Gas Prices Affect Camp Costs

Rising gas prices are having a dramatic effect on the operational costs of camp. In a recent meeting with our food supplier, costs for the summer were reported to increase by 30% above the estimates in this year's budget. Gas prices increase the cost of transporting food and supplies to camp and from the suppliers distribution centers.

Gas prices also affects the units cost of getting the boys to camp. Parents will be asked to give more to offset the increases. Probably fewer out-of-council troops will be traveling as gas prices increase more and more.

However, even with the increases, Camp Buck Toms is still the best deal around. Providing the quality program and three meals a day for just over $25 a day is remarkable. Just compare that to other summer camps and you will quickly see what an incredible value we have in Camp Buck Toms. Yes, there will probably be increases in camp costs in the future but other camps will be going up even more. That is the sign of the times, unfortunately.

Summer Camp

It is hard to believe that it is time for summer camp already. Staff is reporting this week. They will arrive to find camp with a face lift. With a grant from the Tempkin Foundation, Camp Buck Toms has begun re roofing several buildings. The new roofs will be similar to the dining hall roof and the same color. The will make a dramatic difference in the look of camp, not to mention the protection provided by the 50 year metal roofs.

The kitchen also is getting a makeover with a new dishwasher, tilt skillet, convection oven and a new ice maker that makes literal mountains of ice. Both the walk-in refrigerator and freezer also received badly needed updates. All of these are brand new, not used and donated equipment. The campers will benefit because this should increase the level of efficiently in the kitchen.

Pellissippi Bike Ride

For those who have not heard, the Pellissippi Bike Ride was postponed until May 17 due to weather conditions. All the times and places will remain the same. See my blog entry below for details.

Facilities Committee

Everyone will be hearing more about the new Facilities Committee in the weeks to come. Pat Simmons, Facilities Committee Chairman, will be presenting new policies for changes or additions to GSMC property, including Camp Buck Toms and Camp Pellissippi. The purpose of this committee is to allow for the planned impact of any changes to property in terms of safety, environmental concerns, maintenance, and short and long term strategic plan.

Ideas for camp projects are welcomed, but must first be submitted in writing, and approved before any project can be started. This means that summer camp projects leaders might be planning must be approved prior to the beginning of camp. This is not a situation where forgiveness instead of permission is prudent. Projects not approved will be removed. Camp Rangers do not have the authority to approve projects. They will still have full control of their ongoing, everyday operations and maintenance.

Approved projects will be available for troop leaders at camp. The idea here is to control the projects not to prevent them. The Council, Facilities and the Camping committees encourages volunteer participation in camp projects. Procedures for project planning will be discussed at every 9-day out meeting and will be a part of the Leaders' Guide next year.

NYLT

If you are still talking to your troop about Junior Leader Training (JLT) you are stuck in a rut or in a time warp. JLT is gone at least three and probably four years ago. Still I hear people using that term. JLT was replaced by TLT or Troop Leadership Training. The troop level training is somewhat watered down compared to the old JLT. The new course, NYLT or National Youth Leadership Training, is a giant step up form JLT. It is a full week of subject matter that closely parallels the Wood Badge course. Much of the course material used the same terminology as you find in Wood Badge. Here is the course description:

National Youth Leadership Training is a six day experience conducted by the Great Smoky Mountain Council. It is designed to provide each Scout with a meaningful experience in Scouting. The program will enhance every participant’s knowledge and create a deeper understanding of his role and responsibilities as a leader, teacher, and role model in both his troop and his life. NYLT includes useful management and planning training, instruction on how to be an effective communicator, and guidelines for making ethical decisions that affect the leader and those around him. Sometimes referred to as “Wood Badge for Youth”, NYLT corresponds with the learning principles taught in the new 21st Century Wood Badge course, so that youth and adult leaders will be speaking the same leadership language. In sum, NYLT is a comprehensive program designed to equip scouts with everything they will need to become a successful leader.

This year's course director is Murphy Monceaux and the scoutmaster is Leona Layman. The course is June 1 - 7, 2008. There are only 48 spots in the course. Scouts must be 13 years old, First Class, and hold a leadership role in the troop. A recommendation of their scoutmaster is also needed. Registration materials can be found at the Council Service Center or online at the Camp Buck Toms web site.