Summer Camp: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Travel

• How far is the camp from I-77?

The camp is five miles west of I-77.

• We plan to arrive in a tour bus, where should we go?

Upon arrival, go through the front gates and bear to the right. Travel down this road and you will see a sign guiding you to the Vaughn Dining Hall. The parking lot here is large enough to turn buses around in and to unload gear.

• Due to travel and or other circumstances would our troop be able to arrive on Saturday evening?

Yes, troops can arrive early. Please notify us of your plans at least two weeks prior to your arrival.

• What is the closest hotel/motel?

The Best Western at Brintle’s Truck Stop located at I-77 and Highway 89 is the closest.

• Where is the closest hospital?

The Northern Hospital of Surry County is located in Mount Airy approximately 17 miles away.

• Where is the closest Wal-Mart?

The nearest Wal-Mart is located on Rockford Street (Highway 601) in Mount Airy.

• What is available in Mount Airy?

The city of Mount Airy has a lot to offer. There are great restaurants and a welcoming Main Street. There is a well done Museum and plenty of Mayberry theme gift shops. Mount Airy is also home to the North Carolina Granite Quarry, the largest open-faced granite quarry in the world. Also, no trip to Mount Airy is complete without a visit to Robby’s Sales (if they don’t have it, you don’t need it) and the Snappy Lunch (their pork chop sandwich is legendary) both located on Main Street.

• Where can our leaders play golf?

There are several golf courses in Surry County. Pine Ridge Classic is the closest course, about ten miles away.

Registration

• How do I add a Scout to our Troops registration?

Once a troop has submitted their preliminary unit count, which is due by March 15th, to add a new Scout you will need to send an email to registration@ravenknob.com to get clearance to add the Scout. We do this to make sure that we do not overbook a given week. Units registering online will be able to add more scouts when their unit count has been updated by the office staff.

• How do I change a Scout’s schedule?

To change a Scout’s schedule once it has been submitted please forward an email to registration@ravenknob.com with the update and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

• What is the significance of the three digit codes for each merit badge session?

The first digit signifies which area of camp the badge is offered in.
The second digit signifies the level of difficulty of the merit badge.
The third digit signifies the period of instruction when instruction of the badge begins.
Using these codes will help leaders in planning out a Scouts selection of merit badges and activities.

• Does Camp Raven Knob issue blue cards for merit badges?

Our camp will issue an advancement summary to each troop at weeks end. If your council requires blue cards, please bring enough for your unit to camp and stop by the Administration Building during the week. We have resources that can assist with filling out these blue cards.

• Our troop has a Scout that needs financial assistance, does the camp offer such?

Limited camperships are available to Scouts from the Old Hickory Council.

• Are camperships available to out of council Scouts?

Unfortunately not, they are only available to Scouts from the Old Hickory Council.

• Our troop has a leader who will only be in camp for half a week. What will his fee be?

We will pro-rate the fees for leaders who attend for only part of the week. These fees will need to taken care of in the Business Office upon arrival in camp. The pro-rated amount does not include a patch or T-shirt.

• My son had to leave camp early because of sickness or family emergency. Does he get a refund?

In most cases if a Scout has to leave camp because of illness or a family emergency, he will be given a voucher that will allow him to return to camp at a later date to finish his week.

• What are the dates of operation for 2010?

We strive to work with school calendars across the area and to make the camp available to all of our Scouts as best we can. The start dates for Boy Scout Resident Camp will be as follows:
Week 1 June 20
Week 2 June 27
Week 3 July 4
Week 4 July 11
Week 5 July 18
Week 6 July 25
Week 7 August 1

• How do adult leaders register for programs like BSA Lifeguard or other training?

There is no formal pre-registration for adults. They simply report to the designated area at the appropriate time. These opportunities are discussed in the Leaders Guide and at the leader meetings during the week.

Facilities

• What type of tents does Raven Knob use?

We use the standard green BSA wide wall canvas tent. Our tents will have either a wooden platform or concrete floor.  Each tent is equipped with two spring beds with mattresses.

• How many people can sleep in an Adirondack?

  Each Adirondack has six built in bunks with mattresses. Additional beds may be added on a limited basis. Youth and adults do not share Adirondacks.

• Does our campsite have a picnic shelter and tables?

Most every campsite has a picnic shelter. The few that do not yet have a permanent shelter will have free standing tarps.  Every campsite will have at least one picnic table.

• Does the camp supply lanterns?

We do not generally supply lanterns for troops to use in their campsites.

• Does your camp have a mosquito problem?

No, we have very little problem with mosquitoes.

• How long does it take to walk to the Dining Hall from the further out campsites?

In most cases it is no more than about 15 minutes.

• Will my cell phone work from camp?

Coverage will vary based upon equipment and wireless network providers, however most cell phones work fairly well.  The area around the front gate seems to have the best reception. Reportedly, Carolina West and Verizon appear to have the best overall performance. Each unit is also issued an alphanumeric pager for reliable contact.

• Where does the wireless internet work?

The camp provides free WiFi for leaders that need to stay connected. Reliable reception can be found in a majority of the common areas throughout camp, including the Administration Building, Program Center, Trading Post and Log Cabin.

• Does the camp have a safe to store valuables in?

Yes, items can be checked at the business office and picked up during regular operating hours.

Program

• Are Class A uniforms required at meals?

Troops are encouraged to wear Class A for the evening meal.

• How cold is the lake where the Scout’s swim?

Unlike some high mountain lakes, Lake Sobotta is cool but not alarmingly cold. The temperature will vary depending on the weather and the time of day.

• Do Scouts in the Raven Scout program go on an overnighter?

No, they do not.

• Do Scouts going on the Camping merit badge overnighter need to bring a tent?

Yes, they do need to bring a backpacking tent.

• Can O.A. candidates from other lodges be tapped out during the Wednesday night ceremony?

Yes. Please bring a letter on Lodge letterhead from your Lodge Key 3 confirming the names of the candidates to be tapped. This letter should be delivered in person to the Wahissa Lodge Chief no later than Tuesday afternoon. More details will be covered at the Sunday night leaders meeting.

Yes they can if they are members of the Wahissa Lodge.

• Do our leaders need to accompany our Scouts who go to RAMPAGE?

Leaders are welcome to go to the Rampage site and to participate as they wish in the activities; however they are not required to attend. We have a seasoned staff on hand to work with the participants.

• Can I bring my electronics like my laptop, iPod, or cell phone?

We do not encourage Scouts to bring such items to camp. Spending the week in camp is a great opportunity to make new friends and learn new skills. Electronics can be a distraction to the wonder that surrounds us while at camp. Please note that Camp Raven Knob is not responsible for such personal items be they lost, stolen or damaged.

• How much money should my son bring to camp?

This varies from Scout to Scout and family to family. All program fees are collected by the camp office during the pre-registration period, however the camp does have a well-equipped Trading Post offering snacks, forgotten items, and scouting related novelties. Most boys bring $30.00 - $50.00.  The Trading Post does accept credit cards and debit cards.  

• What training opportunities are available for Adult leaders attending camp?

A complete listing of training opportunities can be found on our website, www.ravenknob.com

Family Night

• How does a troop reserve a program shelter for Wednesday night?

Scoutmasters upon arrival into camp can contact the area directors where the shelters are located to reserve them.

• Can pizza be delivered to camp?

Yes, both Papa Johns and Dominoes will deliver with a $50.00 minimum order.

Special Needs

• Where can I keep medications in our campsite?

Each campsite has a secured lock box at the picnic shelter or the bulletin board.  Troops should bring their own padlock.

• We have a Scout who has a special diet, how can you help?

Our camp will be glad to assist as best we can.  Scouts may bring supplemental foods as need be. These can be stored in the Dining Hall.  There will be a cereal bar each morning for breakfast and a salad bar for lunch and dinner each day in addition to the regular menu.  Leaders should be aware of dietary needs and how to work with our staff on such situations.

• We have a leader who needs power for a C-pack machine. Is power available in our site?

We have a limited number of sites with power or access to power. Leaders who have a battery pack for their C-pack machines are encouraged to bring such.

• We need a golf cart to transport a disabled leader or Scout, does the camp have any available?

Unfortunately we do not have any golf carts on hand.  We do have names of local businesses that rent them. Individuals may bring one from home if needed and if available.  If a golf cart is not available, a disabled leader or Scout may be transported in a leader’s vehicle.