Wwyd-cub Scout Camp & Special Needs

[RF536]

I am 1 of 2 den leaders for my DS8's wolf den, this summer we have signed up for him to attend resident camp with DH for 2 nights and 3 days. In our district our cub scout resident camp is for 2 nights and 3 days, and scouts attend with a parent, or with a den leader or other parent if that parent agrees to take responsiblity for him.
Now the problem, in my den we have a special needs boy who requires 1 on 1 attention, he is unable to follow directions or stay with a group without constant guidence from an adult. When the familles were signing up for resident camp, his dad signed him up for resident camp by himself, which means some one else needs to take responsiblity for him. His dad never asked any parents if they were willing to watch after his son, and the adults that this boy is familiar with will not be attending camp as our husbands are taking our sons. If a parent did agree to watch this boy, they would not be able to devote anytime to their own son, due to his need for constant supervision and redirection. Another problem would be that per the boy scout rules, boys are not allowed to share a tent with an unrelated adult, so that means that this boy and the son of the parent who took responsibility for him would have to share a tent without an adult.
All parents were told when signing up that the money was non-refundable, so what do we do now since this boy cannot attend without a parent, and they only reserved 1 slot for him.

 

[famofsix]

why didn't anyone tell dad he needed to sign up himself or another adult to supervise the scout?

Now it seems a little late. Can the dad still go?

 

[EthansMom]

I think that the family should be told that a parent must attend to assure the boy's safety. If no parent can attend, then you should refund their money.

ETA: I agree with the pp that appropriate supervision should have been verified for EACH child when the applications/money were accepted.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Tell the father that he must attend.

The father has to decide how important this is to him, and the father needs to take responsibility for his child.

 

[Uncle Remus]

I am 1 of 2 den leaders for my DS8's wolf den, this summer we have signed up for him to attend resident camp with DH for 2 nights and 3 days. In our district our cub scout resident camp is for 2 nights and 3 days, and scouts attend with a parent, or with a den leader or other parent if that parent agrees to take responsiblity for him.
Now the problem, in my den we have a special needs boy who requires 1 on 1 attention, he is unable to follow directions or stay with a group without constant guidence from an adult. When the familles were signing up for resident camp, his dad signed him up for resident camp by himself, which means some one else needs to take responsiblity for him. His dad never asked any parents if they were willing to watch after his son, and the adults that this boy is familiar with will not be attending camp as our husbands are taking our sons. If a parent did agree to watch this boy, they would not be able to devote anytime to their own son, due to his need for constant supervision and redirection. Another problem would be that per the boy scout rules, boys are not allowed to share a tent with an unrelated adult, so that means that this boy and the son of the parent who took responsibility for him would have to share a tent without an adult.
All parents were told when signing up that the money was non-refundable, so what do we do now since this boy cannot attend without a parent, and they only reserved 1 slot for him.

Ask that parent who you should list as responsible for his child.

 

[lisajl]

The parents need to be informed. They need to be told that there is no one available to give their son one-on-one attention. If they truly want him to go, they will find a way to go, too.
I am sure wherever you are camping they will make room for the dad.

Good luck!

Lisa

 

[Pumbaa_]

Ask that parent who you should list as responsible for his child.

Nice! great way to lob the issue back to the parent in a neutral way

 

[RF536]

I have to check with the council to see if we can add an adult to our reservation, and if the family has an adult that can attend with this boy. Families are told that the boys need to attend with a parent or have an adult who is willing to take responsibility for them before they sign up.

If I am not able to add a adult to the reservation, then I will see if I can get a refund under the circumstances. Unfortunately, the money is paid the the council, not the pack so we have not control over the funds.

 

[famofsix]

I am confused as to why the pack accepted the dad's money and sent it to council without figuring out how the scout would be supervised ahead of time

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Who dropped the ball and alllowed this boy to be registered without his parent?

That is my first question.

I would call the parent and camp and try and work it out.

 

[RF536]

We give a speech at the pack meeting before we allow anyone to sign up that explains the requirements, including the need for a parent to attend or to secure supervision for your child while at camp. We do not verify that each child who signs up has supervision, because we are signing a lot of people up at a time, and have to assume that they followed our directions regarding supervision for thier child/children.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

We give a speech at the pack meeting before we allow anyone to sign up that explains the requirements, including the need for a parent to attend or to secure supervision for your child while at camp. We do not verify that each child who signs up has supervision, because we are signing a lot of people up at a time, and have to assume that they followed our directions regarding supervision for thier child/children.

As a former GS leader of many yrs. you can't assume something like this.

So you dropped the ball here.

Call the parents and the camp and see if you can work it out.

 

[java]

have to assume that they followed our directions regarding supervision for thier child/children.

When you ASSUME.........

What's so hard about the person taking the sign up sheets to match up child with adult- a single reserve would be a warning that something it amiss.
Can the Dad sign up at this point to come along? If they are not meeting the requirements for attending I don't see how money would be non-refundable?

 

[N&B'smom]

I would have assumed as well that the parent of this child would know more than anyone else that he needs one on one attention and is HIS responsibility NOT someone else's. I'm shocked the Dad would sign the kid up to go alone.

I agree, you should see if an adult can be added to the reservation and then contact them and ask them which adult will be accompanying their child. If they cannot add someone then they need to be told that sadly he cannot attend and their money should be refunded.

 

[DebbieB]

I don't understand why the boy's parents would have signed him up alone without finding out who would attend to him. They would just send their special needs son off alone, assuming someone would take care of him? I would tell the family that they need to have an adult go with him or refund the money.

 

[Sandy321]

I have to check with the council to see if we can add an adult to our reservation, and if the family has an adult that can attend with this boy. Families are told that the boys need to attend with a parent or have an adult who is willing to take responsibility for them before they sign up.

If I am not able to add a adult to the reservation, then I will see if I can get a refund under the circumstances. Unfortunately, the money is paid the the council, not the pack so we have not control over the funds.

definately work with the council - the council needs to have plans to incorporate Special Needs kids in the program - I could go on - but its truly TMI for this thread - each council has their own unique leaders, and "rules"

and Rules can be bent -

but do know it wouldnt surprise me if the parents are 'clueless' many parents pick summer camp to take their kids off meds (to see how they do - and we didnt know they were on meds!) It just depends on the council - - it is a sensitive subject and needs to be addressed..

GL

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Just wanted to add OP...you are not the first person to make a mistake with camp. It happens.
So just try and work it out to the best of your ability.

My dd's last troop had a girl that was wheelchair bound and very special needs. Her mom was a co-leader though. It did take alot of work to get the camping situation worked out with council.

But they did go camping a few times. Things can be worked out.

 

[N&B'smom]

it wouldnt surprise me if the parents are 'clueless' many parents pick summer camp to take their kids off meds (to see how they do - and we didnt know they were on meds!)

That is NOT smart! Geez!!!!

 

[Uncle Remus]

I'm glad to see that special needs kids are incorporated into the mainstream programs now.

Many years ago I started a cub scout pack for special needs kids, we only had weekly meetings at their school to wear uniforms,
say the pledge of allegiance and do some activities that were fitted for that particular group. Those kids loved the Cub Scouts.

Oddly enough, years later, I wouldn't allow my child to participate in Boy Scouts, but that's another thread topic.

 

[RF536]

I agree that mistakes were made all around, but unfortunately this is a new situation for our pack, as this is the 1st special needs boy we have had. Yes, when the rules are followed the boy/cub scouts are very understanding of special needs and are willing to work with the boys. I am just surprised that this father signed his son up for camp without making sure there would be appropriate supervision for him. Plus, due to the boy scout rules this child is not allowed to share a tent with another adult, I would be afriad he would wonder off during the night, and what if he had to go to the bathroom during the night, the outhouses are a little bit of a walk from camp. This child is legally deaf, can hear but uses hearing aids in both ears, and is extremely ADHD, I think he also has very poor eyesight even with glasses, and I am not sure what else. He is unable to sit still in the den meeting without and adult right there constantly redirecting him and stopping him from wondering off. The other den leader and myself had to tell his parents that he needs to have an adult attend the den meetings with him, as we cannot devote the time neede to him, and supervise the other 6 boys in our den.