the trail to adventure - filestore.scouting.org is well versed in outdoor programs. ... national...
TRANSCRIPT
Rose is new
Committee Chairman
Mark Rose is the new chairman of the Outdoor Programs Support Commit-
tee for the National Council. Mark is a 2017 recipient of the Silver Buffalo
and is well versed in Outdoor Programs.
He has invested numerous hours in helping to shape NCAP, serves as the
Southern Region Hornaday Adviser and has served with distinction at the
unit, council and regional levels.
He has most recently served as the national chairman of the National Camp
Accreditation Program and is affiliated with Troop 212, chartered to the
Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lutz FL.
What is this????
Look on page 2
to find out !!!
2017 NATIONAL OUTDOOR CONFERENCE
INFORMATION ON PAGE 3
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
Leadership Notes,
National Outdoor
Conference
2
3
Thank you to
Mark Stinnett
4
New Youth Protection
Posters, Fishing PSA’s,
Council Properties Course
5
National Camping Report,
Jamboree Gear for sale
6
T.A.P. Update,
FIIX Software
7
Historic Trails Update 8
New COPE/Climbing
Publications, Advisory
9
NCAP Spotlight 10
New BSA Whitewater
Rafting Award
11
Leave No Trace
Training Calendar
12
Youth Target Foundation
Partnership
13
Philmont Training Center
Fall Sessions
14
2019 World Scout
Jamboree
15
Committee Directory 16
P R E S E N T E D B Y
T H E N A T I O N A L
O U T D O O R P R O G R A M S
S U P P O R T C O M M I T T E E
A N D T H E O U T D O O R
P R O G R A M S /
P R O P E R T I E S T E A M
The Trail to Adventure
J U N E 2 0 1 5
V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1
Summer 2017
P A G E 2
Mark Rose,
National Outdoor
Programs Support
Chairman
National Leadership Notes Frank Reigelman
Frank Reigelman,
Team Leader,
Outdoor Programs/
Properties Department
T H E T R A I L T O A D V E N T U R E
Have you ever wondered about the cumulative impact of BSA camping pro-grams across the boundaries of local councils? The Outdoor Program Sup-port Committee, the national “parent” committee for outdoor programs, is beginning to formulate new and innovative ways to evaluate camping – a CPI (Camping Performance Index). This will focus on the business of camp with the usual components: revenue, expenses, and surplus/deficits. But is will also include performance factors: attendance, utilization rates, camper days/nights and other measures to be determined that will provide an accurate view of how a camp is functioning. Some of the data will flow from NCAP worksheets and this could be a tool to help councils hone in on continuous improvement goals. Local council camping is the foundation of the “Camping Pyramid”; a broad base with high volume activities taking place on weekends in many forms, including unit outings, parent/son events, family camps, day outings and service projects. These activities support long-term summer adventures such as Cub Scout, Webelos, Boy Scout and Venturing camps. In turn, these programs support high adventure treks and National Jamborees ; pinnacle experiences that should be on every youth members Scouting resume. This progressive, age-appropriate path is the ideal plan to move a member and family along the Scouting trail. This is not a quantity vs. quality debate. To thrive, the BSA needs huge quantities of quality programs complemented by top notch facilities. For new members, the best program in the BSA will not erase substandard facilities. Families (parents) today simply will not tolerate being subjected to “yuck”. First impressions are truly lasting.
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Registration is now open for the 2017 National Outdoor Conference!
Highlights include thought provoking keynote presentations, outdoor and camping exhibits, a food show and over 90 elective sessions on virtually every subject area related to outdoor programming. Opportunities to get out and see the Philmont backcountry are also planned. This is the top networking opportunity for profes-sionals and volunteers responsible for local council outdoor programs in the BSA!
New for 2017, the 90+ electives are arranged in “trails” to help participants zero in on areas that are of most interest. Trail “headings” include: Program, Enterprise Risk Management, Facility Management, Human Re-sources, Management and Administration, Marketing and Promotions, and National High Adventure Bases. Participants can “mix n’ match” electives from each trail to suit their needs and interests.
The keynote topics will feature comments from Chief Scout Executive, Michael Surbaugh; defining camps that have “it” (you know “it” when you see “it”) by national motivational speaker, Ken Wasco; challenging staff to do great things by Dr. Deborah Gilboa and a timely presentation by Dr. Jeanne Arnold on challenging camps to move toward healthy menus and snack items. We are also pleased to welcome Eagle Scout Tom Rosenberg, CEO of the American Camp Association as he makes his first and much anticipated trip to Philmont to visit with BSA camping leaders. Finally, our friends from Northern Star Council will also lead a session laser focused on Cub Scout Camping.
Of course, there will be time to explore Philmont’s backcountry, base camp and other behind the scenes op-tions. A special music show is planned for one evening that will bring back timeless folk songs and authentic western songs fitting of the location!
This is the BSA’s top venue for outdoor minded professionals and volunteers. Many National staff and volun-teers will be in attendance and participants will have many opportunities to network and interact on a very personal level with Scouters at every level of the program. You will not want to miss this conference!
News Flash: Registration Prize Drawing Special Offer: ALL participants registered by August 15, 2017 will be entered in a random drawing for special National Outdoor Conference prizes of gift cards from the Tooth of Time Traders! The prizes are:
Grand Prize: (1 lucky winner): $150.00 gift card
First Prize (1 lucky winner) : $100.00 gift card
Second Prize (2 lucky winners): $75.00 gift cards
Third Prize (4 lucky winners): $50.00 gift cards .
(Prizes will be issued as a credit at Philmont’s Tooth of Time Traders store and are non-transferable. May only be redeemed for mer-
chandise at full retail price or posted special sale price at the Tooth of Time Traders. Gift cards have no cash value and employee dis-counts do not apply towards transactions).
The National Outdoor Conference takes place every other year so don’t delay in making your reser-vation. Click here to read more and to register.
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T H E T R A I L T O A D V E N T U R E
Stinnett Serves Outdoor Programs
2009-2017
Mark Stinnett has completed his tenure at the Outdoor Programs Support Committee Chairman. Mark was recruited in late 2008 and began his service in February 2009.
Under Mark’s watchful eye, the BSA completed a total overhaul of the camp standards, resulting in today’s National Camp Accreditation Program. The committees and task forces reporting to Mark undertook countless program improvements, contributed to Merit Badge revisions and launched the National Outdoor Award program.
One of Mark’s proudest accomplishments was guiding the writing of the BSA’s fifth edi-tion of our Fieldbook. Thank you Mark for your dedicated service to the BSA!
V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1 P A G E 5
Spread the word on Youth Protection with new posters
True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within the BSA to maintain a cul-ture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, regional, area, council, district, and unit levels.
To help you spread the word about the importance of this effort, the Youth Protection Team has several new posters available for councils to print and post in facilities, camps, etc.
The following posters are available for download:
See It, Stop It, Report It
BSA Code of Conduct
Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse
Anti-bullying (red background)
Anti-bullying (gold background)
Fishing is the Hook!!! Tom Redington, professional angler and BSA supporter, will be on hand at the Na-tional Outdoor Conference to tape promotional PSA’s for your camp! Bring your smartphone, a selection of photos of your camp waterfront, lake or river for a “green scene” session and presto!, Tom will cut a quick promotional clip that can be used on your website or social media. Tom is also available to produce a Cub Scout recruiting message with a fishing theme to boost your fall recruiting efforts.
Council Program and Property Administration Scouting U is excited to offer this professional staff certification course once again! This week-long course is designed for professionals that have completed their career conversation and are pursuing a program career track OR who are already in a program position in their council. This enhanced course will address these main topic areas:
Program Updates across all BSA programs
Strategic Planning
Fiscal Management
Enterprise Risk Management
Human Resources
Properties
Utilizing modern and up to date instructional methods, all participants will be challenged and engaged in their learning. Mark the date for the next course:
October 23-27 at the Scouting U Westlake Campus.
For more information, contact Course Manager, Ross Munt: [email protected]
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2017 National Camping Report
The 2017 National Camping Report portal will be going live in the first weeks of July for councils to start entering data for this important re-port. Districts and Councils have JTE markers on camping and the im-provement for the percentage of campers over the past year.
A huge challenge that councils have expressed is that they do not always know what units are doing for the summer so they do not know who has gone to camp especially if the units went to another council’s camp. Because of this challenge we encourage our pro-gram leaders to help offer to gather data for your council/district. All information is re-ported on behalf of the district so if all of you can offer to reach out to units to make cer-tain that all of their activities are reported.
To help councils share information about out of council camping activity, you can down-load a reporting form at: https://www.ncsbsa.org/resources/general.
Interested in some great deals on
Jamboree gear? Slightly used equipment to be sold after the Jamboree is available on a first come-first served basis. Bikes from $30.00 to $325.00; dome tents as low as $25.00.
These are great deals on good equipment and an excellent opportunity. Go to:
www.bsajamboree.org/equipmentsale for a full menu of items. Terms and conditions are listed as well.
Once the Jamboree is finished, other items may be available.
If interested, contact 973-580-2137 or email:
T H E T R A I L T O A D V E N T U R E
P A G E 7 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1
The Adventure Plan (TAP)
Late in 2016, an exciting new website called The Adventure Plan (or TAP for short) was launched at www.bsatap.org.
TAP is a planning tool for Scout units to use when preparing for almost any outdoor activity. It replaces the written planning guide called Passport to High Adventure but with greatly expand-ed features and links to useful forms, information and other websites.
Initial response to the TAP website has been very positive; now all that remains is to get the word out to those who will benefit most using it.
Special thanks for the development and release of TAP goes to members of the National Camp-ing Task Force; specifically Jim Erwin and Darrell Winn for their design work and Larry Green for creating the website.
For more of Larry’s excellent work in support of Boy Scout troop meeting planning, go to: www.troopleader.org
Please let your unit leaders know about these helpful and time-saving resources!
Fiix Facility maintenance made simple!
Have you heard the news? The BSA has selected Fiix as the vendor for computerized mainte-nance management systems (CMMS). This subscription service is cloud based so councils can keep records using any device; desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone.
To date, 21 councils and the four National High Adventure Bases have enrolled and over 100 users are registered. The subscription rate is based on a sliding scale, so as more councils go online, all will pay lower rates.
For more information, go to: www.fiixsoftware.com.
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Nationally Approved
Historic Trails List Updated
The National Camping Task Force recently released a new Nationally Approved list of recog-
nized Historic Trails. The list had become dated and confused due to council mergers and
lack of attention to the trail renewal process. The list contains confirmed trails and their
host councils. However, we believe there are more trails that should be on this list but we
have been unable to confirm the condition of the trails or if a council wants to continue to
host a trail.
The Nationally Approved list of Historic Trails can be found here:
http://bsatap.org/bsa-historic-trails-index/
Councils with trails which are believed to have been previously approved but are not on the list can submit a renewal application. Find it at:
http://www.scouting.org/filestore/Outdoor%20Program/pdf/430-933(15)_WEB.pdf
For new trails to be considered for inclusion on the Nationally Approved list, obtain the
requirements and application at:
http://www.scouting.org/filestore/Outdoor%20Program/pdf/430-240(15)_WEB.pdf .
Camping Task Force news..
T H E T R A I L T O A D V E N T U R E
P A G E 9 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1
New publications support Unit Climbing, Caving and Canyoneering activities
The BSA provides guidance for unit climbing activities with the Climb On Safely publication. This has recently been updated to reflect the policy changes regarding tour plans. In addition, two new publications have been recently released; Cave Safely, Cave Softly and Canyoneering Safely.
These new publications provide guidance to units planning to participate in caving or canyoneering activities and assist them to be responsible stewards of natural resources while conducting safe and enjoyable unit activities. For all current COPE/ Climbing resources, visit the COPE/Climbing website at:
https://www.scouting.org/home/outdoorprogram/cope.aspx .
Advisory on Fall Protection for Challenge Course Workers
There has been a news features focused on challenge courses over the past year or two, with serious injuries and fatalities involving challenge course workers at private and public facilities. The advisory that has been posted at: https://www. scouting.org/home/outdoorprogram/cope.aspx under “Risk Management Resources” may be of value to councils as they evaluate their Enterprise Risk Management policies regarding camp staff members who are working at significant heights on COPE courses, zip lines, and climbing structures.
The BSA is not aware of any specific enforcement action at local council camps by OSHA. This advisory was published to help local councils become aware of what specific OSHA regulations may be applicable to their operations. Councils should have a well-documented personal protective equipment policy for challenge course staff based on a thorough program hazard analysis.
This advisory should not be interpreted as a requirement to purchase specific safety equipment (such as full-body harnesses) but should be used by the council Enterprise Risk Management committee and COPE & Climbing committee to evaluate how local policies fit into current OSHA regulations and make good-sense adjustments as needed.
For additional information see “OSHA Laws That Affect Council Offices and Camps” at:
https://www.scouting.org/filestore/healthandsafety/pdf/680.047.pdf
The information in this document is provided as general guidance and does not cover all potential safety and health hazards workers may be exposed to in the council office or at camp.
P A G E 1 0
NCAP Update The Regional Assessment Teams have hit the ground running and have been blessed to observe some great camps and programs. Camps and councils are reminded that they need to have all their documents ready for the Assessment Team and should have al-ready conducted a pre-assessment meeting with the Assessment Team Leader to go over the items in the Declaration of Readiness that they submitted.
We are now finishing the fifth year of the National Camp Accreditation Program and councils are reporting that although it was challenging to conduct the Authorization pro-cess, they have realized that it has helped them guide their properties to the fullest po-tential. One council president stated that “Through this process we were able to take all the emotions out by using facts that the NCAP tools helped us gather”. This is what the program is all about.
The NCAP Leadership invites everyone that has a part of the council’s NCAP process to attend the NCAP course at the Philmont Training Center September 17-23, 2017. This course will help you understand the process even more, while learning from other coun-cils that have taken the opportunity to embrace the program and used the steps to strengthen their camp or camps. It is our goal to have over 40 people in attendance to share data, share strengths, and provide input to the NCAP Leadership on ideas to strengthen the entire program as it moves forward.
Go to www.philmonttrainingcenter.org to get more information on this course and to sign up to be a part of this useful and informative session.
NCAP Spotlight
T H E T R A I L T O A D V E N T U R E
P A G E 1 1 V O L U M E 3 , I S S U E 1
NEW! Whitewater Rafting BSA Award
Many Scouts participate in whitewater rafting trips conducted by local councils, at National Jamborees and private outfitters. A new aquatics award, Whitewater Rafting BSA, recognizes the challenge and adventure of such activities. The award is available to youth and adult members of Boy Scout, Varsity, Venturing or Sea Scout units.
The requirements for the award focus on safety and basic paddling skills on whitewater up to Class III rapids. All instruction and skill completions are directly supervised by a professionally trained or licensed rafting guide. A qualified raft captain must be in the raft during the trip. To earn the award, participants must help power and control the raft with paddles under proper direction and supervision. This new award will be featured at the 2017 National Jamboree.
An application with requirements and notes to counselors will be placed on the Aquatics page at:
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/OutdoorProgram/Aquatics.aspx.
Patches and pocket cards are in production and will be available at www.scoutstuff.org and in local Scout Shops later this season. A support brochure is also planned.
Troop 448 of Murfreesboro TN in
action!
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T H E T R A I L T O A D V E N T U R E
Leave No Trace Master Educator Courses Available Thirteen Leave No Trace Master Educator courses are on the calendar for 2017, with three successfully completed in Illinois, Virginia, and with the 2017 Philmont Staff.
As of this writing, one is underway in New York.
The remaining courses will be conducted at sites across the country including Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Au-gust and Philmont Scout Ranch this September.
Summary information on remaining courses can be found, along with more details on the Outdoor Ethics Task Force, at our web site:
http://www.outdoorethics-bsa.org.
Remaining 2017 Leave No Trace Master Educator Courses
Save the date: 2018 National Outdoor Ethics Conference, October 18-21,
Camp Naish (Heart of America Council) Bonner Springs, Kansas
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BSA & Youth Target Foundation Partnership
The Youth Target Foundation (YTF) is excited to partner with Boy Scouts of America to offer the BSA/YTF Competitive Clay Target Team Program. YTF has shown a five-year, 1600% increase in new high school team membership and continues to excel in urban environments. Working together we will offer an educationally based, sustainable program to guide young Americans toward advanced leadership and responsibility opportunities through competitive clay target teams. It is intended that this agreement will promote joint coordination from YTF and BSA to further the mission of both organizations. Outdoor Programs is working with the BSA Membership Group to develop an “Organizing a Crew” Booklet for Districts and Councils to start new crews to participate in this program. Councils will identify high schools, commercial ranges and community organizations to partner with starting new Venturing crews. Young men and women will have the chance to compete with other crews across town and around the country.
Young people who are proficient in competition will have the chance earn scholarship money for their crew, college scholarships and potentially qualify for the US Olympic Team. This is an exciting opportunity for the councils to serve Venturing age women and men through this very popular activity.
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T H E T R A I L T O A D V E N T U R E
2017 Fall Training Conference
The Philmont Training Center (PTC) is a great place for Scouters to get continuing and advanced training in many Scouting specialties. The only thing better than attending PTC, is attending PTC in the fall!
The Fall Conference at PTC specializes in outdoor activities. Fishing, COPE and Climbing, Shooting Sports, Camp Facilities and Wilderness First Aid are just some of the outdoor courses being offered.
The Fall Conference, also known as PTC Week 11, runs from September 17 to 23.
The course menu for this week includes:
Applying Outdoor Ethics in the Unit, District and Council BSA Fishing Train The Trainer Certified Angler Instructor Course Director Climbing Director Certification COPE Advanced Facilitation COPE Director Certification Council Outdoor Program Committee Operations NCAP: Strengthening Your Council Philmont Leadership Challenge The Properties Course: the business of running a camp Trek Leader Planning and Advanced Outdoor Leader Skills Wilderness First Aid Instructor Trainer Certification Year Round Shooting Sports
To obtain detailed information on the courses above and to register,
go to:
http://www.philmontscoutranch.org/ptc.aspx
Sign up today!
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24th World Scout Jamboree,
July 22 to August 2, 2019
The Summit Bechtel Family Reserve
Glen Jean West Virginia
“Unlock a New World”
It’s never too early to start planning to attend the 2019 World Jamboree in West Virginia. Co hosted by
the Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada and Asociaci’on de Scouts de Me’xico AC, this will be the fourth
World Jamboree held in North America, the second in the United States and the first on our continent
since 1983.
Thousands of youth from around the world will converge on the Summit for 12 days of adventure,
fellowship and the best that Scouting has to offer. The BSA contingent has been allocated slots for nearly
10,000 to attend as youth participants, adult leaders and as members of the International Service Team.
Go to: www.WSJ2019.org for more information and periodic updates.
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National Outdoor Programs Support Committee
Mark Rose, Chairman
Frank Reigelman, Team Leader
Pat Noack, Aquatics Task Force Chair
Ben Jelsema, Fishing Task Force Chair
Dave O Leary, Outdoor Ethics Task Force Chair
John Winter, COPE/Climbing Task Force Chair
Mark Rey, Conservation Task Force Chair
Mark Pluff, Shooting Sports Task Force Chair
Jim Blair, Camping Task Force Chair
Mike Abrahamson, Northeast Region Chair
Aaron Randolph, Central Region Chair
Dr. James Flatt, Southern Region Contact
Steve Bradley, Western Region Chair
Dennis Kampa, Cub Scout Program Liaison
Sal Ciampo, Strategic Analysis/Facilities Task Force Chair
Eric Hiser, NCAP Liaison and Website Coordinator
Jim Kern, Region Support/Newsletter
Ramsay Ellis, Health and Safety Liaison
Michelle Merritt, National Venturing President
The Trail To Adventure, Summer 2017 A service of the National Outdoor Programs Support Committee
NationalVenturing.president @scouting.org