Our traditional Father & Son camp is almost here! Our youth leaders have worked hard to prepare a fun camp (this year’s theme is “Indiana Jones”), and everyone is eager to welcome newcomers to the Troop! If you are planning to attend camp, it is very important that all participants (youth and adult) sign up on TroopWebHost. This will help ensure we have the proper amount of food for the weekend.
We’ve prepared detailed information below to help make our new Scout’s first 701 camp a success! For returning campers, we ask that you please review the important information as well.
ABOUT FATHER/SON CAMP – Father & Son Camp has been a Troop 701 tradition for over 30 years. We hold Father & Son Camp in March because it is designed to be the first camping experience for our new scouts and families. It’s also a bit of a reunion camp for many older scouts, and we’re happy to say we will have some former 701 scouts now in college joining us for camp, or spending the day with us Saturday. While it’s called Father & Son camp – if your dad can’t come, we expect and encourage scouts to still attend! Please speak with an Adult Leader if you have any questions or concerns.
WHEN/WHERE/CHECK-IN – Camp is Friday, March 10th through Sunday, March 12th.
The troop will meet at Camp Miakonda, located at 5600 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623. We will not be meeting beforehand, and driving to camp as a group. Please contact the Scoutmaster if you need assistance with transportation.
We ask for everyone’s help arriving on time for a smooth check-in, and please do not assume you’re in a particular cabin. Please arrive at camp between 7:00 and 7:45 PM. We will have Troop 701 staff in the parking lot to greet you and to check you in. Please do not enter camp without first checking in with 701 staff. It is in the parking lot that you will learn your cabin assignment, and adults will turn in medical forms. Troop 701 Staff will remain in the parking lot until 8:00 PM. If you have a late arrival after 8:00, please find the troop in the Dining Hall to complete your check-in and learn your cabin assignment. If you are new to camp, a camp map is here:
http://www.camp-miakonda.org/Images/Map/Miakonda%20Map%20Full%20(Color).pdf
The dining hall on the map is called “Ford Center,” and you access it by the stair sidewalk path between Washington and Elks Cabins.
Important: Adults – when you arrive, please turn in your completed BSA Medical Form Parts A & B:
https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_AB.pdf
Important: If you are unexpectedly late, please PHONE CALL the Scoutmaster to give us an update. We can’t stress enough how important it is to inform the Scoutmaster if you have a late arrival.
ABOUT THE CABINS – We will be cabin camping in comfortable and well-heated cabins. We will sleep in bunks that include a mattress. Fathers and sons camp in the same cabin but in separate areas. It’s suggested that you bring a sheet and sleeping bag or blanket(s). Bring a small pillow too if you prefer. Earplugs or headphones can be a very good idea too.
WHAT TO WEAR/GEAR – All scouts arrive at camp in their Class A uniforms. Please watch the weather forecast for the Toledo area, and dress accordingly for the remainder of camp. Plan to spend considerable time outdoors playing games. If there is any rain in the forecast, the field will be wet. Please bring waterproof boots or snowboots, rain jacket, hat, several pairs of gloves, layered clothing, a coat, and extra socks and clothes. Scouts will only wear their Class A uniform on Friday evening and Saturday evening. The rest of the weekend, scouts and adults should wear comfortable and weather appropriate clothing, with the expectation of spending almost all of Saturday outside.
Here are additional items to bring to March Camp:
Scouts – Class A Scout Uniform – Arrive to camp in uniform (Scout Shirt and Scout Pants)
1 Quart Water bottle, with your name on it.
Flashlight or Headlamp
TIP Book/Advancement Book/Scout Handbook
Tooth brush/toothpaste/hand towel
Medications – All meds must be in the possession of Dad or Adult Guardian.
MORE ON WHAT TO EXPECT – Father & Son Camp is about family members enjoying the weekend with their sons. The scouts in our PLC have put together a great program for the weekend, and we ask that everyone participate and stick to their agenda. Depending upon your cabin assignment, please expect to carry your gear between 100 and 300 yards.
Arrive at camp having eaten dinner. There will be a light snack Friday night. Father & Son Camp is the only camp of the year with dining hall service. We will eat at 8:00 AM, Noon, and 5:00 PM; and we serve evening snacks. A hot Sunday breakfast is also served.
In addition to games and activities, there will be time to work on advancements. If there is a specific advancement you would like to work on, please prepare beforehand, so that you are ready to work on it at camp.
While it’s difficult to predict exactly when we will depart camp, a target departure time is 10:00 AM Sunday morning. It’s very important for everyone to understand that we arrive and depart as a group. Please do not depart Sunday until we are cleared for check-out by the Campmaster. If you need to depart early, please speak with the Scoutmaster first, and remember that the Scoutmaster and his team must know who is on and off the scout reservation at all times.
We hope this information is helpful, and please contact an Adult Leader if you have any questions. Thanks for your cooperation, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at camp!
