Tesomas Preparation

Preparation Timeline

Right Now:

If you haven’t already, submit your unit reservation and deposit to secure space.
Inform all Scouts, second year Webelos, and their parents about your unit’s summer plans.
Recruit at least two adult Leaders (one at least 21 or older) to be in camp at all times during your stay. Recruit more if you will have 20 or more Scouts. Any time your unit does not have two adults to spend the night, an adult staff member will be assigned for a fee of $30 per night.
Schedule a promotional presentation for your troop or crew with the Scout Center.
Take note of the payment plan and be sure to stay on target with the due date (see registration).

March

Attend one of our Camp Preview Meeting to learn about our exciting programs and services.
- Monday March 16, 6:30 PM - Kennedy Elementary, Junction City
- Tuesday March 17, 6:30 PM - Scout Center, Weston
- Wednesday March 18, 6:30 PM - PCA Training Center, Tomahawk
Turn in all Campership Applications to the Samoset Office by April 1st.
Camper Deposits are due April 15 (see registration). All remaining fees are due to the Samoset Office two weeks prior to your week at camp.

April

Consider each Scout’s needs for advancement to help him in his camp advancement planning (see resources).
Begin signing scouts up for their desired advancement sessions online (see resources).
Non-Samoset Council Units should ensure all forms are on file at your Council’s office, such as a local tour permit. Please bring your own Council’s insurance form with you to camp.
Pre-order custom T-shirts to ensure that everyone will have one to wear at camp. Shirts ordered by April 27 will cost $12 and can be customized with your unit number or other text.
If desired, complete a precamp swim test.

May

Send out final camp notices to all parents including a list of what to bring (see registration).
Have committee members visit parents of Scouts not registered to encourage their attendance with your unit, with another unit, or with the provisional unit (see registration).
For Samoset Troops, send in your Adult OA Nomination by May 1.
Work with each Scout in planning an advancement schedule and getting them started with the pre-camp work listed in this guidebook (see resources). Each adult who will be at camp should have record of what each Scout will be doing for advancement.
Fill out merit badge applications to be turned in Sunday night to the Program Center.
Ensure that all Scouts and Leaders will have their medical forms with updated signatures before coming to camp (see page 17). Also, have the Scout medication form filled out for those scouts taking medication at camp.
Fill out special dietary request form for all Scouts requiring special meals (see resources).
Attend Spring Work Trek on May 15-17 (see Spring Work Trek page).

Two Weeks Before Camp

Collect all Scout & Leader medical forms (ensure that we will be able to keep a copy of each) and Scout medication forms. You should send copies (NOT originals) of all these to camp.
Check up on each Scout’s pre-camp advancement work.
Make final advancement changes up until two weeks prior to camp.
Hold an inspection of personal packs & equipment. Also, prepare unit equipment for camp.
Prepare multiple copies of your unit roster for camp and other leaders.
Add any last minute campers to your registration and mail your final unit payment.

Several Days Before Camp

Complete the final check on transportation to ensure everyone has a ride to and from camp.
Remind the Scouts of the behavior standards necessary for a Scouting trip.
Remind the Scouts to pack a lunch for the day you arrive unless you plan to stop.
Plan to arrive between 1:30 and 2:00 pm. Trek participants should arrive at 1:00 PM. (see Check-In)

Right Before You Depart

Collect any remaining medical forms and ensure everyone has their medications in their original containers with a label containing the Scout’s name and unit number.
Ensure rides will be at camp to pick Scouts up before 11:00 am on the following Saturday.

Leadership

The Leaders (one of which needs to be 21 or older) who will be staying at camp should have some camping and Scouting experience.
Have one additional Leader, 18 or older (male or female) for every 10 Scouts.

Arrival

Complete an approved swim check before coming to camp or come to camp wearing your swim trunks.
Have all the heavy gear in one vehicle so that it can be taken to your campsite all at once.
Have a copy of all medical forms for camp to keep in alphabetical order and medical forms of Scouts taking medications separate from the rest. If you mailed in the medical forms, your campsite host will have them for medical rechecks.

Advancement

First year Scouts should take Eagle Quest and one or two simple merit badges in their free time such as Basketry or Fingerprinting (see Eagle Quest information).
Second year Scouts who aren’t First Class should sign up for Eagle Quest and merit badges.
Be aware that OA candidates who are going through their Ordeal will miss all of their Thursday sessions. Talk with the staff for how to make these up.
All Scouts should be given their own copy of their advancement schedules.
Leaders should make sure that each Scout has chosen programs according to their interests and ability.
Schedule merit badges/activities carefully to allow travel time in between (i.e. avoid scheduling a shooting sports merit badge right before/after a COPE/Climbing activity).
All Scouts taking merit badges should have their blue cards filled out and signed by an adult leader before arriving at camp.
All Scouts should be made aware of their prerequisites (see resources).
All Scouts should read the merit badge pamphlet(s) before coming to camp.