PARTICIPANTS’ GUIDE
for the
Northeast Region Area 6
Venturing Phenomenon 2015: Spies Unlike Us
April 10 to 12, 2015
Co Hosted by:
Chester County Council Venturing Officers’ Association
and
Northeast Region Area 6 Venturing Officers’ Association
Location:
Horseshoe Scout Reservation
1286 Ridge Road
Rising Sun, MD
Contents
REGISTRATION
CHECK-IN
CHECK-OUT
PRESIDENT AND ADVISOR MEETING
EQUIPMENT DROP-OFF
CANNED FOOD DRIVE
A GOOD TURN DAILY
CULINARY COMPETITION
DANCE AND COSTUME EXTRAVAGANZA
CAMPFIRES
PARKING SECURITY
RESTROOMS AND SHOWERS
TRASH
BEHAVIOR
TOBACCO/SMOKING
FIRST AID STATION
WEATHER
CAMPSITES
CABINS
LEAVE NO TRACE POLICY
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
OFF-LIMIT AREAS
MEALS
RETREAT
WATER
ADVISOR LOUNGE
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT NOT TO BRING
OTHER CAMP POLICIES
DRESS CODE
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS
PHENOMENON 2015 CODE OF CONDUCT
PHENOMENON 2015 SCHEDULE
PROGRAM OF EVENTS
CONTACT INFORMATION
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
CAMP HORSESHOE MAP
PHENOMENON 2015 UNIT ROSTER
REGISTRATION
All persons attending this event MUST pre-register by April 3rd, 2015, one week prior to the
event. NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE TAKEN AFTER April 3rd, 2015.
There will be no late registrations for Phenomenon. Registration may be completed at:
http://cccbsa.doubleknot.com/event/area-6-venturing-phenomenon/1675355. All checks made
payable to the CHESTER COUNTY COUNCIL, BSA. Thanks in advance for giving us your complete
registration so we can prepare for your arrival.
CHECK-IN
Vehicles will meet event staff in the parking lot. The event staff will provide directions to
Headquarters near the entrance to the camp where check-in will occur. At check-in the
following items will be collected:
● Roster of scouts and adults (form at the end of this guide)
● Submission of BSA Medical Part A and B for each participant and adult
Check-in will occur at Headquarters BEFOREgoing to your campsite. Vehicles may be permitted to
unload heavy equipment at the campsite; after unloading, all vehicles must be parked in the
parking lot. Only the Crew Adviser and the Crew President may enter Headquarters during
Check-in.
Each crew advisor and the crew president (or contingent youth designee) must come to
registration to present the BSA Health Form Part A and B (including a copy of health
insurance card) for every member (YOUTH and ADULT)that is present and attending
Phenomenon and to make sure all proper registration forms have been completed. The Camp
Medic will maintain a file of the BSA Medical forms for each Crew. These medical forms will be
returned during check-out. If you do not pick up your crew medical forms, the event staff will
shred these forms at the conclusion of the event.
Each participant will be issued a wristband that must be worn at all times for the duration of the
event, camp map and schedule of events. Each crew will be required to sign-up for a camp clean-up
assignment to be completed before check-out on Sunday morning. If needed, a staff member will
act as a guide to your campsite.
Check-in time is 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM on Friday. No crew should arrive before 6:00 PM
Friday. If you plan to arrive after 10pm, please contact Ann Babb at 610-505-3610 or
[email protected].
CHECK-OUT
There is a check-out procedure; please do not pack up your crew and leave on Sunday morning
without “officially” checking out. Medical forms will be returned at check-out. If you do not pick
up your crew medical forms, the event staff will shred these forms at the conclusion of the event. A
staff member will be assigned to each crew for check-out, site inspection and inspection of assigned
clean-up task. Crews who wish to depart before Sunday 10:00 checkout should inform
Phenomenon Staff at check-in.
PRESIDENT AND ADVISOR MEETING
A president (or contingent youth designee) and advisor meeting will be held Friday night at 10:15
PM at the Horseshoe Dining Hall. The next day’s activities will be discussed. There will be another
president and advisor meeting Saturday night at 7:00 PM to review
check-out and cleaning procedures.
EQUIPMENT DROP-OFF
Vehicles will not be allowed to remain at the campsite. Crews will be allowed to drive to their
camping area to unload before parking their vehicles in the parking area.
CANNED FOOD DRIVE
This year, Phenomenon will be conducting a canned food drive to support the Chester County Food
Bank and communities in Chester County. The food pantry accepts canned goods and perishable
items. Please help us demonstrate the strength of Scouting to our local community by donating
generously to this cause from your crew (please consider bringing at least one item per attendee).
All donated goods will be collected in the Headquarters building at Camp Horseshoe. A Scout is
Helpful.
A GOOD TURN DAILY
The service project for Phenomenon will be woodcutting! There will be an axe yard set up in the
Camp Craft area where crews will be able to chop wood for the campsites and lodges at camp. It will
be set up like an activity station and is open throughout the day for crews to stop on by and work
with our staff to chop some wood! All equipment will be provided by the camp and will be set up in
the axe yard.
CULINARY COMPETITION
There will be a culinary competition at Phenomenon this year! Crews with the best wrapped, some
might even say “undercover”, dishes will win! The categories are main dish, side dish and dessert.
This is a foil pack competition, but crews are not limited to just foil packs and can use anything along
the lines of parchment, corn husks, palm leaves, etc. The culinary judging portion of the event will
begin at 4 pm at Trailblazer activity center so we ask that crews plan ahead so their entries are
ready at 4 pm. (Preparation and cooking can take place at the crew site or at Trailblazer activity
center.) Each crew that plans to participate must sign up at the President and Adviser meeting on
Friday evening. Crews are responsible to bring their own ingredients, recipes, cooking equipment
and serving items that will be needed. For complete culinary competition guidelines click HERE.
DANCE AND COSTUME EXTRAVAGANZA
Saturday night’s big activity is dancing, with music, a DJ and other fun games. All participants are
encouraged to dress in costume beginning Saturday night with dinner. The costume for the evening
is your Scout-appropriate interpretation of the Phenomenon 2015 event theme of “Spies Unlike Us.”
Be creative and express yourself.
CAMPFIRES
There are no campfires permitted unless using an existing fire circle. In an effort to minimize the
impact of campfires on the environment, all fires should be no larger than the designated fire ring.
Due to the threat of invasive species no firewood is to be brought onto camp property. There will be
firewood at camp during the Phenomenon weekend, all crews indoors and outdoors are welcome to
use the supplied firewood. Crews that are cooking using charcoal are permitted to bring charcoal
into camp - there are no restrictions on charcoal.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has placed firewood restrictions on
Chester County, PA.
PARKING
Vehicles may be permitted to unload heavy equipment at the campsite; after unloading, all vehicles
must be parked in the parking lot. This is a policy is for the safety of our youth. Vehicles cannot
park in program areas such as COPE, Trailblazers, or any of the ranges. There is limited space at
Camp Horseshoe and participants should make an effort to carpool with each other to save space.
SECURITY
The camp during Phenomenon will have Venturers and Scouters serving as Security Personnel. For
the safety of all and to assure success of this event, please respect and adhere to any guidance
received from these staffers in the course of their duties. We ask that all lights be out at 11:00pm
and that everyone is in their campsite by 11:00pm – We do not want to find anyone walking around
after 11:00pm.
Each participant will be issued a wristband when they register that must be worn at all
times during the event.
RESTROOMS AND SHOWERS
Participants are expected to use the correct, designated toilet and shower facilities. These facilities
will be divided as follows: Male over 18, Male 18 and under, Female over 18, Female 18 and under.
Toilets and shower facilities will be available at the shower houses, which are near the camping and
cabin areas. Flush toilets will be located in the Goodman Pavilion and headquarters. These are
available throughout the event. There are also latrines and portable toilets located throughout the
program area and camp. Latrines will be marked “Male” and “Female Only” throughout the camp;
please respect these designations. Further, please be respectful to those who will use the facilities
after you. Anyone caught defacing the facilities will be asked to leave immediately.
TRASH
All participants are encouraged to use reusable items and to recycle items when you return home.
There will be trash disposal available but crews must bring their own trash bags for their
campsite. Please, “Leave it better than you found it.” Please take recycling home with you since
camp does not have pick-up during the off-season. Horseshoe is a leave no trace camp.
BEHAVIOR
All Venturers, Advisors and guests should conduct themselves according to the Scout Oath and Law.
Anybody defacing the property or not following the principles of Leave no Trace will be dismissed
from the Phenomenon immediately. See the Phenomenon Code of Conduct.
TOBACCO/SMOKING
Tobacco Free Policy – It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that leaders should not use
tobacco products in any form in the presence of youth members and that extreme care should be
exercised to provide a tobacco-free environment for all Scouting participants.
FIRST AID STATION
Primary first aid is the responsibility of the crews; please bring your crew’s basic first aid kit. A first
aid station will be located on site with EMT personnel to assist with first aid cases throughout the
Phenomenon. Directions to the local Hospital will also be available.
WEATHER
Please be advised that if extremely dry conditions exist at the time of the event, open fires may be
banned by local authorities.
The Horseshoe Dining Hall will serve as the safety shelter in camp. If at any point you feel
uncomfortable outside in the weather, make your way to this building. Pavilions may be used as
hardcover in the event of any severe weather or hardcover drills. Hardcover information will be
included in the packets that the Crew Adviser and President receive at the beginning of
Phenomenon.
CAMPSITES
Campsites are assigned based on pre-registration headcounts. No camping trailers are permitted. All
participants in campsites are expected to bring their own tent. Crews will also be able to sleep in
Adirondacks, adhering to Youth Protection Guidelines, if their campsite has them.
CABINS
Cabins will be segregated by gender, according to youth protection guidelines. Crews attending as
co-ed units will split their participants and adults accordingly if electing to stay in cabins. Units
staying in cabins should bring rope and sheets to separate youth and adult sleeping areas per the
Guide to Safe Scouting, pg. 5 (Leadership Requirements for Trips and Outings, Item #6).
LEAVE NO TRACE POLICY
Camp Horseshoe is a Leave No Trace Camp and as such each crew is responsible for removing all
trash from their sights at the end of the event. There are trash cans located around camp and in the
program areas. Part of the responsibility of being leave no trace is that each crew takes care of their
campsite and assigned area and leave it better than they found it. All areas must be checked by the
Camp Master or other designated staff member before departure on Sunday.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
An interfaith worship service will be held on Sunday morning. If you have any specific religious
needs please do not hesitate to contact us.
OFF-LIMIT AREAS
The Ranger’s house and maintenance yard is off limits. The shooting ranges, boat docks, COPE/
Climbing areas are off limits unless granted permission to enter by a staff member.
MEALS
All meals are provided as part of your registration fee. This includes Friday cracker-barrel,
Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner and cracker-barrel and Sunday breakfast. No dinner will be
provided on Friday. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be held in Horseshoe Dining Hall. We are
currently planning that dinner will be served family style. Also please wipe down your table after
every meal. We ask that each table designate a member who will arrive 15 minutes before
breakfast and lunch, and 20 minutes before dinner who will set up the table and serve the meal to
their respective table.
RETREAT
Participation in Saturday evening Retreat is highly encouraged. Please meet at the Parade
Field at 5:45 PM for retreat. If your crew has a unit flag, we encourage you to raise your flags
on the flagpoles; line up with all of your crew together. There will be a roll-call for attendance
by calling each council’s name; be prepared to cheer outrageously for your council when
announced. Please wear your crew approved uniform.
WATER
Water faucets are located throughout the camp. All participants are encouraged to bring and carry a
water bottle with them at all times.
ADVISOR LOUNGE
An Advisor’s Lounge will be available with coffee for the entirety of the event in the
Headquarters. On Saturday only, the amenities will also include light refreshments. Electric outlets
are available for charging phones, etc.
WHAT TO BRING
Bring appropriate clothing and equipment along with common sense. Please feel free to bring
board games, card games and other assorted games (Twister!?) to Phenomenon to play with your
crew and other crews -- particularly on Friday evening as part of the Phenomenon gathering activity
in the Horseshoe Dining Hall. Saturday evening during the dance would be another opportune time
for sharing and playing games with newly-found “best” friends at Phenomenon.
WHAT NOT TO BRING
Venturers are reminded that the following items are not to be brought to camp: firearms, sheath
knives, any knife larger than a 4-inch blade, any fixed blades, fireworks, alcohol, drug or drug
paraphernalia, personal archery equipment, electronic games, loud stereo equipment, bicycles, laser
pointers, cigarettes, tobacco products, and any other illegal substances.
OTHER CAMP POLICIES
Shoes such as sandals, flip-flops, “aqua socks”, Crocs, and other opened-toe/opened heel shoes are
only permitted in shower houses and waterfront area. For your own protection, when hiking to and
from these areas, or around camp, sturdy closed-toe shoes (boots or sneakers) are required.
Program Areas such as COPE/Climbing, Archery, Shooting Sports, Athletic Field, Chapel, and other
designated areas, are off limits to Venturers and advisors when not open or staffed by an
authorized person.
Dining Hall protocol requires that Venturers, advisors and guests must wear shoes and a shirt
at all times within the Dining Hall. No food is to be carried out of the Dining Hall.
The Phenomenon staff and Horseshoe Scout Reservation are not responsible for lost or stolen tems.
While a Scout is Trustworthy, please make sure to keep all of your valuable items close by, or
consider not bringing them to the event. If you find a lost item, please give it to a Phenomenon staff
member.
DRESS CODE
The preferred attire during the event is Venturing or Scouting activity uniform/Class B shirts. All
participants are expected to dress appropriately throughout the entirety of the event. Advisors will
be held responsible for their youth and their dress. Any clothing referring to alcohol, drugs, sex or
any other inappropriate subjects, or is determined to be too revealing, is unacceptable. (Please keep
these guidelines in mind when creating your theme costume for Saturday evening.) Anyone that is
wearing clothing deemed inappropriate will be asked by the staff to change clothing. (This applies to
any time during the weekend event.)
The attire for Saturday evening, beginning at dinner, will be costumes -- your interpretation of the
Phenomenon 2014 event theme of “Spies Unlike Us.” Please do not wear your costume to the flag
lowering ceremony. There will be time allotted to change back into your costume in between the
ceremony and dinner.
Please bring your crew’s official uniformto wear for Sunday breakfast, religious service and
closing ceremonies.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
The Dining Hall and majority of program areas are handicap accessible. Any person who needs
special accommodations due to medical or physical reasons should contact Ann Babb at
[email protected]. If prior knowledge is not given to the Phenomenon staff, proper
accommodations may not be available at the time of the event.
PHENOMENON 2015 CODE OF CONDUCT
● I understand that the unit’s adult leadership is responsible for the supervision of its
membership in respect to maintaining discipline and security, and the participant
Code of Conduct.
● I will demonstrate respect for unit and Horseshoe Scout Reservation property and
be personally responsible for any loss, breakage, or vandalism of property as a result
of my actions.
● While participating in the activities, I will obey the safety rules and instructions of
all supervisors and staff members.
● I will refrain from the use of any illegal substances such as drugs, alcohol,
and cigarettes; as well, fireworks, sparklers, and smoke bombs are not
allowed.
● I will refrain from the use of inappropriate language, music, and reading materials.
● I understand that gambling in any form is prohibited.
● I will refrain from inappropriate sexual behavior.
● I will not engage in public displays of affection.
● I will wear appropriate clothing at the Saturday evening event/dance.
● I understand that there will be no suggestive contact during dancing.
● I will be courteous to my fellow Venturers.
● I understand that violence or threat of violence may constitute grounds for dismissal.
● I will follow the principles of Leave No Trace when participating in activities.
● I will follow the principles of the Scout Oath and Law.
PHENOMENON 2015 SCHEDULE
Friday, April 10, 2015
6:00 PM
9:30 PM
10:00 PM
10:15 PM
11:00 PM
Saturday, April 11, 2015
7:30 AM
8:30 AM
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
12:15 PM
1:15 PM
1:30 PM - 5:00PM
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
5:45 PM
6:15 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
7:30 PM - 11:00 PM
extravaganza
11:00 PM
Sunday, April 12, 2015
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:50 AM
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Check-In begins
Spy Strawberries
Meet and Greet and Cracker-barrel
President and Advisor Meeting
Lights out
Breakfast
Flags
Open Program
Lunch
Group Picture
Open Program
Cooking Competition Judging
Free Time
Retreat (Crew Uniform)
Change into costumes
Dinner (in costumes for the rest of the evening)
Council specific meetings
President and Advisor Meeting
Camp Event: Cracker barrel, dance, costume
Lights Out
Breakfast (Crew Uniform)
Interfaith Worship Service (Crew Uniform)
Closing Ceremony
Camp Cleanup and Departure
PROGRAM OF EVENTS
Beer Goggle Driving
Climbing Wall
COPE, Low Courses
Caveman Golf
Atl Atl, Tomahawk & Throwing Knives
Scavenger Hunt
Survival Bracelets
Signatures, Photos, and more!
Squeeze Box
Ladder Ball
Quates
Horse Shoes
Shooting Sports
Spies (Unlike Us) Training
The Velcro Wall
9 AM Safety Orientation
Ultimate Frisbee
9 AM to 10:30 AM
Heist
3:05 PM to 5 PM
Quidditch
Board Games and Ninja
Star Show
1:30 PM to 3 PM
On Friday
During Cracker Barrel
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions please contact:
Ann Babb, CCC Venturing Chairman
610-505-3610; [email protected]
Bob Brown, CCC Venturing Staff Adviser
610-696-2900 x22; [email protected]
Catherine Pressler, NER Area 6 Venturing Advisor
703-609-0151; [email protected]
Steven Scheibe, NER Area 6 Venturing President
[email protected]
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO HORSESHOE SCOUT RESERVATION (HSR)
From the North- South on U.S. 1 Approx. 2.5 miles past the PA/MD line turn right on Red Pump Rd.
Turn left onto Ridge Rd. Continue on Ridge Road through the camp entrance gate, pass the stone
house and follow the road on into the camp parking lot.
From the South- North on I-95, cross the Susquehanna River, through the toll gate. Exit
immediately past tollgate going north on MD 275 to MD 276. Turn right on MD 276 to U.S. 1
North. Follow U.S. 1 to Red Pump Rd and make a left. Turn left onto Ridge Rd. Continue on Ridge Rd
through the camp entrance gate, pass the stone house and follow the road into the camp parking
lot.
To get specific directions to Camp Horseshoe a google map link has been provided for crews.
Directions to Camp Horseshoe can be found here.
Horseshoe Scout Reservation
Phenomenon 2015 Unit Roster
Council:
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Crew/Ship #
Youth (Under 21) Name
Adult Name