Announcements  -

 

Will be posted at Encampment headquarters. Schedule updates, place changes, and other information will be posted.

Leaders' Meetings -  Adult leaders' meetings will be conducted at the lower macadamized area (Area A) Friday and Saturday evenings. Check your schedule for times. Only one leader from each unit should attend this meeting. One adult leader must remain with your unit.

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Campsite Maintenance -  

 

Each group must camp only in the area assigned to that group. No tents, pegs, lines or other items may cross the site boundary lines. No encroachments may be made on the company streets. No trees or shrubs may be damaged or disturbed for any reason. No holes may be dug. The site must be left in as good as or better condition than that in which it was found. It is prohibited to border your campsite with rope, string, or caution tape due to safety issues. It is acceptable to use flour or corn meal to border your campsite. It is your responsibility to maintain site boundary markers and identification numbers.

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Campsite Competion -

 

Leaders must identify their tents, even if not in competition. We ask that each group leader identify his or her tent with the designation "LEADER" in any convenient manner (for example: hanging sign, painted on tent, etc.). This will facilitate both the judging and security functions of the Encampment. (If you are in campsite competition you will lose points if you do not adhere to this rule.)    Campsite Competition. Campsite competition participants will compete for the following: Best Campsite:

* 1st * 2nd * 3rd places  Co-ed units, unless mostly young campers, will be placed in the girl or boy category based on majority makeup of their registration. No prior registration is necessary. We are planning to inspect all campsites. If you prefer not to compete in campsite competition, an adult leader from your group should communicate your desire to an inspecting official. We assume that all units camp in basically the same manner and we judge accordingly. Units are only penalized when their campsite does not meet generally accepted standards. (We recognize that different standards exist between girl and boy camping and adjustments are made accordingly.)   Your campsite may be judged several times during the day on Saturday and in the late evening in the case of a tie. We look at how you arrange, present, and organize your campsite. We do the same with your kitchen area. We look at how safety-conscious you are, including preparation for accidents and fires. We look at how you care for your unit equipment. We look at how you care for and organize your personal equipment. We look for cleanliness. At mealtime we look for general punctuality, organization, safety, and cleanliness. Make sure that you identify your campsite and respect your boundaries. Your campsite may be inspected more than once, by different judges, in each inspection. So expect that different judges may ask you the same question more than once. To ensure that inspection procedures run smoothly, do not hamper the judges' work. Judges have been instructed not to show their score sheets or discuss scoring with the units during the course of inspection; you may study your score sheets after check-out. 

 

Gateway Competition -

 

Campsite entrance gateways will be considered for the following awards: Best Gateway:   *1st place * 2nd place * 3rd place Rope Bridges may not exceed a height of 5 feet at their highest point. Structures (towers or gateways) over the height of 15 feet are not permitted. Structure platforms may not exceed the height of 10 feet. Gateway judges are looking for originality and good workmanship. We feel that it is important that gateways are homemade and constructed as much as possible by your campers; it is their gateway. Please remember that a standard-sized campsite measures 50' X 50.' Your gateway, including guidelines, should not extend beyond the boundaries of one campsite, regardless whether your campsite extends longer than 50.' The size of your gateway is not a consideration in judging. All gateways should be constructed in a safe manner. If your gateway is designed for climbing or similar activity, operation of such activities must be strictly supervised at all times by an adult leader. We reserve the right to restrict such use if we deem it necessary.

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Cooking -

 

We prefer that cooking be done on charcoal burning stoves that do not touch the ground. If you choose to use propane stoves, they must be operated only under direct adult supervision. (This factor will also be taken into consideration by judges.) Kitchen/Cooking units which can be defined as trailers are not permitted.

Generators - Electrical generators should not be used at Patriot Days.

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Cooking Contest -  

 

Each year we feature a different theme, and have included in the past: pasta, natural desserts, hot dogs, Colonial foods, and many others. Surprise us with your original creation. Just follow these rules: 1. You must use charcoal to cook. 2. You must prepare in your camp site. 3. Your campers (no adults !!) must do all of the work. 4. Bring your entry to the judges at the lower lot on Saturday at 6 P.M. 5. Bring your recipe (with unit ID) Judging Criteria: PREPARATION - PRESENTATION - TASTE No prior registration is necessary. Use your imagination and HAVE FUN ! **ALL FOOD MUST BE COOKED FULLY IN ORDER FOR THE JUDGES TO TASTE TEST SAFELY**

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Chop Contest - 

 

Is a relatively new event. It was intended only for the youths, but the adults wanted in, so this year, we are presenting an award for best Adult Chop (medals) and Youth Chop (24 " ribbon). Sign up sheet is in the Registration tent by the lower parking lot. At 9am Saturday morning, campers will pick up the mystery bag/basket at the novelties shed.  Participants may use other ingredients other than what's given, but all ingredients in the bag must be used.  They have all day to prepare a fully cooked dish to present to the judges, along with a written recipe. Drop off will be at the novelties shed at 6pm. **ALL FOOD MUST BE COOKED FULLY IN ORDER FOR THE JUDGES TO TASTE TEST SAFELY**

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Dress Code -

 

Each Encampment participant is expected to dress appropriately for camping, which could include group uniforms, T-shirts, hats with visors to protect from the sun, sneakers, and other casual gear. Dress that would be more appropriate for lounging at a swimming pool is not encouraged for Patriot Days. Note that the Homestead is open to visitors through much of the weekend. If your unit is in competition you group appearance directly influences your score for appearance. We suggest All campers should wear proper foot gear at all times.

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Contact Phone Number Patriot Days Encampment Committee  -

 

This number 484-877-7206 will be for all questions, concerns, and comments at any time. 

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Event Staff -

 

Patriot Days staff members will be identified with special t-shirts. Feel free to approach them with any questions, information, comments, or problems.

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First Aid -

 

Qualified medical personnel will be on duty throughout the weekend. Emergency ambulance service is available close-by. If a hospital transport is required for the camper, if the camper is a minor, the camper must be accompanied by an adult from the camper's group. Any fees relating to hospital transport are the responsibility of the patient and billed directly by the ambulance association on duty. Be sure to bring a plentiful supply of sunscreen and beware of ticks during the weekend.

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First Aid Challenge -

 

Polish up those first aid skills if you plan to compete. Challenge participants should form 4 person rescue teams and come with supplies for the challenge, such as: blanket, triangular bandages, gauze pads, short & medium wood splints. Each team will be given 5 minutes to react, treat and handle the emergency. Three to 5 minutes will be provided if an education explanation (feedback) is needed. The group will then move on to the next scene. Sign up on Friday night at the Settlement tent. Judges must be certified in First Aid by the American Red Cross or National Safety Council or Basic Life Support or an Emergency Medical Technician. There is no need to pre-register this year. The event will take place near the First Aid station. Ribbons are giving to the      * 1st place * 2nd place as rewards. 

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INSURANCE

In today’s world the subject of insurance has become more and more a concern in our lives. You should know that Patriot Days is a non-profit corporation and is not affiliated with, nor sponsored by, any Scouting organization, government agency, or any other group. We do not carry accident, medical or life insurance on participants or staff, as any effort to do so would be cost restrictive and eliminate our ability to hold Patriot Days. You should be familiar with the rules of your parent organization and with the coverage provided by your own insurance policies as they relate to your activities that are not sponsored by your parent organization.

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LEADERSHIP - 

 

Each group must be under control of its own adult leaders throughout the weekend. We require that at least two adults (leaders, as defined by the rules of your organization) camp with your unit throughout the weekend; an adequate number of adult leaders for the size of your unit must be present. In an undertaking as large as this Encampment it is not possible for Encampment officials to constantly monitor each group. For this reason the group leader is responsible for his or her group and their actions. In case of any extreme misconduct, the group responsible, will be ordered to leave the Encampment. To avoid this possibility each group leader must assume personal control of his or her group at all times.

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At taps each group leader must conduct a site check to see that all campers are in their own tents.  Leaders must identify their tents, even if not in competition. We ask that each group leader identify his or her tent with the designation "LEADER" in any convenient manner (for example: hanging sign, painted on tent, etc.). This will allow both the judging and security functions of the Encampment to help find the leaders tent if there would be a emergency. (If you are in campsite competition you will lose points if you do not adhere to this rule.)

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Patches -

 

Each weekend camper will receive one patch in return for his or her registration fee. A limited number of patches from past Encampments will be for sale. Current year patches may be sold after final registration needs are determined.

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Religious Services -  

 

The details concerning times and places will appear on the schedule that you will receive at check-in.

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Security -

 

An adult security force is on around-the-clock duty throughout the weekend. Approach them if any problem arises.

Individuals must not patrol the Encampment after hours.

Security issues after hours should be reported to the night security tent behind headquarters.

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Shelter -  

 

Use only tents for shelter. No camper trailers, travel trailers, or mobile homes are permitted on the Homestead.

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Snack Items -  

 

The Encampment Committee offers concession area located at Novelties Shed. Profits offset the cost of operating the Encampment.

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Surveys -

 

We distribute survey forms which we encourage you to fill out with your opinions of the Encampment. Return your form to us at Check-out as you receive your patches. There is no need to identify yourself on these forms

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Supplies -

 

Milk, bread, charcoal, Ice and other supplies are available by vehicle a few miles away on Route 422 West toward Reading. Stores within 10 minute drive include Walmart, Giant Markets, Redners Markets, Home Depot, and Lowes among others.

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T-shirts - 

 

Encampment T-shirts will be only be available online only. However prior years are available for sale weekend of camp. 

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Unusual Weather -

 

Patriot Days is held rain or shine. We watch weather forecasts closely throughout the weekend. Activities run by Encampment staff are held “weather permitting.” All activities and events by outside volunteers are held according to their best judgment. In case of a severe weather forecast or weather events during the weekend, procedures for check-in, traffic, and check-out will change. Consult our website for special instructions in the event of severe weather forecast. We have adjusted parking arrangements in the past. Note that there are no structures at the Homestead that are capable of sheltering all of the people who come to Patriot Days. You should make severe weather plans for your own group before you come to Patriot Days. Parking areas are within at most 15 minute walking distance.

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Water -

 

Water taps are located at designated spots in the Encampment. Use these taps only to fill containers. No washing of campers or dishes is permitted at the water taps. Do not run water on the ground; consider those who must use the tap after you. Please bring full water containers with you to avoid taxing the water supply.

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Waste Disposal -

 

 Waste water disposal holes are located along the perimeter of the Encampment. Use these holes only for waste dish water and other wash water.

Place garbage and trash in plastic bags and dispose in containers placed throughout the Encampment. (In fact, costs for the Encampment could be kept to a minimum if you are able to carry your trash home with you.)

Charcoal, when dead out, should be placed in specially marked containers; do not dump on the ground, in waste water disposal holes, or in the dumpsters. Broken equipment should not be left behind at the Homestead.

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