2016 Leader’s Guide Camp , Greater Council, BSA

Camp Buffalo Bill 870 North Fork Hwy Cody, WY 82414 (307) 587-5885 www.campbuffalobill.com

Greater Wyoming Council, BSA 3939 Casper Mtn. Road Casper, WY 82601 (307) 234-7329 www.wyoscouts.org Welcome!

The Greater Wyoming Council would like to welcome you to Camp Buffalo Bill. We are busy preparing the camp for your arrival. This guide is designed to help you prepare also. In it, you will find the information you need to plan an outstanding summer experience.

Camp Buffalo Bill is located 43 miles west of Cody, Wyoming on US Highway 14/16/20 and just seven (7) miles east of Yellowstone National Park along the banks of the . The incredible Wapiti Valley between the North Absaroka and Washakie Wilderness areas provides a setting where beauty and wildlife abound. This was the playground for William “Buffalo Bill” Cody and now it’s ours to share with you.

2 2016 Camp Dates

Program Start End High Adventure – Week 0 June 12 June 18 Scout Camp – Week 1 June 19 June 25 Scout Camp – Week 2 June 26 July 2 Scout Camp – Week 3 July 3 July 9 Scout Camp – Week 4* July 11 July 16 Scout Camp – Week 5 July 17 July 23 Scout Camp – Week 6 July 24 July 30 High Adventure – Week 7 July 31 August 6 Cub Resident & Family Camp Session 1 August 2 August 5 Cub Resident & Family Camp Session 2 August 5 August 7

Troops are resquested to arrive and check in on Sunday afternoons between 2-5pm. If because of circumstances you cannot arrive on Sunday, please have your boys in camp and ready to start the camp program Monday morning at 9:00. If you arrive on Saturday afternoon, you must plan your own meals for that night and Sunday breakfast and lunch.

* Session 4 is an LDS week with a Monday AM check-in with program starting after lunch.

2016 Camp Fees

2016 Camp Fees BSA Scout Camp Youth In Council $235

Youth Out of Council $325 Adults In Council $150 Adults Out of Council $170 High Adventure†

Youth & Adults $110

Cub Scout Resident Camp Youth $85 Adults $55

† In addition to Camp Fees. All High Adventure must pre-register.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING DUE DATES

The non-refundable campsite reservation fee is $50.00 per camper and will be applied toward your total camp fees. All high adventure fees are due with your reservation. All fees are due in the Council Service Center by May 1, 2016 or an additional fee of $25.00 per person will be charged. Make checks payable to Greater Wyoming Council. For proper credit, please include Troop number, camp dates, city and state, and contact person information. For registration and payment questions, contact the Council Service Center at: [email protected] or 307-234-7329.

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Cancellation /Refund Policy Because most of the camp fees are actually spent for staffing, program supplies and equipment before your crew arrives in camp, refunds can only be made under the following conditions:

100% minus campsite reservation fee is refundable before April 1. 75% minus campsite reservation fee is refundable between April 1 and April 15 50% minus campsite reservation fee is refundable between April 15 and May 1. 0% refundable after May 1. This includes any “no shows” or scouts who leave during the camp dates for any reason. At this point, monies have been expended for staffing, food and supplies to support your arrival at camp.

Any appeals due to extenuating circumstances must be received in writing at the council service center within 30 days. Appeals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the council camping committee. Proof of Insurance All out-of-council units must present proof of current Troop insurance upon check-in to camp. Greater Wyoming Council does not carry health or accident insurance on out-of-council youths or leaders. Contact your local Council Service Center for assistance with providing the required proof of insurance.

Physical Exam & Health Requirements Camp Buffalo Bill abides by BSA policy regarding health requirements. Youth and Adults participating in camp programs must have a completed (Parts A, B, and C) of the BSA’s annual health and medical record. Part D is necessary for all High Adventure participants. If available, please include family health and accident insurance company information and policy number. The form is available here: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/ahmr.aspx

Please bring two sets of medical forms with you to camp. You should keep one set (originals) of the forms with your unit. Put the second set (copies) of medical forms in a three ring binder for the Camp Medic

Upon arrival, the Camp Medic will screen all medical forms to ensure that all campers can safely participate in camp activities. This does not take the place of the medical examination required by the medical form but allows the Camp Medic to be aware of existing conditions.

Medication Please leave the medication in the original containers with the person’s name and troop number written on it without covering the prescribing information contained on the label. Medications will be dispensed by the troop’s adult leadership as on any other campout or by the camp medic if necessary. We can provide refrigerated and secure storage for prescription medications.

If you have seasonal allergies, please bring your medications to camp. You may need them!

DO NOT BRING SICK CAMPERS TO CAMP! They infect the staff who then infect every other camper that comes for the rest of the summer.

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Food Allergies & Restrictions The Food Allergy & Restriction Form (found on the downloads page of the camp website & mailed with your April billing statement) is due with your final payment May 1. If you have any changes of additions, please submit an additional form as soon as you can. We can only accommodate camper’s dietary restrictions if we know about them early enough to modify the menu and order appropriate substitutions. If you have special concerns, please have the scout’s parent contact the camp director. We also make a “chef card” available on the downloads page of the website. It is a convenient way to let our kitchen staff know about the details of your restriction.

Camp Standards We expect leaders and Scouts to reflect the highest of Scouting standards and to: • Behave in a Scout -like manner • Wear the BSA uniform and wear it properly • Strive to live the Scout Oath and Law.

Camp Policies • Footwear must be worn at all times. No open toe shoes, except in the showers. • Fireworks are not permitted in camp. • Alcohol is not permitted in camp. • Bicycles are not permitted in camp. • Pets are not permitted in camp. • Each Troop must make a visual check for attendance at all meals and lights out. • Lights out is at 10:30PM. All Scouts should be in their campsite and quiet. • Scouts and Scouters may not bring ammunition, rifles, and archery equipment into camp. • Smoking is permitted only by adults and only in the designated area(s). • Troops must follow all fire and safety rules by having water and sand by all tents and campfire areas. The camp provides cans, water, and sand. • The camp’s southern boundary is the “high trail.” You will be shown where this trail is. South of the “high trail” is off limits. • Staff quarters are off limits. • Program areas are off limits/closed when not occupied by Camp Buffalo Staff. • No food will be stored in campsites. See the section on wildlife for further explanation of this policy. • Youth may not use the shower room without adult supervision. Adults will supervise from just outside the shower room. • All US Forest Service regulations regarding viewing and approaching wildlife are strictly enforced. • The penalty for violations of these and all camp policies is at the discretion of the Camp Director and can include removal from camp at the Troop’s expense.

Tents Troops provide your own tents. To comply with BSA’s mandatory standards, your tents must meet the following requirements:

5 • All tentage meets or exceeds fire-retardant specifications by the manufacturer (CPAI-84) and “no flames in tent” is marked on, or adjacent to each tent. (This is usually a sewn in label or tag on most commercially produced tents) • All campers have clean quarters reasonably safe from inclement weather and comfortable bedding.

Check-in and Check-out Things needed at check in: ☐ Tour plan/permit ☐ Proof of liability insurance (this should be available from your local council service center) ☐ Medical forms (copies in 3-ring binder) ☐ Unit swim classification record (must be completed before arrival at camp) ☐ Scoutnet generated unit roster (available from your local council service center)

The camp facilities open at 2 pm on Sunday. Troops planning to arrive on Sunday are asked to check-in between 2-5pm We ask Troops to arrive no later than 9:00am on Monday morning. Camp program begins promptly Monday at 9:00am. Upon arrival, all vehicles must park in the parking lot and remain there for the week. No vehicles or trailers are allowed in campsites after initial unloading. All vehicles must be backed into their spaces, per forest service regulations.

Check-out occurs from 6:30-9:00am on Saturdays. Continental Breakfast will be served from 6:30-8:00 am. There is NO flag ceremony on Saturday mornings. Your campsite will be inspected by your Troop Guide and then you can receive blue cards, medical forms, swim checks, and complimentary patches in the Trading Post. Troops schedule their check-out times at the Friday Scoutmaster meeting. Blue cards may also be available for early review after dinner on Friday in the Ranger’s Cabin office.

Please notify the Camp Commissioner or Program Director by mid-week if your troop will be leaving camp on Friday.

Early Arrival If you are traveling a long distance and plan to arrive in the area on Saturday or Sunday preceding your camp week, notify the Council Service Center at least one month in advance. • Camp Staff are off duty from 10am Saturday until 2:00pm on Sunday and will not be able to assist you. An early check in packet will be available at the camp office. • No food is allowed in campsites. The dining facility (meals) is closed during this time, so any meals will have to be obtained off camp. However, the kitchen is available for early arrival Troops to prepare their own food if arranged ahead of time. • All USFS bear protection rules must be followed. They are posted on the camp bulletin board (in front of the dining hall) and at each campsite.

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Wildlife Your stay at Camp Buffalo Bill will provide you with a great opportunity to see Wyoming wildlife. Enjoy the opportunity, but be aware of important safety precautions. This wildlife should be considered dangerous, so keep your distance: Bears. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is home to the largest grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states. We have a mandatory bear lecture every Monday evening during the camp season. Bears can smell food, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, soda, or anything with a smell. We call these things “smellables” and restrict their use. Food or beverages are never allowed in the campsite. We provide bear boxes in each campsite where other smellables can be stored or they can be stored in your vehicles. You may want to consider cleaning your camping gear (to include tents and sleeping bags) to eliminate smells from past camp outs. The Forest Service can (and generally do) inspect the camp each week. If they find violations of the bear rules, they have the authority to issue a ticket to the offending camper. Should a bear find a food reward in your campsite, we will be unable to get rid of the bear and have to close that site for the rest of the season. It is a crime to knowingly approach a bear closer than 100 yards. The Forest Service will issue the offender a $5000 fine and we will send them home at their unit’s expense. Moose. We often see moose in and around camp. If you see a moose, observe and stay away. Buffalo. American Bison occasionally wander through camp. They are very unpredictable. Stay clear.

BSA Policy on Youth Protection This policy is outlined in numerous publications. Here are Camp Buffalo Bill highlights: • Every unit must have at least two registered adult leaders. • Male and females must have separate sleeping facilities. (Married leaders may share quarters, if appropriate facilities are available.) • No youth will stay in a tent with an adult other than his parent or legal guardian. • Adult leaders will respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing or showering. • Leaders must also protect their own privacy. • Camp Buffalo Bill has separate shower facilities for male and female campers and staff. Times are scheduled for adults, youth, and youth staff. • The “safety rule of four” requires that no fewer than four people (including two adults) go on any backcountry expedition or commute. • Uniforms Scouts and leaders are encouraged to properly wear the Scout uniform while in camp. We do require your unit to be in official Scout uniform for morning and evening flag ceremonies.

Equal Opportunity Statement The Greater Wyoming Council provides programs and services to children without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. However, if you have concerns or complaints

7 regarding discrimination issues, there is a system in place to do so. Your first point of contact is the Camp Director at (307) 587-5885 or 870 North Fork Hwy Cody, WY 82414. Should that fail to resolve the issue or if the issue is with the Camp Director, contact Matt Myers, Scout Executive, at (307) 234-7329 or 3939 Casper Mountain Road, Casper, Wyoming 82601.

Lost and Found Lost and found items are kept in the Trading Post until the end of each week. They are then stored in the camp office until the end of the season. After the end of the season, they will be moved to the Council Service Center. All items not claimed by October 15 will be donated to a local charity. Please encourage your all participants to label their belongings.

Laundry Facilities There are no laundry facilities available for campers at Camp Buffalo Bill.

Provisional Troop We can make arrangements for Scouts who are unable to attend camp with their troop. Contact the Council Service Center for more information.

Camp Map

To Yellowstone National Park N. Fork Shoshone River

US Highway 14 Council Flats -16-20

Main Road Ranger QM Auatics & Office 2 5 Main 3 4 9 Trading Parking T T Post Metalwork T Path 7 6 8 1 T First Year Scout Skills Program Campfire Amphitheater T Pump House Campsites Family Camping Cody 1. Pahaska Area 43 M 2. Shoshone 3. Wapiti Health Dining 10 4. Medicine Wheel T Hall Na 5. Arapahoe Multimediature 6. Hole in the Wall 7. Grizzly Rim T 8. Trappers Point Shower 11 House 9. North Fork 10. Big Horn Created y 11. Powder River Troop 433, Minot, ND 2013

Rifle Archery

8 Family Camping Area Given our location close to Yellowstone Park, we host a number of non-Scout family campers each year. To accommodate them, we have established a small family camping area. All rules applicable to the troop campsites are applicable to the family camp, including no food. Families may use the shower facilities according to the posted shower schedule. For family members who would prefer to rough it with maid service, there are several lodges in the area that can accommodate them.

Visitors Parents and families of Scouts are invited to visit camp on Friday evenings for dinner and closing campfire. Extra meals can be purchased at the Office. Meals are $5.00 per person. Visitors must park in the parking lot.

Mail Campers can send and receive mail daily during their stay at CBB. Incoming mail will be available at the trading post. Mail should be sent a few days earlier than the intended delivery date. Mail received after a unit has checked out will be returned to the sender. Outgoing mail can be dropped off at the trading post in the mail drop box.

The mailing address for campers is:

Scout Name – Troop Number Camp Buffalo Bill 870 North Fork Highway Cody, WY 82414

Phones Camp Buffalo Bill’s office phone is for business and emergency use only. The number for emergencies is (307) 587-5885. There is a pay phone available for campers to call home. This phone requires a calling card. There is no mobile phone coverage at CBB.

Wednesday is Troop Tour Day At Camp Buffalo Bill, we designate Wednesday as a flexible troop day. Most troops spend the day hiking in Yellowstone or visiting the historic sites in Cody, Wyoming. Road lunches are available for those troops leaving camp on Wednesday. Troops can request Wednesday lunches at the Scoutmaster meeting on Tuesday. Each troop will prepare their boxed lunches Tuesday evening in the Dining Hall. On Wednesday, we serve dinner a half hour later to accommodate late returns from the parks.

Some troops remain in camp on Wednesdays for open boating, open shooting, day hikes, or merit badges (available by appointment). Please make sure that at least 3 boys want to participate in a Wednesday activity when you sign up. Consult the Program Director for more information about Wednesday activity options.

Friday is Order of the Arrow Day Order of the Arrow members may wear their OA sash Friday.

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Leader Opportunities Although Camp Buffalo Bill exists for youth, opportunities are available for the adult leaders. Safe swim defense, Safety afloat, Climb on Safely, Trek Safely, Leave no Trace and Youth Protection are offered each week. Other training opportunities may be available upon request. We also encourage all adult leaders to participate in our Buffalo Chip program while they are at camp.

Evening Programs On Sunday evening, the staff will put on an opening campfire. On Friday evening, the troops will be responsible for putting on the closing campfire. On Thursdays, there will be campwide games outside the dining hall, as well as a Dutch Oven Dessert Cook-off. Friday evening also features the Recyle Regatta Competition and Scoutmaster Belly-Flop Off at the pond. In addition, we encourage troops to run their own evening activities according to their own troop’s needs and goals.

Open Program Evening Tuesday evenings all program areas will be open from 7:00-8:15. No merit badges will be offered at this time. Instead, each area will have an exciting activity for interested scouts. There will be open boating at the pond, open shooting at the archery and rifle ranges, tomahawk throwing in scout skills, a nature hike, and an art competition in the multimedia arts center. The program director will publicize these opportunities at Tuesday at dinner.

Inter-Troop Campfires Each week there will be inter-troop campfires on Tuesday evenings. Each troop will be paired with a troop from a different state, usually a different region of the country. At the campfire, both troops can share skits, songs, stories, and games. This is a special time for boys to connect with scouts from all over the USA. Some weeks we have troops from 8 or 9 different states, all participating in program at Camp Buffalo Bill!

Trading Post We operate a Trading Post for your convenience. Souvenirs, comfort items, merit badge supplies, camping equipment, toilitries, BSA literature, and snack bar are available. Any food purchased in the Trading Post must be eaten either at the Trading Post or in the dining facility. We accept Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. It is suggested that the Scouts bring an additional $40 for merit badge supplies, snacks, souvenirs, and Trading Post items.

Conservation The Boy Scout program stresses the conservation of our natural heritage. Camp Buffalo Bill encourages each troop to spend at least one hour on a conservation project. The Nature Director, Camp Director or Ranger will provide conservation projects and project direction.

Climate The weather is characterized by large shifts in temperature. Mornings are generally chilly or cold ranging from 25 to 50 degrees. Afternoons may get as high as 90 degrees. The air is dry

10 and many people experience dry skin and chapped lips. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Campers should be sure to stay hydrated and wear plenty of sunscreen!

Fishing At Camp Buffalo Bill, there is great fishing at our canoe pond and in the North Fork of the Shoshone River. All youth should be supervised by adults while fishing in either location. At the pond, fishing is allowed when merit badges are not in session, in all locations except the dock. Please see the Aquatics Director for more information about use of the pond. The Fishing Director can recommend good fishing spots along the river.

Remember the following Wyoming fishing regulations.

• Fishing licenses are required for resident and nonresident anglers 14 years old or older. • Resident youth under 14 do not need a license and their creel limit is the same as those requiring a license. • Nonresident youth under 14 do not need a license, if accompanied by an adult possessing a valid Wyoming fishing license; however, the nonresident youth’s creel limit shall be applied to and limited by the fishing license held by the adult person in his/her company. • Boys under the age of 14, working on the Fishing and Fly-Fishing merit badges will fish under the Fishing Director’s license. Boys over age 14 must have their own licenses to participate in the badges. • Full fishing regulations are available here: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and- Boating/Fishing-Regulations

Boys taking the fishing merit badges can keep and cook the required fish in the kitchen. We encourage others to release their fish to keep the supply high in the pond and the river.

Note: We do not sell fishing licenses at camp. They may be purchased at the Red Barn Store in Wapiti, in Cody at Wal-Mart or online at: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/elso/elsowelcome.aspx

Fishing License Fees for 2016 • Resident Annual Fishing license ...... $24 • Resident Daily Fishing License* ...... $6 • Resident Youth Fishing License (between 14th & 18th birthdays) ...... $3 • Nonresident Annual Fishing License ...... $92 • Nonresident Daily Fishing License* ...... $14 • Nonresident Youth Annual Fishing License (between 14th and 18th birthdays) $15 • Conservation Stamp ...... $12.50

* A conservation stamp is not required for this license.

11 Troop Check List q Patrol Leader Council meets to determine camp date and location. Unit Committee approves the plans. q Campsite reservation is made with the Greater Wyoming Council. Deposit fee and High Adventure program fees are paid. q Parent’s night program is conducted to inform parents of summer camp plans. q At least one adult leader (over 21 years old) is schedule to be in charge of the troop at all times, and at least one assistant (18 year old or older) is scheduled. q Scouts commit themselves to camp attendance and pay fee deposit. Those who cannot attend should make plans to attend with another troop. q Scouts are provided with a personal needs list. q A BSA health and medical form is completed for each Scout and adult who plans to attend. It is required that BSA medical forms be used. Give us a copy. We recommend bringing a set of copies in a 3-ring binder. You should keep the originals. q Side trips and excursions are planned, and transportation is arranged. q All fees are paid to the Greater Wyoming Council by May 1, 2015. q Unit Swim checks are conducted. q Troop advancement records are checked and each Scout arranges his schedule. q All Scouts and adults are officially registered as members of the BSA prior to camp. q Arrangements are made for Proof of insurance (to be shown at check-in) q An approved BSA local or national tour permit is secured. q Clean equipment to remove any possible food smells. q Troop camping equipment is ready and packed for camp use. q Special requests are communicated to the camp at least two weeks prior to arrival. q Hold a “shake down” meeting to check each Scout’s equipment. q Pack all equipment.

*This is not an all inclusive list and is provided only as a guide

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Individual Equipment*

Suggested Equipment q Spending money ($50.00 suggested) q Air Mattress or pad q Swimsuit q Canteens or water bottles (1 quart each) q T-shirts q Comb q Toothbrush and toothpaste q Flashlight/Headlamp & extra batteries q Towels and washcloth q Official Scout Field Uniform q Underwear q OA Sash q Hat Optional Gear q Hiking boots q Compass q Sunscreen q Fishing gear q Insect repellent q Laundry bag q Jacket or sweater q Photo gear q BSA Annual Health & Medical Record q Sewing kit q Merit badge supplies q Sharpening stone q Pack or duffel bag q Sunglasses q Pajamas q Pants Leave at Home q Pencil & notebook Ÿ Sheath knives q Pocket knife Ÿ Fireworks q Scout Handbook Ÿ Firearms/ammunition q Shirts Ÿ Wrist rockets q Sleeping bag Ÿ Radios, Walkie-Talkies q Soap Ÿ CD/MP3 Players q Socks Ÿ Video games

* Mark all equipment and clothing with your name and troop number. * This is not an all inclusive list and is provided only as a guide. * High Adventure Participants should consult the packing list in the YHAO Guidebook (available on website)

Suggested Troop Equipment q Lanterns & Fuel q Troop First Aid Kit q Large Troop Shade/Rain Fly or q Duct Tape Tarp q Parachute Cord q Blue Cards or Merit Badge q Pioneering Rope Check Sheets q Troop Axe & Bow Saw q Dutch Oven(s) q Matches q Special ingredients for q Set of Two Way Radios Scoutmaster Dutch Oven Dessert q Favorite Song & Campfire Skit Cookoff q Pack or duffel bag q Sunscreen q Sharpie Marker q Bug Spray q Sewing/Repair Kit

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Local Information

For the most up to date trip planning resources, a list of nearby guest lodges, airport and ground transportation options, and Yellowstone tour tips, please use our visitor resources page: http://campbuffalobill.com/about/yellowstone-area-resources/

Attractions and Entertainment • Cody Chamber of Commerce (800) 393-2639. http://www.codychamber.org/ • Yellowstone Valley Chamber of Commerce: http://www.yellowstonecountry.org/ • Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center - Highway 14/16 at the east end of Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Open 8 am to 8 pm during the camping season. No admission charge. (307) 527-6076. www.BBDVC.org. • Buffalo Bill Center of the West - 720 Sheridan Avenue. Open 8 am to 6 pm. Group rates by request. (307) 587-4771. http://centerofthewest.org • Cody Nite Rodeo - Yellowstone highway in Cody. 8:30 nightly http://www.codynightrodeo.com/

Campgrounds US Forest Service Campgrounds in the Shoshone National Forest can be reserved through www.recreation.gov

Yellowstone National Park Visitor Services Office PO Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (307) 344-7381, www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

The preceding list is for your information and does not constitute an endorsement by Camp Buffalo Bill, the Greater Wyoming Council or the Boy Scouts of America

14 Eagle Claw—CBB First Year Program

Our Eagle Claw First Year Program is specifically designed for young and new scouts. The program focuses on basic skills for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class rank advancement. Scouts can participate in the Eagle Quest program for the full morning (both sessions A and B) OR for the full afternoon (both sessions C and D).

Eagle Claw participants form their own patrols for the week in class. They usually lead a song at a mealtime ceremony and do a flag ceremony for the camp. They have their own evening campfire program on Thursday evenings.

The Eagle Claw director will not sign off on requirements in a scout’s handbook. Instead, he will distribute a hand-out to adult leaders at the end of the week, summarizing the requirements covered. The adult leaders in each troop should then verify that each boy has mastered the specific requirements before signing off on them.

The following is a list of rank requirements normally covered in the Eagle Quest program. There may be some slight variation from week to week.

Tenderfoot

4a, 4b, 4c, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12a, 12b, 13.

Second Class

1a, 1b. 2, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 4, 6, 7a, 7b, 7c, 9b, 10, 11,

First Class

2. 5. 6. 7a. 7b. 8a. 8b. 8c. 8d. 11. 12.

Merit Badge Program

Scouts will work on rank advancement through the Camp Buffalo Bill's Merit Badge Program, unless they registered to participate in the Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost Program. Scouts in the merit badge program will attend 4 merit badge sections daily (Wednesdays excluded).

• Session A 9:00 AM--10:15 AM • Session B 10:30 AM –11:45 AM • Session C 1:15 PM—2:30 PM • Session D 2:45 PM—4:00 PM In some cases, it is possible to earn 2 merit badges during one session. In these cases, complementary merit badges (such as Indian Lore and Archaeology) are paired together.

15 Scouts should arrive at their merit badge sessions on Mondays with blue cards for their badges. If they are attending a session including 2 badges, they should bring 2 blue cards for that session. Blue cards are on sale at the Trading Post, but troops may want to bring them from home.

Merit badge registration takes place Sunday night in the Dining Hall. Each program area has a registration table. There should be enough spots to accommodate most scouts in their first choices, but it never hurts to have a back-up option. Aquatics, Shooting Sports, Metalworking, and Arts classes are normally capped between 12-16 scouts. Other badges can accommodate 20- 25 scouts. We try to keep our class sizes low so that each scout can have a quality learning experience in every badge!

Age and Skill Requirements:

In order to participate in any aquatics merit badge, a scout must arrive with a completed swim check verifying full swimming ability. Scouts without a swim check, scouts who are non- swimmers, and scouts who are “beginner swimmers” are not eligible for aquatics activities. (See the Guide to Safe Scouting, p. 25, for more information). Swim checks CANNOT be completed upon arrival at camp. Scouts planning to use the pond should also bring water shoes (or old tennis shoes that can get wet).

A few badges have minimum age requirements: • Chemistry (age 14) • Fly Fishing (age 13) • Metalworking (age 13) • Public Speaking (age 14)

A few badges also have prerequisites: • Art: visit an art museum prior to arrival at camp • Bird Study: build a bird feeder and observe the birds that visit it for one month • Emergency Preparedness: scouts must already have the First Aid merit badge • Woodcarving: scouts must already have their Tot-n Chit.

A few merit badges cannot normally be completed at camp: • Camping: requirements 9a, 9b cannot be completed at camp • Emergency Preparedness: requirements 2c, 6c, 9a, 9b must be completed at home after camp

Several merit badges require scouts to bring their own supplies to camp: • First Aid: bring own first aid kit to camp • Fishing: bring own fishing gear to camp • Fly Fishing: bring own fly fishing gear to camp, Fly Fishing kit available at trading post (~ $40) • Metalwork: bring long pants and sturdy shoes to camp • Photography: bring digital camera, connector cord, and SD card to camp

16 • Wilderness Survival: bring personal wilderness survival kit to camp

Please see the chart below for specifics concerning each merit badge. Scouts should plan ahead to purchase the supplies for certain merit badges (Arts badges, Indian Lore/Archeology, Metalwork, and Archery) at the Trading Post. For some Arts badges, each scout can choose between several different kit options, affecting the total cost.

See the link below for detailed requirements for each merit badge: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/boyscouts/advancementandawards/meritbadges.aspx.

2016 MERIT BADGE OFFERINGS

Merit Badge Program Area Session Cost* Notes Canoeing Aquatics A, B, bring completed swim check and water C, D shoes (or old tennis shoes) ^Kayaking Aquatics C, D bring completed swim check and water shoes (or old tennis shoes) Rowing Aquatics A, B bring completed swim check and water shoes (or old tennis shoes) Fishing Fishing A, B, bring own fishing gear to camp; if over C, D 14 have own WY fishing license Fly Fishing Fishing A, B, must be age 14 or older; bring own fly C, D fishing gear to camp; have own WY fishing license Metalwork Metalwork A, B, $1.75 must be age 13 or older; bring pants and C, D sturdy shoes Archaelogy Multimedia Arts C pair with Indian lore Art Multimedia Arts B visit an art museum before camp ^Chess Multimedia Arts D ^Game Design Multimedia Arts B Indian Lore Multimedia Arts C $13.75 pair with Archaeology Leatherwork Multimedia Arts D $4-$17 Photography Multimedia Arts A bring digital camera, connector cord, and SD card to camp ^Sculpture Multimedia Arts A Woodcarving Multimedia Arts C $4-$6 must have Tot-n chit prior to first class Astronomy Nature A Bird Study Nature A pair with mammal study; build a bird feeder and observe for a month before camp Chemistry Nature D must be age 14 or older Env. Science Nature B, C EAGLE REQUIRED BADGE Forestry Nature C Geology Nature B pair with oceanography Mammal Study Nature A pair with bird study

17 Merit Badge Program Area Session Cost* Notes Oceanography Nature B pair with geology Soil & Water Nature D pair with weather Weather Nature D pair with soil and water Camping Scout Skills A, D EAGLE REQUIRED BADGE; requirements 9a, 9b cannot be completed at camp Emergency Scout Skills B, D EAGLE REQUIRED BADGE; First aid Preparedness is a prerequisite; requirements 2c, 6c, 9a, 9b must be completed after camp First Aid Scout Skills A, C EAGLE REQUIRED BADGE; bring own first aid kit to camp Geocaching Scout Skills B pair with orienteering Medicine Scout Skills B Orienteering Scout Skills B pair with geocaching Pioneering Scout Skills A ^Public Scout Skills C must be age 14 or older Speaking Search & Scout Skills C Rescue Wild. Survival Scout Skills D bring personal survival kit to camp Archery Shooting Sports A, B, $6 C, D Rifle Shooting Sports A, B, in- $2 per target w/ 10 rounds for any C, D class shooting outside of class time shoots free

* Extra cost for these badges is variable for kit supplies available at the trading post. Prices do NOT include local sales tax, which is 5%. ^ New badges for 2016.

18 CBB Week at a Glance Note: This schedule is a sample and is subject to change 6:30Q8:00 6:30Q9:00 Saturday Camp1Staff1off1Duty Continental1Breakfast111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Campsite1Cleanup,1Checkout11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 3:15Q4:30 1:45Q3:00 9:00Q10:15 10:30Q11:45111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1B11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1C1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1A1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1D111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 OA1Friday SM1Mtg111:00 Polar1Bear106:30 SM1Belly1Flop1Off Recycle1Regatta17:00111111111111111111111111111111 (Meet1@1Dining1Hall) Closing1Camp1Fire,1Awards18:30111111111111111111111111111111111111 Flags15:30 Dinner15:45 9:15 1:45Q3:00 3:15Q4:30 9:00Q10:15111 10:30Q11:451111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Thursday MB1Section1B11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1C11111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1A11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1D111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 SM1Mtg111:00 Year1Campfire Polar1Bear106:30 Wild1Survival1Hike1116:301 Camp1Wide1Games17:0011111111111111111First1 Dutch1Oven1CookQoff111111111111111111111118:30Q Flags17:30 Flags16:00 Dinner16:15 Lunch112:45 appointment1 appointment Breakfast17:45 Assembly112:30 Wednesday Polar1Bear106:30 Troop1Campfires SPL1Meeting112:00 Free1Time14:30Q5:15 Honor1Trail17:00Q9:00 Quiet1Hours110:00Q06:30 9:001Program1areas1open1by1 1:451Program1areas1open1by1 1:45Q3:001111111 3:15Q4:30 9:00Q10:15 Tuesday 10:30Q11:45111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1B11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1C111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1A111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1D111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 SM1Mtg111:00 Polar1Bear106:30 Woodbadge1Social17:00Q8:00 Open1Program1Area17:00Q8:1511111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 InterQTroop1Campfires18:30Q9:30 8:30 8:00 1:45Q3:00 3:15Q4:30 Flags15:30 9:00Q10:15111111111111111 Monday Dinner15:45 10:30Q11:4511111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1B11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1A1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 MB1Section1D111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 SM1Mtg111:00 11111MB1Section1C111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Polar1Bear106:30 7:0011@1Dining1Hall Mandatory1Bear1Talk111111111111111111111111 Troop1Guide1Campfires1111111111111111111111111111111111111 Yellowstone1Flag1Retrieval11111111111111111111111111111111 Sunday Camp1Tours Camp1Tours Camp1Set1Up1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Camp1Set1Up11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Unit1Check1In1111111111111111111111111111111111111111 2:001Unit1Check1In111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 7:0011@Dining1Hall Camp1Staff1Off1Duty (Meet1@1Dining1Hall) @TateQDaniels1Porch MB1Registration,1Q&A111111111111111111111111111 Opening1Campfire18:30111111111111111111 YHAO1Orientation1Meeting111111111111111111111111111 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:30 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 10:00

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The Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost provides four, unique, five-day high adventure experiences each week for campers at Camp Buffalo Bill. Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost participants must be at least 13, and have completed the eighth grade prior to participation.

High Adventure Participants must have filled out parts A, B and C of their physical form. Additionally, the physician should review part D of the form. Each camper’s physical condition will be reviewed by the High Adventure Director and Camp Medic using Philmont’s hiking standards to insure all hikers are physically prepared. Please refer to the Philmont webpage if you have questions about the standards.

Participants will have an orientation meeting Sunday at 3 PM. Participants will camp with their troop for the week unless they are on a trek. YHAO is an exclusive program. Participants will not have time to take merit badge classes outside of those specifically offered through high adventure.

The Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost has three core areas: Climbing, Paddlesports, and Wilderness Trekking. Participants will choose one of the three areas to participate in for the week. Options vary week to week so check the registration page of campbuffalobill.com for current availability.

A full program description, gear lists, waiver form etc. is available in the YHAO Guidebook, available online

YHAO participants must pre-register for the high adventure program of their choice before arriving at camp.

Participants must read and return a signed risk advisory statement found in the YHAO Guidebook. Parent/guardian approval is required if the participant is under age 18.

High Adventure participants should come equipped as noted in the YHAO Guidebook’s gear checklist for all three activities in case their first choice is not available or is full.

20 Yellowstone Backpacking

YHAO is pleased to offer treks in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Treks are each 5 days long and cover approximately 35-45 miles. Crew size is limited to 8-10 participants including any adults depending on the itinerary. Please check the availability and rates page of campbuffalobill.com for weekly trek caps.

2016 Itineraries will be available after March 1, 2016.

A full curriculum in Leave No Trace including camping and traveling in bear country will be thought along the trail. In addition, scouts will learn about the natural history of our nation’s first national park while traveling through what 98% of park visitors will never see.

Trek participants must arrive on Sunday afternoon by 3:00 as they leave for the trail first thing Monday morning. Come prepared with all the gear listed on our trek gear checklist. Our staff will conduct a shakedown on Sunday afternoon. Those who aren’t properly equipped will not be allowed on the trek. A limited quantity of loaner equipment is available.

Absaroka Backpacking

Our signature program. The Absaroka (Ab-zor-kuh) backpacking program was developed around Leave No Trace. Participants hike between 7-10 miles a day through the 704,529 acres of the Washakie Wilderness, some of the most remote territory in the Lower 48. This area ranges in elevation from 6400 to more than 13,000 feet. Our treks have a distinct wilderness flavor that is not found in other high adventure programs.

Come prepared with all the gear listed in the YHAO Guidebook. Our staff will conduct a shakedown on Sunday afternoon. Those who aren’t properly equipped will not be allowed on the trek.

Scouts should bring a small personal first aid kit for minor cuts and scrapes. A large, crew first aid kit will be provided by YHAO. The weather on this hike can vary greatly. Morning can be below freezing and afternoons can be as high as 90 degrees. Rain, snow, and hail are possible. The air is quite dry and many hikers experience dry skin and chapped lips.

Each camper’s physical condition will be reviewed by the High Adventure Director and Camp Medic using Philmont’s hiking standards to insure all hikers are physically prepared. Please refer to the Philmont webpage if you have questions about the standards.

Rock Climbing

Climbers will participate in an intensive program that takes scouts on climbing routes and boulder problems ranging from 5.0 to 5.12 in difficulty on granite, limestone and dolomite throughout the Shoshone Canyon. Our indoor rock wall is also utilized in the beginning stages of the program or during inclement weather. Additional climbing time on the wall may be scheduled in the evenings. Participants will complete the requirements for the Climbing Merit

21 Badge and most of the requirements for the Venturing Ranger Mountaineering elective. In addition, participants will be introduced to anchor building and placing natural and artificial protection.

Climbers are most comfortable in loose fitting, athletic type clothing and must have rain gear, two-1 quart water bottles, a day pack, and sunscreen. Participants may bring their own climbing harness and shoes. YHAO supplies harnesses, shoes, helmets and all climbing hardware.

Whitewater Rafting*

Rafters will explore the entire 40 runnable miles of the North Fork of the Shoshone River. In addition, rafters will float the Main Shoshone below Buffalo Bill Dam. These rivers range from Class II to IV in difficulty. Topics covered will include raft rigging, whitewater paddling, water rescue, reading the water and scouting rapids, river camping and river Leave No Trace. This program covers most of the Whitewater Merit Badge and Venturing Ranger Watercraft elective.

Rafters will want to wear shoes or secure sandals (no flip-flops, closed toed sandals are preferred), shorts, and a T-shirt or swimwear and a brimmed hat for this activity. They will get very, very wet. Participants should also bring a second “dry” pair of shoes for time off the river. If you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, a retainer strap is highly recommended. YHAO provides splash jackets, PFD’s and helmets.

*Rafting is river flow dependent and is not available after mid-July. Participants in the rafting program must have passed their swim test and be classified as a “swimmer”

Flatwater Kayaking New for 2016, YHAO is offering flatwater kayaking on three lakes. • Weeks 0 and 1 will kayak a 50 mile course through Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area. • Weeks 2 and 3 will kayak on Shoshone lake in Yellowstone • Weeks 4-7 will kayak on Yellowstone Lake itself. Each of these trips will be between 40 and 50 miles and will visit some of the more remote areas in Yellowstone.

22 Unit Swim Classification Record

This is the individual’s swim classification as of this date. Any change in status after this date (i.e., nonswimmer to beginner or beginner to swimmer) would require a reclassification test performed by an approved test administrator. Changes and corrections to the following chart should be initialed and dated by the test administrator.

SPECIAL NOTE: When swim tests are conducted away from camp, the camp aquatics director retains the right to review or retest any or all participants to ensure that standards have been maintained.

Unit Number ______Date of Swim Test ______

Full Name (Print) Medical Swim Classification (Draw lines through blank spaces.) Recheck Nonswimmer Beginner Swimmer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

NAME OF PERSON CONDUCTING THE TEST:

______Print Name Signature

______Qualification Council/Agency (Red Cross, YMCA, etc.)

UNIT LEADER:

______Print Name Signature

430-122 (OVER) Revised: March 2009

23 SWIM CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURES The swim classification of individuals participating All persons participating in BSA aquatics are in a Boy Scouts of America activity is a key classified according to swimming ability. The element in both Safe Swim Defense and Safety classification tests and test procedures have been Afloat. The swim classification tests should be developed and structured to demonstrate a skill renewed annually, preferably at the beginning level consistent with the circumstances in which of each outdoor season. Traditionally, the swim the individual will be in the water (e.g., the classification test has only been conducted at a swimmer’s test demonstrates the minimum level long-term summer camp. However, there is no of swimming ability for recreational and restriction that this be the only place the test can instructional activity in a confined body of water be conducted. It may be more useful to conduct with a maximum 12-foot depth). the swim classification prior to a unit going to summer camp.

ADMINISTRATION OF SWIM CLASSIFICATION TEST (THE LOCAL COUNCIL CHOOSES ONE OF THESE OPTIONS):

OPTION A (at camp):

The swim classification test is completed the first day by camp aquatics personnel.

OPTION B (Council conducted/council controlled):

The council controls the swim classification process by predetermined dates, locations, and approved personnel to serve as test administrators. When the unit goes to summer camp, each individual will be issued a buddy tag under the direction of the camp aquatics director for use at the camp.

OPTION C (At unit level with council-approved aquatics resource people):

The swim classification test done at a unit level should be conducted by one of the following council- approved resource people: Aquatics Instructor, BSA; Aquatics Cub Supervisor; BSA Lifeguard; BSA Swimming & Water Rescue; or other lifeguard, swimming instructor, etc. When the unit goes to summer camp, each individual will be issued a buddy tag under the direction of the camp aquatics director for use at the camp.

TO THE TEST ADMINISTRATOR

The various components of each test evaluate the several skills essential to the minimum level of swimming ability. Each step of the test is important and should be followed as listed below:

SWIMMER’S TEST: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

BEGINNER’S TEST: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place.

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