Hey there, Scouts and leaders!

Your friendly Pipsico Scout Camp Ranger here, pumped that you picked our woods and streams for your next adventure.

To keep the good times rolling safely and make sure every group after you finds the place even better, here are our camp policies—each with a fun “why” straight from Scout-spirit and smart camping know-how (Rule #1 is still the best one.):

1. Have fun! That’s the whole reason we’re all out here.
    
2. No vehicles in camp: Parking outside and hiking your gear in builds that classic Scout toughness, keeps trails safe for games and foot traffic, and protects the ground so it stays soft and green for everyone, and it keeps the trees healthy so they can give us the shade and protection we have come to love and rely upon.
    
3. No pets allowed: Our wild neighbors like deer, birds, and squirrels get to stay wild, and it prevents surprise messes, allergies, and scares so the whole crew can relax and focus on the fun.
    
4. No bullying: Scouting is built on kindness and respect—treating every Scout like a brother or sister makes friendships stronger and turns every campout into a place where everyone feels welcome.
    
5. No firearms: We’re here for the thrill of nature, knot-tying, campfire stories, and a whole lot more, not anything that could get in the way of safe, peaceful adventures everyone can enjoy together.
    
6. No alcoholic beverages: Clear heads keep everyone sharp for hikes, games, and late-night laughs, plus it helps us all make the safe choices that protect the whole group around water and fire, and in unplanned emergencies. We can’t help, protect, or mentor when we can’t think straight, can we?
    
7. Be conservation-minded: Following Leave No Trace keeps our property looking epic for the next hundred troops, teaches real stewardship, and lets future Scouts discover the same wild beauty you’re enjoying right now.
    
8. Take home good memories: Packing out everything you packed in is the golden camping rule—it leaves the site spotless, shows respect for the next crew, and guarantees you head home with only the best stories.
    
9. Obey the Scout Oath and Law: They’re your built-in compass for making solid choices, building character, and living honorably both in the woods and back home—exactly what makes Scouting awesome.
    
10. Fires only in designated areas: Staying in the fire rings keeps things controlled, stops accidental wildfires, and makes sure the next group finds a perfect circle ready for s’mores and tall tales.
     
11. If something breaks, report it right away: A quick heads-up lets us jump on fixes fast so no one misses out on the fun because of a wobbly picnic table or stuck water spigot.
     
12. Follow the Guide to Safe Scouting: It’s loaded with proven tips that turn every high-five activity into a zero-accident memory, so you can push your limits without the worry.
     
13. Follow the Youth Protection Guidance: Our Scouts are the heart of the program—keeping them safe builds trust, protects the future of Scouting, and lets every parent know their kid is in good hands.
     
14. Leave camp better than you found it: A quick sweep for stray wrappers or straightening a bench turns “good enough” into “wow, thank you!” and keeps the whole reservation looking sharp for every group that follows.

And when in doubt? Loop right back to Rule #1 and have fun doing the right thing!

Thanks for helping us keep Pipsico safe, clean, and beautiful. We can’t wait to hear the epic stories you’ll bring home.

Happy Scouting,

Ranger Evan

Hey there, Scouts and leaders!

Your friendly Pipsico Scout Camp Ranger, Evan, here—super pumped you’re rolling in for some top-notch outdoor adventure.

Here’s exactly how check-in works so everything runs smooth, safe, and fun from the first minute:

• Before you arrive: The weekend Campmaster will reach out to your unit to confirm your arrival particulars and reservation details. If you haven’t heard from us by the Wednesday before your arrival, give me a quick call or text (Ranger Evan). We may have just lost track of time tying the world’s longest friendship knot, helping a lost turtle find its way back to the creek, debating whether pinecones make good kindling, or building the ultimate marshmallow catapult prototype. We try and stay busy around here. That simple check-in keeps us both on the same page and guarantees your group starts the trip with zero stress.
   
• When you pull into camp: I (or the Campmaster) will meet you, check your group in, collect your completed participant roster, and address any last-minute needs so you can start setting up as quickly as possible.
   
• One non-negotiable: We absolutely must have a full attendance roster listing every single youth and adult in your group. It’s the Scout way to keep everyone accounted for, ready for any activity or emergency, and focused on the fun instead of wondering who’s where. No roster means we can’t complete check-in—bring it printed or on your phone, and we’ll knock this task out so y’all can get “in tents,” not “intense.” ;)

With that roster ready, the whole process is as quick as tying a bowline, and you’ll be pitching tents, exploring trails, and roasting marshmallows before you know it.

Thanks for helping us keep every campout safe and epic—can’t wait to welcome your group and hear the stories already brewing!

Happy Scouting,

Ranger Evan

Mobile: (540) 537-6305
Email: ranger@pipsicobsa.com

PS. If you choose to email me, please blast me a quick text message to let me know. Email is my kryptonite, but I’m working on it.

Hey there, Scouts and leaders!

Ranger Evan here. We hope you wrap up your AWESOME weekend at Pipsico Scout Reservation with the same energy you brought in.

Check-out time is your chance to shine as true stewards of the outdoors—leaving the place so spotless the next group thinks they’re the first ones here. Here’s how we make it smooth, quick, and full of that Scout spirit:

• Do a full “sweep and shine” of your campsite and any areas you used (latrines, trails, fire rings, program areas). Why? Following Leave No Trace and the Outdoor Code means the next troop finds the same wild beauty you enjoyed—no wrappers, no forgotten gear, no stray charcoal. It’s the Scout way of saying “thank you” to the land and to the groups coming after you.

• Pack out everything you packed in—trash, recycling, food scraps, even those tiny bits of foil from s’mores. Pro tip: A quick group trash patrol turns into a fun competition—who spots the most “hidden treasures”?

• “Winner gets” ideas, but the choice is truly yours…
  • to be crowned "Trash Titan" and wear the official epic pinecone crown (made on the spot) until they don't want to wear it anymore.
  • named "Ultimate Leave No Trace Legend" and gets their photo snapped with the cleanest site trophy (aka a perfectly polished rock).
  • to pick the first song for the next campfire—your choice, no vetoes (Scout rules apply)!
  • the honor of ringing the "Mission Accomplished" bell (or just yelling it really loud) so the whole camp knows you nailed it.
  • a secret handshake from Ranger Evan and eternal glory in the Pipsico Hall of Clean Campsites.
  • to challenge the next patrol to beat their record—trash pickup just became the new inter-patrol sport!
  • the golden pinecone award and the right to boast "I picked up more wrappers than…”

• Extinguish and clean your fire ring completely—no hot coals, no ash piles. Scatter the cold ashes if needed, and leave the ring ready for the next s’more session.
   
• Report any issues you noticed (broken picnic table, low on TP, etc.) before you roll out. We want to fix things fast so no one misses out on the fun.
   
• Once your site looks better than when you arrived, give us a heads-up—we’ll do a quick walk-through together, and/or send you off with high-fives and stories to tell.
   
• You’re not just checking out; you’re checking up—upholding the Scout Oath and Law by leaving camp better than you found it. That one extra effort keeps Pipsico safe, clean, and beautiful for every Scout who follows.

Thanks for an awesome stay—drive safe, keep those memories burning bright, and come back soon!

Happy Scouting,

Ranger Evan

We know plans can change, and we want to make cancellations as straightforward as possible while keeping things fair for everyone who wants to use our campsites and facilities. Last-minute changes really impact our team: we turn away other groups, hold spots open, and dedicate time to prep that could go toward maintenance, improvements, or welcoming other groups. Your understanding helps us steward our properties efficiently and keep costs at a minimum.

Here's the policy for Tidewater Council property reservations (Baker, Moonyah, and Pipsico):

• More than 14 days before arrival: Your reservation is fully transferable to another available period. You can also request a refund minus a small $20 cancellation fee (or the full reservation fee if that's less).
   
• Within 14 days of arrival: No refunds are available, as we've already committed resources and turned away others. But the reservation remains transferable to another rental period within the same calendar year, so you can reschedule and still enjoy the woods, river, and Scout spirit.

If your situation changes early, reach out right away— We are happy to help transfer dates or answer questions.

• For reservations at the Pipsico Scout Reservation (Camps Lions, Rotary, or Kiwanis), text or call Ranger Evan at (540) 537-6305 or email ranger@pipsicobsa.com.
   
• For reservations at Camps Baker or Moonyah, please contact Ron Misfeldt, the Ranger for our “city camps,” at (757) 646-1384 or email  mustangron@aol.com.

Cleaning Policy

We all live by the Scout Oath and Law, and part of that means being clean in our outdoor manners—packing out what we bring in, leaving sites better than we found them, and treating the land with the respect it deserves as part of God's creation. Here's the straightforward scoop to make cleanup simple, fun, and effective:

• Pack it in, pack it out: Depending on which of our camps you are staying at, please bring your trash bags and either use our onsite dumpsters (Pipsico Scout Reservation's Camps Lions, Rotary & Kiwanis) or be prepared to pack everything out (City Camps Baker & Moonyah)—no burying, burning, or leaving behind. Why? It keeps wildlife safe, keeps pests at bay, and ensures the next group finds a pristine spot ready for their adventures.
   
• Sweep and shine your site and facilities: Do a thorough patrol of your campsite, latrines, shelters, fire rings, and any shared areas you used—pick up litter, sweep floors, wipe tables, and make sure everything looks (and smells) fresh. Latrines get swept clean, lids down, and any provided tools (like hoses or rakes) are put back where they belong.
   
• Fire ring care: Extinguish fires completely (think mud soup), scatter cold ashes if needed (or dispose properly), and leave the ring ready for the next crew—no ash piles or hot coals hanging around.
   
• Common areas count: If you used program fields, pavilions, or other shared spaces, give them a quick police line—walk arm-in-arm and grab any stray wrappers or bits so the whole property stays beautiful for everyone.

A spotless site means high-fives all around and no surprise cleaning fees. If something needs extra attention, we'll handle it, but your effort upfront keeps fees low and the Scout spirit high!

Pro tip: Turn cleanup into a game—time your patrol, award the "Cleanest Patrol" title, or give the winner first pick on the next campfire song. It builds teamwork, reinforces Leave No Trace, and makes the job fly by.

Thanks for helping keep every camp safe, clean, and beautiful. Your care shows true stewardship, and it makes the next group's arrival just as exciting as yours.

See the camp-specific details for more information.