November 8-10, 2024

Arrow of Light Advancement DayCamp Strake
2020 Camp Strake Rd.
Coldspring, TX 77331

Arrow of Light Advancement Day is an opportunity for Arrow of Light Scouts in 5th grade to earn advancements and prepare for the next Scouting journey (Scouts BSA). This exciting day is packed with fun activities to learn Scouting skills and prepare for Scouting opportunities. Scouts will have an opportunity to complete the First Aid, develop critical outdoor skills, connect with fellow Scouts and make new friends, and get a sneak peek into the exciting world of Scouts BSA!

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

Registration

  • Arrow of Light Scouts: $115  (includes four meals, patch, and program supplies). 
  • Adult: $40 (includes four meals).
  • There is no program or provision for siblings.
  • Council refund policy.

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Arrow of Light Advancement DayProgram

  • Race Time: Create, build, and race your very own Lego PWD car! Take home your masterpiece and work on earning the Race Time elective adventure!
  • Paddle Craft: We’re all set to dive into the Paddle Craft adventure, and if Mother Nature plays nice, we'll throw in some swim tests! If not, we suggest you splash through those swim tests before you join the fun!
  • First Aid: Are you prepared to hone your First Aid skills? Our team will ensure the experience is enjoyable and unforgettable.

Schedule (Tentative)

Friday  
5:30 - 8 pm  Check-in
5:30 - 7:30 pm Swim checks, weather permitting
8 pm Opening campfire program
9 pm Cracker barrel and leader meeting
10 pm Lights out
Saturday  
7 - 8 am breakfast
8:15 - 8: 35 am Flag ceremony
9 - 11: 45 am Morning program
12:00 - 1 pm Lunch 
1:30 - 4:15 pm Afternoon program
4:30 - 4:55 pm Closing flag ceremony
5 - 6 pm Dinner
6:30 - 7:45 pm Open program time
8 - 9 pm Closing campfire program
9 pm Cracker barrel
10 pm Lights out
Sunday  
7:30 am Breakfast and interfaith worship service
8:30 - 10:30 am Break camp and check out

Leadership Requirements

  • Every adult at camp must have a copy of their Youth Protection Training certificate taken online at my.scouting.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." (SourceYouth 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 serveSee 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

Personal (check with Cubmaster):

  • Copy of a current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Part A & B for all Scouting events) for every participant
  • Copy of Youth Protection Training certificate, for every adult
  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag, sheets or blanket
  • Pillow
  • Cot or air mattress
  • Personal items (e.g., deodorant, comb, medications, toothpaste, toothbrush)
  • Water bottle, canteen, or cup 
  • Field uniform (Scout uniform) or activity uniform (Scout t-shirt), suggested
  • Clothing appropriate for weather and extra clothes
  • Closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes) and extra pair 
  • Pajamas or sleeping clothes
  • Rain gear
  • Flashlight and extra batteries 
  • Personal medications
  • Swimsuit and towel (weather permitting)
  • Towel and washcloth
  • Sunscreen
  • Pocket knife and Totin' Chip
  • Personal first aid kit 
  • Day pack
  • Hand sanitizer
  • First-aid kit
  • Small trash bags for restrooms
  • Large trash bags (55-gallon) for campsite trash cans
  • Toilet paper
  • Wash soap for restrooms
  • Camper Release Form for Scouts whose parents are not attending camp

Optional

  • Proof of BSA Swim Test,  optional, but required to participate in canoeing.
  • Money for patches, snacks and beverages, and t-shirts at the camp trading post, Trader Vics.
  • Snacks (do not keep in the tent)
  • Friday night snack (eat before arriving)
  • Alarm clock
  • Battery operated lantern
  • Bicycle and bike helmet
  • Book of Faith
  • Camera
  • Camp chair
  • Arrow of Light Handbook
  • Fishing gear
  • Glow sticks (great to keep track of your kids at night and to play games)
  • Lockable footlocker
  • Shower shoes
  • Sports drinks or flavor packets for water (to help keep Scouts hydrated)
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Phone battery backup charger
  • Wagon

Bovay campsitesMark all items with name and pack number. *Electricity is very limited. 

About the Campsites. Campsites have a water spigot with potable drinking water, a covered pavilion with lights, one power plug, picnic tables, a flag pole, and a campfire ring. Campers can park in the parking lot next to the campsite. Shower houses are located between campsites with ADA-compliant individual stalls with a toilet, shower, and sink.

What NOT to bring to camp:  alcohol, valuables, electronics, firearms, guns/ammunition, illegal drugs, liquid fuel lanterns or stoves, pets, scooters, skates, skateboards 

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 Worship 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.

Cracker Barrel

A cracker barrel is an evening snack and time for fellowship with other Scouts or Scouters. The term cracker barrel is most thought to come from the time when people would shop at their local general store and gather around the cracker barrel to sit and visit with others in the community, much like the modern-day water cooler. The food is typically kept simple, such as cheese and crackers, summer sausage, chips and cookies. On campouts, many troops have a Friday night cracker barrel with the leaders and youth leadership to review the weekend schedule.

A cracker barrel will be held on Friday and Saturday night for for  leaders where last-minute information and changes will be communicated.  Please bring a cup and pen.

General Information

Contacts

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

Geno Aguilar
Arrow of Light Advancement Day Camp Registration

Ryan McMillan
Camping Director