Expedition: Cryptozoology - Leader's Guide - May 21, 22, and 23, 2021 - Washington Crossing Council

Expedition: Cryptozoology

   May 21, 22, and 23, 2021

   Lake Towhee County Park
   800 Old Bethlehem Road
   Applebachsville, Pa 18951

    Leader’s Guide

Communication:
   (ke.myoone’kaSH’en)
The imparting or exchanging
  of information or news.

  Please communicate the
 information in this Leader’s
Guide to other leaders, youth
   leadership, and parents

Safety: (Covid - 19) (as of 3.1.2021)
To help ensure the safety of everyone attending Expedition: Cryptozoology (EC) please
follow the policies of:
    ● Please follow the Covid 19 policy of your Chartered organization
    ● Bucks County Department of Health www.buckscounty.org
    ● Pennsylvania Department of Health www.health.pa.gov
    ● Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov
    ● www.Scouting.org/covid

All scouting units participating in either the 2-day camping experience or the one day
Cub Scout adventure should do their pre-event screening BEFORE arriving at EC. The
pre-event screening checklist is available at www.Scouting.org/covid. Units should plan
to meet off-site from EC first, do the pre-event screening then commute to EC

Everyone attending EC should submit themselves to the pre-event screening. This
includes scouts, adult leaders, staff, parents, siblings, drivers, anyone who will be at EC
even if they are “temporarily” attending.

Scouts/Adults exhibiting symptoms of Covid -19 at EC. Will be isolated and sent home
immediately. Unit adult leadership will be responsible for transportation.

Anyone who feels unsafe while at EC or has thoughts they might not be safe prior to
EC, should consider NOT attending EC.

Anyone who is considered “High Risk” should not attend EC.

Unit Leadership should prepare for everyone attending to wear a mask at all times
(except when eating or drinking), social distance, have hand washing stations at each
campsite, and bring hand sanitizer. Tents should have no more than 2 people staying
in them. Units should have extra face masks on hand.

Safety
All youth members should travel through Lake Towhee County Park using the Buddy
System. At no time should scouts be by themselves. Please remember that the park is
open to the general public. Tri buddies are required when youth are travelling in the
park in a coed group.

The Lake Towhee dam and spillway are off limits - this area presents significant danger
to a serious injury. No fishing from the dam.

Scouts are not permitted to gather in parking lots. If youth need to cross a parking lot,
then do so safely by being aware of moving vehicles. Ball playing, frisbee, etc in the
parking lots are prohibited.

There are a significant number of standing dead trees at Lake Towhee County Park.
Units should not set up tents, easy ups, etc under these dead trees. Please follow
directions from staff when setting up camp. Hammock camping is prohibited at EC.

Parking
Parking at Lake Towhee will be limited. If directions are followed (by parking lot staff) we
should have no problems. Please follow directions.

Lake Towhee County Park’s speed limit is 15 MPH - Because of the increased amount
of youth at the park, we are recommending a 5 MPH speed limit - it is more appropriate.
Please be very careful.

Units that are participating in the 2-night camping experience will be directed to the
south parking lot (the first right after entering the park. An unloading zone will be
established - then driver’s will be able to park their vehicles. The unloading zone is
where the units will check in.

Driving vehicles on the fields to the campsite is prohibited.

Units that have trailers are permitted to bring them and we will have a designated
parking area for them. Trailers will need to be unhooked from the towing vehicle.
Trailers should be properly secured so that it doesn’t roll. Units should unload then lock
their trailers.
Parking lots are off limits to scouts once vehicles are unloaded.

Venture Crew, Webelos, and Cub Scout parking will be in the North or Main parking lot.

Check in procedures
The unit leader should check their unit in at the unloading zone at Camporee HQ.
Leaders will need to bring a filled out “Unit Roster” (on the last page of this guide) of
everyone attending. Camporee staff will check you in - verify your numbers and the unit
will be escorted to the area of their campsite. Check in begins at 6pm on May 21.
Please do not arrive earlier as camporee staff will not be prepared to do early check ins.
Venture Crews will check in at the Venture Crew campsite.

Cell Phones
Units should implement their own cell phone policy. Individuals should be ethically
responsible when displaying or streaming content. Cell service at Lake Towhee County
Park is good. Please note: There is no place to charge electronics.

Prohibited
The following are prohibited at EC and could result in immediate dismissal from EC.
They apply to everyone. - Alcohol beverages, illegal or non-prescription medication,
firearms, fireworks, hazing, bullying, vandalizing personal or private or park property,
stealing, driving on grass, fires in non-designated areas, fighting, and/or behaviors
inconsistent with the Scout Oath and Law. No pets please. Cutting trees down (live or
dead) is prohibited. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Camping
Units are required to:
   ● All “campers” (adult & youth) must be currently chartered members of the BSA
   ● Every adult must have current youth protection training (YPT 2.0)
   ● Adults who are Pa. residents must complete the 3 required Pa clearances
   ● Adults must complete Hazardous Weather Training found on My.scouting.org
   ● One adult per unit must complete Outdoor Skills Training (Baloo for Cub Scouts
       or Intro. To Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) for Scouts BSA Troops).
   ● Each unit must have at least 2 trained leaders in attendance. Female units must
       have one trained female leader in attendance.
   ● Unit Leaders must have a signed Annual Health and Medical Record )(AHMR)
       form in their possession for everyone attending EC (camping or day camp) Parts
       A&B only are required. A photocopy of each individual's health insurance card

should be submitted also. Hard copies only! Please remember that AHMR’s
       should never be digitized or stored on a storage device (like a thumb nail, etc).

Due to standing dead trees, please camp where EC staff has directed. Hammock
camping is not permitted. Tents should have no more than 2 people staying in them.

Water is located at the latrine. Units should bring water jugs to fill. Washing of oneself or
camp cookware at the water spigot is prohibited.

All units should have a handwashing station in their campsite. Soap and Water!

Ground fires are not permitted at unit campsites.

Digging is not permitted at Lake Towhee Park

Propane stoves and grills are permitted at EC and must not be set up under tarps/easy
ups. Charcoal grills are permitted but must be 24 inches from the ground. Units are
permitted to use the park's charcoal grills at Camp HQ, Pavilions 1&2, and the Venture
Crew campsite. Units should supply their own charcoal and be prepared to extinguish
charcoal after they are done with using the grills. Charcoal lighter fluid is not permitted
at any BSA function.

Dutch oven cooking is strongly encouraged at EC. Units could use charcoal grills at
their campsite. Units may use fire rings at Camporee HQ, Pavillon #1, Venture Crew
site. Units should prepare to extinguish their fires/charcoal. Charcoal lighter fluid is not
permitted at any BSA function.

Bucks County Parks and Recreation has asked us not to move picnic tables. Please
bring your own tables and chairs for your campsites.

Medications
Parents should turn over medications for their youth to a designated adult leader in their
unit. Medication should remain in its original prescription container. The unit
designated leader is responsible to make sure the youth receives their medication.
Rescue inhalers and epi pens should remain with each scout who requires them.

Smoking
Smoking/Vaping should never occur in front of the youth. There will be a designated
smoking area near the South Parking lot. Thank you for anticipated cooperation.

Uniforms
All units should implement their uniform policy when traveling to and from scouting
events. The official uniform of Expedition: Cryptozoology is the Field Activity Uniform
(commonly referred to as “Class B”). For review, the field activity uniform consists of:
scout pants/shorts, scout belt, scout socks, a scouting or solid color T shirt, and a
scouting hat (optional). Unit Leaders: we will need your help with this. Please no
street clothes. This is a great time to show off all of those great unit t-shirts or you can
order Expedition: Cryptozoology T shirts. (See order information in this Leader’s Guide)
In addition, closed toe shoes are required. Flip Flops/Sandals are inappropriate.

The Park will be open to the public. The best way to distinguish our scouts from other
visiting youth is for them to be clearly identifiable by wearing a field activity uniform.

Trash
Pack it in - Pack it out! Units should take their trash with them when departing. Units
should implement their recycling program. Trash cans at Lake Towhee County Park
may be used for personal trash items.

Wildlife
Lake Towhee County Park is located in a semi - rural area, the park supports numerous
species of wildlife. Common wildlife found at Lake Towhee are raccoons, skunks, deer,
snakes, fox, and the occasional black bear. Food/Drinks should never be in tents.
Food should be stored in airtight containers and/or in the trunk of cars. Trash bags
should be secured at night. Other smellables that should be sealed are soap, lotions,
deodorant, sun block, hair products, etc.

Poison Ivy & Poison Oak
Poison ivy and Poison oak are present in Lake Towhee County Park. Everyone should
know what it looks like, avoid it, know what to do if they come in contact, and know the
first aid. Staying on trails will reduce the chance of you getting poison ivy.

Injuries and Illnesses
All injuries and illnesses must be reported to the camporee medical staff immediately.
The location of the camporee medical staff will be disclosed at the leader’s Friday night
cracker barrel. In extreme situations please dial 911 and then have someone notify the
camporee medical staff.

Latrine and Port o Johns
Let’s keep them clean! The latrine will be for adult females on the one side (marked
“men” we will have a temporary sign in place) Youth females will use the side of the
latrine marked female. Everyone else will use Port o Johns which were leased for EC.
Again - Lets keep them clean! and vigorous hand washing afterwards. Going “in the
weeds” or “behind a tree” is considered inappropriate in today's BSA. Thank you for
your anticipated cooperation.

Departures
EC will end on May 23 no later than 11am. Final assembly is scheduled for 10 am.
Units are welcome to stay (on their own) after 11am. The senior patrol leader will notify
camporee staff that they are ready to depart. Camporee staff will inspect the camping
area and then give the green light for departure. Units should take their trash with them.
A camporee survey should be turned in at that time.

Program Features at
Expedition:Cryptozoology
These features are tentative and could change. More features are under development
   and will be added by the beginning of EC.

Sea Monstering (canoeing/kayaking)
EC will have a waterfront program. The following must be done prior to EC by the unit:
  ● Written parental permission for each youth for canoeing/kayaking. This
   permission slip must be in the unit leader’s possession during EC. An electronic
   permission slip is considered invalid.
  ● A current Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) Parts A&B must be in the
   possession of the unit leader. All youth and adults.
  ● A BSA swimmers test must be performed prior to EC. All youth and adults must
   pass the BSA swimmers test - No exceptions.
  ● Unit Leader’s will identify everyone in their unit eligible to participate in
   canoeing/kayaking on the unit leader roster that is turned in at check in. (the last
   page of the guide) - Hard copies only
  ● Cub scouts/Webelos are permitted to participate in canoeing - they must be
   deemed eligible. Cub Scouts/Webelos must canoe with a person that possess
   strong paddling skills (an adult or older experienced scout). Kayaking is not
   permitted for Cub Scouts/Webelos.
  ● Please no personal watercraft, we will have plenty for everyone.

     All participants must follow directions of the waterfront staff, failure to do so could
      result in individuals not being able to participate.

Sea Monster Hunting (Fishing)
Lake Towhee offers opportunities to catch the big one! Species include: Panfish,
largemouth bass, catfish, and smallmouth bass. Local anglers will say that Lake
Towhee offers the best pickerel fishing in Southeast Pennsylvania. Bring your fishing
rods and tackle and try your fishing skills out.
Pennsylvania fishing regulations are in effect at Lake Towhee. Anglers 16 years of age
and over must possess a current fishing license.

Shooting Sports
Thanks to the Council Shooting Sports Committee and Venture Crew 3030, BB gun
target shooting will be offered. Emphasis will be on safety. All participants must follow
directions given by the shooting sports staff. The range will be set up on an adjacent
property in the rear parking lot of the Haycock Fire Company. To get there: follow the
dirt road by pavilion #2 - there will be a marker to make a left through a wooded area.
Please remember we are guests on this property - appropriate scouting behavior is
required. Special accommodations can be made for those who have mobility
challenges, please see camporee staff.

Cryptozoology - Pioneering Contest
The camporee staff is asking each unit participating (Camping & Day Camp) to get creative! A
contest will take place incorporating pioneering, craftsmanship, creativeness, and
cryptozoology. Judging will take place after 4:30 pm on Saturday. Three rules: (1) no digging
(driving stakes is permitted) (2) all pioneering projects over 6 ft tall will be disqualified. (3) must
be scouting appropriate. Units should bring all the materials they will need.

Dessert Challenge
All units are encouraged to participate in the Cryptozoology Dessert Challenge. Dens,
Packs, Patrols, Troops, and Crews can participate. One rule: the dessert must be made
during EC (in other words no store-bought desserts). Please submit your entry to the
judges in between 6pm and 6:15 on Saturday at Pavilion #1

Campfire Program
We will have an awesome campfire program and all units are encouraged to participate. Please
see Mr. Bob Sellers by 5 pm on Saturday to get in on the campfire program.

Volleyball Tournament
So who is the King or Queen of the court? Dens, Packs, Patrols, Troops and Crews are
encouraged to participate so that we can find the best volleyball team in Tohickon
district.
Special thank you to the Tohickon Chapter of the Order of the Arrow for organizing.
.

Chess Tournament
Bring your chessboard and pieces and let's find out who is top dog in Tohickon district

Tug of War
Time to muscle up! Who has the most “pull” in Tohickon district? We will find out….

Life to Eagle
Sit down with the experts and find out what you have to do to be an Eagle Scout. The
Tohickon Advancement team will be here to answer your questions. This course is for
Star and Life scouts who aspire to be Eagle Scouts, parents of prospective Eagle
Scouts, Unit Leaders, Unit advancement teams, and Troop Committees.

At the time of this Leaders guide being constructed, there are numerous other programs
  and activities under development. We will provide additional program content at the
                              Friday night leaders meeting.

Cub Scout/Webelos Adventure Day Camp
Saturday May 22 9am to closing campfire
● Cub Scout Packs/Dens are strongly urged to attend. Please be sure to perform
  your Covid pre-screening before you come to Expedition: Cryptozoology.
● Please check in near the playground by the north parking lot.
● All Cub Scouts/Webelos must be under the adult leadership of a parent/den
  leader/Cubmaster. Cub Scouts should NOT be dropped off with no direct adult
  supervision.
● As of 3.1.21 all program features are open to Cub Scouts/Webelos (except
  Kayaking). Please “Be Prepared” if you’re planning on joining in on the canoeing
  program (see Sea Monstering)
● Meals - bring a quick bagged lunch. For dinner - have a Pack or Den picnic. Feel
  free to utilize the charcoal grills or bring your own - the 2 pavilions are available
  for dining.
● Better yet: coordinate with a Scouts BSA Troop and have dinner with them.
● Bring kickballs, Frisbees, cornhole, etc and challenge other Cub Scout Packs or
  Dens.
● Please No Pets.

                               It’s going to be fun!!!

Order your Official Expedition:
                 Cryptozoology T shirt
Shirts will be delivered to your campsite on Friday night or at check in on Saturday
morning.
Youth Sizes: YS YM YL - $10
Adult Sizes: M L XL XXL XXXL -$12
Deadline to place your order: April 23, 2021

T shirt orders are submitted by unit on the unit registration link

Notes

Expedition: Cryptozoology Roster and Boating Eligibility

Unit___________No.____

 ******This roster to be turned in at Check in and when everyone has completed unit
                        event pre-screening Covid protocols****

                    Youth

Name:                                           Eligibility (Check Mark)

Adult
                                                   Eligibility
Name:                                              (Check Mark)

Eligibility Requirements for Canoeing and/or Kayaking:
    1. A signed permission slip by a parent in the Unit Leader’s possession (Hard
         Copy).
    2. An Annual Health and Medical Record form (Parts A&B) in the Unit Leader’s
         possession (Hard Copy)
    3. A successfully completed BSA Swimmers Test within the past year (after May
         22, 2020) this applies to youth and adults.

Unit Leaders Signature:_______________________________________

             (please use reverse side of roster for additional participants)