2026 Summer Camp - February Newsletter

Message from the Camp Director

Adult Leader Requirements at Camp

I hope that everyone has been enjoying this Winter Season. In looking forward to warmer temperatures and our approaching time together; I know from your feedback, one of the most frustrating ways to start a summer camp trip is with an unnecessarily lengthy or unpleasant check-in experience. We AGREE! To avoid this situation, please continue reading.

Safeguarding youth is our highest priority in Scouting. In support of this goal, Scouting America requires every adult leader attending any Scouts BSA summer camp to be currently registered with the troop with whom they are attending, and they must have a current Safeguarding Youth Training certificate. This means every adult leader attending with the troop must appear on that troop’s charter.

The second requirement is compliance with Pennsylvania law regarding Volunteer Background Clearances. Background clearances are required for ALL Pennsylvania resident volunteer adult leaders. They are also required for any non-resident leaders who do volunteer work with PA youth 30 days or more in a given year. For out-of-state leaders, who do not work with PA youth for 30 days or more in a given year, there is an affidavit which must be signed. These clearances will be detailed thoroughly, with applicable links, in the 2026 Ockanickon Scout Reservation Camp Leaders’ Guide which will be available next week at our forms & resources page.

Although these requirements are simple and straight forward, every single week of camp check-in last year had at least 1 troop, with at least 1 adult, who did not meet the above requirements. Not complying with these requirements complicates and delays the check-in process for their troop. It also leaves me the unenviable duty to send the non-compliant adult(s) home until all mandatory requirements have been met, AND/OR potentially having to send their unit home if they don’t then meet the minimum requisite number of leaders required for qualified adult leadership.

It is all of our responsibilities to ensure the safety of our scouts and it is our utmost priority that these requirements are followed.

Please, help me make this process as efficient and enjoyable an experience as possible, for both your scouts and leaders. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me robert.michell@scouting.org or at (215) 297-5290.

Sincerely,

Rob Michell

OSR Summer Camp Director

Message from the Business Manager

Payment Deadline Reminders & Campership Application

Good morning summer camp leaders,

Well, we’ve had lots of snow on the ground since our last newsletter which makes talking about summer camp a welcome change from digging out. Friendly reminder that the Tier 1 rate deadline is February 28^th after which the price increases to $575. Any Scout wanting to pay at the Tier 1 rate must be paid in full by the deadline*. Your Arrow of Light Crossover Scouts can take advantage of the $550 discounted rate through May 31^st.

*Pro tip: Change the payment tender to eCheck by clicking the arrow on the line to avoid the credit card convenience fee. When using this option, please be sure to capture the bank routing number and account number exactly as they appear on your check. The routing number is always a nine-digit number. The bank account number can vary in length up to seventeen digits. Click HERE for examples. When in doubt contact your bank for the correct information. Please note that entering incorrect information will result in a returned check. We assess a $25 fee for returned check items.

I’m including a brief video which we recorded last year** - How to Build your Unit Roster in Tentaroo. This tutorial also demonstrates how to apply sibling discounts. If you are new to Tentaroo or just need a refresher, please take a moment and view the following video: CLICK HERE. (Passcode: tm7+1WQ+)

**All dates & rates shown in the video are from 2025; but the process demonstrated is valid.

The 2026 campership application*** is now available on our website: CLICK HERE Funding is limited based on donations and should only be requested by those with significant financial need. Using an additional page to explain the circumstance is encouraged. Be sure the application is completed in its entirety before submitting; incomplete applications will not be considered. The deadline is April 1^st.

***Campership Application FAQ: "Why is there a section for the amount the Scout will contribute?"

"A Scout is Thrifty" - As part of the Scout Law, every Scout learns to pay their own way and save for the future. Please maximize your Scout's opportunity by participating in annual Popcorn sales, other unit money earning projects, and odd jobs like mowing lawns, raking leaves, snow removal, washing windows, weed removal, yard clean-up, washing cars, and more.

Stay warm out there!

Take care,

Michelle Cathers

OSR Business Manager
michelle.cathers@scouting.org

Refund Policy

2026 Camp Fees

Message from the Program Director

Resources Coming Soon

Keep an eye out for our program team's Merit Badge offering for 2026! It will be released early this March! In the meantime, you can access a 2026 program planning guide containing some of our fun activities, competitions, events, and an Eagle Merit Badge listing/schedule from the forms & resources page.

Program questions can be directed to our program team at program@ockanickon.org.

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