The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve requires that the following supplemental information be shared with the parents and/or guardians and examining health-care providers of every participant. Participants who cannot meet these guidelines will be sent home at their own expense.
The Summit. Activities at the Summit require a certain level of fitness and some can be very physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. The programs can include mountain biking, BMX biking, skateboarding, rock climbing, zip lines, challenge courses, shooting, archery, whitewater rafting, and kayaking. Depending on the program(s) you select, you will need to arrive at the Summit physically prepared to participate in those activities. The average walk is 5–7 miles a day on uneven terrain with significant changes in elevation. The heat index often reaches almost 100 degrees in the summer. Be prepared!
It is recommended that every participant review information about the Summit Bechtel Reserve at www.summitbsa.org and learn about the program activities that have been selected for participation. Answers to many frequently asked questions can be found at the Summit website. Additional questions can be emailed to summit.program@scouting.org, or you may call 304-465-2800.
Allergy or Anaphylaxis. Participants who have had an anaphylactic reaction due to any cause MUST contact the Summit Bechtel Reserve before arrival. If you are allowed to participate, you will be required to have appropriate treatment with you. The individual and at least one other member of the group must know how to administer the treatment. If you do not bring appropriate treatment with you, you will be required to buy it before you will be allowed
to participate.
Asthma. Asthma must be well-controlled before participating. This means:
1)the use of a rescue inhaler (albuterol) less than two times per week (except
use for the prevention of exercise-induced asthma); 2) nighttime awakenings for asthma symptoms less than two times per month. Well-controlled asthma may include the use of long-acting bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, or oral medications such as Singulair. You may not be allowed to participate if: 1) you have asthma not controlled by medication; or 2) you have been hospitalized/gone to the emergency room to treat asthma in the past six months; or 3) you have needed treatment by oral steroids (prednisone) in the past six months. You must bring an ample supply of your medication and a spare rescue inhaler that are not expired. At least one other member of the crew should know how to use the rescue inhaler. Any person who has needed treatment for asthma in the past three years must carry a rescue inhaler on the trek. If you do not bring a rescue inhaler, you must buy one before you will be allowed to participate.
Immunizations. Each participant must have received a tetanus immunization within the last 10 years. Recognition will be given to participants who do not have a specific immunization because of philosophical, political, or religious beliefs. In such a situation, the Immunization Exemption Request form should be obtained by emailing summit.program@scouting.org.
Seizure Disorder. A seizure disorder or epilepsy does not exclude an individual from participation; however, the disorder must be well controlled with medication. A well-controlled disorder is one in which a year has passed without a seizure. Exceptions to this guideline may be considered on an individual basis.
Recent Musculoskeletal Injuries or
Orthopedic Surgery. Participants at the Summit will put a great deal of strain on their joints and skeletal structure. Individuals with significant musculoskeletal problems (including back problems) or orthopedic surgery within the last six months must have a letter of clearance from their treating physician to be considered for approval. These individuals should contact the Summit in advance for approval to participate.
Psychological and Emotional Difficulties.
Medications for these issues must never be stopped prior to or during participation at the Summit. Experience has demonstrated that these issues can be exacerbated when a participant is under stress from physical and mental challenges.
Diabetes. Both the individual with diabetes and one other person in the group must be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugar. An insulin-dependent person who has been newly diagnosed or who has undergone a change in their delivery system must have a letter from their treating physician to participate. A recent HbA1c within the last six months is required for diabetic participants.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure). High blood
pressure should be well controlled with medication. Medication should be continued as prescribed while participating at the Summit. Individuals should have a blood pressure of less than 140/90 to participate.
Medication. Each participant who needs medication must bring enough medicine for the duration of the trip, and that medicine must not have expired. Taking prescription medication is the responsibility of the individual taking the medication and/or that individual’s parent or guardian. A leader, after obtaining all the necessary information, can agree to accept responsibility for ensuring a youth takes necessary medication in accordance with the appropriate schedule. Medications should be secured in locked storage, according to National Camp Accreditation Program Standard HS-08, except for medications carried by the individual for emergent conditions (inhalers, EpiPens, etc.). Participants should consider bringing two or three supplies of vital medication. Participants with allergies that have resulted in severe reactions or anaphylaxis must bring an EpiPen that has not expired. Summit-supplied medications shall be administered and/or dispensed in accordance with preapproved medical procedures. Participants will be charged for maintenance medications not brought to the Summit that are supplied by the Summit Health Lodge.