Please read the following files if you are thinking of coming to camp. You may also want to print them and bring them with you to camp if you decide to register.
Printable Pages:
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Packet Guide
(to all the info in the Pre-camp packet section of the web site)
Welcome Campers! You made it onto the
Orientation Info – info about Dog Scout Camp, how to earn badges, and camp rules (this pretty much stays the same every year, but if you’re a repeater, a refresher won’t hurt!)
General Instructions – this is to prepare you for camp. It describes what to bring with you, the basic activities that are planned for your camp, and everything else from where to get the best cell phone reception to where to park. It also tries to lower your expectations by reminding you of the rustic conditions here at the camp (expectations not being met are the leading cause of unhappiness, and we want only happy campers!) For repeaters, this page is new and improved with photos now, but contains rules and general information, which will probably remain basically unchanged from year to year
Camp Tour- This is a photo tour of the camp. It gives you an idea of what to expect at camp.
Paper Pre-Camp Video – This is a written version of what we used to cover in a video. It is CRITICAL information that won't be repeated at camp! Reading this in advance of coming to camp will help you and your dog be safe.
Camper Profile- If you have not yet sent in your profile, please do it now. We'll need a profile for each dog. You are strongly encouraged to only bring one dog. You'll have plenty to do without trying to do it all with TWO dogs! There are extra fees for a second dog. If you change your mind about which dog you want to bring, please send in another profile and let us know you have decided to bring this dog instead of another.
Health Check Form – This is a form for you to print out and take to your vet’s office to verify your dog’s shot records, titers, heartworm check and fecal exam. If your dog has not had a fecal check within the last month before camp, please get one. Internal parasites are ubiquitous, and various ones can be contracted by swallowing a flea, eating an infected animal’s poop, or walking on an area contaminated by another canid. Once discovered and treated, it takes a while to get them out of the system, so try to get this taken care of before two weeks ahead of camp. A special health examination (like the one you’d get for the department of agriculture when a dog is leaving the country), is NOT needed. Simply have your vet or the receptionist verify the records, and fax or mail in the form, or bring it with you to camp (don’t forget!)
Release Form/Camp Waiver – A copy of the waiver of liability is provided for you to read before hand. You are not required to return or even print off this copy. You’ll be asked to sign a copy of this form when you arrive at camp. For repeat campers, this form has not changed in the past several years, except to remove reference to Dog’s
Photo brochure of camp- Maple Valley Conservatory – this is a paper “tour” of the camp, meant to be an advertisement for what the camp has to offer (we rent the camp out to other groups and troops for use at other times of the year). For repeaters, you’ve been here in person--you may not need to download or print this file.
Sample Schedule Page 1 & Page 2– This is a sample schedule for the basic camp activities offered at each camp. Your camp may vary from this schedule, but this is the basic routine and meal plan for the week. You’ll get an updated copy by email before camp. Please bring it to camp with you. We don’t plan to hand out additional copies at camp unless there have been major changes to what is listed. Last minute changes will be noted on the dry erase board, so that you can make a note of it and we try to include info about any changes in the announcements during the meals.
Map and Directions to Camp – This is a close-up map and directions of how to get to the camp from the nearest exits. This shows how to get to the camp from either of the major highways going north through
Map of camp property- This will give you an idea of how the camp is laid out. It shows the lodge, camping/RV areas, pond, some of the trails, agility course, parking area, etc.
Perks for Repeat Campers – There’s some special information for repeaters to help you choose an elective in place of the DSA badge you’ve already earned, plus info on jobs, and receiving 3rd and 6th year pins.
Badge Curriculum - Similar to a college course syllabus. This lists each badge and lets you know if there are any badges you need to earn first (prerequisites.) This can help you plan your camp experience, especially if you are a repeat camper trying to decide on which badges you want to get.
Choosing an Elective – This explains how to vote for the elective you want for this year’s camp. You get to list a 1st through a 4th choice. Repeaters should vote if you want to fill your free times with a specialty badge outside of the core four. First year campers are welcome to state your preferences, but voting is optional, since you’ll be plenty busy with the core four topics, and many of the specialty badges have prerequisite badges (so you need to be a repeat camper to take them.)
Meet the Staff– This is a list of the possible instructors for camp, and the topics they are able to teach, with a photo and a short biographical paragraph or two on each instructor or staff member. Check your camp schedule to see who will be teaching at your camp.
Payment Coupons – These are for your convenience, if you wish to pay a little at a time every few months (optional.) Checks can get lost when you just send them in with no accompanying paperwork, so this helps the office keep track of your payments.
Chapter 1 of your DSA manual - PRINT these pages! These will go in the binder you get at check-in. These pages contain loads of helpful info. DSA laws, how to turn in your badge forms, info about the O&S sessions, etc.
Other helpful Info:
Counter Surfing at Camp - Even well behaved service dogs seem to take an "anything goes during vacation!" attitude. Learn how to prepare for this with your dog.
Off Leash Policy for Dog Scout Camp - If you think you might want to take your dog off his leash anywhere other than in your room or in the fenced play yard, read this safety info first!
Are crates required at camp? - If your dog is not comfortable in a crate, you'll want to start teaching him to be, before you get to camp! The dogs need their down time too. If you are sharing a room, don't expect your room mates to watch your dog for you (or to not open the door and let your dog out accidentally.) Where is your dog going to stay when you take a shower? Your car might not be cool enough.
How to be a good Camper - Camp is a community and you'll be living with these other people for a whole week. Please read this so you don't accidentally become the camper everyone talks about.
Top 10 Reasons NOT to come to camp - If these things bother you, you may want to stay home.
