Terry Bliss

I don't think I can attach the flier with the 2011 National Camping School dates and locations, but here is the web address in response to those that want to know: www.ncsbsa.org/calendar. Regarding the comment from Shortridge that it is difficult for a lone Scouter (vs a Council employee) to go, that has not been my experience, and I certainly qualify as a lone Scouter. I added at the last minute both times I went. Strictly speaking, the only must-have interaction you need from the Council is a Council executive's signature on the application form. Barring cost issues, a Counci

As a BSA Project COPE Driector, a BSA Climbing and Rappelling Director, as chairman of the local Council Climbing and Rappelling Committee, I need to log on and correct a few misconceptions. First, I strongly suggest you read the rules regarding high adventure, starting with the Guide to Safe Scouting, Climb On Safely, Safe Swim/Safety Afloat, Caving (joint with the NSS) and so on- there are many others for other specific activities. The 2 minute summary is, there is nothing stopping you from using a private guide service, as long as they are properly qualified, insured, etc. The gene

I went last year, and essentially they tell you that you can't use a single tent unless it is necessitated due to an odd number of people, an odd number of adults, or to prevent males and females from co-habitating. The reason is to keep the impact on the facilities low. They specifically prohibit bivy sacks, in writing, in the printed material they send out. If you really feel the need to sleep solo, weigh your pack with the initial 3-4 days worth of food and your share of crew gear. You will likely change your mind. It is very difficult to keep the weight under 45 lbs with a solo te

My son and did the Out Island Adventure in 2003. Here are my suggestions: 1) Take a non-BSA t-shirt for the day trip to Key West, as required in the info from BSA Seabase. Unfortunately Scouts sometimes suffer harrassment in Key West. 2) Make sure every one is up to speed on swimming. We did not do swim tests until a few weeks before leaving ans we were surprised to learn that several Scouts that had already earned Swimming Merit Badge could not pass the test. I had to set up several sessions at my local swim club to work with these individuals to get them up to speed. 3)

Atlanta Area Council COPE and Climbing Team usually uses Rocktown (in Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area, near La Fayett, GA SW of Chattenooga) for Council climbing events. It is excellent. No gear or instruction is available that I am aware of, but we have our own gear and instructors anyway. I have heard that gear and instruction is available through the Natahala Outdoor Pursuit Center, whichis much closer to SC anyway.

We also heard about the burro issues but took a trek that required them. We took Trek 9 this summerand had a very god experience withthe burros. We were early in the season (got the burros on about 18 June) so perhaps they wre not thoroughly ruined for the season. We aslso had all older Venturers (ages 15-20) so perhaps they were more disciplined in handling them. We made friends with them early on, fed them dried apples and dry oatmeal and trail mix to encourage them, and generally had no trouble. We were even able to turn them around on a narrow trail, when it was washed out and impassa