Caving Trip

NEW this year!  This year we are proud to offer a special High Adventure opportunity for Scouts at least 13 years old.  For $30 per person (maximum of 15), Sand Hill Scout Reservation will provide a trip to either Jennings or White Cliff Caves, near the camp.  Boys will receive training on caving equipment (Climbing Merit Badge is preferred, but not required).  Price includes equipment and transportation.  Participants MUST complete the Class III physical, as well as the Informed Consent and High Adventure Release Forms in the Appendix.

Cast Iron Chef Competition

NEW this year!  Much like the “Iron Chef” TV show, you can test your mettle against your fellow Cast Iron/Dutch Oven masters.  You provide the Dutch oven and basic one-pot meal or dessert; we’ll provide the charcoal and the “mystery ingredient” to incorporate into your recipe.  Contestants, either youth or adult will have 2 hours from the time we light the charcoal to finish your dish.  Judges will be from the Suncoast Dutch Oven Society.  The winner will be crowned as a Cast Iron Chef.

Weeki Wachee Water Park

Sand Hill Scout Reservation is conveniently located close to the famous Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee Water Park.  Troops can schedule an outing to the park on Friday.  Cost for the activity is $15 per person and includes admission to the park.  Reservations are required and can be made in advance through the council service center or by Wednesday at camp by contacting the Camp Director.

Vespers Service – A Scout is Reverent

A vesper service is conducted once a week on Sunday, allowing campers to practice the twelfth point of the Scout Law. The camp chaplain runs this non-denominational service.

Flag Ceremonies

Each morning and evening, there will be a camp wide flag ceremony. If you troop wants to perform the daily flag ceremony, please have the Senior Patrol leader schedule a day during the camp- wide SPL meeting on Sunday night. Before your troop performs the ceremony, please make sure your Scouts have practiced and know how to show proper respect to the American flag.

Order of the Arrow

The Order of the Arrow is Scouting's brotherhood of honor campers. Our local lodge, Timuquan Lodge 340, was founded in 1946; since then, its customs and traditions have added immeasurably to summer camp in the West Central Florida Council.   The Lodge will host a fellowship on Wednesday evening for all Order of the Arrow members.  The fellowship is a time for Order of the Arrow members to gather, trade patches, and socialize. 

Suncoast Trail

Sand Hill Scout Reservation is also conveniently located close to the Suncoast Trail, a perfect course for biking.  The Suncoast Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide Greenways and Trails System. Opened in 2001, this non-motorized paved trail was developed as part of the Suncoast Parkway. Paralleling the parkway, the trail begins in northern Hillsborough County and proceeds north through Pasco and Hernando counties, traversing suburban, agricultural and natural areas. Throughout the trail, rest/interpretive areas illustrate historical significance, emphasize transitions between ecological communities and identify native species. Among the trail’s highlights is the segment adjacent to the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. This section crosses various rivers and creeks, including the Anclote and Pithlachascotee, and provides views of beautiful natural communities.

Fun Run/Tour de Sand Hill

We offer a special Fun Run for joggers or a fun ride for bike riders.  Total distance for either activity will not exceed 5 miles.  Completion of 3 laps on the Fun Ride circuit (15 miles total) on one day qualifies the participant to earn the Tour de Sand Hill award.

Sports Tournaments/Staff Challenges

During the week troops can sign up for various athletic tournaments, such as basketball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and so on.  The schedule for these tournaments is subject to change due to weather or other programming needs.  Troops are more than welcome to challenge the camp staff to any of these activities as well.

Troop Swims

Troops may schedule times for troop swims with the Aquatics Director.  This is a great way to beat the heat during the summer.

Troop Shoots

Troops may schedule troop shoots at the shotgun, rifle, or archery ranges with the Shooting Sports director.  Payment of fees for ammunition use must be paid at the trading post.  Prices vary depending on range selected, but typically run around $25.

Watermelon Slurps, Pizza Parties, Ice Cream Socials

Troops looking to have a fun social activity can see the Trading Post Manager about scheduling one of these events.  Prices vary based on activity chosen.

Sand Hill Survivor

The Sand Hill Survivor Award will test the endurance of any Scout.  To earn the Iron Man, participants (youth or adults) must complete the Mile Swim, the Fun Run, and the Tour de Sand Hill within the week.  Participants earn a special Survivor patch upon completion.

Sand Hill Honor Patrol

Please see the score sheet in the Appendix.

The Sand Hill Honor Patrol Award is the highest honor that a patrol can earn at summer camp.

Golden Falcon Award

The Scouts in each troop present this award to one Scout from their troop for demonstrating outstanding Scout spirit, concern for others, dedication to his troop and Scouting, and for following the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life. It is presented at the closing show on Friday. Please turn in your Scout’s name by Thursday night at dinner.

Tour de Sand Hill

The Tour de Sand Hill is the completion of 3 circuits (15 miles total) on the Fun Ride course during one day.  Top participants could win the coveted “Yellow Jersey”.

Check in Procedures

q  Scoutmasters should have health forms and Informed Consent forms filled out and completed.  Any Scout or adult that does not have a medical form will not be permitted to remain in camp.

q  Scoutmasters and adult leaders will register with the Camp Director upon arrival.  At this time all boys and leaders must be on the troop roster and have their fees paid.  Please know that failure to pre-register is likely to result in delay. 

q  Your staff guide will meet you.

q  The troops guide will take the troop to their campsite, go through orientation, proceed with a tour of camp, medical checks, dining hall orientation, and to the pool for swim checks.

q  The troop will return to their campsite to change into the Scout uniform (class A) for flag lowering at 6:20 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.

q  Vespers will be at the chapel at 7:30 p.m.

q  Opening Campfire will start after Vespers, approximately 8:45p.m.

q  A Scoutmaster and SPL Cracker-barrel will be held in the Administration Building after the campfire.  More information will be issued at this time.  Merit badge course selection should be ready.

Daily Camp Schedule

Sunday

   2:00  pm   Unit check-in begins—arrive at scheduled time (Hagerty Shelter)

   3:00          Provisional camper check-in (Hagerty shelter)

   6:20          Waiter call (dining hall)

   6:20          Flag retreat (parade field)

   6:30          Dinner (dining hall; note dinner is served later on Sunday only)

   7:30          Vespers (Chapel)

   8:15          Pre Campfire Show (Council Ring)

   8:45          Opening Campfire (Council Ring)

  10:00         Leader’s Meeting (After Campfire)

11:00          Taps

Monday through Friday

   6:00          am               Mile Swim    

   6:50  am   Reveille

   7:20          Waiter call (dining hall)

   7:20          Flag raising (parade field)

   7:30          Breakfast (dining hall)

   8:30          Leader’s Meeting

   8:30          Skills Session 1

   9:30          Skills Session 2

10:30          Skills Session 3

11:30          Skills Session 4

12:40  pm   Waiter call (dining hall)

12:50          Lunch (dining hall)

   1:30          Rest period

   2:00          Skills Session 5

   3:00          Activity Period

   3:00          Free swim (pool)

   4:30          Leader swim (pool)

   5:50          Waiter call (dining hall)

   5:50          Flag Retreat (parade field; Monday through Thursday only)

   6:00          Dinner (dining hall)

   7:30         Evening Activity Period

   7:30                            Troop Swim (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; ends at 9:00 PM)

11:00          Taps

Saturday

   7:45  am   Reveille

   8:00          Breakfast (campsite)

10:00          Camp closes

Sand Hill Scout Reservation

Evening Programs

Sunday                           7:30   Vespers Service at Chapel

                   8:15             Pre-Campfire at Campfire Ring

                   8:45             Campfire at Council Ring

                   SM/SPL Meeting at Administration Building After Campfire

Monday       7:30             Troop Swim at Pool

                   7:30             Open Climbing and Rappelling

                   7:30             Camp-wide Activity/Staff Hunt

Tuesday      6:00             Leader Appreciation Dinner at Hagerty Shelter

                   7:00             Open Shoot at Archery Range (till dark)

                   7:30             Open Handicraft/Tie Dye Night

                   9:00             Astronomy Star Gazing (weather permitting)

Wednesday 6:00             Pathfinders Overnighter

                   7:30             Troop Swim at Pool

                   7:30             Open Climbing and Rappelling

                   7:30             Guided Nature Hike at Nature Area

                   7:30             Order of the Arrow Ice Cream Social

                   8:00             Movie Night at Dining Hall (may run past 10:00)

                   10:00           Outdoor Skills Area Overnighter

Thursday    7:00             Open Shoot at Archery Range (till dark)

                   7:30             Cast Iron Chef Competition, Hagerty Shelter

                   7:30             Troop Swim at Pool

                   7:30             Open Handicraft

Friday         7:00             Unit/Family Program Time

                   8:45             Flag Retreat at Parade Field

                   9:00             Closing Campfire at Campfire Ring

This Page Last Updated Monday, December 03, 2007 12:10:53 PM ET