Prerequisites and Fees

Astronomy -  Scouts must participate in several late-night observations. It is suggested that Scouts bring a small telescope or binoculars. Scouts will participate in a software simulation to fulfill Req. 6

Environmental Science -  Scouts should be at least First Class. This is a very demanding merit badge.

Nature -  Bring a guidebook. Complete requirements 4a2 before coming to camp.

Reptile and Amphibian Study -  Bring a guidebook. Complete requirement 8 before camp.

Space Exploration -  Scouts must purchase a rocket kit from the Trading Post early in the week. Cost is $14.00.

Weather -  Complete requirement 8 before coming to camp.

Special Interest Program - (4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday) The ecosystem in which we live is one of the most fascinating and important aspects of human life. Scouts in this SIP will go on a River Raid for exotic Octoraroan animals, learn about edible plants in the area, observe snakes and other animals feeding, and hike the Horseshoe Nature Trail.

Nature Trail - Guide sheets are provided at the Nature Lodge. Scouts and leaders who hike the trail receive a special segment.

The Trailblazer program runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. At 2:00 pm, Scouts are encouraged to take a merit badge suitable to their skill level. Scouts who attend all sessions and the Outpost will be rewarded with a Trailblazer segment for their Horseshoe patch.

All of the outdoor skill requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class are covered throughout the week. With a little practice back in camp, Scouts should be able to have most of these requirements signed off by their troop leaders during the week or shortly after camp. The Trailblazer staff, however, will not sign off requirements, so Scouts are encouraged to leave their handbooks in the campsite.

Outpost - The Trailblazer Outpost will be Thursday night, departing from the Trailblazer area at 7:30 pm sharp. Scouts will play games, participate in a campfire, and go on an astronomy hike (clear skies permitting). Trailblazers need only bring a sleeping bag, ground pad or cloth, and flashlight. Leaders are welcomed and encouraged to participate.

Trailblazer Field Day - On Friday afternoon, the Trailblazers will participate in a field day competition after which cobbler and other camp cooking will be sampled. The winning patrol will receive a special award, and at this time, Trailblazers will be awarded their Trailblazer cards. The Scoutmaster from each troop is invited to attend the festivities.
 

The Eagle Resource Program (ERP) is a great resource for Scouts who are on the Trail to Eagle. The merit badge program associated with ERP is open to those Scouts who hold the rank of Star. Others may take ERP merit badges only with the permission of the instructor. All ERP merit badges are designed for older Scouts well on their way to Eagle. Scouts should be Star rank or higher. The Scout motto is “Be Prepared”:  be prepared for these difficult badges by bringing a notebook, pen, and all assignments to each session.

Citizenship in the Nation -  Visit your state capitol or Washington, DC, or tour a federal installation before coming to camp. Know your US Senators and your Representative.

Citizenship in the World - Scouts should bring a note book to record notes and complete assignments throughout the week.

Communications -  Complete requirement numbers 5 and 7 before arriving in camp. Scouts should have a current merit badge pamphlet available for assignments during the week.

Special Merit Badge Opportunities - Adult leaders attending camp, who are certified to teach additional Eagle-required merit badges, are encouraged to do so. Please make arrangements with the program director before the Sunday night Scoutmaster meeting.

Life-to-Eagle Snack — 10:15 – 11:00 pm, Tuesday - An opportunity for Life Scouts and Eagle Scouts only, the Life-to-Eagle snack will provide a unique opportunity to those on the trail to Eagle to meet with Scouts who have already completed the rank. Past Project Notebooks and other materials will be available, and staff will be there to answer questions about selecting and planning a project, making realistic timelines, and assembling a portfolio. Scouts should arrive at the Dining Hall promptly at 10:15 pm.

Milkshakes, pizza, and nachos will be available. Tickets towards the purchase of these items will be available from the Trading Post prior to the snack; no money will be accepted at the event. Eagle Scouts who bring their completed Project Workbooks to share will be given one free milkshake and one free food item.

Meals - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served family style, eight to a table. Table assignments will be made at check-in and Troops will be notified of their seating arrangements, how many waiters to send, and where the Troop should assemble for each meal, before dinner on Sunday evening.

Dining hall conduct should reflect the habit of courtesy that is the mark of a Scout. Staff members and leaders aid in establishing proper table manners and see that all Scouts are served. Meal times are one of the most active and fun times of the day. Troops and Patrols are encouraged to lead cheers and sing while in the dining hall.

Leaders not wearing at least a “Class A” uniform shirt to dinner will not be permitted to attend dinner.

Waiters - Waiters report to the dining hall 15 minutes before breakfast and lunch and 30 minutes before dinner. They set tables, serve the meal, and clean up afterwards. Waiters may leave once their table is inspected and approved by the dining hall steward.

Outpost Thursday - The dining hall is closed on Thursday and troops will prepare their meals in their site. Outpost orders will be distributed on Sunday and must be returned by Monday at 12:00 noon. Waiters should arrive at the dining hall early to pick up food for the meal. Troops are expected to provide their own cooking gear, and Scouts should bring their own eating utensils and mess kits. In the interest of conservation, the Dining Hall will not distribute paper plates or plastic utensils.

Special Dietary Concerns - The food service staff will prepare special meals for those with medical or religious dietary concerns. Please address these needs to the food service director prior to coming to camp.

Tuesday Lunch Ticket - At Tuesday’s lunch, admittance to the dining hall will be granted to only those with a stamped postcard or letter written to parents or friends.

Government Milk Program - The Chester County Council, BSA participates in the special milk program for children at both camps and the council has assured the Pennsylvania Department of Education that all campers in these camps are served milk regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, or national origin, and there is no discrimination in the serving of milk. The Chester County Council, BSA further agrees to the “Fair Hearing Procedure” if there arise any complaints concerning the free milk distribution.
 

Telephones - There is one pay phone in Headquarters for the use of Scouts and leaders. An adult leader must accompany a Scout in order to use the phone. Our remote location places phone time at a premium, so please limit the number and length of calls. (Scout’s are not permitted to bring electronic devise’s to camp, this includes cell phones.)

Mailboxes - Each campsite has a mailbox in the Headquarters building that should be checked regularly during the week. Mail can only be issued to adult leaders.

Town Runs - Items normally available at a grocery, hardware, or drug store can be requested from our daily town run. Requests must be made before 10:00 AM and accompanied by enough cash to cover your purchases.

Lost and Found - Finders should bring any item to the Headquarters building. Please inquire about lost items at the desk.

Trading Post - The Trading Post offers soda, snacks, merit badge materials, craft supplies, souvenirs, and a good selection of Scouting gear. It is open for one hour after the Saturday night campfire and remains closed all day Sunday.
 

Maintenance - Please help keep the camp in good shape by reporting repair needs promptly to the Maintenance Director.

Trash - Containers in the campsite should be emptied regularly. The bags should be placed at the top of the nearest trail for pickup, or directly in the dumpsters at the New Quonset Hut if you are in one of the upper sites (Rothrock, Roberts, and Sherwood). If the dumpster is full, please leave the bag directly aside the dumpster. Do not attempt to overfill the dumpsters. New can liners are available from the Quartermaster’s Store.

Quartermaster’s Store - The Quartermaster issues long tools (rakes, shovels, picks), wheelbarrows, woods tools, and site supplies (toilet paper, can liners, disinfectant). These are available at the Old Quonset Hut directly after breakfast until 11:00 am, directly after lunch until 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Tools must be returned promptly and undamaged. A fee will be assessed for any damages beyond normal wear and tear.

BSA Registration Requirements - Only registered members of Scout troops or male youth members of Explorer Posts are eligible to register and stay overnight at Camp Horseshoe. Adult leaders in charge of troops staying in camp must also be registered members of the BSA.

The troop must have at least two registered adult leaders in camp at all times. One of these leaders must be a minimum of 21 years of age.

Insurance - Each paid camper and leader is covered by the health and accident insurance plan included in the camp fee. Out- of- council units must show proof of insurance. Claims will be handled through their local council.

Hazing and Initiations - Hazing is defined as harassing by exacting unnecessary or disagreeable work or being subject to harsh banter, ridicule, or criticism. Troop leadership should be especially vigilant that no hazing or initiations are practiced at camp.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco - Alcoholic beverages and narcotics are not allowed on camp property. Violators will be asked to leave and the appropriate authorities will be informed, if deemed necessary. There is no smoking in camp buildings, porches, or tents. Anyone in camp under the age of 18 may not use or possess any tobacco products at camp. Adults are asked to use discretion when smoking for fire safety and health reasons. Smoking in the presence of Scouts is unacceptable and inappropriate conduct.

Safety Concerns - Shoes must be worn when traveling around camp, particularly to the pool or to the shower house. Swimming in the creek is prohibited unless on a staff organized tubing trip.

Water Conservation - Our water supply is adequate but may be limited by weather conditions. Showers, faucets, spigots, fountains, and all other outlets should be shut off when not in use. Please report leaks promptly.

Directions to Camp Horseshoe From the North: Drive south on US Route 1 approximately 2.5 miles south of the PA/MD line. Turn right on to Red Pump Road, then left onto Ridge Road about three-quarters of a mile. Continue on to Ridge Road as it winds all the way to its end at the Horseshoe Camp Gate. Pass the stone house and follow the dirt road to the Parking Lot.

From the South: Drive north on Interstate 95 and across the Susquehanna River Bridge. Exit immediately past the tollgate to North Maryland Route 275. Turn right on Maryland Route 276. Stay on Route 276 for about 5 miles. Turn right onto US Route 1 North. Stay on Route 1 to Red Pump Road. Turn left onto Red Pump Road, drive about three-quarters of a mile, and then turn left onto Ridge Road. Follow Ridge Road as it winds all the way to its end at the Horseshoe Camp Gate. Pass the stone house and follow the dirt road to the Parking Lot.

Alternate Directions: If you are familiar with the area and you are coming from the South, you may also cross US 1 from Maryland Route 276 at the flashing red lights onto Slicer's Mill Road. Take the first right turn onto Spring Hill Road and follow to Ridge Road. Take a left onto Ridge Road and the Camp Gate will be straight ahead.

                                                                             
Personal Property - The camp does not assume responsibility for damage or loss of any personal property. Scouts are encouraged to secure all personal belongings in a lockable container. All automobiles should be locked. Safekeeping for valuables or cash is available at Headquarters.

Visitors - Friends and parents are encouraged to visit on Saturday from 2:00 pm until 10:00 pm. For youth protection and liability reasons, the Camp Director must approve all other visitations prior to arrival. Weekday visits are disruptive to the camp and are not suggested. All visitors must sign in at Headquarters. Visitors cannot be accommodated in the dining hall. Please leave pets at home. Only children who are Boy Scout’s, registered with a troop, may stay overnight at camp. There are NO exceptions.

Personal Conduct - The Scout Oath and Law are the camp rules of personal conduct for Scouts, leaders, and staff. Please note that the following items are prohibited in camp and will be confiscated immediately:  fireworks, water balloon launchers, skateboards, mini-bikes, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, pets, and firearms. Additional action, including expulsion from camp, may accompany confiscation.

Vehicles in Camp - Troop sites, program areas, and administration are all within comfortable walking distance of each other. Vehicles brought to camp should remain in the main parking lot and must not be used to transport Scouts within the reservation. No passengers are allowed in the beds of trucks. All drivers must be over 18 years old.

Medical Check-In - Every Scout and leader must check in at the health lodge upon arriving at camp. A completed health form (photo copies acceptable) must be on file at camp by the Tuesday before you arrive. Forms become a part of permanent camp records and won’t return to the families.

Youth and adults under the age of 40 must have a physical exam within the past 36 months. Adults over the age of 40 must have a physical exam within the past 12 months. Please note:  all Scouts need a parental signature on their medical form dated within the past 12 months of your arrival to camp.

First Aid - All accidents and illnesses must be reported to the health lodge as soon as they are detected. Whenever possible an adult leader should accompany the injured or ill Scout to the health lodge. It is incumbent on leaders to monitor their Scouts for health problems and to report them promptly. It is the responsibility of an adult leader to accompany a Scout to the hospital when deemed necessary by the health lodge officer.

Health Officer - Upon arrival at camp, the Health Officer, must review all prescription drugs. He will determine how the drugs will be dispensed during the week.

Health Concerns - Daily bathing prevents illness and promotes cleanliness. Showers are marked clearly for adults and staff with separate facilities for youth staff members and for Scouts. No Scouts may use the adult showers or vice versa. The Scout showers are open from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm daily. Adult showers are always open.

Dehydration - Dehydration is caused from over-exposure to the sun and inadequate water. This accounts for the vast majority of visits to the health lodge. Adults and Scouts should consume a minimum or two quarts of water daily in the summer heat and take appropriate precautions against sunburn.

If ticks are found embedded in the skin they must be removed by the Camp Health Officer only.

Fires and Firefighting - The danger of fire in camp is very serious. There is no excuse for carelessness. Scouts must know and understand the following precautions explicitly:

Emergency Procedures - In the event of an emergency, the camp bell and siren will sound continuously, accompanied by a PA announcement. At this signal, all troops should return directly to their campsites, take roll, and await instructions from the staff member assigned to the site.

Leaders will receive a complete briefing on emergency procedures and a drill will be held early in the week.

Daily Health and Safety Inspection - Each day between 9:15 am and 10:00 am, a senior staff member will conduct a health and safety inspection of every site. The Senior Patrol Leader accompanies the inspector on his visit. A report form (found in the Unit Guide given out upon arrival at camp) should be posted in the site for the inspector to record his daily evaluation

Wildlife - Scouts should be informed that all wildlife encountered on the reservation — large mammals, snakes, bats, etc. — must be left undisturbed. If their presence presents a problem in your campsite, please inform the Camp Director, and do not try to remove or capture the animal yourself. Under no circumstances should Scouts be allowed to attempt to capture animals.

« PREVIOUS     NEXT »
 

Information contained on the website is the property of the
Horseshoe Scout Reservation, Chester County Council, B.S.A.

© CCCBSA