Summer Camp July 2008 Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Davis Mountains in West Texas, this 9,320-acre ranch is one of America’s premier High-Adventure council camps. The camp is nationally recognized and fully accredited by the Boy Scouts of America. In operation since 1947, this beautiful ranch has met the needs of Scouts, Scouters, and their families for over 50 years.

Millions of years ago, volcanic activity sent the Davis Mountains 6500+ feet above sea level. Erosion of the calderas left the rocky peaks 2000 feet above the valley floors. The igneous rocks formed some of the most beautiful canyons, highest peaks, and tallest cliffs in Texas. Tall century plants, Spanish dagger, pinion pine, juniper, big tooth maple, yucca plants, cacti, and all kinds of wildlife fill the valleys and peaks of this beautiful ranch.

Opportunities abound for the newest Scout and the oldest Scout. Quality advancement, nature study, backpacking programs, horseback riding, rifle and archery, swimming and lifesaving name just a few of the exciting programs possible at the ranch.

Youth Camp Policies for Adults

On April 16, 2006, the state of Texas passed into law new regulations that affect the Texas Youth Camps Safety and Health Act. These new laws affect all licensed youth camps in the state of Texas, including Boy Scout summer camps and Cub Scout day camps. As a result, there is a change of policy for all leaders and adults attending any of the Buffalo Trail Council Camps this summer (BTSR, HAB, Thomas, or District Day Camps). This does not include Son & Me, weekend camping trips for units, or HAB Aquatic weekends.

The following is a synopsis of the new laws in place that affect summer camp operation:

The camp management shall have on file a record of any criminal conviction for all adult staff members and all adult volunteers working at the camp. (This includes adult leaders and parents attending camp with their Pack, Troop, or Crew as participants.)
Records of criminal convictions and sex offender status may be obtained by an annual criminal background check and by performing an annual background check using a Sex Offender Registration database for each staff member's permanent residence and educational residence.
Effective June 1, 2006, a youth camp licensee may not employ or accept the volunteer service of an individual for a position involving contact with campers at a youth camp unless youth camp has on file documentation that verifies the individual has successfully completed the training and examination program required by this subsection. (This includes adult leaders and parents attending camp with their Pack, Troop, or Crew as participants.)

As a result of these changes to Texas law, the following policies shall now be in affect for all adults coming as participants to Buffalo Trail Council Camps this summer, whether as an adult camper or adult staff member.

A. All adults coming to participate at Buffalo Trail Council Camps MUST be registered with the Boy Scouts of America. No exceptions. (Since registration with the BSA requires a criminal background check, this covers new rule # 1.)

B. All adults coming to camp must submit to and show the results of a background check through the Sex Offender Registration database. (This is done through a website and is conducted without charge. This covers rule change # 2.)

C. All adults must show completion of the BSA ONLINE Youth Protection Training, with a date on the card showing April 16, 2006 or beyond. (This is the only approved course acceptable for showing compliance to rule #3.) All courses must be approved by the state, and this is the one that has been submitted for approval. NO OTHER YOUTH PROTECTION CLASSES TAKEN PRIOR TO APRIL 16TH CAN BE ACCEPTED. ONLY BSA ONLINE YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING TAKEN AFTER APRIL 16TH CAN BE ACCEPTED. (MUST BE COMPLETED ANNUALLY!)

As an aid in complying with these new rules, the Buffalo Trail Council has put together an application that MUST be completed by EVERY adult coming to camp this summer. The only exception to this rule is a person that comes to camp as a visitor, does not stay overnight, and stays no longer than half a day. Beyond that, ALL adults at camp (whether it is one day or all week) must complete this form and the steps indicated.

This can be assigned as a duty to a unit leader. That person can collect the forms, conduct the background check in the Sex Offender Registration database, collect YPT certification cards, and obtain a BSA copy of the unit roster showing all adults as registered in the Pack, Troop or Crew. This packet must then be submitted to camp management immediately upon arrival to camp.

More Information/Application Form

An information sheets and Adult Leader Application for Camp is available via this PDF document.

It has also been loaded to the troops Forms Page