Boy Scouts of America® Istrouma Area Council

Camp Rules

(Revised September 6, 2022)

Welcome to the Avondale Scout Reservation (ASR). We currently have two full-time rangers, E.J. Moore and Jonathan Watkins, to help keep ASR safe and maintain the facilities. On weekends, we have a volunteer Corp of “Campmasters" who will help you have an enjoyable and safe visit. “The Guide to Safe Scouting – most recent edition” provides the unit leader with the current policies and procedures for safe activities. It is the authoritative reference and the chapters cited refer the leader to the appropriate section for more detail.

• Transportation and Insurance:
  • All vehicles must be covered by a public liability and property damage insurance policy. The amounts of this coverage must meet or exceed the insurance requirements of the state in which the vehicle is licensed. Any vehicle carrying 10 or more passengers is required to have limits of $100,000/$500,000/$100,000 or a $500,000 combined single limit. In the case of rented vehicles, the requirement of coverage limits can be met by combining the limits of personal coverage carried by the driver with the coverage carried by the owner of the rented vehicle.
  • The Tour Leader will enforce reasonable travel speed in accordance with state and local laws in all motor vehicles.
  • All drivers must have valid driver’s licenses and be at least 18 years of age.
    • Youth Member Exception – When traveling to and from the council camps for a Boy Scout or Venturing event under the leadership of an adult (21+) tour leader, a youth member at least 16 years of age may be a driver, subject to the following conditions:
      • Six months driving as a licensed driver (time on a Learner’s permit or equivalent is not to be counted);
      • No record of accidents or moving violations;
      • Parental permission has been granted to the leader, driver, and riders.
  • If the vehicle to be used is designed to carry more than 15 persons (including the driver), the driver must have a commercial driver’s license.
  • The driver and all passengers must be wearing a seatbelt suited to their age and size at all times, even on short trips on camp.
    • Exception: a school bus or commercial bus.
  • If trucks are used, passengers will ride only in the cab, NOT riding in the bed of pickup trucks.
• Permits:
  • Camp Usage Permits are required for the use of camp properties and are issued through The Istrouma Area Council Web site. All fees are to be paid online. To contact the Ranger and confirm availability call (225-933-1793) all blackout dates for facilities and campsites can be seen online at www.iacbsa.org.
• Holidays:
  • The Avondale Scout Reservation is available for use throughout the year. The Reservation is closed on Tuesdays and on the same schedule as the Pennington Scout Center and for special events such as the Camporee's and the Annual Sporting Clays Classic. Please check the Council website (www.iacbsa.org) for the holiday closure schedule.
• In-Camp Authority:
  • The Reservation Manager, Camp Rangers, and the Weekend Commissioners are authorized to deal with infractions of camp rules and regulations. If the immediate safety or comfort of others is in jeopardy, the Director of Council Program (DCP), Rangers, or the Weekend Commissioner may expel those individuals or units who are violating the rules.
  • General Conduct – The law of the camp is “THE SCOUT LAW”.
• Arrival, Check-in, and Check-out:
  • Sign-In – Immediately upon arrival at camp, every vehicle must stop at the Welcome Center and check in.
  • Gate Closure – To help make the camp a safe environment, the Camp Gate by the Sign-In Shelter will be locked at 10:30 p.m. and opened at 6:30 a.m. In the event of an emergency, the Camp Ranger or the Weekend Commissioner will open the gate and provide assistance to you. If you have someone arriving while the gate is locked, you need to make arrangements to meet them at the gate and return when the gate is unlocked to get their vehicle. 
• Youth Protection and Adult Leadership – Chapter I, Guide to Safe Scouting
  • Leadership and Personnel: Boy Scouts of America requires at least two adult leaders on all camping trips and tours. Co-ed Venturing crews must have both male and female leadership. The adult leader of the group must be at least 21 years old. During the entire time that your unit is on the Avondale Scout Reservation, the two adult leaders must supervise the activities. One must be a registered leader and the other may be a parent of a participating Scout. Co-ed overnight activities require male and female adult leaders, both of whom must be 21 years of age or older.
  • Youth Protection Training – All registered adults participating in any BSA event or activity must have completed the BSA Youth Protection Training. At least one registered adult who has completed BSA Youth Protection Training must be present at all times during these events and activities. BSA Youth Protection training may be completed online at my.scouting.org.
  • Sleeping Arrangements – Male and female adult participants will use separate tents. Male and female youth participants will not share the same tent. Youth (in Scouts BSA may share a tent with another youth within a 3-year age range.  Adult and youth participants will not share the same tent. Married couples may share the same tent if appropriate privacy is provided. Youth (in Cub Scouts) may stay in the same tent as his/her guardian.
• Aquatic Safety – Chapter II, Guide to Safe Scouting
  • An adult trained in Safe Swim Defense and/or Safety Afloat must supervise all swimming and boating activities. Swimming is restricted to the Swim Dock at Lake Istrouma. All persons involved in a boating activity must wear Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices.
  • Fishing from boats – Adult and youth fishermen must wear personal floatation devices at all times while in the boat. Battery-powered trolling motors are the only authorized motors for use in lakes when fishing.
• Camping – Chapter III, Guide to Safe Scouting
  • All camping must conform to the guidelines in this chapter.
  • Don’t tease or chase livestock. Pastures adjacent to the Camp McGee area have livestock. Disregarding the owner’s animals or invasion of the owner’s property may result in criminal prosecution by the landowner.
  • Garbage and trash may be disposed of in the dumpsters located near the front of the camp or taken home.
  • Footgear must be worn at all times, no open-toed shoes are allowed.
  • No pets are allowed on the Reservation.
  • Do not cut or mark any trees, unless authorized by the ASR staff for conservation projects.
  • Hiking or excursions beyond the Reservation boundaries is not authorized.
• Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco – Chapter IV, Guide to Safe Scouting
  • Alcoholic beverages and illegal substances are prohibited on the Avondale Scout Reservation.
  • Smoking is permitted only in designated areas away from all participants.
• Medical Information and First Aid – Chapter V, Guide to Safe Scouting
  • Report of Death or Serious Injury – Adults leaders must immediately report a death or serious injury to the Rangers, or the Weekend Campmaster who will contact the Scout Executive immediately.
  • Accidents – All accidents, injuries, fires, and property damage must be immediately reported to the ASR Staff or the Weekend Campmaster. The ASR Staff and Weekend Campmasters have First-Aid kits. Do not leave camp to go for help except in an extreme emergency. The parent’s release statement needs to accompany the Scout to the doctor’s office or Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary, LA. Medical Claim Forms are available from the Weekend Campmaster. They are also available on the Council website (www.iacbsa.org). An Acadian Ambulance can be summoned by dialing 911. Response time is about 9-10 minutes. The Ambulance crew and Sheriff’s Office have a copy of the maps of the camp, so be prepared to tell the dispatcher your exact location (i.e. Woodbadge #6 or McGee #10).
  • Units must have in their possession the required medical information to facilitate immediate first aid and/or professional care at clinics or hospitals.
• Chemical Fuels and Equipment – Chapter VI, Guide to Safe Scouting
  • Chemical Fuels – The use of liquid fuels for starting any type of fire is prohibited. No flames in a tent are permitted. Chemical fuels (propane, kerosene, gasoline, alcohol, etc.) and chemical fuel devices may only be used when under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.
  • Portable heaters are absolutely prohibited. Never leave campfires unattended. No in-ground pit fires are permitted. Check all campfires to be sure they are safely out before leaving the campsite. Fire ring campfires and charcoal fires are encouraged. Check the fire danger status at the ASR Welcome Center to determine if campfires are allowed this weekend.
• Shooting Sports
  • Chapter VII, Guide to Safe Scouting: Personal firearms are not allowed on camp. Authorized range usage under the proper supervision of NRA instructors and RSOs. For further info refer to BSA National Shooting Sports Manual.
• Sports and Activities
  • Chapter VIII, Guide to Safe Scouting
    • The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety is applicable to all activities at the Avondale Scout Reservation.
    • Motorized bikes, motorcycles, and jet skis are prohibited on the Reservation.
    • Chainsaw use is restricted to use by trained adults only and with the approval of the DCP and Camp Rangers. Chainsaws may be authorized for use only by trained individuals over the age of 18 and using proper protective gear.
    • ATVs/Golf Carts are restricted to use by maintenance staff only or by adults for medical conditions approved by the DCP.
    • Paintball, “war games activities”, and blowguns are prohibited.
    • Bike Safety will be followed at all times. Bicycling participants will be supervised by an adult over 21 years of age. Helmets and protective clothing must be worn.
• Transportation – Chapter XI, Guide to Safe Scouting
  • Observe the posted speed limits on the Reservation (15 mph on open roads and 5 mph in program areas). Use the vehicle only as needed. Do not allow Scouts to drive around the Reservation. All passengers must be seated with their seat belts buckled. No riding in the back of pick-up trucks or on trailers.

 CAMPER PLEDGE OF PERFORMANCE

1. We will use the Safe Swim Defense in any swimming activity, Safety Afloat in all craft activities on the water, and Climb On Safely for climbing activities.
2. We will use trucks only for transporting equipment – no passengers except in the cab. All passenger cars, station wagons, recreational vehicles, and cabs or trucks will have seat belts for every passenger.
3. We will agree to enforce reasonable travel speed (in accordance with national, state, and local laws) and use only vehicles that are in safe mechanical condition.
4. We will be certain that fires are attended to at all times.
5. We will at all times be a credit to the Boy Scouts of America and will not tolerate rowdyism or un-Scoutlike conduct, keeping a constant check on all members of our group.
6. We will maintain high standards of personal cleanliness and orderliness and will operate a clean and sanitary camp, leaving it in a better condition than we found it.
7. We will not litter or bury any trash, garbage, or tin cans. All rubbish that can not be burned will be placed in a tote-litter bag and taken to the nearest recognized trash disposal or all the way home, if necessary.
8. We will not deface trees, restrooms, or other objects with initials or writing.
9. We will respect the property of others and will not trespass.
10. We will not cut standing trees or shrubs without specific permission from the landowner or manager.
11. We will collect only souvenirs that are gifts to us or that we purchase.
12. We will pay our own way and not expect concessions or entertainment from any individual or group.
13. We will provide every member of our party an opportunity to attend religious services on the Sabbath.
14. We will observe the courtesy to write thank-you notes to persons who assisted us on our trip.
15. We will notify, in case of serious trouble, our local council service center, our parents, or other local contacts.
16. If more than one vehicle is used to transport our group, we will establish rendezvous points at the start of each day and not attempt to have drivers closely follow the group vehicle in front of them.

Be Safe, Have Fun, and Practice LEAVE NO TRACE!