Scout Camping – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1.      Is there camping available for the Scouts during the entire season or is that just the scouting weekend?

2.     How many Scouts are able to camp at the Flying Circus?

3.     Are there any time when camping is not available?

4.     Are campfires permitted?

5.     When should we arrive?

6.     Where do we setup camp?

7.     Is Potable water available?

8.     Are restrooms or showers available?

9.     Is cooking permitted in the campsite?

10.        What do we do with the trash?

11.         Is there nearby shelter in the event of inclement weather?

12.        Is the pavilion available for use?

13.        What activities are available at the Aerodrome during the week or on Saturdays?

14.        Can the scouts get tours of Hangars or Aircraft??

15.        Are there any age requirements for taking a flight in one your aircraft?

16.        Can we take an airplane ride?

17.        How much does an airplane ride cost?

18.        Will Photography and Video be allowed during the entire weekend as well as during the air show?

19.        What is the cost if we stay for the Airshow on Sunday?

 

1.   Is there camping available for the Scouts during the entire season or is that just the scouting weekend?

Camping is available year-round.  However, permission for camping is required. Camping permission can be obtained by contacting the FCA Scouting coordinator, Joe Callen (Scouts@FlyingCircusAirshow.com).

2.   How many Scouts are able to camp at the Flying Circus?

Our facility is large enough to handle multiple troops, and you may not be the only group camping on the airfield on any given weekend. We have accommodated Camporee groups of approximately 600 scouts without getting crowded.

3.   Are there any time when camping is not available?

Yes, some weekends have been reserved for specific groups, such as company picnics and scout camporees. Additionally, during the weekend of the Annual Balloon Festival no camping is permitted.

4.   Are campfires permitted?

Camp fires are permitted, but they must be in established fire rings, attended at all times, and supervised by an adult or a Scout with the "Fire'em" Chit (or Girl Scout equivalent).  Any deadfall laying in the woods, or cut-wood near the fire rings may be used for the campfires. During dry periods, Fauquier County may impose burn restrictions, during those periods open fires may be restricted or prohibited.

5.   When should we arrive?

That is entirely up to your group, but we do ask that groups arrive during daylight hours. This is so your group can easily find your camping area and that you do not disturb other campers. Instructions on opening/closing of the gates will be provided by the scouting coordinator.

6.   Where do we setup camp?

Depending on the size of the group, camping is available in the picnic area, and in the large field to the right of the main entrance. Four patrol sized camping areas complete with picnic tables and fire rings are available in the wooded area at the back of this field. The scouting coordinator will assign you to an area based on your needs and the number, size and composition of the groups camping that weekend.  Groups camping in the areas adjacent to the Pavilion and picnic area must strike camp by 11:00 on Sunday to allow our customers to have access to these facilities.

7.   Is Potable water available?

There are several water spigots available, they are located at the corner of the Flying Circus Staff area located near the ticket booth, at the rear of the snack bar, and behind the restroom building. Water is only available during the airshow season (May-Oct). In the off season (Nov-April) the water is shut off when we winterize the facility. So, you must be prepared to bring your own water supply during our off-season.

8.   Are restrooms or showers available?

YES, during the airshow season we have restrooms available, there are also several port-a-johns year round. There are no showers yet, but we are looking into adding shower facilities in the near future. The restrooms are not to be used for dish washing. Note that during the off season (Nov-April) the water is shut off when we winterize, and the restroom facility is closed & locked.

9.   Is cooking permitted in the campsite?

Cooking is allowed in the campsite; please ensure that all food and trash is disposed of properly. Please do not dig “grease pits” for disposal.

10. What do we do with the trash?

There is a large green dumpster at the far end of the parking area (past the restroom building). All trash is to be placed INSIDE the dumpster (NOT ON TOP! – Yes, every year someone does this!).  There are several trash cans around the facility; these are not to be used to dispose of your troop’s trash from camping. These cans are set up every Sunday morning by our ground crew in preparation for the airshow crowd – It is not fair for them to have to clean-up trash left by troops that are too lazy to walk their trash all the way down to the dumpster.

11. Is there nearby shelter in the event of inclement weather?

We have a large (30x60) Pavilion that will provide shelter for a large group.

12. Is the pavilion available for use?

The pavilion has many picnic tables that can be used during the campout (if multiple units are camping, please share the facility with the other units).  On Sundays, the pavilion may be rented out by a group (signs will be place on the picnic tables). If the Pavilion is rented, you must be prepared to relinquish the facility. If the pavilion is not rented, then it is open to all who wish to use it.

13. What activities are available at the Aerodrome during the week or on Saturdays?

There are no Flying Circus provided activities on non-airshow days.

14. Can the scouts get tours of Hangars or Aircraft??

If one of the Flying Circus staff is available, they are usually happy to give a short tour and talk about the aircraft. If it preferable that just one of the scout leaders make the request, rather than have the entire troop descend on them.

15. Are there any age requirements for taking a flight in one your aircraft?

No. However, the pilot has the final decision on any passenger flights. Scouts younger than 8-9, will be better off in the Cub or Champ (closed cockpit), or flying with a parent/leader in the dual passenger, open cockpit Waco. All others should have no problem flying in the open cockpit aircraft.

16. Can we take an airplane ride?

BSA requires that each Pack/Troop complete and submit a "Flying Permit Application" to Council (NCAC). Accompanying the Flying Permit, must be an "Activity Consent Form" for each scout that will take a flight.  The “Activity Consent Form” form must be signed by both parents. These forms are available on the Scout Weekend section of the Flying Circus web site:(http://www.flyingcircusairshow.com/scoutweekend.html)

17. How much does an airplane ride cost?

There are several type of airplane rides available, they include the closed cockpit Cub or Champ ride, The Standard Ope Cockpit Ride (and Double Ride in the Waco), and an The Aerobatic Ride. Each is price differently, but all prices can be found on the “Rides” webpage: (http://www.flyingcircusairshow.com/rides.html).  Please note that BSA Policy does not permit scouts to participate in Aerobatic rides as part of a scout event.

18. Will Photography and Video be allowed during the entire weekend as well as during the air show?

Yes, and if the pictures turn out well, please send a link to the Flying Circus Webmaster (webmaster@flyingcircusairshow.com) and he might use them on the website..

19. What is the cost if we stay for the Airshow on Sunday?

Units and individuals that wish to remain for the Sunday Airshow are invited to do so.  The scout rates are listed below:

Ø  Daisy/Brownie/Girl Scouts (3-12 yrs.) --- $2.00

Ø  Cub/Webelos/Boy Scouts (3-12 yrs. ) --- $2.00

Ø  Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts/Adult Leaders --- $5.00