2016 Camp Geronimo Almanac and Leaders Guide

84 Pages·2016·1.81 MB·English

by  Grand Canyon Council

2016 Camp Geronimo

Almanac & Leaders Guide

Keeping the “OUTING” in Scouting
Grand Canyon Council
Boy Scouts of America

Eric Hiser Mallene Elicio Larry C. Abbott
Council Council Scout
President Commissioner Executive

Grand Canyon Council Camp Geronimo
2969 N. Greenfield Road 2599 W. Webber Creek Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016-7715 Payson, AZ 85541
[phone] [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Camp Site Capacity and Equipment 42
Generic Campsite Guidelines 43
ACaBmOpU GTe rTonHimE oC MAaMnPa gement Team 33 C ASMpePci aAl CEvTeInVtIs TIES 44
CAbAoMutP T hPiOs BLoICokI ES 34 OHopneonrin Tgr aCial manpdfi rOer der of the Arrow Program 4444
Mission, Aims & Methods of Scouting 4
Wednesday Inter-Troop Campfire 44
Civil Rights Statement 4
Listen to the Legend 44
Our Camp Law 4 Mighty Mogi Challenge 44
The “Buddy Systems” at Camp 5 Friday Night Campfire 45
Safe Scouting 5 Other Special Activities
Youth Protection 6 Honor Fire Guard 45
Hazing 6
Chaplain Aide Training 45
Respect Others 6
Polar Bear Swim 45
Reserved Areas 6
Tenderfoot Run 46
Rest 7 Geronimo Geocaches 46
Smoking 7 I Did It All at Camp Geronimo 47
Alcohol & Drugs 7 Big “G” Award 48-49
Pets 7 Tonto Rim Tribe 50
Damaged Equipment 8
Camp Geronimo Rainbow Trails 51-52
Trees 8 Special Trails
Knives 8
Chief Miller’s Trail 53
PLoRstE aPnAd RFoINunGd FOR CAMP 8 Levi Young Nature Trail 53
Location of Pre-Camp Information 9-10 Solo Hike 53
How to get to Camp 11 Night Eye Trails 54
BEFORE CAMP 12 Troop 1 of Camp Geronimo 55
Camp Fees 12 Troop 1 Activities During Camp 55
Leader‘s Fees 13 Adult Leader Training Opportunities 55
Provisional Troop 14 CAMP PROGRAM AREAS 56
Camperships 14 AQUATICS AREA 56
Medical Information 15 Aquatics Merit Badges 56
CAMP SERVICES 16 Aquatics Training 56
HEADQUARTERS 16 Lake Activities 56
Arrival Procedure for Changing Leaders 16 Fishing 57
Parents and Visitors 16 Pool Activities 57
Wristband Information 17 Open Pool Time 57
Phone Service & Mail Service 17 Mile Swim 57
COMMISSIONER SERVICE 18 Snorkeling BSA 57
Safety Around the Camp 18 HANDICRAFT AREA 58
Flag Ceremonies 19 Handicraft Merit Badges / Activities 58
Uniform 19 HEALTH LODGE AREA 58
HEALTH LODGE 20 Health Lodge Merit Badges 58
RELIGIOUS SERVICES 20 NATURE LODGE AREA 59
TRADING POST 21 Nature Lodge Merit Badges / Activities 59
DINING HALL 22 OUTDOOR SKILLS AREA 60
KP Duty 22 Outdoor Skills Merit Badges / Activities 60
All Camp Cook Out 23 Native American Village Merit Badges 60
Trail Meals 23 Trail Begins 60
Camp Geronimo Plan B Campers Food Service 23 SHOOTING SPORTS AREA 61
AT CAMP 24 Archery Range Merit Badge / Activities 61
Camp Map 24 Rifle Ranges Merit Badges / Activities 62
CAMP ARRIVAL 25 Top Shot Program 62
Parking 25 Shooting Sports after Camp 63
Saturday Arrival and Check In Process 26 TRADING POST 63
Swim Checks 27 Trading Post Merit Badge 63
Program Planning Suggestions –Saturday 27 CAMP ADVENTURE PROGRAMS 63
Sunday 28 CLIMBING TOWER Merit Badges / Activities 63
MERIT BADGE CONFLICT CATCHER 29 WRANGLERS – HORSE CORRAL 64
Monday Schedule for Saturday Arrivals 30 Horsemanship Merit Badge / Activities 64
Monday Arrival and Check In Process 31-32 SPADE RANCH 65
Monday PM Merit Badge Schedule 33 STEM Nova Introduction 66
Tuesday 34 ORDER OF THE ARROW 67
Tues-Fri Merit Badge Schedule 35 MERIT BADGE PREREQUISITES BY AREA 69-81
Wednesday 36 CAMP AMBASSADOR PROGRAM 82
Thursday 37
Friday 38
Saturday – End of the Week 38
WEEKLY SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE 39
Campsite Duty Schedule 40
Troop Specific Activity Tracker for the Week 41
Your Campsite 41
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ABOUT THE CAMP
Scouts and Scouters,
Welcome to the Grand Canyon Council Boy
Scouts of America Summer Camp Season!
We look forward to a great year of summer camp activities at Camp
Geronimo. The camp experience is always an excellent forum for Troop
and Team members to hone their skills and develop new ones while
having fun in the great Arizona outdoors.
This year, as in some previous years, it is possible that some National
Forest lands may be closed to public access. We remain steadfast in our
commitment to providing the best program possible if the surrounding
Forest lands are closed. We urge you to consult our talented program
staff upon arrival for tips, options and suggestions on in-camp programs.
We appreciate your patience and understanding over these past years as
we battled repeated drought, bark beetles, fires, floods and other
challenges. Camp Geronimo has benefited from our Capital Campaign
funds in many ways thanks to your generosity. Our staff is ready to help
facilitate an outstanding program for you and your scouts this summer.
Enjoy camp! Sincerely,
Dale Lewis Alex Heinemann
Vice President, Programs Council Program Director
Grand Canyon Council, Inc. Boy Scouts of America
Camp Geronimo Management Team
Alex Heinemann Cindy Cone Rodney Mindrup
Camp Director Program Director Camp Commissioner
About This Book
The CAMP GERONIMO ALMANAC & LEADERS GUIDE replaces the CAMP
GERONIMO LEADER’S ALMANAC. This guide provides complete information
needed for your total Camp Geronimo Summer Camp experience. The CAMP
GERONIMO ALMANAC & LEADERS GUIDE contains the information you will
need at camp. You will find camp procedures, directions, instructions, and
other information for your use during the week at camp in this easy to carry
pocket book. The guide also contains the current camp season week and day
schedules; duty assignments, camp activities schedules, patrol and troop
competitions and special features.
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CAMP POLICIES
Mission Statement
The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to
make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them
the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Aims
 Character • Citizenship • Fitness
Methods (PAUL SOAP)
Patrol Method Scouting Ideals (Oath & Law)
Advancement Outdoors
Uniform Adult Association
Leadership Personal Growth
Civil Rights Statement
In keeping with the policies of the Boy Scouts of America, the rules for
acceptance and participation in the camp programs are the same for
everyone without regard to race, sex, creed, color, national origin, age or
physical disability.
Our Camp Law – The Scout Law
One of the often-told Scoutmaster Minutes deals with how a camp is just
like a city. Cities have roads, camps have trails. Where a city has a lot of
laws, at a Scout camp we have just one:
A Scout is... the 12 points to the Scout Law.
Why mention that in here? Because that gets right into the philosophy of
personal conduct that we have at camp.
Scouts at camp are expected to live the law at all times. It is an effort; but
if it is practiced, it shows how we can live in this small city, together.
As a leader, we expect you to instill the law in your Scouts.
Many Scouts learn from the attitude of their leaders.
Live and demonstrate the oath & law and show your Scouts it works.
Our camp is guided by these 12 points.
All camper and staff conduct is judged as to how it measures against
these guidelines. At camp, we cannot tolerate and will not permit
activities which do not meet the criteria of standards set by the 12 points
of the Scout Law. We ask your cooperation and understanding as adults
in helping us maintain high standards of moral and personal behavior.
We can do no less.
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The “Buddy System” at Camp
We ask that the Buddy System be used in camp at all times.
Scouts should always travel in a group of at least two, so certain activities
have been prepared during the week which will encourage this to work
and Scouts will have fun together. Scouts must know where the unit and
camp boundaries are and not to go beyond them without permission. It
is the responsibility of the adult leaders to educate their Scouts regarding
boundaries using the Buddy System.
– BSA Handbook
“The buddy system is a way for Scouts to look after one another,
especially during outdoor adventures. When your troop goes swimming,
for example, each Scout is assigned a buddy. You keep track of what your
buddy is up to, and he knows at all times where you are and how you are
doing. Now and then an adult leader might call for a buddy check. That
means you must immediately hold up the hand of your buddy. If anyone is
missing, everyone will know it right away. The buddy system should
always be used when a troop or patrol is hiking, camping, and
participating in any aquatics activities. It’s a way of sharing the good
times and preventing the bad.”
So…, while exploring the camp and the surrounding forest
during your summer camp week, take along a buddy
when you leave your campsite. It’s the smart thing to do!
Leaders should know where their scouts are at ALL TIMES.
Safe Scouting
The rules are the ones we know well: the Scout Oath & Law
We create a safe haven in Scouting, a place where everyone should feel
physically and emotionally secure. We do this in several ways:
 We set the example for ourselves and others by behaving as Scouts
should.
 We live by the Scout Oath and Law each moment of each day, to the
best of our abilities.
 We refuse to tolerate any kind of inappropriate put-down,
name-calling or physical aggression.
 We communicate our acceptance of each other through expressions of
concern and by showing our appreciation whenever possible.
 We create an environment based on learning and fun. We seek the
best from each participant, and we do our best to help him achieve it.
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Youth Protection
Because of the great concern the Boy Scouts of America has for the
problem of child abuse in our society, the Youth Protection program has
been developed to help safeguard both our youth and adult members.
All Adult Leaders MUST have completed the BSA Youth Protection Program
Go to MY.SCOUTING.ORG then “Need to Create a Log In?” to create an
account, then Click on the Youth Protection tab to get trained about child
abuse: how to avoid it, how to identify it, and how to deal with it. Print and
bring your completion certificate to camp.
Hazing
Older Scouts sometimes feel that new Scouts should be “initiated” into
the troop with a hazing activity. You should be alert to this desire of older
boys and direct their desires in a positive direction. They may also have
the urge to play tricks or “pick-on” younger Scouts they encounter at
camp – THIS IS NOT ALLOWED. Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft,
and verbal insults have no place in the Scouting program and may result
in the Scout's removal from camp.
Respect Others
Do not create a disturbance or cause others to have a bad experience at
camp.
Respect other campsites.
Respect the private property of the neighbors surrounding the camp
property - lines are marked.
Respect staff quarters and residences-no camper/leader should enter
the staff living quarters.
Respect the privacy of others in bathrooms and showers and take
care of the camp facilities and equipment.
Reserved Areas
Camp Geronimo has more than enough space for everyone’s activities
within its 200 acres. However, certain areas are reserved for occupation
and use by the staff and their families. These areas are:
The family cabins & meadow The Rangers house &
below the lake. maintenance yard.
The Webber Creek Lodge area The Masak NYLTraining Center
just south of site 2. The Staff Hill and meadow on
The family cabins south of the the Westside Road.
Dining Hall. The Rough Riders’ guest house
and surrounding area.
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Rest
• Sleep can mean the difference between a great week and a poor week.
Each person needs a certain number of hours of rest each day.
• Camp Quiet Time is from 10:00PM until 6:00AM.
Reveille at 6:00AM & Taps 9:30PM
Smoking
• The Boy Scouts of America feels strongly that Adult Leaders should
support the attitude that young adults are better off without tobacco
and electronic cigarettes.
• Therefore, the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity, including
camp, which involves youth participants, is prohibited.
• The legal age, in the state of Arizona, for the use of tobacco products is
18.You, as a Leader, can inform your Scouts that the use of tobacco
products by anyone under the age of 18 will not be tolerated at camp.
• For those Adults of legal age who do smoke, the designated smoking
areas are IN your car in the parking lot and behind the dining hall.
Adults caught smoking outside of these areas may be asked to leave
camp. Youth caught smoking will be asked to leave camp.
• This policy includes electronic cigarettes & vapor cigarettes.
References: Scoutmaster Handbook, No. 33009,
and Boy Scout Handbook, No. 34554
Alcohol & Drugs
The following statement was approved by the National Executive
Board of the Boy Scouts of America:
It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that the use of alcoholic
beverages and controlled substances is not permitted at
encampments or activities on property owned and/or operated by
the Boy Scouts of America or at any activity involving participation of
youth members. BSA policy does not allow Medical Marijuana.
This policy will be strictly enforced for all who use our camp facilities.
Pets
Camp Geronimo abounds with natural wildlife.
Do NOT bring pets to camp. Exception: Service Animals
Visitors may not walk pets around camp property,
except in the parking lot area.
Please do not take home any of our wildlife
(like squirrels, horny toads, snakes or lizards).
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Damaged Equipment
• Scouts must properly take care of all equipment they use. Sometimes,
however, equipment is damaged and it needs to be repaired or
replaced.
• If members of your unit misuse camp equipment, the cost of repairing
or replacing any damaged equipment will be settled before your Unit
leaves camp.
• Damages should be reported to either your Commissioner or the
Headquarters Staff. Damages will be noted during final site inspection
and your unit account will be charged.
• If you find something that needs repair in your campsite, please
notify your Commissioner or the Headquarters Staff.
Trees
People seldom understand how easily a tree can be killed. Trees may not
show symptoms of damage until 24 months or longer after damage has
occurred. Please do not cut any live trees unless advised by a camp
official.
 Cutting or damaging trees could result in financial charges.
Knives
A Totin’ Chip (can be earned at Outdoor Skills) is required for all camp
participants to purchase, carry and use a knife. Knife style and design
should be in keeping with appropriate Scouting uses. Scouts are NOT
permitted to have sheath knives. Sheath knives brought by leaders must
stay in the campsite. Folding pocketknives or Leatherman-type tools work
best.
Anyone who threatens others with knives while at any of the Grand
Canyon Council camps will be asked to leave camp.
Lost and Found
Many items are LOST at Camp. Many items are also FOUND and the
trustworthy Scout or Adult will return it to the LOST AND FOUND areas at
Headquarters, the Pool House and the Dining Hall. Every attempt is
made to reunite the owner and the LOST item. It is very important and
strongly suggested that ALL items including clothing, camelbacks, water
bottles, handbooks, knives, backpacks, hats, uniforms, jackets etc. are
marked with the name of the owner. All unclaimed items are returned
to the Grand Canyon Council Service Center the week after each session
ends. They are held there for no more than 30 days.
Please call 602-955-7747 X239 for Lost and Found information.
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PREPARING FOR CAMP
The following topics & items are available as downloadable documents
from the Grand Canyon Council website at:
WWW.GRANDCANYONBSA.ORG go to OUTDOOR PROGRAMS TAB (at
top) then to COUNCIL CAMPS over to the CAMP GERONIMO TAB and
then to FORMS AND RESOURCES TAB (at top).
Utilizing the resources noted below will be very helpful in preparing for
camp and organizing your troop’s weekly program, hikes, merit badges,
trail rides and other activities.
DOCUMENT TITLES found on the website and links noted above:
• 2016 Weekly Schedule
• Camp Fireguard Plan
• Camp Geronimo Adult Leader Award
• Camp Geronimo Campsite Packet
• Camp Geronimo Directions
• Camp Geronimo Emergency Procedures Manual
• Camp Geronimo Fact Sheet
• Camp Geronimo “I Did it All Cards”
• Camp Geronimo Merit Badge Packet
Camp Geronimo Merit Badge Prerequisites
o
Camp Geronimo Merit Badge Schedules & Conflict Catcher
o
• Camp Geronimo Merit Badge Program Sign-up Sheet
• Camp Geronimo Provisional Application
• Camp Geronimo Rainbow Trails
• Camp Geronimo Rainbow Trails Night Trails Signup Sheet
• Camp Geronimo Tonto Rim Tribe Cards
• Camp Planning Timeline Checklist
• Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops
• Policy on Two Deep Leadership
• Unit Swim Classification Record
Informational data that should be shared with the Scouts and parents in
your troop before you go to Camp Geronimo – also found on the website:
• NEW-Annual Health and Medical Record
• Camp Equipment List – Camper
• Camp Equipment List – Troop
• Camp Geronimo Parents Letter 2016
• Horseback Riding Release of Liability (Waiver)
If you have questions, please give the Program Department a call.
[phone] ext 239 – We would love to assist you.
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Camp preparation and planning found in this Leader’s Guide:
• Camp Geronimo Map (page 24)
• Merit Badge Conflict Catcher (page 29)
• Weekly Schedule at a Glance (page 39)
• Campsite Duty Schedule (page 40)
• Your Campsite (page 41)
• Campsite Capacity and Equipment (page 42)
• Generic Campsite Guidelines (page 43)
• Special Events (page 44-45)
• Special Activities (page 45-47)
• Camp Geronimo Rainbow Trails (page 51-52)
• Special Trails (page 53)
• Night Eye Trails (page 54)
• Camp Adventure Programs (page 63-65)
USEFUL sections for when you arrive at camp:
• Saturday Arrival and Check In (page 26)
• Program Suggestions for Saturday Evening (page 27)
• Program Suggestions for Sunday Morning (page28)
• Monday Arrival and Check In (page 31-32)
Specific prerequisites and details for each individual merit badge may be
found in the MERIT BADGE PREREQUISITES BY AREA section of this book
(page 67-80) or in the Camp Geronimo Merit Badge Prerequisites
document on the council website: see DOCUMENT TITLES (page9)
Current Merit Badge Requirements are available at the

BSA INTRODUCTION TO MERIT BADGES website
WWW.SCOUTING.ORG/SCOUTSOURCE/BOYSCOUTS/ADVANCEMENT
ANDAWARDS/MERITBADGES.ASPX.
 Merit Badge Worksheets are provided at camp.
Merit badge registration for each Scout MUST be done online. The
troop leader will be given instructions for online registrations. An email
confirmation will be sent for all Scout’s merit badge registrations.
All merit badge registrations should be completed at least one week
before your camp arrival date. Last minutes changes can be made up
to midnight the Wednesday before you arrive.
AT CAMP, the troop leader will have the opportunity to sit down with the
Program Director on Saturday, Sunday or Monday, to review MB
schedules and make any last minute changes based on class availability.
EACH INDIVIDUAL MERIT BADGE REQUIRES AN OFFICIAL BSA MERIT BADGE
APPLICATION “BLUE CARD” FORM #34124 – THIS WILL BE THE ONLY FORM USED
AT CAMP. PLEASE PROVIDE A SIGNED CARD FOR EACH MERIT BADGE.
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