Polar Bear Express

Ohwahnasee District Winter Camporee 2021 January 8-10, 2021 Great Western Park Manning, Iowa

Polar Bear Express

Leader’s Guide Important Information All Policies in this packet should be read thoroughly. They are intended to ensure a safe, fun, and informed weekend. All participating units must sponsor one event or activity and provide the necessary adults and materials required to run the activity or event.

Camp Hosts Curtis Frazier 712-571-0696 [email protected] Sherry Frazier 712-216-1215 [email protected] Vance Arnold 712-579-2717 [email protected] Randy Fields 402-510-8090 [email protected]

Table of Contents Pre-Camp Information ❖ Camp Dates & Fee Structure ...... 3 ❖ Refunds ...... 3 ❖ Covid-19 Guidelines ...... 3 ❖ BSA Annual Health Forms……………………………………………………………….. 3 ❖ What to Bring ...... 4 What to Expect at Camp ❖ Arrival & Check-in Procedures ...... 5 ❖ Parking …………………………………………………………………………………….... 5 ❖ Camp Headquarters ……………………………………………………………..………… 5 ❖ Health & Safety ..……………………………………………………………………..……. 5 ❖ Sleeping Arrangements ...... 5 ❖ Showers & Restrooms...... 6 ❖ Food & Water ...... 6 ❖ Photos ...... 6 ❖ Valuables & Gear ...... 6 Emergency Procedures ...... 7 Program Information ❖ Camp Schedule ...... 8 ❖ Camp Map ...... 9 ❖ Camp Activities …...... 10 ❖ Catapult Competition & Instructions ..………………………………………………… 11 ❖ Klondike Derby Procedures & Instructions ..………………………………………... 14 ❖ Winter Camping Tips …………………………………………………………………….. 18 Departure from camp ❖ Campsite Clean-up ...... 20 ❖ Camp Departure and Check Out ...... 20 ❖ Evaluations ...... 20 Camp Policies ❖ Adult Leadership & Youth Protection ...... 21 ❖ Insurance ...... 21 ❖ Special Needs ...... 21 ❖ Behavior Expectations and Rules……………………………………………………… 22 ❖ Unauthorized Intruders…………………………………………………………………… 24

Pre-Camp Information Camp Date & Location Winter camp will be January 8-10, 2021, at Great Western Park, 13203 Birch Avenue, Manning, IA 51455

Registration & Fees Registration is open to all Boy Scouts and Venturers for the entire weekend.

Registration includes the cracker barrel for Leader and SPL, Saturday breakfast and supper, and Sunday breakfast, access to all events, supplies and a patch. The cost is $30.00 per Scout ($25.00 if paid by December 25) and $25.00 for adults ($20.00 if paid before December 25).

NO WALK INS allowed. Due to Covid-19, attendance is limited. You must pre-register to reserve your spot. Register at https://scoutingevent.com/326-41118 Refunds Part of a Scout or Leader’s fee will be refunded only under one of the following circumstances: ❖ Individual illness or injury ❖ Death or serious illness in the immediate family ❖ Relocation of the family outside of Mid-America Council ❖ Leadership decision to cancel camp The Scoutmaster must make such requests by submitting a completed Activities Refund Request form. Refunds may be requested up to two weeks after prior to camp. Pre-registration fees for a Scout or Scouter may be transferred to another Scout or Scouter.

Covid-19 Guidelines A health screening will be conducted on arrival. Temperatures will be taken upon arrival for all individuals attending/working at the camp. If a participant has a temperature of 100.4 or greater, the participant and all individuals in the vehicle will not be able to participate or attend camp. Please bring a mask for when social distancing is not possible. Covid-19 release forms will need to be completed before arrival and presented upon check in. Covid-19 form is available here: https://scoutingevent.com/Download/32661401/OR/2020_COVID_Acknowledgement.pdf

BSA Annual Health Forms All campers, including adults, MUST bring a copy of their BSA Annual Health & Medical Record with parts A & B completed within the past 12 months. School physical forms cannot be accepted. Please have these filled out for all attendees prior to arrival. You can download a copy of the BSA health form here. https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_AB.pdf There are no waivers or exceptions.

What to Bring to Winter Camp

❏ Health Form Parts A and B and Covid-19 Release Form. You can download forms here. https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/HealthSafety/pdf/680-001_AB.pdf and https://scoutingevent.com/Download/32661401/OR/2020_COVID_Acknowledgement.pdf ❏ 1 can of soup per person attending ❏ Face mask ❏ Winter camping gear ❏ Warm winter clothing, boots, hat or cap, gloves ❏ Extra socks and other extra clothes ❏ Toothbrush, comb, soap in container ❏ Day pack for carrying gear throughout the day ❏ Water bottle ❏ Flashlight, headlamp, batteries ❏ If coming as a troop, please bring an American flag and Troop flags and Patrol flags (if you have them) ❏ Bring a winter themed skit to perform at Saturday night campfire turn in at lunch ❏ Catapult building supplies and tote to hold water baggies or snowballs (see pg. 15) ❏ Sleds ❏ Essential Sled Items for Each Patrol: • Passport (will be given at check-in) • Ziploc bag for storing Passport • 1 ten to twelve foot section of rope per patrol member (minimum of 6) • 3 staves 8 feet long • 1 9' x 12" tarp • 1 blindfold for each patrol member • Scout Handbook • Patrol first aid kit • 4 splints • 6 triangular bandages • 10 Tennis balls • 2 blankets • Energy snacks for morning and afternoon • Mug or cup for each patrol member • 5-gallon bucket with lids

What to Expect at Camp

Arrival & Check In Procedures—Subject to change Please plan to arrive between 5:00-9:00 pm on Friday. Please stop before proceeding to the camping area. Temperature checks will be completed before exiting the vehicle, Covid-19 Release forms will be collected, and Health Forms will be verified. Identification wristbands will be provided upon arrival.

Campsites will be assigned upon Check In. Watch for signs for directions around camping areas. Please turn in the can of soup for each person registered at this time.

*Campers who plan to depart early must have a signed permission slip and notify their unit leader and the camp director. For those adults who are not registered campers, the individual’s name must be included on the BSA Health Form as an approved adult. Any non-registered individual planning to pick up a scout from camp will need to provide a photo id at the time of pick up.

Parking Due to the high volume at the camp, only one vehicle will be allowed in at a time to unload gear at the campsite. After unloading, please park in the designated areas until the end of camp.

Camp Headquarters—Camp Headquarters will be at the shelter house. Administrative, program, and medical needs will be handled at headquarters. Headquarters will be staffed 24 hours a day during the event in case of an emergency. All camp staff can be contacted through the camp headquarters. More details at registration.

Health & Safety Our health station is maintained and staffed with qualified personnel for the health and safety of all campers, at all times. The health officer must check all medications, prescription and non-prescription drugs brought to camp, in accordance with BSA policy. All medications must be brought in the original container. All injuries occurring at camp must be reported to the health officer and registered in the camp’s first aid log.

Campsites There will be no early campsite setup. Campsite assignments will be made at check in. Campfires are only allowed in the fire rings. Troops may have to share the fire rings with 2 or 3 other packs. Campfires may never be left unattended. Make sure you put out fire when leaving the area and before going to bed.

Tenting During Covid Units should develop tenting protocols for their group. Campers should sleep in individual tents, hammocks, etc.

Showers and Restrooms Separate restroom facilities will be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth. Please watch for signage. The buddy system should be used. Bathrooms are located across from the shelter house and in the campground shower house. There are no shower facilities available during this event.

Food Meals include: Saturday breakfast and supper, and Sunday breakfast. You will need to provide your own lunch in camp on Saturday.

There will be a leader and SPL meeting on Friday night. A cracker barrel will be provided for that meeting. This is a time-honored tradition where we gather near the end of the day to share snacks, review the day’s activities, and make our plans for the coming day.

Dining During Covid Units should develop dining protocols (including but not limited to): ● Meals will be served by staff and a water bottle refill station with hand sanitizer will be provided. ● Disposable utensils, napkins, cups and plates will be used and cooking gear will be disinfected after use. ● Hand sanitizer will be provided for use before and after eating.

Garbage Please help to keep our camp clean. Please pick up all trash and take it to the designated containers. In some instances, trash may need to be packed out of camp.

Water Troops will need to bring in their own water for drinking and cooking. Additional water is available at headquarters if necessary. Due to Covid, water and other drinks are available, but a staff member must be present to serve them.

Photos Many photos are often taken throughout the event. If you or any members of your unit have objections or privacy concerns, please make sure to indicate this on the Medical forms consent page (part A) and notify the Camp Director so we can honor those wishes. Also, if your unit is willing to share any pictures, please share them on Facebook. To tag our district page, type your description of the event and type @Ohwahnasee District, Mid-America Council. We’re always looking for photos that capture Scouts and staff in action! Valuables and Gear Leaders should ask Scouts to bring as few valuables as possible to camp. All Scout electronic devices should be left at home. Each unit is advised, if possible, to have a leader responsible for their Scout’s valuables. Adult supervision is a MUST. Scouts should be encouraged to respect their own gear as well as that of all others. Please oversee the behavior of your Scouts to guard against theft or vandalism of camp property.

Emergency Procedures While camp is in session, the camp will always have someone on duty to help handle any emergency that may arise; including those that may involve the Camp Health Officer. In the event a scout needs off site treatment, a staff member (along with the scouts’ parent, guardian or leader) will take the scout to Manning Regional Hospital, which is located to the north of camp a ¼ mile. Shall a scout or leader need emergency services on site, the Manning Ambulance is located to ⅛ mile to the east of camp.

Severe Weather/ Storm ● Check the daily weather report at Headquarters or ask the Camp Director as needed. ● Camp Director will alert unit leaders of impending weather conditions and procedures to follow. ● Whenever a severe storm occurs, everyone in camp should move into the closest secure building. ● Avoid wide open areas (parking lots, open fields, etc) in an electrical or windstorm and avoid ground contact (assume lightning position if needed).

Other Hazardous Weather Conditions Special Consideration must be given to atmospheric conditions that may affect campers staff. You will be alerted to any changes in schedule and program when the following conditions exist: ● Extreme temperatures or extreme cold— Headquarters will be available to come in and get warm. ● Severe Weather Warnings—Camp Director will monitor weather warnings and notify as needed.

Personal Accident ● Administer first aid immediately. ● Report the accident to the Headquarters. ● The Camp Health Officer will administer further first aid and/or make contacts for needed assistance.

Lost Person ● Report the situation to the Camp Director at once who will spearhead operations.

Fire or Flood ● Mobilize Scouts to a safe area. Send someone to Headquarters and report the location of the fire or flood. ● In the event of fire, no units are to fight the fire. In the event of flood, move to higher ground, stay safe and in a group. ● Emergency Management Personnel and Camp Directors will spearhead operations, Evacuation, if required, will be led by local authorities.

Active Shooter or Threat to Safety ● Notify Headquarters immediately (use the radios or phone, as needed). Give all known facts clearly and carefully. ● If in the vicinity of the threat, RUN-HIDE-FIGHT. Review BSA and DHS training aids for more information. ● Law Enforcement and Camp Directors will spearhead operations. Be patient; the event could last a while.

2021 Polar Bear Express Schedule

Friday, January 8 5-9:00 pm Check in. Please have one adult check in with health forms. 9:00 pm Leaders meeting. Leaders and acting SPL should be present to hear announcements and any event or time changes. 10:30 pm All Quiet in camp. Please ensure all scouts are in camp. Be considerate of others and abide by park rules.

Saturday, January 9 6:00 am Reveille 7:00 am Breakfast in campsites 7:45 am Flags at Headquarters and Sled Inspection 8:00 am Session #1 8:45 am Session #2 9:30 am Session #3 10:15 am Session #4 11:00 am Session #5 11:45 am Lunch in Campsites Turn in skits (winter camp theme) 1:00 pm Catapult Competition 2:00 pm Merit Badges: First Aid and Snow Sports (weather permitting) 4:45 pm Retire the Flags 5:00 pm Supper 6:00 pm Free time 8:00 pm Campfire program 10:00 pm All Quiet in Camp

Sunday, January 10 7:00 am Reveille 8:00 am Breakfast 9:00 am Scouter’s Own church service 10:00 am Strike Camp and Checkout with Camp Staff

Camp Map

Polar Bear Express Activities

All events for the Polar Bear Express Weekend will be based on basic Scouting skills. A scorecard will be given to each patrol listing the order of activities to visit. The score for each event will be recorded on the scorecard. Each patrol must turn in their scorecard to the Camp Director as they finish to be eligible for any awards.

Program Activities During Covid Equipment that must be shared will be disinfected before and after each use and, where possible, each person will have their own supplies. Hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap and water will be readily available for use at camp.

Station #1—Winter First Aid In this event, Scouts will be given a first aid scenario in which a person has been injured in the cold weather environment. Scouts must render first aid and then prepare to evacuate the victim. Scouts are encouraged to prepare in advance by doing first aid scenarios during Troop meetings. Patrols will have to furnish all first aid supplies such as neckerchiefs, poles, and blankets for stretchers, extra coats/blankets to keep victims warm, etc. Each Patrol will also have to provide its own victim.

Station #2—Snow Fort For this challenge scouts will build a shelter to house your patrol or you and buddy. If there is no snow, patrols will create an improvised whole patrol shelter from material on their sled (i.e. tarp, ropes, poles, etc.) Your Patrol shelter will be judged on the following: Can the whole patrol fit in the shelter? Could the shelter keep the patrol dry and warm? Could the shelter survive a blizzard?

Station #3—Snow Bot Building (Snowman) If there is snow, patrols will compete to build the biggest Snowman. If no snow we will have a Plan B

Station # 4—Turkey Hunt Sling shots In this event, patrols will use dog food as ammo and shoot at targets placed in trees (dog food and sling shots provided)

Station #5—Ski Sled Race for Speed For this competition, each Patrol will line up and race sleds to see which Patrol has the faster Sled

Winter Theater Every Troop is encouraged to have a skit at the campfire. EVERY skit must have a winter theme.

Additional Afternoon & Evening Independent Activities for Troops If Troops want to take advantage of opportunities at the park, they will need to bring their own supplies for Photography, Astronomy (Northern Lights & Winter constellations), Winter mapping, Knot Tying and Lashing, Bird Study, Winter Tree Study.

Catapult Competition Catapult Competition Guidelines ● The catapult must be constructed of wooden poles and lashed together with rope ● Scoring will be based on distance, accuracy, quality of construction, appearance, Scout Spirit and the name for the catapult ● Each patrol’s catapult must be built on Saturday morning. No pre-made pieces permitted. ● The catapult must use wood strong enough to hold the weight (no dowels) and no rotting wood ● Wood, poles, staves, and materials must be brought to the Camporee – no cutting of timber on Camporee grounds ● All supplies for the catapult need to be provided by each patrol ● Test runs can only be done at the “Catapult Field” ● Catapults must be safe to use. No PVC Pipe or slings allowed. ● The “Projectiles” will be zip-lock sandwich bags filled with water or snowballs (weather permitting) ● The launch holder can be made from any non-breakable material i.e. plastic milk jugs cut in half ● Breakable materials or materials with sharp edges such as glass are not allowed. ● The launcher must be lashed onto a pole—no duct tape. ● Catapult must be designed and constructed by Scouts. ● There will be spies ensuring Scouts are designing and constructing the catapults—points will be deducted for any adult interaction! ● The staff reserves the right to disqualify any patrol who doesn’t follow the rules.

IMPORTANT SAFETY for Catapult Launching The excitement of watching the water baggie sail out and hit its mark is the fun of building a catapult. However, what goes up will also come down and the throwing arm is no exception. Once the baggie is launched all eyes will follow the baggie and unfortunately not the descent of the arm. One person MUST act as safety control and control the descent of the throwing arm. This means that they must stand just in front of the catapult and keep their hand on the short end of the throwing arm. The same person can check the path of the throwing arm before they call "fire" to ensure everyone is clear. Example designs of catapult can be found in this Camporee guide.

BRING Each patrol should bring a large Rubbermaid container to store water baggies or snowballs for the competition. The baggies of water will be provided if necessary.

Building a Catapult The catapult that is described here will throw a sandwich Ziploc baggie filled with water several hundred feet. Obviously if you reduce the dimensions of the components the distances you can throw will change accordingly. Remember that the catapult must be safe. No bungee or elastic parts allowed. You may use any catapult design you may find either in this Camporee guide or on the web, just as long it meets the Catapult Guidelines.

Equipment List

Quantity Item Comments All spars must be good quality. DO NOT use 3 2.4m (8ft) spars (front face) dowelling. 3 4.5m (15ft) spars (back brace) Best results will come from a good but 1 4.5m (15ft) spar (throwing arm) relatively thin spar. 1 1m (3.5ft) spar (throwing arm cross piece) Must be strong 15m (50ft) .6cm (1/4 in) or thicker rope Launching rope These are for lashing. I prefer braided nylon 7 X 3.5m (12ft) .6cm (1/4in) rope or better still, braided polyester. 1 double pulley or 2 single pulleys Must fit the launching rope above. 1 throwing tin (see diagram below) 2 X 1/2m (20in) .6cm (1/4in) rope to attach pulley(s) and throwing tin

Step 1 - Build front face triangle Lay out the 2.4m spars as shown in the diagram and lash the spars together with a square lashing where they cross.

Step 2 - Attach the back supports Lash the back brace spars to the front face triangle as shown in the diagram. Note: The two side spars should be lashed to the inside of the triangle about 2/3 of the way up from the bottom. The bottom spar should be attached on the outside.

Step 3 - Build the throwing arm Lash the throwing arm cross piece to the bottom side of the throwing arm about 1m (3.5 ft) back from the thickest end. If the throwing arm has a curve in it, make sure the apex of the curve is up (see diagram). Attach the throwing tin to the tip of the throwing arm.

Step 4 - Assemble the catapult 1. Set the completed throwing arm into the catapult as shown. 2. Attach the pulley(s) to the end of the lower back support. 3. Attach the middle of the launching rope with a clove hitch to the large end of the throwing arm. 4. Run the two ends of the launching rope through the pulley(s) and lay them back beside the two back supports.

Step 5 - Safety considerations The excitement of watching the water baggie sail out and hit its mark is the fun of building a catapult. However, what goes up will also come down and the throwing arm is no exception. Once the baggie is launched, all eyes will follow the baggie and unfortunately not the descent of the arm. One person MUST act as safety control and control the descent of the arm. (see the diagram). This means that they must stand just in front of the catapult and keep their hand on the short end of the throwing arm. The same person can check the path of the throwing arm before they call "fire" to ensure everyone is clear.

Step 6 - Operation Depending on their strength and size, you can assign several on each rope. When the water baggie is in the tin and everyone is clear of the arm, the safety control person should yell "fire" and both ropes should be pulled. If the throwing arm is heavy then the safety control person may want to assist the throw by pushing down on the throwing arm extension. (Remember to control the descent of the arm after the water baggie has been thrown.)

Throwing Tin The throwing tin is made from a large coffee tin. The side is cut down to a 8cm (3in) height and the edge is turned over. Two slots 1.25cm (.5in)wide X 10cm (4in)long, about 2.5cm (1in) apart. (see diagram).

Klondike Derby Procedures Sled Inspection Each patrol's sled will be inspected for all required equipment and for proper packing. Nothing should fall out when the sled is tipped over. Every Scout must be wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions. This is the first event and will be conducted by the Camp staff (Winter Weekend Staff) i.e. Scoutmasters will inspect a troop other than their own.

Be on Time Bring your sled down the hill to flags. Arrive at headquarters immediately following flags for sled inspection. Teams that arrive late will be assigned to the end of the list.

Code of Conduct Scout Law applies. Leaders should remind Scouts beforehand that failure to observe the Scout Law, e.g. through swearing or poor sportsmanship, will not be tolerated and may result in a time penalty, loss of treasure, or disqualification.

Sled Construction Sleds must be constructed by Scouts – no commercially manufactured sleds are permitted. This also means that such items as wheelbarrows and commercially manufactured wagons are NOT “sleds.” Sleds should be fashioned to look like an Alaskan dog sled. The sled should be large enough to carry all required equipment plus one scout. The Sled should display the patrol flag and troop number.

A harness for pulling the sled by the scouts should be attached to the front of the sled. Ideally, looped ropes should come off a single main/trunk rope similar to the way in which branches on a tree come off a common trunk. Due to strangulation risk and the risk of being trapped under a run-away sled if a scout slips, ROPE LOOPS MUST NOT BE LARGER THAN A HAND HOLD (APPROX. 6-9ʺ LONG) in order to assure that loops are not able to be placed over any scout’s neck or around a scout’s waist. The sled must be constructed of wood. REMEMBER this is a scout built sled!

Make sure the sled is strong enough to bear the weight of your equipment and will hold together! You may consider adding a brake, towing line, or hooks to lift the sled if needed. The sled must be returned to the start/finish line. If the sled breaks on the trail, the team must carry all the parts to the finish or be disqualified. Please do not use nails. Other fastening means, such as screws or nuts and bolts, are preferred and much safer.

We have provided a sled example, but there are many Klondike sled plans available on the Internet.

Klondike Sled Example https://scoutdocs.ca/Klondike/Klondike_sled_plans.php

Videos and instructions are available at https://scoutdocs.ca/Klondike/Klondike_sled_plans.php Before you read ahead, have a look at the Sled Diagram (PDF) and the detailed pictures of the front and rear bindings. The various parts of the sled are attached together by lashing with rope. There are 7 mm (¼″) deep notches where the pieces cross. This makes aligning the pieces easy and keeps things from slipping even if a lashing is not as tight as it should be. All the notches can be made with a circular saw or router. They don't have to be exact; the pieces should not fit tightly since they need to flex.

Skis (pair) Used downhill skis are the best for a sled. These should be 185 cm (73″) or longer. Second-hand sports shops often sell these cheap. Note that there is no advantage to having new skis, though a freshly waxed surface does help.

Bindings (×4) These are 2×4 boards 20 cm (8″) long with 10×4 cm (4×2″) cut out of the bottom and 5 cm (2″) by 7 mm (¼″) cut out of the top. The front bindings have an angled, 2 cm (¾″)-wide slot cut in the front to accommodate the diagonal (see side view diagram).

Screw the skis to the bindings with 6 cm (2½″) or longer screws, one binding at the front and one at the rear. The screws come up, through the ski then into the binding. Use screws with wide, flat heads to spread out the force, and counter-sink them so that they are flush with the bottom surface of the ski. Counter-sink them only just as far as you need to because the firm bottom surface of the ski is often thin. Smooth over the screw heads with a P-tex candle, a form of melted plastic used to repair skis which you can get at ski shops.

Cross bar (×3) These are 2×2 boards, 60 cm (24″) long, with 5 cm (2″) wide notches 4 cm (2″) from the each end of the board. Two of these are lashed to the bindings and support the floor. The other is the push bar and is lashed to the uprights.

Floor board (×10) A floor board is a 1×2 board 120 cm (4′) long. (1×2 boards are often sold in 8′ lengths; cut these in half.) The floor is made from ten such boards held together by weaving nylon webbing back and forth between them. There should be three such lashings. Each lashing will require about 2 m (6′) of webbing. Use a flat head screwdriver to help get these tight and even. Do this at home. The floor, which is flexible until lashed down to the cross bars, can be used to wrap the other pieces when packing the sled. The two outside floor boards should have eyes to hold the ropes for the sides. There should be eight eyes, 12 cm (5″) apart, starting 8 cm (3″) from the rear end of the board.

Upright (left & right) The uprights are 2×2 boards, 1 m (40″) long. They rest on the skis and are lashed to the back of the rear bindings. The height is chosen so that it is a comfortable height for a Scout to push. On the inside, there are two eyes for the rear triangular brace ropes. These are 45 cm (18″) and 85 cm (33″) from the bottom of the upright. On the front, there are six eyes, spaced 10 cm (4″) apart, starting 20 cm (8″) from the bottom of the upright. These eyes are for the side and back mesh. The uprights come in left and right versions. The only difference is the location of the inside eyes and the notches for the diagonals.

Diagonal (left & right) These are 1×2 boards, 150 cm (60″) in length. There is a 6 cm (2½″) wide notch 7 cm (2½″) from the bottom which fits into the slot on the front binding. It is lashed here with a shear lashing. There is a 5 cm (2″) wide angled notch 4 cm (2″) from the top on the side of the board. This fits the notch on the upright and is lashed with a square or diagonal lashing. Along the top edge, there are 5 mm (¼″) deep nicks to accommodate the ropes for the sides. These are 8 cm (3″) apart starting 20 cm (4″) from the top end.

Once the sled is assembled, two ropes which connect eyes on opposite uprights provide triangular bracing. Tighten these one at a time using a trucker’s hitch. To make the sides, rope is wrapped through eyes on the edge floor board and uprights, and in 5 mm (¼″) deep nicks in the diagonal. The back is done using the same eyes on the uprights (not shown).

Harness Design A comfortable harness can be easily made by making a loop from 2 m (6′) of 2.5 cm (1″) nylon webbing. To this is tied a rope which leads back to the bindings on one side or the other of the sled. Ensure that an equal number of Scouts are pulling on either side. If you like, tie a short piece of bicycle inner tube from the webbing loop to partway down the rope. This allows some give in the harness which will keep the tension more constant. Ensure that if the harness is pulled hard, such as when climbing a steep hill, the rope will become tight and do the pulling itself. Otherwise, something may give way unexpectedly and the sled may fly forward with all the energy stored in the over-stretched inner tube.

In addition to the pull harnesses, there must be a brake rope. This is a short rope tied between the two rear bindings. This is used by the musher to stop the sled. Note that the musher must not get into the rope as a sudden pull could pull the musher face-first into the push bar.

Winter Camping Tips ❖ Fail to Plan = Plan to Fail ❖ Make sure that you have a good knowledge of the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. You should be able to recognize it in others and in yourself. Tell someone right away if you or another scout is showing signs of cold-related problems. ❖ Keep out of the wind if you can. A rain fly for a tent can be pitched to serve as a windbreak. The wind chill factor can often be considerable and can result in effective temperatures being much lower than nominal.

Food & Water ❖ Bring extra water. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the winter. You aren’t visibly sweating, so you don’t think to drink water, but since the air is so dry, you lose a LOT of water through breathing. Drink lots of water! ❖ Bring extra food that doesn’t need to be heated or cooked. Granola bars, trail mix, etc. Eat lots of carbs. ❖ Keep a pot of hot water available for cocoa or Cup-a-soup. These warm from the inside. ❖ Always eat hot meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner). Dutch ovens are the best because they keep food hot longer. It doesn’t need to be complicated; it’s hard to do things like chopping onions and carrots in the cold with gloves on. Prep all meals at home in the warmth of your own kitchen. ❖ Shelter the cooking area from wind (walls of tarps, etc) ❖ Fill coffee/cook pots with water before bed. It’s hard to pour frozen water, but easy to thaw it if it’s already in the pot.

Dressing for Cold Weather ❖ Always bring more than what you think you’ll need— clothes. ❖ Remember COLD Clean - dirty clothes lose their loft and get you cold. Overheat- never get sweaty! Strip off layers to stay warm and not be too hot. Layers - Dress in synthetic layers for easy temperature control. Dry - wet clothes (and sleeping bags) also lose their insulation. ❖ Do not bring cotton. Staying dry is the key to staying warm. Air is an excellent insulator and by wearing several layers of clothes you will keep warm. ❖ Remember the 2 W’s of layering: Wicking inside layer, Warmth middle layer(s) and Wind/Water outer layer. Wicking should be a polypropylene material as long underwear and also sock liner. Warmth layer(s) should be fleece or wool. The Wind/ Water layer should be Gore-Tex or at least 60/40 nylon. ❖ If you’re camping in the snow, wear snow pants over your regular clothing ❖ Bring extra hand coverings. Mittens are warmer than gloves. ❖ Bring 4 changes of socks per day. ❖ Keep your hands and feet warm. Your body will always protect the core, so if your hands and feet are warm, your core will also likely be warm. If your hands or feet are cold, put on more layers, and out on a hat!

Sleeping ❖ Go to the bathroom before you go to bed. Having to go in the middle of the night when it is 5 degrees out chills your entire body. Drink all day but stop one hour before bed. ❖ Dress right while sleeping. Change into clean, dry clothes before bed. Your body makes moisture and your clothes hold it in. You will stay warmer and it will help keep the inside of your sleeping bag dry. ❖ Put on tomorrow’s underwear at bedtime and put tomorrow’s clothes in the bag with you so you won’t be starting with everything cold next to your skin in the morning. Wearing wool socks and long underwear (top and bottoms) in the sleeping bag is ok. ❖ Wear a stocking cap to bed. Even if you have a mummy bag. ❖ Put long-lasting hand warmers into your boots after you take them off so your boots will dry during the night. ❖ Fill a couple of Nalgene water bottles with warm water and sleep with one between your legs( warms the femoral artery) and with one at your feet. You can also put toe/hand warmers in your sleeping bag before you get in. Some of the toe/hand warmers will last 8 hours. ❖ Eat a high-energy snack before bed. The extra fuel will help your body stay warm. Take a snack bar to bed and eat it if you wake up chilly in the night. ❖ Use a sleeping bag that is appropriate for the conditions. i.e. A zero degree bag, or two +20F sleeping bags, one inside the other, will work to lower the rating of both bags. ❖ Use a sleeping bag liner. There are silk and fleece liners that go inside the sleeping bag. They will lower your sleeping bag’s rating by up to 10 degrees. Or buy an inexpensive fleece throw or blanket and wrap yourself in it inside the sleeping bag. ❖ Most cold weather bags are designed to trap heat. The proper way to do this is to pull the drawstring until the sleeping bag is around your face, not around your neck. If the bag also has a draft harness make sure to use it above the shoulders. It snugs up to your neck to keep cold air from coming in and warm air from going out. ❖ Don’t burrow in—keep your mouth and nose outside the bag. Moisture from your breath collecting in your bag is a quick way to get cold. Keep the inside of the bag dry. ❖ Put a trash bag over the bottom half of your sleeping bag to help hold in the heat. A zipped up coat pulled over the foot of a sleeping bag makes an extra layer of insulation. ❖ Don’t sleep directly on the ground. Get a closed cell foam pad to provide insulation between your sleeping bag and the ground. The air pockets are excellent in providing good insulation properties. Use more than one insulating layer below you because it’s easy to slide off the first one. In an emergency, cardboard makes a great insulator. Old newspapers are also good insulation. A layer of foam insulation works too. ❖ Bring a piece of cardboard to stand on when changing clothes. This will keep any snow on your clothes off your sleeping bag, and help keep your feet warmer than standing on the cold ground. ❖ A space blanket or silver lined tarp on the floor of the tent or under your sleeping bag will reflect your heat back to you. ❖ No cots or air mattresses! Better to lay on 30 degree earth instead of -10 degree air. ❖ Sleep in quinzees or igloos if possible. These are warmer than tents since you’ve got an insulation layer of snow between you and the outside air, instead of just a thin nylon layer. If in tents, leave tent flaps/zippers vented as it cuts down on interior frost.

Departure from Camp

Campsite Clean-up Time will be allotted for campers to pack up camp and load vehicles. Remember a scout is clean, please police your campsite and leave it better than when you arrived. Remember to please “Leave No Trace.”

Camper Departure and Check Out Procedures Campers must sign in and out at the Headquarters. Campers must notify their unit leader and the camp Director prior to leaving camp. For campers to be released or picked up, permission must be indicated on the medical form and signed by the parent. At the time of departure, an in camp adult leader must be present to verify all records and that all adults involved are approved.

Evaluations Each adult will receive an emailed survey with an evaluation following the conclusion of camp. Please take the opportunity to fill out the evaluation form and return it before you leave camp. Your feedback is valuable to our camp staff. We appreciate your comments, concerns, and opinions.

Camp Policies

Adult Leadership It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that trips and outings may never be led by only one adult. Two registered adult leaders OR one registered adult leader AND a parent or guardian of a scout (one of whom must be 21 years of age) are required for all trips and outings. Adults must have current Youth Protection Training. If you do not have two deep leadership, please contact any of the camp directors and we will combine your units.

Youth Protection BSA Youth Protection rules are in effect for camp. Refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting. ● Two deep leadership is required in the campsite any time there are youth present. ● One adult leader must be a BSA registered volunteer. ● Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth. ● Youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age. ● In Cub Scouting, parents and guardians may share a tent with their family. ● In all other programs, youth and adults tent separately. (Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs) ● Spouses may share tents.

Insurance All adult leaders and Scouts must be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America. The Mid-America Council has purchased the National Boy Scouts of America Council Accident & Sickness Insurance Plan, which will cover all registered Mid-America Council Pack, Troop, and/or Crew members for both accidents and illnesses that manifest during participation in Scouting activities. All out-of-council units will not be covered by the Mid-American Council plan and should bring proof of insurance from their council (BSA Annual Health & Medical parts A & B). All other non-Registered BSA Members (siblings and/or friends of scouts) attending camp will not be covered by the Mid-America Council insurance plan and the parent or adult will assume responsibility for any accidents and illnesses at camp for their non-Registered BSA youth.

Special Needs We work hard to make our camp comfortable and accessible to those with special needs. If anyone in your unit has special dietary, health, or mobility needs, we ask that you please make your needs known as soon as possible to allow time for reasonable accommodations for your requests. To allow adequate time for arrangements to be made, please email the camp director two weeks before the camp session. Peanut Allergy: We recognize that the occasional Scout or Scouter may have a peanut allergy. We are not able to create a peanut-free environment in camp. However, peanut-free tables will be identified in the dining pavilion if needed. It is your responsibility to let camp staff be aware of this need.

Staff Responsibilities Each activity area will have an assigned camp staff member that is familiar with the program, camp layout, and camp policies. He or she will be a registered member of the BSA and will be your group's primary resource for a quality camp experience. This person is to be your support for your program, not to provide adult leadership and discipline. The same holds true for all staff members.

Parking All vehicles must be parked in the designated lot. Unapproved vehicles will not be allowed beyond the parking area. Please back your vehicles in when parking, if you are able. In case of an emergency, this will allow for easy evacuation.

Camp Behavior The Scout Oath and law will govern the behavior of all participants during the weekend. Any form of bullying, hazing, ridicule, or fighting is unacceptable and may result in expulsion from camp. Profanity is unbecoming of a Scout or Scouter and is not tolerated at camp.

Camper Discipline Discipline is the responsibility of the adult leadership attending with the unit. The camp staff is available to help with, but not take over, any discipline problem. Under no circumstances is corporal punishment allowed. Take all serious discipline problems to the Camp Director. The Camp Director reserves the right to remove any person from camp who may present a threat to any camp staff or attendees, or to camp property.

Alcohol and Drugs There are absolutely no alcoholic beverages or unapproved drugs allowed in, or to be consumed at camp. Anyone violating this policy will be asked to leave immediately and, if applicable, the appropriate law enforcement agency will be contacted. Prescription drugs need to be checked in by the camp’s health officer and noted on your health form. Drugs will be dispensed by the camp health officer.

Tobacco Usage Tobacco usage is not allowed at camp. If it is legal for you to use tobacco and you must do so, you must secure permission from the Camp Director and follow strict directions on where and when it is appropriate to use.

Knives Scouts must have a "Whittling Chip" or “Totin’ Chip” card to use a knife at camp. This card can be earned at camp, so the knife must not be used until it is earned. Blades may not be longer than four inches and must fold. Sheath knives are not permitted.

Pets and Wildlife No pets are allowed. Do not attempt to touch or feed any wildlife. Report any wildlife that behaves in a strange manner to a staff member. This includes showing no fear of humans, biting, scratching, etc.

Electronic Devices These devices are not needed in camp. If a radio is needed, it must have headphones. Hand-held video game devices and cell phones are discouraged due to their significant program distraction.

Trading Post There will be no trading post on site.

Dress Code Clothing should be appropriate for weather for all attendees. Scouts can be in either Class A uniform or Class B t-shirt. Open-toe sandals and flip flops are not permitted in camp. This is for your safety and protection.

Lost & Found Please mark all belongings with name, city, and troop number. Lost and found items can be found in the main shelter during camp. Items not claimed after the completion of the event will be posted on the district Facebook page and brought to the next roundtable meeting.

Fishing Licenses All bodies of water at Great Western park are subject to Iowa rules and laws regulating fishing. Anyone wishing to fish who is 16 years of age and older is required to possess a IA Fishing License. Licenses are NOT available at camp. It is the angler’s responsibility to understand and adhere to all applicable IA fish and game laws.

Fire Wood In order to control invasive species, NO Firewood may be brought into county or state parks from off site. Firewood may be gathered from downed trees and the ground in the park. Please do not cut anything out of living trees.

Quiet Hours and Bedtime A Scout is Courteous. Quiet hours are from 10:00pm - 7:00am. All is quiet at 10:00 pm each evening. These hours are in effect both in the main camp and throughout the park. There should be no loud noises or other noisy events to disturb others. All scouts should remain in their own campsite until reveille. Leaders are responsible for their unit's conduct. We also have to abide by the County or State Park guidelines on noise.

Preventing Unauthorized Intruders Camp Staff and volunteer leaders play a primary role in preventing the intrusion for unauthorized volunteers or guests at camp. The following procedures will be implemented at camp to prevent intrusions of unauthorized visitors from escalating to the youth protection issues.

● All leaders and campers are instructed to wear the identification wristband supplied to them upon arrival. Camp staff are identified with appropriate staff brightly colored t-shirt or hoodie. ● Leaders will be instructed to “check in “ at their campsite throughout the day. All units will be encouraged to have a leader remain in the campsite whenever possible. ● All “mobile“ staff members will be trained to watch for unauthorized visitors while traveling throughout camp. ● The buddy system will be emphasized to all scouts and leaders during the welcoming SPL and Leaders meeting. ● All quiet is at 10:00 pm Friday and Saturday nights. After taps, Camp Staff will tour the camp looking for anything out of the ordinary.

The following procedures will be shared at the SPL and Leaders meeting: ● All visitors must report to Camp Headquarters to sign in and out. The Camp Director keeps a log book of who is in camp at all times. ● If an unauthorized visitor is suspected, notify the nearest program area or volunteer leader. All program area directors will be made aware of the best communication methods available. The program area director should report the suspected intrusion to Headquarters. The program area director should remain available to provide more information. Do not allow the suspected intruder to roam free without supervision or monitoring. ● Camp Director will proceed to the area with another adult member of the camp staff to question the suspected intruder. ● If the suspected intruder flees, the Camp Director and Camp Staff will determine the best course of action moving forward. ● Program areas should continue as usual unless the Camp Director determines the situation warrants a return of all Scouts and leaders to their campsites. If necessary, the camp will implement the lost scout Emergency procedures. ● The Scout Executive will be notified. An assessment of the situation will be made and, if warranted, the local law enforcement agency will be notified.