Camp Use Policy

CAMP OSBORN AND CAMP PATTEN

1. Purpose and scope

This policy applies to approved visitors, events, and activities at Camp Osborn and Camp Patten. Camp Osborn is an 850-acre Scout camp available to Scouting and non-Scouting groups. Camp Patten is a 184-acre South Georgia Council camp in Lakeland, Georgia, with camping and Scout activity areas, land bordering the Alapaha River, the Ben Copeland Conference Center, and the Vulcan Pavilion. This policy supplements, and does not replace, current Scouting America, South Georgia Council, law, and permit requirements.

2. Reservations and access

• Groups must reserve the camp and receive written approval before arriving.
• The reservation must identify the responsible adult leader, group size, dates, requested campsites and facilities, planned activities, food service, vehicles, and any special equipment or setup.
• Use only the areas and facilities approved for the reservation. At Camp Patten, the conference center, pavilion, kitchens, showers, staff quarters, storage spaces, and river-access areas may have separate approval or access requirements.
• Follow check-in, access, parking, and departure instructions from the Camp Ranger at Camp Osborn or the Camp Caretaker at Camp Patten.
• The Council may limit or suspend access because of weather, river conditions, fire danger, maintenance, wildlife concerns, unsafe conditions, or other operational needs.

3. Supervision and conduct

• The group leader is responsible for the conduct, safety, and supervision of all participants and visitors.
• Youth activities must follow current Scouting America rules and standards that apply to the activity, including applicable supervision, training, and youth-protection requirements.
• Participants must follow instructions from the Camp Ranger or Camp Caretaker and Council staff.
• Harassment, discrimination, disorderly conduct, and behavior that creates an unsafe environment are prohibited.
• Keep noise at a level that respects other camp users and nearby properties; observe any quiet hours provided with the reservation.

4. Activities and safety

• Hiking, nature programs, water activities, shooting sports, and other specialized activities require advance approval and must follow current Council and Scouting America requirements.
• No participant may use shooting-sports equipment, enter a shooting range, or participate in a water activity unless the activity has been approved and is operated by qualified, authorized personnel.
• Do not bring or use firearms, archery equipment, motorized recreational vehicles, drones, or other restricted equipment without written approval.
• The group leader must brief participants on site-specific hazards, emergency procedures, and restricted areas.
• Report injuries, missing persons, fires, property damage, and other emergencies promptly to the Camp Ranger at Camp Osborn, the Camp Caretaker at Camp Patten, or emergency services, as appropriate.

5. Range and lake safety

• Use of the archery range, rifle range, or shotgun range is allowed only when an approved Range Safety Officer (RSO) is present and supervising the activity. This requirement applies at either camp.
• Any activity at the lake must have a certified lifeguard present and supervising the activity.

6. Camp Patten and property requirements

• River access and all water-related activities at Camp Patten require advance approval. Do not enter the water, launch a craft, or conduct an activity on or near the river without authorization.
• River conditions can change. Follow posted restrictions and staff directions, and keep participants away from unsafe banks and restricted areas.
• Access to the Ben Copeland Conference Center and Vulcan Pavilion must be included in the reservation. Follow Council instructions for keys, setup, capacity, equipment, and closing procedures.
• Use kitchens, appliances, audio-visual equipment, showers, and other building amenities only if approved and in accordance with posted instructions. Do not move equipment or furnishings or enter staff quarters or storage areas without authorization.
• Leave each building clean, secure, and ready for the next user, including food storage, trash removal, and equipment shutdown as instructed.
• Use only facilities included in the approved reservation. Do not move, modify, or remove Council property.
• Drive only on authorized roads and park in designated areas. Follow posted speed limits and staff directions.

7. Fire, wildlife, and conservation

• Use fires only in designated locations and only when permitted by the Camp Ranger or Camp Caretaker and current fire restrictions.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Fully extinguish it before leaving.
• Do not cut live trees, damage vegetation, disturb wildlife, or remove natural or historical objects.
• Pack out trash and food waste. Do not feed wildlife.
• Leave trails, campsites, river areas, and facilities clean and in good condition.

8. Food, alcohol, tobacco, and prohibited items

• Store and prepare food safely and leave kitchens or serving areas clean.
• Alcohol, illegal drugs, smoking, and vaping are prohibited unless the Council has expressly authorized an exception in writing and applicable law and Council policy permit it.
• Weapons and hazardous materials are prohibited unless specifically approved for an authorized activity.

9. Damage, enforcement and acknowledgment

• The group is responsible for cleanup and for promptly reporting damage or maintenance issues.
• The Council may charge the group for extraordinary cleaning, repairs, or replacement resulting from its use, consistent with the reservation terms.
• The Council or Camp Ranger/Camp Caretaker may end an activity or require a person or group to leave for violating this policy or creating an unsafe condition. The reservation holder is responsible for ensuring that all participants understand and follow the policy.

Camp Cancellation Policy

For reservations at Camp Osborn and Camp Patten 

1. Purpose and coverage

This policy applies to reservations and approved events at Camp Osborn and Camp Patten. It covers cancellations, date changes, refunds, and camp-initiated closures. The reservation confirmation and current South Georgia Council requirements also apply.

2. Cancellation by the reservation holder

The reservation holder must submit a cancellation request in writing to the Council using the contact method listed on the reservation confirmation. The cancellation date is the date the Council receives the request. Refund eligibility is based on the scheduled check-in date:

3. Date changes and transfers

A request to change dates must be submitted in writing and is subject to availability and Council approval. If approved, the Council may apply payments to the new dates and may adjust charges to the rates and terms in effect for those dates. A reservation may not be transferred to another group without written approval.

4. Cancellation or closure by the Council

The Council may cancel or close all or part of a camp because of severe weather, fire danger, unsafe conditions, facility issues, emergency response, or other operational needs. If the Council cancels the reservation or closes the reserved facilities before use, the reservation holder may choose a refund of camp-use fees paid for the affected period or a transfer of those fees to a new date, subject to availability. Nonrecoverable third-party costs will be handled as disclosed in the reservation confirmation.

If a closure occurs after a reservation begins, any refund or credit will be based on the unused portion of camp-use fees and the circumstances of the closure. The Council will communicate any available option to the reservation holder.

5. Weather and other circumstances

Rain or ordinary seasonal weather does not by itself qualify for a refund when the camp remains open and the reserved facilities are usable. The Council may restrict specific activities or areas for safety. A closure directed by the Council is handled under Section 4.

6. Refund processing and exceptions

Approved refunds will be returned to the original payment method when possible. Processing time depends on the payment provider. Any exception to this policy must be approved in writing by an authorized Council representative. The Council may update this policy; the version provided with the reservation confirmation will govern that reservation unless applicable law requires otherwise.

7. Council setup before adoption

Before publication, the Council should confirm the proposed refund schedule, define the reservation deposit and any nonrecoverable costs in the booking materials, and identify the written cancellation contact and refund processing timeframe.

The Council may charge the group for extraordinary cleaning, repairs, or replacement resulting from its use, consistent with the reservation terms.