Trail to adventure Blog
Trail to adventure Blog
Latest Edition
Properties
As winter approaches, council properties face the heightened risk of slip and fall accidents due to snow and ice accumulation. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, legal liabilities, and increased insurance costs. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective strategies to prevent accidents on your council’s properties during the colder months. Here are some practical measures that can help ensure safety.
Regular Snow and Ice Removal
The most critical step in preventing slip and fall accidents is prompt and thorough snow and ice removal. Develop a snow removal plan that includes regular clearing of walkways, driveways, and parking areas. Utilize snow shovels, plows, or hire professional services to ensure all surfaces are clear of snow and ice as soon as possible after a storm.
Use of De-icing Agents
Applying de-icing agents, such as salt or calcium chloride, can significantly reduce ice formation on walkways and steps. Property owners should stockpile these materials and apply them liberally on high-traffic areas, particularly in the early stages of winter when the risk of freezing rain is high. Be mindful of the environmental impact and choose eco-friendly alternatives when possible.
Clear Signage and Warnings
Visibility is crucial during winter months. Use clear signage to warn visitors and tenants about potential icy conditions, especially in areas prone to freezing. Signs should be well-placed, easily readable, and reflect current weather conditions. This proactive approach can alert Scouts and Scouters to tread carefully and stay vigilant.
Improve Outdoor Lighting
During winter, daylight hours are limited, making good outdoor lighting essential. Ensure that all walkways, entrances, and parking areas are well-lit to help individuals see any potential hazards. Motion-sensor lights can provide added safety by illuminating areas when people approach, reducing the risk of accidents in dimly lit spaces.
Maintain Safe Walkways
Regularly inspect and maintain all walkways and outdoor steps to ensure they are in good condition. Look for cracks, uneven surfaces, or any other hazards that could contribute to falls. Repairing these issues promptly will enhance safety and reduce liability concerns during the winter months.
Encourage Safe Practices
Promoting safe practices can greatly reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents. Consider delivering a safety moment prior to activities, meetings, training sessions or other Scouting related gatherings. What is a safety moment you ask? Safety moments are a crucial component of Scouting America’s Culture of Safety, underscoring our commitment to identifying, preventing, or mitigating hazards and risks in all Scouting activities. As with other safety-conscious organizations, we initiate meetings and events with a brief pause to discuss potential dangers and how to avert them, focusing the group’s attention on safety protocols. For more information about delivering a safety moment, please review NCAP Recommended Practice 552 or visit the Scouting.org Safety Moments website.
Establish a Reporting System
Implement a clear reporting system for your property’s visitors to communicate hazardous conditions they may encounter. Providing a method for reporting slippery areas, damaged walkways, or insufficient lighting can help you respond promptly to emerging risks. This not only enhances safety but also fosters a culture of vigilance within your property.
Regular Hazard Analysis
Conduct regular safety audits of your properties during the winter months. This proactive approach allows you to identify and address potential hazards before they lead to accidents. Consider involving a third-party safety consultant for an unbiased evaluation, ensuring that all safety measures are adequately implemented and effective. Councils should consult the Enterprise Risk Management Committee Guidebook for guidance about creating a culture of risk mitigation.
Prepare for Emergencies
Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. Prepare for emergencies by having first aid kits readily available and ensuring that Scouts and Scouters know how to respond to slip and fall incidents. Keeping contact information for medical services and legal support accessible can streamline the response in case of an emergency.
By taking these proactive measures, property owners can significantly reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents during the winter months. Prioritizing safety not only protects individuals on your property but also safeguards financial interests and enhances the council’s reputation as a responsible property owner.
Properties
Winter is here and our driveways, sidewalks, and council properties are going to get covered in snow. Removal is a dreaded chore that needs to be planned out ahead of time. Snow shoveling can be a very dangerous task if not handled correctly.
Here are some fast and easy ways to stay safe this winter:
Warm Up. Yes, just like in gym class back in middle school warming up and doing stretching exercises will help from getting injured. Even just bending from side to side will help get you ready for the snow.
PUSH rather than lift. Lifting snow can be very strenuous. If you do lift the snow, make sure you lift with your legs and bend your knees.
A good shovel. Ergonomic shovels take the load off the back and keep your body from moving in positions where injuries can occur. Even better, use snow scoops instead of conventional shovels. Your back will love you for not having to do all that lifting.
Take a break. Only shovel for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Take a break, have a nice warm cup of Hot Chocolate in between. Fresh wet snow can be extremely hard on your body so pace yourself. Overdoing it can lead to an increased risk of heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, even walking through heavy, wet snow can place strain on your heart. See this related article from the American Heart Association.
Wear Layers. Just like we learned in Scouting for winter weather. Layers are the way to maintain proper body temperature. Overheating can be a problem so keep it loose and take layers off as needed.
Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while moving snow.
Remember, winter is a time of year when a majority of us are less active so injuries can occur when we least expect them. Once you have finished that sidewalk clearing, drop a little ice melt down so you or a camper don’t slip and fall on your freshly cleaned area. Nobody wants their holidays ruined with a broken ankle or messed up back. So, stay safe and have a wonderful winter season.
Camping
Join us in the heart of the rugged Southwest at Philmont for the 2025 National Outdoor Conference—the ultimate gathering for Scouters and outdoor enthusiasts! Whether you’re looking to level up your skills, get inspired by top speakers, or simply connect with like-minded adventurers, this biennial event is the place to be.
Where: 📍 Philmont Training Center, Cimarron, NM
When: 📅 September 17-21, 2025
🌟 Conference Highlights:
- Dynamic workshops and hands-on training to elevate your outdoor programs
- Inspiring keynotes from leaders in the outdoor industry
- Networking opportunities with Scouters and outdoor pros from across the country
- A firsthand look at the latest in gear, gadgets, and innovations
Don’t miss this chance to discover new ideas, sharpen your skills, and share in the excitement of the great outdoors with fellow Scouters. Stay tuned for updates on registration, class offerings, lodging, and more!
Be sure to sign up on the 2025 National Outdoor Conference website to receive email alerts—let the countdown to adventure begin!
Cub Scouting
Winter is a magical season that provides unique opportunities for Cub Scouts to explore the outdoors, learn new skills, and earn adventures in a safe, exciting environment. Many Cub Scout ranks include adventures that can be completed in cold-weather settings, allowing Scouts to stay active, learn resilience, and foster teamwork. For example:
Lion Cub Scouts – Fun on the Run!
This adventure teaches Lion Cub Scouts about being active and having fun while exercising. In the winter, you can adapt this to include winter-themed games and activities.
Winter Adaptations:
- Sled Racing: Set up a sled race in a safe area with a slight incline. Lions can race their friends on sleds or snow tubes.
- Snowball Toss: Create a target for the Cubs to throw snowballs (or soft alternatives if no snow) into, turning it into a fun winter challenge.
- Snowman Relay: Organize a relay race where Scouts “build” a snowman by collecting snowball-sized items (such as white socks or small balls) and rolling them to a “snowman” station.
Tiger Cub Scouts – Tigers in the Wild
This adventure introduces Tigers to nature and the outdoors. It’s a great adventure to adapt to winter exploration, focusing on how nature changes during the colder months.
Winter Adaptations:
- Winter Nature Hike: Take a nature hike and point out the changes in plants, trees, and animal activity in the winter. Discuss how animals survive the cold weather, such as hibernation or migration.
- Winter Wildlife Observation: Bring out a pair of binoculars and observe birds, tracks, or other signs of wildlife in a winter forest or park. Teach Cubs how to stay quiet and respectful when observing animals.
Wolf Cub Scouts – Running with the Pack
This adventure is all about sports and physical fitness. It’s a great time to adapt it to winter sports and games that encourage physical activity in cold weather. Winter Adaptations:
- Winter Sports Relay: Set up a relay race featuring winter sports, like sledding down a hill, snowball tossing, or a snowshoe race (if snowshoes are available).
- Winter Obstacle Course: Create an obstacle course with a winter theme, like running around snowmen, crawling under branches, or jumping over snow mounds.
Bear Cub Scouts – Roaring Laughter
This adventure is all about fun and laughter! Adapt if for the winter by ending your event with a cozy campfire gathering. Bring everyone together at the end of the day for a campfire (if local guidelines allow). Campfire songs, storytelling, and hot chocolate create a warm conclusion to winter activities and give Scouts a chance to reflect on their achievements.
- Have a “funniest joke contest”.
- Play charades with the larger group!
Webelos & Arrow of Light Scouts
With these two ranks, engage Scouts with winter-themed skills such as starting a fire safely, tying knots while wearing gloves, or building a winter shelter. These skills add a sense of adventure and can apply to adventure loops, providing advancement and fun challenges for each rank. Additional ideas could include:
- Knife Safety & Carving: Host a session indoors where Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts can carve winter-themed figures like snowflakes or animals.
- Tech on the Trail (Webelos): Geocache in the snow!
- High Tech Outdoors (Arrow of Light): Help Scouts use apps to check the weather forecast and determine how to be prepared.
Camping
The off-season is often viewed as a quiet time for Scout camps, but it’s actually one of the most critical periods for engaging with your camp staff. Winter months may separate your team from camp, but that doesn’t mean the bond needs to fade. In fact, this is the perfect time to nurture connections, keep excitement high, and encourage your camp staff to return for another summer. Effective winter engagement not only strengthens the camp community but also ensures that you retain experienced, passionate staff for the upcoming season.
In this article, we’ll explore practical and creative ways to engage with your camp staff over the winter months, so they feel excited and motivated to return next summer.
Newsletters: Send out a short email that includes camp updates, highlights from the previous season, and exciting plans for the upcoming summer. Include features like “Staff Spotlight” profiles to showcase the achievements of returning team members.
Virtual Campfires: Set up an online campfire or storytelling event where staff can share their favorite camp memories or play games. This helps maintain the camaraderie that comes with living and working at camp.
Certifications and Workshops: Help your staff enhance their skill sets by offering certification opportunities in areas like wilderness first aid or CPR during the offseason. These certifications can be useful both at camp and in their future endeavors.
Handwritten Notes: A handwritten note of appreciation can be incredibly meaningful. Take the time to write a personal message to each returning staff member, thanking them for their contributions and letting them know you’re excited to have them back.
Anniversary Celebrations: Recognize staff who have hit major milestones, such as one year, two years, or even five years of working at camp. Highlight their growth and accomplishments within your communication channels to inspire others to stay.
Money Talks: Encouraging returning staff to commit to the upcoming summer as early as possible can help ensure your team is filled early and often. Consider offering exclusive perks to those who commit early. For example, early rehire bonuses. Provide incentives such as bonuses or camp discounts for those who re-sign early for the following season. This rewards their commitment and makes it easy for them to lock in their place for the summer.
Recruiting and engaging returning camp staff during the off-season may seem daunting, but it’s a crucial part of ensuring your Scout camp’s success. By starting early and keeping staff engaged throughout the winter months, you’ll be well on your way to building a team of dedicated, enthusiastic individuals ready to make the upcoming summer unforgettable.
Looking for other ideas? Check out this link from the American Camp Association too!
Camping
Ready to enhance your camp programs? The 2025 National Camping School (NCS) is now accepting registrations for all Long-term (Resident) Camp and Day Camp sessions! This is your chance to equip your team with top-tier training for an unforgettable camp season. Visit www.scouting.org/ncs to view dates, locations, and course fees.
Start recruiting your camp’s future leaders! Enroll staff for NCS who will play key roles in your summer camps and day camps, as well as year-round volunteers who drive impactful short-term camp experiences. Plus, think beyond the summer! NCS offers specialized training for program volunteers on council committees in areas like Aquatics, Range & Target Activities, COPE, and Climbing.
Register now to ensure your team has the skills to deliver safe, engaging, and memorable camp experiences. For more information about 2025 National Camping School offerings please visit www.scouting.org/ncs or email ncs@scouting.org.
NCAP
Running a successful camp requires more than just creating memorable activities; it involves a constant commitment to improvement and safety. This is where a Continuous Camp Improvement Plan (CCIP) proves invaluable. As outlined in the CCIP Guide, a CCIP is integral to meeting standards set by the National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) and is part of the 5-year authorization process for camps. Let’s explore how a CCIP can support your council’s goals in camper experience, staff development, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship, with specific reference to the guide’s insights and NCAP standards.
- Enhance the Camper Experience
At the heart of the CCIP is a focus on continually improving the camper experience. NCAP requires councils to incorporate feedback from campers and families, allowing camps to adapt to evolving camper expectations. A CCIP helps camps stay in tune with trends and adjust activities, facilities, and food options to ensure they remain engaging, relevant, and safe. Whether through upgrading equipment or adding new programs, a CCIP keeps the camp experience fresh and enjoyable.
- Strengthen Staff Training and Morale
According to the CCIP Guide (page 8), NCAP emphasizes the importance of ongoing staff training and development, a core component of a successful CCIP. By collecting feedback from staff and regularly updating training programs, a CCIP helps staff build new skills, manage challenging situations, and create a positive team culture. This fosters a supportive environment where staff feel valued and motivated, which ultimately enhances the camper experience.
- Ensure Safety and Compliance
Safety is paramount, and a CCIP provides the structure for camps to regularly review and refine their safety protocols. As noted on page 12, NCAP Standard AO-805 outlines that a CCIP should include routine assessments of safety procedures, emergency response plans, and legal compliance. Camps that adopt continuous safety improvements can reduce risks and assure parents that their children are in a secure environment, building trust and accountability.
- Increase Operational Efficiency
Operational efficiency is another essential area addressed by the CCIP. Councils should analyze processes such as registration, budgeting, and inventory management to identify areas for improvement. A CCIP enables camps to optimize resource allocation and improve day-to-day operations, freeing staff to focus on creating a great camper experience while also achieving cost savings and smoother logistical operations.
- Commit to Environmental Stewardship
A CCIP encourages camps to be mindful of their environmental impact and to respond to changing environmental conditions. NCAP requires councils to adopt sustainable practices that protect natural resources. From managing water and energy usage to promoting Leave No Trace principles, a CCIP fosters environmental responsibility among campers and staff, supporting long-term sustainability while cultivating a respect for nature.
- Build a Positive Camp Reputation
Camps that continuously improve their programs are better positioned to build a strong reputation. Councils should demonstrate responsiveness to camper feedback to enhance their program quality. This commitment can lead to increased camper retention, positive referrals, and stronger community partnerships. Parents are more likely to trust camps with an established record of listening to feedback and making meaningful improvements, which ultimately attracts new families and loyal campers.
- Foster a Culture of Growth and Innovation
A CCIP creates a culture where everyone—from staff to campers—is encouraged to innovate, take on new challenges, and strive for growth. Page 13 of the CCIP Guide details how a CCIP supports fostering a growth-oriented culture within the camp community. This approach ensures that camps not only adapt to changes but thrive, fostering an environment where campers and staff alike feel empowered to contribute ideas and improvements.
Key Steps to Launch a Continuous Camp Improvement Plan
- Gather Regular Feedback: Use surveys, interviews, and observation to collect insights from campers, staff, and families as a foundation for targeted improvements.
- Set Clear Goals: Define measurable objectives based on NCAP standards and feedback. These could focus on safety, camper satisfaction, or sustainability goals.
- Implement and Track Changes: Put action plans into effect and monitor progress through regular evaluations and staff check-ins.
- Review and Adjust Regularly: Schedule routine assessments to ensure continuous alignment with NCAP standards and adjust as needed.
Conclusion
A CCIP is essential for camps aiming to improve, adapt, and provide exceptional experiences in line with NCAP standards. By committing to continuous improvement, camps not only enhance camper enjoyment and safety but also build a lasting legacy that benefits everyone involved. A CCIP isn’t just about addressing issues—it’s about building a camp environment that campers and staff want to return to year after year.
