2-Deep Leadership at Day Camp

[AdvanceOn]

I need your input. How do you handle the two-deep leadership at your day camps?

 

At a previous day camp in which I was involved the kids were grouped by dens of like ages (a mix of different packs). Each den had a minimum of one leader. Since each den was traveling to individual stations that were attended by one or more adults this was used to cover the 2-deep rule.

 

The day camp that I'm involved with now (different district, different council) insists on two deep with each group of kids at all times. This has meant that the boys are grouped by packs rather than dens (to get enough leader coverage). This has also meant that some years packs have not sent their Webelos who do a different program because they couldn't get enough leaders.

 

The space where this camp is held is very open. There will be adults floating around at all times during the camp hours. We can probably also put a junior volunteer with some of the groups as a 2nd person.

 

Scout safety is, of course, very important to us. But, we're really tying our hands if we don't come up with other alternatives to our current methods. We'll never grow in number of boys served if we stay so limited in how the adults are used.

 

How have you handled this situation? What is your opinion?

 

Thanks,

Melodee

[Bob White]

Melodee,

I've been a unit volunteer in 4 councils, and in each one the rule of 2-deep leadership was strictly maintained. Scouts behave better for their own leaders, and the staff is their to provide program not unit leadership. In addition, as you mentioned, scout safety is a priority. Should a unit leader become sick or injured another unit leader needs to be present to care for the scouts.

 

My suggestion, explain the rules to the parents so they understand that Cubbing is a family activity. Most every adult would be able to take 1 day from work to enjoy day camp with their kids.

[ScouterPaul]

Melodee

Good question. I have attended only one day camp. Our district required a minimum of 2 leaders from a pack (unless there was only one boy going with one of his parents) with a ratio of 1:5, one leader for each five boys. We group the boys by rank. This policy does not guarantee that you will be with your son. There is at least two usually three leaders with each den. It seems to work well. I really liked the fact that the boys were put with boys from other packs. This really seemed to help them socially.

[NHScouter]

One suggestion that I have is not to forget about Den Chiefs. They too are considered to be leaders and I have always been appreciative of the assistance that they provide. They also enjoy the program as much as you and the boys do and gain valuable leadership experience by participating.

[Bob White]

NHScouter,

Although Den Chiefs are a great help in a den they do not count in the two deep leadership policy. The leaders refered to must be a least 18 years old with one of the adults present being 21 years old or older.