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Camping
Ask Pop is a monthly column in the Trail to Adventure Blog focused on answering questions submitted by you! Each month we will highlight a few of the questions submitted. Do you have a question you need answered? Do you have a perplexing challenge you want to ask the larger BSA properties and outdoor program community? Submit your questions to outdoorprograms@scouting.org and even if they are not featured in the blog, you will get an answer!
What’s Pop? “Property and Outdoor Program” of course!
This month we will answer a series of questions related to Cub Scout participation at Scouts BSA short-term camps like a camporee.
Q: Can my Webelos den attend the Scouts BSA Short-term camp like a Spring Camporee?
A: Yes – with some limitation.
Scouts BSA Spring camporees that are overnight are short-term camps and as stated in the Age Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities Webelos can attend a camporee (short-term camp) as a day visitor only.
Q: So can they participate in the events of the Camporee?
A: It depends but probably not.
Each short-term camp has been designed to meet the needs of the participants. If the camp has been designed to have stations for Webelos to participate (separate from the Scouts BSA participants) it may be appropriate. However, if the camp is designed for Scouts BSA then it would not be appropriate for Webelos youth to participate even if they are attending as visitors. It would not be appropriate for Webelos dens to follow the same schedule or event rotations as the Scouts BSA patrols.
Q: If I am a leader in the Scouts BSA troop, can I bring my Webelos Scout along with me to the Camporee?
A: No. As stated in the Guide to Safe Scouting “Youth who are not registered in the unit may not accompany parents or siblings in camping programs of Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouting.” We would encourage you to help the den attend as day visitors and develop age-appropriate program for them to participate in.
Thanks for these great questions and keep them coming.
A few more words on overnight camping:
As always follow the BSA SAFE plan and use the SAFE checklist to determine if this is an appropriate activity for your youth. With any BSA activity or event, follow the BSA Youth Protection Guidelines and the BSA Barriers to Abuse to ensure that you have proper supervision for the activity and the program level.
Camping
Ask Pop is a monthly column in the Trail to Adventure Blog focused on answering questions submitted by you! Each month we will highlight a few of the questions submitted. Do you have a question you need answered? Do you have a perplexing challenge you want to ask the larger BSA properties and outdoor program community? Submit your questions to outdoorprograms@scouting.org and even if they are not featured in the blog, you will get an answer!
What’s Pop? “Property and Outdoor Program” of course!
April is Child Abuse Prevention month, making this an appropriate time to answer a series of questions related to Youth Protection in the BSA.
Q: Our Scout BSA troop wants to camp with the Scouts BSA troop from across town. Is that OK and how do we go about it?
A: The BSA program is organized through Chartered Organizations who have the responsibility to make sure the unit has an active outdoor program. Units who wish to camp or participate in activities with units outside their charter organization must have permission from the local council to do so.
- From the Guide to Safe Scouting: Local council approval is needed for unit-coordinated overnight camping activities involving other units not chartered by the same organization. Units that wish to host events involving other units that do not share the same charter partner must have approval from their council. This includes events for packs, troops, crews, and ships from the same council; neighboring councils; the same territory; or other territory.
Q: When my unit is camping with another unit, can we share leadership if one unit does not have enough adults?
A: From the Guide to Safe Scouting, each unit must provide its own chartered organization approved, adequate adult supervision to meet the BSA guidelines for leadership which includes two adult leaders over the age of 21. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth.
Q: Our unit is going camping, and we are worried about restroom and shower house use. Do you have any advice?
A: First it is important to intentionally be prepared to have this critical Scouting Barrier to Abuse in place. This could include:
- Be sure the facilities are well marked. Gender? Age? Single person room?
- Communicate this information to your Scouts and adult leaders.
- Be prepared for any additional needs you may need to meet near aquatics programs for changing areas, both for youth and adults and all genders.
- Consider where individuals may charge their electronic devices such as phones. You may need additional charging stations/areas at other locations so campers do not charge or use their phones in or around restroom and shower house facilities. As a reminder “The use of smartphones, cameras, mirrors, drones, etc., in places or situations where privacy is expected is prohibited.”
- Finally, it is always a great idea to review the details of Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse. Check them out here.
Q: Can a Scouts BSA parent share a tent with their Scout at a Scouts BSA event?
A: This is a frequent question! Here are key reminders from the BSA’s Youth Protection’s Barriers to Abuse:
- In Cub Scouting, parents and guardians may share a tent with their family.
- In all other programs, youth and adults tent separately.
So why do youth tent separately from parents outside of Cub Scouting?
- Scouts BSA, Sea Scouts, and Venturing are youth led programs. The Cub Scout program is family oriented.
- Finally – don’t forget that youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age.
View the Scouting Barriers to Abuse website for more information. For more information about the BSA policies related to camping always view the BSA Guide to Safe Scouting before each activity as well as following the four points of SAFE before any BSA activity.
Awards
The Adventure Plan (TAP), https://tap.scouting.org/, is a guide for Scouting unit leaders to focus Outdoor Adventure as a key element of youth development. With the challenges of virus concerns, masks, social separation, cancelled meetings and events, unit leaders are looking for ways to continue with progression and expansion of personal experiences. One way to expand unit programs is with outings to many National Historic Trail sites. Embedded in the TAP are links that make finding an approved trail very simple.
There are 210 historic trails in the United States, Europe, and Japan that are listed including links for individual researching. Finding a trail has been made easy with several new additions including a Google pushpin map!
All the trails meet the BSA Brand, have genuine historic significance and/or wilderness beauty that will add to the education of members of Scouting and provide the opportunity for physical fitness and outdoor living.
There are several ways to find a trail that is nearby and/or meets the needs of your Scouting unit. After logging into the TAP (see link above) go to the bottom of the page where you will find an internal link for “Historic Trails” and click select!
You can also select “Resources” to obtain the Historic Trails Award Application and then select the link in “Award Requirement”, item #1, https://tap.scouting.org/bsa-historic-trails-index/. Either method provides a listing of available historic trails. At this point, select an individual state/country to begin researching trails. Also, near the top of the page, is a button to “click HERE to Access Historic Trail map views.” By resizing the Google pushpin map, the same listing of trails is available.
Note: the index links send you to a local council web site where contact information is available. The use by Scouting units increases each year. Use this great resource to enjoy the outdoors.
Happy Hiking!
Camping
There’s nothing like enjoying the great outdoors in Scouting with a roaring fire, gooey s’mores, and a night sky full of sparkling stars. It’s essential to learn how to provide a SAFE experience with a campfire. Let’s review the safety considerations you should ask yourself before your next campfire.
What are the environmental conditions?
Before your camping trip, monitor the weather for changing conditions. And don’t forget to understand the local campfire regulations or requirements for your campout location. Always check for any active burn ban. And remember, do not build a campfire in hazardous, dry conditions. As a precaution take wind, and its direction, into account when choosing the site. Choose a spot that is protected from gusts.
Is your campsite being maintained?
When preparing your campfire, always use an established campfire ring, and keep your size appropriate for your campsite. Keep the fire a minimum of 15 feet from tents, shrubs, trees, or other flammable objects. Don’t forget to look out for low-hanging branches above the fire. A secure waterproof box or bag outside your tent is the perfect way to store matches, lighters, and items used as fire starters.
Do you know additives in Scouting are Prohibited?
We all love a big campfire but using additives to a fire in Scouting is prohibited. This includes chemicals, accelerants, color-changers, explosives, and other flame-enhancing products like Magical Flames™. Be sure to extinguish your campfires properly. Try a campfire cold-out test; look at your campfire ash for any sign of heat before you consider the fire extinguished. But remember if your campfire is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
Are we cooking on our campfire?
If you plan on cooking at your campsite, ensure all Scouts maintain a safe distance from the campfire. If you plan on using a skewer, make sure it is long enough to keep your body outside the fire ring or containment area. Also, when using a skewer, they might be sharper than expected. In the dark, others may not see the skewer, so remember to always point your skewer in the safe direction.
What’s your emergency response plan?
This is a critical part of planning a SAFE experience; identify your emergency response plan before your trip. In Scouting, use the Scout Motto; Be Prepared. So, Be Prepared with a plan. Communicate with all participants that a campfire should never be left unattended. Always bring a shovel or rake and water or other extinguishing materials handy. Be prepared to respond to burns or someone on fire with “Stop, drop, and roll.”
RESOURCES
Camping
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning from the use of portable camping heaters, lanterns, or stoves inside tents, campers, and vehicles. Scouters often use many devices that can produce carbon monoxide. This includes trying to stay warm and overlooking the danger of bringing heating devices into enclosures or tents. As such, it’s essential to know about this hazard and what steps to take to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in outdoor settings.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a non-irritant, colorless, and odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. In Scouting, CO is often found in the fumes of portable camping heaters, lanterns, or stoves. Your Scout camp facility likely has additional sources too.
Why is CO such a risk?
When breathed in, CO will bind to your blood’s hemoglobin with an affinity 200-250 times greater than that of oxygen. This means your blood cannot deliver the oxygen needed by your organs and tissues. Like choking, you deprive your body of the necessary oxygen you need to survive.
What are the symptoms of CO Poisoning?
Symptoms resemble the flu and include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pains, and confusion. People sleeping can die from breathing in large amounts of CO before they even have symptoms.
How can I prevent CO poisoning?
Fuel-burning equipment such as camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills should never be used inside a tent, cabin, or other enclosed shelter. During winter camping, be particularly careful if you create enclosed structures, such as wrapping outdoor pavilions or pop-up tents with plastic. Opening tent windows/doors or having small openings in enclosed areas is insufficient to prevent the build-up of CO concentrations from these devices.
What to do if you experience symptoms of CO poisoning?
Get outside to fresh air immediately! Also, contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis.
No Flames in Tents
The Boy Scouts of America and other camping organizations have long adopted a policy of “No Flames in Tents.” Other than the apparent fire danger this action prevents, most don’t think of the CO poisoning risk it eliminates. Since CO poisoning provides no visual, sellable, or auditory clues, the “No Flame in Tents” policy can easily be extrapolated to no propane-powered heaters in tents or enclosures.
Camping
A small idea from a Scout’s desire to sleep outdoors sparked a troop wide movement. When the girls in Troop 114 heard about it, all wanted to join in!
The Senior Patrol Leader set up a one-hour troop meeting on Zoom. Starting with the flag ceremony, the regular troop opening and then they played troop wide games online, including “Scout Bingo” which was created with advancement requirements and troop related facts. They planned meals, cooked outdoors and shared pictures of meals and individual campsites on an app, set up by the Troop Scribe.
The Senior Patrol Leader planned a virtual campfire program and all Scouts returned at 8:00 pm. Songs, jokes, visiting with each other, vespers and a Senior Patrol Leader minute made up the evening.
The troop continues to meet via Zoom weekly. A Scout mentioned at the campfire, “This is so much fun! I hope we get to do it again!” Pausing, she said, “I mean, I would rather be backpacking or on our Moab Utah trip but if we can’t this is awesome!”
Learn more at: www.trooponefourteengirls.com.
Camping
Conestoga Log Cabins values their relationship with BSA which spans more than 15 years. They have worked with several councils and have provided the scouts with numerous buildings over the years. Their latest project is with the Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council’s Camp Hi-Sierra. This 14-building project includes 7 custom bunkhouses, 1 health lodge, 3 Pioneer cabins, 2 ADA cabins and a beautiful Ranger’s Lodge.
The BSA’s Outdoor Programs and Properties team has reviewed and approved a selection of Conestoga’s buildings layouts. You will see a single user bathhouse, staff cabins and pavilions. In addition, Conestoga offers a wide range of buildings such as bare bones cabins, bunkhouses, shower houses, dining halls and commissaries.
Conestoga is known for its high quality, superior customer service and an inclusive kit package that is incredibly easy to assemble.
Click on this link for more information: https://bsa.conestogalogcabins.com/
COPE/Climbing
What is a Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructor? A Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructor is an instructor over 21 who has taken a course from a Program Manager or Program Trainer to be able to be the primary instructor of climbing or COPE events, depending on their training on that particular facility. They are assisted by another level 2 instructor or a level 1 instructor over age 18. They are capable of training Level 1 instructors to assist with COPE and Climbing events. A 6:1 ratio is necessary for participants actively participating with rope. Two instructors are required to run any event or program, so they can supervise up to 12 participants. Another instructor must be added for every 6 participants. The Level 2 instructor is proficient in the foundation skills of both COPE and Climbing, still up to date on their level 1 skills, and have taken a course in COPE or Climbing to expand their skills to Level 2 Instructor to those specific programs.
A Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructor and his assisting level 2s or Level 1s can run a summer camp program if their Council and its Program Manager or Program Trainer wish to train summer camp staff. The Program Manager or Program Trainer is available to advise those who he or she trains and is responsible for vetting and monitoring the quality of that instructor’s operation; such that a Program Manager or Trainer’s training abilities can be reviewed or revoked if sub par training is discovered.
Many COPE and Climbing instructors both take a tower class. Some COPE instructors take a course from a council that may only have low COPE and then maybe a tower and a zip line. Some Climbing instructors may only take people climbing on local rock faces. Others may only operate their council’s indoor climbing wall. There are a variety of combinations, so in most councils (or at some times, collaborations of councils) that have a Program Manager or Program Trainer who teaches Level 2 instructors to run the programs for the facilities or rock in their council (or collaboration of councils) only.
This summer, we may see some councils for temporary or long standing collaborations with councils that have Program Managers or Program Trainers who teach on similar facilities due to the lack of availability of National Camping School courses because of Covid 19.
In this subcommittee chair’s opinion, becoming a COPE or Climbing Director at National Camping School often affords the Director the interaction with more than one out of council NCS Instructors, yielding a perspective possibly not available in a local council program, to his or her benefit, though I have seen many very strong Program Managers and Program Trainers’ training. To this end, councils that exclusively use the Program Manager or Program Trainer Program to train Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructors have been informed of the new 2020 NCAP standard in SQ 409 that says as Program Manager’s cards expire, all who wish to continue to teach or develop Level 2 training programs within their councils will send someone back to National Camping School to get a COPE or Climbing Director card before they can take the Program Trainer card to train Level 2 Instructors; thus yielding the perspective of a return to National Camping School at least every 5 years to the Program Trainer who will pass his or her insight on to his Instructor candidates. Level 2 Instructors will no longer be allowed to become Program Trainers.
And as always, this sub-committee’s passion is to spread a love of climbing and challenge activities among units and the youth in them. Unit leaders who become Level 2 COPE or Climbing instructors will take youth climbing and out on challenge courses. They will foster growth, team building and challenging experiences for youth in many different types of units. Whether the unit leader or youth got his or her passion to teach or participate in climbing and COPE from attending a summer camp, or the unit members chose to further their instruction through a merit badge or instructor class at summer camp because they came from a troop who climbed, the Level 2 instructor trained by a Program Manager or Program Trainer can be the point where these passions begin to grow and expand. We love to see Units who take the Level 2 Instructor course who take youth climbing who grow up to be leaders who become Instructors to take youth climbing.
Continue to train safely.
COPE/Climbing
As we are getting ready for camp and going through your checklist for opening (NCAP RP-855), one of the items on your list is your annual COPE and climbing facilities ACCT inspection. Let’s review NCAP standard FA-715 and how it applies to your camp and let’s focus on what you need to DO to be ready for your season.
Before you operate your COPE and climbing area(s) they must be inspected by a “qualified person.” This person is defined in the NCAP standard FA-715 and the inspection must take place each year (within 12 months) of operation. As a reminder someone who is trained as an NCS COPE or Climbing director alone is not qualified to do this professional inspection.
Your council will need to schedule this inspection NOW if you have not already done so. A list of professional ACCT vendors is found at www.acctinfo.org/page/PVMList. Inspectors book quickly so its essential you schedule this inspection right away if you have not already done so.
So you get the inspection, now what?
Taking charge: the councils’ responsibility
Your council plays a central role in overseeing the safety of your climbing and COPE courses. When inspections reveal areas of concern, it falls upon the council to address these issues swiftly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of all involved. This includes developing a plan to address any issues from the inspection. The NCAP standard allows you 60 days to develop the plan. You may ask “Can I use this element(s) during that time if it failed the inspection?” – NO once the inspector has labeled an element as a “fail”, your council must discontinue its use until the issues have been resolved. Does that mean my entire COPE course must shut down? – NO, you may continue to use those element(s) which pass inspection unless the use of a failed element would be needed to access the other elements.
Timely responses and thorough documentation
Your inspector must inform you immediately if there is an element(s) of the course that do not pass the inspection. This can be verbal, or in writing. Your role is to ask following the inspection “Were there any issues that you found?” Once you receive the inspection reports, the council will craft written responses outlining plans to rectify identified deficiencies. These responses are documented, providing a clear roadmap for addressing safety concerns and ensuring accountability throughout the process. Your NCAP assessment team will need to see the inspection reports along with the plan of action that addressed any concerns. These can be submitted with your Declaration of Readiness.
Collaborative efforts
Don’t go about this alone. Your council should engage a diverse array of stakeholders, including qualified professionals and experts, to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing inspection findings. Working with the inspector, installer, or manufacturer, along with your council committees will help you develop a plan to take corrective action. This plan must be in writing and available to your NCAP visitation team during the visit.
Implementing solutions
The primary objective of your council plan is to implement timely and effective corrective measures to correct any failures or issues. From structural enhancements to procedural adjustments, this plan should outline actions that are required and who will ensure they have been completed.
Verification and follow-up
Once the corrective actions have taken place a qualified person needs to approve and certify their completion prior to operation.
Cultivating a safety culture
Beyond mere compliance, council responses to inspection findings play a crucial role in fostering a culture of safety within our organization.
When it comes to outdoor adventures within the BSA, safety always comes first. Thanks to the work of BSA councils and their responses to inspection findings, you can climb, swing, zip, and explore with confidence. Questions about your inspection requirements? Email outdoorprograms@scouting.org.
NCAP
In just a few months, the warm breeze will herald the arrival of summer. Families and adult leaders will be eagerly preparing their Scouts for the quintessential experience of summer camp. A critical component of a successful camp adventure lies in the creation of a well-balanced and nutritionally sound menu. Drawing on the expertise of Penn State in the realm of nutrition, Scout camps can develop a menu that not only caters to the unique needs of campers but also ensures they receive the essential nutrients for a summer camp week full of fun and activities.
For the last few years, the BSA has partnered with Penn State to support our camp menu and nutrition planning. Penn State advocates for a diverse array of food groups to form the foundation of a robust camp menu. Breakfasts can be fortified with whole-grain cereals, yogurt, and a selection of fresh fruits to kickstart the day with complex carbohydrates, protein, and vital vitamins. For lunch, incorporating colorful salads with lean protein sources such as grilled chicken or chickpeas ensures a nutrient-rich midday meal. Dinner options may include whole-grain pasta with a variety of vegetables and a lean protein source, offering sustained energy for the evening’s campfires or other activities.
Beyond the inclusion of diverse food groups, Penn State emphasizes the importance of portion control to meet the nutritional needs of campers without overindulgence. By offering a variety of options in appropriate serving sizes, campers can enjoy a range of flavors while maintaining a balanced diet. Snack choices can include a mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, providing energy-dense and easily transportable options for between-meal cravings.
Ensuring food safety in camp settings is paramount, and Penn State provides valuable insights into proper food handling techniques. From safe storage practices for perishables to maintaining appropriate cooking temperatures, these guidelines help prevent foodborne illnesses in the camp environment. Additionally, incorporating non-perishable and easy-to-store items into the menu streamlines meal preparation without compromising nutritional value. Don’t forget to be prepared for special dietary needs. The big 8 recently became the big 9 (welcome sesame!) for major allergens. Double check your camp’s process for managing and supporting special dietary needs for your Scouts and Scouters. This a key aspect of customer service but also for the health and wellbeing of our campers.
Hydration takes center stage in Penn State’s approach to summer camp nutrition. With increased outdoor activities and potential exposure to higher temperatures, staying well-hydrated becomes crucial. Camp menus can feature hydrating options such as fruit-infused water, electrolyte-rich beverages, and watermelon slices to keep campers refreshed throughout their summer escapades.
In line with responsible camping practices, Penn State encourages eco-friendly choices in menu planning. Opting for reusable containers, minimizing single-use plastics, and emphasizing sustainable sourcing contribute to an environmentally conscious camping experience.
In conclusion, crafting a nutritious summer overnight camp menu inspired by Penn State’s recommendations ensures that campers not only enjoy their culinary experiences but also receive the essential nutrients needed for an active and memorable summer. By incorporating a variety of food groups, practicing food safety, promoting hydration, and adopting eco-friendly practices, camp organizers and families can contribute to the overall well-being and enjoyment of the camp experience. Visit the Penn State website to review the extensive collection of Penn State resources.
Camping
Ninety years ago, we made the very first standard-issue backpack for the Boy Scouts, the Yucca Pack. Ever since then, Diamond Brand Gear’s partnership with Scouts has been one of the most enduring and impactful parts of our legacy as a company.
It was crafting durable, top-quality goods for Scout camps and councils — from bags and gear to our flagship canvas wall tents and packable Scouting tents — that first marked our entry to the world of gear craftsmanship.
It’s only fitting, then, that we honor this partnership as the title sponsor of this year’s Boy Scouts of America National Outdoor Conference.
Why we’re proud to be 2021 BSA National Outdoor Conference sponsors
As the largest biennial gathering for Boy Scouts of America employees and volunteers, we’re thrilled to collaborate on such a key cornerstone of leadership in Scouting today. (And we were happy to donate commemorative messenger bags made from reclaimed tent materials, too!) Our support for the Scouting community goes far beyond a weekend’s event, though.
Tested by us, trusted by Scouts
From Camp Daniel Boone in North Carolina to the 137,000-acre Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, our tents, made by hand in the Blue Ridge foothills, are favored by Scout camps across the country for a reason. We craft them to last, using only the most durable of fabrics, sealed seams, triple reinforced corners and sturdy grommets. Tested in the harshest of conditions, and with an in-house repair shop to boot, our tents are designed to keep powering scouts’ adventures for generations.
Have any upcoming Scouting adventures of your own? Feel free to check out more of our time-tested, handcrafted gear for Scouts by tapping the button below. Your partners in adventure,The Diamond Brand Gear team
This article is sponsored by Diamond Brand as part of their great donation to the 2022 National Outdoor Conference.
Aquatics
As we look toward the warmer months, it’s time to gear up for a splash of excitement and safety awareness. May is National Water Safety Month, and as proud members of the Scouting community, it’s our responsibility to champion safety while embracing aquatic adventures. From thrilling campouts to refreshing swims, let’s make a splash in promoting water safety across all units and camps.
- Understanding Safe Swim Defense: A Fundamental Principle
Safe Swim Defense is the key to unlocking a world of aquatic exploration without compromising safety. Safe Swim Defense helps reinforce the importance of the buddy system, qualified supervision, and appropriate swim ability and more. Each of us should familiarize ourselves with the Safe Swim Defense guidelines and ensure that all aquatic activities adhere to these fundamental principles. Reminder you must take Safe Swim Defense every two years and it can be done online or even from your mobile device! Camps can also offer in-person Safe Swim Defense courses and your local Scout Executive has access to the current in-person training materials.
- Safety Afloat: Navigating Waters Responsibly
For those venturing into the realm of boating and watercraft adventures, Safety Afloat guidelines are paramount. Safety Afloat reinforces rigorous training for leaders and participants which ensures a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. Life jackets, weather awareness, skill proficiency and proper supervision are the cornerstones of Safety Afloat. Remember you must take Safety Afloat every two years and it can be done online or even from your mobile device! Camps can also offer in-person Safety Afloat courses and your local Scout Executive has access to the current in-person training materials.
- Dive into Awareness: 7 Ideas to Promote National Water Safety Month
- Host Training: Arrange to teach Paddle Craft Safety or Swimming & Water Rescue locally.
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- Training for BSA Swimming & Water Rescue provides BSA leaders with information and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to swimming emergencies during unit swimming activities. It expands the awareness instruction provided by Safe Swim Defense training.
- BSA Paddle Craft Safety expands Safety Afloat training to include the skills and knowledge needed for a unit leader to confidently supervise canoeing or kayaking excursions on flat water with additional modules for moving water.
- Organize a Swim Classification Test Event: Get prepared for your Scouting water-based adventure by offering a swim classification test event. Details about the swim classification test can be found in Aquatics Supervision.
- Community Outreach: Partner with local organizations to spread awareness about water safety. Offer free swim tests or demonstrations to the community, emphasizing the importance of learning to swim.
- Safety Poster Contest: Host a poster contest focused on water safety. Engage Scouts in creating eye-catching posters that highlight the key principles of Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat.
- Boating Adventure Day: Arrange a day dedicated to boating adventures, incorporating Safety Afloat guidelines. From kayaks to canoes, let Scouts experience the thrill of watercraft under safe supervision. And don’t forget Friday, May 17th is “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day”.
- Merit Badge Focus: If your unit or camp has a water-related merit badge program, make May the month to dive into those activities. It’s a perfect way to merge skill-building with safety awareness. You can encourage Scouts coming to camp to sign up for a water related merit badge this summer.
- CPR and First Aid Training: Equip leaders and older Scouts with CPR and first aid skills specific to water-related emergencies and host local courses. This additional layer of preparedness can be a lifesaver in critical situations.
As we celebrate National Water Safety Month this May, let’s champion a culture of safety that ensures every Scout can dive into aquatic adventures with confidence. By embracing Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat, we not only safeguard our Scouts but also nurture a love for water activities that will last a lifetime. Let the waves of safety awareness ripple through our units and camps, creating a sea of knowledge that keeps everyone afloat. Happy Water Safety Month, Scouts!
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