Camp Policies

General Camp Policies

The Seven Mountains Boy Scout Camp is a year round facility maintained by the Juniata Valley Council.  The primary responsibility of maintenance of the facilities of the camp rests with the Camp Ranger and a dedicated corps of volunteers, including the Council Camping Committee.  The continued existence and improvement of the Boy Scout summer program is dependant upon the care that is taken to assure the best quality camping equipment and facilities of the camp.  Scouts and leaders need to be aware that they must be respectful of the facilities of the Seven Mountains Camp so that others may enjoy it also.                                                                                                                                                          

Camp Site and Equipment Maintenance: Each site is equipped with cots, tents, platforms, latrine, washbasin, and various camp tools.  A checklist of all camp issued equipment will be inventoried and signed for by unit leaders upon the unit’s arrival and departure.  Additional equipment will be provided depending on availability and may be secured from the Camp Clerk at the Camp Office.  Units must be cleared by the Ranger’s staff prior to leaving camp on Saturday.

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.  In order to preserve the quality of the Seven Mountains Camp facilities, equipment, and/or buildings, any item carelessly destroyed or damaged will be replaced by the camp, and billed to the unit for payment.  A deliberate hole in a tent will result in the unit buying the camp an entire new tent.  This policy applies to all facilities of the camp.  Tent platforms are not to be moved except with the approval of the Camp Director or the Camp Ranger.  To do so will result in the forfeiture of the Clean Camp and Honor Troop and Patrol Awards.  No double bunking of cots is permitted by campers in tents.

Tent Care: In order to maintain the quality and durability of our tents.  If it rains, loosen the tent ropes to protect the canvass.  Canvass shrinks when drying, and will rip if the tent ropes are too tight.  When a tent is wet, hang the flaps at “half mast” to allow air to circulate through the tent and facilitate drying.  In dry weather, roll flaps neatly and tie.  

Make sure that all rips or leaks are reported immediately to the Camp Office or Camp Ranger.  Putting clothes hangers over ridge poles causes damage and leaks.  Rig a clothesline or improvise a method of hanging up clothes that will not damage the tent.  Nails in tent poles cause more damage than anything else. The Camp Staff Site Guide will inspect tents upon arrival with the help of the unit leader and at departure time.  Due to the high cost of tents, the camp is forced to require the unit to cover the cost of tent replacement.  The price is determined by the catalog price of a tent found in the BSA equipment catalog.

Camp Good Turn: Seven Mountains Scout Camp belongs to all of us, so it is important that everyone does their part to help the camp.  All units are encouraged to do more “good turns” for Seven Mountains Scout Camp.  Check with the Camp Ranger or Program Commissioner to see what projects are available.

Uniforms: It is recommended that all Scouts have and properly wear a complete Boy Scout summer uniform (Class A). 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 unit’s preferences. This uniform should be worn daily for the evening flag ceremony and at all evening meals in the Dining Hall.  It should also be worn to Chapel and all camp-wide campfires. At all other times, Scouts are encouraged to wear their Scouting t-shirts with their shorts and socks (Class B). Units are encouraged to hold uniform inspections prior to camp in order to make any necessary corrections. We will not turn a Scout away from coming to camp without a uniform.

*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 a 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 the 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 or staff supervision in the case of a merit badge class.

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. 2.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 behind the main shop building in the upper parking lot.  Minimum amounts of fuel are allowed in the campsites.

Rifles and Archery equipment: Single shot drop action .22 caliber rifles, muzzleloaders, and shotguns are used on the camp rifle range.  Archery equipment consists of 35 lb. recurve bows and compound bows.  Scouts must use the equipment supplied by the camp.  No personal rifles, bows, arrows, paintball guns or slingshots are permitted in the camp.

Wood Cutting: No wood cutting of standing trees for use in campfires, pioneering projects or any other purpose is 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: Adults over the age of 18 are permitted to smoke in designated areas. Designated smoking areas are in campsites at the campfire ring, as well as on the side of the Dining Hall toward the parking lot. Always make sure when smoking that you stay out of view of Scouts. Please be responsible for properly disposing of your waste. It is illegal for youth under the age of 18 to smoke.

Open Toed Shoes: Flip-flops, sandals and even “aqua socks” are only permitted in shower houses or the pool area. For your own protection when hiking around camp, sturdy closed-toed shoes (boots or sneakers) are required.  Duct Taped Sandals are also NOT permitted.

Knives, Saws, and Axes:  These tools 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.

Personal Property: The Juniata Valley Council cannot be responsible for loss or damage to personal property at camp. Scouts are encouraged to lock their valuables in a lock-box, trunk or footlocker when they are not in use. Please report any thefts to the 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.  Troop 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  the Scout’s name on front and the unit number 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.

Water Conservation and Protection: In order to assure a sufficient and sanitary supply of water to all campsites, be sure your Scouts do not leave water faucets turned on when not in use.  Nothing should ever be placed in any water source or latrine facility that does not belong there.

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.  Violators will be asked to leave camp.

Drugs and Alcohol: All forms of alcohol and drugs, with the exception to prescriptions (medication prescribed by a physician), are prohibited at the Seven Mountains Scout Camp.  Violators will be asked to leave camp.

Pets: Pennsylvania law prohibits pets in camp by campers, leaders, or visitors. This policy does not pertain to pets of permanent camp residents or service animals.                 

Fireworks: Firecrackers and other fireworks are not permitted in Scout camp.  This is a state law.  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 must be extinguished completely before leaving the immediate area.    

Punk Sticks: These can be very dangerous to individuals and camp tents.  It is the policy of the Seven Mountains Camping Committee that these are banned from camp property.

Hammocks: Due to the dangers involved, hammocks are prohibited from camp property.  This is a policy of the Juniata Valley Council and the National Boy Scouts of America.

Aerosols: Due to damage caused by aerosol sprays to our atmosphere and tent waterproofing, aerosol sprays are not permitted in the campsites.

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 troop 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.

Ranger's Notes

Seven Mountains Scout Camp employs a full-time, National Camp School Certified Ranger, who regularly works with other council employees and volunteers to maintain camp year-round.  The following are notes that the Ranger and his staff ask all visitors to remember while in camp:

1. All bulk fuels will be stored in the fuel storage area located behind the maintenance building in the upper parking lot.  You may keep a limited supply (one day) in the campsite.
2. No vehicles will be in the campsites after Sunday evening without approval of the Camp Director.  Reminder: BSA policy states that no one is to ride in the back of pick-up trucks, and you must be 18 years of age or older to drive in camp.
3. All site damage will be reported Monday morning.  Otherwise, we will assume everything in the site was in good condition.
4. Mats will not be used as rugs or carpets on the platform floor or ground.
5. Use the main trails when crossing the road.
6. Tent platforms are not to be moved.
7. Any tents found to be cut or damaged (beyond normal wear) will be charged to the Scout and/or unit for repair or placement cost of the damaged item.  No coat hangers are to be hung on the ridge poles.   No hose clamp handles are to be turned in such a way as to wear the tents, please check this during check-in. If any leaking tents do develop, let us know.
8. The Ranger and/or Assistant Ranger will discuss these concerns with the commissioner’s staff, which will check that the standards are maintained.
9. All garbage will be picked up each night if put out at the curb next to your campsite. Garbage will not be picked up on Saturday morning check-out (you must bring it to the dumpster above the main parking lot).
10. Recycling procedures will be explained, please follow them closely.
11. Fires should be in established fire rings only.
12. No live or dead standing trees should be cut without the permission of the Rangers.
13. No smoking or open flames are allowed in the tents.  This includes punk sticks and gas lanterns.
14. Please pick up any litter you may see on the trails and encourage your Scouts to do the same.
15. No fires should be left burning unattended.  This includes night time campfires.
16. Service Projects (Camp Good Turns) are available for Scouts and unit leaders.

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, and at the leaders meeting on Sunday evening at camp.

Youth Protection Training: If any 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.olc.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 troop’s roster does not arrive with the troop, an absentee/no show verification form will be completed and a check will be made with the parent or legal guardian.

Leadership Requirements: The Scoutmaster is expected to have charge of his troop at all times and is responsible for the conduct of troop members. Scoutmasters 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 for each unit; one must be at least 21 years of age. Ideally, the troop’s Scoutmaster is the best choice to have at camp, but a registered adult at least 21 years old in another position within the troop can fill the position.

Hazing, Initiations, and Bullying: This will not be tolerated at camp. Report all incidents to the Camp Director.  Violators will be asked to leave camp.

Gray Areas: These themes 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: Implying urination, defection, or sexual acts are prohibited.

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

Cross-gender impersonation: Although it can be humorous, cross-gender impersonation that is exaggerated can lead to sexual harassment and embarrassment.

Degrading a person: Scouting encourages a positive environment and degrading comments have no place in camp.

Unlawful Harassment Prevention

The Juniata Valley Council does not tolerate harassment of any of our employees, scouts, leaders, members of the public, vendors, or suppliers.  Any form of harassment that violates federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, harassment related to an individual’s race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition (cancer-related or HIV/AIDS related), or physical or emotional disability is a violation of this policy and will be treated as a disciplinary matter.  For these purposes the term “harassment” also includes slurs and any other offensive remarks, jokes (including practical jokes), and other verbal, graphic, or physical conduct.

In addition, to the above listed conduct, “sexual harassment” can also include the following examples of unacceptable behavior:

• Unwanted sexual advances
• Offering an employment benefit (such as a raise or promotion or assistance with one’s career) in exchange for sexual favors, or threatening an employment detriment (such as termination, demotion, or disciplinary action) for an employee’s failure to engage in sexual activity
• Visual conduct, such as leering, making sexual gestures, displaying of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, cartoons, or posters
• Verbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, suggestive or obscene letters, notes, or invitations
• Physical conduct, such as touching, assault, impeding, or blocking movements

Harassment of employees in connection with their work by non-employees may also be a violation of policy.  Any employee who experiences harassment by a non-employee, or who observes harassment of an employee by a non-employee, should report such harassment to his or her supervisor, Scout executive, or council president.

Harassment of members of the public, including campers, leaders, and employees of vendors or suppliers, by our employees is also strictly prohibited. 

In either case (employee or non-employee) forms of Harassment include – but not limited to those forms listed above in paragraph 1, and includes but is not limited to sexual advances, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, sexual comments, and gender-based insults.  Any such harassment will subject an employee to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate discharge and non-employees will be removed from camp.

Emergency 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:  The siren will sound for at least three minutes and its pitch will rise and fall, distinguishing it from the Lost Scout.  Every program area, troop site, or gathering of people will send one runner to the front 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 pool and 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 are the only designated spokesmen. This policy is to eliminate unfounded rumors, and unnecessary worry of the parents and public.

Contact with Wildlife:

Seven Mountains Scout Camp is a natural habitat for many species of animal. The more common species seen are deer, squirrel, raccoon, skunks, groundhogs, turtles, snakes and bullfrogs. There have been sightings of bears and coyotes.  Most likely these animals will stay away for the summer due to the high activity in the area. 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.  Typically we have the most trouble with skunks, raccoons and mice. They like to get into areas where food is stored. Bears are especially attracted to food smells and garbage. Raccoons like to dump trash cans. For this reason, we offer daily trash pick-up for units. All campers should keep food in airtight containers, away from tents and sleeping areas. Do not throw leftover food into the woods. If you try and follow these rules you might keep unwanted visitors from your site.

Bears:  Bears are drawn into camp when they smell food. Following proper procedure in disposing of food waste will limit the temptation for bears to enter campsites.

At Seven Mountains each campsite will be issued an air horn in the event that a bear is in the campsite, they are typically frightened away by loud noises. Leaders may use the air horns to send out sound blasts from a safe distance. No one should aggressively charge or move towards the bear. If a bear is seen in a campsite it needs to be reported to the Camp Director immediately. The Camp Director and Camp Staff will inform leaders of specific reporting procedures upon arrival at camp. Unit leaders should keep Scouts, guests, and other leaders away from any wildlife. If a structure such as a cabin is open in your campsite it is recommended that the Scouts stay in there until the area is clear.

Scouts and leaders should never attempt to make aggressive moves towards a bear and should never assume that the bear is alone. On occasion we have seen adult bears accompanied by cubs. Mother bears protecting their young may act more aggressively than a bear just passing through.

General Guidelines for Animal Safety:
• Keep a clean campsite and keep trails in camp clean
• Keep food and smellables out of your tent
• At night lock food and smellables in a vehicle or make arrangements with the Camp Director to have it stored
• Never approach or follow wild animals
• Do not feed wild animals
• Don’t mistake a passive animal as a sign of safety
• Never tease or attempt to pick up wildlife
• Leave young animals alone, a protective mother is usually nearby
• Notify Camp Director or designee of sighting
• Avoid aggressive behavior such as:
   o    Direct eye contact, even through a camera
   o    Walking directly toward an animal
   o    Following an animal that has chosen to leave
   o    Circling or standing around an animal

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 an injured or dead animal. Report all incidents to the Camp Director.

Ticks: Every year we hear more about the ever increasing tick population. Lyme disease is at an all time high in PA. However, with early recognition and treatment of the symptoms, it can be cured. Lyme disease has been identified in several types of ticks. 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 and West Nile Virus: Occurrence of the West Nile Virus in the Eastern 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. A few years back we started a policy of not having fire buckets on the tent outriggers, this will continue. There are fire buckets at each campsite that are marked separate from the recyclable containers. Please keep these empty of water and turned upside down when not in use. 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.

Bats: Many people fear bats because they think they spread diseases like Rabies. While there are some risks from this, bats are very beneficial to the ecosystem. They eat their body weight in insects. We have several areas of camp where bats roost. If you find a dead or live bat no matter what do not attempt to touch or handle it. Report any incidents to the Camp Director.