COUNCIL CAMPS
Work at Camp
Save Lives!
Sounds grandiose and far fetched? Not really.
Consider all the“ Scouts in Action” stories you see in Boys’ Life. Think about all the news stories you’ ve read or watched where a person is asked“ how did you know how to do that?” and the proud reply is“ I learned that when I was in Boy Scouts.”
This doesn’ t happen by accident. The skills used in their lifesaving( and sometimes heroic) acts are taught at summer camp. They were taught by summer Camp Staff members.
First Aid, Lifesaving and Emergency Preparedness skills— all taught in merit badge classes at camp— have contributed to countless instances of lives saved. Combined with other lessons, swimming skills learned at camp have been responsible for some of the more outstanding stories.
Consider the story from Dirty Jobs Mike Rowe at a BSA event in 2012 where he talks about his Star Scout brother Scott and his work as a lifeguard.
YouTube video here: http:// tinyurl. com / RoweBrother
Working Quietly in the Background
Taking Care of Business
Every day something needs to be installed, painted or repaired at our camps. Like elves working in the night our Bucoco Ranger, Jim Hughes and our Agawam Caretaker, Bob Seman, just get the job done.
Bob and Jim constantly maintain structures and trails, vehicles, grounds and site infrastructure. Maintenance can include clearing trails and campsites of debris and litter, and even designing and creating new trails. They also make sure that visitors appropriately use camp facilities and keep trespassers from coming on to the property.
A big part of their oversight includes adhering to national standards and making sure that the camp has and keeps accreditation.
Rangers / Caretakers work closely with scouts, cubmasters and scoutmasters who come for a visit. They give guidance, help setup campsites, explain first aid and provide equipment if needed.
The next time you’ re at camp, say thanks to Jim and Bob. You can even offer to lend a hand while there or schedule your unit to help out at one of the work days:
�� Camp Agawam Service Day— April 29
�� Camp Bucoco Service Day— June 3
�� S. O. S. Work Days at Camp Agawam— July 23
Agawam Caretaker Bob Seman getting ready to clean the pool and mow the lawn
You will probably never meet the people who saved lives as a result of skills learned at summer camp. Most of their acts go unreported. But you can be certain you are teaching skills that every camper will use many times in their life!
Check into joining the team. Send Bob Seman an e-mail or give him a call. More info: http:// tinyurl. com / MTCstaff
Bucoco Ranger Jim Hughes working with a Scoumaster on planning their visit to camp
Spring 2017
14 Moraine Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America