Hello Troop 1!
If you have not yet signed up for Tomahawk and are intending to, please do so right away on our Troop form, and then let me (Jill) know. The form can be found on our Troop 1 camping page. Once that is completed, we will need to take that information and get you registered with Tomahawk. Registration at Tomahawk closes 2 weeks before our camp date and we are currently 3 weeks out. That means that we need any remaining registrations completed next week.
For those of you who are registered,
There are a few things you can do now to get ready…
Scouts, take a look at the classes and merit badges you’ve signed up for. This has been sent out to you already, I will re-send class schedules out again this weekend. Let us know if you would like to make any adjustments. As a reminder, the list of merit badges available can be found in pages 22-27 of the Program Catalog.
We encourage you to look through the pamphlets we have available in our merit badge library at MUMC or available online as a downloadable PDF. You’ll get more out of the merit badge classes at camp if you’re already familiar with the content.
Health forms are required for anyone who wants to stay overnight with Troop 1 at camp. Tomahawk requires 2 printed and signed copies. If you haven’t turned yours in yet, please do so in the next week, if possible. If you do not have the health forms by August 3, you cannot attend camp.
- All scouts and adults who are staying over 72 hours each need to provide a full health form, with Part C completed by a health care professional based on a physical exam within the previous 12 months.
- Adults who are staying a partial week (less than 72 hours) would need to complete this form, containing just parts A and B, and doesn’t require a medical exam.
It is also required that adults who plan to camp with us need to be up-to-date with their Youth Protection training and registered as a leader with both 3001 (boys) and 5001 (girls) troops. If you are signed up for camp and this is not yet completed, I have already reached out to you personally. If this isn’t completed, you cannot stay with us at camp.
Finally, think about what you’ll need to bring and start planning now. See below for the camper packing list and gear recommendations, as well as what to expect at camp.
On July 28th, we’ll have a pre-camp meeting where we’ll combine into the patrols we use at camp, choose our leaders, talk about wildlife safety, equipment, tent sites, and schedules. With the exception of those still hiking in New Mexico, all Tomahawk participants should plan on attending.
On Saturday, August 2 (time TBD), Troop and Patrol Quartermasters and drivers will need to meet at MUMC to load up the Troop and Patrol gear, including patrol boxes. We’re doing this a day ahead because MUMC holds church services outside during the summer, and we’ll need to leave from an alternate location so as to not interrupt their service.
Getting there and back…
Traveling to camp
On Sunday, August 3, we will meet at Northrop School (4315 S 31st Ave - where we do wreath pickup in the fall). Please arrive at 10 am, with the goal of getting all scouts and gear in cars and leaving by 10:30. Please wear your Class A uniform (tan shirt) for traveling to and from camp. Scouts and adult leaders always travel in uniform.
We’ll stop for lunch in Cumberland, WI. There’s a Burger King, a Kwik Trip, and a Subway nearby, or you can pack your own lunch.
When we arrive at camp, we’ll unload our gear and then anyone (both scouts and adults) who wants to swim at the beach during the week outside of the learner section will need to take a swim test. Because of this, it’s helpful to have your swim suit accessible within your bag, we can change in the latrines. After the swim test we can finish setting up our Troop gear (dining flys and patrol boxes) and then our personal tents and gear.
Returning from camp
We’ll aim to check out of camp by 10am and should arrive at MUMC a few hours later. We will text or email our ETA when we have it. Scouts are expected to help stow the Troop gear in the shed before leaving. As with the trip to camp, Scouts will wear uniforms on the trip home.
What should I pack?
See the Packing list.
Be sure to label everything with your scout’s name and “Troop 1”.
And it’s worth repeating our standard packing advice:
Parents - please DO NOT pack for your scout, EVER. Especially for extended camp. If you do, they won't know what they have, and they'll blame you if they’re missing stuff. This is a great time for them to learn to prepare, and plan. Help guide them and please double check on things like rain gear, mess kit, water bottle(s), sun screen, underwear, toothbrush, bug spray.
Cell phones and electronics
While cell phones can be useful tools in scouting and can be used for navigation, photography, and communicating with the group, they can also be a distraction and can pull us out of the present moment. Scouts who are frequently contacting home can experience more homesickness. Phones and electronics are also very expensive and could easily get wet or lost or broken. If your scout brings a phone, it is their responsibility to take care of it. We want our scouts to be fully present at camp, and so we don’t want to see phones or other electronics being used for entertainment (such as browsing, watching videos, or playing games).
Spending money
We suggest scouts bring $30-50 for both the lunch on the way to camp, and to spend on slushees, treats, t-shirts, and other gear at the Trading Post.
Medications
Emergency medications like an inhaler or epi-pen should be with a camper at all times.
Per Tomahawk policy, all non-emergency medications that need to be taken by any Scout at camp must be administered by a designated adult leader in the unit.
- If your scout has prescription medications, you can give them to me before we leave for camp, and I will store it and distribute it as needed. Please provide 8 days’ worth of medication, in its original container, labeled with the scout’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, and frequency. We can store medications that need refrigeration.
- We also need to store and track over-the-counter meds (allergy, ibuprofen, acid reflux, etc) that are administered to scouts. We will have some of these on hand and can administer these to scouts as needed, if authorized to do so in part B2 of the scout’s medical form.
What to expect…
Meals
One of the main reasons we choose Tomahawk every year is that in Sioux sub-camp, the scouts get the opportunity to cook their own meals as a patrol. This is a great opportunity to practice not just cooking, but also working together, time management, conflict resolution, etc. Tomahawk will deliver ingredients to our campsite for breakfast and dinner, and each patrol will cook, eat, and clean up together. For lunch, we will have a pre-cooked meal delivered, so scouts can eat and clean up more quickly, with more time to move on to the afternoon activities.
The menu is available if you would like to get an idea of what we’ll be eating, including vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free alternatives.
Scouts and adults should each bring their own mess kit, including a plate, bowl, cup, spoon, knife, and fork.
Tenting
Tomahawk provides canvas wall-tents. We will set these up on day 1, scouts sleep 2 to a tent. These don’t have a floor or bug screens, so you may want to bring a tarp or something to use as a tent floor if you don’t want your gear sitting in the dirt and leaves. You may also want to bring mosquito netting (like this or this) that can be arranged over your cot, so you don’t get bitten overnight.
Tomahawk also provides cots. You will likely want a sleeping pad - a foam pad or air mattress - to make the cot a little more comfortable.
If you and your tent-mate would prefer to bring your own tent to use rather than the canvas ones, that’s fine too. Don’t forget a sleeping pad!
Be prepared to spend a lot of time outside!
Bring sunscreen and bug spray to make yourself more comfortable.
Remember a swimsuit and towel for the beach and the shower.
Don’t forget a rain jacket / rain pants! We’ve had rain (and some severe storms) every year I’ve gone. Don’t worry, there’s a storm shelter not far from our site.
Be prepared to walk… a lot!
Even though our campsite is relatively central to the activities, we spend a lot of time on our feet at camp. Scouts can easily walk 3 to 4 miles a day. Last year I walked 7 to 9 miles a day, just participating in our scheduled activities. Most of the walking is on gravel roads and dirt trails, so bring shoes that are supportive and have good traction. You may want a second pair of shoes to wear to the beach and around camp at night. There is a 5K fun run on Thursday night, so if you would like to participate in that, bring a good pair of running shoes.
Bring a daypack / backpack
It's useful to have a day pack of some kind; it doesn't have to be elaborate, a drawstring bag or even a shopping bag will work. Scouts will leave the campsite after breakfast each day, and won't get back to the camp site until lunchtime. You'll want a way to easily carry your merit badge materials, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and other items.
Bring a small, hard-sided container for the bear box
Tomahawk has bears, and they’ve been known to visit camp sites. We will talk about them more in our pre-camp meeting, but it’s very important to put any food, as well as anything that smells like food to a bear (like soap, shampoo, sunscreen, slushee cups, toothpaste and toothbrush, etc.) in the designated bear locker. Scouts and adults should each have a small plastic container (smaller than a shoebox), for their items, which will help keep things organized and keep the resident mouse out of your stuff. A small tote or tupperware will work nicely, remember to label it with your name. Please try to use the smallest container you can for smellables, as the bear box has limited space.
Sending mail to your scout
If you would like to send mail to your scout, you can address it as follows.
Scout’s Name
Sioux: Quapaw Troop 1
Tomahawk Scout Camp
N1910 Scout Road
Birchwood, WI 54817
Tomahawk Scout Camp number
612-261-2455
Jill Towle’s cell number
651-249-7912
Chad Towle’s cell number
651-336-8817
