So what camp

[kd6rxy]

Just got back from Camp Friedlander. This is the first Summer Camp they have had since 1971. Overall I give them an A+.

 

From the boy perspective. They had a lot of fun, learned a lot, the merit badges sessions were interesting, I attended a few, good food, and air conditioned dining hall was a blessing (we had a heat index of over 100 a couple days).

 

I guess being thier first year for so long, there were some administration type problems, but for the most part, it went pretty smooth.

 

Their adult program had a lot to be desired (also symptoms of the first year, I think). Very few training sessions and all of them were the same time and day so you could only attend one. I was told it would be different next year. (But, summer camp is for the boys.)

 

They did have problems on the water front, only during open boating. Seems they will let any swimmer have a boat regardless of his abilities in that boat. Had a few mishaps that brought complaints at the SM meeting the next morning. No one hurt but one of my boys was involved. Everyone realized it wasn't all the boys' fault, the policy and counselors let him have the boat. I suggested that they give a short orientation to each boy or group of boys to let them know what was expected of them. Apparently the policy was changed, my scout was not allowed in a canoe later in the week (due to lack of ability) I guess they decided to go this route for now. Also, on parents night, a parent wanted to go canoeing with his son, the staff said no, he would have to pass the BSA swim test(kudos!) when the man produced a card showing that he was a certified scuba diver, they still said no (kudos again!), but you think they would have allowed him the canoe since he showed proof of swimming abilities above and beyond the scope of the BSA swim test.

 

I must compliment the camp on their zero tolerance policy with the camp staff, seemed on Monday a Counselor smacked a kid across the arm with an arrow, leaving a welt. He was immidiately fired and escorted off the property and a new counselor was in place on Tuesday.

 

Overall I think the camp staff did a great job. I would recommend the camp to anyone asking.

 

We, on the other hand, probably will not attend next year. The closeness to home fostered homesickness. One boy left on Monday. He was homesick (don't know why, he was fine on all other campouts) and his mother gave me all kinds of "medical" reasons for him to go home, none of which were on his medical form and why did we not have his medications?). We have found that when you are 2-3 hours away, the homesickness doesn't happen, or the boys deal with it beter because they know in advance there isn't much chance of mom coming at 2 in the morning to get them.

 

The only complaint from the parents that came was the rude, snotty woman in the office where you sign in. Come to find out, the staff didn't like her either, so she wasn't playing favorites. I was told by the camp director that he would have someone with a pleasant smile and demeanor stand at the door and great people on parents night so they would get a good first impression.

[Eagle74]

Spork & Scoutmaster 424:

 

Off the topic, but let me be the first to welcome you to Peterloon 2002 at Camp Friedlander (Lower Craig area). The camp is in the community in which I live and work. As a Scouter - one who was a Scout that attended Camp Friedlander Summer Camp way back when - and Asst. Chief of Miami Twp. Fire & EMS whose area the camp is in, we are justiable proud of the new facilities.

 

Wishing for you another great and safe Peterloon experience!

[Eagle74]

OOPS!

That should have been "justifiably proud."

I wish I could be as justifiably proud of my editing skills!

 

 

[kd6rxy]

Eagle74 -

 

I can see why you are proud of the facility. It looks great and was run well for their first year.

 

Do we know each other?

 

Maybe I will see you at Peterloon!

[Rooster7]

Returned from summer camp (Rodney Scout Reservation on the Chesapeake Bay) this past Saturday. We took 43 Scouts and 15 adult leaders. Overall, it was another successful camp experience. Our Scoutmaster was unable to attend because he was leading a high adventure trip at Mount Rainer (Wonderland Trail). One of our regular ASMs stood in for him at summer camp. He did a pretty good job, but I had a difficult time with his style...had to bite my tongue. He's a bit of a control freak. Consequently, I felt he did not give the boys enough room to run their own show (so to speak). To his defense, 21 of the 43 boys were first year Scouts. Also, because of two high adventure trips going on during the summer, our boy leadership at camp was reduced to two 13-year-olds and a handful of 12-year-olds.

 

Had the usual assortment of issues. One boy became so homesick, we had to call mom to come pick him up. Another boy became ill (102 temperature), and again, we had to make arrangements for him to go home. Two or three young boys struggled with the swimming merit badge (to the point of tears), but the camp staff was able to bring about some success and the smiles returned. We lost about a half dozen first year Scouts after several moms and dads showed up for the Friday night dinner and campfire (family night). Our stand-in SM was pretty upset about it. In regard to first year Scouts, I see it as pretty much par for the course. We'll probably lose most of these boys within the next year or so. It's been my experience that about half of the boys who bridge, drop out within 12 to 18 months.

 

Getting back on topicRodney is a great camp. If you're in NJ, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, or southeast Pennsylvania, I highly recommend this camp. It's probably already too late for 2003. This camp fills up almost immediately at the end of the summer. They probably have the best aquatics program on the East Coast. From talking to other Scouters, I think Heritage Reservation in Pennsylvania is pretty close to its equal in all other areas. Any way, its good to be back home where the mattress is firm and the only other adults (my wife) is soft.

 

[red feather]

Camp Geiger, St Joseph, Mo. Home of Mic-O-Say (Honor Camping Society, alternative to OA) and home of COPE. Staff is great, all Eagles and many return staffers, many 5 plus years. Had a British troop this year, and they could not understand why anyone would colonize such an area, hot, rainy, buggy etc. (hah,hah) But a great experience. Mic-O-Say keeps boys coming back to advance. Many 17 to 20 year old scouts return for the experiences.

[ASM7]

What is Mic-O-Say? How do you have an alternative to OA in BSA?

Doug

[red feather]

Mic-O-Say is a Honor Camper society located in St Jospeph, Mo with a sister camp at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation used primarily by the Kansas city area scouts. Scouts and adults are nominated to join based on rank, age and activity in scouts. Boys are generally Star rank adn 3rd year campers. Adults who are active are usually 2nd or 3rd year campers. MOS is loosely based on american indian traditions with two ranks Brave and Warrior. With additonal 'paint' responsibilities added on over more years of involvement. Many of the older scouts have been active in MOS for over 20 years. I joined MOS in 1968 and have been active off and on ever since. Don't know the official web address but you can do a web search for Mic-O-Say and find more information. OA is available but scouts in this area and Kansas City and area tend to stick with MOS. Our retention rate of scouts who join MOS and reach their Eagle is in the range of 60-70% with many Eagles staying active so that they can advance in 'paint' duties. My troop usually has 6-7 sixth and over year campers with the troop during summer camp trying to advance in ' paint'. if you would like more info please let me know.

 

YIS

[ASM7]

I have not seen anything in BSA literature about Mic-O-Say. After years in BSA, this is the first time I have heard of it. I went to the website, and it looks to be a near copy of OA. Is it sanctioned by BSA? If not, how does it continue to operate at a BSA camp. I'm a little worried about this secret organization stuff.

"Ceremonies, customs and traditions of the Tribe are for the eyes and ears of Tribesmen only, and are not to be discussed with non-Tribesmen." from the website. This seems to go against BSA policy about secret organizations.

[red feather]

ASM7, any non-tribesman or woman is welcome to learn what is involved in MOS. Traditions and cermonies are based on the scout law, oath, and motto. The 'secret' tag is utilized for the scouts who are nominated to MOS and to enhance the mystique for the younger scouts. You are welcome to come to camp and learn what it is about. I have heard of visits by National to our camp to see what we do to retain older scouts. If you have any questions please let me know.

[cvhoc13]

Hidden Valley in Central PA, of the Keystone Area Council. We have a great first year camper program. A half day and they complete over 30 requirements. A little biased as I am the director. However it is a great time.