Frequently asked questions

REMINDER to campers

-when setting up your camps please be mindful of the wind direction.

-set up any tent structures with the smallest footprint to the wind.

-all tent structures must be roped and lashed to the ground.

-make absolutely certain that all structures are secured to the ground because of strong winds at this location.

Organizers will be by to check your camp setup on Friday Night and Saturday for those arriving later.

Please bring extra tent pegs and rope to secure the tents in case of unexpected weather.

Answers to frequently asked questions (in no particular order):

● Please make sure you bring a copy of Myscouts registration information and emergency contact information for each youth and Scouter in attendance, as well as the member’s Alberta Health Care number and their Scouts Canada membership number.

● All youth participating in this event be current, registered members of Scouts Canada or Girl Guides of Canada. All adults must also be registered active members.

● All Scout patrols must be accompanied by two adult Scouters during the Great Escape game. These Scouters must remain within eyesight of each other throughout.

● In addition all groups must have at least two Scouters at camp in case youth return to camp before the game is finished. One of these Scouters may be working in another group site providing that the Scouters remain within eyesight of each other at all times that youth are present.

● Groups are also asked to provide at least one Scouter to assist with the Saturday night program in such roles as checkpoint personnel, kitchen food preparation and service, League of Nations safety patrol and safe vehicle road patrols.

● Each Scout and Venturer group is responsible for making sure the Bylaws,Policies and Procedures of Scouts Canada are followed. This includes that everyone with your group is REGISTERED with Scouts Canada. Girl Guide participants must be registered with Girl Guides of Canada.

● Remember: the fields are rough and contain hazards like gopher holes, and sharp stubble that could hurt if you fall face forward into it. Make sure you bring extra clothes to wear if cold, or if you fall in the creek and have to go back to camp to get a dry set of clothes. The big tent at the HQ area is a warm place to warm up/dry out if necessary.

● Outhouses must NOT be used for kitchen wastewater. Use a gopher hole or dig a hole away from the camping area and primary foot traffic for wastewater.

● The camping grounds will be uneven prairie grass, grain stubble or summer fallow dirt. You are asked to bring rakes and shovels to level this ground area. Remember to bring everything with you need including drinking/cooking and wash-up water. Put your lanterns where they are accessible so you can light these up first to allow for camp setup (it will be dark). Refrain from using car headlights as there is a concern of fire by overheated idling exhaust systems, therefore, turn off your vehicle while unloading. Propane and/or gas stoves or barbecues only are permitted…no open fires or propane fire pits of any sort.

● Please email TBD to let her know what activities you are proposing for Saturday's activities or bring the activity name to the General Meeting on TBD . If you are stuck for ideas, focus on Scout craft activities that are fun (other than those involving fire), or challenges based on the Great escape theme (escape from....? or escape over/through/around..?).

● Arrival time is any time after 3 pm on Friday, October 4, 2019. If anyone has a free Friday afternoon, we can use early arrivers to help set up the HQ and other areas. Campsites will be set up along marked "roadways" and will be pre-assigned based on your group’s estimated size. If you have special needs please email TBD . Please send someone to HQ to mark the master map once you select a site. This way we can keep track of where you are so later comers in your group can find you.

● There is LIMITED water at the checkpoints. Details will be outlined at the camp...plan to be self contained for drinks and snacks as you move around the fields. Always plan your route so your participants have enough 'reserve energy" to walk back to HQ, as the safety vehicles are there only for participants with MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.

● Game Notes: This is only a GAME...have fun!

● Game Rules: It is critical that you stay in your patrol groups... don't even think of switching player teams after you submit your final lists on site (you WILL be disqualified). Each Scout will have their own individual number and name on a card at every checkpoint. Switching someone at the last minute means we are looking for the wrong individual and your group will not be able to continue in the game.

● Safe zones only apply beside interior fences. There is no safe zone next to the creek. There is no safe zone along the fences bordering the game field perimeter.

● Leaders traveling with Scouts: Plan out your 'lost' destination and an alternate destination site with all your scouts (find a check point, or walk east to the road and wait to be picked up, for example). This could also be where you turn on a frs/gmrs radio to channel 9 (hidden in your pocket) and call us to the road crew watch for the lost scout and advise you when we find them. Remember that leaders with the patrol must stay within eyesight of each other.

● Each group must have at least two leaders at camp during the game in case of youth dropping out before the end of the game. Groups may share this coverage responsibility providing that the leaders remain within eyesight of each other whenever youth are present.

● Extra Leaders: Any "extra" adults in camp during the Saturday Evening Game are needed to help with check points, "League of Nations" referees, with cooking/serving for the midnight snack, etc. Please identify those individuals to the check-in desk after you arrive on site on Friday or Saturday.