Leader Guide
Camporee Philosophy
The Camporee committee wants to provide scouts opportunities to shine and have unique opportunities and experiences. Scouts will be encouraged to have fun while participating in events geared towards experiencing all the fun that Scouting can be.
What You Need To Know
Date: March 28 – March 30, 2024
Location: Camp Currier, Eudora, MS Directions
Registration and Fees Brackets:
| Normal Registration | Through March 24 | $20 |
| Late Registration | March 25 – March 27 | $25 |
| Walk-up Registration | March 28 | $30 |
Key Dates:
March 19 Normal registration fees end
March 23 Campsites will be assigned based on registrations already received
Online Registration:
Troops register and pay via the link below on the Chickasaw Council website. No payment will be taken at the camporee.
Camporee App
New for 2024, a progressive web app available for Android and iOS will be utilized to help provide information to attendees. We hope to be able to use this app and push notifications to more quickly convey important information such as hazardous conditions, schedule changes or other important announcements. Instructions to install and enable notifications are available here.
Guest Troops:
The Northwest Mississippi District Camporee welcomes Troops from outside of Northwest Mississippi District.
Patrol Information:
Scout BSA Patrols of 3 will be allowed with the understanding that the events are geared to Scout patrols of 4 to 8 registered Scout BSA Scouts.
Each patrol should have a Patrol Name, Yell, and Flag.
All troops are to bring their Troop Flag for the Opening Ceremony and Display.
Provisional Scouts:
Provisional Scouts are welcome! Provisional Camping is the opportunity for a Scout to attend Camporee without their home Troop. Provisional Scouts will be combined into their own Patrol for Camporee and will share a campsite.
Medical Forms:
Medical forms are the responsibility of the unit and will not be collected or reviewed by Camporee staff. It is highly recommended that every unit have in their possession a completed medical form for every Camporee attendee, including adults.
Webelos:
Webelos are encouraged to camp and observe, and may attend the interactive exhibits, free time activities and campfire ceremony. This is a great time for them to visit with Troops and see what all Scouts BSA has to offer them.
What to Do and Bring
The patrols and Scouts participating in the Skills Trek need to bring a selection of items to be used at the various event stations. The list below is based on the planned events. Patrols missing any of these items will be at a disadvantage.
All Lists are Subject to Change!!!
Troop Items:
- Registration Confirmation
- Health Forms
- Troop Flag
- Flag Holder / Base
- Patrol Materials (see below)
- Meals (troops are responsible for all meals)
- Scout Spirit
For questions specific to this event contact Steve Beitz sbeitz@gmail.com.
Patrol Items:
- Patrol Flag
- Compass
- Two pens or pencils
- Paper or notebook
- Homemade fire starter
- Pocket Knife
- Patrol First Aid Kit (items per Scout Handbook)
- Good Attitude!
Individual Items:
- Your signed Totin’ Chip card
- Backpack
- Scout 10
- Water Bottle
- A sack lunch (Saturday)
- Personal First Aid Kit (items per Scout Handbook)
- BSA Scout Handbook
- Shooting Permission form for each scout participating
- Readiness for a FUN filled day of Scouting Adventure!
Motto & Goals
The Scout motto is BE PREPARED. A Scout prepares for whatever comes their way by learning all possible skills and knowledge. In this way, Scouts keep themselves strong, healthy, and ready to meet the challenges of life.
Aside from being fun, the Goals of Camporee are focused on the Patrol Method and emphasize:
- Scout Spirit
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Skills
Camporee events aim to provide an opportunity for every Troop, regardless of size, to:
- Excel and be recognized for their accomplishments.
- Allow all Scouts to compete, while having fun and learning.
- Challenge Scouts to excel in Scouting and life skills.
- Provide an opportunity to assemble for the purpose of fellowship and friendly competition with units outside their immediate home organization.
- Encourage fellowship among Troops.
Skill Events
Leadership Needs (Volunteers!)
Scouting events such as Camporee require a tremendous amount of time and effort to be successful. As you are well aware, Scouting is a volunteer organization with Leaders that commit this required time and effort purely for the love of Scouting and to benefit their own Scouts. For many of our more experienced Leaders, the love of Scouting alone drives their continued service to our program.
To ensure we have a successful event and do not abuse the generosity of Leaders that have already committed, we are requesting all Troops to sponsor at least one event and provide an adult volunteer to help staff a Skills Event.
All score logs, instructions, and materials list for each event will be provided to the Troops prior to the event during Northwest Mississippi District Roundtable prior to Camporee.
The following is a list of the events requiring Troop volunteers from each Troop:
All events will be timed or scored, then ranked. The average of ranked position across all events will count towards overall rank.
Patrol / Skills Events: (New and Regular Patrols)
- Knots
- Lashing
- Navigation
- First Aid
- Fire Building
- Marksmanship
- Teamwork
Skill event details coming soon.
Summarized Schedule
| Friday | |
|---|---|
| 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Check-in at New Dining Hall |
| 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Cracker Barrel at New Dining Hall (Leaders Only) |
| Saturday | |
| 9:00 AM | Opening Ceremony at Hamilton Meadows |
| 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Skills Events |
| 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Meal / Free Time |
| 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Skills Events |
| 5:00 PM | All Skill Events scores turned in (New Dining Hall) |
| 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Meal / Free Time |
| 8:30 PM | Campfire at Pickler Council Ring (Cub Field) |
| Sunday | |
| 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Break camp / Camp Inspections |
Campsite Assignments
Campsites will be assigned by the Camporee Staff based on Troop size requirements. Troops will not be able to reserve campsites at the Scout office. Please be flexible in your planning.
Arrival and Campsite Setup
Upon arrival at camp, there will be a welcoming committee to greet you and to receive further instructions. You will be offered a map and asked to proceed directly to your campsite.
You will also be asked to immediately send a representative to the Camporee Headquarters (New Dining Hall) for Troop check-in. All registrations must be completed before Cracker Barrel (see “Final Registration” for additional information).
Driving/Parking
Only the vehicle pulling the trailer is allowed in the campsite. Once the trailer is positioned, please detach the vehicle and return to the parking lot before unloading.
- Vehicles are restricted to 15 mph within Camp Currier.
- Please keep vehicles in designated parking lots only. This ensures pedestrian safety and helps preserve Camp Currier.
- All vehicles must display the Vehicle Registration Card on the dashboard.
- BSA Policy prohibits anyone riding in the back bed of a pickup truck.
- For campsites not immediately near a parking lot, one vehicle may be parked in the campsite in the event of an emergency. Please place an Emergency Parking Card in the windshield stating why an emergency vehicle is needed.
- Only physically impaired people may drive vehicles between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM within Camp Currier on Saturday. No traffic will be allowed next to Hamilton Meadows on East Road.
- East Road will be closed from 8:45 Am for Scout Safety.
- Warnings will be given if violations are observed by Staff. Warnings given will be reported to Headquarters and recorded. Continued violation of these rules risk forfeiting all awards earned by the violator’s Troop.
Registration and Fees
A deposit of $50.00 per Troop is due at the time of initial registration to hold your spot. Registration is limited to the first 50 Patrols in the Skills Events. This will be on a first come – first serve basis. Payments will only be accepted online through the Council website.
To encourage early registration (which helps with planning) we have established a graduated fee system. Your registration bracket will be based on the date you pay your deposit. The Troop’s total bill (deposit + number of Scouts) MUST be paid by the bracket end date listed below (Normal/Late). Bills not paid by the bracket end date will be charged the fee in effect on the date of payment. Additional Scouts added to your already paid bill after the bracket end date will be charged the fee in effect the date they are added.
Because we recognize that you often don’t have exact attendance numbers until immediately before the event, up to 5 additional Scouts can be added to your already paid bill at the deposit registration price even after the bracket end date. Any additional Scouts above the grace number of 5 will be charged the registration fee in effect on the date they are added.
Please be as accurate in your headcount as possible when you pay your total bill!!
Be sure to print and bring your receipts. Registration fees are located below and apply to both Scouts and Adults. Fees cover insurance costs, patches, ribbons, awards, and other necessary Camporee expenses. For more information, contact Steve Beitz at sbeitz@gmail.com.
Online Registration:
Final Registration:
After units arrive at camp, an adult leader must report to the Camporee Headquarters (New Dining Hall) to check in. Leaders must bring:
- Tentaroo Receipt
- Attendance Roster
- Final Patrol Roster
- Notice of any food allergies or other medical considerations within your Troop that the Staff needs to be aware of.
The Final Patrol Roster will be used to prepare necessary Scorecards and other details for events. Patrol packets (containing patrol score sheets and an event map) will be provided to unit leaders at Cracker Barrel.
Campsite Maintenance & Checkout Procedures
- DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLES INTO THE CAMPSITES! Take all gear to the vehicles in the parking lots or on the roads.
- Exception: only the vehicle pulling the trailer may enter the campsite for the purpose of hooking up to the trailer.
- Each Troop is responsible for cleaning your campsite at the Camporee.
- Use garbage bags for trash. Do not burn trash. Pack it out.
- Remove all trash from camp when leaving. All filled trash bags must be carried home with the Troop; do not use the Dumpster at the front gate.
- Troops are prohibited from digging holes and cutting standing trees at Camp Currier.
- All fires must be built in existing fire pits. Please do not create a new fire pit.
- Attempt to burn all wood to ash. If remnants remain, throw all cooled scrap wood pieces off to the side of the campsite.
- Troops may send a runner to Camporee Headquarters (New Dining Hall) or look for a staff member in the area to notify the Camporee Staff that you are ready to be inspected.
- If your Troop is departing on Saturday night, arrangements should be made during check-in with the Camporee Staff for an inspection to be completed of your campsite late afternoon on Saturday.
Forms
A copy of all forms are available in the Appendix at the end of this Leader’s Guide.
Hazardous Weather – Emergency Warning Procedures for Camporee
Hail
- Signal – Drive around honking three (3) times on horn, repeatedly
- Shelter – Car / Pavilions / Dining Hall / Golightly Lodge
Tornado
- Signal – SOS pattern on vehicle or air horn, repeatedly
- 3 short
- 3 longs
- 3 short
- Shelter – Go to the lowest areas you can get to
- Ditch, gully, or other depression
- DO NOT enter buildings, overpasses, or pavilions
Lightning
Clear open areas (including Hamilton Meadows) for 30 minutes after the last bolt
After Storm Passes
- No or Minimal Damage – Return to activity
- Significant Damage – Return to campsite
- Staff will go through Camp Currier and to each campsite to check on everyone.
Events of Special Interest
Opening Ceremonies
All Troop members should gather at Hamilton Meadows no later than 7:50 AM. Roll call will take place at 8:00 AM.
Patrols will be heading directly to events after the Opening Ceremony. So, please bring your Patrol Flags to the Opening Ceremony.
Campsite Inspection
All vehicles must be removed from campsites. Only designated emergency vehicles displaying the Emergency Parking Card will be allowed in the campsite.
Campsites will be inspected on Saturday between 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM and top Troops will be recognized at the Awards Ceremony. Campsites will be inspected for: Organization, General Cleanliness, Site arrangement, Cooking Center, and more. Consider the Patrol Method when setting up camp!!!
Skills Trek
All score logs, instructions, and materials list for each event will be provided to the Troops sponsoring the event during the Event / Volunteer Training to be held Friday evening after Cracker Barrel.
Free Time Activities
Gaga Ball will be in Hamilton Meadows. Scouts that need service hours may check with the Ranger to do a small service project.
Campfire Program
The Campfire Ceremony will be held at the Council Ring. The Campfire Committee requests that all Troops show up with a skit or song to perform during Saturday evening Campfire Ceremony.
Award Ceremony
The Award Ceremony will be held Saturday evening at the Campfire. Patrols and Teams will receive their competition awards for the Skills Events, along with other awards as appropriate. Awards not presented at this time will be presented at the May Northwest Mississippi District Roundtable or through their Commissioner.
Order of the Arrow Callout
An OA callout will be included at the Campfire Program.
GUIDELINES
Patrol Guidelines
Patrols will consist of 4-8 Scouts. Patrols of 3 will be allowed with the understanding that events are geared around Patrols of 4-8 Scouts. Patrols of fewer members may be combined with another small Patrol. Scouts who turned 18 this year and are registered members of BSA and have completed YPT may compete in the events.
Patrol Types are to be declared by the Scoutmaster, according to these guidelines:
New Scout:
Patrols consist of 4-8 Scouts who joined the BSA program between January 1, 2025 and March 28, 2025. Everyone in the Patrol should participate in these events. New Scout patrols may be accompanied by a Troop Guide. Troop Guides may instruct and coach the Patrol prior to the event but may not participate during the event. (This patrol designation is optional).
Regular:
Patrol consists of 4-8 Scouts. Everyone in a Patrol should participate in the events. Patrols may be made up of Scouts of the same or different Rank/Experience.
Adults may accompany a Patrol during the day’s activities, but must not provide direction during the actual event. If it is determined that any adult helps a Scout during competition the entire Patrol will be disqualified from that event and receive a zero for their score. The Camporee Chair and Events Chairs will make the final decision on disqualification of patrol. Patrols must participate as complete units with a single scorecard. Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a spirit of competition and fair play according to the Laws of Scouting.
As each Patrol completes an event, the judge will tally the score for all areas of emphasis. The score will be recorded on the Patrol scorecard and on the master scorecard for the event. Events not participated in will be scored as last place. The Master Scorecard is the document of record.
The Camporee experience should be fun and rewarding for all Scouts!
Judges Guidelines
Judges may not provide direction of any kind once a Patrol has started an event. Please do not interfere with any Patrol member while they are being scored. Guidance can be offered when the event is over and a final score is awarded.
Scoring Guidelines
Skills Events will be timed and places awarded by order of times. For the overall Skills Events award, event positions will be averaged and ranked accordingly. Camp inspections are based on a 100 point scale. Decisions posted by judges are final. (A sample inspection form is included in the appendix.)
AWARDS
Total points and specific recommendations will direct these honors to the top Patrols!
Patrol Performance Awards
The total performance of each Patrol will be measured. Each Patrol will be eligible to earn one ribbon based on their overall performance in the Skills Events. There will be seven (7) events and scores will be based on these seven (7) events.
| Blue Ribbon | Outstanding | First Place |
| Red Ribbon | Excellent | Second Place |
| Yellow Ribbon | Special Commendation | Third Place |
Events not participated in will be scored in last place. Afternoon Free-time activities do not count towards Patrol Performance Awards.
Baden-Powell Patrol Award
The Baden-Powell Patrol Award will be presented to the Regular Patrol demonstrating highest overall Scout spirit, Scout Leadership, and Scout Skills, along with teamwork. This Patrol will be designated as “The Baden-Powell Patrol”.
Green Bar Bill Patrol Award
The Green Bar Bill Patrol Award will be presented to the New Scout Patrol demonstrating highest overall Scout spirit, Scout Leadership, and Scout Skills, along with teamwork. This Patrol will be designated as “The Green Bar Bill Patrol”.