9 Summer Camp Tips for Scouters

One of the big problems we always had was when a Scout would spend all their camp money on the first day – then have no money for supplies, treats, and crafts. The easiest solution is to start a bank! Bring a lockbox, small bills for change, paper clips, paper, and a receipt book. Before leaving for the trip be sure parents and Scouts know you will have a bank for spending money and ask for small bills.

Just before you leave, collect the money (be sure it’s optional as you will likely have one Scout who can manage his money) and give each Scout a receipt for their deposit. Use a paper clip on each Scout’s money with a note with the date, their name, and the amount. When you get to Camp, announce when the bank will be open. I would only open 1 time per day, just after breakfast. Record any withdrawals on the Scout’s paper and write a receipt for their withdrawal.

Summer Camp is the perfect time and place for a Boy Led Troop to shine – or to practice becoming one. Before leaving for camp, inform the PLC that they will responsible for Summer Camp. I would only give them my list of “Musts” For Example – “We must not be late for meals” and “We must use good table manners” I would always have a couple of goals that are easy to accomplish and give the PLC a sense of satisfaction. This then spreads out to encompass many of the Troop’s goals at Summer Camp.

Staff members at camp are remarkable people who volunteer to spend their summer in the heat and rain to teach your Scouts! Meet them, thank them, volunteer to help them out, or bring them a soda. If there is a problem, they will remember you as one of the nice leaders and maybe give you a heads up. If there are no problems, you will have met some new people and learned some interesting skills. One summer camp at the rifle range the CIT was out sick – I volunteered to help and had a great time filling bullet blocks and helping.

Every summer camp I attended always had programs for adult leaders. Take a class or two or work on BSA Lifeguard. You will learn something and set an example for your Scouts.

Walking from program area to program area is a great non-intrusive way to check on your Scouts. Greet the staff and ask if they need anything. As you do that, you will see if your Scouts are engaged and in class.

I know, I know – this method is not really fair. If you have built your network of Counselors and done your walkarounds – you will have a pretty good idea of who is going to class and who isn’t. About halfway through camp, have the PLC call a quick meeting where they discuss how camp is going. I make a quick comment about how I enjoy the Court of Honor after summer camp – not only because of the merit badges and awards the Scouts earn but also how proud the parents are when their Scout earns all the Merit Badges they signed up for. NEVER make a particular Scout go to class or tell them individually that skipping class may not be a good idea.

It’s your trip too. Go for a hike, take a swim, and do any Scoutmaster activities. Wash your clothes and tidy your area. The best way to relax is to have your SPL and Patrol Leaders handle all the decisions. If your SPL has held the position for a while, he will know what is expected and make it happen. If he is brand new – spend a little time ahead of camp making suggestions on how to handle the common problems.