Frequently Asked Questions
-- All reservations are taken through our Council Camping office. Contact them with any questions or reservations matters.
Check HERE for contact information.
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HOW DO I GET TO CAMP WHITSETT?
-- Check out the Driving Directions on our CAMP page.
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WHAT IS THE CHECK-IN DAY SCHEDULE?
-- Arrive at camp between 1:00 and 3:00 on Sunday
-- Meet the Commissioners and Check-In Guide in the Parking Lot
-- Go to your campsite and change into swimming gear (all Scouts and any adults who wish to). We will have trucks available to transport unit gear to campsites. Parking for you vehicles is available in our parking lots. You will have access anytime during the week.
-- One adult goes to the Check-In Business window (the Guide will take you) with Medical and permission forms, and any money or checks to cover camp registration fees owed (the leader with the forms may go to Check-In while the Scouts are getting ready for the Swim Checks).
-- The other Scouts and Leaders go to the Medical Lodge and stand by.
-- Go under the Big Top and Sign up for camp services, rafting, and some activities (a second adult could be doing this while the leader is checking into camp --- as long as there is at least one adult with the Scouts).
-- Go to the Medical Lodge for the Medical Recheck (everyone). Receive your Buddy Tags.
-- Go to the waterfront for the Aquatics orientation and Swim Check (everyone who uses the lake MUST have a Swim Check. Adult Leaders may elect to take the Swim Check later.)
-- Begin the Camp Orientation, visiting the Scoutcraft Area and the Front of the Trading Post where the other program area have set up Orientation Stations.
-- Go back to the campsite to set up and relax.
-- Open Dining, first meal: 5:30 to 6:30 (flag ceremony following, about 6:40).
-- Church services: 7:15
-- Leader Meeting: 7:00
-- Campfire: 8:30 (your Guide will be around to escort you to the Waterfront to prepare for the fire program).
-- Back to campsites -- Lights out at 10:00.
WHEN CAN WE CHECK IN TO CAMP?
-- The gates will open at 1:00 on Sunday afternoon. Units are asked to check in between 1:00 & 3:00 pm. We CANNOT accomodate units on Saturday. Insurance and staff down time prevent this. There are a number of campsites, some with accomodations, available around Whitsett check HERE for info.
WHAT IF WE TRAVEL ON SATURDAY? WHERE CAN WE STAY UNTIL 1:00 ON SUNDAY?
-- There are many super Forest Service campsites available. Check our CAMPING page.
WHAT FORMS DO WE NEED TO CHECK IN TO CAMP?
-- You need a medical form for each person (youth and adult), Special Scout Permission Form, and any money you owe. [River Rafting Release forms (if you plan to go rafting) are needed when you raft, not at check in].
WHERE CAN I GET MORE HEALTH FORMS?
-- From our DOWNLOADS page (check for various forms).
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE NEW SCOUT PERMISSION FORM?
-- This new form is a handy way to have ALL signatures in one spot. BUT, please make sure to sign all appropriate sections of the Medial Form, too. The section entitled RELEASE OF MINOR is needed if a Scout will be leaving camp before Saturday, and someone other than the parent will be picking him up. The Talent Release section is for our web page photo operation.
TO WHAT CAMPSITE WILL WE BE ASSIGNED?
-- We have to assign units in match to balance the size of the units to the number of tents and cots available in each site. Units may be asked to share sites if their numbers don't warrant a separate site.
WHEN ARE WE ASSIGNED OUR CAMPSITE?
-- We get the final unit lists and numbers from our Council Office on the Friday before your attendance. We assign campsites on Saturday afternoon.
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WHAT ARE THE UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS FOR CAMP WHITSETT?
-- Whitsett is a Boy Scout camp and we always encourage traveling in FULL uniform. Your unit is under your jurisdiction. We encourage you to be in full uniform for dinner. During the day the Staff will be in Daily Uniform: Scout Shorts and Staff Shirt, Units are encouraged to wear some sort of unit shirt if possible during the day. Scout and Camp "T" shirts are available in the Camp Trading Post. By the way, FULL Scout Uniform is Scout Shirt, neckerchief (if worn by the troop) and Scout Pants. We realize some units have opted for alternate pants --- this is still not recognized as the complete and FULL Scout Uniform.
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HOW DO SCOUTS SIGN UP FOR MERIT BADGES?
-- The Unit signs up each Scout for his program on our Registration Web Link. After your unit has signed up for camp (and once the program has been finalized in May) the link will permit you to sign up your Scout and Leaders onto your camp roster, and sign the Scouts up for their merit badges.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A MERIT BADGE SESSION IS FULL?
-- Scouts can sign up for a later session.
WHEN DO WE GET OUR EARNED AND PARTIAL MERIT BADGES?
-- The Preliminary Merit Badge sheets which include partial requirements passed will be available at the business window early Saturday. After you have checked the printout against your records, the Area Directors will be available in front of the Trading Post to update our camp records. We will update the online database and send the final report to your camp contact during the week after your unit leaves camp. The Preliminary Merit Badge sheets will help to start writing out your Advancement Report.
WHAT IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MERIT BADGES? DO WE SEARCH OUT THE INSTRUCTOR?
-- We make if very easy to overcome Merit Badge problems. All the Area Directors will be in front of the Trading Post before Breakfast on Saturday. They have the Merit Badge check sheets and can look to determine the status of any Merit Badge in their area. Updates can be recorded at that time. We make every effort to get a Scout passed before the Friday afternoon deadline.
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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN MERIT BADGE ADVANCEMENT?
-- Scouts not signed up for the Merit Badge have not been signed up in the data base.
-- Scouts not completing requirements, thinking that attending sessions passes all requirements. Some of the badges require turning in results of experiments, or showing the counselor the requirement.
-- Scouts not having completed prerequisites.
-- Scouts not attending sessions and telling their leaders there were there, or not making up work missed when going Rafting or Riding.
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WHAT IF WE GET HOME AND DISCOVER A MISSING MERIT BADGE?
-- We have a record in camp of all Merit Badges passed. That record can be searched to find requirements passed. Just eMail us at [email protected] and we will search our records for the missing Merit Bage and send an individual update form for the Scout.
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WHAT ARE MERIT BADGE PREREQUISITES AND WHY DO WE NEED THEM AHEAD OF TIME?
-- Merit Badge prerequisites are long term projects or extensive activities that can not be completed during the camp week (for instance a 90 day study, 20 days and nights of camping, etc.). You can find a prereqs sheet at the downloads section of our website.
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WHAT IS THERE FOR ADULTS TO DO WHILE IN CAMP?
-- Adults may shoot on the ranges, swim and use water craft on the lake, ride horses, do craft projects, in other words, everything a Scout can do. They can take part in any program as an observer without earning the Scout Advancements. ADULTS HAVE A C.O.P.E. PROGRAM GEARED JUST FOR THEM. Adults also have some training available: Safe Swim Defense Plan, Safety Afloat Certification, Child Protection Training Certification, and new for 2006, someAdu;t Leader Training will be available. If you would like to see some special adult leader training, just eMail the camp website at [email protected].
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WHAT ARE THE ADDITIONAL COSTS TO THE WHITSETT PROGRAM?
-- Some Merit Badges have a materials cost of from $1 - $5 (Archery, Indian Lore and Handicraft badges). Rifle and Shotgun Shooting have a fee for ammunition. [See the specific MERIT BADGE or activity white Water Merit Badge (which is $82.50, all day rafting).
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WHAT IS THE RIVER RAFTING PROGRAM?
-- Camp Whitsett contracts with a local Rafting Company in Kernville (we have used the same company for over 20 years) who provides the rafting experience for our Scouts and leaders. The rafting trip is in a very safe part of the Kern River (just above Kernville) called the Lickety Split. Each trip is run by trained guides who give a very exciting experience to the Scouts. It is a fun way to be introduced to the excitement of river rafting. The company provides all rafts, life jackets and other items for the trip --- each Scout and leader should wear shorts and shirts, as well as buckled or tied on shoes (no slip ons; shoes MUST remain on feet).
WE HAVE ALREADY DONE THE RIVER RAFTING TRIP. IS THERE ANYTHING MORE EXCITING?
-- Yes. Our Rafting Company has another trip called the Lickety Blaster which is a longer, more adventurous safe trip. It is a little longer and introduces Scouts to an additional set of rapids.
HOW DO WE SIGN UP FOR RIVER RAFTING?
-- Units can sign up for Rafting Sunday afternoon during checkin directly with the Rafting Company. You will pay the fee to the Company at that time, and turn in the previously signed Release Forms when you go on your trip. [Subject to change once camp starts]
WHAT IS THE COST FOR RIVER RAFTING?
-- For the Lickety Split, the cost is around $21.50 per person. For the Lickety Blaster, the cost is under $36.50 per person. Both costs are substantial savings over the regular cost. A bus is available for units who have no transportation, or want us to provide transportation. The cost is about $100 for the bus, or about $2.50 per person, for a full load (several units can share the cost of the bus). If individual checks are to be sent, make the checks payable to Sierra South. The best way would be to pay the unit for the trip and have the Scout Unit make one check for the trip.
WE HAVE OLDER SCOUTS WHO WANT TO DO THE WHITE WATER MERIT BADGE?
-- This is the ultimate exciting Merit Badge to take. It involves a ALL DAY trip to Kernville and being on the river. Scouts need the Canoeing Merit Badge before attempting this badge. The cost is $94.50 to cover all the personal guide and cost of the raft trips. It's expensive, but Scouts who have done it RAVE about it.
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WHAT IS THE C.O.P.E. PROGRAM?
-- C.O.P.E., or Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience is a summer camp program for Scouts who are 13 1/2 years old by January 1st of this year, and all adults (Scouts take part at a different time from the adults). It consists of Team Building Initiative Games, and a series of increasingly more difficult challenges that culminate in a final day of ultimate challenge. It is based the the R.O.P.E.S. courses in which the business industry takes part.
WHAT PRE-CAMP QUALIFICATIONS ARE THERE TO THE CLIMBING PROGRAM?
-- Any Scout may take part in the Climbing program. The Merit Badge is reserved for older Scouts. We have qualified climbing instructors to teach safe climbing techniques using our natural climbing "facility", Indian Rock.
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SPECIAL NEEDS
WHAT IF A SCOUT OR LEADER HAS SPECIAL DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
-- Please let us know at least two weeks ahead of time of any serious medical problems related to food. We can take care of vegetarians or most minor allergies. Let us know about these at check in time.
IS POWER AVAILABLE IN CAMPSITES?
-- Power IS NOT available in campsites. Please let us know of any medical problems that require your being able to recharge medical equipment.
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CAN PARENTS COME TO VISIT?
-- Parents are most welcome on Check-In day (Sunday), and at our closing campfire and Check-Out day (Friday night and Saturday) without a problem. Please make sure to check in at the Business Window upon arrival at Camp (the back of the Block Building which also houses the kitchen). Parents may also buy into the meals. Just purchase your meal tickets in the Trading Post.
CAN PARENTS TAKE PART IN THE CAMP ACTIVITIES?
-- The Scouts and Leaders who have paid to attend Whitsett have use of the camp facilities and activities. Parents are welcome to visit and watch some of our camp-wide competitions, but are asked not to be around camp just "tagging along" (National Boy Scout Policy also requires this). Contact us for further questions you may have on this subject. [NOTE: Campsites are off limits to visitors]
IS THERE ANY PLACE FOR PARENTS TO STAY IN THE AREA?
-- Yes. Check out our page on the website for places to stay in the area.
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WHAT IS THE WHITSETT BEAVER PROGRAM?
-- The Beaver Program is a Mini-Junior Leader training and Camp Whitsett overview for the one or two boys who will be coming up to camp with their unit the following week. These Scouts receive some overview of Scout Boy Leader Training, as well as finding out about the operation of Camp Whitsett. They can also work on some of their own advancement and sample activities the troop might want to do. This will enable the boy(s) to be sources of information for the troop when it arrives the week after the Beaver Week.
WHAT IS THE COST OF WHITSETT BEAVER PROGRAM?
-- The Beaver Program is about 1/2 the camp cost per Scout. The program runs from Sunday of the Beaver week to Sunday of the troop's arrival in camp (they can stay over the Saturday between their Beaver Week and the troop's camp week).
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WE HAVE SIGNED UP 15 SCOUTS BUT HAVE 2 MORE. WHAT CAN WE DO?
-- IF THERE IS ROOM, adding a SMALL number of campers to each week is not too much of a problem. BUT, if all 20+ units want to add Scouts or Leaders, then it is a problem. Ideal camp capacity is 500 per week. Right now we are running at 500 to 525 per week. For this reason, a waiting list has been created. As units pay their final fees Council might find that some units have dropped off one or two campers. If that happens, those on the waiting list are given the opportunity to add. Unfortunately, the Council is running into the problem that almost EVERY units wants to add. We are trying to work with this situation. Just adding "one or two more" will seriously overload the camp, the program facilities, and the safety of the campers, something we cannot do. Please be patient. Hopefully everyone will be able to be accommodated.
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WHAT TYPES OF COMPETITIONS ARE THERE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND UNITS TO DO?
-- We have a Leader Shoot, Aquacade, Pentathlon, Triathlon, and Scoutcraft competitions available each week:
. .LEADER SHOOT - practice all week, and shoot for high score on the Rifle Range (no signup needed).
. .CAMP WIDE GAME - fun games that utilize central camp on Wednesday evening. herUnit campfires that units can run for their own Scouts or invite others to join in. An ideal way for Scouts to earn merit badge requirements for Communications as well as some Rank Advancement needs. Check in camp for events for individuals, teams, and leaders (no signup).
. SCOUTCRAFT - see the Scoutcraft area for information.
. .SPECIAL EVENTS - there will be some special events during some weeks during the summer. Check the special schedules after you arrive.
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WANT TO SEND MAIL?
-- Mail can be sent to Whitsett anytime. Mail is picked up by the Scout Leader in the afternoon. It takes about 3-4 days for mail to get to a Scout once mailed (so plan accordingly). Scouts routinely get Letters, Postcards, Packages, etc. Mail can be sent to:
. .SCOUT'S NAME - TROOP NUMBER
. . [Important - it takes longer to look up a Scout without Troop #]
. .Camp Whitsett
. .Route 1, Box 105
. .Kernville, CA 93238
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PROBLEMS WITH LAST YEAR'S MERIT BADGES
-- The check list for each camp Merit Badge is kept through the winter season. If you need an update, just eMail the camp at [email protected]. Give the Scout's name, troop number, the merit badge(s) in question, the week attended camp, and a mailing address to send the report. A new report will be mailed to you as soon as possible.
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FISHING
-- There is fishing in our Lake (but not on the docks or out of boats) and along the streams in Camp. If you are 16 years old or older, you need a California Fishing License. Fishing Licenses can be purchased in Kernville at a number of stores.
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CAMP T-SHIRTS
-- Camp T-Shirts can be pre-ordered by your unit. A pre-order form is available from our downloads page. Fill it out and send it in to the Council Office along with the money, and your T-Shirts will be available when you arrive at camp.
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INSURANCE
-- Your unit's insurance police should be written as part of the Tour Permit and the Camp Registration form. Individual camper's insurance is Primary for all medical needs, Unit insurance is secondary. Camp insurance picks up from there.
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CAMP CRITTERS
-- Camp Whitsett is located in the Sequoia National Forest and National Monument. It is in a semi-wilderness area complete with animals. We have squirrels, raccoons and bears. To protect yourselves, do not store food or smelly items (deoderant, tooth paste, etc.) in your tent. The best defense is a so-called Bear Bag. Using a sleeping bag stuff bag, fill it with any food and smelly items, tie it off to a tree branch, and hoist it 10 feet or so in the air. We'll be talking about this in camp during our meetings and at our opening campfire. We don't have any large or dangerous bugsin camp. We have our share of flies, including deer flies, and ants. Proper cleaning of (showering and wearing clean clothes) will go a long way to remeady this problem.
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TROOP GEAR
Many units bring all types of extra troop gear to be used for special cooking projects, building campsite entryways and camp furnature, camp chairs, and troop and patrol flags. Your gear can be transported by our camp vehicles during check-in. Individual gear can be walked in.
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PHYSICAL FORMS
Each campers needs a Class 1 physical form. This is an information form and must be updated each year. All Scouts, and all leaders under 40 years of age, need the Class 2 physical form. This must have current personal information but must be completed every three years. All Adults and anyone taking part in C.O.P.E. or similar High Adventure programs must have the Class 3 physical form updated each year. Forms and information may be obtained from our Downloads Page.
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ORDER OF THE ARROW
Check the camp schedule for our Order of the Arrow day. Traditionally Tuesday night is OA night. Wear your OA Sash to dinner and join in the rededication ceremony after program in the evening.
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Weather
Weather in Camp - While here at Whitsett you will experience typical California weather. Days run from 90 to 100 degrees fahrenheit. Nights typically run from 45 - 50 degrees fahrenheit. Occasionally it might get warmer or cooler. Rain is a rarity - once every two or three years we experience a mild rain.
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If you have any questions E-mail: email goes here
Last Updated 01/28/2007