Camp Freeland Leslie

Information for Parents

If you've decided to send your son off to camp, or if you're thinking about sending him, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns.  These pages are designed to address at least some of these, and to help you find resources to prepare for the summer.  The most important of these resources is your Scout's unit leadership.  Each unit receives a leaders' guide which outlines all of CFL's program, policies and key personnel.  Be sure to talk to your son's leaders for information about the troop's plans for the summer.

If there are concerns the troop can't address, please do not hesitate to contact me--contact information is below.

ABOUT CAMP FREELAND LESLIE

Campers stay in a campsite with their home troop, where they not only sleep but work together to carry out daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. Scouts are responsible for keeping their eating area and gear clean and for keeping their personal gear in order. Camp commissioners work with each unit to ensure that it meets health and safety standards and to help plan programs for the troop.

During the day, staff members work with the Scouts to help them earn merit badges and other awards, work towards rank advancement, and explore other opportunities such as hikes and games. Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, said, “Scouting is a game with a purpose,” and at CFL, we make sure every program we offer is exciting, challenging, fun, and educational.

Camp facilities include a shower house built in 2006, a qualified Health Officer on duty at all times, a well-stocked trading post, a new Nature pavilion, an observation deck overlooking the waterfront, a human Foosball Court, and a new dinning shelter built in 2009. You can view photos & learn more about the camp on the Program & Program Areas of this website.

MEDICATION NOTE: All medication brought to camp MUST be in the original container and the unit leader must be informed. While your Scout is at camp, medications will be kept at the Health Lodge and dispensed from there. Exceptions include emergency
medications such as inhalers or Epi-Pens, which Scouts may carry with them. The new BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (#34605) signed by a licensed medical practitioner within the last year is required. The old Class 1-2-3 forms can no longer be
accepted. Please keep a copy of this form for your records, Wisconsin state law requires us to keep the form on file at camp so it will not be returned. Exceptions include emergency medications such as inhalers or Epi-Pens, which Scouts may carry with them.

WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO BEFORE CAMP? Talk to your troop leaders about camp fees. They will know when they are due and will be able to inform you. Your son will also need a physical examination before camp and must bring a completed medical form. We also recommend that Scouts attend at least a few troop camping outings before summer camp.

WHAT SHOULD MY SON BRING? A detailed packing list is included in the Leader’s Guide that your unit will receive. Ask your troop leaders for a copy. The Scout Handbook also contains a packing list for long-term camping. In general, he will need the same equipment as on a typical weekend campout, but also enough clothing to last the week. Please do not send electronics or games, because Scouts who are busy playing with toys from home will miss out on the fun at camp!

WHAT WILL MY SON DO AT CAMP? A typical daily schedule is:

7:00 Wake up and begin cooking
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Merit Badges and activities - Program areas open
12:00 Lunch and rest hour
2:00 Merit Badges and activities - Program areas open

4:50 Program areas close
6:00 Dinner

7:00 Evening activities & program / Open area time
8:30/9:00 Program areas close

10:00 Bed

Daily activities include swimming, boating, hiking, nature study, outdoor skills, target shooting, archery, and other outdoor fun.
Each troop’s program is unique and based on the needs of its Scouts. For more details about your troop’s program, ask your unit leader.

CAN I VISIT MY SON AT CAMP?
Absolutely! Many parents come to camp Friday night for our weekly pig roast and camp wide event, and then drive home with their sons on Saturday. This is the ideal time to visit. Whatever your plans, please call the camp office at least a day before you arrive so that we know to expect you. Please bring a tent if you plan to stay overnight in our family camp area, or make other arrangements.

WHAT WILL MY SON LEARN AT CAMP?
Scouts at CFL learn many specific skills, like knife safety, swimming, or cooking. However, the most valuable things they learn are not part of any class. At our patrol-method camp, they will work together with a team of about eight boys to prepare and eat most of their meals, participate in events, and compete in games. Each boy will have leadership opportunities and sharpen his interpersonal skills. Also, many of the Scouts who come to camp are leaving home for the first time. This experience will make them stronger, more independent people with the ability and initiative to do things for themselves.

CAN I SEND MAIL? Letters and packages received at camp are always treasured.