Welcome To Patriot Days
Policies
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.
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. Please do not border your campsite with rope or any other physical boundary. 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.
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.
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.
Emergency Contact during Patriot Days - The Patriot Days number (610) 775-3725 will be answered during the weekend.
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.
First Aid - Qualified medical personnel will be on duty through the weekend. Emergency ambulance service is available close-by. If hospital transport is required the camper, if he be a minor, 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.
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 prohibitive 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.
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 may 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.
At taps each group leader must conduct a site check to see that all campers are in their own tents. This check must be made prior to departure for any leaders' meeting.
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.)
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.
Religious Services - The details concerning times and places will appear on the schedule that you will receive at check-in.
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.
Shelter - Use only tents for shelter. No camper trailers, travel trailers, or mobile homes are permitted on the Homestead.
Snack Items - The Encampment Committee offers concession area located at Novelties Shed. Profits offset the cost of operating the Encampment.
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
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.
T-shirts - A limited number of Encampment T-shirts from this as well as prior years are available for sale. Supplies run-out quickly.
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.
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.
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.
