Dear Scouts and Parents,

The Troop 299 Camp Handbook has been prepared to assist you in making plans for summer camp at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. It contains general information that attempts to answer the questions most often put forth by scouts and parents.

Troop 299 welcomes you and your Scout to this year’s camping adventure at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. The camp can provide life long experiences for you as it has for Scouting since 1910. Your Camp Bartle adventure is one to remember, a chance to grow, and an opportunity for advancement. The Camp program has trails to hike, boats to row, canoes to paddle, boats to sail, and a pool to swim in. There are also rifles to shoot, C.O.P.E., and many other games, sports, and field events to provide many hours of fun and fellowship.

It is not too early to start planning. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “We find in life exactly what we put into it”, and so it is with Scouting. We find in scouting adventures what we are willing to put into them. Your scout will accomplish at summer camp in proportion to what he attempts.

We hope you and your scout will take full advantage of the adventure waiting for him and you at the H. Roe Bartle Reservation.

Summer Camp Scoutmaster – Joe Allen
Home # (913) 940-5570

Assistant S.C.S.M. – Dave Roberts

Contents

General Information
How much does camp cost?
Costs not covered by camp fee
Who pays for damages?
What about spending money?
When do we depart for camp?
When do we leave camp to come home?
A physical examination is required
Camp address and telephone number
Camp boxes and locks
Sunday worship
Visitor’s Day

Restrictions for visitors
Medications & physical problems
Special precautions
Leadership
Merit badges
Merit badge schedule
Typical camp day
Special Activities
Rules and Expectations
Camp policies on fuel
Songs that every Scout should know
The Tribe of MIC-O-SAY
Map and directions to Bartle
Map of Bartle Scout Reservation
Pre-camp checklist

GENERAL INFORMATION:  (return to top)

The information that follows is provided to assist you and your parents as you prepare for summer camp.

HOW MUCH DOES CAMP COST:   (return to top)

2009: $295 per Scout, $295 per full-time adult, $45 per day for part-time adult. Included in Troop 299 summer camp fee will be the fee that must be paid to Camp Bartle, one class B T-shirt, and miscellaneous Troop-provided items such as ice, toilet paper, Gatorade and other sundry items. Refunds of camp fees already paid to the council are strictly limited to the policy of the council and application must be made directly to the council office.

COSTS NOT COVERED BY THE CAMP FEE:   (return to top)

Certain merit badges and activities have fees not included in the camp fee. Costs below are approximate and are provided as a guideline to use in planning the amount of money needed for camp activities. This will vary, depending on the activities in which one is enrolled. An asterisk indicates costs likely for first-year campers.

WHO PAYS FOR DAMAGES?   (return to top)

Any damages to camp equipment must be paid before the troop leaves camp. If the damage is from a willful or negligent act by a Scout he will pay the damages from his own resources. The Council Camping Committee has determined the following cost schedule:

$35.00
$75.00
$20.00
$20.00

WHAT ABOUT SPENDING MONEY?  (return to top)

The camp fee does not include money for “extras”. Spending money is largely a personal matter to be budgeted out of a Scout’s own resources or to be doled out by the parents if they choose to do so. It is a rule of thumb that whatever money is taken to camp manages to be spent. The opportunity exists to spend vast sums of money at the camp trading post for soda pop and junk food items. Parents and their sons need to come to an understanding on this matter before the Troop leaves for camp.

We expect Scouts to be responsible for their own property, and this includes money. The troop does provide a “camp bank” which will be “opened” once or twice a day on a schedule determined by the “camp banker”. June 21, 2009 will be CAMP BOX Check-in. On this date, each Scout should bring his spending money, about $30.00 to $50.00, and deposit it with the "camp banker" who will record the name and amount of the deposit. The “camp banker” will be given the money and deposit information before leaving for Bartle.

The only cash a Scout should be carrying is the lunch money for departure day.

WHEN DO WE DEPART FOR CAMP?  (return to top)

The Troop will assemble at 8:30AM on the day of departure at a location to be determined. Please be on time. Every Scout must be in complete Class A+ uniform. Note: complete means shirt, shoulder tabs, pants, official stockings, belt, neckerchief, slide, and up-to-date and correctly placed insignia. A Scout who is not in complete uniform will be required to be so attired before he can depart for camp. Each Scout and adult leader needs to bring money to purchase lunch. We will stop in Clinton where there is a choice of multiple fast food places.

WHEN DO WE LEAVE CAMP TO COME HOME?   (return to top)

On the morning of check out, a significant amount of work is required. We must break camp, verify merit badge cards, inspect tents and our campsite, and we must load up the Troop and personal gear. We try to leave camp between 9:00 AM & 10:00 AM. Extra drivers are asked to be in camp ready to load passengers by 9:00 AM on the morning of departure.

A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION IS REQUIRED:    (return to top)

Read carefully the instructions of the “Personal Health and Medical Record” provided by the Boy Scouts of America. This form must be completed, correctly signed, and returned to the Troop medical officer by June 21st. The form must be completed and signed and a physical examination performed by a licensed doctor of medicine or osteopathy. The side with the doctor’s signature is good for 12 months. The side with the parent’s signature must be updated, initialed , and re-dated by a parent annually. After 12 months a new form and physical are required. For adult leaders over 40 years of age and for special Class 3 activities (high adventure camps, etc.), a Class 3 Personal Health and Medical Records form must be completed by a physician yearly. No camper will be allowed to depart without this form in the Troop’s possession.

Please provide any pertinent data, shot records (dates, especially tetanus), any past medical problems/history, allergies (medication, food, insect, plant) and medicine - both prescription and over the counter.

CAMP ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER:    (return to top)

Address all mail as follows: (Scout’s name), Troop 299, Camp Lonestar, Campsite Pawnee, Bartle Scout Reservation; 5525 NE Scout Camp Rd; Osceola, MO 64776. If an emergency arises, you may contact your Scout by leaving a message for the Scoutmaster at 417/646-8115, providing the above information to identify your son. He will have to return your call when he is near the telephone.

Scouts must call collect when using the camp phone. We attempt to limit this to few occasions with an adult leader nearby. If you find your son is calling daily or more often, please advise us of the situation so we can assist by involving him in more interesting interactions among us, making this a successful experience for him away from home.

CAMP BOXES AND LOCKS:     (return to top)

Each Scout will need a camp box in which to store and lock his personal gear. The recommended box is usually available at the Scout Shop or Mickey’s Army-Navy Surplus Store in Argentine.
The plywood box measures 20” x 12” x 12”. This size box will slide under the cot, out of the way. A larger box is available but usually not required for the amount of clothing the Scouts generally take to camp. Plastic waterproof boxes are also available. We require that each Scout obtain a combination lock. A written copy of the combination must be placed in a sealed envelope with your Scout’s name on it and given to the Camp Scoutmaster when we check in the camp boxes Sunday June 21st. This will prevent damage to the box in an emergency.

SUNDAY WORSHIP:    (return to top)

All Scouts and Leaders will attend one of the Sunday morning services. Camp Bartle has chapels for Catholic, Episcopal, Protestant, and Jewish Services. Each Scout should let the Camp Scoutmaster know which Chapel Service he will be attending. The Camp Scoutmaster would like to know this before we leave for camp.

VISITOR’S DAY:    (return to top)

It is very important that parents make every effort to be present on Visitor’s Day. This is especially true when the Scout is a first-year camper.

How Scouts look forward to this day! Some bubble over with things to share (listen to him); some ignore you to show independence (privately grab a hug and make him show and tell); some cling and beg to go home (make him show you camp and what he’s done; firmly say, “No, you can make it!”; then leave early).

The drive to H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation takes about 2 ½ hours. You’ll find a map enclosed (on page 20) for your convenience. Plan to arrive no earlier than 10:00 AM but at least by 10:30 AM, and plan to leave by 4:00 PM when planned Scout activities resume. There is usually a water event about 1:30 PM and an Indian dance at 3:00 PM. Wear well-soled, comfortable walking shoes because he’ll hike you all over the rocky hills and dales! Folding lawn chairs help.

We are planning lunch for the Troop at 12:00 noon following the invocation. Each family should bring enough food and drink to feed your family and your son’s favorite dessert to share with the troop. Patrols will receive instructions about additional food items to provide for the Visitors day evening meal at a later date. Do not plan on leaving any extra coolers or equipment for the campers to bring home. If parents are unable to come to camp on Visitor’s Day, it’s a good idea to send some favorite food via another parent. A touch of home is very important on this day! As camp approaches we will be assigning patrols to bring additional food for the visitors’ day evening meal.

RESTRICTIONS FOR VISITORS:    (return to top)

Visitors are reminded of these restrictions:
No smoking in the presence of Scouts
No alcoholic beverages
No firearms - No fireworks
No pets
No exceptions!

MEDICATIONS & PHYSICAL PROBLEMS:    (return to top)

The Camp Scoutmaster and Troop medical officer thoroughly review notes you or the doctor write on the medical form and, with discretion, inform other adult and boy leaders who need this information in order to assure your Scout fares well at Camp. If a Scout will need any medication, indicate it on the health form. All medication (prescription, over the counter, extra inhalers, etc.) MUST be turned in to the Troop medical officer before we leave for camp. A Scout needing inhalers will carry one with him and turn extras in. The Troop medical officer will make medications available per your instructions. For security, medication is kept in the leaders’ cabin, and the Scout requests it at the proper time(s) each day. Refrigeration of medication will be arranged by leaders as required.

The camp food service dietitian can arrange special diets for a Scout. Give the Camp Scoutmaster the requirements immediately, written exactly. They must be in camp before the Troop arrives.

It is not unusual among boys of Scout age for a few to have lingering bed-wetting problems that can lead to odor and unsanitary conditions, to say nothing of the blow to self-esteem among his friends. Boys who control this well by some routine at home may need adult prompting with the changed routine at camp. If it is not well controlled at home, we will inconspicuously establish a routine that works at camp. It is the parent who must tell us so we can help.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:   (return to top)

Maximum speed limit in H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation is 15 MPH for all vehicles. Boy Scout Insurance Policy Regulations prohibit the use of truck beds and trailers for the transportation of Scouts. Riding on the tailgate of station wagons is also prohibited. Drivers of vehicles must be at least 18 years of age with a current driver’s license. All vehicles must be parked in authorized parking areas.

Hammocks are not permitted because of the potential for injuries. For quick removal of ticks, Scouts will check themselves every 4-6 hours while out of doors. Report the location of any tick found to the Troop medical officer who records it for later checkup.

LEADERSHIP:     (return to top)

At summer camp our Scouts meet the challenges of personal growth, advancement, and leadership. Each Scout has a busy schedule for advancement, patrol or troop duties, and camp duties. A big part of the camp experience is just having fun. The adult leadership corps is at camp to assist the Scouts in fulfilling these adventures. Each year one of our Troop adult leaders takes on the job as Camp Scoutmaster. The Camp Scoutmaster works with a staff of other full and part time leaders. The Camp Scoutmaster’s job starts in September when camp registration starts and continues until we critique the camp session in July. He attends orientation meetings, gets program instructions throughout the year, and continues to receive direction at daily leaders’ meetings at camp.

Annually a number of Scout parents serve as leaders and attend all or part of the ten days at camp. We want to encourage all who can to arrange to do this, for it is a special time in your son’s development, and the experience shared has special meaning. This is especially so if over a consecutive two-year period you can stay six days and nights at camp. (Ask about it.) Tell the Scoutmaster now if you choose to stay at all. It is a good change of pace but not a totally relaxing vacation. Besides three daily hikes to the dining hall, each adult has assigned responsibilities. All of these bring a tightened tummy and a sound sleep at night.

The primary job of the leaders is to help the Camp Scoutmaster to help the Scouts run the program. We practice two-deep leadership at all times. This is for the protection of Scouts as well as leaders. When part time leaders arrive at camp, they should ask the Camp Scoutmaster what they could do to best support the program. All leaders are expected to be involved with the Troop and Reservation programs and devote their efforts for all of the Scouts to insure that they have a favorable camp experience and not work strictly with their own son with their own agenda. The programs that are in place at camp can be very tiring and the Scouts will need their rest. Special hikes or fishing trips after the normal program hours can needlessly tire the Scouts and detract from their enjoyment of the Reservation programs and may, in fact, hurt their chances of completing the advancements for which they are working.

MERIT BADGES:    (return to top)

Most Scouts want to complete merit badges while at camp. Notice that a number of badges have requirements that must be completed before camp for full completion at camp.

If it is your goal to complete at camp any of the badges shown below, be certain to complete the requirements shown below before you leave for camp. In most cases you will be required to bring some written certificate showing the requirement has been completed. The best would be a blue card with the requirements already signed off by a registered merit badge counselor. It is also recommended that all written work be completed and certified before camp.

Lakefront note: Sign up for lakefront activities will be on a first come-first served basis after dinner on the 1st night behind the dining hall.

RULES AND EXPECTATIONS     (return to top)

1. You may not enter another individual’s tent without his permission.
2. Radios, tape players, gameboys, or any other electronic gear are not permitted.
3. Fireworks, firearms, lighters, matches, and sheath knives are not allowed.
4. Silence is to be maintained in the morning before reveille.
5. Each Scout is responsible for keeping his tent, bedroll, and personal gear neat and in order.
6. A Scout in possession of tobacco, whether for smoking or chewing, will be asked to leave camp. No exceptions!
7. A Scout in possession or under the influence of alcohol or any illegal or illicit drug will, without exception, be required to leave camp.
8. Theft will not be condoned, and will be dealt with accordingly.
9. The complete Class “A” Scout uniform is to be worn on the trip to camp and the trip home. There are several additional times during the camp session when Class A’s will be required.
10. Obscene, foul, or vulgar language will not be tolerated.
11. NO aerosol cans of any kind are allowed (including bug repellant or deodorant).
12. Bullying, teasing or other forms of harassment by scouts to other scouts will have severe consequences, which could include suspension or expulsion from camp and/or the Troop.

The rules above are quite specific but cannot anticipate every problem which might occur. Scouts are reminded that the Scout Oath and Law are the operative codes of conduct for this and all Scouting functions.

CAMP POLICIES ON FUEL:   (return to top)

The use of liquid or jellied fuels (such as Sterno), gasoline, and oil, whether for cooking or lighting, is not permitted. This rule applies to visitors as well as Scouts. For the usual Scout-type fire-building skills, Scouts are reminded that matches, not lighters, must be used.
Scouts may not have lighters or matches in their possession.

SONGS THAT EVERY SCOUT SHOULD KNOW:     (return to top)

The Hills of Osceola	Tell Me Why
The hills of Osceola     are calling me today. “Come back along the Scouting Trail”,     their voices seem to say. I dream of woodland valleys,     and pathways that I knew. And answer, “Osceola, dear,     I’m coming back to you.”	Tell me why the starlit sky. Tell me why the oak trees high. Tell me why the sunset hue. Tell me why , Osceola, Why we all love you. Because God made the starlit sky. Because God made the oak trees high. Because God made the sunset hue. That’s why, Osceola,Why we all love you.

Scout Vespers Song
Softly falls the light of day
As our campfire fades away.
Silently each Scout should ask
Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my honor bright?
Can I guiltless sleep tonight?
Have I done, and have I dared
everything to be prepared?

Ghost Chickens
A chicken farmer went out one dark and dreary day.
He rested by the coop as he went along his way,
When all at once a rotten egg hit him in the eye.
It was the sight he dreaded . . . .
Ghost Chickens in the sky.

CHORUS:

Bok, bok, bok, bok.
Bok, bok, bok, bok.
Ghost Chickens in the sky.
The farmer had raised chickens since he was 24,
Working for the Colonel 30 years or more.
Killing all those chickens and sending them to fry.
Now they want revenge . . . .
Ghost Chickens in the sky.

CHORUS

Their feet were black and shiny, their eyes were burning red.
They had no meat or feathers. These chickens were all dead.
They picked the farmer up and he died by the claw.
They cooked him extra crispy . . .
And ate him with cole slaw.

CHORUS

THE TRIBE OF MIC-O-SAY     (return to top)

The Tribe of Mic-O-Say is the honor camper organization at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. Membership is conferred upon Scouts who participate in long-term camping and who meet specific qualifications. Although there is minimum age and rank qualifications a potential candidate must meet, these do not constitute the more important character, spirit, and leadership qualifications that Mic-O-Say seeks to recognize.

The youth Scout does not seek the Tribe of Mic-O-Say: It seeks him at the appropriate time.

There are two stations for a boy in Mic-O-Say: brave and warrior (hard way). Adults may become initiated as Honorary Warrior or Honored Woman. Warriors may be assigned additional levels of responsibility signified by paint on the tips of claws. The Fire builder wears orange paint, the Tom-Tom-Beater, green. The mighty Runner wears blue paint and the Keeper of Sacred Bundle, yellow. The Shaman wears purple paint. Members of the Tribal Council wear white paint regardless of particular station, and Chieftains and the Chief wear red.

Only members may attend the Mic-O-Say ceremonies or venture into areas within the Bartle Reservation outlined in white rocks. The fourth night of each session is a general campfire call night for the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. The call night portion of the evening is a ceremony to be witnessed by Tribesmen and registered Scouts and adult campers.

Directions to H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation (417-646-8115): Go to Clinton, MO. Take Highway 13 south to Highway C. Turn left (east) onto Highway C and go approximately 12 miles to a stop sign. Turn right (south) through the town of Iconium, MO. At the cemetery turn right (west) onto Highway Z. Continue less than ½ mile to Camp Piercing Arrow entrance. Go another mile to Camps Lone Star and Sawmill entrances.   (return to top)

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REQUIRED ITEMS: (return to top)

Uniform shirt, pants or shorts & belt
Official socks (several pairs)
Neckerchief and Slide
Boy Scout Handbook (extremely important)
Camp T-shirt (available at camp trading post)
Several Boy Scout T-shirts
Several pairs of pants, long or short
Several shirts or T-shirts
Backpack (if enrolled for Pioneer Trails)
Pajamas
Several pairs of socks (3-5 pairs)
Daily change of underwear
Sweater or Jacket
Raincoat or poncho
Hiking shoes
Tennis shoes
Swimming trunks
Bath towels, soap & shampoo
Comb, brush or pick for hair
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Camp Box with Combination lock
Sleeping bag (or 3 blankets and pillow)
Bed sheet folded to line sleeping bag
Flashlight with extra batteries
Cook kit, utensils (Pioneer Trails only)
Loose-leaf paper, pens, pencils & binder for merit badge classes
Mosquito repellent (non-aerosol only)
Deodorant (non-aerosol only)
Canteen or plastic water bottle with sling
Sturdy drink mug
Folding Chair

The following items are not required, but you may wish to consider some of them: Bible or prayer book, camera & film, hat or cap, sunglasses, compass, Scout Field book, pocket knife, sun block, stationary, envelopes & stamps, laundry soap, sewing kit, deck of cards, mesh bag for soiled clothes, moccasins, nylon line & clothes pins, coat hanger (plastic), small rug or mat and aqua socks (carry to pool to wear while swimming).

NOTE: No sandals or open-toed shoes of any kind!

Do not bring valuables!!! All clothing & equipment should be clearly marked with your name and Troop number.