Camp-Master Program

What is a Camp-master?

A Camp-master is a registered adult volunteer from within Samoset Council who comes to Camp and helps out with short-term program, operations and maintenance.

What are the Goals of the Camp-master Program?

To develop a core group of individuals who are available to make sure there is never a pause in the operation of the outdoor program at camp. Example: The Camp Ranger must leave Camp due to a family emergency; a Camp-master can step in and ensure the Camp is available for Unit usage.

It will also allow Scouters & their families an opportunity to experience Camp without the responsibility of their Pack or Troop. Camp can be a different and most enjoyable place when the Unit responsibility is not there.

What Will the Camp-master be Responsible for?

The program is designed first and foremost as a backup to the Camp Ranger. Responsibilities may or may not include the following:

• Check Troops in and out during the weekend
• Be available to Troops in case of an emergency
• Provide property security
• Ability to operate the camp's equipment and tools, such as the trucks, tractor, chainsaw and other various hand & power tools. (Special training is required)

Can Your Family Come to Camp?

Families are always encouraged to participate in this wonderful program. Through the many years we have found that having families make this a time where they can all get together help out and still have a great time and a great vacation. We even have facilities available during most of the year that families can stay in cabins that are right next to the lake (except winter).

The Scouting Family

The one requirement that will be placed on you and your family is that you will be representing Samoset Council and in fact an unpaid professional. It is expected that you and your family will represent Scouting Family ideals, following the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

What are the Training Requirements?

All Camp-masters will be required to attend specific training. The specific training requirements for each Camp can be obtained by contacting the Camp Ranger. There is a Training Outline available with all of the training requirements listed. Some of these include:

• A tour of the Camps, including locations of all utilities
• A tour of all the winter cabins and each building's specifics
• Emergency plans
• Health and Safety, including OSHA and State requirements
• Specific equipment training, such as tractor and chainsaw operations (not required)
• Short term camping procedures
• Camp-masters are encouraged to be trained in First-aid and CPR (Free Red Cross Certifications for Camp-masters)

Training Sessions

We will have a minimum of two, day long training sessions each year. Each Camp-master will be required to attend these training sessions to update training certifications, receive new information about Camp and/or Camp procedures, update records, welcome new members, etc.. Training sessions will be scheduled in the fall & spring, on a Saturday acceptable to the majority of Camp-masters.

The biggest part of this training will be the Red Cross First-aid and CPR training. If you our someone in your family already has training just bring the cards with you.

How do I Join the Camp-master Corp?

Contact the Camp Ranger, complete an application and your name will be submitted to Samoset Council for final approval.

How is a Camp-master Scheduled?

The Ranger, Elvis Bauman (), we will use a regular calendar sign up. You can put your name in anytime you want to be in Camp, weekday or weekend. That’s’ right we have weekdays available also! Scheduling will be on a "I Signed Up First" basis. Only one Camp-master will be allowed in Camp on any one time because of the housing arrangements. Housing will vary from time to time depending on the time of year. During the warmer months we have heated cabins that would work great for an average family complete with bathroom and shower.

Will I be required to do Camp Maintenance?

Yes, but it will be nothing beyond your comfort level and at most will be of the emergency type. You will not be expected to come to Camp and "work your butt off". If it is a serious nature, you will be expected to know "who" to call more so than "how" to fix it. Most of the time it’s a burned out light bulb, replacing a battery, or just doing a small police call. Weekday Camp-masters may be asked to do small tasks such as cleaning the walls on a cabin, or painting and that’s only if you feel comfortable doing the tasks. We just want families and Scouters to come to camp help with security and make one improvement if possible.

As a Camp-master at Crystal Lake Scout Reservation, you will receive a copy of our Camp-master's Guidebook, which contains all the Camp specifics, so you will not be required to remember massive quantities of information.

For more information please contact Elvis Bauman (), Samoset Council Ranger, at the Council Service Center .