BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” HOSTED BY AMADOR DISTRICT Leader’s Guide Our staff anticipates and looks forward to your spirited participation in the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” competitions, challenges, adventure, and FUN. Our goal is to provide an epic weekend of Scouting, where units will have an opportunity to test their skills, work as a team, and exhibit youth leadership. We highly encourage every team to participate in as many competitions and challenges as possible to see which teams will be worthy of joining the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD!” It is important that you read the entire leader’s guide before arriving at the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” Scout-o- ree. The most successful units at this event will have thoroughly read all the sections covered in this leader’s guide. We hope this guide thoroughly explains the fun and adventure that awaits you and your teams at this year’s “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” Scout-o-ree, as well as enhances your unit’s experience. The leader’s guide contains the following sections to help you prepare for the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD,” Scout- o-ree hosted by Amador District. Section Page I General Information 02 II The Registration Process 04 III Unit Campsite/Gateways 04 IMPORTANT DATES IV Inspections 05 V Obstacles/Skill Challenges 05 Early Bird March 12, 2016 VI Shooting Sports 06 Registration VII Campfire 06 VIII Associated Activities 06 IX Location 07 X Driving Directions 07 Register By April 1, 2016 XI Cast Iron Chef Rules 08 Event Date April 8, 2016 DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO JOIN THE BROTHERHOOD OF MUD? March 15, 2016 2016 “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” – Leader’s Guide Page 1 I. GENERAL INFORMATION At the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” Scout-o-ree, our primary goal is to enhance and encourage the PATROL METHOD within your units. Patrols will be referred to as “teams” for the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” event. This event provides teams with an opportunity for scouts to show off their Scoutcraft, Woodcraft, and Campcraft skills, as they follow the guidance and leadership of their team leaders, using teamwork and the Scouting Spirit to get them to the finish line. The “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” will challenge teams in many ways, and it will be up to you and your teammates to answer the challenge. BE PREPARED! You will get MUDDY, WET, and EXHAUSTED! We Put the “Outing” in Scouting! The following are some important elements to keep in mind during your stay at the “Brotherhood of Mud” Scout-o-ree EVENT LOCATION: We are all guests! The property owner has graciously allowed us to use this great piece of wilderness for our event. As guests, we will all need to be respectful of the land and its restricted areas. There are poisonous plants on the property, such as Poison Oak. Please be aware, and stick to the course. There is very good drainage, and conditions should be fairly good in case of inclement weather. There will not be any outdoor lighting in our area. WATER: Your units should come with enough water for the entire weekend. We recommend one gallon of water per person for cooking and cleaning and enough bottled water to keep the scouts in your unit hydrated. Units will need (2) five gallon water buckets full at their campsite, if they plan on having a campfire. RESTROOMS: Access to established restrooms or showers will not be available. There will be an ample amount of portable toilets located throughout the event location. There will be specially marked Portable toilets for “female use only.” Please be respectful of all guests, and keep them clean. CAMPSITES: Each unit will be assigned a campsite by the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” staff. Please make sure to stay within the perimeters of the marked off campsite areas. Units with multiple teams will all share the same campsite. Units are allowed to have a campfire in their campsite, as long as it is contained in a raised fire pit. Campsites will be monitored for cleanliness throughout the event and at check out. UNIT CAMPSITE CAMPFIRES: Units must attend their campsite campfires at all times! Campsite campfires MUST be in a raised fire pit, to prevent damaging the soil below. Units must have (2) five gallon buckets filled with water in their campsite to extinguish their fires at all times. Units must also have fire tools (shovel and metal rake) within their campsite to assist in extinguishing the fire. Please keep fires at a safe and manageable level. NO HUGE BONFIRES! A Scout is Prepared! IMPORTANT PAPERWORK Each unit is responsible for having the following documents upon arrival: Unit and Team Rosters, Activity Consent Forms, BSA Health and Medical Forms (A and B), Parental Firearm Authorization Forms for ALL PARTICIPANTS from their unit. March 15, 2016 2016 “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” - Leader’s Guide Page 2 EQUIPMENT Each unit is required to provide all equipment required to participate in the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD.” That includes tents, stoves, cooking and eating utensils, and materials for camp equipment/gadgets, a Gateway Entrance, water, etc. Those units participating in special events will provide the necessary equipment called for in that event (i.e. dutchovens and charcoal for the “Cast Iron Chef” competition). UNIFORMS The complete Scout “Field Uniform” (Class A) will be worn during flags and Scout’s Own Service during the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” Scout-o-ree. Activity Uniforms (Class B) should be worn during “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” challenges and competitions. Themed costumed/Team uniforms are highly encouraged and may receive extra points for Scouting Spirit. Those individuals participating in Order of the Arrow activities during the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” Scout-o-ree should bring appropriate uniform items (sashes!). MEDICAL FACILITIES Each unit should have its own first aid kit. However, a first-aid kit will be on site at the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” headquarters medical tent in the event of a medical emergency. Each unit leader will be responsible for the first aid treatment of minor injuries, and for the safe transport of participants in the event of a medical emergency while maintaining two-deep leadership with the Scout and the remainder of the troop on site. Sutter Amador is the closest hospital and is located approximately 15 minutes away in Jackson, CA. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL Drugs and alcohol are not permitted on the premises at any time. Standard rules from the Guide to Safe Scouting apply with respect to prescription medications. KNIVES and FIREARMS* These “items” are NOT required for Brotherhood of Mud. Sheath knives (fixed blade) and folding knives with blades over 3 inches are not permitted. Scout appropriate pocket knives are permitted. Larger knives used for food preparation should be left in the patrol cook site and be properly cared for and put away with the other cooking utensils. LOADING AND UNLOADING: PEOPLE, PARKING, AND EQUIPMENT We have limited parking. Carpooling is highly recommended and a scout drop-off location will be available. Be prepared and be patient. If you have any participants in your unit that have a special need or mobility issue, please bring it to our attention ahead of time. PEOPLE: Remember that the staff is made up of volunteers. Any concerns or issues should be brought attention of the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” Chairperson, Josh Hall. PARKING: Vehicle parking will be provided in an area away from camping sites. Parking rules will be strictly enforced. Please unload troop gear in a timely manner, and park in the designated parking area. All personal gear should be carried into your campsite or Cub Zone. Please consider bringing a wheeled cart for your UNIT GEAR. Upon conclusion of “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” Scout-o-ree, the loading of vehicles will be conducted in a similar manner. Again, we have limited parking. Carpooling is highly recommended and a scout pickup location will be available. MEALS It is advised that you bring a sack dinner Friday to allow time for gateway/campsite setup. You may also want to consider cooking for your scouts as they will have a very busy Saturday if they are competing in all events. Troop 63 will be running a Trading Post with additional snacks and refreshments throughout the event. March 15, 2016 2016 “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” - Leader’s Guide Page 3 II. THE REGISTRATION PROCESS PRE-•‐REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL UNITS When you choose to pre-register, your check-in is quicker and more hassle free. It is important for the “BROTHERHOOD OF MUD” staff to have an accurate count of heads and units in order to prepare sites, ribbons, prizes, portable toilets, etc. PLEASE PRE-•‐REGISTER YOUR UNIT NOW! FEES The cost for each pre‐registered youth is $25.00 for those attending overnight (one night or two). Adult leaders working the event are $10. Adult leaders not working the event will be $25. After the March 12th early bird deadline, there will be a $5.00 per person surcharge. Cub Scouts who are not camping and any daytime participants will be $15. ALL PRINTED DEADLINES WILL BE ENFORCED. FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. CHECK IN Upon arrival, please report directly to the Check-In Station. You will be given your assigned campsite as well as a schedule of events. At Check-in you will be required to turn in a Unit roster listing your Teams, Activity Consent forms, and Firearms Liability Release forms for all Scouts and adults participating. You will also need to show BSA Health and Medical forms (A and B) for all Scouts and adults participating. EARLY CHECK OUT Please let the Registration Staff know if you need to leave early for any reason.