Health and Safety

Health Forms and Physical Examinations

It is required that all members of the Boy Scouts of America have periodic evaluations by a physician to participate in the long-term camp program.  Scouts and leaders who do not have a valid health form will not be permitted to remain in camp.  We also strongly suggest that participants attach a photocopy of their insurance card to their health form to expedite hospital services if necessary.

In recent years in an effort to provide better care to those who may become ill or injured and to provide youth members and adult leaders a better understanding of their physical capabilities, the Boy Scouts of America established minimum standards for providing medical information prior to participating in various activities.  They are classified as follows:

YOUTH 11-17 AND ADULTS 18 - 40.  Summer Camp exceeds 72 consecutive hours, the level of activity is similar to that normally expended at home or school, and medical care is readily available.  Medical information required is a health history, updated within 12 months of the camp, signed by a parent or guardian, supported by a medical evaluation completed within 36 months of camp by a physician licensed to practice medicine.  Please use the Class 1 & 2 form, No. 4414.    Attach a copy of medical evaluation if necessary.

ADULTS OVER 40.   Medical information required is a health history, updated within 12 months of camp, supported by a medical evaluation completed within 12 months of camp by a physician licensed to practice medicine.  Please use the Class 3 form, No. 4412.

HIGH ADVENTURE PARTICIPANTS.  These activities can involve strenuous and challenging physical conditions and can occur in remote conditions where readily available medical care cannot be assured.  Medical information required is a health history, updated within 12 months of camp, signed by a parent or guardian, supported by a medical evaluation completed within 12 months of camp by a physician licensed to practice medicine.  Please use the Class 3 form, No. 4412, available in this Leaders Guide.

Medical Recheck Upon arrival in camp, a quick re-check will be given to all boys and leaders by the Health Officer before participation in any camp activity.  Medical forms must be submitted to the camp at this time.  They will be returned to the unit at the end of the session.

Prescription Medications

All medications must be submitted to the First Aid Station for safekeeping and storing.  Exceptions must be approved by the Health Officer and include insect sting kits, medication to control heart problems, asthma inhalers, and other medication that is required immediately in an emergency.  All medications will be returned at the end of the session.

First Aid Services

A First Aid Station/Health Lodge is located in camp and is staffed by personnel trained to handle minor accidents and illnesses.  First aid at camp is just that . . . first aid.  Special arrangements for the treatment of more serious cases have been made with local facilities.  All medical emergencies must be reported to the Health Officer immediately.  Emergency service is available 24 hours a day.

The treatment of pre-existing or non-camp related illnesses or injuries should not be expected, and such cases may be referred to local health-care providers depending on the nature of the injury or illness.

Many minor first aid needs can be met by the unit through the unit's first aid kit.  Unit Leaders should use common sense regarding what to treat within the unit and what to refer to the Health Officer.  First aid kits should include:  antiseptic soap, 2-inch roller bandage, 1-inch roller bandage, 1-inch adhesive tape, 3-by-3 inch sterile pads, triangular bandage, assorted gauze pads, adhesive bandages, clinical oral thermometer, scissors, tweezers, sunburn lotion, lip salve, poison ivy lotion, small flashlight, absorbent cotton, water purification (iodine) tablets, safety pins, needles, paper cups, foot powder, and instant ice packs.  Because of the possibility of exposure to communicable diseases, first-aid kits should include latex gloves and antiseptic to be used when giving first aid to bleeding victims, as protection against possible exposure.  Mouthpieces or mouth barrier devices should be available for CPR.  Properly dispose of any items contaminated with blood or other body fluids.

Sick Call

NON-EMERGENCY FIRST AID is to be treated at the SICK CALL.  This applies to sunburn, routine medications and treatments, etc.  Sick Call hours are one hour after each meal and when prescriptions call for medicines to be dispensed at other specific times.  Please adhere to these times as much as possible.