The Trail to Adventure VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

J U N E 2 0 1 5

PROVIDED BY Welcome!!! THE NATIONAL O U T D O O R P R O G R A M S It is a pleasure to welcome S U P P O R T you to the first edition of a C O M M I T T E E new and (we hope) useful OF tool to keep you informed of changes and new initia- T H E B O Y tives in Outdoor Programs. S C O U T S O F AMERICA This newsletter is geared for all leaders in that use the outdoors as a INSIDE THIS tool to deliver our promise ISSUE: to America’s youth;

Leadership 2 Comments Adventure!! Region Updates 3,4

Task Force 5,6 Upcoming events: Updates

Unit Spotlight 7 July 28-August 8, 23rd World , Kirara-hama, Japan

National Outdoor 2 August 3-8, National Conference, Lansing MI Conference October 14-18, National Outdoor Conference, Key Leader 8 Contact Information

Bikes and BMX 8 information CONRATULATIONS TO THE ORDER OF THE ARROW ON 100 YEARS OF CHEERFUL SERVICE TO SCOUTING!! P A G E 2 National Leadership Comments

“The open air is the real objective of Scouting and its key to success”.

One can hardly imagine a better summary of what we are all about in Outdoor Programs than this succinct statement by the Founder of Scouting, Lord Robert Baden-Powell. Our actual vision statement expands on that century old quote and defines our mission: “Every , Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturer experiences maximum fun and exhilarating adventure through safe, challenging and widely varied outdoor programs that are the envy of youth everywhere”.

To all of you involved at any level of Scouting in helping deliver on our promise to our youth Mark Stinnett, of outdoor fun and adventure, thanks for your efforts to keep the “Outing” in Scouting! National Outdoor Programs Support Mark and Keith Chairman

2015 National Outdoor Conference October 14-18, 2015 Hosted by Philmont Scout Ranch & Training Center

Make your plans to attend Scouting’s largest get‐together of volunteers and professionals charged with delivering the world’s greatest outdoor program for youth! It’s four days of backcountry excursions, group sessions, outstanding keynote speakers, outdoor ven‐ dor exhibits, clean mountain air, more than 50 sessions with camping and outdoor experts, some fun competition, special program opportunities, great music, and fellowship with Scouting’s top outdoor leaders.

Join fellow Scouters and outdoor enthusiasts from Keith Christopher, across the country to learn new methods, share ideas, Outdoor Programs and and check out the latest in outdoor gear and programs. It Properties Department Manager is the place to be if you are involved with outdoor pro‐ grams in any way. There are also two pre-conferences planned to learn more about fishing and visual storytell‐ ing. Go to this link to learn more details: www.scouting.org/outdoorprogram or to this link to register for the event: 2015 National Outdoor Conference Registration Site

THE TRAIL TO ADVENTU R E VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 3

Northeast Region News, Mike Abrahamson

Hello! I’m Mike Abrahmson and I have the pleasure to serve our region as the Outdoor Programs Chair‐ man. I’m a past president of the Connecticut Yankee Council and a member of the Northeast Region Board. I look forward to working with Tom Owsley (our region Outdoor Adventures Chairman) and all of you to provide great program opportunities for our youth. My email and phone are listed on page 8.

Plan to attend our Outdoor Adventures conference this fall. More information to come!!

Central Region Update, Jim Kern

We reorganized in March of this year to meet a critical need to support Cub Scout Camping efforts across the region. Joining our committee was Jay Oakman of Bellevue NE as a Cub Scout Camping Resource, along with Jim Forrest of Hastings MN. Working with both of them is Dan Gille, who represents us on the National Camping Task Force. Also joining our committee was Terry Budd of Medina OH. Terry is the new regional representative to the National Aquatics Task Force. Look for information in our region’s Promise newsletter this fall about the2016 Regional Outdoor Ad‐ venture Leadership Conference. If you would like to receive the Promise newsletter regularly, contact Jim Kern at [email protected] or Dan Gille at [email protected]. P A G E 4

Southern Region Notes, Keller Carlock Our work continues within the region to replace Area Advocates when they finish their service. Our newest subcommittee, Fishing, has taken off with a number of courses and training opportunities. Our Area NCAP teams have completed training and are in the process of executing our 2015 Camp assessments.

Attend the National Outdoor Conference at Philmont!

Western Region Roundup, Steve Bradley

We are in the process of conducting 6 Cub Scout Day Camp National Camping Schools and 5 for Boy Scout Resident camp. The Western Region will host an NRA Training Counselor Development Workshop October 2-4 of this year at Camp Baldwin of the Cascade Pacific Council, near Dufur OR.

Our Regional Shooting Sports Coordinator, Kurt Wampole, has produced a Shooting Sports newsletter for our region. If you’d like to be on the mailing list, contact Kurt at his email: [email protected].

THE TRAIL TO ADVENTU R E VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 P A G E 5

Shooting Sports Task Force, Mark Pluff

The Shooting Sports Task Force At the Philmont Fall Conference, we plan to roll has been diligent in reviewing and out information on the following programs for 2016: developing programs geared to  Boy Scout Pistol Shooting (age 14 and up) challenge scouts at all levels with  Flashball programs (like paintball but at targets different activities but also keeping safety at the forefront. Some things only) accomplished over the past few  Cowboy Action Shooting (a 3 event station that months include a new National tests a scouts ability to fire at different targets) Shooting Sports manual (available at  Sporting Arrows. www.scouting.org), program helps for Boy Scout rifle and shotgun Programs currently under our team’s review include: programs and a new set of Cub  Crossbows Scout activity awards (these replace  Boomerangs the belt loops in the new Cub Scout program). Check these out at  Atlatl (spears). Scouting will the scouting.org website. present it’s

Two Fishing Task Force, Ben Jelsema Millionth Fishing Merit

4 Certified Angler Courses are scheduled this year with At week 11 this fall, we Badge in BSA National Camping Schools. More information is at: will hold a full menu of training in addition to sev- 2015. www.ncsbsa.org. eral fishing trips to the Philmont back country.

Several seminars will be held at the National Out- Later this year, we will produce resources to improve fish- door Conference on specialized programs for Cub ing resources and facilities at your BSA camps. Watch the Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers. website for more details. We will also offer Fly Fishing programs at the 2015 National Order of the Arrow “Hooked on Scouting” is a great recruiting tool that utilizes Conference. Fishing as it’s focus. More is available on the Fishing tab of the Outdoor Programs website.

Project COPE and Climbing, John Winter

Our Task Force has had a busy year! Our most recent meeting at Orange County Coun- cils’ Irvine Ranch CA in February was most productive and we spent some time climbing at Joshua Tree National Park. Several task force members also attended and presented at the national meeting of the Association for Challenge Course Technology Conference.

The Task Force completed a revised version of the “Belay On” manual, which replaces “Topping Out” and the Project COPE manual.. The new book serves as the textbook for National Camping Schools, as well as local council training.. You can get this publication (as well as other key documents relating to COPE and Climbing at:

www.scouting.org/home/OutdoorProgram/COPE.aspx.

P A G E 6 Aquatics Task Force, Pat Noack

Effective January 2015, Swimming Merit Have experienced leadership: i.e. National Camping School and Badge must be completed using the new

requirements. To obtain these, go to: Professional support.

www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/ Diversity: Health & Safety, Risk Management, Program and Resident AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges/mb- Camp Staff. SWIM.aspx. Strong Organization: customize to local needs and form sub com‐ Our October 2014 National Aquatics mittees (equipment, training, events, etc.) Workshop gathered Scouters from around the nation to the Florida Sea Base. Schedule regular meetings: have an agenda and dates When asked about best practices for local council Aquatic committees, the following Develop plans: annual, 5 year (or more) and share with council key issues were shared: membership Have Year Round Activities: training, Effective Communications: Aquatics info on the council website, specialty programs, unit program ideas. social media, event notices. Networking: other committees, Red Direct Support: Resident Staff training, equipment procurement, Cross, regional and national workshops. facility development.

Camping Task Force, Jim Blair

A new Outdoor Programs Guide will be offered Checkout the Outdoor Programs website and Scout- this fall. It will be digital only and available at: ing.net blog for more information on the Cub Scout www.scouting.org/home/OutdoorPrograms.aspx. Portable Outdoor Program (POP) Guide. This guide can assist you with development of portable pro- This replaces the Council Camping and Outdoor gram sites with different themes to meet the needs of Programs guide published in 2011 and is a new and several districts. Find it at: comprehensive approach to council outdoor pro- www.scouting.org/filestore/Outdoor%20Program/ gram planning and development. pdf/Portable_Outdoor_Programming.pdf.

The Adventure Plan (TAP) is replacing the The Camping Task Force is also developing a set of cold Passport to Adventure. This program is de- weather activity guidelines for Cub Scouts. Look for this signed as a single source to units in designing, plan- this fall. ning and conducting Outdoor Adventure. Elements of this will be available soon at : Programs on these new items, along with BMX and Mountain Biking programs will be offered at the www.scouting.org/home/OutdoorPrograms.aspx. National Outdoor Conference.

Outdoor Ethics Task Force, Dave O’Leary

The Outdoor Ethics Task Force website (http:// We plan to offer Outdoor Ethics topics and outdoorethics-bsa.org) has lots of new con- displays at the upcoming National OA Confer- tent including information on Council Outdoor ence and . Our task Ethics Advocates. An electronic version of an force is also working with the National Con- OE newsletter is available. Contact me for de- servation Task Force on a conservation trail at tails, my email is listed on page 8. the 2017 National Jamboree.

12 Leave No Trace Courses are scheduled for Initial plans are underway for the 2016 Out- 2015. Check our web address above for locations door Ethics Conference in Salt Lake City UT. and dates. These are open to all. Watch this newsletter for more information.

THE TRAIL TO ADVENTU R E P A G E 7 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

Conservation Task Force, Mark Rey

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the William T. Hornaday Award, the Outdoor It also features a life Programs department has developed a won- sized American Buffalo! derful paneled display that gives a brief histo- ry of the award and information about its purpose and intent. This display is available for use at your local council events. Contact John Stewart at (972)580-2579 or [email protected] to obtain avail- ability and size information. It would make a great addition to your event!

“I don’t worry Unit Spotlight: Troop 75 of Bow New Hampshire , about Recruitment and Retention. . Dedicate yourself to providing

Since 2007, Troop 75 has grown from 20 to 50 active and engaged scouts. One of the successful features of unique program this troop is a well rounded and vibrant Outdoor Program. opportunities and

the kids will come Scoutmaster Andrew Richardson states that every month has an outdoor activity and a community service project. Check out their 2014 raft trip at: https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=cGRvEHjOuOU. and stay” -Andrew

In addition to Outdoor Program excitement, Troop 75 is engaged in the community, collecting over 9000 Richardson items last fall for the Scouting For Food program. The troop is well received in the community and has a por- tion of the annual Town Report dedicated to the troop and its activities.

A major fund raiser is their Community Yard Sale. With these funds, the troop sent 22 youth to the 2013 National Jam- boree, sent youth leaders to the council NYLT course and provided camperships to scouts in need.

“I don’t worry about Recruitment and Retention” says Scoutmaster Richardson. “Dedicate yourself to providing unique program opportunities and the kids will come and stay”. We agree!

Your National Outdoor Programs Support Committee

Mark Stinnett, Chairman 719-999-5121 [email protected]

Keith Christopher, Department Manager 972-580-7810 [email protected]

Pat Noack, Aquatics Task Force 212-872-6086 [email protected]

Ben Jelsema, Fishing Task Force 407-505-3927 [email protected]

Dave O Leary, Outdoor Ethics Task Force 301-580-8673 [email protected]

John Winter, Project COPE & Climbing 319-885-6496 [email protected]

Mark Rey, Conservation Task Force 202-669-9902 [email protected]

Mark Pluff, Shooting Sports Task Force 314-679-5010 [email protected]

Jim Blair, Camping Task Force 303-795-9754 [email protected]

Mike Abrahamson, Northeast Region Chair 203-395-2402 [email protected]

Jim Kern, Central Region Chair 740-974-3634 [email protected]

Jason Hood, Southern Region Chair 901-415-7740 [email protected]

Steve Bradley, Western Region Chair 951-688-7667 [email protected]

Dennis Kampa, Cub Scout Camping 719-545-1768 [email protected]

Sal Ciampo, Camp Maintenance 917-807-6084 [email protected]

Eric Hiser, Website Design 602-622-6885 [email protected]

BMX, Mountain Biking and General Information

Scouting is currently working with the International Mountain Biking As- sociation to define levels of training for age appropriate groups.

Currently, it is recommended that instructors complete the IMBA Level II

Mountain Biking Instructor Course to oversee training for mountain pro- grams and BMX activities.

BMX and Mountain Biking are growing in popularity across the The Guide to Safe Scouting has information regarding unit bike trips and country and is a big activity at our National . Many activities. camps and units have active bike programs, so some documents We’d like your input! Comments or suggestions may be sent to the Task to assist in safer biking activities are in development. Force at: [email protected].

Our BMX and Mountain Biking Task Force welcomes your com- Look for documentation online this fall and information at the National ments and thoughts on safe biking practices and programs. The Outdoor Conference. objectives are simple: keep it safe and make is successful..

Research has shown that sound training is the key to the success of this program.