General Camp Policies

Matagorda Island High Adventure is a temporary primitive scout base maintained by the
Kingwood Varsity Units of the Flaming Arrow District in the Sam Houston Council of the Boy
Scouts of America on a Texas barrier island of the Gulf. The primary responsibility of
maintenance of the facilities of the camp rests with the Camp Ranger and a dedicated corps of
volunteers. Scouts and leaders need to be aware that they must be respectful of the facilities of
Matagorda Island High Adventure so that others may enjoy it also.

Camp Site and Equipment Maintenance: Each site is equipped with sand, Gulf water and native
plants. Scouts are responsible to bring their own equipment. Additional equipment, on an
availability basis, may be secured from the Camp Quartermaster. Teams must be cleared by the
Ranger’s staff prior to leaving camp on Friday.

Equipment Policies: All equipment and other property of the camp is provided and maintained
for the benefit of all campers. Please impress upon the Scouts that it is their obligation to
properly care for this property. Horseplay and vandalism will not be tolerated.

Uniforms: It is recommended that all scouts have and properly wear a complete Boy Scout
summer uniform. The summer uniform consists of a Scout short-sleeved shirt (khaki), Scout
Shorts (olive green), and Scout Socks. Neckerchiefs and hats are at the individual team’s
preferences. This uniform should be worn daily for the evening flag ceremony and all camp-wide
campfires. At all other time scouts are encouraged to wear their Scouting t-shirts with
appropriate shorts.

*Note to leaders: Please request that scouts leave articles of clothing at home which may
advertise or promote anything that may contradict the values and ideals of Scouting.

Curfew/ Quiet Time: Rest at camp will affect the person’s ability to function in a cheerful and
safe manner. Scouts need 8-10 hours of rest daily. Leaders are expected to set the example by
respecting quiet times for the benefit of neighboring campers and themselves. Please keep all
noise level low and activities to a minimum between the hours of 10:30 pm and 6:30am. During
those hours, campers may not be out of their site without adult supervision.

Automobiles: According to national policy on transportation of Scouts, the following guidelines

will be enforced at camp:

Drivers must be 18 years old or older and posses a valid license. Vehicles must have a valid
inspection sticker, be in good mechanical condition, carry a minimum liability insurance of
$50,000- $100,000. Truck beds may not carry passengers. There will only be one passenger per
seat belt. Traffic regulations must be adhered to and driving should be done during daylight
hours.

Liquid Fuel Stoves and Lanterns: Liquid and propane fuels will be allowed in camp. They are to
be lighted and filled under direct and qualified adult supervision. Lit stoves and lanterns will not
be allowed in tents. All surplus fuels will be stored in the designated “liquid fuel storage area”
located at the staff camp. Minimum amounts of fuel are allowed in the campsites.

Wood Cutting: No wood cutting of standing trees for use in campfires, pioneering projects or any
other purpose allowed. This policy concerns trees living or dead. Any trees already on the
ground can be used. Contact the camp ranger or camp office if a tree appears to be a safety
hazard or poses another concern.

Smoking is not approved.

Running in camp is not permitted due to the presence of many tripping hazards such as tree
roots, rocks and uneven ground. The only exception is during a camp-wide game or any camp
program under staff supervision.

Knives, Saws & Axes may be used only in campsites and program areas. Sheath knives are not
permitted in camp. Proper axe-yards and Totin’ Chip rules should be followed.

Camp Director.

Aquatics in Camp: In order to insure the safety of the Scouts in camp, the Aquatics Director is
“in charge” of all swimming, boating, canoeing, and other aquatic activities. Team leaders will
be instructed in “The Safe Swim Defense Plan” and “Safety Afloat”. This instruction will occur
during Monday’s program.

Buddy System: The buddy system of having two or more campers together is to be used in all
aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and/or off camp activities. Camp staff leaders are to enforce this
rule.

Buddy Tags: Along with the Buddy System we use Buddy Tags for keeping track of Scouts and
Scouters in camp. These tags are given out at the Summer Camp Leaders Meeting and at arrival
at camp. They are to be filled out with scouts name on front and unit # on back. They are to be
hung on the buddy boards at the pool, boating area and dining hall. You must have one stamped
by the Health Officer to do any aquatics.

Prohibitions in Camp

Hazing: There is no place for hazing, such as initiation, and bullying of any campers in Scout
camp. Scout leaders will see to it that all campers are properly oriented on reporting any
improper incidents immediately to the Camp Director. Please read the section entitled “The No
D’s” in this guidebook for more information and insight.

Drugs and Alcohol: All forms of alcohol and drugs, with the exception to prescriptions
(medication prescribed by a physician), are prohibited at Matagorda Island High Adventure.
Violators will be asked to leave camp.
Fireworks: Firecrackers and other fireworks are not permitted in Scout camp. Violators will be
asked to leave camp.

Matches and Fire Safety: Only Safety matches are to be used in camp. Butane lighters are
prohibited unless under adult supervision (mainly for lighting gas stoves).

Fire in unit campsites, whether campfires or cooking fires, are to be attended at all times; they
just be extinguished completely before leaving the immediate area.

Flames in Tents: Under no circumstances shall flames of any kind be carried into, or used in
tents. Battery powered lights such as flashlights, which do not impose the hazards of fire and
asphyxiation, are the only acceptable lights for use in tents

Raiding: There is no reason for Scouts to enter other team sites without permission. Any raiding
of campsites occupied or unoccupied is strictly prohibited and Scouts involved will be
responsible for replacement of any damaged materials. Vandalism and destruction of camp
property are not only contrary to the values of Scouting, but can result in significant financial
loss , injury, loss of program, and potentially closing the camp, affected facility, or program area.
***Any and all violations can cause your immediate dismissal from camp. ***

Our entire staff strives to instill a sense of pride and stewardship in our campers. As a unit leader,
we hope that you will support us in our efforts to eliminate pranks and vandalism.

The end result will help in utilizing our dollars for the benefit of the campers rather than
unnecessary maintenance.

Emergencies Procedures in Camp

The best defense against an emergency is preparedness for what might happen. The
development of clear-cut, well understood policies and practices governing the actions of staff
and campers in such emergencies is a responsibility of the local council and camp administration.
The staff is made familiar each year in how to handle all types of emergencies and they spend
time in practicing these procedures. The staff, led by the Camp Director, Health Officer, Camp
Ranger, and Program Director is capable and ready to deal quickly and efficiently with any
emergency situation.

In an emergency, the first step is to notify the Camp Director. Any staff member with a 2-
way radio can reach him. If the Camp Director is not on the property, you should notify the
Camp Ranger, Health Officer or Program Director. Once the emergency is established the alarm
will be sounded by the person in charge. There may be times when the alarm cannot be heard in
the outer areas of camp due to weather conditions. When this occurs runners will be sent to each
area to notify the campers.
General Emergencies: Camper Health & Safety:

Lost Camper: When a person is reported missing, the siren will be sounded and the staff will
report to the camp office. All other campers will follow the instructions laid out in the siren
explanation. All members of the unit that the person is missing from will be interviewed. At no
time should anyone enter the missing person’s tent until it is cleared to do so. At this time the
Staff Hasty Response Teams will begin their search of camp (at times we may ask for help from
leaders in camp). If the camper is not located, the Camp Director will call the State Police and
Scout Executive.

Lost Bather: There are several instances that could trigger a lost bather alarm. In this emergency
the Camp Director will man the communications at the camp office; the entire staff will report to
the waterfront, all other campers will follow the instructions laid out in the siren explanation.

Lost Camper/ Bather Siren will remain at a high pitch for a minimum of five minutes. All
campers except emergency personal are to report as soon as possible to the front of the dining
hall. You must check in with the leader in charge, remove your tag and wait until you receive
instructions from the Program Director.

Fire: Report any fire to the Camp Director. If it is a serious fire such as a building, a call will be
placed to the local fire company. The siren will be sounded and all runners will be given
information and report back to their areas with instructions. The Camp Ranger supervises the use
of camp fire fighting equipment. At no time should any camper be expected to risk life or injury
by fighting a fire.

The Fire Siren will sound for at least three minutes its pitch will rise and fall, distinguishing
it from the lost Scout. Every program area, team site, or gathering of people will send one
runner to the back of the camp office to report the area he came from , the number of people over
the age of 18 and the number of people under the age of 18.(State law prohibits anyone under
eighteen from fighting fires.) Runners will report back to their groups with instructions.

Child Abuse: Any incident or suspicion of abuse must be reported immediately to the Camp
Director. If not available, call the Scout Executive directly. Reports will be kept confidential. All
leaders and staff should be trained in Youth Protection.

Mass Illness: Notify the Health Officer who will then contact the Camp Director.

Fatalities / Death: In the unlikely event that a fatality occurs in camp, for whatever reason the
Camp Director or Health Officer must be notified immediately. The Scout Executive will make
contact with family members and handle all inquiries by the media. Grief counseling will be
provided if needed.

Blood Borne Pathogens: Always avoid contact with blood and other body fluids of another
person, and wash your hands after any direct contact with these fluids. If exposed, wash the
exposed area immediately and report the incident to the Health Officer who will inform the
Camp Director. Make sure any surface or equipment that has been in contact with these fluids is
washed with detergent and water as well as a 10:1 water and bleach solution.

Hazardous Material Spill: Report any hazardous material spill to the Camp Director who will call
911 to get the local hazardous material crew to the scene along with the fire company. Everyone
in direct line of the spill will be evacuated to a safe site. The area will be cleared of personnel for
at least 200 yards.

Natural Disasters:

Flood: Campers will be directed to go to higher ground and stay away from water.

Earthquake: Campers will be asked to assemble in an open area away from buildings, power
lines, lakes and downstream areas.

Weather Related / Environmental Emergencies:

Severe Storms: The Camp Director closes all activity areas. In the event of high winds, campers
will be advised to get to low protected areas or shelters.

Lightning: The waterfront will evacuate all campers from the water, and the area will remain
closed ½ hour after the storm has completely passed by. Stay away from open areas, seek shelter
and avoid all metal objects and telephone usage. It is very important to seek shelter in the dining
hall or any of the other buildings at camp.

Extreme Temperature: When temperature reaches 90 F+ activities will be slowed down and those
engaged in strenuous activity will be monitored closely for dehydration. Campers will be
expected to drink plenty of water. Normal activities will be curtailed when temperatures go
above 95 F.

Media Issues: at no time should any staff member, camper or leader contact or allow themselves
to be interviewed by the media. The Camp Director or Scout Executive is the only designated
spokespeople. This policy is to eliminate unfounded rumors, and unnecessary worry of the
parents and public.

Contact with Wildlife:

Matagorda Island High Adventure is a natural habitat for many species of animal. Please be
aware that they are in their home and we are the visitors. They will become a nuisance if our
campers do not exercise proper precautions. All campers are expected to respect wildlife and
subscribe to the Outdoor Code. All campers should keep food in airtight containers, away from
tents and sleeping areas. Do not throw leftover food into the area. If you try and follow these
rules you might keep unwanted visitors from your site.
Strange Behavior: If you come in contact with an animal that is behaving strangely, (staggering,
lying still-not trying to flee seems to be sick or foaming at the mouth contact the Camp Director.
Do not attempt to pick up or touch the animal.

Bites & Scratches: If you are bitten or scratched by any wildlife immediately report it to the
Health Officer. Animals can carry serious diseases such as Rabies that must be treated as soon as
possible. Never pick up or touch a injured or dead animal. Report all incidents to the Camp
Director.

Insect and tick repellant (with high content of DEET) is highly recommended. Wearing long
pants, long sleeved shirts and hats while in tick infested areas cuts down on the risk of bites.
Educate your campers about ticks. Check yourself all over after being in an infested area. Report
all tick bites to the Health Officer.

Mosquitoes & West Nile Virus: Occurrence of the W Nile Virus in the United States has been on
the rise over the past few years. We recommend the use of a good insect repellant, with a high
content of DEET, and wear loose-fitting clothing. Mosquitoes are also attracted to warmth given
off by humans and animals, as well as light sources like lanterns and candles. This should be
considered when placing these items in your campsite. You can use citronella candles; they emit
an odor that repels insects.

Youth Protection
We must always take the responsibility for the welfare of our youth in camp very seriously. For
this reason policies have been established which pertain to the control of visitors on camp
property, release of youth from camp, and verification of no- shows at camp. These policies are
summarized below and will be covered in more detail at the pre-camp leaders meeting.

Youth Protection Training: If you, or any other adult leaders have not had BSA Youth Protection
Training in the last 2 years, we highly recommend it before coming to camp. The course is
available on line at www.scouting.org, through your local council, or district. We will also offer
this training based upon demand during your week in camp.

Absentees / No Shows: When any youth camper on the team’s roster does not arrive with the
team, an absentee/ no show verification form will be completed and a check will be made with
the parent or legal guardian.

Sign In / Sign Out: All visitors must report to the Camp Office to sign-in and sign- out.
Temporary visitor passes are issued to those persons who are in camp for a limited time. This
policy does not apply during Family Night on Wednesday, unless visitor arrives before scheduled
time to arrive.

Whenever a camper, leader or staff member returns or departs camp, he/she must sign-in or sign-
out at the office. Anyone suspected of being an unauthorized person should be reported to the
nearest program area director, leader or staff member who will contact the Camp Director. This
procedure will be modified on Wednesday night during family visits.

I.D. Verification: If a parent or legal guardian needs to pick up their child during camp, they need
to inform the team leader prior to pick up. The person picking up the child, must come with the
team leader to the Camp Office so that the child can sign out and ID be verified. Prior to
departing, a Camper Release Form should be completed or was completed before arrival at
camp. Upon return, the camper must again be brought to the office by a responsible adult and not
merely dropped off. This policy will be modified on Wednesday Family Night.

Leadership Requirements: The Coach is expected to have charge of his team at all times and is
responsible for the conduct of team members. Coaches need to know of Scouts needing special
attention due to physical challenges or personal problems such as heart trouble, asthma, special
medication requirements, excessive shyness, etc.

There must be two adult leaders; one must be at least 21 years of age, in camp with their team.
Ideally, the team’s Coach is the best choice to have at camp, but a registered adult at least 21
years old in another position within the team can fill the position.

Hazing, Initiations, and Bullying: This will not be tolerated at camp. Report all incidents to the
Camp Director. Please read the section on “The No D’s “in this guide for more information and
insight.

Grey Areas: are areas that are not to be a part of the scouting program. We must remind ourselves
all the time that entertaining campfire programs, and dining hall after meal songs, skits or cheers
offer excellent opportunities to teach values of scouting and must not detract from, or contradict
the philosophy expressed in the Scout Oath and Law. The gray areas below are not to be used in
any program in camp.

Underwear: Concerns are nudity, natural modesty of Scouts, mental fitness and cleanliness.

Water/Food: We must avoid damage to a persons clothing and equipment.

Implication of bodily functions: such as urination, defection, or sexual acts is prohibited.

Alcohol and drug abuse: are major concerns. They must not be encouraged and should
never be used as a subject of humor.

Cross-gender impersonation: can be humorous, but can lead to sexual harassment and
embarrassment.

Degrading a person: is prohibited in camp.

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES
Immediately after breakfast on Saturday, follow the steps below to check-out.

1. Pack all personal gear. Double check so as not to leave anything. Prepare the campsite for
final inspection by the Ranger Staff.

2. Police the area, including hosing down the washstand and latrine area.

3. Remove or dismantle any campsite improvements that were made during the week.

4. All garbage/ recyclables are to be removed from the site or burned.

5. Return all camp equipment that was used during the week to the Quartermaster. Any camp
equipment or tents that are damaged must be paid for by the team before leaving camp.

Remember: A scout is clean. Leave the campsite in better condition than you found it.

Camp Daily Schedule

7:00 am Reveille/ Shower House Opens

7:40 am Waiters Call

7:55 am Colors/ Breakfast @ 8am

9 to 10 am Merit Badge Period 1/ Leaders Meeting Pool

Pavilion/ Trading Post Open

10 to 11 am Merit Badge Period 2

11 to 12 pm Merit Badge Period 3/ Trading Post Closes @ 12pm

12:10 pm Waiters Call/ Spl Meeting Trading Post Porch

12:25 pm Line up for lunch / Lunch @ 12:30 pm

1 to 2 pm Rest Period

2 to 3 pm Merit Badge Period 4

3 to 5 pm Open Areas/ Instructional Swim 3 to 3:30

Swim Call 3:30 to 5 pm/ Trading Post Closes 5 pm

5:45 pm Waiters Call/ Retreat @ 5:50pm/ Dinner @ 6 pm

7 to 8 pm Evening Period 1 Open Areas/ Games/Trading Post Opens 7 pm

8 to 9 pm Evening Period 2 Open Areas/ Games/ Trading Post Closes 9 pm

10 pm Taps Quiet Time/ Shower Closes/ Lights Out 11 pm

During open times some areas will be closed, so scouts can complete the Merit

Badge. These areas will be announced on the day they are closing.

THE NO D’S
There is no question that the rate of peer-to-peer violence among youth, especially among
adolescents and teenagers has raised. This trend includes negative behaviors such as physical and
verbal assault, initiations, bulling and harassment. We know as a public that this goes on
nationally each and every day. This will not be allowed in this camp to happen. This is where the
rule to X OUT The D’S comes into effect. “No D’S” simply means that nobody is allowed to
Demean, Diminish, or Disrespect another person. The staff and leaders in camp need to stop it
when we see it happening. So how do we deal with it when we see it happening? We flag it and
call it out each time we see it or hear it. The effective way to do this is to stop what you are
doing. Let the boys see that it interrupted you. Use eye contact and effective body language to let
them know that this behavior is unacceptable. Our goal in camp is to make this behavior more
noticeable and no longer invisible.

As leaders we need to educate the youth on how to constructively criticize and disagree with one
another. I know this is a challenge for all of us with what we are seeing and hearing in world and
the media today. No better place to start than in the Boy Scouts. We all have a stake in this. We
are here to help boys to grow up being able to make ethical and moral choices. Tell them to
describe to the other person what action or behavior it was that caused them to get angry or
annoyed, instead of labeling that person with a derogatory remark. Teach them that it is ok to put
a label to the behavior, but not the person doing it.

Please join us by adopting and enforcing the “No D’S” rule into your team operation. We are
committed to putting an end to this most inappropriate behavior.