Policies & Rules When Staying Overnight

Welcome Scouts & Scouters

When you are a guest at Nobscot Scout Reservation you agree to abide by a set of rules and policies that are designed to keep you and your Scouts safe while you protect our environment. Above all else we expect everyone to conduct themselves in accordance with the Scout Law & Scout Oath!

All scout visits to Nobscot are expected to follow the principles of Leave No Trace ™ (LNT).
For more information on LNT, see these web sites:

The "Respect our reservation - some common-sense rules" in the description for Day Visitors & Hikers is intended to help day visitors know what is allowed and not allowed. In addition, there are comprehensive policies across all Mayflower Council camps for overnight campers. Yes, it is a long list. It's also the things that people frequently ask about. The following is largely taken from Mayflower Council's Camp Rules & Regulations.

👥 Leadership

A minimum of two registered adult leaders, or one adult and a parent of a participating Scout, one of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required for all trips or outings. Co-ed overnight activities require male and female adult leaders, both of whom must be 21 years of age or older.
Scouts BSA policy requires that male and female campers have segregated sleeping arrangements.
All units are required to meet standards of the Guide to Safe Scouting with regards to age/supervision/guidelines for Cub Scout camping.
Groups arriving with only one leader will not be permitted to remain in camp.

✅ Check In / Check Out

The Camp Master on duty is responsible for the maintenance of standards at camp.
The group leader MUST CHECK IN and CHECK OUT with the Camp Master BEFORE seeking access to their reserved facility. Any special instructions will be communicated to you at this time.
Lock Box Codes will be issued by the Camp Master at check-in. Lost Key Fee – There is a $200.00 per lock re-keying fee for lost cabin keys.

⚒️ Facility Usage

All groups are restricted to their assigned site/building those assigned by the Camp Master. An adult from your group must supervise all activities throughout the camp. NO YOUTH are to WANDER ALONE.
Unassigned buildings are OFF LIMITS and there is no climbing onto roofs of any buildings.
DO NOT move equipment of any kind into or out of any site/building.
Should you require assistance, please request the help of the Camp Master.
Picnic tables may be used, but MAY NOT BE MOVED without permission.
All groups are responsible for any and all damage done to camp property by the group during their stay. It is expected that all facilities used will be cleaned and that adequate firewood, if used, will be replenished before departure.

🚘 Vehicle Usage

Nobscot prohibits unauthorized vehicle access beyond the parking lot.
All vehicles are to be parked in designated parking lots. Camping in the parking area or sleeping in vehicles is prohibited.
The Camp Master may authorize a single suitable Vehicle and/or Trailer to enter certain camp areas when unusual circumstances dictate. Guidelines of allowing personal vehicle access to camps are available from the Council Office.
Lock all vehicles. The camp/council is not responsible for items left in vehicles.

🗑️ Garbage

Do not leave garbage in fire pits, or latrines. Do not bury any garbage.
Leave No Trace – Please take all rubbish and food waste home with you for disposal. Nobscot has no dumpster for unit use.

🚰 Water

Hand pumps for well water is available at multiple locations around Nobscot – ask the Camp Master for the closest source to your site. All wells are tested quarterly.
Please bring containers to carry water as they are not available at camp.
Wading in any body of water or swimming is prohibited. Nupp’se Pond is a kettle pond and is unsafe for swimming.

🧯Fires & Cooking, Liquid Fuels & Lanterns

Self-contained outdoor fires must be in designated FireRings or FirePits. Altering, redesigning, relocating or adding any fire pits in camp is NOT allowed.
Fire Permits are issued by the Camp Master.
Fires must be supervised at all times in accordance with the Mayflower Council Fire Policy. At departure, make sure all fires are “dead out”.
Use of compressed, or liquid gas stoves or lanterns is permitted with knowledgeable adult supervision, in facilities only when and where permitted, and in accordance with the Guide to Safe Scouting. No tank 10 pounds or larger may be brought into any building (Mass. state fire code).
NO flames in tents or LeanTos.
Fires (properly supervised) are allowed in Cabins with Wood Stoves. NO charcoal or coal is to be burned in wood stoves.
NO standing trees are to be cut.
Firewood is often available, see Camp Master for location. The forest floor has an ample supply of wood.
No outside firewood may be brought onto Nobscot. This is to protect our environment from invasive beetles.
Fuel, matches, etc., should be handled by adults only.
Water for fire control should be present at all times.

🛟 Health & Safety

NO alcoholic beverages, marijuana or illegal substances.
NO firearms, archery equipment, ammunition or fireworks.
NO pets of any kind. Dogs permitted by dayhikers if on leash.
NO snowmobiles, mountain bikes or ATVs.
NO sheath knives
NO power equipment such as chainsaws, electric generators, etc.
NO aerosol cans in camp
NO harassment or “pranking”
DO NOT disturb wildlife or their habitat
DO NOT cut, dig, deface or destroy trees or plants
DO NOT litter – A Scout is Clean!
NO SMOKING IN ANY BUILDING OR STRUCTURE! Smoking is only permitted in the parking lot. Do not litter; take your butts with you! The National Council, BSA recommends NO SMOKING at any event with youth present.
NO TRENCHING or digging of holes.
NO carving of building or trees.
NO use of axes or hatchets, without adult supervision.

🚑 Emergencies at Camp

In case of emergency while in camp, you must notify the Camp Master IMMEDIATELY. He/she will assist you in making whatever arrangements are deemed necessary. An emergency report must be filed with the Camp Master before you depart Camp. Notify the Camp Master immediately for:

All injuries – no matter how small
Lost person(s)
Fire
Suspicious looking or acting person(s)
Injured or sick animals – do not approach

If not available call Rick Poirier, Director of Support Services at 617-823-0507.

🔥 Outdoor Fire Policy

To protect the health and safety of all Scouts, Scouters and visitors participating in programs requiring the use of a fire or fires on the aforementioned properties.
To reduce the risk of damage to the property as well as the properties of our abutting neighbors and the associated liability resulting from such damage.
To conform to state fire regulations as they pertain to outdoor fires.
To conform to all EPA and OSHA regulations as pertaining to outdoor burning and incineration of materials that may be considered hazardous.

Fire Lay

No fire lay in excess of 6’ in diameter and 5’ in height will be permitted on properties owned and operated by the Mayflower Council, BSA without the express written permission of the Council Camping Committee and the appropriate property superintendent (Facilities Manager/Camp Master).

The Facilities Manager/Camp Master will have the right to restrict the use of fires on the property for whatever reason deemed appropriate.

Combustibles

All combustibles used in construction of any fire lay for use with Scouting related program element will be natural and clean. Combustibles that have been contaminated by paint, solvents, creosote or other preservative chemicals may not be used.

Fire Starters/Accelerants

In accordance with BSA policy, the use of liquid or chemical fuels to start or accelerate any fire is prohibited.

📋 Plan For Leadership & Skill Development

Plan ahead for some fun activities with a focus on leaderships and skill development while at Nobscot.

Outdoor adventure is the promise made to young people when they join Scouting. Boys and girls expect outdoor programs that stir their imagination and interest. In the Outdoors we strive to meet the Aims of Scouting.

Character Development

In the outdoors, Scouts have opportunities to acquire skills that make them more self-reliant. They can explore hiking trails and complete challenges they first thought were beyond their ability. Attributes of good character become part of them as they learn to cooperate to meet outdoor challenges that may include extreme weather, difficult trails and portages, and dealing with nature’s unexpected circumstances.

Citizenship

Good youth leadership, communication, and teamwork enable them to achieve goals they have set for themselves, their patrol, and their troop. This working together through the patrol and troop teaches active citizenship.

Personal Fitness

Scouts are challenged in the outdoor adventure and high adventure and are pushed physically and mentally to accomplish tasks of the outdoors.

Leadership

Scouts plan and carry out activities from start to finish. With thoughtful guidance from their Scoutmaster and other adult leaders scouts make a plan and carry out this plan. Learning by doing is a hallmark of outdoor education. A youth or adult leader may describe and demonstrate a Scouting skill at a weekly meeting, but the way Scouts truly learn outdoor skills is to do it themselves on a troop outing.

Other opportunities

Click for General Outdoor Skill activities from BSA
Merit badges: There are great opportunities for scouts to make progress on merit badges at Nobscot.
The Campsite: Many meaningful activities can be centered around the campsite itself, where Scouts pull together towards the common goal to make and keep their camp comfortable and organized—everyone doing their part and helping one another. Creating a campsite that is well-working and enjoyable requires timeless Scout skills that the scouts have acquired or need to acquire. Scouts can take pride in what they’ve accomplished as reflected by their ability to function as a well-working Scout group that can establish an effective campsite.
Learn Forest Management: The forest floor provides a wealth of fuel for campfires. Gathering and burning dead wood is an important part of forest management. “Slash piles” found along the trails may be taken for burning. Scouts can make "slash piles" of their own for use on another day.
Hike: Tipling Rock is one of many possible destinations.
Find a FirePit: Have the scouts fan out and see how many FirePits can be found under leaves and pine needles.
Find a Leave-No-Trace site: Have the scouts fan out and discover good sites for tenting, that are lot listed as tenting sites.

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