CAMPOREE EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
Camp Willet
Ojai, California
It is the responsibility of all adult Scout leaders and all Scout camporee staff to respond to
any and all emergency situations using the proper procedures as outlined in this
publication. During the camporee, when Boy Scout and Cub Scout programs are in
session, trained medical personnel will be available.
PROPER PREPARATION, OUTFITTING, TRAINING, AND
DISCIPLINE CAN PREVENT MANY EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
FROM TAKING PLACE. BE PREPARED!
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Ventura County Council
509 Daily Drive
Camarillo, Ca. 93010
USE OF CELL PHONES ARE PREMITTED FOR EMERGENCY CALLS:
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Police, Fire, 911
Ventura County Council, Boy Scouts of America (805) 482-8938
BSA Professional and Camporee Advisor, Victor Rivera (214) 735-1578
Sespe District Camping and Outdoor Activities Chair, Steve Berkel (805) 816-0751
Camporee Doctor, Dr. Micah Dickey [email protected]
In an effort to maximize the outdoor experience, respect other campers and the wild life
preserve, please reserve use of cell phones for emergencies only! Thank You!
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Severe Injury
If a serious medical emergency occurs, do the following:
1. Keep the victim still — Do-not let the victim move or be moved.
2. Notify the nearest camp staff member, or other authority, who will call for
medical assistance.
3. Administer first aid. Treat for shock.
4. Keep the victim calm and comfortable until medical personnel arrive.
5. In the event that evacuation of an individual by air ambulance is needed, the
GPS coordinates for the concrete pad used for Dutch Oven fires is
34o 23.788’ N, 119o 16.665 W Because of the hazards of landing helicopters,
it is best to declare a camp wide emergency and keep the injured party at least
200 feet from the landing site. Any POPUP sunshade canapoies MUST be
removed from anywhere near helicopter operations.
Minor Injury
Minor injuries or illnesses should be treated with first aid, and seen by appropriate medical
personnel. For injuries that require medical attention please see camp doctor in HQ
building, during Camporee.
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FIRE EMERGENCIES
Protective Measures
1. No campfires or charcoal fires in campsites. Campfires and charcoal fires are only
allowed in the (1) campfire bowl, (2) concrete pad event area for string burn and
Dutch Oven competition or (3) BBQ pit in HQ staff meal area.
2. Only lamps and stoves with self-contained, pressurized bottles (propane) is
allowed.
3. No HOT lanterns in tents.
4. No flames or liquid or gas fuel is allowed in tents.
5. All extra fuel for lanterns and stoves stored in flammables box.
6. No explosives or match-lit fireworks are allowed.
7. Post fireguard chart and select fire warden.
8. Keep fire barrels filled to rim, and keep two buckets of water or dirt at each tent.
9. Post fire extinguisher in visible and accessible location.
When a Fire Is Sighted
1. At the first sign of a fire, sound the alarm by yelling “Fire”.
2. Report the location of the fire immediately to group adults, the camp staff, or other
authority.
3. If fire is small, suppress it with the campsite firefighting equipment. If large, keep
away and wait for camp staff, or other authority, to put the fire out. Prepare to
evacuate camp, if necessary (with vehicle keys).
4. Adult leaders should account for all group members, and be prepared to report
group status to camp staff or other authority.
5. Group should stay at the campsite until directions are received from the camp staff,
other authority or sound of air horn.
6. If camporee fire alarm (air horn) is sounded, EVERYONE (as units) should report
to Flag/HQ area (with vehicle keys).
7. The Troop Scoutmaster or SPL runner will report to the camp staff, or other
authority, naming group members not at the FLAG/HQ muster.
8. End of emergency will be three short quick air horn bursts.
9.
WEATHER EMERGENCIES
Group leaders should always keep appraised of current weather situations and
forecasts. Local radio stations can be helpful. Obtaining a battery powered weather
channel radio receiver can be an excellent investment for any outdoor Scouting activity.
Flash Floods
Flash floods result from rains filling drainage systems—streams, ditches, valleys, etc.—
to overflowing with raging water, and possibly debris. Do not attempt to cross flowing
streams where water is above your knees. Do not camp on low ground, and always be
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prepared to move out fast to higher, safer ground. To access Camp Willet you will
need to cross a creek (Stinky Creek), in the event of flooding you will be notified
of proper exiting procedures. Use caution as the roads may turn muddy.
Lightning
If near a building or vehicle, get inside. Stay away from natural lighting rods: trees in
open areas, hilltops, ridges, water, beaches, boats, canoes, farm equipment, small
structures in open areas, and any metal object. In a forest, seek shelter in a growth of
trees in a low area. If in the open seek a low area, such as a ravine or valley. Groups
should spread out. If on the prairie, drop to your knees and bend forward putting your
hands on your knees; if you have a foam pad, kneel on it. At the first sign of an electrical
storm all water activities are to be closed.
Severe Cold
Be prepared for cold by using the C-O-L-D system. Keep clean by keeping out dirt,
grime, and perspiration. Avoid overheating by adjusting clothing to meet outside
temperature and exertion rate. Wear loose layers of clothing so blood flow is not
restricted, and so dead air spaces between layers will trap warm air. Keep dry by
keeping damp clothing away from your skin, and avoid situations that can cause
perspiration. Always wear a hat as about 80% of heat loss can be through your head.
Limit time individuals are exposed to severe cold. Watch for signs of hypothermia.
Storms
Keep away from tall trees, trees with dead limbs, creeks and lakes, rock formations, and
open areas. Follow guidelines for lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. Be prepared to
evacuate.
Windstorms
Do not camp under or near dead trees with dead limbs. Place tents on down wind hill
side or forest area of prevailing winds. Use extra lines to secure tents. Take down dining
flys. In a building, stay away from windows.
ANIMAL ENCOUNTER EMERGENCIES
Encounters with mountain lions, rattlesnakes or scorpions should be reported to a camp
staff member.
Mountain Lions
Always travel in groups. Do not hike or bike alone. Avoid hiking and biking during dawn,
dusk and night. Carry a big hiking stick, make noise to let the animal know you are
approaching. Do not approach a mountain lion. If a lion is encountered, stand your
ground never run and make yourself appear as big as possible by waving your arms and
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making noise. This can also be done by holding your coat or backpack over your head,
throw rocks or other objects. If a lion attacks, do not play dead, but fight back and yell.
Rattlesnakes
Keep a keen eye out for rattlesnakes around rocks and ledges. Always watch where you
intend to step, and never put your hand or feet where you have not looked first. If a
rattlesnake is encountered, move away as quickly as possible, and simply make a wide
path around it to continue your travel. If a rattlesnake is encountered in the main camp
area, report it to a camp staff member or the Scout ranch ranger.
Scorpion
Avoid contact at all cost. In addition, it is advisable to wear protective clothing such as
shoes or gloves when in scorpion prone areas whenever possible. Check shoes and
equipment left outside prior to use.
MISSING PERSON EMERGENCIES
Protective measures
1.
2.
3.
4.
Everyone uses the buddy system at all times.
Keep a roster of all members. List each person’s name and address.
Conduct a bed check every night, and a roll call every morning.
Keep a check-out sheet and pencil posted for all members to tell where they are
going, whenever they leave the camp site.
Hiking procedures
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5.
The leader keeps a list of all members on the hike.
Groups sign out for hikes with Headquarters, and sign in upon return from hike.
There are two leaders on every hike, with one at the front and the other at the rear.
Members stay with groups at all times.
No less than four individuals in a hike group.
When a person is missing
1. Check obvious areas first: tents, campsites, latrines, trading post, program areas,
etc.
2. Check sign-out register and hike register.
3. Ask: “Who saw him last?” “Where—which way—was he going?” “When did he
leave?” “Whom did he leave with?”
4. Ask: “What mood was he in when he left—angry—homesick—normal?”
5. If not located, notify nearest camp staff member, or other authority.
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OTHER EMERGENCIES
Youth Protection
All Boy Scouts of America youth protection guidelines are to be followed at all times.
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4.
Two adult leaders must be in camp with any Scout group at all times.
All backcountry outings must have at least two adult leaders present.
One youth member to one adult member activities are not permitted.
Adults may not sleep in the same tent with a youth member, unless the youth
member is their own child.
5. Adults may not shower with youth members.
6. Incidents of abuse—sexual, physical, mental, etc.—must be reported to the
camporee advisor, camping chair, or the camporee chair. The report will then be
passed on to the Ventura County Council Scout Executive, who in turn will report it
to the proper authorities.
7. If an incident requires medical attention, follow listed medical procedures.
Earthquakes
At the sign of an earthquake individuals should remove themselves away from the
danger of falling rocks, electrical lines, trees, and other debris. If inside a building move
to a secure location under a doorway arch, heavy table, or other structure. If it is
possible to move quickly from a building to an open area, do so. Keep aware of
aftershocks. Check structures for damage before reentering.
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EVACUATION PLAN
Camp Willet
(Plan) In the event of evacuation or emergency during the camporee
an air horn will sound. All in camp report to the FLAG POLE NEXT TO
HQ BUILDING for evacuation to the parking lot and transportation out
of camp (with car keys).
We will reassemble on up-hill side of gate #1, the 8 padlock gate at the
Girl Scout camp. We will double check the head count and a staff
member will record the troop number for every vehicle and how many
persons inside the vehicle. The double check is to assure nobody is
abandoned in camp, this is especially important if scouts exit in
different troop vehicles than they arrived in. We also have a few that
are arriving Saturday and joining their troop.
Evacuation Route Map
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