le Voyageur

[Dang editor] Wanted to conclude the last paragraph with... "So look for the hidden talent in your district and council...you could be suprised by what you find is available." LV

Have to agree with all that has been said...best advice is to beg, borrow, make, and rent the gear you need starting with the resources held by your Council's summer camp. For guides, bribery, like free food, and covering out of pocket expensives can't hurt. Also, don't look a gift horse in the mouth (i.e., I've offered my services to the local council and district here to guide river treks, as well as long distance cycling treks for Venture Crews pro bono. Seems that no one is interested, so I provide this service to another council that is).

Mike emailed a request for my backpacking gear list, and I'm posting it here to share it with you folks to give you an ideal on how to cut weight...but a bit of a warning, please use this information with caution since it is on the ultra light side of the equation... Backpack, LW One Pound Pack, 3200cu, 16oz http://members.tripod.com/lwgear/lwg.html Sleeping Bag, Haglofs LIM Plus#5 rated at 40deg f., 14.5oz http://www.haglofs.se/ Hammock, Hennessy, 36 oz Space blanket, 1.5 oz Clothing Pants, Railriders Weather pants Long Sleeve Shirt, Railriders EcoMesh Shirt Anorak, Lowe Alpine Triple Point Ceramic Long Johns (Tops and Bottom)Tech Silk Shorts (2 pair), nylon, meshed lined (fast drying) Socks, wool (2 pair) Socks, ployprop (2 pair) T-Shirt (3)Coolmax (non cotton) [one on, one drying, one clean] Sweater, Prima Loft Tuque (hat) Large trash bag (rain kilt,vbl, etc.) Total weight, appx. 48 to 50 oz Shoes - sneakers, or sandals Cooking gear - pot, cup, bowl, spoon, alcohol stove, fuel bottle, wind screen, about 20oz [fuel bottle - empty 16oz hydrogen peroxide bottle] Water Filter, Katadyn minifilter 8oz [cermic, cost may seem high, but the savings is in the long life filter element] 1 Nalgene water bottle (32oz cap) 2 Platypus water bottles (1 liter cap) 1 Water Sack (2 1/2 gal cap, 4.5 oz), [supplies the camp at the end of the day with extra water for showers, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc] Compass - Silva Trekker 20, 2oz, modified for UTM co ordinates GPS - etrek Black Diamond Moonlight headlamp, spare batteries Small pack towel Bandanna Sun Glasses Small First Aid Kit Hot Spark Lighter Journal/Pen Pocket Knife (single blade, 1.5 oz) Watch (sometimes will wear two, with one set to GMT) Note: If desert backpacking, the hammock stays home, and is replaced by a siltarp, and a ensolite pad. Also, the sandals/sneakers are replaced with lightweight, high top leather boots to deal with cactus... For travel above the tree line where snow/ice may be encountered (example, Foster Pass, John Muir Trail), than an ice axe is added to the gear.

The current scandal affecting the Roman Catholic Church seems to keep growing and growing. If this article has merit, then it's indication shows a much deeper problem that will require major changes, not by the Pope or Bishops, but by the laity at large. If not, then no parent in their right mind would ever trust their child with a priest... http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2002/4/4/192430.shtml [do hope this links work, as the edit function won't]

There may be a possible Mason connection that made it happen (B.P. was never a Mason, but the BSA advancement scheme seems to model that of the Mason's). However, the evidence for this is either still out there waiting to be found, or so meager that it has been overlooked and ignored..............

Personally, I could care less about where the Ten Commandements should, or should not be posted. But, what is most interesting about the Commandments was an oversight that altered the course of human history for the worse. Is it not odd that for a people who had broken free from the bonds of slavery, did not see the need, nor received a commandment against slavery? Tends to be one of those "what if" questions that opens a pandora's box since it infers a God of hindsights....kinda wonder how Aquanis would of handed this one?

Yes, the list is extensive, but I hope that it will give a few folks some ideals for creating training modules which could handle their local needs, and, or interest. As it stands that list in it's entire would take nearly two years to complete. However, if I was to develop a H.A. Trek leader course, the focus would be on leadership development and risk management first, then slowly building needed skills overtime. The immediate short term goal being to get the new trek leader out, and developing hands on experiences in the field as fast as possible. The book work and classroom stuff can only take you so far. Currently, our Council has elected not to conduct H.A. training for whatever the reason (they seem to be leaning more toward fund raisers than programs). But the Council that I will be working at this summer certifies their own raft guides. For myself,my credentials are EMT-B/WEMT, C.O.P.E, Climbing, ARC Mass Care, ARC Lifeguarding, ARC Disaster Services, ARC Damage Assestment, NOLS Wilderness Educator, ACA Whitewater Instructor, AHA CPR plus De Fib. Past training includes USN Aircrewman, SERE's School, and USMC Basic Infantryman. Major wilderness forays includes two climbs on El Cap (Salathe's route), a solo trek across Kenya following the equator as near as possible, one failed attempt to summit Mt. Logan in Canada (bad weather near 20k). Plus a half dozen climbs on Mt. Shasta, which is one my most favorite hills to play on. For rivers I've ran the upper Kern, American, Russian and the Touolume in California, plus sections of the James and the New River in Virginia, as well as being confused a whole bunch of times in these cypress swamps out here. Also, I've done two Trans Ams on a touring bike, and ran cycling treks in the Seirras. My next certification will be NCS's Trek Leader which is now required for the job at summer camp, should be interesting.... LV

These are the subjects that I think would produce a fairly knowledgeable trek leader that a parent would feel safe in having their scout with.... - WFR (mimimum) - layering systems - pack packing - LNT - campsite selection - sanitation/hygene - stove use and care - staying warm and dry - basic cooking/baking - nutrition - water borne diseases - fire building - bear/mountain lion habitat precautions - trail technique - land navigation - GPS - hazard evaluation - wilderness risk management - time control plans - river crossing - pullies and hauling systems - climbing knots - morse code - outdoor leadership and judgment - expedition behavior - expedition planning - wilderness emergency procedures - additional medical training in HAB, HAPE, HACE, and gender medical problems - technical terrain - specilized equipment (ice axe, crampons, etc.) - alvalanche awarness/basic shovel test - constellations and useful astronomy - meteorology and lighting - improvised litters - helicopter operations For treks involving water travel - BSA, or ARC, or YMCA lifeguarding - ACA canoeing certification - basic swift water rescue training - hand, whistle, paddle signals - self rescue training - river dynamics - emergency repairs - portage techniques - weathervaning and trimming techniques any others.....????

For the experience trek leader there is no such animal as a "safe program". Instead, it comes down to managing risks. Here are some points to ponder as you plan your next trek... Risks are divided into two broad categories.. Objective Risks - these are risks such as high water, fast water, cold water, rain, high altitude, blizzards, wildlife, terrain, snow, ice, etc.... Subjective Risks - or errs in planning and leadership. This is the stuff that really gets us into trouble, here a short list that is nearly endless.... - no training - outdated training - egos - fatigue - immortals - complacency, or indecision - peer pressure - errs in planning (inadequate food, improper equipment, unrealistic schedules) - distractions - preconceptions and expectations - inflexibility or resistance to change - lack of communication and leadership within a group - inability to manage stress - dishonesty about abilities - overconfidence - routines - impatience - not knowing when to back off Additionally people can be divided into groups. People who need a lot of support are high maintenace, those who get by on their own are low. Low maintenance folks are people who handle things themselves and don't mind being wet, cold or hungry occasionally. High Maintenace individuals, or those who need your constant support can't see the end of the activity when things get tough. They are focused on the moment..... On a final note...if I've learned anything living in the wilderness it is that nature is very patient. The time limits we have outside the wilderness are often inappropiate and irrelevant while in it. Is it worth the haste to get home, get back to the job, or make a plane or bus schedule??

From my experience the number of folks who are keenly interested in such training are too few in numbers to support these programs (at our last Council's High Adventure training, there were only 3 sign ups). The three problem seems to be; first, finding Scouters who can take the time off for training which can be exstensive for certain activities. Second, finding folks who are expert in these fields who can teach it. Third, BSA is way behind the curve in High Adventure Trek Leader developement having few guide lines or standards. The Guide to Safe Scouting is lacking when it comes to High Adventure, most of us tend to borrow standards from other organizations to run and keep our summer High Adventure programs safe (NOLS, BOSS, OARS,American Red Cross, etc.) Additionally, National would also have to look at legal protection and insurance for BSA trek leaders in today's world as these activies have higher risk elements than the standard scouting fare. However, I've got my fingers crossed that the Venture program will eventually start creating a demand for leaders who are trained for these programs.

will your unit attend this year??? This is the one that I toil at.... http://www.bsa-brmc.org/ Still lots of room for High Knoll for you folks who like to do outpost backpacking....

A week at summer camp is a far far better bargan than a day in Orlando watching a dancing/prancing rodent. But, if cost is a problems, most councils have a campership program that can help. Give your local office a call and see what their requirements are.

Sounds like it's time to find another unit for you and your son since it appears that neither the Troop Committe nor the C.O. has stepped in to correct this SM's atitude problem [reminds me of a SM I met at camp school for Program Directors. The guy could never seperate the differance between scouting and the military...his staff must of been truly miserable through out the whole summer.]

The Scout Oath and Law are specific toward God, not religion. Maybe a sit down and a face to face with parents might be in order to find a workable middle ground. However, you do not have the right, or the authority as a Scoutmaster to usurp a parent's prerogative no matter their belief system even if it is in conflict with your own. Fiats, and personal edicts will eventually drive a wedge through your membership body, and destory all your good works leaving ill will. Again, compromise, and finding a middle ground meeting BSA standards should be your goal........

Your pack will be just fine, unless you're carrying either an anvil or an anchor in the top part of your pack...enjoy your trek, and have fun....

Could it be http://www.scoutingforums.org/

Don't know why this http won't link. But, if you"ll enter it in the Address section of your Tool Bar it will come up...

Featherswillfly has posted a problem that now affects the welfare, safety, and sanctity of his family... Here's something that may get your attention http://www.msnbc.com/news/726496.asp?pne=msn

Fogot about these folks... http://www.cyberangels.com keep us posted...

Take a look see at http://www.cyberlawenforcement.org

Bob White You've brought up an interesting point, in that most private companies (in this area) that hire guards to staff local area pools won't hire a person with a BSA Lifeguard certification. Why, I don't know, but maybe it's nothing more simpler than that these folks are not aware of the training standards for this certification. To bring a BSA LG up to ARC/YMCA standards would require maybe at best, only half a day of training (whereas, it would take a full week to train an ARC guard to BSA standards). As I mentioned in an above post, this certification could be expanded out into three different levels, consider... BSA LG - Basic: the current program as is, but tweaked a little bit with ARC/YMCA requirements to cover the shortcomings mentioned in number one. BSA LG - Intermediate: focused more on waterfronts, and guarding flat water river treks. BSA LG - Advance: would cover guarding not only river treks in fast water, but also programs that have open water elements. Besides the obivous training to a higher level, this could be one way to provide the older scout with more dynamic programs at summer camp.

My certification has always been ARC. However, in this area the training is taught by USCG rescue swimmers, so we get program enhancements out of the mainstream. But, I do think, and agree that the BSA program is pretty good. What should be done to make this even better is to break it down into three different levels. That is, a Basic, an Intermediate, and and Advanced certification process. This way, you won't overwhealm the 14 year old just learning lifeguarding, but also leave the door open for more advance training at a later date. Also, it would be nice for BSA to step up to the plate and create a Aquatics First Responder program for lifeguards that deal directly with aquatic related emergencies. This would help those camps that are located in remote areas considerably..... [not to forget -Thanks for the welcome back]

LOL - do know about the "bronze god" atitude you aquatics guys have....do have fun at NCS....

Overall, the BSA Lifeguard program is not too bad overall. However, these observations are intended for summer camp CD's, PD's, as well as the Aquatics Director's for their consideration. Now, where this program comes up short are these... 1. It does not cover, nor teach scanning, zone controls, or bottom checks. Nor does it require the candidate to be able to reconize the swimmer in distress, or the early signs of a potenial drowning victim. 2. It assumes that a person who is qualified to guard a pool can also guard a waterfront. 3. It allows an individual to guard river treks in moving water without knowing any of the core, or fundalemental techniques of basic fast water rescue procedures. Nor does the program covers river dynamics and hazards [for short treks on waters rated at class A to C, than the certification is okay, but the BSA Lifeguard should be supervised in class 1's to 2's by a person with a minimum of two years of swift water river running, but never considered for runs in 3 and up]

Young Blood Camp School at Hawk Mountain was a joy. The camp is a little hilly, but nothing major to contend with such as the cardiac hill at Ottari. The pool is near the dining hall, plus the waterfront is nearby which is a small lake created by a dam which can be easly seen from the dining hall also. No currents, but winds and maybe an occasional T storm are possible. Overall, the NCS staff instructors are very knowledgeable and experienced for their areas. Overall, your stay there is should be great fun, but don't expect much time to loaf as the aquatics module makes for a full day, and then some. I would advise in bringing an extra swim suit; and a foam knee pad, plus cycling gloves for canoeing.....