Rules and Policies

Although the Scout Oath and Law are the only rules that a Scout camp should need, there are some items where it is helpful to be specific. The following rules and policies have been established to ensure the safety of all Scouts. All Campers are asked to cooperate in the observance of these simple rules and in the common sense operation of camp. For the safety and enjoyment of all in camp; troops, crews, families, or individuals unwilling to observe camp rules and policies may be asked to leave.

Youth Protection

Buddy System

Scouts must be instructed to use the buddy system when hiking or exploring around camp and are encouraged to inform their leaders of their plans when leaving their campsite.

One-on-one contact

No one-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is ever allowed.

For more on Youth Protection please refer to Scouting's Barriers to Abuse and Youth Protection and Adult Leadership.

Unit Leadership

Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including camping at Tomahawk Scout Camp. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth.

All adults accompanying a Scouting unit must hold a current valid Youth Protection Training certificate and must be registered as leaders, per the Guide to Safe Scouting. It is the responsibility of the unit to ensure adults at camp are registered.

Visitors

All camp guests, visitors, Scouts, and leaders must check in and out at Central Services when arriving to or leaving from camp.

Tomahawk’s program is designed and intended for registered members and the adult leaders who will be working with them. Other family members (inlcuding siblings or other youth-aged relatives) or guests may visit the unit campsite with the approval of the Scoutmaster, but if they would like to camp or participate in the program, they must do so through Family Island.

Aquatics

• The camp aquatics policy follows those stated in Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense. We follow these for all waterfront usage.
• A unit may have a campsite waterfront and use Tomahawk’s boats and canoes if they comply with the rules of Safety Afloat and Safe Swim Defense.
• All personal boats must be launched from a public boat launch.
• These same policies apply for any personal watercraft beached at Tomahawk. As a special aside, personal jet skis are not allowed at camp.
• Units that want to bring a motor boat must inform camp at least 2 weeks before arrival. Troops may park the boat at their campsite, but some larger boats may require mooring off shore due to the depth of the lake.

Alcohol, THC, Tobacco, and other Drugs

Alcohol and THC-infused drinks or food items are not to be consumed at camp. Leaders should be of sound mind and body while at camp and not under the influence of alcohol or any other substances. Tobacco, marijuana, and vaping products are not allowed to be used on Northern Star Scouting Properties. Leaders can only use tobacco products off camp property.

The only drugs allowed on camp are those prescribed by your doctor. Recreational marijuana and any other legalized drugs are not allowed on camp property.

Bikes

Adult leaders and Scouts can bring bikes to camp, though hiking still remains the encouraged general method of transportation at Tomahawk. All program areas within a camp can be reached on foot. Those who choose to use their own bikes to get to the more distant parts of Tomahawk, such as Logging Camp, must agree to follow Tomahawk’s bike safety policies. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in the loss of riding privileges. Bike riders must follow all traffic regulations:

• Only big tire bikes are allowed. Tomahawk's roads are not friendly to narrow-tire bikes.
• Industry-approved helmets MUST be worn at all times.
• Ride on the right side of the road
• Stop for stop signs
• Ride only on roads or approved trails
• Do not exceed speed limits
• Bikes must be parked upright in designated areas or out of normal traffic paths
• Bikes must be ridden in a responsible manner

Campsite Improvements

Any permanent improvement to your campsite must be approved by the Tomahawk Director or Camp Ranger. No permanent benches, platforms, docks, or other structures may be built without pre-approval. Please keep Tomahawk rustic!

Cell Phones

Phones can be a great way to enhance an outdoor Scouting experience, but they can be a challenge to manage. At Tomahawk, phones are only to be used by adults or youth under the supervision of an adult. Please inform parents not attending camp of your own unit's phone policy before you attend camp. Phones can have some positive benefits to youth at camp, but in many cases, they can cause more issues and are not worth the hassle for troops and crews to manage.

Fire Safety

Camp is a great place to teach Scouts fire safety. Each unit should complete and use the Unit Fireguard Chart. These will be provided at camp. Fires must always be attended and your campsite fire barrel should be filled with water so ample water supply is quickly available in the case that a fire begins to spread or get out of control.

Conserve firewood by using small fires or troop-supplied gas stoves under adult supervision. Large campfires are a waste of resources and a camping practice that creates relationship problems when Scouts repeat the practice in State and National Parks. Never leave a fire unattended. Wisconsin State Law prohibits transporting firewood into camp.

Fishing

Anyone over the age of 16 must acquire a Wisconsin fishing license. These can be purchased online or at a nearby gas station.

Wisconsin DNR - Fishing Licenses Rules

Leave No Trace

Tomahawk Scout Camp has been used and enjoyed by Scouts for many years. This year, thousands of Scouts and leaders will pass through the camp gates. This amount of traffic can have a negative impact on the soil, forest, and wildlife. As caretakers of this property, we ask that you be aware of your impact on the land so future generations can enjoy our camp.

Upon arrival at your campsite, hike the entire site before setting up camp. Select patrol sites that have not been used the previous week. Your camp commissioner may have closed a patrol site for conservation. Please do not camp in patrol sites closed for conservation.

Please dispose of all litter in the proper manner. Tomahawk will recycle aluminum cans, glass, plastic, cardboard and must pay for garbage removal. It is everybody’s job to keep Tomahawk litter-free.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Scouts are expected to be and stay in their campsite after the evening programs end.

Things to Leave at Home

Campers should not bring these things to camp:

• Fireworks of any kind
• Pets
• Alcoholic beverages, THC, marijuana, or any illegal drugs
• Personal firearms (for example, rifles, hand guns, bows, sling shots, ammo)
• Sheath knives/fixed blade knives

Vehicles and Driving In Camp

Camp Speed Limit

The camp speed limit is 15 MPH. When you are in a subcamp, you should be going even slower to ensure the safety of everyone.

Passengers

All passengers must wear seat belts. No one can ride in the back of pickup trucks or anywhere else in a vehicle not designed for passengers.

Parking

Vehicles should be parked in designated parking areas. There is absolutely no parking inside campsites. Loading and unloading at the campsite is allowed, but we ask that vehicles are moved back to a parking area immediately after. If someone in your troop or crew needs a special accommodation, a vehicle may be parked at the campsite and be used to transport that individual around camp. Please mention your need at check-in to receive a special use permit to park at your campsite.