area Council  director of program services or the Health, Safety and Risk Management Committee. Depending on the circumstances related to health or safety, the camp director and shooting sports staff may be more restrictive than outlined in this manual.

Qualifications of Shooting Sports Staff NRA Certified Instructor

• Twenty-one years of age or older. Current NRA instructor rating in the specific shooting sports program for which supervision and instruction is required.
• The BSA National Camping School shooting sports director can be the NRA instructor.

NRA Assistant Instructor

• Eighteen years of age or older and holds current NRA assistant instructor’s certificate in the appropriate discipline

NRA Apprentice Instructor

• Fourteen years of age or older and holds current NRA apprentice instructor’s certificate in the appropriate discipline

NRA/BSA CO-OP Muzzleloading (ILT-M-C)

• Required to be certified and accredited as either NRA Muzzleloading Instructors or NRA COOP Muzzleloading Instructors (BSA Rifle Only).

NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO)

• Twenty-one years of age or older and holds current NRA range safety officer credentials

NRA Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO)

• Twenty-one years of age or older and holds current NRA chief range safety officer credentials

USA Archery Level 1 Instructor (USAA L1)

• Fifteen years of age or older and holds current USA Archery Level 1 or higher instructor’s certificate

Note: To be considered current, any credentials must be currently paid and registered with NRA or USA Archery, with an expiration date that extends beyond the event to be attended.

Camp Strake Shooting Sports Facilities

• Rifle Range
• Shotgun Range
• Archery Range
• Sporting Arrows Range
• 3-D Archery Range
• Cowboy Action Shooting

Reservations for Shooting Sports Facilities

• Call the camp office at 1-877-272-2267 and schedule the range in advance. Depending on usage, this may need to be done up to six months in advance.
• Include the certified instructor's credentials in the request along with the approximate number of participants and type of activity (shotgun, rifle, or both).
• Make sure the range fees are paid to the council at least two weeks prior to your use.
• Check in at main office when you are ready to be issued the equipment. (The certified instructor must be present.)
• The camp ranger or his representative will check out the firearms, ammunition and targets to the certified instructor recording the number, type, mfg., serial # and condition. (The shooting group is responsible for any damage or loss to the camp equipment.)
• The firearms will be checked in clean after the range is closed for the day. Any suggested maintenance or repairs would be noted at that time.
• If a second day is scheduled, go to Step 5.
• Review current fees as provided by the camp office.

Safety Procedures

Significant Event Procedure: If any of the following situations occur, the following procedure MUST be followed to protect you, the persons involved and ensure the best interests of the Sam Houston Area Council. In case of any of the following cease range operations until the situation is controlled, resolved, and a return to operations is authorized by the Camp Director and RSO:

• Accident or Illness at/on any shooting sports facility
• Fire in camp (other than in an authorized fire ring)
• Lost person in camp.
• Severe weather
• Unauthorized visitors

Upon becoming aware of any unsafe condition, shooting sports staff should notify the RSO, and if it’s an immediate threat, call a cease-fire to range operations.

• Notify the camp director and camp ranger of any situations that impact the safe operations of shooting sports facilities. If the situation requires medical attention, also notify the camp health officer.

• Gather facts and write them down using the Injury Report Form (Appendix ??)
• Brief the camp director or ranger on duty as soon as they arrive on the scene.

Emergency Response Procedure

• Stop all range activity if the injury or illness is near the firing line or downrange. Ensure that all firearms are unloaded and made safe. Secure all ammunition. Keep all the witnesses at the scene.
• If there has been an injury involving a firearm or any other situation that will involve conducting an investigation, secure the area and leave the items involved as they are. Only move evidence to treat injuries.
• Notify the Camp Health Officer by phone or radio. If the Camp Health Officer cannot be reached, call EMS directly by phone.
• For Camp Strake, the contact information for EMS is
  • Coldspring Volunteer Fire Department
  • Phone: (936) 653-2302 For Emergencies dial 911
• Provide the following information:
  • Address: 2020 Camp Strake Road, Coldspring, TX
  • Location: Shooting Sports Area. Coordinates (95.2553 W Longitude, 30.6258 N Latitude). This is north of the camp lake.
  • If possible, arrange to have camp staff meet EMS personnel at the camp entrance and escort them to the injured person.
  • Telephone number that you are calling from:
  • Your name:
  • What happened and possible hazards for rescuers:
  • Number of people injured or ill:
  • Condition of injured or ill:
  • First aid provided:
• Wait for EMS to hang up first. Return to the injured and continue care until EMS arrives.
• Have someone currently certified in American Red Cross (ARC) Standard First Aid and CPR evaluate the situation for hazards, protect the injured, and provide first aid until relieved by more qualified personnel;
  • Identify yourself to the injured person if possible.
  • Inform injured of training (American Red Cross Standard First Aid & CPR).
  • Inform the injured person of the first aid you can offer.
  • Receive verbal permission from the injured (if adult), or parent/guardian (if child) prior to giving care.
  • Refrain from giving care to a conscious injured person who objects.
  • Assume implied permission if the injured person is unconscious or unable to respond.
  • Assume implied permission if the injured person is a child with a serious injury and a parent or guardian is not present.
• Do not move the injured person. Only do so if that location is unsafe to remain in.
• Check the injured person for life threatening conditions before providing care. Provide care only within level of training.
• Do not dispense any medications.
• EMS staff will normally make the assessment of whether to request a aeromedical evacuation of any injured staff or campers. The procedure for air transport of injured staff or campers is outlined in the Camp Strake Health Policy and Procedure Manual. Included in that manual are the locations and coordinates of available landing zones for air ambulance helicopters.

Reporting/Collecting Information

The camp director or camp ranger will supervise the situation and ensure fulfillment of emergency procedures by:

• Recording names of witnesses
• Collecting written statements from witnesses.
• Providing EMS with treatment release forms, medical history information (maintained staff and campers), and next of kin information for the injured.
• Notifying next of kin once EMS has examined the injured and prepared for transportation to a medical facility.
• Completing and filing incident report using the Incident Reporting Tool (Appendix 3)
• Notifying insurance company (personnel and/or organization as appropriate).
• Evaluating emergency plan for possible revisions.
• Following up with physician for recommendations and release prior to allowing ill or injured to participate in camp activities upon return to camp.

Records of any shooting sports range incidents will be kept on file permanently in the camp office located in the main administration building.

Rifle and Shotgun Range Operations

General

Live firing conducted at the Shooting Sports Range Complex is designed to provide authorized personnel access to a facility where they can become proficient in the knowledge, skills, and attitude required to earn the BSA shooting sports merit badges.

Live-fire shooting is normally limited to the following ranges and equipment:

• Rifle Range ; 22 caliber rimfire bolt action single shot rifles, muzzle loading percussion cap ignition, less than 60 caliber. (No tracer or armor-piercing ammunition.)
• Shotgun Range; (Up to #7 shot; no slugs.) 12 or 20 gauge only
• Special arms and ammunition for demonstration purposes are not to be brought to camp. They are not part of the BSA program.

Range Limitations and Safety Requirements

Live-fire shooters will:

• Fire only on scheduled ranges and have a Range Safety Officer (RSO) present.
• Only use authorized firearms and ammunition provided by the camp.
• Only use targets provided by the camp.
• Ensure all projectiles impact within the established range safety limits.
• Ensure red flags are raised on both poles at the range during live fire.
• Anyone may call "Cease fire" and make all firearms safe when a shooter moves forward of the firing line or during any unsafe condition.
• Anyone may call "Cease fire" if a firing line becomes staggered (one shooter forward of another) anywhere on the range complex.
• Use appropriate ear and eye protection.
• Notify the RSO or Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO) of any safety infractions.
• Pick up all brass, paper, and other debris that accumulates on the range. Dispose of them in the containers provided.

Authorized Firearms and Ammunition

• Only equipment owned by the Sam Houston Area Council may be used on Council property. Certain exceptions may be granted by the Council Shooting Sports Committee to support high adventure shooting programs where the equipment is not owned by the council already. See the council Policy on use of Council Properties document for more details.
• Only ammunition and targets furnished by the Sam Houston Area Council may be used at the rifle, shotgun or archery range.
• Sam Houston Area Council does not allow any reloading equipment on council property, no reloaded ammunition may be used at any time.

Authorized Personnel

The following persons are allowed to use Camp Strake Shooting Ranges:

• Current members of the Boy Scouts of America.
• Invited guests of the above, provided the authorized person is present and assumes full responsibility for the conduct of his or her guest(s).
• Personnel approved by the Boy Scouts of America, Sam Houston Area Council, or Camp Director on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

Camp Director/Camp Ranger

• Maintain the range facility.
• Ensure the CRSO receives range schedule by 3:30 p.m. daily for weekdays and 3:30p.m. Fridays for weekends.
• Schedules should include Troop number, adult leader names, and any special instructions.

Chief Range Safety Officer –

• Conduct CRSO and RSO training as needed using the NRA Range Safety Officer Training Program.
• Coordinate RSO activity at multiple ranges

Range Safety Officer

• Report for duty one hour prior to the first scheduled live fire for the day.
• Present a copy of your current NRA certification card.
• Ensure each Instructor understands and can execute live-fire procedures. (Live fire must be conducted in accordance with this chapter.)
• Ensure that no one goes downrange without permission. Before anyone is allowed to go downrange, all firearms must be unloaded, with the action open, and all shooters must step clear of the shooting bench. No one is allowed to work on or otherwise operate any firearm while persons are downrange.
• Check to see that each Instructor is certified and is current in the discipline required and has been approved by the Sam Houston Area Council. Ensure that names of all approved RSOs are listed in the CRSO's binder.
• Have the RSO sign out one radio, appropriate keys, required range flags, SOP binder, first aid kit and other equipment at the direction of the Director of Administrative Services.
• Inspect the range after a cease fire.
• Assist the Director of Administrative Services in conducting the NRA Range Safety Officer Training Program when requested.
• All Camp Strake RSOs are required to be current NRA certified Range Safety Officers or current National Camp School Shooting Sports Directors
• Check in with the Director of Administrative Services or his designated representative one hour prior to scheduled live fire. Live fire cannot occur unless it has been scheduled by the Director of Administrative Services.
• Obtain the following: radio, first-aid kit, health forms, range binder, flags, Health Forms and any additional equipment requested by the Director of Administrative Services along with any special instructions.
• Test radio to ensure it works and is on the correct channel.
• Conduct range inspection using the checklist, Rifle Range Appendix (l), or Shotgun Range Appendix (2).
• Conduct range safety briefing using Chapter 3.
• Conduct live fire following the guidelines of this SOP. Failure of shooters to abide by the procedures listed in section 6-d will result in immediate removal from the range and possible suspension of future shooting privileges. Report all incidents to the Director of Administrative Services and CRSO.
• During live fire, all vehicles need to be in the parking lot
• Red flags must be flown during any range live fire. Flags are not to be raised during periods that the range is not allowing live fire
• Notify the Director of Administrative Services when live fire has finished.
• Sign in on the inventory sheet with NRA number and Expiration Date.
• Turn in all gear to the Camp Ranger, tally all ammunition used, and sign the inventory sheet.

Shooting Range Instructor

• Report for duty one hour prior to the first scheduled live fire for the day.
• Present a copy of your current NRA certification card.
• Ensure each Instructor understands and can execute live-fire procedures. (Live fire must be conducted in accordance with this chapter.)
• Ensure that no one goes downrange without permission from the RSO. Before anyone is allowed to go downrange, all firearms must be unloaded, with the action open, and all shooters must step clear of the shooting bench. No one is allowed to work on or otherwise operate any firearm while persons are downrange.
• Sign in on the daily log sheet with NRA number and Expiration Date.

Shooting Participants:

• All shooters must check in with the designated RSO on the scheduled range.
• All shooters must have a medical form on file at the range or Health Services office in camp.
• Shooters will conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times and will be responsible for the conduct of any guests they bring.
• No personal firearms, ammunition or targets are allowed on property owned or operated by the Sam Houston Area Council BSA.
• All shooters are responsible for their actions while participating in shooting sports.
• Firearms that are out of the gun case and not being fired must be made safe by having the actions open and unloaded, chambers empty, muzzles pointing in a safe direction
• Only load firearms on the firing line after the RSO has given the command to load.
• Do not point firearms at anything other than authorized targets.
• Only fire at your target.
• Anyone may give the command "Cease firing" if an unsafe condition exists.
• Follow all instructions from the RSO.
• Assist in policing the area of brass and any other debris.

Hours of Operation and Scheduling: The Director of Administrative Services schedules all events and times.

Alcoholic Beverages and Drugs: Shooters may not consume alcoholic beverages or drugs (including prescription and over-the-counter medications) before or during live firing. The CRSO or RSO will deny range access to anyone in violation.

Medical Support: In the event of a medical emergency, call EMS and notify the Camp Director of Administrative and follow the Camp Strake Health Policy and Procedure Manual.

Firing Line Commands

State and explain standard range commands that will be used for specific shooting events.

• As you were - means to disregard the command just given.
• Carry on - means to proceed with what was being done before an interruption.
• Enter the range – After requesting permission, shooters my enter the range and stand behind the shooting position they will be using. All personal gear and equipment should be left in the spectator area.
• Move to a firing position - authorizes shooters to approach the firing line sit down and adjust their chair or bench and sand bags. Do not touch the rifle or ammunition until told to do so.
• Load and Make Ready- means shooters are given permission to load authorized number of rounds and prepare for the shooting event.
• Is the line ready? - allows a shooter with problems to raise an arm and call not ready.
• The line is ready - means all shooters are ready to begin. Ready on the right; Ready on the left ; Ready on the firing line is the sequence of commands that gives shooters their last chance to signal Not ready.
• The line is hot - you may fire when ready, means shooters may pick up the firearm keeping the muzzle pointed at the target, load and fire at their own pace.
• Commence firing - signals shooters to begin shooting. This command may be signaled verbally, by a whistle or horn blast, or by moving the targets into view.
• Misfire - is called by a shooter to inform the RSO and other shooters that a firearm failed to fire and a hazardous condition may exist. Due to the possibility of a hangfire (a delay in the ignition of the cartridge), keep the firearm pointed downrange and wait at least 30 seconds for modern firearms, or at least two minutes for muzzle loading firearms, prior to correcting the malfunction.
• Cease fire - notifies shooters to stop firing immediately and await further instructions. Cease firing may be signaled verbally, by a whistle or horn blast. Additional commands may follow. Emphasize that this command can be given by anyone observing an unsafe condition, such as if a person was starting to go downrange.
• Is the line safe - means line officers or the RSO check that all firearms are unloaded with actions open and chambers empty.
• The Line is Safe - means that all firearms have been placed on the bench with the action open and have moved away from the firearms. There is no ammunition on the firing line.
• Post a new target - means to pick up a new target, go down range, remove your old target and put up the new target for the next shooter.
• Police your firing position, means shooters are to pick up fired cartridge cases and place them in the brass collection receptacles, pick up any trash and clean the area around their firing position and put it in the trash cans.
• Move out of position - authorizes shooters to leave the firing line to exit the firing line.

Muzzle Loading Rifle Procedures

These guidelines are intended to reduce the possibility of the gunpowder igniting, causing an explosion that can kill or seriously injure everyone in the area. The RSO and Instructors need to be aware of the potential dangers when explosives are being used.

• Only non sulfur, black powder substitute is to be used with Camp Strake Muzzle Loading Rifles.
• The gunpowder containers and primers must be kept a safe distance away from any possible ignition source. Some examples are:
• The firing line. Only fill the powder flask, powder measure and quick loads during a cease fire
• Steel striking a hard object can cause a spark (concrete, belt buckle, etc.) All gunpowder loading equipment must be of material that will not cause a spark.
• To insure safety, the Instructor will check the muzzle loading rifle before use by:
• Run a dry patch into the barrel to insure it is not obstructed, or have any smoldering embers to ignite the powder while being poured in.
• Insert a marked dowel that indicates full bore length to confirm that there is no obstruction in the barrel
• Check the lock for proper operation
• Fire only a percussion cap primer to check the bore and nipple for an obstruction. Fire the primer at a clump of grass to confirm that the bore is clear.
• There are two allowed methods for conducting muzzle loading rifle shooting sessions. The first assumes that enough rifles are available so that the entire line can shoot at once. The second assumes that a limited number of rifles are available, and shooters will move between the loading area and the firing line.

Shooting Method 1 - Requires an Instructor at each shooting position.

• A maximum of 50 grains is to be used by all Scouts firing the muzzle loading rifles. Powder is to be measured using a standard powder measure, or premeasured pellets may be used. The Certified Muzzle Load Instructor may use the powder measure to charge the rifle.
• During a cease fire, each shooter will receive one load at a time containing:
  • No more than 50 grains of gunpowder, or a 50 grain premeasured pellet
  • 1-pre-lubed round patch.
  • 1-round 48 caliber lead ball for the 50 caliber rifle.
  • 1-percussion cap primer or 1-209 type primer
  • Ensure that the rifle action is in the half-cock position.
  • The gunpowder is poured into the muzzle of the rifle, or a single 50 grain pellet is inserted into the rifle.
  • A patch is placed on the muzzle, and the lead ball is inserted using the short starter, then driven home using the ram rod.
  • The primer is placed in position, and the rifle is made ready to fire by placing the hammer in the full-cock position.
• The firing line is to remain safe (cease fire) until all Muzzle loading rifles are loaded with powder patch and ball but not primed with a percussion cap.
• After all muzzle loading rifles have been properly loaded the line can be made hot with the command, 'commence firing". The muzzle loading shooters can then cap the rifle with the primer and fire.
• After all shooters have fired, call a cease fire, and make the line safe. If there is to be another round of shooting, repeat from step 1.

Shooting Method 2 - Requires an Instructor at the Loading Station, and one Instructor for each shooting position.

• A maximum of 50 grains is to be used by all Scouts firing the muzzle loading rifles. Powder is to be measured using a standard powder measure, or premeasured pellets may be used. The Certified Muzzleloading Instructor may use the powder measure to charge the rifle.
• At the loading station, each shooter will receive one load at a time containing:
  • No more than 50 grains of gunpowder, or a 50 grain premeasured pellet
  • 1-pre-lubed round patch.
  • 1-round 48 caliber lead ball for the 50 caliber rifle.
  • Ensure that the rifle action is in the half-cock position.
  • The gunpowder is poured into the muzzle of the rifle, or a single 50 grain pellet is inserted into the rifle.
  • A patch is placed on the muzzle, and the lead ball is inserted using the short starter, then driven home using the ram rod.
  • The shooter carries the rifle to the shooting position with both hands, with the muzzle pointing in a safe direction.
  • At the shooting position, the cap or primer is placed in position, and the rifle is made ready to fire by placing the hammer in the full-cock position.
  • After firing, the hammer is placed in the half-cock position, and the shooter carries the rifle back to the loading station, with the muzzle pointing in a safe direction.
  • In this method, the line is continuously hot until all shooting is complete.
  • After all shooters have fired, call a cease fire, and make the line safe.
• When all shooting has finished for the day:
  • Secure powder and percussion caps in powder box.
  • Clean rifles as per instructions in cleaning kit.
  • Turn in all equipment to designated camp ranger.

Please note any problems with the equipment or low materials in the inventory in the range log.

Range Safety Briefing

General

Follow this outline when conducting the range safety briefings. Issue copies of the shooting range rules to all range users. Conduct the briefing on the range immediately prior to range use. Stand where posted rules, demonstrations, and explanations of range equipment can be included in the briefing. Involve range users by having them read the rules from posters and handouts. Ask questions to reinforce understanding. If firearms are used during the briefing, the RSO must follow the NRA gun safety rules.

Purpose of the Shooting Event

• State the purpose, e.g., Earn Merit Badge.
• Provide an overview of the event.
• State the total numbers of rounds and time available.

Range Personnel

• State where range personnel will be located.
• Introduce range personnel.
• Explain that their role is to ensure safety.
• Indicate how they may be identified, e.g., orange vest and hat.

Range Layout and Limits

• Conduct a range orientation on, or within view of, the range.
• Point out key areas of the range and briefly describe actions that occur within each.
• Spectator area Located behind the ready line where visitors and range users may wait and observe activities.
• Ready area - Located behind the firing line where shooters may store and prepare their equipment.
• Firing point - Shooters may occupy their firing points at the firing line when authorized to do so. Points are numbered and correspond to the target numbers. Shooters may only dry fire at the firing line before an event and should only handle firearms when authorized to do so.
• Backstop - Located downrange behind the target line. Firearms should point toward the backstop at all times. All firing should be directed forward from the shooters' firing points so projectiles impact within designated impact areas.
• Cleaning area - Cleaning is authorized only in the cleaning area. No ammunition is allowed in the cleaning area.
• Demonstrate the proper use of special equipment and explain any special safety practices, e.g., body and hand positions for target carriers, trap machines, etc.

Firearm Range Safety Rules

• Three Fundamental NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling

• Ask: What is the difference between safe gun handling and safe shooting?
• Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
  • Ask: What does a "safe direction" mean?
  • Answer: The gun is not pointed at anything you do not intend to kill or destroy
• Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
  • Ask: Until you are ready to pull the trigger, where should your trigger finger be?
  • Answer: The trigger finger should rest on the frame not the trigger or trigger guard. You are not ready to shoot until you are aiming at your target
• Always keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use.
  • Ask: When is the appropriate time to load a firearm.
  • Answer: When you are ready to shoot
• Unloaded means there is no ammunition in the chamber or magazine.
• Un-chambered means there may be ammunition in the magazine but not the chamber
• Seven Rules for Shooting Safety
• Be sure the firearm is safe to operate.
  • Ask: How do you check the barrel for an obstruction?
  • With the action open look to make sure the chamber is empty and visually inspect the barrel to make sure it is unobstructed. Check the action to make sure it operates correctly. Check the stock to make sure it is not loose.
• Know how to use the firearm safely.
  • Ask: What is meant by "know how to use the gun safely?"
  • Shooters need to know how the gun operates. Its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action, how to load and unload the ammunition.
• Use only the correct ammunition for a firearm.
  • Ask: What is meant by "use only the correct ammunition?"
  • Only ammunition made for a firearm can be used in that firearm. Shooters must ensure that the caliber or gauge marked on the barrel matches the number on the bottom of the cartridge or shell.
  • This must be checked every time a firearm is loaded.
• Always wear eye and ear protection.
  • Ask: Why should shooters wear both eye and ear protection?
  • The loud noise will cause hearing damage. Firearms emit hot gas, burning powder and hot cartridge or shell cases that could cause eye injuries. Users of air gun ranges, including spectators, need eye protection to prevent injuries from ricochets or debris bouncing back from the target area.
• Know your target and what is beyond.
  • Ask: What is meant by "know your target and what is beyond?"
  • The shooter must be sure that projectiles will safely impact into the backstop.
• Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
  • Ask: What type of substance is implied by "never use alcohol or drugs?"
  • Any substance that may impair normal mental or physical bodily functions.
  • Examples include prescription and non-prescription drugs like cold medicines that may cause drowsiness, nervousness, or balance problems.
  • Anyone taking any medication or substance that may impair normal mental or physical bodily functions is not allowed on the range.
• Store firearms so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
  • Ask: Who does this include: friends, minors, burglars? How do you secure firearms and ammunition. Why should you lock the ammunition is a separate location?

General Range Safety Rules

• Ask range users to read rules as you (RSO) point to range posters or refer to handouts.
• Know and obey all range commands.
• If at any time you need help, stay where you are and raise your hand.
• Do not handle a firearm or stand at the firing line where firearms are present while others are downrange.
• Ammunition should not be given to the shooters while anyone is down range.
• Stop shooting immediately when you hear "Cease Fire."

• Ask: What actions should shooters perform during a cease fire?
• Stop shooting immediately.
• Await further instructions from the RSO.

• Ask: Why is it important to shoot only at authorized targets?

o Shooting at hard objects or steel targets, at unsafe distances or angles is hazardous to persons on and around the shooting range.

NRA Hygiene Guidelines

• Explain that NRA hygiene guidelines are intended to minimize exposure to airborne particulate lead and cleaning product residues.
• Emphasize that everybody exposed at the range or cleaning area--even if he did not participate in the shooting session - should follow these guidelines. Remind range users of these guidelines prior to, during, and immediately after occupying the range.
• Refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup, or otherwise placing hands in proximity to the mouth or nose while on the range or cleaning a gun.
• Wash your hands and face with cold water after leaving the range or cleaning area before eating, or drinking.
• Change and wash clothing after a shooting or gun cleaning session to minimize exposure to airborne particulate lead or solvent and cleaning product residues.

Site-Specific Range Rules

• Ask range users to read rules as you (RSO) point to range posters or refer to handouts.
• Targets must be placed at the shooter's eye level to ensure bullets hit the impact area.
• Leave fired brass on the floor until the stage of fire is completed and firearms are benched or grounded.

• Ask: Why are shooters required to leave brass on the floor until firing is completed and firearms are benched or grounded?
• Answer: This policy prevents shooters from unintentionally pointing the firearm at other users while retrieving brass, or inadvertently moving in front of the firing line.

• Notify the RSO when there is a firearm or ammunition malfunction by raising your hand.

• Ask: Why are shooters required to notify the RSO of firearm stoppage or malfunctions? Explain misfire, hangfire, squib load and what to do in each case.
• Ask: What two range commands may be issued by shooters?
  • "Cease firing"
  • "Misfire. "
• Ask: What does "misfire" mean?
  • That the firearm failed to fire and a hazardous condition may exist. The misfire could actually be a hangfire, which is a delay in the ignition of the cartridge.
• Ask: What actions are taken during a misfire?
  • Due to the possibility of a hangfire, the shooter keeps the firearm pointed downrange and waits at least 30 seconds for modern firearms, or at least two minutes for muzzleloading firearms, prior to correcting the malfunction.
• Ask: Where and when may shooters dry fire?
  • Only at their firing points and only when authorized to do so

• All firearms must remain unloaded with actions open except when on the firing line and authorized to be loaded.
• When firearms are benched or grounded, keep the actions open and ejection ports facing upward so chambers are visible.
• Ammunition is not permitted in the cleaning area.
• Notification is critical for safety at the end of the course of fire.

Appendix 1: Shooting Sports Safety Test

List the three elements necessary to be a safe and responsible shooting participant? K___________ S___________ A___________ What are the three NRA Rules for safe firearm handling? Always keep a firearm pointed in a direction. Always keep your finger off the ___________ until ready to shoot. Always keep the firearm ___________ until ready to shoot Name the seven Shooting Safety Rules. Be sure the firearm is ___________ to operate. Know how to safely ___________ the firearm. Use only the correct ___________ for your firearm. Know your ___________ and what is beyond it. Wear ___________ and ___________ protection. Never use alcohol or before or while shooting. True or False Store ___________ so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. Must score 10/13 to be allowed on the firing line. Name:  ______________________ Rank: ___________ Troop: ___________

 

Appendix 2: Shooting Sports Safety Test Answer Sheet

List the three elements necessary to be a safe and responsible shooting participant? A. Knowledge B. Skill C. Attitude What are the three NRA rules for safe firearm handling? Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Always keep the firearm unloaded until ready to shoot Name the seven Shooting Safety Rules. Be sure the firearm is safe to operate. Know how to safely use the firearm. Use only the correct ammunition for your firearm. Know your target and what is beyond it. Wear eye and ear protection. Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting. Store firearms so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.

Appendix 3: Rifle Range Inspection Checklist

Inspected by: ______________________ Date: ___________

▢ Yes  ▢ No	Controlled Access/Fencing/Gates Closed
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Flags or Signs Displayed
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Left and Right Range Limits Displayed
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Backstop/lmpact Area Inspected
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Number Boards Painted and Visible
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Target Frames/Mounts in Good Repair
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Firing Line Marked
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Firing Points Numbered]Clean
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Shooting Benches/Tables Inspected
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Sandbags/Gun Rests on Hand
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Ready Line/Area Marked
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Spectator Area Designated
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Scoring Area Established
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Supplies Available
▢ Yes  ▢ No	RSO Control Area Centralized
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Emergency Communications Working
▢ Yes  ▢ No	First-Aid Kit Filled/Accessible
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Range Rules Posted
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Bulletin Board Hung
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Gun Racks Available
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Empty Trash Receptacles Available
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Brass/Dud Buckets Labeled
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Wash Area Identified
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Lockable Storage
Comments:

Appendix 4: Shotgun Range Inspection Checklist

Inspected by: ______________________ Date: ___________

▢ Yes  ▢ No	Controlled Access/Fencing/Gates Closed
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Flags or Signs Displayed
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Left and Right Range Limits Displayed
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Backstop/lmpact Area Inspected
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Machine Filled/lnspected
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Cable Connected/lnspected
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Firing Stations Marked /Clean
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Ready Line/Area Marked
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Spectator Area Designated
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Scoring Area Established
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Supplies Available
▢ Yes  ▢ No	RSO Control Area Centralized
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Emergency Communications Working
▢ Yes  ▢ No	First-Aid Kit Filled/Accessible
▢ Yes  ▢ No	PA System/Bullhorn Working
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Range Rules Posted
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Bulletin Board Hung
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Gun Racks Available
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Empty Trash Receptacles Available
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Hull/Dud Buckets Labeled
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Wash Area Identified
▢ Yes  ▢ No	Lockable Storage
Comments:

Appendix 5: Incident Reporting Tool

Appendix 6: Equipment inventory issue form

Resources:

• BSA Shooting Sports Manual • SHAC Shooting Sports Committee • Resources • Contacts • Shooting Sports Training • Reserve a Range

Archery • Archery Merit Badge • Troop Meeting Plans: Archery • BSA Archery Information • SHAC Archery Information Rifle Shooting • Rifle Shooting Merit Badge • Troop meeting Plans: Rifle Shooting • BSA Rifle Information • SHAC Shooting Sports Shotgun Shooting • Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge • Troop meeting Plans: Shotgun Shooting • BSA Shotgun Information • ​SHAC Shooting Sports

Wilderness Campsite Procedures

Scope All privately or publicly owned backcountry land and designated wildernesses are included in the term “wilderness areas” in this policy, as we as wilderness campsites on Camp Strake. The Outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts of America and the principles of Leave No Trace apply to outdoor behavior generally, but for treks into wilderness areas, minimum-impact camping methods must be used.

Policies

• Within the outdoor program of the Boy Scouts of America, there are many different camping- skill levels. Camping practices that are appropriate for day outings, long-term Scout camp, or short-term unit camping might not apply to wilderness areas.
• Wherever they go, Scouts need to adopt attitudes and patterns of behavior that respect the rights of others, including future generations, to enjoy the outdoors. In wilderness areas, it is crucial to minimize human impact, particularly on fragile ecosystems such as mountains, lakes and streams, deserts, and seashores.
• Because our impact varies from one season of the year to the next, it becomes important for us to adjust to these changing conditions to avoid damaging the environment. The Boy Scouts of America emphasizes these practices for all troops, teams, and crews planning to use wilderness areas: Contact the landowner or land-managing agency (USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state and private agencies, etc.) well before an outing to learn the regulations for that area, including group size limits, to obtain required permits and current maps, and to discuss ways Scouts can fulfill the expectations of property owners or land managers.
• See the Guide to Safe Scouting on the BSA Web site at http://www.scouting.org/pubs/gss/toc.html for more information on current BSA policies and procedures for ensuring safe activities, as well as the Fieldbook Web site at http://www.bsafieldbook.org.
• Wilderness Use Policy of the Boy Scouts of America Match the ruggedness of high-adventure experiences to the skills, physical ability, and maturity of those taking part. Save rugged treks for older unit members who are more proficient and experienced in outdoor skills.
• Conduct pre-trip training for your group that stresses proper wilderness behavior, rules, and skills for all of the conditions that may be encountered, including lightning, missing person, wildfire, high winds, flooding, and emergency medical situations. Participate in training in how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace, and be proficient and experienced in the leadership and skills required for treks into wilderness areas. Adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace.

Camp Strake Staff Training

All camp staff shall receive instruction on this Emergency Action Plan as part of new-employee orientation upon hire. Additional training shall be provided:

• when there are any changes to the plan and/or facility;
• when an employee’s responsibilities change; and
• annually as refresher training.

Items to be reviewed during the training include:

• Fire extinguisher location and use
• Threats, hazards, and protective actions
• Procedures for accounting for campers AO-804(F)
• Sheltering in place
• Severe weather procedures

The camp health officer must be over the age of 21. He or she must have completed Youth Protection training, be currently certified in CPR/AED/first aid (or equivalent), and have completed the BSA’s training for camp health officers.

The council’s health supervisor has established the following levels of authority, limits, and responsibility of medical care staff based on levels of training and expertise.

Physician (MD or DO): No restrictions other than those imposed by licensure or training.

RN or APN/Nurse Practitioner: No restrictions other than those imposed by law, practice act, or training. May administer prescription medications as authorized to do so by a parent/guardian or physician, and in accordance with Standing Order Number 5, or as indicated on the medication’s label.

EMT—Advanced/Paramedic: May administer basic and advanced first aid, and administer prescription and OTC medications in accordance with Standing Order Number 5.

EMT—Basic: May administer basic and advanced first aid (consistent with training, and administer prescription and OTC medications in accordance with Standing Order Number 5.

Military-trained Medic: May administer basic and advanced first aid (consistent with training) but may not administer prescription or oral OTC medications without approval of parent/guardian, or physician.

First Responder Training: May administer basic and advanced first aid (consistent with training) but may not administer prescription or oral OTC medications.

Camp Staff/Leader/Adult and Youth Responsibilities for Providing First Aid and/or Medical Care: May administer basic first aid (consistent with training) and may administer prescription or oral OTC medications with approval of parent/guardian or physician.

Camp Strake uses the following BSA policies for the safety and well-being of its members. These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to protect adult leaders. All parents and caregivers should understand that our leaders are to abide by these safeguards.

• All adults attending Camp Strake for more than 72 hours must be registered as adult leaders in the BSA. The 72 hours need not be consecutive. This registration includes completion of the YPT training program and a criminal background check. All adults attending long-term camps at Camp Strake will also complete an “Adult in Camp” compliance form that will be screened by the council before adults are allowed to remain in camp.
• Each unit attending Camp Strake must have two-deep leadership. This means that two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required during their unit stay at Camp Strake. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth.
• One-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is prohibited both inside and outside of Scouting. (Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs)
• Discipline must be constructive, and must be directly supervised by adult leaders.
• Adult leaders are responsible for monitoring youth behavior and intervening when necessary.
• All leaders are required to adhere to the Scouter Code of Conduct.
• Separate accommodations for adult males and females and youth males and females are required.
• Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth.
• Youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age.
• Spouses may share tents.
• Restrooms. Restrooms are appropriately labeled to distinguish between male and female. Shower-houses contain single stall shower and restroom facilities and are not gender-specific. They can be locked from the inside when in use.
• The use of smartphones, cameras, mirrors, drones, etc., in places or situations where privacy is expected is prohibited.
• Hazing and initiations are prohibited and have no part during any Scouting activity.
• All forms of bullying and harassment including verbal, physical, and cyberbullying are prohibited.
• Inappropriate public displays of affection are prohibited.
• Sexual activity is prohibited.
• Appropriate attire is required for all activities.
• Adult leaders and youth members have a responsibility to recognize, respond to, and report youth protection violations and abuse. Reports will be made to the camp director.
• All persons participating in Scouting programs are mandated reporters of child abuse. Reports must be made to local law enforcement and child protective services. Additionally, reports will be made to the camp director.

Unit leaders are not members of the central camp staff. They are directly responsible to their chartered organizations, are in charge of their campers, and are subject to the policies of Scouting and the regulations established by the camp.

Leaders guide the program of their units in camp, coordinate their interests and activities, and help individual members to get the most out of camp life.

Unit leaders are members of the camp roundtable where they may secure information, get help in solving problems, share experiences with others, participate in cooperative planning, and renew their spirit through wholesome, inspiring associations.

The unit leader’s principal responsibility is to provide maximum opportunities for campers to learn to plan, to take leadership responsibilities, to share with others, and to grow in the spirit and skills of Scouting.

Additional specific responsibilities

• Provide two-deep adult leadership for their unit in camp
• Enforce the Sweet Sixteen of BSA principles of safety for their unit in camp
• Intervene when needed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of campers whether or not the campers are in their own unit.
• Monitor the health of all campers in their unit daily. Record screenings on the appropriate form, and refer any issues of camper health to the camp health officer for resolution.
• Attend staff information meetings as announced by the camp director.

Adult campers at Camp Strake must agree to adhere to the Scouter Code of Conduct, and youth must adhere to the principles of the Scout Oath and Law. Specific provisions include the following:

• All youth participants attending a long-term camp must be registered in the BSA.
• All adult participants in camp for more than 72 hours must be registered in the BSA.
• All adults attending a long-term camp must complete an Adult in Camp Compliance (ACC) form utilizing the link on the event webpage. The state of Texas requires that the council conduct a criminal background check and sex offender database check on every adult who will be at camp. All adults attending camp in any capacity must complete an Adult in Camp Compliance (ACC) form a minimum of two weeks before camp, to allow sufficient time for the background checks to be completed. Visitors should also complete an ACC form; visitors who have not completed an ACC form will have to be escorted by an adult from the unit the entire time they are on camp property and will only be permitted to enter camp if an adult member from the unit is available to escort them.
• All adult leaders must have a current completion of Youth Protection Training taken online at my.scouting.org.
• Report violations of BSA youth protection policies and guidelines.
• Respect and abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America with regard to bullying, hazing, and harassment.
• Not discuss or engage in any form of sexual conduct while engaged in Scouting activities, refer Scouts with questions regarding these topics to talk to their parents or spiritual advisor.
• Not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in violation of any Scouting rules, regulations, and policies:
  • Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana
  • Concealed or unconcealed firearms, fireworks, or explosives
  • Pornography or materials containing words or images inconsistent with Scouting values
  • Abide by the provisions of the buddy system

Resources

• BSA youth protection policies and guidelines
• Sweet Sixteen of BSA
• Scouter Code of Conduct
• Incident Reporting

Buddies are there to watch you when others may not. They stay nearby to monitor you, alerting a safety team if help is needed.

Adults are not exempt from any of these safety measures. Scouters should have buddies during all Scouting activities, too.

Buddy system guidelines:

• The buddy system should be used at all times, not just for aquatics.
• It’s recommended that buddies know and be comfortable with each other. No youth should be forced into or made to feel uncomfortable by a buddy assignment.
• It is strongly encouraged to pair Scouts of similar abilities, ages and maturity. Self- selection with no more than two years age or significant differences in maturity is recommended.
• A buddy team may consist of three Scouts when necessary, like an odd number in a group.

In and On the water:

• Buddies should check into and out of an area together. They are to stay in the same assigned area, too.
• If two buddies are of differing swimming abilities, they should remain in the assigned area of the buddy’s lesser ability level.
• About every 10 minutes, lifeguards will conduct a buddy check. The lifeguard gives a signal and calls for “Buddies.” Buddies are expected to raise each other’s hand by the time the lookout counts to 10. Lifeguards count the paired swimmers before swimming resumes.
• Scouts in watercraft need to have buddies as well, and each boat should have a “buddy boat.”

On the trail:

• While hiking or camping in the backcountry, Scouts are encouraged to travel in groups of at least four. That way, if one gets injured, a buddy can stay with him, while the other two seek help.

Vehicles entering camp will be issued a pass at the camp entrance building, even if the vehicle will depart following drop off of campers. This will be a printed placard to be placed on the dashboard of the vehicle. Different colors will be used to distinguish staff, camper, and visitor vehicles.

Visitors are required to check in at the entrance building to get a vehicle pass, and then check into camp at the camp headquarters. Approved visitors will be issued the appropriate wristband before they are permitted to proceed to a campsite or other camp facility. After completing check-in, visitors may proceed to their camp destination. If the destination is a campsite, the visitor may drive to the parking area designated for that campsite to park.

ATV Program

Scope: All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are defined as “motorized recreational cycles with three or four large, soft tires, designed for off-road use on a variety of terrains.” While all-terrain vehicles—including ATVs, utility task vehicles (UTVs), and side-by-sides—are fun and exciting to navigate through a forest course, they are also under the watchful eye of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and have a reputation of scarring the environment.

General Information: With the exception of council-run ATV programs, ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-sides are banned from program use, a restriction that includes their use within units.

Policies: Camp Strake provides a safe introductory program into all-terrain vehicle use and operation following the safety training program of the ATV Safety Institute (ASI).

• The course or program follows the ASI’s RiderCourse program in its entirety. No deviation is permitted from the course outline. Go online at atvsafety.org to review the section they have for parents. It details what you may want to know about riding ATVs safely.
• In the camp program, a qualified staff member will be present at all times that participants are riding. Unsupervised riding is not allowed. Manufacturer restrictions on the age, weight, and height of riders shall be followed, with no exceptions.
• Parents and/or guardians must complete a permission slip, inclusive of hold-harmless language, prior to beginning the program.
• The ATVs may not carry passengers except for the designated rider, and the ATV may not be used to pull anyone or anything.
• Speed limits must be obeyed, and trail conditions considered in order to operate safely. Keep your limbs inside of the ATV, and maintain the use of all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) while riding.

The ATVs are council-owned and used for program. The ATVs may not be leased to third parties during the off-season. Personal ATVs are not authorized for use.

Resources:

• Council Support
• ATV Safety Institute—For Parents
• ATV Safety Institute—RiderCourse
• National Camp Standards

The presence of unauthorized persons in camp poses risks to staff, campers, and facilities. Everyone in camp should assist in ensuring only authorized persons are present. The following procedures include periodic review of security concerns regarding the site, a method for easily identifying campers, leaders and visitors, as well as training for staff and campers when appropriate, about steps to take when unauthorized persons are present in camp.

During the check in process for each session at Camp Strake, unit leaders will provide a roster of all youth and leaders attending camp. Visitors must check- in also. The camp must have a record of who is in camp at all times. An annotated unit roster printed from Scoutbook is acceptable to meet this requirement. This roster is also required by the state of Texas.

All Scouts, leaders, visitors, as well as staff will be issued a specially colored wristband upon arrival at camp. During check-in, units will be provided wristbands based on the number of registered campers for the camp session. Visitors will be issued a different colored wristband which must be worn while they are in camp.

• Campers will wear their wristbands entire time they are in camp.
• Visitors remaining during any meal are expected to purchase their meals from the business manager when they receive a wristband. It should be an exception that visitors remain in camp for meals other than specified family meal events.
• Camp Staff will brief all unit leaders on this policy during the first leader meeting in camp for each session. Ensure their support in order to facilitate emergency communications with campers during the session.
• Verification of attendees and no-shows be conducted during the check-in process following arrival at camp.
• The completed unit rosters listing each camper's name must be validated by the unit leader during check-in. Camper wristbands will be issued based on the validated count of campers.
• Late arrivals must be identified on the unit roster. When the late arrival gets to camp, they will check-in at the camp headquarters before proceeding to their campsite. They will issued the appropriate wristbands after being checked in.
• Annotate the unit roster to indicate the late arrival has checked in.

Camper Accountability (AO-804)

Unit leaders should have a unit roster readily available of their participants that contains contact information for parents or guardians. Should a primary leader change during camp, the transfer responsibility of unit leaders must be clearly communicated to the Camp Strake Business Manager.

Unit leaders will ensure that all campers are in their assigned campsite each evening before “lights out” and “quiet time.” Any missing scout will be reported immediately to the Camp Director.

Unit leaders should know where their scouts are supposed to be at all times. They should encourage the use of the buddy system for their unit members. Monitoring of scout attendance at program activities is encouraged to insure all camper are accounted for.

All camp-wide games, hikes, overnighters will be guided by staff that are informed and trained on how to manage the activity. Staff must know at all times the names and numbers of campers present. Two-deep leadership is a requirement. We will maintain the necessary camper to staff ratio of at least 1 staff member per 10 campers.

Early Departure Process (AO-804B)

It is not unusual that a camper may need to leave camp early. In these instances, a completed Early Release/Departure form at Appendix 2 must be completed for each camper leaving early. The form must be validated by the unit leader in camp, and must identify who is picking up the departing camper by name.

The use of the Early Release/Departure Form is mandatory. Departure records will be filed with the camp business manager, and retained by the council according to the retention period established by the council.

Plan Evaluation (AO-804C)

This Policy and Procedure Manual shall be reviewed annually, or as needed if changes to the worksite are made, by the Camp Director, Council Aquatics Committee Chair, and the Council Aquatics Committee Staff Advisor.

Following each aquatics emergency drill, key camp staff (Camp Director, Camp Ranger, Camp Health Officer, Program Directors) shall evaluate the drill for effectiveness and weaknesses in the plan, and shall implement changes to improve it.

Unauthorized Persons in Camp (AO-804B, E)

Whenever an unauthorized person is identified in camp by staff or campers, the circumstances must be reported immediately to the Camp Director, who will make a determination on how to handle the situation. Any unauthorized person should be asked to check in appropriately, or to leave the camp immediately. If the person refuses, do not use force to remove the unauthorized person. The Camp Director or Ranger may request assistance from local law enforcement agencies to have the person removed from camp.

The Camp Director will file a report with the council regarding any instances of unauthorized persons in camp refusing to comply with requests to check in properly.

EMS	Coldspring Volunteer Fire Department		For Emergencies dial 911 (936) 653-2302
Hospital	Huntsville Memorial Hospital	110 Memorial Hospital Dr, Huntsville, TX 77340	(936) 291-3411
Hospital	Pineywoods East Texas Medical	403 Ogletree Dr # 200, Livingston, TX 77351	(936) 327-7799
Police	San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Department Sheriff Greg Capers	75 W. Cedar Avenue Coldspring, TX 77331	For emergencies dial 911 (936) 653-4367 Fax: (936) 653-5058
Fire Department	Coldspring Volunteer Fire Department	20 Hill Ave Coldspring, Texas	(936) 653-2302
	National Forrest Service Sam Houston National Forest	394 FM 1375 West New Waverly, TX 77358	(936) 344-6205
Camp Staff	Camp Director	Erick Simmons	713-756-3315
	Camp Ranger	Elliot Ballard	936-520-3932
Council Staff	Council Chief Executive	Marvin Smith	713-756-3333
	Council COO	Thomas Franklin	713-756-3365
	Council Health Supervisor	David W. Krusleski, M.D	713-906-8051
	Council Director of Support Service	Brandon Lewis	713-756-3319