Onondaga District
Camping Committee
Chairman: Dave
Whyte
E-mail: adacus1@twcny.rr.com
Updated 9-20-06
The outdoor program is one of the primary methods by which
the Boy Scouts of America seeks to achieve its aims. It is in the outdoors that
skills and activities practiced at unit meetings come alive with purpose. In
the outdoor setting, Scouts build self-confidence while also learning to work
as a team and share responsibilities; where youth develop their independence
while learning the value of interdependence.
The mission of the District Camping Committee is to implement the Hiawatha
Seaway Council’s outdoor program at the District level by assisting in the development
and promotion of innovative and diverse outdoor program opportunities. They
assist unit committees in understanding and implementing a well rounded outdoor
program through personal contacts and Roundtables. They promote youth participation
in camping and outdoor programs including:
The District Camping Committee assists the Council Camping Committee by staying
up-to-date on Council and National Camping Standards, and on
facilities that are available for camping trips, day hikes, picnics, etc. They
also provide guidance on health and safety issues, proper equipment and
preparation, and training for leaders. In addition they monitor the
use of out-of-council facilities. The Tour Permit process is one of the means
by which this committee oversees these standards.
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The Camping Committee encourages the inclusion of fundamental program elements
in outdoor activities through adherence to the Outdoor Code and Leave-No-Trace principles.
They promote the attainment of the National Camping Award, National Summertime
Pack Award and National Den Award.
With the premise that every Scout is entitled to a long-term
summer camping experience each year, this committee encourages effective unit planning
and fundraising to insure that camping opportunities are within the reach of
every Scout. They also promote and coordinate the use of camperships and
workerships where there is such a need. The Camping Committee works with other
committees of the District and Council by assisting in the coordination and
promotion of Camporees, Jamborees, and Klondike Derbies; promoting proper
training; and working with Commissioners to help units plan a diverse
year-round schedule of camping and outdoor program events.