BSAquatics

BSA is allowing 2 summer camps to run pilot programs with PWC (Blue Ridge Mountains Council being one) "AND" 2 other summer camps to run pilot programs for ATVs (I think Camp Raven Knob is one, but put off running the pilot program until 2010).

Looking at this solely from a Program stand point PWCs and ATVs are great additions to the BSA Program. Retaining older scouts is always a difficult task for units and scouting as a whole, and honestly there is very little in scouting that does not have considerable risk involved that has to be taken into account.

Certainly, there are plenty of very legitimate safety concerns and the finances would be a mess. However, we should not give up on improving the BSA program without giving everything our best try and I believe that is what these pilot programs are meant to do.

I am an Aquatics Director at a Summer Camp that has both pool and waterfront facilities. Pools have become more popular in camps for multiple reasons. Yes some scouts feel more comfortable in a pool, but there are other safety issues involved. It is much easier for a camp to control the environment of a pool then a lake. Water clarity, temperature, clear bottom, water levels are all things that are extremely difficult or impossible for the camp to control in a lake. BSA has standards for all of these issues and some lakes do not stand up to the test.

I do believe that lakes make for a much more entertaining swimming experience especially for the mile swim but safety is always the first priority at any Summer Camp.