Base Camp Powhatan
Leader’s Guide 2015
It is the mission of Camp Powhatan to prepare young people to make
ethical and moral decisions over their lifetimes by providing
experiential opportunities for leadership development, personal growth,
and adventure in the outdoors.
All Camps and Programs have been
Nationally Accredited through the BSA
NCAP Accreditation Program
Camp Leader’s Guide
Base Camp Powhatan
Your First Day at Camp
Early Arrivals
Units planning to arrive on Saturday should submit an Early Arrival Form found in the camp
Administrative Guide. No programming or food is available on Saturday and troops should not
enter the Waterfront, so please plan accordingly.
When you arrive on Saturday, report to the Welcome Center to find your campsite assignment
and other information.
Sunday Check-In
The official check-in process begins on Sunday at 1PM and runs until 4PM. Units should arrive
between those times.
Please understand that additional participants cannot be added at check-in on Sunday. All
additions must be approved by the Camp Registrar prior to your arrival.
You will be given a staff tour guide at the parking lot when you arrive. You will then send an
adult leader with the following information to the Handicraft Shelter:
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•
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•
3 copies of rosters for all Scouts and Adults separated into the different programs your
unit is participating in (i.e. Mountain Man, Base Camp, High Knoll, Claytor Lake,
Brownsea Island etc.)
Proof of Insurance and Tour Permit
Check to pay any outstanding balance
New River Adventure waiver form for any Scouts in that program
Medical Forms should go in a separate folder/binder as they will go with the rest of the unit on
the camp tour and will not go to Handicraft.
At check-in, you will receive:
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•
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A colored wristband for each Scout and adult in your unit’s contingent (these serve as a
meal ticket and identifier),
Information on New River Adventure and/or Brownsea Island Adventure if you have
participants in those programs,
Our camp “Blue Book” which contains important forms and schedules for you to
reference and use throughout the week.
Camp Leader’s Guide 2015
Base Camp Powhatan
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Camp Leader’s Guide
Base Camp Powhatan
Camp Tour
The Camp Tour begins when your unit arrives on Sunday. Your unit will be taken to your
campsite for the week and you will be given a short amount of time to unload gear (one car at
a time is allowed in camp so please consolidate gear into the fewest vehicles possible), then
your assigned guide will take your unit to each program area to show the Scouts the layout of
the camp.
As part of the tour, your unit will do the following mandatory things:
•
•
•
Visit the Dining Hall to receive your unit’s table assignment for your mealtime and
learn about some basic Dining Hall procedures
Complete Medical Examinations at the OA Shelter where staff will review each
participant’s physical and ask about any changes that could affect their ability to
participate in the week’s activities. Units are encouraged to organize their medical forms
alphabetically to make this process easier. A complete BSA Medical Form is required
for all participants on the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation.
Swim Checks will be completed after the medical examination process. Each Scout
and adult will receive a buddy tag at medical checks and the unit will be lead to the
waterfront to complete their BSA swim test. Participants must take the swim test in our
lake due to the lake’s colder temperatures.
o Everyone in New River Adventure, Voyageur, and Brownsea Island
Adventure will take the swim test on Sunday
o Base Camp Scouts NOT in a Waterfront merit badge will also take their
swim test on Sunday
o Base Camp Scouts in a Waterfront merit badge will take their swim test on
Monday during that merit badge’s class period
o Scouts in Claytor Lake or programs at Ottari (Mountain Man, High Knoll,
Foxfire, and Fish Camp) will complete their medical checks and swim tests
at those camps.
Shuttles to Other Camps
On Sunday, there will be two shuttles from Powhatan to the Claytor Lake Adventure Base and
then Camp Ottari for Scouts participating in programs based at those camps. The shuttles will
leave from the Handicraft shelter at 2PM and 4PM, respectively.
Units are welcome to transport their Scouts to these programs personally. The shuttle service
is for those units who are unable to provide personal transportation.
Those going on the shuttle should bring their gear and medical form with them. They will have
their medical check and swim test (if necessary) at the program they are attending, NOT at
Camp Powhatan.
Camp Leader’s Guide 2015
Base Camp Powhatan
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Camp Leader’s Guide
Base Camp Powhatan
Special Dietary Needs
On Sunday, any Scouts or adults with special dietary needs should visit with the Head
Cook to discuss accommodations that the camp can make for their diet. The unit is responsible
for the management of participant allergies. If a Scout or adult in your unit has an intolerance
or allergy that requires special food items, please provide those items to our kitchen staff on
Sunday. Parents may call ahead one week prior to their son or daughter’s arrival to discuss
any concerns.
Your Week at Camp
Leader Meetings
There will be an opening leader’s meeting on Sunday after second dinner (around 7:15PM) in
the OA Shelter. Following that, there will be daily leader’s meetings at 8:30AM in the OA
Shelter. These meetings are an important source of information and a time to ask questions of
our senior staff members. Please send at least one representative from your unit to each
meeting. Senior Patrol Leaders should attend the Sunday and Friday meetings.
Opening Campfire
There will be an opening campfire on Sunday evening to get everyone started for the week.
Units should lineup on the Parade Field at 8:30PM on Sunday.
Mealtimes
Powhatan has two meal times and a consolidated, open-style lunch for the entire camp. Flags
are in between breakfasts and dinners and are a time where important program
announcements are made. Units are asked to wear Class A to dinner. Class B is
recommended for breakfast and lunch since many activities are going on directly following
these meals.
Typical Daily Schedule
Morning
7:00AM
First Breakfast
Flags/Second
7:45AM
Breakfast
Leader’s
8:30AM
Meeting
9:00AM - Noon
9:15AM
11:45AM12:45PM
Camp Leader’s Guide 2015
Merit Badges
Brownsea
Island Meets in
the Chapel
Lunch- open
style, clean up
after yourself
Afternoon
2:00-5:00PM
Merit Badges
5:30PM
6:15PM
7:30PM
8:00PM
11:00PM
Base Camp Powhatan
First Dinner
Flags/Second
Dinner
Evening
Programs begin
Trash Run (put
trash bags by
campsite sign)
All Quiet in
Camp
Page 4
Camp Leader’s Guide
Base Camp Powhatan
Evening Activities and Special Programs
Camp Powhatan prides itself on providing a wide array of evening programs in every program
area at camp. From the traditional open shoot and swim to duct tape and cardboard boat races
and tie-dye Tuesdays, the Powhatan staff provides many opportunities for your Scouts to learn
and have fun.
An official schedule of evening programs will be provided to your unit when you arrive at camp,
but programs typically include:
Fingerprinting Merit Badge
For many Scouts, this is their first merit badge. Come out to Handicraft on Monday nights to
give your Scouts an easy opportunity to learn and take advantage of a beginner-level badge.
Black Powder Rifle Shooting
Everyone loves open shooting, but now we’ve added a twist. Scouts will have the opportunity
to shoot a black powder rifle one night during the week. Powder, Patch, Ball.
Nature Extravaganza
The Powhatan Nature Center and falls is one of our best facilities and includes plentiful
varieties of wildlife. From the domestic breeds of venomous snakes to exotic birds and
pythons, the Monday night Nature Extravaganza introduces the camp to what our Nature
Center has to offer. And yes, you will see snakes eat live mice.
Four-Team Soccer
Why play with two teams when you can have four? At Powhatan, we like to take things to the
next level and that applies to our sporting activities. Our brand new Fitness Zone area provides
Scouts with opportunities to get active and have a ton of fun. Four-team soccer brings about
70 Scouts onto a field with four goals and four balls and the fun begins from there.
Open Blobbing
Open blobbing is available every day from 4-5PM and most evenings from 7:30-8:30PM.
Launch your favorite Scouts into the air and watch them come splashing down into our lake
with the incredible Powhatan blob experience.
Adult Programs
Powhatan has a dedicated staff just for teaching adults and providing fun programs. We
provide essential adult leader trainings like Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills and
Scoutmaster Specifics as well as more advanced training in Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid
and NRA Pistol First Steps See our Scoutmaster Program Guide for complete details on
the adult activities and training provided at Powhatan.
Camp Leader’s Guide 2015
Base Camp Powhatan
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Camp Leader’s Guide
Base Camp Powhatan
Merit Badge Program
Powhatan provides over 151 separate classes each week as part of its base camp program.
From Basketry and Nature to Archaeology, Game Design, and a multitude of Eagle Required
badges, the Powhatan program provides a diversity of choices for your Scouts. Here are
answers to some frequently asked questions about our merit badge program:
How do Scouts signup for badges?
Units will sign their Scouts up for badges using our online system at scoutcamponline.com.
When your troop makes its April 1st payment, a password will be sent to the unit contact to
access this system. Registration opens two weeks prior to your arrival at camp and will close
24 hours before your unit comes to camp.
Do Scouts have to take both hours of a two-hour class consecutively?
Yes. Scouts must take both hours of a two-hour class sequentially and may not divide up those
hours. Two-hour classes include Environmental Science, Horsemanship, Rifle, Shotgun,
Archery, Personal Fitness, and Climbing, among others.
Are there classes that are not merit badges?
Yes. BSA Snorkeling, Beginner Swimming, BSA Lifeguard, and Mile Swim are all skill
certifications and not merit badges. Open Swim, offered from 4-5 each day, is also not a badge
or certification.
Do Brownsea Island Scouts do any merit badges?
Yes and no. Brownsea Island is an all-day, all-week program focused on imparting Scouting’s
essential skills and methods onto your newest Scouts and getting them requirements for Scout
through First Class. Because of the program’s focus, Scouts in Brownsea do not have time to
earn merit badges. However, on Wednesday, BSI Scouts will have an opportunity to earn one
optional badge as part of the program (such as Art or Traffic Safety) and can also take morning
or evening badges such as Bird Study, Climbing, and Fingerprinting.
Where are pre-requisites listed for each badge?
Pre-requisites for each badge are found in the reservation leader’s guide, which also includes
a description of each badge and its difficulty level.
How do I pay for badges that have fees?
Payment for badges with fees can be made online. Payment for Horsemanship and Climbing
must be made within 20 minutes of registering your Scouts for those badges. Other badges,
such as Basketry and Space Exploration, have supplies that you can purchase at our online
trading post www.blueridgescoutfitters.org or in the Trading Post at Powhatan. Those who prepay will be marked with a * next to their name on our merit badge rosters
Camp Leader’s Guide 2015
Base Camp Powhatan
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Camp Leader’s Guide
Base Camp Powhatan
A Note on Blue Cards
The Blue Ridge Scout Reservation has administered its own Yellow Sheet system as an
alternative to the Blue Cards printed by the National BSA. According to the National
Advancement Newsletter in Spring 2014, national policy does not require councils who came
up with alternative merit badge systems prior to the most recent publication of the
Advancement Guide to stop using those alternative systems. The BRSR has such an
alternative system and, while accepting Blue Cards, asks that units consider using our system
to save our staff time and allow for a full program on Friday. We do not furnish Blue Cards for
units that choose to use them.
End of the Week Checkout
Friday Night Following Campfire:
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Have Scouts pack all their gear except what they’ll need for Saturday morning
Pack all troop gear
Send adult representatives to the Dining Hall to pick up Merit Badge completion forms,
medical forms, and participant patches.
If leaving before 6AM on Saturday, set a time for your checkout inspection with the
office staff in the camp’s Welcome Center prior to your departure
Saturday Checkout
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Checkout starts at 6AM. Checkout commissioners will be available near your campsite
location. Send representatives to the checkout commissioners closest to your campsite
anytime after 6AM Saturday for checkout
A continental breakfast is served in the open style from 6:30-8:30AM
You will need to obtain sanitizer spray for your cots from the checkout commissioners
posted nearest your campsite
The site should be policed for trash and the shower facilities used by your unit should
be checked for cleanliness before leaving
Set trash bags by your campsite sign for pickup
Return all equipment to the Quartermaster and your Blue Book should be returned to
the Welcome Center
Return Shuttle to Powhatan
Scouts participating in programs at other camps can be returned, upon request, by our staff
shuttle service. Your unit should submit a shuttle request form, found in your Blue Book, to the
Welcome Center requesting the return of your Scouts and what time you would like them back
at Powhatan.
NOTE: Due to the needs of all our customers, we do not provide tents for Scouts at other
programs if you choose to bring them back on Friday night.
Camp Leader’s Guide 2015
Base Camp Powhatan
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Camp Leader’s Guide
Base Camp Powhatan
Important Information
Please read the Administration Guide for complete details on these important issues.
Camp Leadership and Visitors to Camp
We understand that taking an entire week off to come to camp can be difficult for our adult
leaders and we welcome adults to switch out mid-week. However, it is important that your unit
does not exceed the number of adult spots that it paid for. For example, a unit that pays for 3
adult leaders cannot have more than 3 adults spending the night or eating meals at one time.
A new leader coming in must sign in and obtain a colored wristband from the Welcome Center
when he or she arrives. The adult that is leaving must also sign out at our Welcome Center.
All visitors coming in for the day must sign in at the Welcome Center and receive a visitor’s
wristband. If they plan to eat meals in the Dining Hall, they should pay for them there and
receive a special wristband that will serve as their meal ticket. Visitors cannot spend the night
at camp without paying the entire adult registration fee for a week at camp. We do not prorate
our fees for nightly stays. No pets are allowed.
Wildlife and Bears
The Blue Ridge Scout Reservation is a habitat for an abundance of wildlife ranging from
raccoons to bears. In observance of their habitat and in an effort to avoid endangering these
animals and our customers, the BRSR has a strict wildlife management policy. The Camp
Ranger reserves the right to fine any violators of our policy, which is described in the
Reservation Administration Guide.
Tent Damage
Our canvas wall tents and Adirondacks are inspected weekly as part of the checkout process
for any damage. All damage to tents when you arrive at camp must be reported to your
campsite commissioner on the first day. Any new damage to tents caused by your unit will
result in a charge of $25 per inch of damage. Please do not attempt to repair damaged tents
yourself, the commissioner staff must be notified as soon as possible. Duct Tape should never
be used to patch tents.
Contagious Disease
The Blue Ridge Mountains Council takes the safety and welfare of its staff and participants
very seriously. As such, all units will be stopped at our camp entrance and asked if anyone has
experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever-like symptoms at all in the weeks prior to
camp starting. Please ask any Scouts or adults with symptoms like these to stay home so that
we may protect the welfare of all those at camp. The Health Officers may quarantine entire
units and campsites if they suspect a risk of contagion.
Camp Leader’s Guide 2015
Base Camp Powhatan
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Camp Leader’s Guide
Base Camp Powhatan
Roster: Camp Powhatan Resident Camp
Troop #:________________ Week Attending: ______________________
#
1
Adult Name
Date of Birth
Address
Phone
Youth Name
Date of Birth
Address
Phone
2
3
4
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
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19
Camp Leader’s Guide 2015
Base Camp Powhatan
Page 9
Camp
Powhatan
20. Crow’s Nest Shower
21. Chopto Shower
22. Boat House
23. Rifle Range
24. Archery Range
25–30. Staff Cabin
31. Staff Shower
32. Climbing Tower
33. Wico Adirondack
34–38. New River Staff Cabin
39. Well House
40. Hand Wash Stand
42. New River Shower
43–55. New River Adirondacks
56. C.O.P.E. Storage
57. Staff Cabin
58. Max Creek Shower
59. Cherokee/Tipi Shelter
60. Rock Ridge Shelter
61. Little Max A/B Shelter
62. Little Max C Shelter
Blue Ridge Mountains Council
Boy Scouts of America
Trail's
(540) 980-3787/Camp
End
34
37 NRA
Staff
33
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Wi-Fi
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D
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7
Amphitheatre
60
A
18
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B
Parade
Grounds
4
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58
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To:
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Hemlock
Grove
14
36 35
Hilltop
Campsites for
New River
Adventure
Tawneys
Burma
Crows Nest
Shelter
Wico
52 53
54
43 44 45
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Alapocus
Narrows
Kaymoor
20
Shawnee
2
Minsi
42
51 50
Brotherhood Ring
17
16
fic
1. Pistol Range
2. Scout Craft Shelter
3. Handicraft Shelter
4. Admin./Quartermaster
5. Gazebo
6. Trading Post
7. O.A. Shelter
8. Women’s Shower
9. Cook Cabin 1
10. Cook Cabin 2
11. Centennial Training Ctr.
12. Dining Hall
13. Health Lodge
14. Nature Lodge
15. New River Staff Shower
16. Water Tower
17. Minsi Shower
18. Rock Ridge Shower
19. Tipi Shower
Of
LEGEND
56
32
Directions:
From the North and East:
Interstate 81 South to Exit 94. At end of ramp turn left
onto Route 99. Proceed to stop sign at a "T" intersection,
turn left on Rt. 100 for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto 672
for 3.6 miles. At T-intersection, turn right on Rt. 693,
go 1.8 miles (over a mountain), cross a narrow bridge
and turn left at Route 655. Follow 655 to camp entrance road.
From the Southwest:
Interstate 81 North to Exit 94 (service exit) mile marker
(94). At bottom of ramp turn left onto Rt. 100. Proceed
under railroad trestle to Route 672 (1st right). Turn right
onto 672 and proceed as above.
Handicraft
Basketry
Art
Leatherwork
Woodcarving
Woodcarving
Leatherwork
Indian Lore
Art
Game Design
Railroading
Geology
Reptile Study
Space Exploration
Weather
E. Science: 10-12
E. Science: 11-12 & 2-3
Fish & Wildlife Mgmt
Forestry
Mammal Study
Reptile Study
Insect Study
9:00
10:00
Emergency Preparedness
Camping
Wilderness Survival
Horsemanship: 3-5
Geocaching
Emergency Preparedness
Camping
Wilderness Survival
Archaeology
Basketry
Leatherwork
Woodcarving
Indian Lore
Inventing: 3-5
Painting
Leatherwork
Basketry
Woodcarving
Art
Sustainability: 3-5
Soil & Water Conserv.
Geology
Nature
Space Exploration
Insect Study
Reptile Study
Mammal Study
Insect Study
Weather
Space Exploration
Nature
3:00
4:00
Shotgun 3-5
Rifle: 3-5
Archery
Rifle: 11-12 & 2-3
Archery
Shotgun: 11-12 & 2-3
Archcery
Rifle: 9-11
Archery
Shotgun: 9-11
Shooting
Sports
Open Swim/Boat
(Monday–Friday)
Beginner Swimming
Swimming
Canoeing
Mile Swim
BSA Snorkeling
Lifesaving
Swimming
Canoeing
Kayaking
BSA Snorkeling
Beginner Swimming
Swimming
Rowing
Canoeing
BSA Snorkeling
Kayaking
Lifesaving
Swimming
Rowing
Canoeing
Kayaking
Lifesaving
Swimming
Rowing
Canoeing
Kayaking
BSA Lifeguard (all day)
Waterfront
First Aid
Search & Rescue
Athletics
Chess
Athletics
Climbing: 3-5
Personal Fitness: 3-5
Athletics
Chess
Personal Fitness:
11-12 & 2-3
Climbing:
11-12 & 2-3
Cooking
First Aid
Medicine
First Aid
Medicine
Sports
Chess
Personal Fitness:
9-11
Climbing: 9-11
Sports
Athletics
Fitness Zone
First Aid
Search & Rescue
First Aid
Health Lodge
Brownsea Island participants must register their name on the merit badge pre-registration form with “BSI” in all time slots. They will spend all day with Brownsea Island.
Dinner Shifts–5:30 p.m./6:15 p.m. Climbing Merit Badge also offered 7PM-Dark. Evening Programs and other Merit Badges as announced at camp.
2:00
Emergency Preparedness
Camping
Wilderness Survival
Pioneering: 2-4
Geocaching
Aviation
Basketry
Art
Woodcarving
Leatherwork
Game Design
Emergency Preparedness
Camping
Geocaching
Orienteering
Aviation
Orienteering
Emergency Preparedness
Archaeology
Horsemanship: 10-12
Fishing
Emergency Preparedness
Camping
Pioneering: 9-11
Orienteering
Fishing
Scoutcraft
Nature
Forestry
Reptile Study
Space Exploration
E. Science: 2-4
Open Lunch– 11:45–1:00
11:00
Basketry
Indian Lore
Leatherwork
Wood Carving
Inventing: 9-11
Painting
E. Science: 9-11
Plant Science: 9-11
Forestry
Nature
Mammal Study
Space Exploration
Breakfast Shifts–7:00 a.m./7:45 a.m.
Bird Study will be offered at 7 a.m. based on interest.
Nature
2015 Camp Powhatan Merit Badge Schedule