Welcome to the Camping Opportunities Session a breakout of the Unit Support Conference

Welcome and Overview 2

It is the goal of the Pathway to Adventure Council to build and serve the healthiest and strongest units in the communities we serve

"Scouting's Journey to Excellence" is designed to set goals that encourage and reward success and measure performance and continuous improvement in key objectives in our units, districts and our council. It provides a road map, with benchmarks, to deliver the promises of the Scouting program and to operate at the most optimal level.

5 Journey to Excellence: Camping Opportunities (includes Cub Scout Camping, Short-Term Camping, Long-Term Camping and Adventures) PACKBRONZESILVERGOLD TROOP CREW

6 Three Aims of Scouting CHARACTER Growth in moral strength and character through each youth’s personal qualities, values, and outlook. CITIZENSHIP Building lasting and impactful relationships through obligations to other people, society, and government. FITNESS The development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness through a healthy lifestyle, ability to think critically, and courage/self-respect. “Be considerate in the outdoors. Be conservation minded.” - Boy Scouts of America Outdoor Code

7 The Methods of Scouting Cub Scout Packs IDEALS DENS ACTIVITIES ADVANCEMENT FAMILY HOME/NEIGHBORHOOD UNIFORM Boy Scout Troops IDEALS PATROLS OUTDOOR PROGRAMS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION WITH ADULTS PERSONAL GROWTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT UNIFORM Venturing Crews IDEALS GROUP ACTIVITIES HIGH ADVENTURE RECOGNITION ASSOCIATION WITH ADULTS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TEACHING OTHERS

8 Why Plan Outdoor Activities? Outdoor activities keep Scouts active and removed from the distractions of everyday life. The outdoors is our classroom for helping deliver the promises of Scouting to our youth. Explore nature. Build survival skills. Advancement opportunities. Build enthusiasm.

9 Key Elements of Planning Make sure a safe and secure location has been reserved for the unit’s activity. Location must comply with appropriate BSA standards. Make sure activity complies with unit’s budget. Have a written program plan for each outdoor activity or event and acquire all necessary materials well in advance. For Boy Scout troops, youth are heavily involved in the processes of planning and executing the events program. Make sure everyone involved is going to HAVE FUN!!!

10 Who Should Be Involved in Planning Scout Outdoor Activities? Everyone! Unit Committee Plans and approves the program Secures site and tour permits where necessary Unit Leaders and Assistants Carry out and executes the program Parents, and Other Volunteers Assist and help execute program Youth Leaders and Unit Members

11 Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award Tiger Cubs, Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts have the opportunity to earn the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award. Boys may earn the award in each of the program years as long as the requirements are completed each year. The first time the award is earned, the boy will receive the pocket flap award, which is to be worn on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt. Each successive time the award is earned, a wolf track pin may be added to the flap. Leaders should encourage boys to build on skills and experiences from previous years when working on the award for a successive year. Additional information can be found here: outdooractivityaward.aspx outdooractivityaward.aspx

12 Cub Scout Summertime Pack Award A pack can earn the National Summertime Pack Award by doing three pack activities when school is out for the summer—one activity each month during June, July, and August. Packs that qualify receive a colorful streamer for their pack flag. Dens that have at least half of their members at three events receive a den ribbon. Pack members who participate in all three events are eligible for the National Summertime Pack Award pin to wear on the right pocket flap of their uniform. Additional information can be found here:

13 What are the Best Activities for Boy Scout Short-Term Campouts? Activities that teach leadership, teamwork, self-reliance, and shared responsibility. Boy Scouts handle preparation and clean-up of their own meals, gather wood and build their own campfires, instruct each other in various Scout skills, officiate their own games, etc. Activities that meet advancement requirements. Various requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class are intended for the outdoors. These include identification of plants and animals, orienteering, hiking, use of woods tools, knowledge of camping equipment, application of knots, and many more! Activities that engage ALL Boy Scouts. Recreational activities, such as troop campfire songs/skits or low COPE games. Outdoor sports or games, such as flag football, ultimate frisbee, or capture the flag.

14 Remember... A well-functioning troop, or crew, will involve the youth in planning each activity. Planning elements include: Selection of campout location(s) Menu planning, including budgeting and shopping responsibilities Activities and games for campout Youth leadership roles and assigned responsibilities for campout Determining what unit, and personal equipment is necessary Alternate plans in case of inclement weather

15 Why Should Cub Scouts go Camping? Cub Scout Day Camp, Family Camp, Resident Camp, and Webelos Camping provide outstanding program and opportunities for youth to have fun and learn! Cub Scouts who go camping are much more likely to stay in the program and eventually cross into a Boy Scout troop. Cub Scouts are able to spend time with their family and fellow Cub Scouts in a safe environment away from everyday distractions. Camping helps create unity within the pack. Youth and adults are able to network with other packs to share ideas and create new friendships.

16 Why Should Boy Scouts go Long- Term Camping? Studies have proven that Boy Scouts who attend a long-term summer camp are more likely to remain in the program, especially if the Boy Scout is in his first year. Summer camp provides a wealth of opportunities for Boy Scouts of all ages to learn, grow, advance, and have fun! Boy Scouts who attend summer camp are more likely to develop character and skills that will help them in their everyday lives (doing household chores, planning a schedule, arriving on time, etc.). Summer camp helps build unity within the troop. Both youth and adults have the opportunity to network with other troops, share ideas, and create new friendships.

17 How can Units Promote Camping and Outdoor Activities? Promote them at Den, Pack, Troop, and Unit Committee meetings. Have readily available information to distribute. and text reminders. Unit websites and newsletters. Invite guest speakers to get youth and adults excited about the event. Make sure every family has a copy of the unit calendar.

18 What do Parents Need to Know About Camping? List of necessary items to bring Tent, sleeping bag, weather-appropriate clothes, etc. What activities will the youth participate in? Have a program agenda and menu if applicable. Who is in charge of the event? List what adult leaders are attending, who is driving, youth leadership roles (Boy Scouts) Provide contact information for use in case of emergency. What is the cost of the event? Materials for specific activities, food costs, etc. Where is the event located? Provide directions to campgrounds in case of emergency.

19 How Can a Scout Earn His Way to Camp? Fundraising Opportunities Popcorn Approved Unit Fundraisers Consult Pathway to Adventure Fundraising Specialists

20 How do Units Register for Campouts? Pathway to Adventure-sponsored camping and outdoor activities Contact the Council Service Center at (312) , or visit the Council’s website You can also contact Aaron Gach or Cathlynn Peters Out-of-council camping and outdoor activities, or use of out-of- council locations A BSA TOUR AND ACTIVITY PLAN is required… Contact each campground well in advance to ensure compliance with local procedures

21 A detailed list of frequently asked questions regarding the general health and safety of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts during outdoor activities and campouts can be found here: