Expectations for Scouts

Buddy System

We use the buddy system in Pack 174, which means when traveling around the camp without an adult a Scout should have their buddy. This is a safety system, ensuring if someone is hurt or needs assistance their buddy can help them or fetch aid.

Tents

A family’s tent is for that family. Scouts are not allowed into other Scouts’ tents, even if they’re invited. Any adults who see Scouts congregating in a tent are to immediately tell Pack leadership so it can be dispersed.

Scouts of the same gender and who are within two years of age may tent together with permission of relevant parents. No adult may enter a tent shared by unrelated youth.

Fire

Fire starting and management are important skills learned and fostered in Scouts (starting as Webelos). However, this does not give Scouts free rein over the fires.

• Scouts will not add wood to a fire unless specifically requested by the leadership or supervising adult.
• Scouts will not put trash, debris or other material in the fire.
• Scouts will not move the wood around the fire unless specifically directed by leadership or a supervising adult.
• Firesticks—i.e. sticks used to poke the fire—are prohibited.
• Scouts will not pick up the ashes before or after a fire—this is a cleanliness issue.

Knives

Cub Scouts earn the privilege to carry and use a pocketknife by completing an elective adventure: Whittling for Bears, Chef’s Knife for Webelos, and Knife Safety for Arrow of Light. Scouts who have not completed that adventure (and are not completing it at camp) may not carry or use knives.

Any unsafe usage of a knife—seen or reported—will result in the immediate confiscation of that knife and loss of knife privileges. Furthermore, the carving of spears is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

Language

Scouts will not use coarse, belittling or threatening language toward another Scout, adult, sibling or anyone else.

Respectful Behavior

Scouts will treat each other and all the adults in a friendly, courteous and respectful manner. This means they will engage in the adventures without interrupting, they will display sportsmanship in games and they will help with tasks when necessary. 

This behavior also extends to Camp Patiya itself. Pack 174 and Cub Scouts adhere to the Leave No Trace principles listed below. At its essence, this means we leave the camp the way we found it. This also means cleaning up after ourselves, not taking nature home with us and not engaging in destructive behaviors.

Exploring/Wandering

Camp Patiya is a safe and fun environment, Scouts are encouraged to explore it and what it has to offer, but only within the camp’s boundaries. A fence goes around the entirety of the camp, to go outside these bounds Scouts must speak to the leadership to set up adult supervision. Any unsavory or dangerous behavior by a Scout while exploring will result in revocation of the privilege of exploring the camp unsupervised. Parents, give your scouts age-appropriate levels of freedom, but remember that you bear responsibility for their safety during the camp out.

Lights Out

After Cracker Barrel, quiet time begins. Scouts should gradually head to their tents and go to sleep. Scouts should remain in their tents, except for bathroom use, until breakfast preparation starts in the morning.

Expectations for Adults

Reminder

While Pack 174 attends camp as families, this is the Scouts’ time. This is their opportunity to foster an appreciation for the outdoors, learn new skills and enjoy their fellow Scouts’ comradery. As parents, we are lucky to get to share in this experience and should remember that fact. A safe rule of thumb as an adult at a Scout camp is to do your best to enhance the Scouts’ experience and do nothing that sours it.

Smoking

At Camp Patiya, tobacco smoking and vaping are only allowed in the parking lot. Please make sure your cigarette is completely extinguished when done and that the butts are properly disposed of. Please Leave No Trace and be cautious about fire risk.

Alcohol and other intoxicating substances

Alcoholic beverages (or any other intoxicating substances) are prohibited at Scout events, particularly camp. Not only is it a liability, but it sets a poor example for the Scouts.

Firearms

The BSA has strict policies around both possession and use of firearms. Do not bring firearms to any Pack 174 event.

Pets

According to BSA policies, pets are not allowed at Pack 174 campouts.

Lights Out

At lights out after Cracker Barrel, the expectation is the campground is quiet. Some individuals may not fall asleep immediately, have some before bedtime tasks to complete or might socialize briefly. This is fine; however, consideration should be given to those who are in their tents sleeping—talking and noise should be kept to a whisper.

Expectations for Everyone

Clean Campsite and Low Impact

While we do a final clean-up before leaving, Scouts and parents are expected to keep the campsite and the entire camp tidy. Snack wrappers go into the trash bags we have around the campsite, not on the picnic tables. Water isn’t poured on the ground but goes in the sumps.

Additionally, everyone should respect Camp Patiya in general, beyond keeping it clean. There is to be no destruction of property or nature—i.e. pulling branches off trees and the like. Scouts and Pack 174 follow the Leave No Trace principles, which should be applied to our overnight.

Leave No Trace Principles

1. Plan Ahead And Prepare—Don’t bring stuff you don’t need or are going to have to throw away.
2. Travel And Camp On Durable Surfaces—Stick to the trails at Patiya.
3. Dispose Of Waste Properly—We haul out what we bring in.
4. Leave What You Find—Don’t take souvenirs from nature—besides memories—please.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts—See the fire rules above.
6. Respect Wildlife—We will keep a clean campsite. Also, we won’t mess with the deer—there are some that live at the camp.
7. Be Considerate Of Others—Remember, we don’t own the camp. We’re guests and must be respectful of any other guests.