CHIEF OLD OX DISTRICT

April 15-17, 2016

Merit Badge Weekend

LEADER’S GUIDE

TUNNEL MILL SCOUT RESERVATION

3913 TUNNEL MILL ROAD

CHARLESTOWNINDIANA, 47111

Table of Contents:

Map and Directions to Camp3

Event Information4

Unit Preparation for Camp5

Camp Policies and Procedures6

Buddy System6

Camp Security6

Alcohol Policy6

Smoking6

Vehicles6

Parking6

Uniforms7

Stoves/Lanterns7

Campsites7

Knives/Hatchets/Etc7

First Aid7

Trash7

Clean Up7

Camp Emergencies7

What to Bring to Camp8

Badge Descriptions9-10

Fee Schedule/Refund Policy11

Camp Map12

Forms13-15

Map and Directions to:

Camp Tunnel Mill

3913 Tunnel Mill Rd

Charlestown IN 47111

Go North on interstate 65 from Louisville to Exit 6. Take that exit onto Indiana 62 East 12 miles to Salem Church Rd. Turn left onto Salem Church Rd and continue 1 mile to Tunnel Mill Road and Continue 1 mile until you see the camp entrance. The Camp is 20-25 minutes from Downtown.

Event Information

The Chief Old Ox Merit Badge Weekend offers scouts the opportunity to earn merit badges that are not ordinarily offered during other merit badge fairs. Set in beautiful Tunnel Mill Scout Reservation, this weekend is a fantastic chance for your newly crossed scouts to experience the patrol method of camping, as well as earn their first merit badges. More experienced scouts get a chance to teach AND learn. Hopefully your troop enjoys the experience and makes this annual event a part of the troop calendar.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

●Merit badge classes are going to fill up fast and are on a first come, first served registration basis. Register your unit early! Please be sure to send merit badge class choices to Shelly Bartoch. Again registration for classes is on a first come, first served basis.

●All Scouts MUST camp with a Troop. Any lone scout or extremely small groups may be joined with other troops for the weekend.

●Troops are responsible for feeding and sheltering the Scouts that camp with them.

●An action movie will be shown on Scoutmaster Flats on Saturday evening weather permitting.

●Each Scout MUST have a properly filled out “Blue Card” and signed by their Scoutmaster BEFORE coming to camp! Blue cards will be available only for purchase at $1.00 per card.

●Some merit badges might have a set of “prereqs” that must be accomplished before the Merit Badge can be marked as “Earned”. This information will be provided well in advance of the weekend.

●Scouts may be responsible for materials required for the merit badge. It is advised that Scouts bring a notebook and pen/pencil for note taking. Further information will be provided well in advance of the weekend.

●Camp does not open until 6:00 PM on Friday. NO ONE SHOULD ARRIVE BEFORE 6:00PM ON FRIDAY. All units must INDIVIDUALLY check out and be gone before 11:00AM on Sunday.

●Every unit MUST have the campsite inspected by camp staff BEFORE leaving camp.

●All registration forms need to be sent to the SamSwopeScoutCenterAND to COO Merit Badge Weekend Director Shelly A. Bartoch. Online Registration is available through the Lincoln Heritage Council website by going to The price will be $10.00 per person before March 27, 2015 and will be $15.00 per person after that date. Registration fees should be sent to the SamSwopeScoutCenter.

●Registration and fees are due NO LATER THAN APRIL 8, 2016.

Send all reservations to:

ShellyA. BartochSamSwopeScoutCenter

3435 N. Highland Rd.AND TO12001 Sycamore Station Place

Salem, IN47167-8994Louisville, KY40299

Questions or concerns may be directed to:

Shelly A. BartochSam Keene

COO Merit Badge Weekend DirectorCOO District Executive

OR TO

Unit Preparation for Camp

If your unit follows the steps listed below, the process of preparing everyone for an enjoyable experience at Camp Tunnel Mill should go smoothly.

Upon Receiving the Leaders Guide:

  • Inform or remind all Scouts and parents of the Camp Dates.
  • Recruit two or more adult leaders to spend the weekend with your unit.
  • Note payment dates to ensure your troop gets the early bird discounts.
  • Make arrangements for physicals to be done if they are not current.

Finalizing plans for the outing:

  • Give final notice to all boys and parents about plans for attending camp.
  • See that all Scouts and Adults have a current medical form.
  • Arrange for your transportation to and from camp.
  • Insure all your Scouts families have the information on the weekend.
  • Register online at or send registration form and fees to the Scout Service Center.

One week before Camp:

  • Review Schedule with your Scouts and families.
  • Double check medical and health history.
  • Prepare the unit/patrol equipment to bring to camp.
  • Inspect each Scouts personal gear- we could get snow so be prepared!
  • Finalize Transportation arrangements to and from camp.

The Camp Policies and Procedures:

Anyone participating in this event will be expected to follow BSA National Guidelines as outlined in the Guide to Safe Scouting.

The Law is the Rule: Everyone is expected to abide by the Cub Scout Promise, Law, Motto and the Boy Scout Law, Oath, Slogan, and the Venturing Code.

Buddy System: Everyone will use the Buddy System. Pairs for Safety. Adults/ Leaders should be notified before Scouts leave their campsites.

Camp Security: All visitors to the camp must stop at the camp office and sign in. A sign-in book for this will be maintained and positive identification is required. A visitor name tag will be given. Upon conclusion of their visit, guest will sign out so that camp administration will know who is on camp property at all times.

Alcoholic Beverages:This will not be tolerated and is against BSA policy. Possession or use will result in immediate dismissal from camp.

Smoking:BSA guidelines require a smoke-free environment for our scouts. If you must smoke, please do so out of sight of youth participants and not inside any buildings. Please “field dress” your butts and dispose of them properly, remembering the ever present danger of forest fires.

Vehicles: The health and safety committee along with the camping committee has established a written policy and procedure of vehicles in camp.

  • NO vehicles will be allowed to remain in campsites without pre-approval from camp administration.
  • Weather permitting, trailers will be allowed in campsites. However, vehicles used to pull trailers need to be moved back to designated parking lots.
  • 3 MPH (Walking speed) speed limit.
  • One person per seatbelt and they must be worn. No riding in truck beds. No RV’s, ATV’s, golf carts or generators. Only Staff carts are permitted.

Parking: Park in designated parking areas only. Unit leaders need to help enforce this policy. We need to help preserve Camp Tunnel Mill.

Camp: Follow BSA guidelines for camping.

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  • Walk, do not run, within your campsite.
  • Remember tent stakes and tie downs.
  • Closed toed shoes must be worn at all times.
  • Stay out of the creek if you are in or near old camp.
  • Fish may be taken with a hook and line only.
  • Do not ditch or trench your tent.
  • Leave no Trace.
  • Trash your trash. It should be removed from all campsites.
  • No pets or bikes.

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Uniforms: Field uniform also known as a “Class A” uniform should be worn at opening and closing ceremonies (as well as other free time programs / Vespers and / or Flag Retirement). Activity uniform also known as a “Class B” (Scouting appropriate) t-shirts are permitted during all other event activities

Stoves and Lanterns:Follow BSA regulations according to fuels. Keep open flames out of and away from tents.

Campsites:Do not cut trees. Bring your own firewood, charcoal or collect dead wood from the downed trees. No pit/trench fires use fire rings provided. Never leave a campfire unattended, especially when going to bed. All campfires should be extinguished according to BSA guidelines. Please make sure before leaving on Sunday that your campsite is completely cleaned up and all campfires are completely extinguished.

Knives, Hatchets, Axes, Chainsaws or Firearms:No firearms are permitted at Camp. No chainsaws are permitted. No fixed blade, sheath or survival knives are permitted. Folding or pocket knives are permitted by those Scouts that have earned their Whittlin’ Chip or Totum Chip. Axes and Bow Saws are only permitted in axe yards of Boy Scout Troops / Venture Crews.

Rocks and Sticks:Although tempting, rocks must not be thrown or kicked and sticks may not be swung. Injury/damage to property usually results from this action. Such actions will result in your being asked to leave the campout immediately.

First Aid:The Health officer will be in the administration building during the activity. Medical Emergencies should be directed through them. Minor first aid should be handled at the campsite if you have supplies.

Trash: Your trash must be taken to a dumpster. No trash should remain in campsites over night; there are skunks and raccoons that will visit your unit if this is not done.

Cleanup: When your unit is ready to leave camp we ask that you please clean up your area and leave it the same or better than you found it. Please take everything with you. Trash can be dropped in the dumpster as you leave camp.

Camp Emergencies:With the exception of the weather emergency, all campers are to report immediately to their campsites upon hearing an emergency signal. In the case of a weather emergency, campers should seek protective shelter. Once the weather emergency has passed, campers should report to their campsites. Campers should remain in the campsites until the “All Clear” signal has been given. Leader should review these procedures with their campers.

The following emergency signals will be used:

Fire Alarm: Sound the siren (two long blasts).

Weather Emergency: Sound the siren (one long blast).

All Clear: Sound the siren (four long blasts).

What to Bring to Camp:

Please distribute copies of this page to each Scout. Camping will be in your own tents.

(Tents will not be provided)

Personal Gear:

Scout Uniform

Order of the Arrow Sash (if you are a member)

Medical Form (MANDATORY)

Handbook

T-shirts

Pants

Socks and Underwear

Footwear (waterproof)

Warm Clothes

Sleeping bag

Sleeping pad (Optional)

Toilet Kit (tooth brush, towel, soap, etc)

Water bottle

Flashlight (extra batteries)

Pen and paper

Be Prepared for the weather (Continue to check the report on the news the week before you arrive)

Pocket Knife (If you have your Whittin Chip or Toten Chip card)

Watch (Optional)

Sunglasses (Optional)

Tent (If your unit doesn’t have one for you)

What not to bring to Camp:

Bikes

Roller Blades or Skates

Skateboards

Sheath Knives

Butterfly Knives

Fireworks

Electronic devices (Smart Phones, video games, etc.)

Unit equipment list: (this is a suggested list you may want/need to bring additional items for your unit)

Tents and ground cloths (If your unit has them)

Unit flag and American Flag

Patrol/Den Flags

LeadersHandbook

Lanterns

Broom

Water Containers

Water Coolers

Fire Extinguisher

Dining Fly, Poles, Rope

Ax and Camp Saw

MERIT BADGE DESCRIPTIONS

(A)CAMPING - Camping is one of the best-known methods of the Scouting movement. When he founded the Scouting movement in the early 1900s, Robert Baden-Powell encouraged every Scout to learn the art of living out-of-doors. He believed a young person able to take care of himself while camping would have the confidence to meet life's other challenges, too. This is a partial merit badge. Prerequisites include 4B, 5E, 7B, 8D, 9A, 9B.

(B)COOKING - The Cooking merit badge introduces principles of cooking that can be used both at home or in the outdoors. Scouts who earn this badge will learn about food safety, nutritional guidelines, meal planning, and methods of food preparation, and will review the variety of culinary (or cooking) careers available. This will be a partial merit badge. Prerequisites include 5c-d-e, 6c-d-e, 7c-d-e, 8. Must be at least 13 years old and 1st class rank.

(C)FIRST AID - First aid - caring for injured or ill persons until they can receive professional medical care - is an important skill for every Scout. With some knowledge of first aid, a Scout can provide immediate care and help to someone who is hurt or who becomes ill. First aid can help prevent infection and serious loss of blood. It could even save a limb or a life. Prerequisites include 1 and 2d.

(D)FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT - Wildlife management is the science and art of managing the wildlife—both animals and fish—with which we share our planet. Maintaining the proper balance and the dynamics that go with it requires humankind's attention. We use this stewardship tool to help minimize or eradicate the possibility of extinction of any given species. We want our descendants to have the opportunity to experience the same animal diversity that we now enjoy. This is a partial merit badge. Prerequisites include 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 5b (Erect and check regularly bird feeders and keep written records of the kinds of birds visiting the feeders. Email list to .).

(E)FORESTRY - In working through the Forestry merit badge requirements, Scouts will explore the remarkable complexity of a forest and identify many species of trees and plants and the roles they play in a forest's life cycle. They will also discover some of the resources forests provide to humans and come to understand that people have a very large part to play in sustaining the health of forests. At this time this merit badge will be taught in full.

(F)GEOCACHING - The wordgeocacheis a combination of "geo," which means "earth," and "cache," which means "a hiding place."Geocachingdescribes a hiding place on planet Earth - a hiding place you can find using a GPS unit. A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit is an electronic tool that shows you where to go based on information it gets from satellites in space. At this time this merit badge will be taught in full.

(G)INSECT STUDY - In earning the Insect Study merit badge, Scouts will glance into the strange and fascinating world of the insect. There, they will meet tiny creatures with tremendous strength and speed, see insects that undergo startling changes in habits and form as they grow, and learn how insects see, hear, taste, smell, and feel the world around them. At this time this merit badge will be taught in full. Bring an insect net, magnifying glass, hand lens, insect field guides if you have them.

(H)NATURE - There is a very close connection between the soil, the plants, and all animal life, including people. Understanding this connection, and the impact we have upon it, is important to preserving the wilderness, as well as to our own well-being as members of the web of nature. This is a partial merit badge. Requirements 1-3, 4c, 4f, and 4g will be taught. Two more requirements in Requirement 4 will need to be completed in one of the remaining fields to complete this merit badge. Prerequisites include the completion of requirement 4.

(I)NUCLEAR SCIENCE -Nuclear science gives us a simple explanation of the natural world. The ultimate goal of nuclear science is to find out if there is one fundamental rule that explains how matter and forces interact. Earning the Nuclear Science merit badge is a chance for Scouts to learn about this exciting field at the cutting edge of science today. At this merit badge will be taught in full. Scouts must be at least 14 year old, and bring the Nuclear Science Merit Badge booklet.

(J)ORIENTEERING - Orienteering, the use of map and compass to find locations and plan a journey, has been a vital skill for humans for thousands of years. Orienteering is also a recognized sport at the Olympic Games, and thousands of people participate in the sport each year in local clubs and competitions. This is a partial merit badge. Prerequisites include the completion of 7a and 7b. Scouts need to bring their own compass.

(K)REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN STUDY - Boys always have been interested in snakes, turtles, lizards, and alligators, as well as frogs and salamanders. Developing knowledge about these captivating creatures leads to an appreciation for all native wildlife; understanding the life cycle of a reptile or amphibian and keeping one as a pet can be a good introduction to natural history; and knowing about venomous species can help Scouts to be prepared to help in case of an emergency. This is a partial merit badge. Prerequisites include the completion of requirement 8.

(L)SCOUTING HERITAGE - Scouting uses its 126 different merit badges to shine a light on topics that engage and inspire young minds. But with merit badge No 127, the BSA intends to turn the light on itself. The new Scouting Heritage merit badge introduces boys to the history of the Boy Scouts of America. They’ll learn it all—from Scouting’s beginnings under Lord Baden-Powell to the history of their own troop. This will be a partial merit badge. Prerequisites include 5, 6, and 8.

(M)SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) – Although the average Boy Scout isn’t qualified to lead a full-fledged search-and-rescue mission, they can Be Prepared to help out when needed. The SAR merit badge will cover skills like working around specialized teams such as aircraft, canine, and aquatic rescue teams, and identifying differences between search and rescue environments, such as coastal, wilderness, rural, and urban landscapes. At this time this merit badge will be taught in full.