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A family camp can make the leaders' roles much easier.
It will allow them more time to concentrate on the program
and ceremonies. With parents and families present,
there should be many helpers for running programs
and events. But remember: family members will
want to spend time with each other. Allow for this.
They'll get this valuable bonding time and, for those
who want it, have an opportunity to play with others.
Show parents how much fun Scouters have. Don't be afraid
of talking about the group's leadership needs. Parents will
be very receptive to your words during a family camp as
they see the value for their own family members. If you
see a recruitment opportunity, take it.
Use the family camp as a linking event or to recruit young
members into Scouting. Show them what thrills and challenges
await them.
Provide quality family time in an outdoor setting. In some
families, this camp may be the only time they spend relaxing
together laughing and enjoying each others company.
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Plan the event months in advance, and make sure
you keep parents well informed.
Parents should provide their own meals and
accommodations. Each family should come self
contained for the weekend. They might choose
to live in a tent or a trailer. This will relieve a lot of
planning and work for leaders.
If a family doesn't have camp cooking equipment,
perhaps the group committee could coordinate
"pot luck" meals. Alternatively, families could bring
barbecues for cooking.
Choose a facility or park close to home. This
will let non-camping families participate, if
only for a day. If many families have little
or no camping experience, find a camping
facility that offers cabins, even
very rustic ones.
When designing a weekend
family program, talk
to leaders from other
sections to identify activities
that would excite
all ages. Remember: this
is a family outing.
Make sure you have qualified
first aid people and equipment
on hand. Accidents may happen at
the most unexpected time.
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A well-planned
weekend camp
makes for more fun.
If you plan swimming or canoeing programs, have
properly trained people to help out.
For great camping and program ideas, check
out the JUMPSTART packages available at your
Scout Shop.
During the day on Saturday, senior youth in
each section should participate with the group
they have been involved in for the past year. At
your Saturday evening campfire, plan a ceremony
so they can swim-up or advance to their new
section. (This will let youth members have Saturday
with their old friends as a last farewell; on
Sunday they can join new friends in a new section.)
Make sure you plan an exciting,
fun, challenging day for these youths
on Sunday. It'll be a good chance
to show them what
lies ahead. If they like what
they see, they'll join the
next section for more
Scouting adventure.
10. While you have
a captive camp audience,
why not organize an early
registration for adult and youth members
This is the time to get people
to sign up — while they're all still
"pumped" with Scouting. An early registration
will indicate to your team how
large the group will be in the fall.
THE LEADER, May 1998 23