The Great Backyard Day Camp 2020

FAQs

 

1. What is The Great Backyard Day Camp 2020?

 

In order to expand on our virtual scouting programs the Three Fires Council has developed a Backyard Day Camp which will provide families with an alternative option to the more traditional day camp structure. All youth entering grades K-5 are invited to join us for five fun filled days of scouting activity brought right to you in your own back yards or living rooms! Our program combines both exciting online virtual activities and demonstrations with fun offline activities you can do at home! Scouts will be able to explore Virtual Camp Big Timber and visit many of the same program areas they would during a traditional day camp experience. They’ll make crafts, learn new scout skills, explore nature, do cool STEM activities, participate in a virtual campfire program, and more!

 

1. What is Virtual Camp Big Timber?

 

For families that aren’t able to come to Camp Big Timber for Day Camp in person The Great Backyard Day Camp 2020 will allow you to explore our beautiful camp property virtually online. Navigate through camp by visiting the online map and clicking on the different program areas. If you can’t come to Camp Big Timber, we will bring Camp Big Timber to you! You’ll see pictures and virtual tours of the different parts of camp to help you set the scene in your imagination! You can click on each of the program areas on the virtual Camp Big Timber map to see information about that area as well as a fun activity to do each day. You’ll even find a variety of bonus activities you can do to keep the fun going!

 

1. When is camp?

 

The Great Backyard Day Camp will kick off with a live virtual Campfire program on Friday July 6th at 7pm. Following the campfire the Virtual Camp Big Timber will open and you can jump in and start having fun the next day! 

​

1. Is there a set schedule and do we have to sign in at certain times?

 

Nope! Our program is designed to be flexible so you can work around your family’s schedule. Does a week day camp during the day work best for you? Great! Jump on in the morning and start with a flag ceremony then you can pop in and out throughout the day to check out different activities at your own pace. Do evenings during the week work better? No problem! You can start your camp day at any time and you won’t miss a thing!

​

1. What if our family is not available that week, we miss a day, or we are only available on weekends?

 

Not a problem! Unlike a traditional camp structure where we have a set start and end time on each of five consecutive days, we have designed this program so that you can go at the pace that is best for your family. You will have access to the Virtual Camp Big Timber webpage from July 3rd, after our kick off campfire, all the way through July 31st when we will have our final closing campfire. You’re welcome to pop in and pop out at any time on any day during that time frame.

​

1. Where do I get the materials for the activities?

 

Each registered camper will have the option of purchasing a camp kit which will include materials needed for many of the activities. Some of the activities planned can be done using basic household items you already have but the camp kits will give you the additional items you need. Also included in your kit will be complete material lists and easy to follow instructions for doing each of the activities.

​

1. Wait, so I need to lead the activities or teach these skills to my scout?

 

Yes and no. We encourage families to participate in the activities together and have fun but we will also have supplemental videos available for many of the activities. These videos will help explain how to do the activities and will help teach the skills. You then will simply need to help your scout complete the activity or practice the skills.

​
 

1. What if I don’t want to purchase a camp kit, can we still participate?

 

Yes. If you chose not to purchase that camp kit you will still have access to the virtual Camp Big Timber and be able to see all the videos and instructions for each of the activities but you will not receive any of the supplemental supplies you may need for doing the activities.

 

1. How will we receive our camp kit?

 

Camp kits will be available for pick up from several locations throughout the council. There will be several pick up times available at each location. You will need to pre order your kit to be able to pick it up at any of these locations. Kits can be shipped to you for an additional fee to cover the cost of shipping.

 

Pick up locations and schedules:

• Saint Charles Scout shop

  • Monday, June 29th from 10am-1pm

  • Tuesday, June 30th from 3pm-6pm

• Naperville Scout Shop

  • Wednesday, July 1 from 10am-1pm

  • Thursday, July 2 from 3pm-6pm

• Camp Big Timber

  • Monday, June 29th from 3pm - 6pm

  • Tuesday, June 30th from 9am-12pm

  • Friday, July 3 from 1pm-4pm

• Wheaton VFW Post 2164 (possible additional location?) 

• Sycamore High School? (or another location on that side?)

 

1. I’m a unit leader, can I pick up multiple kits for my pack?

 

Yes. If you are picking up multiple kits for your unit please be sure to call ahead to let us know which location you are going to be picking up at and how many kits you are picking up. You will need to bring the purchase confirmations for each of the participants whose kits you will picking up. 

 

1. Will there be camp t-shirts and patches?

 

YES! Included in your registration will be a camp tshirt and patch, but our virtual Camp Big Timber will have an online trading post as well where you can order order additional camp swag or scout items. 

 

1. How much does it cost?

 

Basic camp registration will cost $30 per scout and will include access to Virtual Camp Big Timber to allow you to explore the program areas, see the activities and instructions, and watch the instructional videos. You will also receive a voucher for a camp patch and tshirt.

 

For an additional $20 you will receive the camp kit which will include:

• (insert material list here)

 

1. How do we register?

 

Register on the Three Fires Council website (insert link). Be sure to register by xxx if you are purchasing a camp kit. Registration closes xxx.

 

1. We would like to invite a friend, can non scouts participate?

 

Yes! Any youth that will be entering grades k-5 is invited regardless of whether or not they are currently a registered scout.

 

1. Will there be any advancement or awards offered?

 

Yes! A list of advancements by rank is available here (insert link to list). Scouts will also have opportunities to work on activities that will meet the requirements for awards such as (insert any awards included such as Cyber Chip, NOVA, Conservation Good Turn, Emergency Preparedness)

​​