Safety Information
Medical Information

Adults: All adults participating in a long-term camp experience must have a current health history supported by a medical evaluation within 36 months (12 months for adults over 40) performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine. Use form #4412.

Youth: All youth attending Camp Kern are required to have an annual history, attested to by parent(s) or guardian, supported by a medical evaluation completed within the last 36 months performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine. Use form #4414.

Out-of-council Troops need to bring proof of insurance to camp with blank claim forms should they be required while at camp.

Our Health Lodge is equipped with supplies to handle most injuries in camp, including cuts, abrasions, burns, blisters, illness, sprains and the like.  Medical staff is on-site 24 hours a day to handle such emergencies.  If injuries are serious, we have arrangements for emergency treatment in or near Clovis, California.

Remember that Camp Kern is located at 7,000 feet in the rugged high Sierra.  It takes a few days to adjust to this higher altitude.  All Scouts and Scouters should be physically prepared for the rigors of this environment.  Be sure to drink lots of water prior to coming to camp and continue to do so while at Camp Kern.  Dehydration can occur quickly, so drinking water is your best prevention.

Fire

Fire is always a danger in the Sierra Nevada. For that reason, we ask that Scouts and Leaders pledge to "be careful with fire" by following the following guidelines:

	Use of battery powered lanterns in encouraged. Liquid fuel and propane lanterns and stoves may be used in campsites, but they must meet the current BSA fuel policies. If in doubt, consult the Guide to Safe Scouting, which is available at your Council Service Center. Never fuel, ignite, or operate a liquid fuel stove, or lantern in a tent or cabin.
	Campfires must never be left unattended and must be "dead out" when leaving camp.
	Fireworks are not permitted in camp and are against the law; If caught using fire works, you will be handed over the the Fresno County Sheriffs Department and expelled from Camp Kern.
	Adults wishing to smoke must do so in a designated area, Never smoke while hiking.
	All Troops must fill out and post the Fire Guard Chart provided at the Sunday night leader roundtable.

Campfires must be kept at a reasonable height of less than 24" and always be treated safely and with respect.  Fire suppression tools must be adjacent to the campfire at all times: water, sand, shovel.

Lightning

Summer storms occasionally strike Camp Kern, bringing lighting with them. During a thunder storm head for cover, stay away from tall trees, wires, or plumbing.

Water

California is a land where water is scarce and very precious. Conservation and wise use of water is a top priority at Camp Kern. All of Camp Kern's water is obtained from natural artesian springs. The springs may be affected by drought. In case of drought strict water conservation will be enforced.

Bear Country

Camp Kern and its residents are fortunate to share for a few months their corner of the Sierra National Forest with a number of local animals and trees. One of the most spectacular and misunderstood of these creatures is the California black bear, several of which live near Huntington Lake. It is important for units utilizing Camp Kern to remember that they are visitors in the bears' natural habitat, and act accordingly. This means Scouts and leaders should avoid keeping food or other "smellables" in their campsites, instead storing them in the dining hall, avoid the use of bear bags, and avoid leaving food items in automobiles parked in the Scout Parking Lot across the lake. Following these and a few other simple precautions will ensure that both our campers and the bears will enjoy a pleasant and memorable summer camp experience.