Policies

Medical Overview

• Campers under the age of 40 who are not participating in trek should use the Class 1 & 2 BSA Medical Form (see Maps and Downloads). Campers 40 and older or those participating in trek should use the Class 3 BSA Medical Form (see Maps and Downloads). Other physical forms may be used if they include the same information as the BSA forms.
• Every participant must provide a copy of their medical form to be kept on file after they leave. Medical forms may be copied in the program center for 10¢ per copy.
• To speed up check-in, you may send copies (NOT originals) of all medical forms to camp two weeks prior to your arrival.
• All medication must be turned in at medical checks (during the check-in process) to the Health Officer in the original prescription labeled container. To ensure a faster check-in have a Scout medication form already filled out for each scout taking medication.
• Bee sting medication, inhalers, an insulin syringe or other medication or device used in the event of life-threatening situations may be carried by a camper or staff member but should be brought to medical checks.
• The above requirements are those of the State of Wisconsin and the Boy Scouts of America.

Insurance

• When surgical treatment or hospital care is needed for Samoset Council Scouts/Scouters, benefits in excess of $300.00 will be paid only if they are unrecoverable from any other
  insurance policy or service contract (i.e. family insurance policy). Therefore, it is imperative that you come prepared with the pertinent insurance policy information for every Scout/Adult.
• Non-Samoset Council Units must bring their own insurance information or proof of Council insurance.

Inherent Dangers

Everyone should be prepared for potential problems that are out of the control of the camp. There are a lot of natural hazards like rocks, roots and branches that may cause injury if not cautious. Campers can avoid visits from animals by not allowing any food, drinks or scented items in or near their tents. To avoid lost or stolen items, leave your valuables at home or have them stored securely in vehicles.

Choosing the Right Medical Form

Program Centers

• The Program Centers are open to all Leaders 24 hours a day and serve as a Leader’s lounge.
• At Tesomas adult restrooms are located in the lower level and youth restrooms are located in the basement of the Dining Hall.
• For your convenience, a staff member will be available to answer questions during the operating hours listed on this page.
• Medical Forms and other documents may be copied for 10¢ per copy.
• Leader training materials are available in the lounge areas.
• Tesomas units are encouraged to sign up in the Program Center to perform camp-wide flag ceremonies, shower cleaning, and Waterfront tower guarding.
• Volleyballs, board games, and playing cards can be checked out from the health officer.
• If you need a vehicle past the Tesomas parking lot gate later than Sunday, check out daily a vehicle pass at the desk.
• At Tesomas, campsite garbage bags, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies are available from the upper level closet. For any other campsite equipment needs, contact someone in the Program Center, your campsite host, or super den chief.
• Lost & found is located outside the health office; valuable items are kept with the health officer.
• Wireless internet is available for Leader use.
• Only Leaders may use the computers in the lower level. Personal computers may be used by Leaders, but we ask that personal equipment not be set up for extended periods of time.
• Visit the Archives Room in the lower level of the Tesomas PC for an interesting look at the great history and traditions of Tesomas, Tom Kita Chara & the Crystal Lake Scout Reservation.

Trading Posts

• The Trading Posts will be open at various times throughout the day. Specific hours will be posted at each camp. It will be closed for all meals, flag ceremonies, and during chapel.
• Here you will find all the merchandise you need including everything from hats and shirts to collectibles. You will also be able to purchase additional toiletries, cooking supplies, and other camping necessities.
• You will be able to purchase candy, soda, slushies, and any other food items. The porch and picnic tables are there for you to enjoy your snacks. Please have your Scouts clean up after themselves!

Shower Buildings

• At each camp, there are separate shower rooms for under 18 boys, 18 and older men, women, and under 18 girls as needed.
• Tesomas unit’s should sign up in the Program Center to help keep the shower buildings clean.
• Units camping near Hanna may use the showers in the base or ones between Menominee and Winnebago campsites.

Health Offices

• Available 24 hours a day in the lower level of the Program Centers.
• For medication disbursement, the Health Office will be open a half-hour before and after each meal, and 1 hour prior to taps. Individual arrangements can be made if necessary. Please ensure that your Scouts are responsible in this matter. We recommended that one Leader be responsible for ensuring the Scouts receive their meds when they are supposed to.
• If the Health Officer is not in the Health Office, report to the camp office for assistance.

Vehicles

• For the safety of the Scouts and Scouters, the speed limit on all camp roads is 5 mph.
• At Tesomas only one vehicle (at a time) is allowed to the campsite on Sunday.
• After supper on the day of check in, all vehicles must be in the parking lot until the day of check out when one vehicle is allowed back to the campsite to pack up.
• A daily “Vehicle Pass” must be obtained from the Program Center if a vehicle is needed past the parking lot after Sunday. Vehicles without a pass may be ticketed by our commissioner.
• Parking is not permitted along the road near Winnebago, Menominee, and Mohican campsites.

Bicycles at Tesomas

• Bikes must stay on camp roads, not trails.
• No bikes are allowed in main camp, program areas, or in campsites.
• When not in use, bikes near main camp will be stored in designated Bike Corrals.
• When not in use, bikes near the unit campsite will be stored off the road, near the latrine.
• Absolutely no riding after dusk.
• All riders will maintain safe speeds, yield to pedestrians, wear a buckled helmet while riding, and obey any signs.
• All riders will need to read and sign an agreement form available at the Program Center.
• Any rule infractions will result in the individual losing their privilege to ride on camp property.

Mail/Email

• Please have mail addressed in the corresponding manner below.
• You are encouraged to mail things several days early so we receive it before checkout day.
• Due to lack of computer capabilities, we do not offer an e-mail service for the Scouts. Leaders may use the Program Center computers for e-mail.
• If there is an emergency family issue, please call or email camp@samoset.org with the camper’s name and unit number in the subject heading and the Reservation Directors will ensure that the camper receives the message.

Leaving Camp Early

• Any Scouts leaving camp during their stay must have a release signed by their parent or guardian and approved by the Scout Leader.
• We recommend having this form completed before a Scout attends camp.
• When checking out, a member of the camp leadership must give the final approval signature.

Smoking

• Smoking is only allowed in the maintenance yard at Tesomas and the parking lot at Akela’s World, away from Scouts and other Leaders. Please use the main road up to Maintenance.
• For the health of all Scouts and Scouters, please respect the rights of all others and refrain from smoking in your campsite or any place other than those listed above.

Pets

No animals are allowed on camp properties except for guide dogs for the visually impaired or animals which are for a program/demonstration with the approval of the Reservation Director. Pets will be allowed in designated Family Camp areas but must be leashed at all times and the owner is responsible to clean up after the animal.

Visitors

• All visitors must check in and out at the camp office.
• Visitors are not allowed between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:30 AM.
• Tesomas visitors are encouraged Wednesday evening. Our Open House begins at 3:30 pm with a picnic style meal served at 6:00 pm for $5 a plate. The highlight of the evening, the Order of the Arrow Calling Out Ceremony begins at 8:00 pm.
• Visitors should not bring pets.
• Persons with disabilities should notify Tesomas prior to their arrival.
• Guest meal tickets may be purchased for $5 per meal in the Program Centers.

Emergencies

• In the event of a camp-wide emergency, the camp siren may sound. At which time, all campers are to report immediately to the Dining Hall and await further instruction from the camp staff. The camp staff undergoes training in handling common types of emergencies.
• A camp-wide emergency situation will consist of any severe weather, wildfire, lost or missing campers, lost or missing swimmers, and any possible severe medical emergency. Anyone who becomes aware of an emergency situation or danger should notify the nearest staff member who will contact the appropriate camp leadership.
• Any information in regards to a bomb threat or unauthorized visitor should be reported to the program center immediately.

Phone/Fax (summer only)

• The reservation phone number is (715) 365-3111. We ask that the campers call home instead of friends and family calling them. Emergencies are an obvious exception.
• A camper phone is located in each Program Center and is available for anyone to use at anytime. Scouts must have a Leader with them to use the phone. Phone cards are required for long distance calls.
• For any unexpected business like incomplete medical forms, the reservation fax may be used. The fax number is (715) 365-3112.

Damaged Camp Equipment

• Any damage to camp-owned equipment through abuse will be the responsibility of the unit.
• Replacement costs will be assessed to the unit based on the retail costs of the damaged item. Units will be responsible for paying for damaged equipment before leaving camp.

Shoes

• Footwear is required everywhere in camp, except in the Waterfront.
• Closed toed shoes are required for Climbing and Shooting Sports.

Firewood

• Units are prohibited from bringing firewood into camp because it can harbor many different kinds of invasive pests and diseases harmful to our trees. Pests like gypsy moth and diseases like oak wilt are easily spread through infested firewood.  Wisconsin is now faced with the very real threat of becoming the next state to discover the emerald ash borer within its borders.
• Units can gather downed wood or purchase firewood from us.

Privacy

By participating in Samoset Council activities, you agree to allow Samoset Council to use your image in camp and council promotional materials.

Anti-Discrimination

In the operation of the summer camp program, no child, as defined by program regulations, will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, age, national origins, or handicap.