Unit Leadership

Unit Leadership

The heart of the summer camp experience lies in the Unit campsite. The activities and learning experiences that happen in the site are as important as what takes place in the rest of camp. In order for the Scouts in your Unit to have a good experience at camp, skilled adult leadership is invaluable. If you're a new leader, we'd be happy to help get you up to speed on running a good program for your Unit - just ask a Commissioner, that's what they're there for. The information below outlines what we expect from adult leaders to make the week run smoothly.

Saturday Check-In

In order to ease the burden and drama of Sunday Check-In Scoutmasters and a few adults are welcome to move into their campsite on Saturday afternoon/ evening to be prepared for the Sunday morning rush of Scouts.

Responsibilities of the Adult Leader

One of the most important roles of the unit leader is to ensure the safety and well-being of the Scouts in his/her unit. This is usually easy if you obey the rules and regulations of the Scouts, BSA and of the Reservation Staff.

Adult Coverage

Each unit must provide at least two adult leaders during their unit's entire stay. For proper supervision, Units will be required to have two adults, 21 years of age or older, for a ratio of 1 adult to 8 youth. In addition, Unit Leaders are directly responsible for the supervision of all members of their unit. PLEASE REMEMBER: with the official addition to female Scouts in Scouts BSA: Any unit with female Scouts attending must also provide a registered female adult leader over the age of 21. Linked male and female units in the same site are considered one unit and therefore will get 2 free adults up to 16 youth as stated above. Male and female units not linked must stay in different campsites and will each get 2 free adults up to 16 youth.

Scouts shall not be permitted to roam camp unsupervised. Units will use the "buddy system" in camp and a check-in/checkout board in their campsite to track the movement of all Scouts. At no time should a Scout travel without a buddy.

If a leader wishes to leave camp, arrangements should be made with the Camp Director for coverage. Under no circumstances may the Unit be left with only one leader, or unattended. If adult leadership changes during the week, please advise the Camp Leadership. Anyone entering or leaving Wah-Tut-Ca during the week must sign in or out at the Camp Service Center.

Leadership Meetings

There will be a Scoutmasters' meeting on Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. At least one adult from each unit is asked to attend. This will be an opportunity to meet key camp personnel face to face. We will go over safety regulations and information for the week. Any immediate concerns can be addressed at this meeting.

There will also be a Senior Patrol Leaders' meeting at 7:30 p.m. At least one youth representative (preferably the SPL) from each unit is asked to attend. This meeting will involve, at a minimum, signing up for shower cleaning duties as well as flag ceremony duties. Other SPL meetings may be held to go over other camp activities and to plan Friday night's campfire.

Two Scoutmaster Roundtables will also be held during the week on Tuesday and Thursday. This time will be used to discuss various things happening around camp and the council.

Youth Protection

All registered leaders attending and any other adults who will be remaining at camp overnight must have a current Youth Protection Training Certificate. Certification is valid for two years. All leaders must show up with a valid and current youth protection certificate. YPT certificates can submitted ahead of time with an adult roster. All adults and youth participants will receive a wristband upon arrival.

Leader Conduct

Unnecessary or inappropriate physical contact with Scouts is prohibited. Two deep leadership is required at all times. Any one-on-one meeting must be held in a public setting.

Camp Visitors

All visitors must check-in and checkout at the Service Center and upon arrival and receive a wristband.

Wristbands are required for visitors even though they are not permitted to participate in any activities.

Parents and friends are welcome to visit camp at any time. However, because most Scouts are at camp for only one week, frequent visits interfere with the Unit program and the activities of each Scout. It is at the Scoutmaster's discretion to encourage or discourage visits by parents, and parents should clear all visits with their unit leader.

Generally, parents will be permitted to sit with their children, provided space is available. If space is limited, a special guest table will be arranged. Day visitor meals cost $9 each; tickets are available at the Trading Post.

The best time for parents to visit is during Wednesday's eat-in-site meal.