Arrow of Light Advancement Day

November 8-10, 2024

Camp Strake
2020 Camp Strake Rd.
Coldspring, TX 77331

Arrow of Light Advancement Day is an annual event for 5^th-grade Arrow of Light Scouts at Camp Strake. The event is designed to challenge and entertain Arrow of Light Scouts in a fun and age-appropriate way. Scouts will work in patrols to participate in a variety of activities, including leather belt making, patrol challenges, pioneering projects, cooking, and low-cope team-building activities. Scouts will learn about teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Arrow of Light Scouts will get a taste of the additional opportunities that Scouting offers once they crossover to Scouts BSA through interacting with older youth leaders from Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and the Order of the Arrow. 

Registration

Arrow of Light Scouts and their parent(s)/guardian(s) can register. 

• Arrow of Light Scouts: $115  (includes four meals, patch, water bottle, and program supplies). 
• Adult: $40 (includes four meals).
• Scouts must be members of the Boy Scouts of America.  
• There is no program or provisions for siblings.
• Council refund policy.

          Register (opens in September)            Feedback                   Volunteer Staff Registration     

  Support desk (for questions not addressed on this page).

Leadership Requirements

• Every adult at camp must have a copy of their Youth Protection Training certificate taken online at myscouting.org within the last 2 years.
• Every Arrow of Light Scout must be under the supervision of a registered leader or their parent or legal guardian at all times.

Each registered unit must provide a minimum of two-deep leadership. “Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.  Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided." (Source, Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs). Each unit should have one BALOO-trained leader and one safe swim defense-trained leader. (Camp has waterfronts).  

Adults: 

Adults spending the night at camp must be either:

1. Cub Scout parents or legal guardians taking part in an overnight Cub Scout program with their own child or legal ward are not required to register as leaders. All adults must review the “How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” that can be found in the front of each Cub Scout Handbook. In addition, the parent or legal guardian must be accompanied by a registered leader at any time they are with youth members other than their own child/ward.   (Source)
2. All other overnight adults must be currently registered in an adult fee-required position in the position(s) they serve. See FAQ for list of approved adult registration fee-required positions.  (Source)

Tenting:  • Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth. • Youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age. • In Cub Scouting, parents and guardians may share a tent with their family. • Spouses may share tents. Source)

The most recent updates to BSA's Guide to Safe Scouting policies must be followed and all Scouting activities be conducted in a safe and prudent manner including using the Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities.

What to Bring

BSA Swim Test

• All adults participating in canoeing are required to have a current BSA Swim test.
• All Arrow of Light Scouts who participate in canoeing are encouraged to pass a BSA Swim test.
• Arrow of Light Scouts may canoe with a registered adult leader with a current BSA swim test.

 

The swim check must be conducted by a certified lifeguard or swimming instructor according to the BSA Swim Classification Procedures. Many YMCAs or local pools have lifeguards that will conduct a BSA swim test for a small fee.

Swim Classification Procedures Record and Classifications

Camp Policies

Every adult attending Camp Strake must be familiar with the Leader’s Guide which includes council policies and procedures, and the Guide to Safe Scouting.

Check-in

• Campers may check-in between 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Friday evening or between 7:00 - 8:00 am on Saturday morning.
• Programs begin on Saturday at 8:00 and runs until 8:30 pm. 
• For packs attending: The designated leader will check in at the registration office in the administration building (approximately one mile past the main gate on the left) and register the unit or group.
• For individual registrations: The individual registered Arrow of Light Scout with an accompanying parent or legal guardian will check in at the Headquarters breezeway.
• Campers will be assigned campsites by staff and welcomed by a youth troop guide. All campsites have a pavilion with multiple picnic tables and a blue fire water bucket.

Mandatory paperwork

1. Current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Part A and B) for each participant, two copies alphabetized in an envelope or notebook (one to keep in campsite and one to turn in during registration);
2. Youth Protection Training, copy of certificate for every adult;

When registration is complete, the staff will assign campsites and campers may then proceed to their campsite. All campsites have a pavilion with multiple picnic tables and a red fire water bucket. Distribute wristbands to all youth and adults. Everyone must wear their designated wristbands at all times. Wristband colors determine which rotation schedule the Scout should follow. Please follow the specified rotation schedule as the program is designed for a specific number of youth at each outpost.

Departure Procedures

• Please make sure all personal camping gear is packed before breakfast.
• Camp is closed on Sunday at 12:00 pm.
• On Sunday morning, the campmaster will drop off cleaning supplies at the restrooms. Follow the written instructions on cleaning assigned showers and restrooms.
• Scouts should conduct a “police line” where Scouts stand within arm’s length of each other and walk the entire campsite picking up all trash.
• The campmaster will inspect each campsite to make sure the campsite, restrooms, showers, and pavilions are undamaged and clean, and that all gear and trash is removed.
• After passing inspection, proceed to the administration building to sign out and pick up paperwork. 

Camp Branding

During lunch, Arrow of Light Scouts can have items (e.g., hats, belts) branded with the camp brand. Items (e.g., cups) will be available for purchase in the Trading Post that are good for branding.  The Arrow of Light Scouts will enjoy this keepsake.

Interfaith Service

The Scout Law teaches, “A Scout is reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. They are faithful in their religious duties. They respect the beliefs of others.” It is important that Scouts be taught to recognize other Scouts' beliefs and respect those beliefs. The Webelos to Scout Expo staff will hold an interfaith service on Sunday morning.

General Information

• Annual Health and Medical Record (parts A & B for all Scouting events)
• Bovay Leader's Guide
• Camp Policies and Procedures
• Camper Release Form
• Evaluation Form
• Guide to Safe Scouting
• Campership assistance

Contacts

  Support desk (for questions not addressed on this page).

Geno Aguilar
Arrow of Light Advancement Day Camp Registration

Katelyn Thomason
Bovay Scout Ranch Professional Staff Advisor