BUSING ETIQUETTE

WELCOME TO PATRIOTS' PATH COUNCIL SUMMER CAMPS. WE ARE STRIVING TO MAKE YOUR DAY CAMP EXPERIENCE A VERY ENJOYABLE ONE. SINCE BUSING IS A LARGE PART OF YOUR SCOUT'S DAY, WE HAVE DEVELOPED A FEW GUIDELINES TO HELP THINGS RUN SMOOTHLY AND EFFICIENTLY.

1. Remember, buses run at the whim of traffic. We have no control over construction or traffic problems. The bus drivers are experienced and will do their best to arrive on time.
2. Please be at your designated bus stop at least 10 minutes before drop-off and arrival times. IF YOUR CHILD IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE A BUS, PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE HIM IN ON THE FIRST DAY. THE BUS DRIVER IS WAITING FOR LATE CHILDREN AND THIS MAKES THE WHOLE BUS ROUTE LATE.
3. The drivers are instructed to wait 5 minutes for latecomers and then continue on to the next stop. This is to insure that all campers arrive as close to schedule as possible.
4. Bus Drivers are not allowed to leave a child unattended at the bus stop. They will wait 5 minutes and then continue on their route. The driver will then return to the stop of the child still on the bus. If the parent/guardian is still not at the stop, the child will be taken to the local Police Station.
5. Please DO NOT change your child's bus stop on your own. Remember, changes can only be made up to two weeks prior to your son's camp date. Changes are made through Council Office. 973-765-9322 ext.222 or email mszymcza@bsamail.org
6. If your emergency backup person is picking up your child, notify the camp in writing. PHOTO ID of EMERGENCY PERSON MUST BE SHOWN TO BUS DRIVER.
7. If it is necessary to pick your child up at camp, please notify the office at the camp he is attending. They will notify the bus driver. Please DO NOT take your child home without signing him out at the camp office. Buses are not allowed to leave until every scout is accounted for.

CAMP OFFICE PHONE NUMBERS
Camp Somers 973- 347-2240
Camp Wheeler 973- 347-9498
Watchung Reservation 908- 654-4510
Winnebago Scout Reservation 973-983-9075

Camping Dept. -Florham Park 973-765-9322 x 222
Please call this number for busing situations after camp hours

RESEARCH YOUR BUS ROUTE

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We ask your assistance in helping us provide the best bus service possible. In past years there has been a constant stream of phone calls from parents changing bus stops or taking boys off buses entirely. Almost all of these changes are done during the week of camp. Since all information is given to the Bus Company and each Camp the week prior to your son's camp date, these changes set up a scenario for error and a paper nightmare. Therefore, we ask that you research your chosen bus stop.

Suggestions:

1. Find the bus stop that is most convenient to your home, work, etc.
2. We recommend that you drive from this stop to the camp itself, if you feel the time on the bus is too long, find another stop or make arrangements to drive your son to camp. Please don't wait until your son is already at camp to decide the time element is wrong. Remember that the bus makes other stops on route to and from camp. Camp starts at 8:45am and ends at 4:00pm. Drop off and pickup times are given for each stop.
3. If you are carpooling or your son is going with a friend, please decide on a stop convenient to all.

Please note: All buses do not run all weeks; especially for Watchung Day Camp. Make sure your camp date coincides with your bus route.

We will accept bus changes up to two weeks prior to your son's camp date; no changes will be made during his week at camp. There will be a limit of two bus stops a week/ per camper.

For changes call 973-765-9322 ext. 222