In just a few months, the warm breeze will herald the arrival of summer. Families and adult leaders will be eagerly preparing their Scouts for the quintessential experience of summer camp. A critical component of a successful camp adventure lies in the creation of a well-balanced and nutritionally sound menu. Drawing on the expertise of Penn State in the realm of nutrition, Scout camps can develop a menu that not only caters to the unique needs of campers but also ensures they receive the essential nutrients for a summer camp week full of fun and activities.

For the last few years, Scouting America has partnered with Penn State to support our camp menu and nutrition planning. Penn State advocates for a diverse array of food groups to form the foundation of a robust camp menu. Breakfasts can be fortified with whole-grain cereals, yogurt, and a selection of fresh fruits to kickstart the day with complex carbohydrates, protein, and vital vitamins. For lunch, incorporating colorful salads with lean protein sources such as grilled chicken or chickpeas ensures a nutrient-rich midday meal. Dinner options may include whole-grain pasta with a variety of vegetables and a lean protein source, offering sustained energy for the evening’s campfires or other activities.

Beyond the inclusion of diverse food groups, Penn State emphasizes the importance of portion control to meet the nutritional needs of campers without overindulgence. By offering a variety of options in appropriate serving sizes, campers can enjoy a range of flavors while maintaining a balanced diet. Snack choices can include a mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, providing energy-dense and easily transportable options for between-meal cravings.

Ensuring food safety in camp settings is paramount, and Penn State provides valuable insights into proper food handling techniques. From safe storage practices for perishables to maintaining appropriate cooking temperatures, these guidelines help prevent foodborne illnesses in the camp environment. Additionally, incorporating non-perishable and easy-to-store items into the menu streamlines meal preparation without compromising nutritional value. Don’t forget to be prepared for special dietary needs. The big 8 recently became the big 9 (welcome sesame!) for major allergens. Double check your camp’s process for managing and supporting special dietary needs for your Scouts and Scouters. This a key aspect of customer service but also for the health and wellbeing of our campers.

Hydration takes center stage in Penn State’s approach to summer camp nutrition. With increased outdoor activities and potential exposure to higher temperatures, staying well-hydrated becomes crucial. Camp menus can feature hydrating options such as fruit-infused water, electrolyte-rich beverages, and watermelon slices to keep campers refreshed throughout their summer escapades.

In line with responsible camping practices, Penn State encourages eco-friendly choices in menu planning. Opting for reusable containers, minimizing single-use plastics, and emphasizing sustainable sourcing contribute to an environmentally conscious camping experience.

In conclusion, crafting a nutritious summer overnight camp menu inspired by Penn State’s recommendations ensures that campers not only enjoy their culinary experiences but also receive the essential nutrients needed for an active and memorable summer. By incorporating a variety of food groups, practicing food safety, promoting hydration, and adopting eco-friendly practices, camp organizers and families can contribute to the overall well-being and enjoyment of the camp experience. Visit the Penn State website to review the extensive collection of Penn State resources.

Scouting America introduced the National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) in 2013, setting standards to ensure that all camp facilities and programs align with Scouting values while providing a safe experience for Scouts and Scouters. If you’re passionate about contributing to the safety and success of Scouting adventures, becoming an NCAP assessor is a valuable role worth considering!

NCAP assessors play a crucial part in maintaining the Scouting brand and enhancing safety standards. Every camp program undergoes assessment to evaluate its safety and effectiveness. Some assessments are conducted by local council members, while others require an external team of national council camp assessors. Training is essential for all assessors to understand what to observe and why it matters. Specialized courses are available to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge. Training is updated annually to reflect updates in NCAP standards and other best practices. Understanding the NCAP standards and how the apply to camps and their programs is a key part of serving as a trained NCAP assessor. Participating in NCAP assessor training will help you “be prepared” to serve in this important role effectively.

For long-term camps, an external national council assigned assessment team must assess the camp. Over 2,000 dedicated volunteers from across the country participate in these assessments each year. These volunteers witness and assess programs offered by various councils. As assessors, they commit to addressing challenges they observe while also praising top-quality programs and staff.

If you’re interested in becoming a long-term camp assessor, reach out to your local council leadership and volunteers. Training is a prerequisite for participation, with two available courses – one online and the other conducted by the assessment coordinator or their team. The online course, accessible to anyone, provides comprehensive insights into the National Camp Accreditation Program. This training is available online at my.Scouting.org.

Short-term camp and day camp assessments are assessed by their local council. Short term camps are assessed by short-term camp administrators and day camps are assessed by assigned local council trained volunteers. To get involved, contact your local council leadership, and express your willingness to get trained and contribute to the assessment process.

For more information on the National Camp Accreditation Program, visit http://www.scouting.org/ncap, or reach out to ncap@scouting.org. Becoming an NCAP assessor is a meaningful way to play a vital role in safeguarding Scouting adventures for future generations.

The Short-term Camp Administrator plays a crucial role in the Scouting America National Camp Accreditation Program, ensuring that short-term camps meet the organization’s high standards for safety, program quality, and overall experience. This role involves overseeing the accreditation process for council-sponsored camps with one, two or three nights of camping involved. The administrator serves as a liaison between the camp and the national organization, working closely with camp leaders and staff to ensure compliance with established guidelines.

The Short-term Camp Administrator also serves as a resource for event committees, offering guidance on best practices, risk management, and program enhancement. This role plays a vital part in maintaining the high standards associated with Scouting America, ensuring that short-term camps contribute positively to the overall Scouting experience.

These courses will be facilitated via Zoom through the National Service Center and consist of several modules designed to prepare participants to manage short-term camps including planning, program development, staff recruitment and assessment. Upon registration, participants will receive a link to log into the online training room.

FIRST TIME CERTIFICATION COURSES ($75):

This training is for individuals who have not previously been certified as Short-term Camp Administrators or those whose training has been expired for more than 60 days. Training will last about 8.5 hours with interactions and discussions designed to help meet the needs of the participants while conveying strategies to serve in this role. Course materials will be made available electronically.
• February 20, 22, 27, 29, 2024 – This is a weeknight course, held from 7 pm to 9 pm Central Time. Must attend all four sessions to be certified.
• March 23rd, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time
• April 20th, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time
• May 18th, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time

RECERTIFICATION COURSES ($65):

Individuals who have previously completed Short-Term Camp Administrator training may be eligible for recertification. Your Short-Term Camp Administrator training cannot be expired for more than 60 days at the start of the class. Please refer to the certification card you were issued to determine when your training expires or email NCS@Scouting.org for confirmation. Short-term Camp Administrator recertification training is approximately 4 hours.
• February 20, 22, 2024 – This is a weeknight course, held from 7 pm to 9 pm Central Time. Must attend both sessions to be certified.
• March 23rd, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time
• April 20th, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time
• May 18th, 2024 – 9 AM Central Time

READY TO REGISTER? CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO BE REDIRECTED TO THE ONLINE REGISTRATION PORTAL.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

For more information about Short-term Camp Administrator NCS, please email NCS@scouting.org.

Planning a short-term camp within the Scouting America framework requires meticulous attention to safety considerations. Scouting America’s National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) provides a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure the well-being of participants. While NCAP offers valuable standards that help create a safer environment, short-term camp administrators and event organizers must still be proactive in addressing safety concerns. This article briefly introduces ten critical aspects of safety planning when organizing a council-sponsored short-term camp under NCAP guidelines (scouting.org/ncap).

Site Assessment:

Before anything else, organizers must conduct a thorough risk assessment of the event location. Using the NCAP Site Appraisal Form is a great start, especially if your short-term camp is not held at a Scouting America NCAP accredited property. Identifying potential hazards such as uneven terrain, wildlife encounters, or proximity to bodies of water is crucial. Addressing these risks in advance allows for effective mitigation strategies to be put in place. Check out NCAP Standard SA-002 for details on assessing your site location.

Staff Training:

A well-trained staff is the backbone of a safe camp. Organizers must ensure that all staff members are proficient in first aid, emergency response, and Scouting America safety protocols. Regular training sessions and drills contribute to a quick and effective response in case of emergencies. Ensure you have thoroughly reviewed the training required for each position and the programs you will offer. The Staff Qualification “400” series standards are a critical place to start. Be sure to view the verification section for each standard so you know what training verifications specifically to look for.

Health and Medical Considerations:

Accurate health records of all participants, including dietary restrictions and medical conditions, should be collected during registration. Having qualified medical personnel on-site is required, and an emergency medical plan must be in place, including having a copy of the current medical policies for your council. Touch base with your local council health supervisor to be sure you have the most current copy. Check out the HS “500” series standards, especially HS-503, HS-505 and more. For detailed requirements for your camp health officer for your location, review SQ-405. 

Transportation Safety:

If the camp involves transportation, adherence to Scouting America transportation policies is paramount. This includes driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and seatbelt usage. Additionally, organizers should have a contingency plan for unexpected travel-related issues. In 2024 information was included in NCAP standard PS-216 to also include additional youth protection considerations as well.

Campsite Security:

Ensuring the security of the campsite is critical for the well-being of participants. Adequate lighting, secure sleeping arrangements, and surveillance measures should be in place. Event organizers should collaborate with local law enforcement to address any security concerns in the surrounding area. When is the last time your camper security plan was updated for your specific short-term camp location? This would be a great project for your local council enterprise risk management committee. Visit NCAP standard AO-804 for details on camper security.

Aquatics Safety:

If the camp involves water activities, event organizers must strictly adhere to Scouting America aquatics guidelines. Ensuring proper supervision, life jacket usage, and emergency response plans for water-related incidents are essential components of a safe short-term camp. The 2024 NCAP standards and the Guide to Safe Scouting “Safe Swim Defense and “Safety Afloat” policies will help you plan for aquatics activities at your short-term camp.

Fire Safety:

Camps often involve campfires, cooking, and other fire-related activities. Compliance with Scouting America fire safety guidelines, including supervision during cooking, and appropriate fire extinguishing equipment, is crucial to prevent accidents. Review NCAP standards FA-703,705,706 as you plan your short-term camp.

Weather Preparedness:

Unpredictable weather conditions pose a significant threat to camp safety. Monitoring weather forecasts, having an emergency shelter plan, and educating staff and participants about weather-related risks are essential components of safety planning. NCAP standard AO-805 helps each of us prepare for all types of emergencies, including weather. These emergencies may vary based on the time of year you are hosting your short-term camp.

Communication Protocols:

Establishing effective communication channels within the camp is vital. Whether through two-way radios, designated meeting points, or other means, clear communication ensures a rapid response to emergencies and facilitates coordination among staff members. NCAP standard AO-807 has details on how you can be prepared to communicate effectively. 

Emergency Evacuation Plan:

Every camp must have a well-defined emergency evacuation plan. This plan should account for various scenarios, including natural disasters or medical emergencies. Regular drills should be conducted to familiarize staff and participants with evacuation procedures. A full list of emergencies you must have a plan for are included in NCAP standard AO-805. This list should also be reviewed by your local council enterprise risk management committee to determine if any other plans should be developed for your specific event and location.

Organizing a short-term camp under the standards set forth in the National Camp Accreditation Program requires a comprehensive approach to safety planning. Each short-term camp must have a currently certified Short-term camp administrator as well. By addressing risk factors, prioritizing staff training, and implementing robust safety protocols, event organizers can create an environment where participants can enjoy enriching experiences while minimizing potential hazards. Ultimately, the goal is to uphold the aims of Scouting America while emphasizing the safety of all involved in the camping experience. It’s a new year so be sure you use the newest standards – 2024. These standards and other critical resources are available online at www.scouting.org/ncap. 

Additional resources:
National Camp Accreditation Program – 2024 Standards
Guide to Safe Scouting
Standards at a Glance (Short-term Camp)
Scouting.org Short-term Camp webpage

Scouting America summer camps serve as the ultimate playground for our Scout adventurers, fostering growth and unforgettable experiences. But behind every thrilling moment lies a team of dedicated staff. So, how do we ensure we assemble the best staff while ticking all the legal boxes? Let’s delve into the hiring process, including some of the vital legal considerations and savvy practices, and discover a fantastic platform for job postings: Scout Life Jobs.

The Role of Legal Considerations in Hiring Staff

Before diving into the hiring process, let’s address the legal side:

1. Equal Opportunity Employment: Ensuring fair treatment for all applicants, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics, is vital. Review your hiring practices to ensure they are in compliance. 
2. Background Checks: To guarantee the safety of our Scouts, conducting thorough background checks for all potential staff members is a must. NCAP Standard SQ-401 requires every staff member of long-term camp and many day camp staff be registered in the specific camp staff code for their age. Doing so ensures an annual criminal background check and screening takes place.  
3. Compliance with Documentation: Completing all necessary employment paperwork diligently, including contracts, agreements, and required certifications, is crucial to maintain legal compliance. Review your documentation practices with your local HR attorney and double check your processes for each step. Certain states require additional documentation so be sure you are up to speed on state requirements. Looking for a resource? Check out the ACA’s State Laws and Regulations website.
4. Know who you are hiring: There are specific requirements for youth to work along with job limitations based on age. Be sure to visit the department of labor website https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules/young-workers for more information.

Best Practices for Hiring Staff

1. Start NOW and expand your search area: Initiating the hiring process in advance and leveraging various channels such as local Scout troops, universities, and online platforms widens the pool of potential candidates. Consider using online job postings. Make sure to include “summer job” page on your local council website. (Hint: use “Summer Job” vs the camp name and job title gets you better search results.)
2. Thorough Screening and Interviews: Conducting comprehensive interviews to assess a candidate’s skills, experiences, and alignment with Scouting principles is essential.
3. Embrace Diversity and Clarity: Striving for diversity in the staff team and ensuring clear communication about camp expectations and responsibilities fosters an inclusive and committed environment.

Leveraging Scout Life Jobs for Job Postings

For an excellent platform to post job opportunities within the Scouting community, consider using Scout Life Jobs:

1. Targeted Audience Reach: This platform attracts candidates who are passionate about Scouting and the outdoors, ensuring a higher likelihood of finding individuals who resonate with your camp’s mission.
2. User-friendly Interface: Both job seekers and recruiters benefit from its user-friendly layout, making the process seamless and accessible.
3. Aligning with Scout Values: By using Scout Life Jobs, we reach individuals who understand and value the core principles of Scouting, fostering a team dedicated to upholding these values. Visit the Scout Life Jobs website and start posting your open positions today!

In Conclusion

In the realm of Scouting America summer camps, a stellar staff team is the bedrock of memorable experiences. By aligning our hiring practices with legal obligations, adopting smart strategies, and utilizing platforms like Scout Life Jobs, we can build a team passionate about creating enriching and safe experiences for our Scouts.