Texas Sized Adventures at BTSR

Transcription

1 Texas Sized Adventures at BTSR BUFFALO TRAIL SCOUT RANCH Nestled in the heart f the beautiful Davis Muntains in West Texas, this 9,000-acre ranch is ne f America s premier High-Adventure cuncil camps. The camp is natinally recgnized and fully accredited by the By Scuts f America. In peratin since 1947, this beautiful ranch has met the needs f Scuts, Leaders, and their families fr ver 50 years. Millins f years ag, vlcanic activity sent the Davis Muntains feet abve sea level. Ersin f the calderas left the rcky peaks 2000 feet abve the valley flrs. The igneus rcks frmed sme f the mst beautiful canyns, highest peaks, and tallest cliffs in Texas. Tall century plants, Spanish dagger, pinin pine, juniper, big tth maple, yucca plants, cacti, and all kinds f wildlife fill the valleys and peaks f this beautiful ranch. Opprtunities abund fr the newest Scut, the ldest Scut, and the Venturer. Quality advancement, nature study, backpacking prgrams, hrseback riding, rifle and archery, swimming and lifesaving name just a few f the exciting prgrams pssible at the ranch. All key adult staff members are graduates f the By Scuts f America's Natinal Camp Schl and the yuth staffs are trained and eager t assist yur Scuts. The camp staff's bjective is t ffer a flexible and well-runded prgram. This guide is designed t help yu and yur trp BE PREPARED fr a great summer camp experience. It is impssible t answer all f the questins yu might have abut BTSR, but hpefully the majr nes will be addressed. The fun and adventure f camping fr a week with friends is a priceless experience fr a Scut. BTSR camp fees are kept lw because f vlunteers and dnatins. Every Scut attends the Buffal Trail Scut Ranch (BTSR) because f the genersity f ur financial dnrs and lcal United Way supprt. BUFFALO TRAIL COUNCIL, BSA ffers all eligible participants a full range f activities. Peple wh are eligible t participate in the prgram must nt be discriminated against because f race, clr, natinal rigin, sex, age, disability, religin r plitical belief. 1

2 REFUND POLICY $250 BTSR reservatin fee is NON-REFUNDABLE if the unit des nt attend camp. This depsit is applied t the unit s ttal camp fee. $500 Cavalcade depsit is NON-REFUNDABLE if the unit des nt attend camp. This depsit is applied t the unit s ttal Cavalcade fees. Cavalcade fees are nn-refundable and nn-transferable t ther camp prgrams. They are transferable t anther participant in Cavalcade. The first payment fr Base Camp, Outback, Muntain Man, Circle H, r Cavalry participants is nn-refundable after May 15 th. After May 15 th, nly fees paid beynd the initial payment are refundable. These fees may als be transferred t anther participant within the unit. Refund requests prir t May 15 th must be in writing and pstmarked by May 15 th and sent t payment address. Refund requests after May 15 th must be in writing and are due at Sunday check-in with the business manager. Refund requests submitted after camp will be cnsidered nly fr persnal illness r family emergencies and are due within 10 days fllwing the end f Trp s sessin f camp. All refunds are payable t the unit and will nt be mailed until the camp seasn is ver. Checks will be mailed n later than Octber 31. Please make effrts nt t OVER pay prir t arriving t camp. The final payment is due upn arrival, s the unit nly has t pay the balance due, thus eliminating verpayments and the need fr refunds. Refunds are very time cnsuming and will nt arrive until Octber, regardless f which week the unit attended camp. Lcal Attractins There are many places t see and things t d in the area surrunding BTSR. Here are a few items that may interest yur Trp as yu make yur plans t travel t the Davis Muntains. (These may ffer great pprtunities fr yur Trp s Thursday night activity.) Sme Trps even travel a day early, stay vernight at Balmrhea State Park, and enjy sme f the surrunding turist attractins. Balmrhea State Park: With a capacity f mre than 3 1/2 millin gallns, the pl has plenty f rm fr swimmers, while ffering a unique setting fr scuba diving. Visitrs can enjy swimming, picnicking, and camping. See Als: Fr infrmatin call McDnald Observatry: Enjy a star party, turs, and ther events at the bservatry under the darkest night skies in the U.S. Als enjy slar viewing prgrams as well as Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evening "Star Parties." Visitr Infrmatin Center: (432) Frt Davis Histrical Site: Set in the rugged beauty f the Davis Muntains f west Texas, Frt Davis is ne f America's best surviving examples f an Indian Wars' frntier military pst in the Suthwest. Activities include self-guided turs f buildings and ruins; hiking n designated nature trails, and picnicking at cttnwds picnic area. Visitr Infrmatin: (432) x20 Museum f the Big Bend, Alpine Texas: Fr mre than 70 years the Museum f the Big Bend has been cllecting and exhibiting artifacts f the vast Big Bend regin. Encmpassing the Davis Muntains t the nrth and the brderlands f Mexic, the Big Bend has been inhabited fr ver 11,000 years. Visitr Infrmatin: (432) Very impressive fr first timers t this camp. Trp 137, Edna 8

3 Marfa Lights: Marfa's Mystery Lights are unexplained light surces that appear almst nightly. First reprted by early settlers in 1883, they are best seen frm the viewing area lcated apprximately 9 miles east f twn n Hwy 90. Althugh theries abund, n explanatin can be verified, thus making the Lights a great mystery fr lcals, scientists and turists. Big Bend Natinal Park: Big Bend is ne f the largest and least visited f America's natinal parks. Over 800,000 acres await yur explratin and enjyment. Frm an elevatin f less than 2,000 feet alng the Ri Grande t nearly 8,000 feet in the Chiss Muntains, Big Bend includes massive canyns, vast desert expanses, and the entire Chiss Muntain range. Park infrmatin: (432) Nearby Cmmunities Balmrhea - A small cmmunity lcated just ff f I-10. Only 25 miles frm camp, the twn ffers several small restaurants, a cuple f gas statins, a htel, and tw small grcery stres. Ppulatin 750. Balmrhea State Park and Balmrhea Lake can be fund near this cmmunity. Frt Davis Lcated nly 25 miles Suth f BTSR, Frt Davis has much t ffer. Several restaurants, grcery stres, htels and RV parks, as well as the histrical landmark that is the twn s namesake can all be fund here. Ppulatin 1, Alpine Sul Rss State University calls Alpine hme and is abut 60 miles away frm BTSR. Museums, art galleries, several fast fd chain restaurants, laundrmats, htels, RV Parks, Amtrak train statin, sme great lcal restaurants, Alc stre, gas statins, and much mre can be fund in Alpine. Ppulatin 5, Pecs Only 45 miles nrth f camp ff f I-20, Pecs is hme t the clsest Wal-Mart! Here yu will find several chain fast fd restaurants, gas statins, grcery stres, museums, a small z, and even a glf curse. Ppulatin 9, Traveling T BTSR CARS Mst Trps travel t BTSR in cars r vans. Please be aware f hw many vehicles yu bring t camp as parking is extremely limited. BUS Sme Trps may chse t charter a bus and save the hassle f being behind the wheel! Cntact yur lcal charter bus cmpany t make arrangement fr this mde f transprtatin. This is ideal fr larger Trps traveling lng distances. Yu may want t check and see if anther Trp in yur area is cming t camp the same week yu are and split the csts with them! BTSR has plenty f rm fr a bus t navigate at the entrance, unlad, etc. FLY The nearest cmmercial airprt is abut 150 miles away in Midland-Odessa. American Eagle, Cntinental, and Suthwest are the scheduled carriers. El Pas Internatinal Airprt is abut 205 miles frm the camp, with mst majr airlines ffering service t and frm El Pas. Fr private aircraft there is the well-equipped Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airprt (432) is n Texas 118 abut 50 miles suth f BTSR, and the Marfa's City Airprt is n Hwy 17 abut 40 miles suth f BTSR (432) TRAIN Very impressive fr first timers t this camp. Trp 137, Edna 9

4 Amtrak makes its nly regular stp between El Pas and Del Ri in Alpine, cming thrugh twn 3 times a week bth east and west bund. Amtrak's schedules and rates are n their web site at r by calling RENTAL VEHICLES Aut rentals are available at Alpine Aut Rental, 704 E. Hancck Avenue, Alpine Texas. 8am t 5pm (432) FAX (432) Scheduled bus service is available in Alpine (432) There are several rental cmpanies available at the Midland Internatinal Airprt. CAMPING Trps can take advantage f anther Buffal Trail Cuncil camp n the way t r frm BTSR n Interstate 20. Camp Thmas near Big Spring ffer camping as well as COPE prgrams n the weekends yur Trp cmes thrugh. Participatin in these prgrams will qualify the Trp fr up t a $50 discunt per persn! See page 32 fr mre infrmatin n Camp Thmas. Camp Facilities CAMPSITES Nestled n the side f Frbidden Muntain can be fund 19 campsites fr traditinal tent camping. Each site has a small cvered pavilin with picnic table and is a shrt distance away frm latrine and shwer facilities. All f the latrines are mdern facilities with year rund ptable water, cmmdes, urinals, shwers with ht water, and separate facilities fr men, wmen, and yuth. It is recmmended that Trps d nt bring the 10 penny type stakes fr tents yu bring t camp. Heavy duty stakes and large hammers will make setting up yur campsite much easier! (The grund at BTSR is unfrgiving in mst spts!) Sme heavy-duty stakes are available at the Quartermaster, but numbers are limited, s plan accrdingly. RV PARKING There are a limited number f RV sites at Buffal Trail Scut Ranch. Hwever, these sites are reserved fr use by members f the BTSR summer camp staff nly, with camp directr s apprval. Parking is very limited at ur camp, s we ask that yu please leave all RVs and campers at hme. CAMP BUILDINGS Latrines WB Stwe, Alpine, & Pl. All f the latrines are mdern facilities with cmmdes, urinals, shwers with ht water, and separate facilities fr men, wmen, and yuth. The shwer facility at the pl is nly five years ld! Health Ldge This tw-stry facility ffers 14 bunks and a restrm with shwer fr female staff ldging (upstairs). Dwnstairs is a kitchen, a ward fr first aid needs, tw bedrms, and bathrm with shwer. Camp Medic lives n site. Dining Hall The air-cnditined dining hall can seat 300 peple n picnic style tables. The kitchen has cmmercial gas stves and vens, fd preparatin areas, plenty f utensils and cking supplies, a dry gds strage area, cmmissary, dish washing rm, tw walk-in refrigeratrs and ne freezer, sleeping quarters fr cks, and a small restrm. A cvered sidewalk brders the uter wall f the dining hall, and an ADA cmpliant handicap ramp ffers access fr wheelchairs t the Dining Hall as well as Buffal Hall and the Handicraft Hut. Buffal Hall Als knwn as camp Headquarters, Buffal Hall ffers a large, pen, indr area fr large gatherings r meetings. Flding tables and chairs are available and can be set up t accmmdate 200 persns. There is a wrking fireplace, display cases, and wild animal trphies adrning the walls. Restrms are als available inside this facility. The frnt prch ffers a great view f Frbidden Muntain with bench seating extending acrss the entire frnt side. Camp Office - The Headquarters area f Buffal Hall can be fund n the east side f the building. Here can be fund the Ranger s ffice and the central ffice fr the camp. This ffice huses the camp phne, cntrls fr the camp PA system, lst and fund, Trp mailbxes, and areas fr the camp clerk, camp directr, prgram directr, and business managers t cnduct business during the summer seasn. Very impressive fr first timers t this camp. Trp 137, Edna 10

5 Jersey Lilly Trading Pst - Als a part f Buffal Hall is the Jersey Lilly Trading Pst. This facility sells T-shirts, camping supplies, hiking staves, craft items, maps f the ranch, merit badge related supplies, varius Scut bks and merit badge pamphlets, BTSR suvenirs, and f curse the freezers are full f drinks and ice cream and the shelves are stcked with candy and snacks! ***NEW FACILITIES*** Over the past few years, the Buffal Trail Cuncil has invested in a variety f new facilities. They include a new pl huse and refurbished swimming pl deck and plumbing. A great additin t ur fine camp, they greatly imprved the facilities at ne f the mst ppular areas n camp. New in 2011, a BRAND NEW additin t the shting range was cnstructed. Curtesy f the NRA, ur participants fr shting sprts prgrams have a state f the art facility fr rifle and shtgun merit badges. Als, expansin in the backcuntry has allwed us t update and make use f cabins,trails, and ther facilities at bth the Circle H and Cavalry Camp headquarters PROGRAM AREAS Merit Badge Areas Each site has cvered picnic tables and enugh utdr space t put up a campsite and cnduct instructinal activities. Gerge Friday Handicraft Hut Named after ur very wn natinally recgnized expert wdcarver, this hut is used fr all f ur handicraft merit badges. Shting Sprts - The newest facility n camp ffers an utstanding shting experience fr all bys. Bth archery and rifle ranges ffer cvered seating and teaching areas. Bth ranges are 50 NRA and BSA certified ranges t be used fr archery, BB,.22 rifles, 20-guage shtguns, r black-pwder rifle shting prgrams. The rifle range was just remdeled in late 2010! Crrals - BTSR wns and perates dzens f hrses and mules t be used fr hrsemanship merit badge and the Cavalcade prgram. At the crrals, riding activities and merit badge instructin are available fr Scuts and Scuters f all ages. Trained wranglers encurage every camper t ride and learn. The tack shed, hay barn, shade tree cvered picnic tables, crral, and individual pens are all lcated tgether n the east side f camp. Parade Grund This is the grassy area fund in frnt f ur Dining Hall. This is the primary assembly pint f the camp where the clrs are raised and lwered. A new flagple and flag ceremny slab stands in frnt f the grassy area and the Scut Law lines the fence in the backgrund. Here yu will als find lts f picnic tables fr yur trp t enjy! Amphitheater - Our amphitheater ffers an excellent view f the side f Frbidden Muntain. Just n the ther side f the creek frm the campsites, the amphitheater is a man-made stne semicircle carved int the side f a muntain, with enugh seating fr 350. This is an ideal spt fr campfires, ceremnies, as well a chance t just see and hear the beauty f the ranch. Our pening camp shw and clsing awards campfire and OA callut ceremnies are held here. Rck Range - One f the mst ppular attractins amng yung bys is the Rck Range. The nly place n the ranch where rcks can be thrwn, a Scut can test their aim at the fixed targets we have in place. Helmets must be wrn by any participant at the Rck Range. These can nly be checked ut at the camp ffice. Leaders, yu are the Rck Range Directrs, s please help us keep this a safe activity! Pl - Our Swimming Pl is a 25-meter pl with a 10 ft deep end attached t the side. This gives ur pl a unique t- shape and plenty f space fr beginning swimmers and experienced swimmers t test their skills. Immediately behind the pl is a newer restrm facility with separate heated shwers as well as restrm/ changing rms. Separate lcking rms allw private areas fr yuth and adults, male r female. (Adults may als use the facilities in the Old Flks Hme t change & shwer.) Very impressive fr first timers t this camp. Trp 137, Edna 11

6 Yur Week at BTSR ADULT LEADERSHIP ALL TRIPS TO BTSR MUST BE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF TWO ADULT LEADERS. THE UNIT LEADER IS AT LEAST 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND A REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE BSA. THE SECOND ADULT MAY BE A REGISTERED SCOUTER 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, OR A PARENT OF A PARTICIPATING SCOUT. LEADERS MAY ROTATE IF NECESSARY, BUT AT LEAST TWO ADULTS MUST BE WITH THE TROOP 24 HOURS A DAY. ONE OF THESE ADULTS MUST HAVE CURRENT CERTIFICATION IN YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING. TDH REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULT LEADERSHIP On April 16, 2006, the state f Texas passed int law new regulatins that affect the Texas Yuth Camps Safety and Health Act. These new laws affect all licensed yuth camps in the state f Texas, including By Scut summer camps and Cub Scut day camps. As a result, there is a change f plicy fr all leaders and adults attending any f the Buffal Trail Cuncil Camps this summer. Als, there is a required frm and supprting dcumentatin that must be turned in by ALL adult participants at BTSR. Please see page 65 in the frms sectin fr mre infrmatin and the required frm. INSURANCE AND TOUR PERMIT ALL TROOPS ATTENDING BUFFALO TRAIL SCOUT RANCH MUST HAVE A TOUR PERMIT AND PROOF OF ACCIDENT INSURANCE FROM YOUR COUNCIL, PRIOR TO REGISTRATION AT CAMP. COPIES MUST BE PROVIDED AT CHECK-IN. TRANSPORTATION Each trp is respnsible fr transprtatin t and frm camp. Parking is limited, s please limit the number f vehicles that a unit brings t camp. NOTE: ONLY camp wned vehicles are permitted n the upper level campsite rads! Please d nt bring additinal equipment. We are limited by ut muntain envirnment n hw many trp trailers we can accmmdate. Please put n yur special request frm if yu cannt be in a upper camp site which cannt accmmdate trailers. Charter busses are ideal fr large grups r fr grups traveling lng distances. Trps using charter buses need t advise the camp in rder that arrangements can be made fr transprting equipment t yur campsite. ARRIVAL Camp arrival is scheduled frm 1:00 PM t 3:00 PM Sunday. Yu will have sufficient time t check-in and setup camp, even with a 3:00 PM arrival. CAMP PERSONNEL CANNOT ACCOMMODATE UNSCHEDULED EARLY ARRIVALS. The Camp Staff is in meetings and is preparing fr yur arrival befre 1:00. If yur plans call fr an early arrival yu must ntify the Camp Directr in advance. (See Saturday arrival prcedures belw.) Yu will be met at the gate by a camp staff member upn arrival and will be given directins fr parking and unlading equipment. A tur guide will be assigned t yu and he/she will help yu get settled and started n yur summer camp adventure. (Please see Tur Guide Checklist fund in the frms sectin.) SATURDAY ARRIVALS As mentined abve, early arrivals n Sunday cannt be accmmdated due t a tight schedule and staff meetings that take place prir t camper s arrivals. There are several public and private campgrunds in the immediate area. Including Pecs, Balmrehea and Frt Davis, TX We d allw trps with religius restrictins t arrive n Saturdays. Please nte NO staff will be n site, NO meals are prvided, ALL campers must remain acrss the creek in the campsite areas (unless the Trp is taking a trip t twn). It is recmmended that yu stay at ne f the lcal campgrunds that can prvide full service if pssible. *Please cntact the Camp Directr with any questins regarding this new prcedure. This is the best summer camp ever! Annymus Camper 13

7 PARKING PARKING IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE CAMP SITES. All vehicles must be parked in the parking area alng the rad unless exempted by the Camp Directr. This is fr yu and yur bys safety! Certain vehicles apprved by the Camp Directr will be allwed t tw Trp trailers and equipment t campsites, but must be prmptly mved after equipment is unladed. Sme vehicles are nt capable f navigating ur rads, s this plicy is a must. Thank yu fr yur cperatin. CAMP TOUR Yur grup will be given a tur f BTSR by ne f ur staff members. Yur Trp will get t see the prgram areas, campsites, and camp facilities n this tur. The first stp n the tur will include yur Trp pht and will end with yur swim checks at the pl (if yur Trp has nt dne pre-camp swim tests). See Camp Tur checklist in the frms sectin. REGISTRATION & CHECK IN After yur Trp is led int camp and yu are given yur tur guide, yur first stp will be at the camp ffice. Please leave the adult leader respnsible fr registratin and fee payment at the ffice t cmplete this prcess. Please bring all payment recrds, receipts, pre-registratin, health frms, fficial rsters, tur permit, prf f insurance, the current Leader s Guide, and all ther pertinent paperwrk. (See checklists in the frms sectin) CAMPSITES Each Trp will be assigned ne f the 19 campsites prir t arrival at BTSR. The Camp Cmmissiner will make these assignments based n a Trp s size and the size f the campsite. Special requests can be made in advance, but there are n guarantees that the request can be accmmdated. BTSR has t ensure that Trps are assigned t sites that will fit their sizes best. Each campsite includes a cvered picnic table area, and a set amunt f space t set up tents, patrl areas, etc. Trps may elect t bring their wn tents, r rent BSA wall tents frm BTSR. (See tent rental infrmatin.) There are n platfrms available and be prepared t fight the rcky dirt t hammer stakes int the grund. A supply f mini-sledge hammers fr the Trp will be wrth the space t pack them t camp! HIGH ADVENTURE CAMPSITE A special campsite has been designated fr use by participants f BTSR s many High Adventure Prgrams. This area is made up f several large army tents. Trps can send all f their yuth and adult High Adventure participants t sleep here fr the tw nights they are in base camp (Sunday night and Friday night). This prcedure was put in place in 2007 and wrked well t help alleviate crwding in the Trp campsites and t help accmmdate Trps cming t BTSR with nthing but High Adventure participants. Plan ahead and have yur participant s gear set aside and ready t be carried t the site upn arrival t BTSR. LEADER S MEETINGS A meeting f trp leaders and camp staff is held Sunday during the evening meal. This grup will eat in Buffal Hall, while the rest f camp is in the Dining Hall. Special annuncements cncerning the camp, its plicies, prcedures, and emergency alarm systems will be included in this meeting. Any specific questins yu have abut camp peratin will be answered s it is very imprtant that the Scutmaster r an adult in charge and the Senir Patrl Leader attend. A SCOUT IS REVERENT Religius services will be cnducted n Sunday and Wednesday evening f each week f camp, in rder that Scuts, leaders, and staff may wrship. A Chapel is lcated at camp fr meditatins r trp services. Anyne interested in assisting in these services is encuraged t d s. Please check with the Camp Chaplain r the Prgram Directr. This is the best summer camp ever! Annymus Camper 14

8 SWIM CHECKS Leaders and yuth will be issued "buddy tags" at the pl fllwing swim-checks. Each Scut and leader that plans n participating in ANY activity at the pl during the week will be required t take a swimming test upn arrival t determine his/her swim classificatin. Trps are strngly encuraged t cmplete swim checks prir t arrival t BTSR. This will save a tn f time n Sunday! See the frms sectin fr details. SHOWERS AND LATRINES In cmpliance with BSA Yuth Prtectin Guidelines, yuth and adult as well as male and female rest rms and shwers are prvided thrughut camp. Lcatins that d nt have separate facilities will have psted times r signs. Please review scheduled times with all members f the trp. The Camp Cmmissiner will pst a schedule fr latrine duty at each facility. Cleaning materials will be at each facility and additinal materials may be btained frm the Camp Quartermaster. The Camp Directr and Camp Cmmissiner ask fr cperatin in these matters. VISITORS Visitrs are welcme at camp n any day with Friday being visitr s day. Parents are encuraged t visit camp n Friday afternn and evening. The Dining Hall Staff will serve a meal t campers and visitrs, with the visitrs' meals csting $5.00 fr adults and $3.00 fr children under 10. Please infrm the Business Manager by Wednesday f the week yu plan t cme with the number f visitrs yu expect. Tickets fr visitrs' meals may be purchased at the Jersey Lily Trading Pst. YOUNGER SIBLINGS IN CAMP BTSR des nt allw yunger siblings that are nt registered as By Scuts in a Trp r Crew t participate in camp fr liability reasns. NO EXCEPTIONS! Children are welcme nly n Visitr s Day (Friday). BRANDING AT BTSR BTSR has its very wn registered brand that is used t mark and identify ur livestck. Friday afternn frm 3:00 5:00 pm, we will have the branding statin pen at the shp fr yu t bring yur items t be branded! We will nly brand items purchased frm the Jersey Lilly Trading Pst. (It s hard t explain t a mm why thse $100 tennis shes came back hme frm camp flame briled!) ORDER OF THE ARROW CALL-OUT Each trp wishing t have candidates called-ut fr OA must present a unit electin frm and a callut permissin letter frm yur lcal cuncil, with the apprpriate signatures, upn check-in n Sunday. Buffal Trail Cuncil Trps must have a Tatanka Ldge #141 Call Out Reprt. Out-f-Cuncil trps must prvide a letter frm its lcal Scut Executive, r designee, apprving candidates t be called-ut that are listed n the frm suggested abve. This is a Natinal Order f the Arrw plicy; we are attempting t cmply with and ask fr yur cperatin. If yu have any questins, please cntact yur Cuncil ffice fr the Ldge Advisr's phne number. Electin frms and letters may be filed with the camp prir t arrival, at check-in r with the camp chief. All frms must be received by lunch n Tuesday fr the callut n Friday. WILD ANIMALS Summer camp is an utdr experience, and as such, we are visitrs t the camp s natural area. As Scuts, we must remember t live up t the Outdr Cde and be cnsiderate in the utdrs. Thrwing rcks at r attempting t catch animals such as rabbits, snakes, armadills, skunks, etc, is nt nly dangerus t the animal, but t campers as well. Please reprt any trubles with snakes r ther animals t the camp maintenance staff immediately. Skunkzilla is a lngtime resident f BTSR and a cmmn visitr t Trp sites in the middle f the night! He is lking fr fd and usually finds it. PLEASE d nt stre any fd r snacks in any tents r sleeping areas at any time. Remind yur bys f this and lck up all fd items utside f living areas and keep yur campsites litter free! This is the best summer camp ever! Annymus Camper 15

9 TROOP MEMORY BOOKS One f the stps n yur camp tur will be at the parade grund t have yur Trp pht taken. Please plan t arrive t camp with yur Scuts in unifrm, r at least have them handy s that the bys can put them n upn arrival t camp. We will include yur trp pht in a 200 page clr memry bk. This bk will have staff phts and phts f all the activities f yur week at camp. These bks will be $15.00 and will be mailed directly t each trp member r adult at the end f camp! S Smile when yu see the Camp phtgrapher cme arund. That scared smile might be preserved frever when yu repel dwn graduatin Rck! (Trp rder frm is in the frms sectin.) PROGRAM SUPPLIES AVAILIBLE!!!! There is nw n need t pre-rder all f the needed kits and supplies that the bys will need t cmplete their Merit Badges during their week f camp. Things such as basket kits, arrw kits, shting sprts tickets, Indian Lre kits, pttery, etc will be available right here in the Camp Trading Pst!!!!. These supplies will be ready fr bys t purchase n Sunday when yu arrive r later in the week when needed by the bys!! TROOP T-SHIRT & HAT PRE-ORDERS Once again, we will ffer the pprtunity fr Trps t rder their custmized camp T- shirts and hats prir t cming t camp. This has been an extremely ppular service ver the last 6 years. This gives yu the pprtunity t rder the same shirts we ffer in the trading pst, at the same cst, with the added service f printing yur Trp # and hmetwn n the shirts and just yur Trp # n the hats! We will place them n the website nce the designs are cmplete and ready t g. ICE ICE is available fr sale at $2.00 per bag at the Jersey Lily Trading Pst. Units may wish t bring water cans r clers fr the trp area. Bags are 9-10 lb. in weight. Please nte ICE is expensive due t ur lcatin. Ice is sld nly as a cnvince fr trps. It is sld t units at ur cst! BTSR PATCHES Every paid yuth and adult participant will receive a unique camp patch t remember their experience at the Ultimate West Texas High Adventure Camp BTSR! Thse that cmplete the week in the Cavalcade, Outback, Circle H, Cavalry, and Muntain Man adventures will als receive a special award fr their accmplishment. SPECIAL DIETARY / MEDICAL NEEDS Trps with participants that have special dietary r medical needs shuld fill ut the request frm. Please fax r mail this frm t the Buffal Trail Cuncil ffice by May 15 th s BTSR can make attempts t accmmdate these needs. Be aware that we are unable t cmpletely change the menu r purchase specialty items. It is necessary fr Scuts with special dietary requirements t bring fd items t supplement items available at camp. There has never been a prblem wrking with these needs in the past, it is just best fr the staff t be aware prir t camp s there are n surprises. Cmmn requests include: vegetarian diets, n prk diets, use f BTSR freezers fr special fd, allergies t peanut butter, etc. Special medical needs als need t be cmmunicated using this frm. Cmmn requests include: needing refrigeratin fr medicatin, electricity fr CPAP machines, use f a camp nebulizer, etc. Again, BTSR is able t meet needs and accmmdate requests with the limited facilities that we have available in mst cases. Hwever, Trps and individuals may need t bring specialty items t help make sme requests pssible. TELEPHONE & FAX One telephne is lcated at the camp. It is a business phne s calls must be restricted t thse f an urgent nature and MUST be made by an adult. (All utging calls MUST be cllect calls, by credit card, r calling cards. Calling Cards are available in the trading pst.) Discurage parents frm calling camp unless it is a family emergency. Remind parents that Scuts are nt near the phne and messages must be delivered. All utging calls are made cllect r with a credit card. Fax machine is fr camp business nly. Any messages taken by the ffice staff will be left in the Trp mailbx. Emergency messages will be delivered t a unit leader immediately. This is the best summer camp ever! Annymus Camper 16

10 BTSR phne number is (432) (This is nt a pre-summer camp inquiry number. Pease call fr pre-camp infrmatin.) CELL PHONES Due t BTSR s lcatin in the Little Aguha Canyn, a virtual black hle is created when it cmes t cell phne receptin! NO cell phne cverage is available in the canyn! Adult leaders my drive ut nt RR 1832 until a signal is fund, r may have t drive all the way int twn, depending n the cell phne cmpany. Leaders leaving camp t use the phne must check ut at the camp ffice befre ding s. (Please maintain prper leadership in camp.) MAIL BTSR des have daily mail service. Please mail all letters t Scuts by Wednesday mrning r they will nt get t the camp. T write a Scut at camp, address the card r letter as fllws: Scut's Name, Trp # Buffal Trail Scut Ranch P.O. Bx 21 Tyahvale, TX FEDEX & UPS The camp des receive bth services. N early A.M. service is available. The prper shipping address is: Scut's Name, Trp # Buffal Trail Scut Ranch End f Ranch Rad 1832 ff f State Hwy. 17 Tyahvale, TX Nte: Due t BTSR s remte lcatin, delivery times may be limited. Please check with the shipping cmpany befre sending packages. INTERNET ACCESS BTSR nw has wireless internet capability in Buffal Hall. Access by adult leaders is available fr nly a $10 dnatin fr the week. Tickets are purchased in the Trading Pst and require the cmputer s MAC address t be added t the filter. Dwnlad times may be slw at peak times r as bandwidth limits are apprached. Satellite receptin may als cause slw times in cludy weather and access may be limited when urgent business matters takes precedence. CHECK- IN AND CHECKOUT With almst 9000 acres and 1/4 mile f rad it is necessary t use a checkut and check-in system. All grups ging n the trail must receive a trail pass frm the High Adventure Directr and checkut and check-in at the camp ffice. All leaders ging t twn r t the dctr must checkut and check-in. All grups ging n the trail even fr shrt hikes must have 2 quarts f water per persn, a trial map, and a First Aid Kit. Lg sheets are lcated at the camp ffice. DAY HIKES The camp encurages bth campers and adults t explre the beauty f ur camp. All hikes must be discussed with and apprved by either the Outback Directr r the Camp Cmmissiner befre any camper r leader may leave base camp. This is fr the safety f all participants! A Trail Pass is required and buddy system must be used! All hikers must checkut and check-in with the Camp Operatins Office. Hikers will be required t have 2 quarts f water, trail map, and a First Aid Kit. Yuth must always have 2 adults n the trail with them at all times. TRIPS TO TOWN In the event that the Adult Leaders need t g t twn, they may d s as lng as there are tw (2) Adult Leaders in camp with the trp. Persns ging t twn must checkut and check-in with the camp peratins ffice, regardless f the time f day r night. This is the best summer camp ever! Annymus Camper 17

11 2009 TROOP NIGHT - THURSDAY EVENING & FRIDAY MORNING Thursday afternn and evening is a time designated fr trps wh wish t hike the utback, swim in the ntch, picnic, r spend the night ut n the trail t see ur beautiful camp, r t visit nearby attractins. Sme very ppular attractins include the McDnald Observatry Star Party, Balmrhea State Park, and the Frt Davis Histrical site. (See pages 7-8 fr mre infrmatin n lcal attractins.) The dining hall des nt serve the Thursday evening meal r Friday breakfast. Meal kits will be distributed between 2 pm and 3 pm n Thursday afternn. Trps may cllect fd and stay in their campsites fr the evening if they s chse. (Use this as an pprtunity fr yur cking merit badge students! Or g t twn and eat as a trp at a lcal restaurant.) N camp wide activities are scheduled and the pl is nt pen fr trp swims. ALL TROOPS REMAINING IN CAMP MUST STAY IN THEIR CAMPING AREA UNLESS TAKING AN APPROVED TRIP TO TOWN OR THE BACKCOUNTRY. MCDONALD OBSERVATORY STAR PARTY As a special service t the campers at BTSR, the McDnald Observatry is gracius enugh t pen their drs n Thursday night (Trp Night) fr a special Scut nly prgram, the BTSR Star Party. The prgram includes a special screening in their theater, then mves utside where they present a live mdel f the slar system, talk abut Jupiter, the mn, nebulas, and will have viewings thrugh several f their telescpes. Fr a discunted rate f nly $6 per persn, this is a treat that everyne will enjy! The star party begins at 8:30 and will last until 10:00 and transprtatin t the Observatry is up t the Trp. This will mean a late night fr everyne that participates, as the bservatry is apprximately 45 minutes away. Scut unifrms are required. Participatin in this prgram cunts twards the bys prgress in the Astrnmy merit badge, and qualifies everyne fr the BTSR Star Party patch that GLOWS in the dark! This patch is available in the Jersey Lilly. RIFLES, AMMUNITION, BOWS AND ARROWS Persnal firearms, ammunitin, bws and arrws, and firewrks are nt allwed in camp. 22-rifle ammunitin is nly $5 fr the bys wrking n the rifle merit badge, and is FREE fr thse taking part in free shts. Naturally, there will be a limit as t the number f free runds that can be used! There will be a $15 charge fr clay targets and shtgun shells fr Shtgun Merit Badge. Bys taking the Archery Merit Badge must purchase and cmplete an arrw kit t cmplete the merit badge. FIRES, LIQUID AND PROPANE FUELS Fires are t be built nly in the designated areas and under prper supervisin. Liquid and prpane fuels are t be used nly under adult supervisin. Bulk liquid fuels must be stred under lck and key in a lcatin designated by the Camp Quartermaster. Under NO circumstances are they t be stred in the campsite. Liquid fuels must nt be used n pen fires r t start a fire. Empty cylinders and cans must be given t the Camp Quartermaster fr dispsal. Natinal plicy prhibits the use f pen flames in tents. This includes msquit cils, catalytic heaters, gas lanterns, stves, candles, and smking material. ALL TENTS AND FLYS MUST BE MARKED "NO FLAMES IN TENTS". BICYCLES Due t the rugged terrain and limited space t ride, we ask that n bicycles r muntain bikes be brught t camp fr use by campers. Leaders and Staff n exercise prgrams r race training are welcme t bring their bikes fr use n the Ranch Rad. BICYCLES ARE ONLY TO BE USED ON CAMP PROPERTY WITH WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE CAMP DIRECTOR! Nrmal checkut prcedures apply fr any trips utside f camp prperty. Helmets must be wrn! Thank yu fr yur cperatin with these plicies. DEPARTURE Please plan t depart camp by 10:00 AM Saturday mrning. The Camp Cmmissiner Staff will be available fr campsite inspectins as early as yu request. Please keep in mind ur breakfast rutine fr Saturday mrning. We will nt serve breakfast in the dining hall that mrning r have a mrning assembly. Instead, we will have a delicius bxed breakfast that yur Trp can enjy in the campsite r n the rad. This will allw yu t cntinue breaking camp r t hit the rad earlier, rather than t take an hur t break fr flags and a meal. BTSR staff will pst the clrs Saturday. Camping and astrnmy instructrs were excellent. Trp 531, McKinney 18

12 2009 SUNDAY Daily Schedule 1:00 PM Camp Office pens (Staff will nt be prepared t check-in units prir t this time.) 3:00 PM Check-in deadline 5:45 PM High Adventure Meal Shift 6:40 PM Assembly & frmal flag ceremny at parade grunds. (Scuts and Leaders in Unifrm - Trps line up by Patrls with Patrl flags). 6:45 PM Supper & SM/SPL Meeting*** 7:45 PM Chapel Service Ttin Chit Class fllwing 10:00 PM Taps ***NOTE*** Scutmasters and Senir Patrl Leaders will eat supper in Buffal Hall fr the Leader Meeting with Camp Directr and Staff. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 6:30 AM Reveille 7:00 AM Flags & Breakfast A Shift 7:45 AM * Flags & Breakfast B Shift 8:30 AM Prgrams begin (see prgram schedule) 12:30 PM Assembly 12:45 PM Lunch A Shift (N Assembly) 1:30 PM Lunch B Shift (N Assembly) 2:30 PM Prgrams resume (see prgram schedule) 5:15 PM Wednesday Chapel Service 5:45 PM Flags & Supper A Shift 6:45 PM * Flags & Supper B Shift 8:00 PM Special Camp Prgram Features 10:00 PM Taps *Exceptins Thrs. supper, Fri. & Sat. mrning the Dining Hall is clsed t campers. Bx suppers and breakfast meal kits are prvided fr these meals. Wednesday Supper is als the Scutmaster Dinner. Leaders eat in Dinning Hall, kids in the Amphitheater r Buffal Hall if raining. Meet at amphitheater at 6:30 PM, Wednesday nly. SATURDAY MORNING 6:30 AM Reveille 7:00 AM Pick Up Bxed Breakfast Campsite breakdwn and cleanup fr final inspectin. 1. Turn in Camp equipment t Quartermaster fr clearance. 2. Cmmissiner checks campsite and releases trp. 3. Stp by Jersey Lilly fr last minute snacks and suvenirs. 4. Stp by ffice t check lst and fund ne last time! 10:00 AM PLEASE PLAN TO BE OUT OF CAMP BY THIS TIME. HAVE A SAFE TRIP HOME! Camping and astrnmy instructrs were excellent. Trp 531, McKinney 19

13 2009 COME BACK AND SEE US SOON! BE PREPARED FOR SUMMER CAMP Preparing fr camp is an easy prcess, but it des require planning ahead. As a unit leader, yu are the mst imprtant link in this trp. Hwever, dn't verlk ther adults wh may be able t assist in the preparatin f actual camp attendance, r as part f the leadership. Once leadership is cnfirmed, take the fllwing steps: CHECK THEM OFF: [ ] Nte the payment dates and mark them n yur calendar. Send yur payments t the Buffal Trail Cuncil, 1101 W. Texas, Midland, TX 79701, and (432) [ ] Review summer camp plans with yur Trp Cmmittee and set a date fr a parents' infrmatin meeting as early as pssible. [ ] HOLD A PARENTS' NIGHT. An extremely imprtant functin f yur planning is infrming parents f summer camp plans. It als serves t cnvince thse parents wh are nt sure abut letting their bys g, particularly new Scuts. Use yur ORDER OF THE ARROW prmtin team. [ ] Arrange leadership fr yur trp. Camp rules require that there be TWO ADULT LEADERS (One must be 21 years r lder, the ther 18 years r lder) WITH THE TROOP 24 HOURS A DAY. [ ] With the aid f yur Trp Leaders' Cuncil, wrk ut definite gals t be accmplished by yur trp while in camp. Determine what each Scut shuld accmplish. Plan yur trp prgram in detail, using the "Trp Prgram Planning Sheet". [ ] Discuss persnal equipment with yur Scuts and make a list f persnal gear needed. Have yur Patrl Leaders check with patrl members t be sure all equipment is ready. Give attentin t trp and patrl equipment. [ ] Check yur patrl rganizatin, cnsidering the Scuts wh will be attending camp. Sme rearranging f patrls may be necessary. Select a Senir Patrl Leader and Quartermaster if these tw bys cannt attend. [ ] A MEDICAL EXAMINATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL SCOUTS AND SCOUTERS ATTENDING CAMP. A BSA HIGH ADVENTURE FORM #34412A MUST BE USED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS IN ALL HIGH ADVENTURE AND CLIMBING PROGRAMS AND BY ALL ADULTS OVER THE AGE OF 40. THE NEW BSA PHYSICAL FORM #34605 IS PREFERRED FOR ALL PHYSICALS AND BECOMES MANDATORY FOR ALL IN [ ] Cllect frm each camper all mnies fr fees. Cllect medical frms and make 2 cpies, ne fr the camper, ne fr camp, and the riginal fr the Scutmaster r Trp files. [ ] Ensure all adults and yuth pre-register fr all classes and merit badges t be taken at camp. See page 34. [ ] Cmplete nline merit badge pre-registratin prcess. (Begins May 1 st ) [ ] Make final arrangements fr safe transprtatin f yur bys t camp. [ ] Fill ut yur "Tur Permit" and send it t yur Cuncil ffice EARLY enugh t receive it befre leaving. [ ] Request a cpy f yur trp rster frm yur cuncil ffice. This is the ONLY fficial rster validating membership in the BSA. [ ] Obtain Order f the Arrw unit electin reprt and permissin fr callut letter frm yur Ldge. [ ] Get a cpy f yur trp's accident insurance plicy and frms necessary in case f an accident r illness. YOU NEED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE FORM AND HOW IT IS TO BE FILLED OUT. Camping and astrnmy instructrs were excellent. Trp 531, McKinney 20

14 2009 Registratin Check List Bring these items t the camp ffice n Sunday Tur Permit Prf f Insurance Trp Prf f Insurance Individual (Family), shuld be nted n physicals. Official BSA Trp Rster (Printed frm lcal cuncil ffice ONLY) TDH Applicatin & dcumentatin fr ALL Adults Trp Health Frms Merit Badge Pre-Registratin Cnfirmatin Order f the Arrw callut permissin letter Final Payment LOOK FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO: Participate in the Pndweed Cnservatin Prgram. Have patrl activities the by s thught f and want. Let yur yuth leaders get int the act by training the yunger bys. Leadership is the name f the game and summer camp is an excellent place t play it. Schedule a full prgram, which includes free time. Have each member f yur unit experience persnal achievement and fun. They g "hand in hand" with advancement. Let yur yuth leaders assume mre respnsibility and hld daily Patrl Leaders Cuncil Meetings. Have a "classy" trp by exhibiting gd manners, fellwship, sprtsmanship, and a clean camp. Make a pint f being in full unifrm at evening meals and the campfires. Check Merit Badge requirements and prepare yur Scuts fr each sessin. TRY TO GUARD AGAINST: Becming upset if unscheduled things seem t happen. Letting yur bys expect t exhibit leadership and then ding it all yurself. Permitting a camp vilatin r an errr in peratin t persist. Step in, stp it and use this as an pprtunity t let yur bys crrect their errrs. Camping and astrnmy instructrs were excellent. Trp 531, McKinney 21

15 2009 Remain flexible and always have alternate plans. Remember that summer camp activities are subject t the elements f weather. RECOMMENDED INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST Cmpleted Medical Frm Cap r Hat ( A must)* Sunscreen* Canteen r Water Bttle (A must)* Tthpaste and tthbrush* Sap & Shamp* Tilet articles* Twel Scut Unifrm T-shirts* Scks* Shrts r pants Belt* Shes r gd hiking bts Underwear Swim suit Pajamas Bedrll r blankets Pillw Ct (The grund is very rcky) Flashlight with batteries* Mess kit with utensils* Cup* Scut knife r pcket knife* Wrk glves fr prject Spending mney Backpack r day pack fr day hikes Ftlcker r duffle bag w/lck Pnch r rain suit* Merit Badge supplies and wrk cmpleted Aquatic Merit Badge essentials* By Scut Handbk* Lng-sleeved shirt and lng pants Flding camp chair *Indicates item is available in Jersey Lilly Trading Pst PLEASE use a permanent marker r etcher and mark all persnal items with first and last name, Trp #, r all 3! Many valuable items are left at camp year after year, and nbdy claims them. Please have yur bys take the time t mark their persnal belngings! A Trp shakedwn wuld be ideal t insure this takes place! OPTIONAL INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT Writing materials* Field glasses* Small, metal mirrr* Grund clth Musical instrument Camera and film* Sewing kit* Bible r prayer bk Watch* Team Spirit HAT (Fr Team Spirit hat day!) Snrkel gear* (if participating in prgram) Camping and astrnmy instructrs were excellent. Trp 531, McKinney 22

16 UNIFORM The fficial leaders' and bys' summer unifrm is suggested fr camp. All Scuts and Scuters are asked t be in full unifrm fr the evening flag ceremny and meals as well as the Friday night campfire. Scut t-shirts and Scut caps are apprpriate fr daywear. Staff will be in full unifrm fr all evening flag ceremnies, we invite yu t d the same! PERSONAL POSSESSIONS & VALUABLES Camp is an utdr experience. A Scut is cheated ut f a full utdr experience by electrnic devices. In all cases, persnal valuables (watches, wallets, mney) shuld nt be left ut in the pen. It is impssible fr the staff t prvide security fr these valuables. Mst valuables are lst at the swimming pl, and shwers. There are nw lckers available at the pl fr valuables, but yu must bring yur wn lck. Fr the safety f yur items, DO NOT BRING ANY valuables with yu t the shwers! Lck yur valuables away in yur ftlcker at yur campsite r leave them in the care f a unit leader. LOST AND FOUND Lst and fund items will be kept at the camp ffice. Leaders and parents shuld urge Scuts t mark all pssessins with name and trp number. Valuable items will be kept in a lck-bx until identified and claimed by the wner. Please check with the ffice manager t inquire abut lst and fund items r t turn in fund items. All items will be marked with a lst and fund tag t aid in the return f items t their rightful wners. TROOP EQUIPMENT TO BRING TO CAMP Trp Flag and U.S. Flag Tents, rpes, heavy tent spikes. (Or yu may rent camp tents t save trailer space.) Trp library bks: Scut Sng Bk, Scut Handbks, Merit Badge pamphlets Trp Recrd Bk (fr recrding advancement and ther Scut recrds) Clthing marker pen Assrted hand tls fr campsite/trp use (Especially mini-sledge hammers fr tent stakes!) Cking Stves (Optinal fr cking Thursday supper and Friday breakfast. Trps will be given charcal.) Chuck Bxes with cking gear (Full cking supplies nt necessary, meals can be dne as fil Silver Turtles ) Dutch ven fr cbbler ck-ff (May be checked ut frm Quartermaster) Secret ingredients fr cbbler ck-ff (basic supplies will be prvided: cake & filling) Water cler First Aid Kit Yur best trp spirit and enthusiasm. A skit fr Wednesday! PATROL EQUIPMENT TO BRING TO CAMP Patrl flags Prgress recrds fr each Scut Patrl and trp leadership handbk Patrl Lg Bk (keep the lg ging each year) Overnight hike equipment (individual mess gear, canteen, etc.) First aid kit Cmpass Yur best patrl spirit and enthusiasm Great prgram, awesme camp! Annymus Adult 23

17 SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR UNIT LEADER TO BRING TO CAMP Camp Leader's Guide Cmplete rster f all Scuts and leaders. Address and phne numbers f parents n vacatin! Stapler and thumbtacks fr bulletin bard Flding chair and table The Scutmaster Handbk Advancement bjectives Trp prgram ideas and reference materials Skill training equipment COPIES OF MEDICAL RECORD AND EVALUATION FORMS FOR EACH SCOUT AND LEADER (THE FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED BY A PHYSICIAN AND THE MEDICAL RECORD SIDE MUST BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED BY PARENT OR GUARDIAN). THE CAMP MUST ALSO HAVE A COPY OF ALL PERSONAL/FAMILY INSURANCE CARDS ATTACHED TO THE PHYSICAL FORM. Great prgram, awesme camp! Annymus Adult 24

18 TENT RENTALS BTSR has a limited number f wall tents available fr trps. These tents are available n a first cme first served basis and are bked up FAST. It is recmmended that tent rental requests be made EARLY during yur reservatin prcess with the BTSR Registrar. There is a $10.00 per week per tent charge. Tents that are damaged during the week will have repairs charged t the trp. Make reservatins by faxing r mailing the Tent / Ct Reservatin Frm. Tents are nt set up fr yu, s please be aware that yur Trp will be pitching tents upn arrival t yur site. Tents are standard BSA wide wall tents, and n wden platfrms are available. It is recmmended that yu bring a cuple f heavy-duty hammers r mini-sledges. The grund at BTSR is unfrgiving in sme spts! Sme are available at the Quartermaster fr check-ut. COT RENTALS BTSR nw rents cts! We have military style, aluminum frame, flding cts available fr adults and yuth t rent fr the week. Only $5.00 per ct fr the week. Save a tn f space in yur trailers r busses as yu travel t BTSR! Only a limited number f cts will be available every week, s get yur reservatins in early. Available n a first cme, first served basis. Please make reservatins by faxing r mailing the Tent / Ct Reservatin Frm. BTSR Tent and Ct Reservatin Frm Trp: Week Attending: Unit Cntact: Phne # (day): Phne # (night): Item Quantity * Cst per Item Tent Rental $10 Ct Rental $5 TOTAL DUE Please fax frm t BTSR Registrar at r mail with unit payments. Ttal Great prgram, awesme camp! Annymus Adult 25

19 Advancement CAMP MERIT BADGE PROGRAM The Merit Badge prgram f the B.S.A. is ne f the finest educatinal tls available. Many great careers and exciting hbbies have had their start as a part f the Merit Badge prgram. BTSR will make every effrt t use the prgram mdel like yu d with yur trp at hme. Mst Merit Badges require mre than ne shrt week t cmplete. Hwever, great prgress can be made at camp if the Scut is fully prepared. Here are sme key pints t cnsider in yur trp's winter planning. 1. Share the list f merit badges that will be available at camp with yur trp Leaders' Cuncil, Trp Cmmittee and Scuts. Be sure that the Scut is qualified t take the badge. 2. Scuts must carefully study and understand all the requirements. YES, he needs a crrect cpy f the merit badge pamphlet and shuld read it PRIOR t cming t camp. 3. Where pssible, the Scut shuld cmplete the time requirement prtin f the requirements befre cming t camp. Merit Badges ffered in camp are generally f an utdr nature (see list in this bk). The Cuncil Advancement Cmmittee has designated the varius Directrs as Merit Badge Cunselrs and ur yuth staff as Skills Instructrs. The camp staff is nt allwed t change, lwer r mdify any merit badge requirement. BTSR des nt require the Merit Badge Card #4124A. All class rsters and prgress will be tracked n rsters and printed as a final reprt. This final reprt will be given t the leaders Friday in their camp checkut packet t check fr accuracy befre leaving camp. Any leader wishing t check attendance r prgress fr an individual yuth shuld check with the instructr r area directr as needed. ADULT LEADER PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES There will be plenty f pprtunities fr adults t participate in training classes and prgrams. Belw is a chart f the curses we will ffer at BTSR. PLEASE pre-register fr these classes just as the yuth will be pre-registering fr Merit Badges. This will ensure we will have instructrs prepared at camp, especially fr Adult Leader Basics. NOTE The grid belw is a reference guide nly. Actual Adult schedules will be prvide n the first day at camp during the Scutmaster Meeting. Curse Day Place Safe Swim Defense / Safety Aflat Mnday Pl 11:30 AM CPR Certificatin ($20 fee) Tuesday Training Center 9am This Is Scuting & Leader Specifics Wed. & Thurs. Training Center 9am 5pm Intrductin T Outdr Leader Skills All Week See Ntes & Checklist BSA Lifeguard All Week Pl 9:30 4:30 Mile Swim and Plar Bear Swim* All Week Pl 6:00 am M-T & Fri 3:30 Snrkeling, BSA All Week Pl 9:30 & 2:30 Wilderness First Aid Certificatin Thursday Training Center - All Day Climb n Safely Thursday Parade Grund 2:30 4:00 Trek Safely Thursday Parade Grund 2:30 4:00 Leave N Trace Thursday Parade Grund 2:30 4:00 SCUBA, BSA ($75 fee) MTW, & Friday Pl & Balmrhea See pg. 29 Scut Leader Trail Ride ($50 Dnatin) Mn. & Tues. Crrals 2:00. See appendix SCOUTMASTER MERIT BADGE A ppular additin t the prgram in 2007 was the Scutmaster Merit Badge. This special award is nly available t adult leaders that meet the requirements by the end f the week. By participating in varius training curses, helping in merit badge classes, teaching Scut skills and ther activities, leaders will be rewarded with a special limited editin patch. Please see page 71 fr the Scutmaster Merit Badge checklist. Great prgram, awesme camp! Annymus Adult 26

20 2011 Merit Badge and Class Listing CLASS 8:30 9:30 10:30 11:30 2:30 3:30-5:00 NOTES Animal Science* X Feeding & cleaning times required. Archaelgy X Sme research time required. Archery X X X X Arrw kit ~$2 & practice t qualify Art* X X Extra time t cmplete prjects. Astrnmy* Backpacking Mn-Wed, 9pm., Wed. early am Outback Only. # 10 & 11 dne w/ Trp Basketry* X X X X Tw basket kits ~ $10 Bird Study X Observatin time & prject required BSA Lifeguard* All day class M-F. Yuth r Adult Camping X X Req. 8c and 9 dne w/ Trp Citizen. In Wrld X Bring printed nline research req. 4b, 7c Climbing* XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX Minimum age 13. Tw-hur class. Climbing Advanced XXXXX Advanced skills fr thse w/ Climbing MB Climbing Intr* X Fr bys nt ready fr Climbing MB Cin Cllecting X Cking X Nt all camp. # hme Emergency Prep. X X Must have First Aid MB BEFORE camp. Envir. Science XXXXXXXX X Observatin time & Written reprt. 2 hrs. Fingerprinting* X X X X 2 Day Class Fire Safety X Req. 11 at hme First Aid X X Need first aid kit fr hme. Firem n Chit* X Tuesday Only Fish & Wildlife Mgt X Partial (req. 7) Extra time fr prjects Frestry X Req. 7 dne at hme. Free Rides - Hrse X Yuth r Adults. See ntes belw. Free Sht - Arch. X X Practice archery t qualify r fr fun! Free Sht-Rifle X Als ffered Tue & 7:30 PM Free Swim* X Adult r yuth. Clsed Fri. fr Mile Swim Gelgy X X X X Rck Cllectin Req. 2 Hiking Outback Only. Partial (Req. 5 & 6) Hrsemanship* X X X X $20 Fee. See rider guidelines n Pg. 27 Indian Lre* X X Prject kits ~$5-$20 Insect Study X Req. 3 & 5 need bug cllectin. Req.7 Great prgram, awesme camp! Annymus Adult 27

21 Instructinal Swim X Fr nn-swimmers. Great prgram, awesme camp! Annymus Adult 28

22 CLASS 8:30 9:30 10:30 11:30 2:30 3:30-5:00 NOTES Leatherwrk* X X X X Prject kit ~$5-$10 Leave N Trace X Thursday Only. Yuth & Adults. Lifesaving XXXX XXXX Must cmplete Req. 1 BEFORE camp Mammal Study X X Partial. Extra bservatin time. Mile Swim* 6 AM MTWT, 3:30 5 Fri. See Ntes. Music X Bring instrument. Limited camp. Nature X X Partial. Req 4 & 5 requires 1 mnth time. Orienteering X X Req. 10 dne with Trp Painting X Bring painting clthes! Paul Bunyan* X Mn - Wed Only. See ntes. Phtgraphy X Bring digital camera. Pineering X X Extra time fr 3:30 Plar Bear Swim 7:00 am Wed. Only! Pttery* X X Clay fr prjects ~$5. Req. hme Radi X X Req. 8 can be dne at hme. Reptile & Amphibian Study X Partial. Req. 8 dne at hme. Rifle Shting X X X Optin A & C dne will be used. $5 Fee SCUBA, BSA* 3:30 $75 fee fr equip. MTW class 3:30-4:30. Fri. dive 12-5 Dive n Fri. 12:00-5:00. Yuth r adult. Sculpture * X X Clay fr prjects ~ $5 - $10 Shtgun Shting* X X Optin A. See shting sprts ntes. $15 Snrkeling* X X Mask / Fins prvided r bring yur wn. Sil & Water Cns. X Extra time fr cnservatin prjects Space Explratin X Bring empty 2 litre bttle frm hme. Swimming X X X X Bring clthes fr 9c. D #3 befre camp Theater X Bring favrite cstume! Ttin Chip* X Sun. after Chapel r Mn. r Wed. Scut, Tender, 2 nd Class TTE Trail T Eagle* (Swimming & First Aid MB taught in this class t.) 1 st 2 r 4 hur curses. See ntes n Pg. 26 Veterinary Med. X Req. 9 Visit a Vet. And reprt. Weather X Partial. Req. 5 needs a mnth t finish Wilderness Surv. X X Bring kit supplies r camp Wdcarving X X X X Prject Kit ~$5-$10 *Indicates t review ntes belw fr mre imprtant infrmatin **Chart may change check yur MB registratin Prtal n all current classes! 29

23 Prgram Ntes SHOOTING SPORTS Rifle and shtgun classes are very ppular at BTSR. Please ensure yur bys are ready t take these classes. Our biggest cncern is with Shtgun Shting Merit Badge. Please make sure yur by is strng enugh t pick up, hld, and sht a shtgun. Sme 10 1/2 r 11 year lds are nt strng enugh t safely hld the gun in a safe directin r t aim prperly t qualify fr the badge. Please help us ensure the safety and gd mrale f ur campers by encuraging thse bys t sign up fr anther badge. $5 fee fr shells in Rifle MB, and $15 fee fr shells and clays fr Shtgun MB. CLIMBING MERIT BADGE The climbing merit badge prgram at BTSR is secnd t nne. The canyn walls and numerus rck frmatins create the perfect setting fr a Scut t learn what it is like t climb fr real. (N twers r climbing walls at ur camp!) T ensure a quality experience fr all participants, the ttal number f participants will be limited. T participate in this activity, all Scuts must be at least thirteen (13) years ld, weigh at least 100 lbs, and have a Class 3 Physical. Qualified staff will teach the basics f rck climbing and rappelling. Rpe wrk, teamwrk, safety and repelling will be the majr prgram emphasis. Equipment such as rpes, glves, carabineers, helmets, and safety harnesses will be prvided. This is a full week curse, held in tw hur sessins and requires participatin every day. Persnal r Trp rappelling equipment r rck climbing gear is NOT TO BE BROUGHT OR USED at BTSR! ADVANCED & INTRODUCTION TO CLIMBING COURSES The Advanced Climbing curse is available fr thse bys that already have the Climbing merit badge and are lking fr mre adventure. They will have t pprtunity t try new climbing and rappelling sites, learn rescue techniques, different types f equipment, and test their abilities at a higher level! This class is ffered 2:30-4:30 daily. The Intrductin t Climbing curse is als new t BTSR. This gives yur yunger bys, r bys that are nt quite ready r heavy enugh fr the traditinal Climbing Merit Badge class. Here they will learn basic climbing and rappelling techniques, and even will d a climb and rappel at Baby Rck. This class is ffered frm 3:30-5:00 daily. TRAIL TO EAGLE This class will be a great pprtunity fr new Scuts t wrk n the Tenderft, Secnd Class, and First Class requirements. Yung Scuts are encuraged t attend ne f these sessins t get sme valuable instructin time fr their requirements t advance in rank. This still allws time fr merit badges & free time activities. Scuts will have the pprtunity t wrk n ver twenty-five items fr these ranks, as well as cmplete the requirements fr the Swimming Merit Badge. Scuts have the fllwing ptins, depending n their current rank: Current Rank Sessin t take Class Times Ntes Scuts attending this sessin will wrk n rank Scut -r- Tenderft & 2 nd 8:30 12:20 requirements thrugh 1 st Class & will cmplete Tenderft Class TTE Swimming and First Aid MB. Leaves 3 sessins f MB time fr the bys. DO NOT TAKE 3:30 TTE CLASS! 2 nd Class 1 st Class TTE 3:30 5:00 Scuts will nly wrk n requirements fr 1 st class rank. 5 sessins f MB time left. Trail-T-Eagle has always been a ppular prgram with quite a few participants every week. Trps sending bys these classes are asked t please send an adult leader t give assistance t the staff. We will have staff members leading the curse, but due t sheer numbers it is difficult t maintain cntrl and quality. This is an excellent pprtunity fr new adult leaders r yung leaders t get invlved! Als, it will fulfill a requirement fr the SM Merit Badge! ASTRONOMY The Astrnmy Merit Badge will be taught in different lcatins arund camp during the week in rder t get different perspectives f the night and mrning sky. The first class will begin immediately fllwing the camp shw n Mnday at the amphitheater. This is anther immensely ppular prgram with class sizes exceeding 100 bys during sme weeks! We ask that any Trp with a participant in this class have at least ONE adult leader attend the class with the participants all week. This will expedite rll call and paperwrk times and will allw fr mre quality instructin time. Times and lcatins f the remaining classes during the week will be annunced at the Mnday sessin. In case f inclement weather, ther arrangements will be made fr the class, s listen clsely fr annuncements during the week. 30

24 HORSE POLICY It is the plicy f the Buffal Trail Cuncil that all trail riders weighing ver 250 punds are nt permitted t ride ur hrses. This is fr the safety f bth hrses and participants. ALL RIDERS MUST WEAR BTSR HELMETS! ALL PARTICIPANTS IN ANY OF OUR HORSE PROGRAMS MUST ALSO HAVE LONG PANTS AS WELL AS CLOSED TOE, STURDY SHOES, whenever in the crrals, barn, r n hrseback. This is extremely imprtant t insure the health and safety f all participants and equines. (Pants can be f any material, as lng as they reach the ankles.) Please plan ahead and have these items n hand when cming t BTSR. N exceptins can be made. HORSE FREE RIDES Free rides are available t all Scuts and leaders beginning immediately fllwing breakfast with the last ride leaving the crrals at abut 9:10 am. Scuts will be placed in a saddle befre adults t insure that all bys get a chance t have this great experience. Any empty saddles will be filled with adults that wish t ride. Scuts shuld nt skip classes fr these rides and shuld plan in advance t ensure the ride is finished befre they have t be in class! Als, all weight limit and apparel guidelines will be enfrced fr all participants. (See Hrse Plicy abve.) SCOUT LEADER TRAIL RIDES A special prgram has been put tgether that will allw adult leaders (18 and up) t see the beautiful backcuntry f Buffal Trail Scut Ranch frm the back f a hrse n the trail! The Head Wrangler, depending n demand, sets times fr the ride. Rides are held n Mnday r Tuesday afternn. On Mnday, the grup will g t the Ntch, enjy scenery f the green trail, and swim. On Tuesday, the grup will g t Pig Pen Canyn and enjy a ride and scenery that nt many flks get t enjy! Price fr either f the three hur rides is a $50 dnatin t the hrse prgram. Leaders wishing t take part in this prgram will need t sign up fr the rides at the Jersey Lilly and pay fr the ticket as well. It will be pen t the first 10 that pay. N pre-registratin. All requirements listed in the Hrse Plicy abve including weight and apparel must be adhered t. Als, 2 quarts f water per persn is required fr the ride. HORSEMANSHIP / ANIMAL SCIENCE / VETERINARY MEDICINE MERIT BADGES Each Scut wh participates in these Merit Badges will als be required t help with the care and feeding f the BTSR livestck. This is ne f the requirements t earn the badges and due t feeding schedules, must be cmpleted utside f class time. Each Scut will be required t feed at ne f the fllwing times and t help clean the stalls at least nce during the week. Assignments will be made by the instructrs t fit the by s schedules. Thse times are: Feeding Hrses Everyday at 5:30 am and 5:30 pm. Cleaning Stalls Mnday Friday frm 6-7 am, Wednesday after dinner Special arrangements may be made when weather r ther cnflicts arise. Qualified staff members will supervise all feeding and cleaning. Any questins may be directed t the Head Wrangler. Apparel guidelines will be enfrced at all f these times. HORSEMANSHIP MB FEES Due t the astrnmical rising csts f feed, livestck, and equipment, a $20 fee per yuth fr the Hrsemanship Merit Badge has been implemented. Free rides still remain Free, and Adult Leader Trail Rides are $50 per participant (see abve). Fees are payable upn arrival t BTSR, thrugh the business ffice are at the Jersey Lilly Trading Pst. 31

25 TOTIN CHIP & FIREM N CHIT & PAUL BUNYAN The Ttin Chip award is required befre a Scut can use a pcketknife r take part in the Wdcarving r Cking Merit Badge. Learning safety and use f the axe, knife, and saw is imprtant in helping a yung Scut t be prepared fr future camputs. This class will be taught n Sunday after Chapel service and n Mnday & Wednesday at 2:30. The Wednesday class will be taught by the Paul Bunyan class in rder t fulfill their requirements fr their award. Scuts will cmplete the requirements fr the Firem n Chit n Tuesdays at 2:30 pm. Adult leader supervisin is suggested, especially when class sizes are large. Paul Bunyan is a three part class with the first sessin being held at 2:30 n bth Mnday and Tuesday. On Mnday and Tuesday, the Scuts will be instructed in varius wd cutting and cnservatin techniques. On Wednesday, the Scuts will instruct the 2:30 Ttin Chip class in rder t cmplete requirement 1. Any Scut r leader wh des nt have a Ttin Chip, r wuld like t be a student fr the Paul Bunyan award is encuraged t attend. HANDICRAFT MERIT BADGES A variety f Handicraft merit badges are ffered thrughut the week, sme f which nly take tw days t cmplete the classrm prtin f the class. Scuts will wrk n their prjects in class and in their free time as well. Once they cmplete their tw-day class, they can then wrk n a related Merit Badge ffered at that same time frame, and be able t cmplete yet anther Merit Badge while at camp! Please see the chart belw fr thse tw day classes: Time Mn & Tue Wed & Thr 8:30 Basketry -r- Pttery Wdcarving -r- Sculpture 9:30 Leatherwrk -r- Art Basketry -r- Fingerprinting 10:30 Leatherwrk -r- Wdcarving -r- Basketry Fingerprinting 11:30 Wdcarving Leatherwrk -r- Basketry -r- Fingerprinting 2:30 Fingerprinting Art -r- Pttery -r- Sculpture 3:30 Wdcarving Leatherwrk NIGHTLY PROGRAMS A variety f prgrams will be ffered thrughut the week fr Trps and campers t enjy. Listed belw are the prgrams ffered each night. SUNDAY: SPL & SM Meeting MONDAY: Team Spirit Hat Day- Camp Shw TUESDAY: Camp-wide Games, Free Sht WEDNESDAY: Chapel, SM Dinner, Skit Night THURSDAY: TROOP NIGHT FRIDAY: Picnic Lunch, Clsing Campfire. & OA Ceremny TEAM SPIRT HAT DAY- During the day n Mnday, all campers, leaders and staff are encuraged t wear their mst clrful, crazy, bnxius, funny, creative, r weird Team Spirit Hat! Wear yur team clrs!!! Yur schl, cllege r pr this is a great day t shw yur spirit. There might even be sme prizes given ut fr the best hats and the mst team spirit!!! NOTE: Any leader attending camp that wuld like t assist in teaching a merit badge ffered at BTSR, r t even teach ne that is nt listed and is in their area f expertise, cntact the camp directr prir t arrival t arrange fr yu t help teach it during the week yu attend. 32

26 SCUBA & Aquatics Prgrams BTSR will ffer tw different SCUBA prgrams during the curse f the summer. This has been an exciting additin t ur prgrams, especially since the participants will get t dive at a favrite ht spt f divers frm all ver the state: Balmrhea State Park! Scuts will have the pprtunity t earn the SCUBA, BSA award during any f the eight weeks f camp. Thse Scuts and Venturers wanting a little mre training will be able t earn their pen water diver certificatin during while at camp. Read n fr mre details abut each f these exciting prgrams! INSTRUCTORS Our instructrs are certified by SSI, ne f the ldest and mst respected SCUBA training agencies in the wrld. They teach lessns thrughut the year at the Family SCUBA center in Midland, TX. Their expertise and experience will make fr a great learning experience fr all participants. FACILITIES The dives fr bth SCUBA classes will take place at the largest, spring-fed, freshwater swimming pl in the United States! The San Slmn Springs swimming pl at Balmrhea State Park was cnstructed in 1934 and has been a ht spt fr SCUBA enthusiasts frm all ver the state. The springs, which flw apprximately 26 millin gallns f pure artesian water per day are a cnstant 74 t 76 degrees year rund! Visibility ranges frm 80 t 100 feet, and the depths range frm several feet t 26 feet in the deepest prtin. Underwater, yu are able t clearly see the hst f aquatic wildlife that calls the springs their hme. Yu can catch glimpses f tw endangered species, the Cmanche Springs Pupfish and the Pecs Gambusia. Als fr yur viewing enjyment, yu can watch the antics f the sft shell water turtle, crayfish, Mexican Teteras, and large channel catfish. This facility is truly a SCUBA paradise and will make fr a great adventure during yur stay at BTSR! COST SCUBA, BSA The new SCUBA, BSA diving prgram lets yu experience the thrill f diving under the supervisin f a certified instructr at Balmrhea State Park. This prgram is ffered during all 9 weeks f camp, and has a maximum size limit f 12 participants. During yur adventure, yu'll learn abut equipment and safety during the three classrm sessins (3:30, MTW at the pl). On Friday, yu will learn skills in the water and will even head ff n an pen water adventure. All participants must be 14 years f age r lder. Any participants under 18 MUST have their parents fill ut the swimmer release and SCUBA release frms fund in the frms sectin. These are BSA, park, and instructr plicies and CANNOT be circumvented! The cst fr instructr time, air, and equipment is nly $75 fr this curse. Participants will earn the new SCUBA, BSA award. This intrductry curse will als cunt twards instructin time fr pen water diver certificatin if cmpleted within a year. Remember this class is limited t adults and yuth 14 years and lder. Participants MUST be classified as swimmers! We will need yur assistance in shuttling the grup t and frm the state park, which is nly 20 miles frm camp. 33

27 SCUBA - Open Water Diver Certificatin BTSR will ffer SCUBA Open Water Diver Certificatin fr Scuts, Venturers and Leaders ages 14 and up. This will be a five-day curse, cnducted every afternn at the beautiful San Slmn Springs at Balmrhea State Park. Each participant will be required t cmplete the bkwrk prtin f the class befre cming t camp. This takes apprximately 8-10 hurs t finish the 5 chapter nline curse. At the end f each chapter is a review f the materials that must be cmpleted, printed, and brught t camp. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! At camp, the first SCUBA class will be a review f that material as well as a test that will cmplete the required classrm wrk. The next 4 days yu will cmplete the 5 cnfined water dives and 4 pen water dives required fr the diving certificatin. Participants must als fill ut the Balmrhea and SCUBA swim releases fund in the frms sectin COST NEW DISCOUNTED FEE! Open Water Diver Certificatin will nw cst nly $425 per persn. This will include ALL fd and base camp fees, ALL supplies needed fr the curse (dive gear, air, park fees) as well as instructr fees. Yu d nt have t bring any masks, fins, wetsuits, air tanks, etc., unless yu chse t bring yur wn persnal supplies. Yu are nt required t purchase any f yur wn equipment. Once yu pre-register and pay fr the curse, yu will receive a training package that yu will begin using befre cming t camp, which requires cmpletin f nline training and brining the cmpletin certificate. Als as part f the package, yu will receive a 6-mnth subscriptin t Dive Training magazine, and yur wn persnal dive lg bk. PREREGISTRATION AND PREPAYMENT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR THIS COURSE! OUR INSTRUCTORS HAVE TO MAKE ARRANGENTS TO BE HERE AND HAVE INFORMATION THAT YOU MUST RECEIVE BEFORE ARRIVING TO BTSR! THANK YOU! 34

28 PRE-CAMP SWIM CHECKS Units may elect t take swim tests befre arrival at BTSR. This is a great way t save precius time n that first day f camp set up! The fllwing are the requirements fr pre-camp swim tests: 1. Tests must be perfrmed in accrdance with BSA Swimming test standards. 2. Tests must be perfrmed by a certified Lifeguard. (BSA r American Red Crss) 3. Tests must have been cmpleted within 90 days f unit's arrival t BTSR. The infrmatin and frms fr pre-camp swim checks can be fund n pages Please use nly this frm t recrd the results f the Trp's pre camp swim check. Please ensure yu have all necessary signatures and cpies in rder t validate the test. Cpy frm as needed. Submit t Aquatics Directr upn arrival t BTSR. SWIMMING MERIT BADGE Scuts taking the swimming merit badge will be required t bring lng pants (preferable jeans) and a thick, lng-sleeved, buttn-up shirt t cmplete the clthes fltatin requirement. Scuts may share clthes, but please make arrangements befre cming t camp t have these items available! FREE SWIMS & TROOP SWIMS A free swim fr all camp participants will be held n Mnday thrugh Thurdsday afternns frm 3:30-5:00 pm. (Camp lifeguards as well as BSA Lifeguard participants will staff this swim.) Trps may als make reservatins with the Aquatics Directr t have a swim time fr the Trp. These are held utside f the regular prgram schedule as nt t interfere with merit badge classes. This wuld be a great time fr yur Trp t enjy the pl and als practice yur Safe Swim Defense. Any Trp wishing t make a reservatin MUST have a leader that is certified in Safe Swim Defense. (This class is ffered every Mnday) Only ne BTSR staff member will be present, but nly as an bserver. They d nt serve as lifeguards as this is the Trp s respnsibility in using the Safe Swim defense crrectly. These times are limited and d fill up quickly, s cntact the Aquatics Directr early in rder t get a spt. These are filled n a first cme, first served basis. Sme Trps may share a swim time in rder t allw everyne a chance t participate and t ensure adherence t Safe Swim Defense plicies (share lifeguards and lkuts). BSA LIFEGUARD All Participants must be 14 years f age r have cmpleted the 8 th grade in rder t participate. This prgram is intended fr the lder Scut that has been there and dne that. Due t the extensive requirements and training time, the class takes all day and leaves little time fr any ther merit badges. Participants must be classified as a swimmer and hld current certificatin in basic CPR. Adults are encuraged t participate in this prgram as well. SAFE SWIM DEFENSE & SAFETY AFLOAT These certificatins will be ffered fr adult Leaders n Mnday at 11:30 am at the Pl. The Aquatics Directr will give training. Trp wishing t hld a Trp swim must have leaders certified in Safe Swim Defense. MILE SWIM Instructin and cnditining fr the Mile Swim award will be held at 6:00 am daily at the pl, except fr Friday when class will be at 3:30. All participants must be classified as swimmers befre attempting t begin this curse. Participants are required t attend the cnditining laps daily. The actual mile swim test will be held n Friday. (Adults r yuth may participate.) The fllwing requirements must be met each day prir t swimming the mile. Sunday 100 yards (cmplete swimmer ability test) Mnday 200 yards (100 any style + 2 fifty yd. Sprints) Tuesday 300 yards (150 any style + 3 fifty yd. Sprints) Wednesday 400 yards any style Thursday 800 yards any style Friday 36 laps 1800 yards any style All classes were fun. The staff was cl. Annymus Camper 35

29 SNORKELING, BSA Snrkeling will be held at the pl at 9:30 r 2:30 daily. Participants must be classified as a swimmer befre attempting this class. Yu may bring yur wn snrkeling gear r use the camp s. Sme masks and gggles will be available in the camp trading pst. Adults r yuth may be certified. Camp Thmas CAMPING Trps can take advantage f tw ther Buffal Trail Cuncil camps n the way t r frm BTSR. Camp Thmas near Big Spring ffers camping as well as COPE prgrams n the weekends yur Trp cmes thrugh. Participatin in these prgrams will qualify the Trp fr a $25 DISCOUNT per persn t participate in the weekend prgrams! While at the COPE curse yu will learn camping, cking, team building, cmmunicatin, decisin making, and leadership skills. COPE PROGRAM CAMP THOMAS Camp Thmas in Big Spring, TX is hme t the largest and mst cmplete COPE curse in West Texas. While n the rpes curse yu will have a challenging utdr persnal experience (COPE) that enriches and helps t develp character, leadership skills, self-esteem, teamwrk, prblem-slving skills, gal setting, and cmmunicatin. Enjy this prgram cming t r frm camp r cme back fr an weekend excursin! Merit Badge Pre-Registratin Once again we will have a pre-registratin prcess in place fr ALL Scuts Merit Badge classes AND fr adults wishing t take part in adult leader prgrams. This prcess was designed t make yu and yur bys camp experience as smth and enjyable as pssible. Online pre-registratin has been very helpful in the prcess f preparing fr camp fr bth the BTSR Staff and the adult leaders cming t camp. With yur input, we have been able t make sme updates t the system that will make this an even better resurce. Once again, yu will be able t lg int a website t cmplete this prcess! The site will have up t the minute infrmatin n class sizes, spts available, and prgram ntes. It als allws fr printing f yur final registratin, and much mre! Yu will find this t be a great and cnvenient way t sign up fr yur classes at BTSR! Use the blank wrksheets and the merit badge schedule t have yur bys create their camp schedule. Be sure the bys pick alternate chices fr their classes in case their first chice is full. Once cmpleted, yu can use their individual wrksheets t fill in the Trp Master Registratin Schedule. After we receive yur Trp s April payment (due April 1st) yu will receive yur passwrd and address fr the website. On April 15 th, please access the site and begin entering the names f all f yur yuth AND adult participants, as well as ther infrmatin. The sectin f the website that allws fr registratin fr Merit Badges and ther prgrams will nt pen up fr yur Trp until 30 days prir t yur arrival date at BTSR. At that time, yu may enter yur class schedules int the system. Yur windw fr registratin and updates t yur schedules clses the Mnday prir t yur arrival at BTSR s that we may prepare class rsters as well as update ur class enrllment systems. Once yur Trp s schedule is entered int the system, yu will get instant cnfirmatin f what yur Trp schedule will lk like and will be able t print a reprt at that time. Classes will be filled n a first cme first served basis. In rder t guarantee each Scut the best instructin pssible, and t ensure the health and safety f all participants, sme All classes were fun. The staff was cl. Annymus Camper 36

30 classes will have a size limit. After yu submit yur schedule, yu will be able t lg back n and make changes if a by drps ut frm camp, if yu get new bys in the Trp, r even if a by changes his mind abut a class! Keep in mind that new Scuts added t yur rster after May 15 th will incur an additinal $20.00 late fee and must be added thrugh the camp registrar, nt the website (see pg. 6). Scuts that d nt pre-register and shw up t camp may be disappinted when arriving t camp t find that a class is full. Avid these surprises and enter in yur Trp s preregistratin ASAP. PLEASE DON T FORGET TO PRE-REGISTER YOUR ADULTS FOR CLASSES! This prcess was designed fr ALL participants and we need an accurate cunt f what bys are taking classes, but als which adults are taking classes as well! This is very imprtant, as we want t ensure a quality prgram fr ur adults as well as the bys. Please take care f the pre-registratin prcess in a timely manner. All Trps are REQUIRED t cmplete this imprtant task, as it is in yur best interest t d s. By knwing what classes are beginning t fill up ahead f time, BTSR will be able t pssibly create new classes, ensure prper staffing, r at least give yur participants time t chse a new class befre he r she ever arrives t camp. Benefits f Pre-Registratin: BTSR will be better prepared in staffing Scheduling cnflicts will be reslved befre arrival t camp New classes can be created Staff members can be prepared if help is needed in a large class Each Scut is guaranteed the best instructin pssible Scuts can cmplete prerequisites befre cming t camp TRY TO GUARD AGAINST Over-scheduling. It wn't wrk. Becming upset if unscheduled things seem t happen. Judging the success f yur prgram by the number f merit badges earned. Quantity never equates with quality. Leaders, have yur bys and adults that will be taking classes at camp t fill these wrksheets ut. Transfer the data frm these frms t the Trp master schedule frm r enter it directly t the registratin website. All classes were fun. The staff was cl. Annymus Camper 37

31 BTSR PROGRAM PRE-REGISTRATION FORM NAME: PATROL: TIME Class Desired (1 st Chice) Class Desired (2 nd Chice) 8:30 9:30 10:30 11:30 2:30 3:30 Astrnmy LUNCH LUNCH BTSR PROGRAM PRE-REGISTRATION FORM NAME: PATROL: TIME Class Desired (1 st Chice) Class Desired (2 nd Chice) 8:30 9:30 10:30 11:30 2:30 3:30 Astrnmy LUNCH LUNCH All classes were fun. The staff was cl. Annymus Camper 38

32 ASTRONOMY CHOICE BTSR LEADER GUIDE TROOP MASTER PRE- REGISTRATION SCHEDULE TROOP: DATE ATTENDING CAMP: SCOUTMASTER: WEEK OF CAMP: WEBSITE ADDRESS: PASSWORD: NAME OF PARTICIPANT 8:30 9:30 10:30 11:30 LUNCH 2:30 3:30-5: Please list each by and the class they prefer fr each time slt. Be sure t als list a secnd chice in the event a class is full. (Be sure t duble check pre-requisites n page ) Sme classes have n size limits, but thers (Maintenance staff) Hw d they d it? Buy them Superman shirts. Annymus Adult 39

33 Special Awards TROOP SPIRIT AWARD - Awarded by the Camp Cmmissiner (Ribbn) 1. Trp friendliness tward staff and ther campers. 2. Trp curteusness tward staff and ther campers. 3. Arrives fr flag ceremnies n time. 4. Trp is bedient and well mannered at meals. 5. Trp sings, leads yells, and perfrms skits. (This can be at meals flag ceremny) 6. Trp has visible "grup tgetherness". 7. Trp participates in special activities ffered. MODEL CAMPSITE AWARD - Awarded by the Camp Cmmissiner (Ribbn) 1. Trp campsite displays general neatness in camp arrangement. 2. Trp has varied camp gadgets displayed fr use n at least 3 separate days. 3. Trp tents are in gd repair and fire buckets are displayed. 4. Camp fireguard chart is kept in view f all trp members alng with daily schedule and/r special annuncements. 5. Trp latrine duty meets with apprval f Cmmissiner's inspectin. 6. Trp vehicles are prperly parked in prvided spaces, nt in campsite. BTSR PONDWEED AWARD - (CONSERVATION) - Awarded by the Camp Ranger (Plaque) 1. Ttal trp participates in an apprved cnservatin prject f n less than 3 hurs. 2. All participatin in the cnservatin prjects must be apprved, prir t beginning, with the Camp Ranger and will be in accrdance with the Buffal Trail Cuncil Camp Cnservatin Plan. 3. Trp receives a plaque fr the Trp Hut. Patch fr all participants available fr sale in Jersey Lilly. HONOR TROOP AWARD - Awarded by the Camp Cmmissiner (Ribbn) 1. Displays clean campsite accrding t the same criteria utlined in the Mdel Campsite Sectin. 2. Displays trp spirit using the same criteria utlined in the Trp Spirit Sectin. 3 Participates in a cnservatin prject apprved by the Camp Ranger. May be as a Trp, patrl r by. This must be ther than thse fr rank advancements. 4. Displays unit, patrl, and natinal flags at prper hurs and functins. 5. On-time fr check-in and checkut at camp. 6. Trp participates in at least 5 special activity events as a trp. A. Attend r hld an inter-trp religius ceremny. B. Attend r hld an inter-trp campfire. C. Attend Wednesday evening Chapel service. D. Trp swim. E. Trp hike. F. Cnservatin prject. G. Camp Service prject. H. Firearms demnstratin. I. Special Scheduled evening prgrams. J. Muntain Man prgram. K. Vlunteer as Trp f the Day fr flag ceremnies T validate all entries, a reprt f activities frm the Senir Patrl Leader in each participating trp, must be filed with the Camp Cmmissiner n Friday at lunch. Please include Trp number, Senir Patrl Leader's name, campsite name, Scutmaster's name, and city. I HIKED 1832 AWARD - Awarded by the Outback Directr (Scarf) Any grup f bys and leaders that wish t make this 12 Mile hike shuld check with the Outback Directr. This hike takes place n Thursday after classes r Friday mrning and must be cmpleted during daytime hurs fr safety reasns. Hikers start at the beginning f RR1832 at Hwy 17 and hike back int the camp. This is a very physical hike and it requires lts f water and yu must prvide a fllw vehicle. This prgram is EXTREMELY strenuus and is als time cnsuming. Preparatin befre camp will help ready yu fr this lng and tiring hike as yu must be in physical shape t undertake it. The Outback Directr will be glad t g ver the lgistics and time required fr this award. Thse that cmplete the hike will receive a special patch and Great camp. Great Wrk. We ll be back! Annymus Adult 41

34 scarf! BTSR HIGH ADVENTURE PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES Outback Hiking Adventure Enjy the challenge and the sights f the mst beautiful canyns, highest peaks, and tallest cliffs in Texas during yur week in the BTSR Outback. Created thusands f years ag, during the frmatin f the earth, vlcanic activity sent the Davis Muntains ver sixty-five hundred feet abve sea level. Calderas and ersin left the rcky peaks tw thusand feet abve the valley flr, creating the Outback that BTSR Rangers prudly call hme. PROGRAM Treks cnsist f a weeklng-guided hiking adventure based ut f ur 9,320-acre Scut Ranch (ne f the largest cuncilwned Scut Ranches in the USA!). Crews, which can be created tw ways, hike n rugged, near-pristine trails with amazing views. Each crew will stay at pre-existing campsites where dinners and breakfasts, ck gear, and tarp-shelters will be made available. Once at the campsite, crews will have time fr independent activities and explratin as well as arranged prgramming. ORGANIZATION The treks are week-lng with n resupply stps in base camp. Terrain is very rugh and treks are physically challenging. Crews must fllw trip age and experience requirements. Each crew cnsists f six t twelve Scuts r Scuters and the assigned Ranger(s). There are tw different ways t frm an Outback Crew. Optin 1 - Trp r Crew signs up a minimum f 6 members, including 2 adult leaders, ne 21+ fr a trek. Optin 2 - Individual Scuts r Scuters sign up fr Outback and are put int a trek as it cmes pen. The prgram is pen t all By Scut grups and may be ced, with prper adult leadership. RANGERS Yur assigned Ranger is yur resurce fr lcal histry, water surces, trails infrmatin, and safety tips. The Ranger s experience shuld be a reliable resurce t lead yur crew thrugh the nt s distinct trails. The Rangers primary gal is t ensure a fun and safe week. He r she is NOT suppsed t lead yur grup r set up Trp peratins such as cking, eating, r sleeping arrangements. FOOD Dinners and breakfasts are already at utback camps, waiting fr basic preparatin. Lunches are the nly meal which will be packed and they are packaged and require minimal, if any, preparatin. Fd is packaged fr grups f fur, s yu can easily break int ck grups. Meals are designed t be healthy and meet the calric needs f each grup. It is recmmended t bring alng persnal r trp fd, like Gatrade r snacks, just be sure t package and stre the additinal fd prperly. As part f the Leave N Trace plicies, each crew will be expected t carry ut ALL garbage. Great camp. Great Wrk. We ll be back! Annymus Adult 42

35 WATER Water is available at several lcatins in the Outback, but it is scarce. Due t the arid nature f the area, five quarts f water per persn are required. A water filter r purificatin tablets are als encuraged. WEATHER The weather in West Texas is very unpredictable. Mst summer temperatures range between 75 and 95, hwever, temperature extremes may be as lw as 65 and as high as 115. The humidity in the Davis Muntains is usually in the 20% range during the summer. Humidity can swing frm lws f 5% t highs f 100%. The extremely lw humidity makes high temperatures seem cler. This ften results in dehydratin. All crews must be careful t ensure that the entire crew is staying prperly hydrated. Mst weeks the camp will nt receive any rain, but all crews shuld bring rain gear. CLOTHING Mst members will be fine n mst trails wearing a pair f shrts and a T- shirt. All trails have their share f Cat s claw, a feared brier bush nly t be cmpared t ugly rse stems. Sensitive skinned members will prefer prtectin frm the brush and sun. A hat and sun blck is a MUST fr all crewmembers. Clthing dries rapidly in the arid climate s washing is made easy; there is n need t sacrifice water capacity f extra changes f clthes. Dedrant and ther items which will attract wild animals shuld be left at base camp. ADULT LEADERSHIP ON TREKS All crews ging n the trail must have adult leaders; ne must be 21 years f age r lder, the ther 18 years f age r lder. Ced Crews must have ced leadership. The BTSR Backcuntry TRAILS There are ver a dzen trails that wind thrugh the ver 9,000 acres f rugged and beautiful BTSR terrain. Many f these trails were established almst 6 decades ag and still see traffic tday as we cntinue t put hikers int ur wnderful backcuntry. They range frm easy trails with little t nw elevatin change, t the mst rugged and challenging trails that will test even the mst experienced hikers. These are nt rads r wide natinal park trails; they are very rustic trails that leave little impact n the surrunding beauty yu will experience as yu hike alng these paths. Our itineraries are designed t utilize the mst apprpriate trail based n the experience level required fr each prgram. Ranging frm 4400 ft. f elevatin in base camp, t ver 5400 ft. at the tp f Frbidden Muntain, there is smething fr everyne! SCENERY With ver 50 miles f trails winding thrugh ur crner f the Davis Muntains, yu will be able t witness sme f the mst beautiful scenic verlks in the state. Our camp includes prtins f Little Aguja Canyn, Madera Canyn, Pig Pen Canyn, and Millin Dllar Canyn inside its bundaries. Lking dwn int the bttm f ne f these canyns, r lking up t rising twers f rck frm the bttm f them, yu will nt g hme dissatisfied with the beauty and variety f nature fund at ur camp. LANDMARKS BTSR is full f many unique gelgical frmatins and landmarks, many f which yu will be able t see n ne f yur treks. Be n the lkut fr Needle Rck, Natural Bridge, Giant s Hand, The Ntch, Balance Rck, the Clumns, Blue Hle, and Frbidden Castle. Yu might even see the Indian Paintings plus ur many natural springs as well! High Adventure staff were abve and beynd excellent. Annymus Camper 43

36 Trek Descriptins When yu sign up fr the BTSR Outback, please specify which f the fllwing Treks yu will be taking. Please include an alternative trek preference, incase that ne has already been filled up fr the week f yur chice. (See reservatin applicatin in the frms sectin.) LONG INTRO TO BACKPACKING Minimum Age = 12 Difficulty = Beginner Experience = Camping nly Mileage = ~10-14 miles ONLY 3 days n trail! Spend tw days learning the basics f backpacking frm hw t pack and wear a backpack t hw t travel using Leave N Trace practices. On Wednesday, head ut fr a three day, tw night backpacking trip t practice and reinfrce the skills learned in base camp. Participants will earn partials fr LNT and the backpacking merit badge and will earn the camp cnservatin award and Trek Safely card. MEDIUM Minimum Age = 13 Experience = Sme Difficulty = Mderate Hard Mileage = ~21-25 miles Enjy the stunning beauty f BTSR as yu backpack thrugh the Nrthern prtin f the Outback. This trek is tailred fr thse peple wh need t dust ff the hiking bts befre hitting the trail r wh are interested in a relaxed pace that still cvers a lt f territry. Trail activities include ptins fr GPS curse, Sprts, Wilderness Survival, COPE lw activities, Mck SAR, side hikes, animal bservatins, climbing & rappelling. Minimum Age=13 Experience=sme Difficulty = Hard Very Hard Mileage = ~28-35 miles This trek is a bit mre challenging. It s a great ptin fr peple wh are experienced backpackers hping t have a challenging and enjyable week in the Outback. See sme f the mst scenic spts n camp, including a visit t the Indian Paintings, Needle Rck, The Ntch, and Frbidden Muntain. Trail activities include ptins fr sunrise phtgraphy, night star party, COPE lw activities, side hikes, Cavalry camp activities, Sprts, climbing & rappelling. ENDURANCE Minimum Age=14 Experience = Advanced / Mature Difficulty = EXTREMELY Difficult Mileage = ~55-65 miles This trek is the mst difficult and physically taxing prgram at Buffal Trail Scut Ranch! Hiking ver 50 miles in five days is a prud and difficult accmplishment fr thse that cmplete the trek! Peple cry, feet bleed, and yur thighs will feel the burn! Enjy climbing, team building, and a search and rescue rle play as yu take the grand tur f the BTSR Outback. Hike ver 60 miles thrugh the rugged terrain f the utback AND earn the RR 1832 Marathn award. Trek crews als have the ptin t earn the 50 miler award. High Adventure staff were abve and beynd excellent. Annymus Camper 44

37 TRAIL BLAZERS Minimum Age=13 Experience = Sme Difficulty = Mderate/Difficult Mileage = miles Wrk fr a week and get the next week fr ½ the price! Crews/individuals n this prgram will d rutine trail clearing, trail building and maintenance, trail sign cnstructin, etc. Then yur hard effrts will pay ff as yu enjy the fllwing week in a high adventure prgram f yur chice (except Cavalcade) fr half the price. (High adventure fees nly. It des nt include a reductin in the price f additinal charges, such as SCUBA, shting sprts fees, etc.) Nte- this is a very limited prgram, and must have the Camp Directrs apprval t participate. INTRO TO BACKPACKING Breakfast Trek safely First Aid What t bring & Hw t pack Maps and Navigatin Lunch LNT Setting up tents & Tarps Dinner Campfire Itineraries Mnday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Menu planning and Hike the Green trail LNT cnservatin utback fds First aid rle play prject Itineraries Lunch Hike the Green trail Living with Wildlife Swimming/explring t the Black trail Pack rganizatin at The Ntch Lunch and adjustment t Review first aid/ rle Hike the Black trail bdy play t WB tanks Lunch Dinner Optinal hike Ft care and Create mck menu Camp games utback hygiene and itinerary Dinner Water purificatin Fire building and fd Campfire preparatin COOK Dinner Shake dwn Trp games High Adventure staff were abve and beynd excellent. Annymus Camper 45 Breakfast Hike Black trail Lunch Return t base camp fr lunch ptinal. Hike t Base Camp Return t Base Camp Schedule High Adventure staff were abve and beynd excellent. Annymus Camper 45

38 MEDIUM Mnday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Breakfast Breakfast Hike t White Tank Hike t West Gate Lunch Lunch Hike t Ezra s Hike t Jenkin s Bedgrund Cabin Optins include: Optins include: -COPE activities -COPE activities -Mck SAR/FA rescue -Animal bservatins -Bear Mt. Hike Dinner Dinner Breakfast Hike up t Frbidden Mt. Cabin where the Calvary Camp is established Lunch Optins include: -GPS Curse -Cavalry camp act. -Sprts activities -Wilderness Survival Dinner LONG Breakfast Hike t Tricky Gap Park Lunch Hike t the Indian Paintings Hike t Jenkins Optins include: -COPE activities -Animal bservatins Dinner Breakfast Hike t the Indian Paintings Hike t Tricky Gap Park Lunch Hike t The Park Optins include -Muntain Man activities -Swimming at The Ntch -Climbing/Rappelling -Capture the Flag Dinner Breakfast Hike t 1 st Gate Lunch Return t base camp fr lunch ptinal. Hike t Base Camp Return t Base Camp Schedule Mnday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Hike t West Gate Hike t Ezra s Hike t White Tank Lunch Bedgrund Lunch Hike t The Park Lunch Hike t Frbidden Optins include Optins include: Mt. -Muntain Man -COPE activities Optins include: activities -Mck SAR/FA rescue -GPS Curse -Swimming at The -Bear Mt. Hike -Cavalry camp act. Ntch -Circle H Hike -Sprts activities - Climb/Rappelling Dinner -Wilderness Survival -Capture the Flag Dinner Dinner ENDURANCE - THIS TREK IS VERY CHALLENGING!! Breakfast Hike the Black trail Lunch Hike the Lw White Hike the High White Dinner Optinal include: -Sunrise phts -Star Party -Tinaja Breakfast Hike t Pig Pen Lunch Return t base camp fr lunch ptinal. Hike t Base Camp Return t Base Camp Schedule Mnday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Breakfast Breakfast Sleep in Hike dwn t the Hike dwn int Breakfast Green trail Madera Canyn Hike t Base camp Visit the Indian Hike back t Ezra s Lunch Paintings Bedgrund SLEEP Hike t Tricky Gap Lunch Dinner Park Hike t Frbidden Hike RR 1832 Lunch Mt. Hike t Needle Rck Dinner Hike up Ezra s Pass Optins include: Dinner -GPS Curse Optins include: -Calvary camp act. -Cpe activities -Sprts activities -Mck SAR/FA rescue -Wilderness Survival -Bear Mt. Hike Breakfast Sleep Lunch 50-milers- Cnservatin Prject High Adventure staff were abve and beynd excellent. Annymus Camper 46

39 TRAIL BLAZERS Mnday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Wrk Prjects Wrk Prjects r Wrk Prjects Lunch hike t next site Lunch Wrk Prjects Lunch Wrk Prjects Dinner Wrk Prjects Dinner Fun Activities Dinner Fun Activities Fun Activities Breakfast Check ut Equipment Hike t wrk site Lunch Wrk Prjects Dinner Fun Activities Breakfast Wrap Up / Clean up f wrk site Lunch Return t base camp fr lunch ptinal. Hike t Base Camp Return t Base Camp Schedule The abve itineraries are recmmended schedules, but might be adapted based n yur grups needs, envirnmental cnditins, etc. N set schedule fr wrk crews since they will wrk n areas as needed. PERSONAL TREK EQUIPMENT Outback Equipment Suggestins Packing Pack (internal r external frame) Padded hip strap 6-12 Ziplc Bags (fr packing items belw) Sleeping Sleeping Bag Straps/Bungee crds t attach bag t pack Fam sleeping pad (ptinal) Wearing (packed in plastic bags) Hiking bts (already brken in!) Sandals r water shes 2 pair heavy hiking uter scks 3 pair lighter inner scks 3 changes f underwear 1-2 pair hiking shrts 1 lng sleeve shirt 1 lng pants 1 warm tp r light jacket 2 shrt sleeved shirts 1 hat r cap with brim 1 sturdy pnch r rain suit Eating Bwl r plate Cup Spn r frk Pcketknife Water Bttles/hydratin system (TOTAL 5 QTS) Persnal and Misc. Daypack r hip-pack Lighter Flashlight with extra batteries 2 Bandannas Hygiene items (sap, cmb, tthbrush etc.) Insect repellent (r dryer sheets) Hand sanitizer Mleskin r mlefam, ft pwder Sunscreen and sunshades Optinal Items Cmpass r GPS Small, light entertainment items Camera and film Hiking stick High Adventure staff were abve and beynd excellent. Annymus Camper 47

40 COOK GROUP EQUIPMENT Backpacking Tents & tent pegs Can Opener Duct Tape Mini-shvel r trwel Antibacterial bidegradable sap Water purifying tablets r filtratin system Cllapsible water cntainers Backpacking stve Fuel bttles (spun aluminum cntainers nly) 1 Crew First Aid Kit Snacks as desired NOTE Sme items such as sunscreen, bug-spray, etc can be shared between a ck grup t cut dwn n weight. Quantities listed include what yu wuld be wearing. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT BY PROGRAM Intr t Medium Lng Endurance Trail Blazers Backpacking Please bring everything listed n the pack list. Ziplcs in the galln, extra huge, and qt. size are gd. Psitive Attitude Backpacking tys Psitive Attitude Extra Mleskin Gld Bnd Psitive Attitude Extra Scks Extra Mleskin Gld Bnd Persnal Snacks Hydratin Packs Psitive Attitude Leather Wrk Glves Lng Sleeved wrk shirts and pants Trailblazers Prgram PROGRAM OVERVIEW A recent additin t the BTSR High Adventure prgram is the Trailblazers. This ffers yur Trp r Crew an pprtunity t spend TWO weeks at Buffal Trail Scut Ranch! One week ding service prjects in the backcuntry, and ne week f participating in a BTSR high adventure prgram f yur chice (excluding Cavalcade) fr just a fractin f the cst! Here is hw it wrks: Yur Trp r Crew will spend 5 days wrking in the BTSR backcuntry. Yu will cmplete prjects such as new trail cnstructin, maintenance n existing trails, clearing brush, building and installing trail signs and markers, as well as ther miscellaneus prjects that will imprve the use f ur backcuntry fr many years t cme. Once yur wrk week is cmpleted, yu will have Saturday t rest and see the sights in the lcal areas arund camp, and then cme back n Sunday ready t embark n a high adventure jurney f yur wn! Yu can g n a backpacking trip in the Outback Prgram, enjy a week at Muntain Man camp, r spend yur time at ur newest prgrams, the Circle H r Cavalry Adventures! High Adventure staff were abve and beynd excellent. Annymus Camper 48

41 PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES Participatin in the Trailblazer prgram is pen t campers 13 years f age and lder, as well as adult leaders. Units may send their entire grup n the prgram, r just a small prtin. At least ONE adult leader must attend with any grup f yuth. Ced Crews are encuraged t attend, hwever, ced leadership must be prvided. ALL participants must be in excellent physical cnditin and prvide a current BSA Annual Health and Medical Recrd. Plan n hiking frm wrk site t wrk site, as well as the physical labr required t cmplete a variety f prjects n the trail. STAFF & EQUIPMENT BTSR will prvide a highly trained and mtivated Outback Ranger t each Trail Blazer crew in attendance. This Ranger will crdinate and supervise wrk prjects during the week and act as a guide n the trails. BTSR will prvide all necessary tls and equipment fr cmpletin f the variety f wrk prjects. Participants must prvide their wn leather wrk glves, lng sleeved wrk shirts, and pants, as well as ther persnal gear. (See Pg. 42) PLEASE NOTE Self-discipline is expected, the Scut Oath and Law will be the rule f the Trailblazers prgram. At the end f the week, all participants will hike back t base camp and get ready fr the clsing campfire. Here they will be recgnized with a special award fr their participatin. Als, wrk will nt be the nly thing accmplished during the week f service at BTSR! Fun activities are wrked int the daily prgram as well. This is nt a 12 hur day full f nthing but bld, sweat and tears wrk! Side hikes, swims at the Ntch, histry f the ranch, team building, and ther pprtunities will be available as well, depending n the lcatin f the wrk prjects. FEES & RECOGNITION All participants will receive special recgnitin at the clsing campfire, and an exclusive Trail Blazer award that can ONLY be earned by thse that participate in this prgram. In additin, the cst fr participating in yur high adventure prgram will nly be almst ½ f what the actual fees are. Fr adults, the cst is nly $50 and fr yuth the cst is nly $100! Fees cver BOTH weeks f time at BTSR! *Limited Space, must be apprved in advance by camp directr t participate! High Adventure staff were abve and beynd excellent. Annymus Camper 49

42 Cavalcade TWO CAVALCADES PER WEEK! The Cavalcade is a weeklng High-Adventure hrseback experience. The prgram is designed fr lder Scuts, Venturers, and Explrers wh have achieved the hrsemanship merit badge r equivalent training. Cavalcade participants will ride day t day traveling ver extremely rugged terrain thrugh canyns, up muntains, and acrss BTSR s many trails. Cavalcade participants get the chance t experience the best f the Davis Muntains frm up in a saddle. BTSR will prvide well trained guides (Wranglers), tack, ckware, shelter, fd, and ALL riding and/r pack animals. Riders must supply their wn bedding, clthing, rain gear, and water bttles. Participants may t bring their wn saddle and/r saddlebags, thugh all equipment must be apprved thrugh the Cavalcade Directr. Persnal gear is nly carried by a riders munt, weight and bulk must be minimized. Keep it simple and keep it light, BTSR Wranglers will perfrm a shakedwn t ensure this is fllwed. Cavalcade crews are limited t 10 paid riders (eight yuth and tw adults). The ride may als be ced if adult female leadership is available. If ten riders cannt be fund t fill a cavalcade, the grup will still be respnsible fr payment f a ten rider crew. Many crews adpt riders frm ther trps befre their arrival in rder t meet the 10 rider requirement. All riders MUST be in gd physical cnditin, earned the hrsemanship merit badge f equivalent training, weight less that 250 lbs (dressed t ride), and be thirteen years f age r lder by check-in. All riders will be required t pass an equestrian skills test befre being allwed ut nt the trails. Each rider must als bring a current BSA Medical frm, with all infrmatin cmplete, signed and apprved by a physician. All riders must als cmplete the BTSR Hld Harmless and the Chapter 87 Liability Disclaimer frm with apprpriate signatures. (See Frms sectin) PROGRAM SCHEDULE Yur Wranglers will greet yu at check-in. A brief rientatin, medical check, and weigh-in will fllw. Training begins Sunday, right after supper. The trek will be discussed at this time, and any questins and cncerns will be addressed. Training will cntinue past dusk dwn at the crrals. Yur cavalcade meets again with the wranglers, at the crrals, at 5:30 am the next mrning t feed, and resume training. Dn t be late! Saddling, packing, knts, riding, bridling, grming, and many ther skills will be taught the first part f the day. If all ges well, the Cavalcade shuld hit the trail in the late afternn. In the curse f the week riders will cver miles hrseback, starting at an elevatin f 4400 ft and tpping ut at ver 6400 ft. Cavalcades change camps daily and the grup will be expected t pitch in with chres at each night s stp. Yur wrangler can tell yu all abut the histry and eclgy f the Davis Muntains as yu travel alng the trail. When the hrses are resting, there are hiking pprtunities. Advancement pprtunities are limited due t the cavalcades cnstant mvement. Days will be full f riding and explring, s sleep will cme easily t mst. Itineraries return the Cavalcade t Headquarters Friday mrning in time fr the picnic lunch and a much needed shwer befre campfire. Yur wrangler stays in tuch with Headquarters by radi, and receives daily weather reprts. Emergency vehicles, the BTSR Search and Rescue Team, and qualified medical persnnel are n call 24 hurs a day. Every cavalcade wrangler is trained in First-Aid and keeps emergency supplies clse at hand at all times. All riders are expected t pitch in t accmplish necessary camp chres and t fllw the leadership f the wranglers. Self-discipline is expected; the Scut Oath and Laws will be the rule f the camp. (Staff) made the cavalcade a memrable experience. They knw their stuff! T- 202, Hustn 50

43 NECESSARY INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT Lng durable pants, prperly fitted Baseball cap SMALL Flashlight r headlamp Blanket Bed rll* Lng-sleeved Shirt 2-1qt. narrw Water Bttles Western-style bts with tractin hiking sle r hiking bts. (Brken in & cmfrtable!) Leather Glves Pcket knife r multi-tl Rain Gear (Clse fitting, nt flppy) Bandana r neckerchief * A bedrll cnsists f a tarp r canvas measuring 4x6 ft, a fleece blanket and tw 8 pieces f 3/8 manila rpe. A dem vide illustrating these parts and shwing the crrect securing techniques is fund here: OPTIONAL INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT Camera (Be careful with valuable digital cameras!) Tthbrush Pcket hammck Camp Map Snacks that dn t melt These items may be shared and carried by ne rider in 1 gal. plastic bag: Hand Sap/ Twelettes Bug repellent Tthpaste Sunscreen WRANGLER CARRIES: Cmprehensive First Aid Kit, Radi, Hrsesheing Supplies LEAVE IN CAMP: Billfld & valuables Scut Unifrm Changes f clthes Shamp, cnditiner DON T BRING: Privately wned hrses Cell phnes Sheath Knives Flppy rain gear Twels Extra Shes Dedrant Cwby hat fr Friday campfire Radis, Ipds r nisemaking devices Thermarests Big Sleeping Bag Bladder type water canteens ALL RIDERS WILL WEAR BTSR RIDING HELMETS. REQUIRED PRE-CAMP RESOURCE There is nw a YuTube channel dedicated t BTSR s Cavalcade prgram! The channel ffers dems and insight int what t expect and hw t prepare fr the experience. It is HIGHLY recmmended that the link t these vides are dispensed and gne ver multiple times with all scuts that plan n attending Cavalcade. This site is designed t prvide trps preparatin material as well as ask questins and vice cncerns befre arriving. (We) had such a terrific week at BTSR that we will be returning in 2004 Trp 513, Austin 51

44 Muntain Man Prgram PROGRAM OVERVIEW Here is yur chance t see hw a real muntain man lives and survives in the muntains! The Muntain Man is a weeklng experience fr lder Scuts and Venturers wh wuld like t experience the life f a Muntain Man in the fur trade era f the 1840 s. Participants will experience the primitive lives f men like Jim Bridger, Kit Carsn, and Daniel Bne. Scuts will explre the cntributins these men made t the grwth f ur cuntry. Participants will enjy activities such as stries arund the campfire, Dutch ven cking, tmahawk and knife thrwing, black pwder shting, atl-atl spear thrwing, archery, tanning deer hides, flint knapping, making sap and rpe frm plants, and Muntain Man swimming. Scuts will learn abut tracking in the wilds and reading trail signs, as well as infrmatin n edible plants and plants fr survival. PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES Participatin in the Muntain Man prgram is pen t campers 13 years f age and lder as well as adult leaders. The entire Trp may sign up fr the prgram, individuals may sign up, r the Trp may send a small cntingent frm their base camp grup. We require any grups f 4 r larger t send AT LEAST ne adult leader with the grup. This helps ur staff greatly, especially when participatin reaches 24 yuth. The Muntain Man prgram may be ced, if female leadership is prvided. STAFF & EQUIPMENT BTSR will prvide the Muntain Man Prgram staff, grup-use camping gear (Rain fly, pts & pans), and fd. Each participant will get t sleep in an authentic muntain man tent! Due t the rugged terrain, a sturdy pair f shes is a must. NO pen ted shes r sandals. Scuts are welcmed t wear utfits f the era. LOCATION Muntain Man camp is lcated 3 ½ miles frm base camp dwn the Green Trail at the Ple Pens. Yu will need a backpack t carry yur persnal gear, s weight and bulk must be minimized. Keep it simple and light. (Limit 35 lbs) There are n rads where we are ging! PLEASE NOTE All participants are expected t pitch in t accmplish necessary camp chres and t fllw the leadership f the staff. Self-discipline is expected, the Scut Oath and Law will be the rule f the Muntain Man camp. At the end f the week, the Muntain Men will rendezvus at the clsing campfire t receive their Muntain Man names, awards frm the muntain man games, and the exclusive Jhn McAhn Award, which can nly be earned by participants f the BTSR Muntain Man prgram. This week int the 1840 s prmises t be an experience f fun, interesting activities, and even sme learning! Muntain Man staff were excellent guides fr the prgram. T- 259, Austin 52

45 Muntain Man Activities Dinner with Edible Plants Making Fish Hks and Fishing Spears Trip t Indian Painting (Tall Rck Shelter) Muntain Man Cking Knife Thrw Hawk Thrw Tracking and Track Identificatin Fire Building, Flint and Steel Black Pwder Tanning Hides Flint Napping Rpe Making Edible Plants Medical Plants Trapping, Snares Spear Thrw Atl-atl Campfire Stries Muntain Man Swimming Night under the Stars Cnservatin Prjects Branding Trail Building Explring Game Trails, Canyns, Caves Shelter Building Knife Sharpening REQUIRED INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT (Fr Mtn. Man, Circle H, r Cavalry) Lng pants Sunscreen Cap r Hat Leather glves Flashlight with Batteries Pcket Knife Blanket & Bed Rll Rain gear Lng-sleeved shirt Hiking Backpack 4-1qt. Water Bttles Camera and film (ptinal) Mess Kit Clthing f the era (Optinal) ***See als individual camper list f equipment n Pg. 20*** *A blanket bedrll fits the muntain man better than a sleeping bag. Muntain Man staff were excellent guides fr the prgram. T- 259, Austin 53

46 Circle H Ranching Adventure -At- Buffal Trail Scut Ranch Anther great High-Adventure prgram fr lder Scuts, in additin t ur many ther utstanding pprtunities fr fun and excitement at the premier By Scut camp in the state f Texas! Take a step back in time and live like a rancher and his family did in the early 19:: s! On this adventure yu will hike t the far reaches f BTSR t Madera Canyn. Here yu will stay fr a week and enjy a wide range f activities. Live, eat, and sleep like the riginal ranchers did 100 years ag! Yu will als have the rare pprtunity t explre the ruins and take part in an actual archaelgical dig at the burned ut Hunsaker mansin. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Live in ld style wall tents n platfrms Cuntry cking chuck wagn style Archelgical explratin f mansin Taking care f livestck, gats & chickens Black pwder shting Cwby campfires Clear and wrk the land Cwby skills rping and branding Sap & candle making And much, much mre!!! Muntain Man staff were excellent guides fr the prgram. T- 259, Austin 54

47 Circle H Ranching Adventure PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Circle H Ranching Adventure is a weeklng high adventure experience fr lder Scuts and Venturers wh wuld like t experience the life f a rancher and his family in the late 1800 s. This new prgram prmises t be a week f fun and adventure! Chuck wagn and Dutch ven cking, rping and branding, black pwder shting and archery, caring fr livestck and wrking the land, making sap and candles, gardening and churning butter, cwby campfires and singing, are all activities that participants will get t enjy during the week. Als, yu will have the chance t perfrm an actual dig at the burned Hunsaker Mansin, where the prgram is lcated! PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES Participatin in the Circle H Ranching Adventure is pen t campers 13 years f age and lder as well as adult leaders. The entire Trp may sign up fr the prgram, individuals may sign up, r the Trp may send a small cntingent frm their base camp grup. We require any grups f 4 r larger t send AT LEAST ne adult leader with the grup. The Circle H prgram may be ced, if female leadership is prvided. STAFF & EQUIPMENT BTSR will prvide the Circle H staff, chuck wagn cking gear, prgram supplies, and fd. Each participant will get t sleep in an authentic perid wall tent with bunks. Due t the rugged terrain, a sturdy pair f shes is a must. NO pen ted shes r sandals. Scuts are welcmed t wear cwby and ranching regalia all week. See list f persnal equipment t bring belw. PLEASE NOTE All participants are expected t pitch in t accmplish necessary camp chres and t fllw the leadership f the staff. Self-discipline is expected, the Scut Oath and Law will be the rule f the Circle H Ranching Adventure. At the end f the week, all participants will hike back t base camp and get ready fr the clsing campfire. Here they will be recgnized with a special award fr their participatin in this prgram. Als, nly the participants f the Circle H prgram will be allwed t brand their bts, belts, and ther suvenirs with the special Circle H brand! LOCATION The Circle H Ranching Adventure will be lcated in the new prperty in Madera Canyn. Yu will need a backpack t carry yur persnal gear t the camp, s weight and bulk must be minimized. Keep it simple and light. The hike will be ver several miles, be prepared t hike! Muntain Man staff were excellent guides fr the prgram. T- 259, Austin 55

48 DEPARTURE & HIKE TO CIRCLE H The Circle H Ranch is lcated in Madera Canyn in sme f the mst scenic areas f BTSR. Vehicle access t the camp is via a rad that begins n the back f Frbidden Muntain and is apprximately 9 miles lng. The hike is lng and requires endurance, but there are several factrs that will make this hike much easier! Fr ne, BTSR will carry all f the participants heavy backpacks and gear via 4-wheel drive vehicles, bth t and frm the Circle H Ranch. Secndly, the hike stars early n Mnday mrning s the cler parts f the day can be taken advantage f. Als, the hike t the camp is via a different trail instead f hiking the entire length f the rad. It is almst three miles shrter, making the hike much mre bearable! Equipment needed fr the hike includes the fllwing: sturdy and brken in hiking bts, hat, tw quarts f water per persn, a day pack with necessary persnal gear fr the hike, and a persnal first aid kit. A sturdy hiking stick is als recmmended, but nt required. The hike t the Circle H prgram will begin Mnday mrning at apprximately 5:30 AM. Participants fr the Circle H prgram will need t have their gear easy t access frm the rest f the Trp s gear n Sunday s it can be laded n a 4x4 fr transprt t Circle H. Please have the gear yu need fr the hike easy t access as well, s that full packs dn t have t be unpacked and repacked. Sunday night, participants will stay in the high adventure campsite, then hike t Circle H first thing Mnday mrning. A nice Chuckwagn lunch will be waiting fr yu upn arrival t the Circle H Ranch! ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES While the week f prgram pprtunities at the Circle H Ranch center mstly arund histric ranching activities, there will be several pprtunities t earn merit badges while there! One f the mst exciting parts f the prgram is the excavatin f the burned dwn mansin at the ranch headquarters. Many very special relics were fund last summer, and many mre are waiting t be fund! Scuts will finish the Archaelgy Merit Badge during the week while participating in this dig and a few class sessins. A ranch wuldn t be cmplete withut animals! Lnghrn Cattle, hrses, gats and chickens will be living at Circle H as well! Participants will be expected t learn and help with the daily chres f feeding, cleaning, cllecting eggs, etc. fr all f these animals. By ding this, the Scuts will earn the Animal Science Merit Badge, t! The fish bite at Circle H, t! Be the nly Scuts at BTSR t be able t earn the Fishing Merit Badge during the week! Several fishing ples will be available fr Scuts interested in wrking n this badge. FEES The fee fr the Circle H Prgram is nly $275 fr yuth. This cvers all fd, prgram supplies, and a qualified staff. See Fees & Payment Schedule fr mre infrmatin. REQUIRED INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT (Fr Mtn. Man, Circle H, r Cavalry) Lng pants Sunscreen Cap r Hat Leather glves Flashlight with Batteries Pcket Knife Blanket & Bed Rll Rain gear Lng-sleeved shirt Hiking Backpack & Daypack 4-1qt. Water Bttles Camera and film (ptinal) Swimsuit & twel Clthing f the era (Optinal) ***See als individual camper list f equipment in the Frms Sectin*** Muntain Man staff were excellent guides fr the prgram. T- 259, Austin 56

49 Cavalry Camp -At- Buffal Trail Scut Ranch Yet anther great High-Adventure prgram fr yur lder Scuts! This and many ther utstanding pprtunities fr fun and excitement await yu at the premier By Scut camp in the state f Texas! Take a step back in time and live like the Cavalry sldiers f the 9 th and 10 th Cavalry at Frt Davis did in the mid 18:: s! This adventure will take yu t the tp f Frbidden Muntain t ur wn Frt. Here yu will stay fr a week and enjy a wide range f activities. Live, eat, sleep, and train like the sldiers did 150 years ag! A parade grund, unifrms, sabers, tents, drills, great fd, and great views all await yu at this muntain-tp experience! PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS -Live in military type wall tents -Chuck wagn style cking -Try ut real Cavalry unifrms & sabres -Learn skills and drills f the cavalry -Black pwder shting -Fun campfires and strytelling -Branding & rping -Learn the histry f Frt Davis -See sme breathtaking BTSR scenery -And much, much mre! Staff was very friendly & did a great jb f teaching MBs. Trp 700, Suthlake 57

50 Cavalry Adventure Camp PROGRAM OVERVIEW Take a step back in time and live like the 9th and 10th Cavalry statined at Frt Davis in the late 1800 s! Learn hw they lived and trained, eat Chuckwagn cking, ride and take care f hrses, wear the unifrms and sleep in the same type tents. The camp is lcated n tp f Frbidden Muntain, where yu will enjy the variety f prgrams alng with the breathtaking beauty f the scenic verlks. It prmises t be a week that yu will never frget! PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES Participatin in the Cavalry Adventure is pen t campers 13 years f age and lder as well as adult leaders. The entire Trp may sign up fr the prgram, individuals may sign up, r the Trp may send a small cntingent frm their base camp grup. We require any grups f 4 r larger t send AT LEAST ne adult leader with the grup. The Cavalry prgram may be ced, if female leadership is prvided. LOCATION The Cavalry Adventure will be lcated at the tp f Frbidden Muntain. Yu will need a backpack t carry yur persnal gear t the camp, s weight and bulk must be minimized. Keep it simple and light. The hike will be apprximately tw miles and mstly uphill, s be prepared t hike! ACTIVITIES A hst f exciting activities await yu n tp f Frbidden Muntain! Yu will live in military style wall tents, try ut the unifrms the cavalry wre and enjy sme utstanding Chuckwagn cking. Black pwder shting, hrseback riding, branding, rping, drills, histry f Frt Davis, fun campfires and strytelling all await yu at ur new parade grund and Frt n tp f Frbidden Muntain! STAFF & EQUIPMENT BTSR will prvide trained staff, chuck wagn cking gear, prgram supplies, and fd. Each participant will get t sleep in an authentic perid wall tent. Due t the rugged terrain, a sturdy pair f shes is a must. NO pen ted shes r sandals. Scuts are welcmed t wear cwby bts and Cavalry regalia all week. PLEASE NOTE All participants are expected t pitch in t accmplish necessary camp chres and t fllw the leadership f the staff. Self-discipline is expected, the Scut Oath and Law will be the rule f the Cavalry Adventure Camp. At the end f the week, all participants will hike back t base camp and get ready fr the clsing campfire. Here they will be recgnized with a special award fr their participatin in the Cavalry Adventure Prgram! FEES The fee fr the Cavalry Prgram is nly $275. This cvers all fd, prgram supplies, and a qualified staff. Staff was very friendly & did a great jb f teaching MBs. Trp 700, Suthlake 58

51 Frt Davis Histrical Trail Award FORT DAVIS HISTORICAL TRAIL AWARD Anther new pprtunity at Buffal Trail Scut Ranch is the Frt Davis Histrical Trail Award. Althugh this award is earned utside f camp at the Natinal Histric Site Frt Davis, it is administered by the camp and the Buffal Trail Cuncil. T earn this award, participants must cmplete the fur requirements listed belw, and submit the applicatin fr apprval. The award cmes in the frm f a patch and an ptinal medal, which will be available in the Jersey Lilly Trading Pst. This award is a great pprtunity fr thse Trps visiting the Frt befre r after camp r n Thursday night as yur Trp Night prgram. Wrkbks and award applicatins will be available at camp and n the Buffal Trail Cuncil Website. REQUIREMENTS 1. Hike the histrical trail cnsisting f abut ne mile n the curse described in the bklet and fill in the blanks fund in the bklet. 2. Yuth shall take part in ne f the Frt s educatinal games (Mystery f the Talking Walls, Junir Ranger, etc.) and adults shall supervise the yuth in cmpleting them. 3. D a service prject either at Frt Davis r at BTSR. Apprval f any prject must be btained in advance f any wrk dne. 4. Fill ut the applicatin frm fund in the trail bklet, and submit it at the Jersey Lilly when purchasing awards fr all participants. NATIONALLY APPROVED HISTORIC TRAIL Natinally, mre than 300 trails have been apprved fr use by Cub Scuts, By Scuts and Venturers. The BSA strngly recmmends that hikers use nly histric trails that have been natinally apprved. Each trail is different, varying in length, accmmdatins, markings, terrain, and awards. In rder fr a trail t be apprved, it must meet certain histric trail specificatins. They include: histric significance, layut, upkeep, and administratin. The Frt Davis Histrical Trail Award has met all f these BSA standards and has been apprved by the Natinal Cuncil fr use by Scuts f all ages! ABOUT FORT DAVIS Fllwing the war, increased hstility by the Indians hampered U. S. expansin westward, and it was felt necessary t rebuild the frt. In 1867, units f the newly frmed 9th Cavalry were sent t accmplish this task. Eventually, all fur f the Buffal Sldier units frmed after the Civil War wuld serve at Frt Davis. The ld frt is nw a part f the Natinal Park system, and is cnsidered the best preserved Indian Wars frt in the Suthwest. It is the nly preserved site cmmemrating the unique military rigins f the Buffal Sldiers. We hpe thse wh fllw in the ftsteps f the sldiers f the 1880 s will cme t better understand hw Frt Davis was a vital part f the rich histry f Texas! As yu tur the museum and hike the trail, we encurage yu t learn as much as pssible abut the lives f the sldiers wh were statined here far frm their hmes in a very remte part f Texas! Staff medic was very skilled, friendly, respnsive Annymus Adult 60

52 Health and Safety The Health Ldge is staffed by EMTs, Paramedics, r RNs trained t handle accidents and illnesses. Arrangements fr treatment f serius cases have been made with a lcal physician and Big Bend Reginal Hspital (60 miles frm Camp). PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS Each camper, adult r yuth, MUST bring a current, cmpleted BSA Annual Health and Medical Recrd Frm. A single NEW frm has been prduced by BSA, thus eliminating the Class 1, 2, and 3 frms. It is the Annual Health and Medical Recrd # It becmes mandatry fr all camp participants in 2010, thus making 2009 a transitin year. BTSR prefers that all physicals be n this frm, hwever, we will accept any f the ld frms that are UNEXPIRED thrugh the end f yur trip t BTSR. Keep in mind that ALL High Adventure prgram participants (adult r yuth) are REQUIRED t either submit a physical n the new frm, r an unexpired Class 3 frm in rder t participate in thse prgrams. (This includes: Climbing participants, Outback, Muntain Man, Cavalcade, Circle H, Cavalry, SCUBA.) A licensed physician must cmplete all physicals within the past twelve mnths. Base campers may have the Class 1 r 2 physical frm #34414A within the past 36 mnths as lng as the parental infrmatin has been updated in the past 12. Upn arrival t camp, medical screenings will be given by the Camp Medical Officer. The medical fficer will review health frms and medicatin needs fr all participants. This IS NOT a medical examinatin! There will be NO medical examinatins available at camp. If yu d nt have a Medical Frm when yu get t Camp, YOU WILL HAVE TO DRIVE TO ALPINE (60 MILES AND THE NEAREST DOCTOR) TO GET ONE. Please make arrangements befre cming t camp. PLEASE NOTE: A MEDICAL FORM IS REQUIRED FOR EVERYONE. TROOP FIRST AID KITS Trps shuld bring their wn First Aid Kit and Lg Bk. Many minr cuts and scratches can be handled in yur wn campsite. Rutine medicatins that d nt require refrigeratin can be kept in a lck bx at yur campsite. MEDICATIONS All prescriptin drugs (including thse needing refrigeratin) are t be lcked up. An exceptin may be made fr a limited amunt f medicatin t be carried by a camper, leader, parent, r staff member fr life-threatening cnditins, including bee-sting r heart medicatin, and inhalers, r fr a limited amunt f medicatin apprved fr use in a first aid kit. (Natinal Camp Standard M-20) TRIPS TO HOSPITALS AND DOCTORS Campers requiring the attentin f a dctr r hspital services will be handled as fllws: 1. It shall be the respnsibility f the unit leadership t prvide transprtatin fr unit members requiring services frm a dctr r hspital. The camp will prvide transprtatin nly if the unit has nne available. 2. One adult leader frm the unit MUST accmpany the Scut t the dctr r hspital and must carry insurance frms fr the hspital r dctr t cmplete. Yu must pick up the Scut's medical health recrd at the Health Ldge befre leaving camp. The leader must checkut and check-in at the camp ffice when ging t the hspital r dctr. 3. Parents shuld be ntified immediately f any serius illness r accident. If the parents will nt be hme during the week f camp, have them advise yu where they can be lcated. 4. Directins t dctrs and hspitals are available at the Camp Office. Staff medic was very skilled, friendly, respnsive Annymus Adult 61

53 SUMMER CAMP EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS FOR TROOP LEADERS The fllwing emergency plan fr summer camp peratin is fr all Trp Leaders. Each trp leader shuld be familiar with the fllwing infrmatin. Preparedness is the key t success in all emergencies. THE STAFF WILL HANDLE MOST EMERGENCIES. ONLY IF ADDITIONAL MANPOWER IS NEEDED WILL LEADERS BE CALLED UPON. BTSR FIRE CHIEF: The Camp Ranger is the BTSR Fire Crew Leader and is respnsible fr: A. Guiding and directing the in camp fire fighting crews. B. Gives the BTSR Fire Marshal (Cmmissiner) infrmatin needed fr trp mvement r cntrl. C. Wrks clsely with the Camp Directr n decisins f evacuatin r calling in assistance. BTSR FIRE MARSHAL: The Cmmissiner serves as BTSR Fire Marshal and is respnsible fr: A. Inspectin f camp fr fire hazards. B. Trp head cunt during any emergency. C. Practice fire drills each week. D. Inspects all trps fr fireguard plan. E. Inspects all tents fr "NO FLAME IN TENT" labels. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FIRE: The emergency fire signal in camp is a SIREN. If the alarm is sunded, campers will immediately g t the parade grund in frnt f the flagples and remain there awaiting further instructins. In the event f a grass fire, which burns tward the campsites, campers shuld enter the creek t avid it. If fire prevents travel t the Dining Hall a designated staff member may be lcated at the Alpine Latrine and at the Chapel. Staff fire fighting crews will handle the fire with instructins frm the BTSR Fire Chief. HUMAN LIFE IS PRECIOUS; DON'T ALLOW CAMPERS TO ATTEMPT TO SALVAGE BELONGINGS, FROM BURNING AREA. MATERIAL POSSESSIONS CAN BE REPLACED. SEVERE WEATHER OR STORM: The severe weather signal is cntinuus ringing f the Chapel BELL at the Scut Ranch. In the event f sudden severe weather, prgram will be discntinued. Campers will seek shelter, if time allws, in the Buffal Hall, the Chapel, r the tack rm (hrsemanship participants). Camp Directr is in charge. The Cmmissiner's staff will pass n infrmatin n what t d. Best camp I ve been t! Trp 4277, Rund Rck 62

54 FLOOD: Evacuate campsites alng the creek and seek high grund. If a high rise is reprted n the way and time permits; persnal gear, tents, etc. may be mved t high grund. Cnduct a head cunt f yur trp. A staff member frm the Camp Operatins Office will gather yur reprt and give yu further instructins. Camp Directr is in charge. In the event campsites are blwn dwn r flded ut, bring yur campers t the Buffal Hall fr shelter until cnditins are such that yu may return t yur camp area. Camp Staff will assist units in all cases and will check n yur trp's cnditin during and immediately after severe weather r fld cnditins. LOST CAMPER: Reprt lst camper t the Camp Operatins Office. The Buffal Trail Scut Ranch Search and Rescue (BTSRSAR) Staff will be ntified. All search prcedures utlined in the BTSRSAR Manual will be fllwed. All Search and Rescue peratins are under the directin f the BTSRSAR Directr. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND ACCIDENTS IN BASE CAMP: Take actin t stp bleeding and cntrl indicatins f shck. Bring the injured camper t the Health Ldge fr treatment. DO NOT MOVE VICTIM if in dubt f his cnditin. SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR FATALITY: Take immediate actin t stp bleeding, prtect the injury and treat fr shck. Begin CPR where breathing has stpped. Get the Camp Medic. The Camp Directr will alert dctr, hspital and arrange transprtatin. The Camp Directr and/r the Scutmaster will ntify parents and r ther persns necessary. In rder t cllect all facts as sn as pssible including statements f witnesses, the Camp Directr will hld an infrmal inquiry as sn as pssible after the event. Names and trp numbers f all witnesses are essential. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES AND ACCIDENTS IN THE OUTBACK: Take actin and apply immediate first aid t the victim. Ntify the Camp Operatins Office r Out-Back Camp as sn as pssible. The BTSRSAR Directr will send a medical team immediately after ntificatin. The BTSRSAR Directr will be in charge. NATURAL DISASTER: Ntify the Camp Operatins Office wh will ntify all the prper authrities. Staff will be rganized t assist in rescue and first aid. Bring all injured t Health Ldge. All thers reprt t Buffal Hall area. DO NOT GO INTO A BUILDING OR AREA THAT IS NOT SAFE! HEAT CONDITIONS: The Camp Directr may curtail extreme physical activities where high heat r high heat and humidity exist. This includes hiking, wrk r ther "heavy demand" physical activities. Dehydratin is a majr prblem in this climate, if trps will push water cnsumptin the prgrams may be able t cntinue. Due t the lw humidity levels and 95 + temperatures, Scuts ften feel cl frm evapratin and d nt drink water. IN ALL EMERGENCIES - DON'T PANIC! USE YOUR HEAD! REPORT TO THE CAMP OFFICE IMMEDIATELY! Staff was great! Trp 84, Midland 63

55 Heat index (r apparent temperature) is hw the heat and humidity in the air cmbine t make us feel. Higher humidity plus higher temperatures ften cmbine t make us feel a perceived temperature that is higher than the actual air temperature. The ld saying, "its nt the heat, its the humidity" hlds true. Smetimes in the summer in the Davis Muntains, ur relative humidity is s lw that we actually feel cler! See the chart belw shwing varius cmbinatins f air temperature versus relative humidity t help yu gauge fr yurself. Abve is a heat index (r apparent temperature) chart shwing varius cmbinatins f air temperature versus relative humidity. T use the chart, lcate the air temperature alng the left clumn and the relative humidity alng the tp. The cell where the tw intersect is the heat index. Fr example, an air temperature f 90 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity f 60 percent intersect at a heat index f 100 degrees. In ther wrds, the temperature wuld feel like 100 degrees with this humidity/temperature cmbinatin. Heat index values were devised fr shady light wind cnditins. Expsure t full sunlight can increase values by up t 15 degrees Fahrenheit. First aid treatment suggestins fr heat-related illnesses can be btained frm lcal Red Crss ffices, hspitals, clinics, public health agencies and physicians. BTSR s health fficer will use this chart t insure the health and safety f ur campers. Schedules may be adjusted r certain activities curtailed fr the safety f all participants, staff, and livestck. 64

56 BTSR Reservatin Applicatin 2011 PLEASE PRINT! TROOP # COUNCIL NAME SCOUTMASTER ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP HOME PHONE WORK PHONE ADDRESS FAX # PLEASE RESERVE MY TROOP A SPACE AT BTSR FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK: Week 1 June Week 2 June Week 3 June 26-July 2 Week 4 July 3-9 Week 5 July Week 6 July Week 7 July Week 8 July 30-August 6 PROGRAM CHOICES Please enter yur ttal participants per prgram chice. ***REMEMBER*** Accunt fr incming Webels! Space is limited in each area, and accurate numbers are needed. Participants Base Camp Outback Mtn.Man Cavalcade* Circle H Cavalry ADULTS YOUTH TOTALS *CAVALCADE must cmplete a separate applicatin RESERVATION FEE ENCLOSED--$ is NON-REFUNDABLE Every effrt fr reservatin chices will be made depending upn the weekly limits f the camp and the prgrams available. Receipt# Date 67

57 Clerk Mail t: Buffal Trail Cuncil, 1101 West Texas Ave, Midland, TX Website: Fax BTSR Reservatin Midland, TX BTSR Cavalcade Applicatin 2011 Cavalcade registratin is by TROOP APPLICATION. Frmerly, participants were drawn via lttery, hwever, in 2011, Cavalcades will be filled n a first-cme, first-served basis. When an applicatin is received, the trp will be ntified that their chice is available, and will have a 15 day perid t pay the NON-REFUNDABLE $ depsit PER Cavalcade. All Cavalcades require 10 paid riders minimum. If a unit des nt have a full crew f 10 riders, they will still be charged fr 10 riders. The unit can recruit riders frm ther units t make up the deficiency if needed. Hrsemanship merit badge is a pre-requisite fr all yuth. TROOP # Cuncil Name Scutmaster Name ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP DAYTIME PHONE Fax Please indicate yur chice f Cavalcades belw. Tw Cavalcades per week are available, and ne r bth may be taken per unit. Our Trp is requesting: ONE -r- BOTH Cavalcades fr the week f: Week 1 June Week 2 June Week 3 June 26-July 2 Week 4 July 3-9 Week 5 July Week 6 July Week 7 July Week 8 July 30-August 6 I understand that if during the curse f the week a rider must drp ut f the CAVALCADE prgram, he can return t the base camp t participate in activities at the discretin f the Head Wrangler and Camp Directr. There will be NO refund r adjustment f fees because f this change. I hereby accept this agreement: Scutmaster Signature Date Cmmittee Chairman Date A Hld Harmless agreement frm fr each rider must be cmpleted and submitted upn arrival at camp. Each rider must have the BSA Class 3 physical exam. 68

58 Buffal Trail Cuncil Camps Texas Yuth Camp Act Rule Changes On April 16, 2006, the state f Texas passed int law new regulatins that affect the Texas Yuth Camps Safety and Health Act. These new laws affect all licensed yuth camps in the state f Texas, including By Scut summer camps and Cub Scut day camps. As a result, there is a change f plicy fr all leaders and adults attending any f the Buffal Trail Cuncil Camps this summer. (BTSR, HAB, Thmas, r District Day Camps) The fllwing is a synpsis f the new laws in place that affect summer camp peratin: 1) The camp management shall have n file a recrd f any criminal cnvictin fr all adult staff members and all adult vlunteers wrking at the camp. (This includes adult leaders and parents attending camp with their Pack, Trp, r Crew as participants.) 2) Recrds f criminal cnvictins and sex ffender status may be btained by an annual criminal backgrund check and by perfrming an annual backgrund check using a Sex Offender Registratin database fr each staff member's permanent residence and educatinal residence. 3) Effective June 1, 2006, a yuth camp licensee may nt emply r accept the vlunteer service f an individual fr a psitin invlving cntact with campers at a yuth camp unless yuth camp has n file dcumentatin that verifies the individual has successfully cmpleted the training and examinatin prgram required by this subsectin. (This includes adult leaders and parents attending camp with their Pack, Trp, r Crew as participants.) As a result f these changes t Texas law, the fllwing plicies shall nw be in affect fr all adults cming as participants t Buffal Trail Cuncil Camps this summer, whether as an adult camper r adult staff member. ADULT = ANYONE OVER THE AGE OF 18 A. All adults cming t participate at Buffal Trail Cuncil Camps MUST be registered as an adult leader with the By Scuts f America. N exceptins. (Since registratin with the BSA requires a criminal backgrund check, this cvers new rule # 1.) B. All adults cming t camp must submit t and shw the results f a backgrund check thrugh the Sex Offender Registratin database. (This is dne thrugh a website and is cnducted withut charge. This cvers rule change # 2.) C. All adults must shw cmpletin f the BSA ONLINE Yuth Prtectin Training, with a date n the card shwing April 16, 2006 r beynd, and must still be currently valid (taken within the last tw years). The Online YPT is the nly apprved curse acceptable fr shwing cmpliance t rule #3. All curses must be apprved by the state, and this is the ne that has been apprved by the State fr BSA Leaders. NO OTHER YOUTH PROTECTION CLASSES TAKEN PRIOR TO APRIL 16 TH, 2006 CAN BE ACCEPTED. ONLY BSA ONLINE YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING CAN BE ACCEPTED. (MUST BE COMPLETED BI-ANNUALLY!) As an aid in cmplying with these new rules, the Buffal Trail Cuncil has put tgether an applicatin that MUST be cmpleted by EVERY adult cming t camp this summer. The nly exceptin t this rule is a persn that cmes t camp as a visitr, des nt stay vernight, and stays n lnger than half a day. Beynd that, ALL adults at camp (whether it is ne day r all week) must cmplete this frm and the steps indicated. This can be assigned as a duty t a unit leader. That persn can cllect the frms, cnduct the backgrund check in the Sex Offender Registratin database, cllect YPT certificatin cards, and btain a BSA cpy f the unit rster shwing all adults as registered in the Pack, Trp r Crew. This packet must then be submitted t camp management immediately upn arrival t camp. 71

59 BTSR Tur Guide Checklist Staff Member: Reprt Time: Camp Site: Trp #: As yur assigned trp arrives, yu will g t the campsite with the Trp and leaders. On the way and at the campsite, infrm the Trp f the fllwing: A.) N climbing n the rcks near the camp areas r Frbidden Muntain B.) Drink plenty f water. C.) N running in camp. D.) Slpe between upper and lwer level is ff limits; use stairs r rads. E.) Clsed te shes, shirt, cap, and water bttles are necessities daily. F.) We recycle at BTSR, use aluminum can bins. G.) Trp phts will be taken during the tur. Have unifrms n r available. H.) Bring swimsuits fr swim checks r pre-camp swim check paperwrk t turn in. I.) Unlad gear at campsite s vehicle can be mved. Setup camp after tur. When Trp is ready, begin tur at Alpine Latrine and discuss the fllwing: Separate restrm facilities (bys, men, & wmen) & keeping facilities clean Pint ut water spigts fr drinking. Stay hydrated, drink plenty f water! Trash cntainers, recycling bins Walk t amphitheater; discuss pening camp shw and clsing shw Take Trp up the OA Trail and discuss the fllwing: Rck range - Only place n camp rck thrwing is allwed, helmet check ut at HQ Staff area and latrines- Staff use ONLY! Health ldge - stp fr Medic s talk Cntinue Tur and discuss: Baby rck fr climbing MB nly. N unauthrized rck climbing anywhere in camp. Archery/Rifle Range shw bridge and discuss n shrtcuts behind archery range Gelgy Table Walk up rck steps t cntinue tur Dining Hall - stp fr dining hall steward s talk Handicrafts Hut Parade grunds & Flagples Tipi fr Indian Lre and Archaelgy Merit Badges Stp at flagples fr Trp Phts, then cntinue t: Jersey Lilly - stp fr talk frm Trading Pst staff Buffal Hall games, restrms, keep area clean please! Please use RECYCLE bins fr cans! Office - stp fr talk frm Office Staff Cntinue t Pl and pint ut the Quartermaster and Crrals. Only enter these areas with staff permissin. Pint ut ff-limits areas: Ranger s Huse Cactus Mund & Tricky Gap staff areas Old Flks Hme fr adults nly (males ver 18 & females changing and rest rm facilities) Pint ut Trails t: Chapel, Scut Skills, Trail T Eagle, Axe yard fr Ttin Chip NATECO area, Gat Cave trail are all the way up the hill Swimming pl Stp here fr swim checks r t turn in pre-camp swim checks Take Trp back t campsite Pickup Trp at 6:00 pm fr dinner 77

60 Prpsed Menu This is a PROPOSED menu fr the summer f As fdservice cntracts, cnsultatin with cks and ther planning takes place, this menu is subject t change withut ntice! Sunday Mnday Tuesday Breakfast Lunch Dinner Pancakes Bacn Fruit Cereal Pigs in a Blanket Gravy Oatmeal Fruit Cereal Crn Dg French Fries Ckies Salad Bar Sub Sandwiches (ham r turkey) Prk-n-Beans Ptat Chips Cndiment Bar Banana Pudding Chicken Fried Steak Crn n the Cb Mashed Ptates Gravy Rlls Peach Dump Cake Enchiladas Spanish Rice Refried Beans Cndiment Bar Cake with Icing Chicken Spaghetti Peas Garlic Bread Salad Bar Cherry Cheese Cake PBJ Sandwich cart available at ALL meals Wednesday Biscuits with Gravy Sausage Cereal Fruit Nachs Spanish Rice Refried Beans Cndiment Bar Spice Cake Scuts- Chicken Strips Mashed Ptates Gravy Green Beans Salad Bar Ice Cream with Chclate Syrup Scutmaster Dinner Steak Baked Ptat Green Beans Rlls Cndiments Salad Scutmaster Cbbler Thursday Breakfast Burrits Oatmeal Fruit Cereal Pizza Crn Brwnies Salad Bar Fruit Salad Fil Dinners r Stew r Sandwiches all with Fruit Thursday Supper in Campsites Friday Danishes Cereal Fruit Milk Ht Dgs Bratwurst Sauerkraut Chili Frits Cndiments Watermeln Brisket Ranch Stile Beans Ptat Salad Salad Bar White r Wheat Bread Chclate Cake with Icing Friday Breakfast in Campsites Picnic Lunch Outside f Dining Hall Saturday Breakfast Kit Fruit Milk TO GO Saturday Breakfast meal kits are TO GO 81

61 Pre-Camp Swim Tests Units may elect t take swim tests befre arrival at camp. The fllwing are the requirements fr pre-camp swim tests: 1. Tests must be perfrmed in accrdance with BSA Swimming test standards. 2. Tests must be perfrmed by a certified Lifeguard. 3. Tests must have been cmpleted within 90 days f yur arrival t BTSR. Hw t Certify Pre-camp Swim Tests Please bring the fllwing paperwrk t certify yur unit's pre-camp swim tests: 1. A list f yuth and adults wh tk the test shwing the skill level they earned in the test: Swimmer, Beginner, r Nn-Swimmer. The list must be signed and dated by the unit leader and the certifying lifeguard and include a nte attesting that the swim test was cnducted accrding t BSA requirements. 2. A phtcpy f the certificatin cards and pht ID f the lifeguard wh perfrmed the test. Classificatin f Swimming Ability The Swimmer Test The swimmer test demnstrates the minimum level f swimming ability required fr safe deep-water swimming. The varius cmpnents f the test evaluate the several skills essential t this minimum level f swimming ability: Jump feet-first int water ver the head in depth, level ff, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strng manner using ne r mre f the fllwing strkes: sidestrke, breaststrke, trudgen, r crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstrke. The 100 yards must be cmpleted in ne swim withut stps and must include at least ne sharp turn. After cmpleting the swim, rest by flating. The test administratr must bjectively evaluate the individual perfrmance f the test, and in s ding shuld keep in mind the purpse f each test element. "Jump feet-first int water ver the head in depth, level ff, and begin swimming...." The swimmer must be able t make an abrupt entry int deep water and begin swimming withut any aids. Walking in frm shallw water, easing in frm the edge r dwn a ladder, pushing ff frm side r bttm, r gaining frward mmentum by diving d nt satisfy this requirement. "... Swim 75 yards in a strng manner using ne r mre f the fllwing strkes: sidestrke, breaststrke, trudgen, r crawl;..." 85