The following information is provided to inform Unit leaders of basic policies applicable to the Pioneer Valley Council long or short-term camp facilities and should not be considered obstacles; rather, they are intended to maintain compliance with applicable BSA policies and insure a safe, clean and orderly use of our very valuable properties.  (November 2007 revision)

CAMP RANGER/CAMPMASTER: These men and women are representatives of the Pioneer Valley Council and are charged with the responsibility of supervising our properties. All units must check in and out of camp, this includes units that are tenting. Tenting areas will be assigned by the Ranger / Camp master.

CABINS/TENT SITES: The facility your unit rents is your home while at camp. You can expect to find it clean on arrival. Please leave it in better condition than you found it.  Units should also conserve electricity and central heat in those facilities that provide such utilities..

LATRINES:   Are designed for human waste only. The latrine nearest your site will be the units’ responsibility to keep clean.

TRASH   A dumpster will be provided in a central location for the disposal of non-burnable trash. All trash deposited in that dumpster must be in trash bags. REMEMBER A SCOUT IS CLEAN! Although a dumpster will be available, all units are encouraged to take their trash home. This will help control costs.

FIRES:  Open fires are generally permitted in camp. Occasionally, due to weather conditions or camping location, open fires may be prohibited. No new fire rings should be constructed anywhere without the Ranger’s permission. Open fires should be maintained following procedures outlined in the Boy Scout Handbook. Remember, no open flames in tent or other structure will be allowed.

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS: Stoves, lanterns, heaters, or any appliance using liquid fuel are to be used under adult supervision. Remember no open flames in any tent or other structure is allowed. Bulk storage of liquid fuels will be in accordance with accepted safety standards as outlined by BSA policy.

PETS: No pets of any kind are permitted in camp.  Pets owned by the camp's resident Ranger and the Ranger’s family are exempted.

FIREARMS / BOWS & ARROW / SHEATH KNIVES / CHAINSAWS:  Guns are not permitted in camp unless they are being incorporated into an established range activity being operated under BSA standards. Prior arrangements must be made with the resident Ranger before entering camp with firearms or bow and arrow.  Firearms and bow and arrows must be surrendered to the Ranger upon entering camp, the Ranger will store all firearms, bow and arrows, and ammunition. Sheath knives are not allowed in camp. (During the hunting season non-BSA personnel are allowed access to our camp for the purpose of hunting.  Use of firearms, bows and arrows, and sheath knives by those individuals will be allowed as long as the resident Ranger is aware of their presence. Hunters must also abide by all existing state or local laws pertaining to firearms use.)  Chainsaws are prohibited in camp per recent changes to the policies of the Boy Scouts of America.

VEHICLES:  Private vehicles are confined to areas designated by the Ranger. Vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas. The Ranger must authorize the use of camp vehicles.  Persons operating or riding, as passengers in a private or camp vehicle must be in a designated seat with a seat belt designed for that purpose. Absolutely, NO riding in the back of any open or closed vehicle without proper seating is allowed.  NO bicycles are allowed in camp. Bicycles owned by the camp’s resident Ranger and the Ranger’s family is exempted.

LIVE TREES/ GROUND COVER: live trees are not to be cut or damaged unless explicit instructions to do so are given by the Ranger. Ground cover should generally be left in place. Ground cover removed for fire safety should be replaced. No fire holes, ditches, or grease pits should be dug.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES-PRESCRIBED DRUGS:  Intoxicating beverages and illicit drugs are not allowed in camp. Ranger/ Camp master have been instructed to enforce this policy and may ask person(s) in violation to remove themselves from camp.

ADULT SUPERVISION/ CURFEW:  The Standard BSA policy of  “two deep leadership” will always be in effect. Under no circumstances should scouts be left unsupervised. The hours between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM should be relatively quiet time so as to respect the rights of others in camp. Youth campers should not be outside the immediate vicinity of their campsite during these hours unless under adult supervision.

WATERFRONT / LAKE / HIGH ADVENTURE: the Council Maintenance Administration Committee must approve usage for activities.  Additionally, qualified (BSA certified) supervision is required. Permissions and certification alluded to do not apply to fishing activity.

VANDALISM: When vandalism occurs compensation is required. The Ranger/ Camp master will assess cost of repair/replacement, and collect on the spot or will refer the matter to Council Maintenance Committee.

FIREWOOD:  The Camp Maintenance/Administration Committee recommends that units bring their own firewood for use in the wood-burning stove in each cabin, at least for Friday nights. Come prepared with axes and saws to collect and cut firewood for the remainder of the weekend.  Please note that chainsaws are prohibited in scout camp.  This is a new national BSA safety regulation.

CAMP RULES:  These rules are intended for use by both Scout and non-Scout groups alike. If you have any questions regarding these rules please contact the Ranger or the Council Maintenance Committee.