From: brick@cbnewsk.cb.att.com (robert.p.stawicki)
Newsgroups: rec.scouting
Subject: Re: BSA Webelos camping
Date: 8 Apr 92 17:07:34 GMT
Article-I.D.: cbnewsk.1992Apr8.170734.16171
Organization: AT&T

In article <1992Apr8.052958.8873@panix.com> ss@panix.com (Steve Steinberg) writes:
>In <870@ast.dsd.northrop.com> salerno@ast.dsd.northrop.com (Peter Salerno) writes:
>
>>   I have been a Webelos leader for a few years and each time I took the
>>den camping (about twice a year), I would request a 1 to 1 ratio but
>>would accept 5 to 2.  Now at the last rountable we were informed that
>>without 1-1 Webelos camping would not be allowed.
>>   - What is the National view of boy - parental unit ratios ?
>>   - What does your district / council follow ?
>>   - Will we eliminate those boys who need the experience the most ?
>
>Queens Council (maybe all of Greater NY Councils) is running an 
>experiment.  Tiger Cubs must have a 1-1 ratio, Cub Scouts must have a
>5-1 ratio.  My guess is that it's due to a severe leader shortage
>in socio-economically disadvantaged packs.
>
>>      pete salerno
>>      eagle 
>
>
>Yours in Scouting,
>
>Steve Steinberg
>Assistant Cubmaster, Pack 139
>Howard Beach, NY
>Tomahawk District, Queens Council
>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
>Call the Stone Mountain BBS, The world's first BBS dedicated to
>Scouting.  (718) 641-1351, HST DS, 300->14,400 bps V.32, V.42
>-- 
>=====================================================================
>=== Steve Steinberg   ==  ss@panix.com  == {cmcl2,apple}!panix!ss ===
>
>              (The space below intentionally left blank)           


I have in my possession a letter from the National office; it reads:

SUBJECT: CLARIFICATION ON CUB SCOUT CAMPING

TO :  SCOUT EXECUTIVES

FROM Jack Billington
     National Director
     Cub Scout Division

Dated  - March 30, 1988

RESIDENT CUB SCOUT CAMPING (MINIMUM 3 NIGHTS)

The Boy Scouts of America only permits resident camping for dens
or packs by Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts as a council program
at a controlled camp.

OVERNIGHT CAMPING (LESS THAN 3 NIGHTS)

Overnight camping by Cub Scout dens or packs is not approved.
The Boy Scouts Of Americadoes not approve overnight camping by
individual Cub Scout dens or packs because:

	1.  The Cub Scout program literature does not specifically
	teach camping skills to Cub Scouts>

	2.  Ordinarily, den and pack leadership are not trained.

	3.  Risk factors are too great for the Cub Scout and his
	parents, the Chartered Organization, and pack leadership
	if Cub Scout dens or packs were to camp without trained
	leadership and without health and safety standards.

	Webelos dens are encouraged to have several adult/boy
	overnight campouts a year.

FAMILY CAMPING

Family camping is an activity for individual families and is not under
the direction, control, or responsibility of the Boy Scouts of America.
Local councils assume certain responsibilities when family camping
is conducted by the local council in a controlled environment.

>>>> UNQUOTE <<<
 I am certain that this is still the rule as my own council follows
this to the letter.  I would check with your local council as to their
rules, however, they should follow national rules as well.

Now, what you do without the council knowing about it is up to you, but
be aware that you cannot be issued a tour permit for a non-recognized
event.  

For our webelos overnighters we encourage a 1 to 1 ratio, but usually
end up with 2 or 3 boys by themselves.  We cover ourselves by having
the parent sign permission slips and release notes stating that 
mr. jones is in charge and legal guardian for little johnny for the
dates of the overnighter.

Unfortunately, in these times of lasuits and what have you we must t
protect ourselves as much as we can.  Although I don't like to see 
a boy miss out on a overnighter inthe great outdoors, and have taken
them along with my son and me.


Yours in Scouting,
Rob Stawicki
Cubmaster  Pack 38
Running Water District
Ocean County Council
Brick, NJ

>>>>>>  r.p.stawicki@att.com