CAMP KERN PROGRAM GUIDE FOR LEADERS

Transcription

1 SOUTHERN SIERRA COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA HUNTINGTON LAKE, CA 2014 CAMP KERN PROGRAM GUIDE FOR LEADERS

2 PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES TROOP & ADULT SRVC PROJECTS 2 LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2 BROTHERHOOD OF THE MTN MAN 2 HONOR RIBBONS / CAMPER TOTEM 3 ISLAND ADVENTURE 3 ORDER OF THE ARROW 3 CAMPFIRES / HIKE DAY 3 BIKE USE / NATURE 4 SHOOTING SPORTS / SWIMMING 4 BOATING / MILE SWIM 5 BSA LIFEGUARD / FISHING 5 SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES 6 LEAVE NO TRACE 6 TRAIL TO FIRST CLASS 6 ADVANCED CAMPER EXPERIENCE 7 HORSEMANSHIP 8 HANDICRAFT 8 TRAIL TO EAGLE 9 ADVANCEMENT AT CAMP KERN 10 ADVANCEMENT POLICIES 10 MERIT BADGE CLASSES POLICIES AND MERIT BADGES 11 PRE-REQUISITES 12 FREE-TIME MERIT BADGES 15 BRYAN BATEY SAILING ACADEMY 15 FORMS BROTHERHOOD OF THE MTN MAN 16 TRAIL TO FIRST CLASS 22 CAMP KERN TOTEM 23 WEEK AT A GLANCE 24 PARENTAL FIREARM AUTHORIZATION 25 MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION 26 BARGE SCHEDULE 27 CAMP MENU 28 PERSONAL GEAR LIST 29 FORMS REQUIRED/CHECK-IN 30 CAMP ROSTER 31 CAMPER EARLY RELEASE FORM 32 TRIP/ACTIVITY AUTHORIZATION 33 MERIT BADGE SCHEDULE 34 MERIT BADGE SIGN-UP SHEET 35 Other forms are available at CAMP KERN PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES Welcome to the Camp Kern program. Along with the great location and staff, Camp Kern offers outstanding camp programs that emphasize the aims and methods of scouting. The intent of the camp program is to build character, increase citizenship, and develop increased physical, mental, and emotional fitness in all campers. To ensure this the program specializes in building self-reliance, advancing others through service oriented activities, strengthening a Scouts belief in the Scout Oath and Law, incorporating the patrol method in all applicable activities, emphasizing the benefits of being out-of-doors through various skills and activities, encouraging positive adult role modeling for the youth campers, while at the same time increasing self-worth and positive identity, devotion to religious ideals, and strengthening leadership skills. Scouts and leaders will experience a myriad of activities that are fun, challenging, and designed to facilitate personal growth. Merit badge courses, free-time elective activities, and special programs will ensure that everyone in your troop is busy having a great time. Be sure that your Scouts know which merit badges they want to take prior to coming to camp (see merit badge sign-up sheet) below. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE CAMP PROGRAM Each day at camp, with the exception of Wednesday hike day, the program is divided into three parts: morning, afternoon, and evening. Morning session consists primarily of campsite inspections, morning messages, and merit badge classes that each Scout signs up for. After lunch the camp the afternoon session is primarily devoted to free-time, which allows Scouts to participate in whatever program opportunities they wish. This can consist of taking extra merit badge classes that they are not signed up for they, swimming in the lake, shooting the rifles, visiting the trading post, hiking, sailing, canoeing, or simply sitting in their campsite working on homework. This time is for the campers to enjoy the camp however they wish. After dinner an evening of activities are provided by the staff that allow Scouts to grow as individuals and troops to bond as a unit. The full week-long schedule can be viewed in the Camp Kern Week at a Glance provided at the end of this guide.

3 TROOP SERVICE PROJECT Kern provides opportunities for your unit to do service projects while in camp. This is an important part of the camping experience and helps Scouts feel a sense of ownership in Camp Kern. The ranger staff will tailor projects to your troop s skill and ability level. If you have any ideas about the service project you would like to perform, simply let us know. Tuesday evening troop friend night is designed for Scouts to have a chance to work on service projects with their troop friends. ADULT SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES There are many facility improvements that are on-going at Camp Kern. We are always looking for people who would like to help make Camp Kern a better place. If you would like to participate in cutting wood or in any other project that would require special tools, feel free to bring your own equipment. If you have a special skill set and would like to share it during your stay at Camp Kern, do not hesitate to let the camp director know. You can always call the camp at (559) to find out what type of projects we are working on at the moment. LEADERSHIP TRAINING Roundtables will be held for Scoutmasters and adult leaders on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. These meetings are designed to keep you informed about the daily program while simultaneously infusing leadership concepts into your experience at camp. They are also a great time during which questions can be answered. We highly encourage that at least one adult leader from every troop attends the daily roundtable so that they can relay the appropriate information to their troop. Camp Kern also offers the following adult training opportunities: A. Safe Swim Defense - will be taught at the campfire bowl on Tuesday at 9:30 am. B. Safety Afloat - will be taught at the campfire bowl on Tuesday at 9:30 am. C. BSA Lifeguard - the class will begin on Monday after swim checks. It will take about 30 hours to complete during the week and will require the person to work on requirements during all three merit badge hours, all day Wednesday, and most of the free-time throughout the week. D. Leave No Trace Training - will be taught on Thursdays at 3:00 PM during free-time and will consist of approximately 30 minutes of instruction on our responsibility to Mother Nature. SENIOR PATROL LEADER ROUNDTABLE Roundtables will be held for the SPL s at 1:30 PM everyday but Wednesday in the Camp Kern Chapel. These meetings, under the leadership of the commissioners, are designed to keep the SPL s informed about the daily schedule while giving them additional tools needed to be better leaders of their troop. BROTHERHOOD OF THE MOUNTAIN MAN Camp Kern has its own in-camp honor society known as The Brotherhood of the Mountain Man. Scouts who meet the rank-appropriate requirements will advance in the Brotherhood of the Mountain Man and will be given the corresponding arc, which symbolizes their standing in the brotherhood. Adult leaders can also advance in the brotherhood as they complete requirements at camp. The Brotherhood of the Mountain Man round patch can be purchased in the trading post for $3.00 per patch. The senior patrol leader, under the direction of the Scoutmaster, is ultimately responsible for keeping track of the each Scout s progress. As Scouts and leaders return to Camp Kern year after year, participate in the program, and fulfill all of the requirements for rank advancement, they will advance as follows: 1st year: Woodsrunner 3rd year: Trapper 5th year: Frontiersman 7th year: Mountain Man 2nd year: Pathfinder 4th year: Chief Trader 6th year: Booshway 2

4 HONOR RIBBONS Each troop will have the opportunity to earn the Camp Kern Honor Award as they participate and progress in the program during the week. This award honors those units who are proactive in promoting the values of Scouting through their service to the camp and others. This is not a competition between troops, but rather a goal to work toward while simultaneously building troop unity and facilitating personal development. Scouts, under the direction and encouragement of their adult leaders and the staff, will strive for success. Ribbons will be presented to each unit at the closing campfire so that deserving troops may be recognized. CAMPER TOTEM Each Scout will be given a leather totem bearing the annual Camp Kern logo. Throughout the week, each camper will be recognized for participation in Camp Kern programs by being presented with different colored beads that correspond with each activity that they participate in. ISLAND ADVENTURE Camp Kern offers a great troop activity for those who want to brave the waters of Huntington Lake. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday during the free-time, troops can sign-up to canoe to Scout Island to jump off the rocks, play in the water, and enjoy the beautiful High Sierra scenery. This commissioner guided activity will require those troops who want to participate to sign-up in advance during the first adult leader roundtable on Monday afternoon. ORDER OF THE ARROW Camp Kern emphasizes the promotion of the Order of the Arrow (OA). This is done so through a callout ceremony on Monday evenings along with an ice-cream social for all current and prospective members of the OA. CAMPFIRES Camp Kern facilitates three different campfires throughout the week. The camp staff will perform an opening and closing campfire for the campers. The Wednesday night commissioner campfire allows each troop to participate along with the staff. Please come to camp ready to perform a run-on, skit, song, and cheer as a troop. Your troop friends will be ready to help you, if need be. Please keep all performances scouting appropriate. HIKE DAY Camp Kern and Huntington Lake border the Kaiser National Wilderness. This 22,700-acre wilderness area gives Scouts and adult leaders opportunities to hike, backpack, and fish at elevations between 7,000 and 10,320 feet. Listed are just a few of the many natural, high mountain lakes, beautiful meadows, and impressive rock formations that will create a spectacular hiking experience for all ages and levels: Indian Pools: Between 7 and 9 mile round trip hike that is mostly on flat terrain. It offers spectacular views and swimming in the shallow pools. After eating lunch enjoy a pleasant hike back to camp. This is a great hike for younger Scouts. Rancheria Falls: An enjoyable, 12 mile round trip hike that goes to a spectacular falls that are 150 feet high by 50 feet wide and which run year round. After cooling off in Rancheria Creek and eating lunch, return to camp. This is an easy hike until the last few miles in which there is about a 1000 foot elevation gain in the last mile of the hike. Recommended for campers 14 and older or younger Scouts with hiking experience. 3

5 Around the Lake: This 20-mile hike is relatively flat, but not for the faint of heart. Starting from Camp Kern, proceed in a clockwise direction around Huntington Lake. Stop at Captain Jack s for milkshakes, if you d like. Nellie Lake: This moderate to difficult 12 mile round trip hike begins by the Upper Billy Creek Campground and ends at beautiful Nellie Lake. After eating lunch, doing some fishing (provided Scouts have required licenses and equipment), and swimming at the lake, return to camp the way you came. Recommended for fit campers that are 14 years and older. Sunset Point: An enjoyable 8-10 mile hike that offers spectacular views of the lower Shaver Valley, fishing, and some limited swimming. A great hike for young Scouts. Kaiser Loop Trail: This is a strenuous hike that includes a gain of 3,000 feet in altitude combines a climb to an outstanding panoramic view of the High Sierras with a tour through the forest and meadows of the lower portions of the Kaiser Wilderness. This challenging 20 mile hike is recommended for older Scouts and those who have hiking experience. Those who participate in ACE will be hiking this trail on Hike Day. BIKES IN CAMP We have a number of bikes that are used by our ACE and High Adventure programs. Bikes will be available for check-out during free-time when they are not being used by the ACE program. You must know and follow all of the BSA and Forest Service bicycle rules, which includes wearing a helmet and staying on the trails while riding. Due to lack of space, bike riding in camp is prohibited; therefore, if you plan on biking, we recommend that you sign up with the ACE program. We discourage bringing your own personal bikes, but you may do so at your own risk and as long as you comply with the camp guidelines stated above. NATURE AREA AND TRAIL Camp Kern offers many opportunities to discover and learn about the environment and the unique ecology of the High Sierra s. We offer nature trail tours which are given by our nature staff. Take in the diverse terrain and abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat. RIFLE, SHOTGUN, AND ARCHERY RANGES Rifle and archery ranges are available for use by all campers who have a signed parental release form. Shotgun shooting is available to those who are 14-years-old and older. All participants must participate in a safety orientation from the range instructors prior to using any of the shooting sports equipment. Ammunition and arrows are provided at the range. There is a $10 per person charge for shotgun shooting, all other ammunition is provide free at Camp Kern. Scouts taking archery must purchase an arrow kit that is sold at the trading post. SWIMMING Huntington Lake offers some of the best water recreation in the Sierra Nevada s. Camp Kern s swim area operates in strict accordance with BSA policies and is used for merit badges, rank advancement instruction, and free-time swims. Although the water temperature is usually safe for regular waterrelated Scouting activities, there might be times during the beginning of the summer when it is slightly colder than normal. During these times, it is recommended that each camper bring a wetsuit if they plan to spend a great deal of time doing aquatics merit badges, participating in ACE water activities, or simply swimming during free-time. 4

6 BOATING Camp Kern provides sailboats, catamarans, kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, rowboats, a water trampoline, and motor boats (there is a one-time $10.00 fuel fee for use of the motor boats). All of these items are available for use during all free-time. Huntington Lake is home to world-class sailing. We recommend that you and your Scouts take advantage of the great sailing opportunities offered during free-time. In accordance with BSA s Safety Afloat, everyone in a water vessel must wear a life vests and have passed the BSA swimmer test. An orientation and demonstration of ability is required to use equipment. It is highly recommended that each camper bring a wetsuit if they plan on spending a lot of time using the boats or other water vessels. MILE SWIM This is an individual activity that is open to all campers, Scouts and adult leaders alike who pass their BSA swimmer test. The mile swim is a program that consists of an 800 yard swim on Tuesday, a halfmile swim on Thursday, and a full mile swim on Friday. Swimmers must participate in all three swims in order to receive the Mile Swim Award. In addition, they will need another troop member to be their buddy and help them count laps. The waterfront director will assign times, locations, and equipment to be utilized. BSA LIFEGUARD This program is for older Scouts (14 and older) and adult leaders. It will take about 30 hours to complete during the week and will require the person to work on requirements during all three merit badge hours, all day Wednesday, and most of the free-time throughout the week. The candidates will work closely with our waterfront staff throughout the week and learn all aspects of lifeguard skills and waterfront operation. If interested, please contact the waterfront director on Monday morning during swim checks. It is highly encouraged that at least one adult member in each troop certify. This will allow troops and units to participate in all water activities throughout the year while being covered by the rules and regulations outlined in the BSA Guide to Safe Scouting. Those Scouts participating in this program will NOT participate in Hike Day, but instead will stay in camp and under the direction of the Waterfront Director continue to work on their certification. **Note: There has to be at least 4 participants in the program during the week in order to run the class. FISHING PROGRAM Camp Kern is a great place to fish and because of this encourages participation in the BSA s Take Me Fishing program. The stocked waters of Huntington Lake offer many chances to catch your fair share of Rainbow Trout. We recommend that fishermen practice catch and release, although you can keep the fish if you plan on cooking it in your campsite (note: the kitchen cannot store fish for you in the refrigerator). We also recommend the use of barbless hooks for easy release of the fish after they are caught. Some bait and tackle items will be sold in the trading post, but we recommend that you come stocked with your own bait. Please come to camp prepared to fish with your own equipment. The camp will have a few poles and basic equipment that can be used, but this equipment will be used primarily for those who are enrolled in the fishing merit badge class. Anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current fishing license to take any kind of fish, mollusk, invertebrate, amphibian or crustacean in California. Camp Kern will not have fishing licenses for sale. We recommend purchasing the appropriate license at your local sporting goods store prior to coming to camp. If you do not get a chance to do this, however, you can purchase fishing licenses at the Lakeshore General Store. Make sure you have valid identification on your person in order to purchase a California State fishing license. When fishing at Camp Kern it is the campers responsibility to know 5

7 the California State fishing guidelines. Please be aware of and know that Camp Kern will enforce all California State fishing regulations. SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES The following are special opportunities for boys to improve their skills and serve others. To have a chance to earn special recognition in these fields you must meet the requirements written next to the award. Those who participate and complete the requirements will be recognized at the end of camp and be eligible to purchase the patch or carry the card that correlates with the award. Firem n Chit: Taught in the Handicraft or Trail to First Class area during the free-time and is available to all adults and boys. Totin Chip: Taught in the Handicraft or Trail to First Class area during the free-time and is available to all adults and boys. Scouts must have this certification before they can handle knives at camp. Leave No Trace Training: Taught on Thursdays at 3:00 PM during free-time. Approximately 30 minutes of instruction on our responsibility to Mother Nature. (Note: No certification will be earned for this class.) BSA Lifeguard: See BSA Lifeguard requirements above. Mile Swim BSA: Available to all Scouts & Adult Leaders. See Mile Swim requirements above. LEAVE NO TRACE Along with providing Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class advancement opportunities the Trail to First Class program will also teach a Leave No Trace Training. All Monday classes will spend a portion of time teaching the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace and conducting several activities that emphasize understanding the Outdoor Code. TRAIL TO FIRST CLASS The Trail to First Class program is for all Scouts needing to pass off rank advancement requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. Camp Kern offers a merit badge period for teaching the skills required in each rank. If the Scout wants to work on all three ranks he will have to take each of the merit badge periods. We suggest that new Scouts who are focusing on rank advancement take at least one class, as they will meet every day to work on requirements. For Scouts who have only a few requirements to pass off, it is suggested that they do not sign up for a class, but rather work on their requirements during the free-time. If the scouts do take all three periods they will still have time during free time to earn other merit badges. Please note that Scouts who come to camp as Tenderfoots will not be First Class by the end of the week, but if they attend class every day and work hard during the free-time, they will complete many of the requirements needed to advance. Included in this guide is the form the counselor will use to mark what the Scout has passed off during the week. This will be returned to the Scoutmaster upon check-out on Saturday morning. Once at home, the Scoutmaster can sign the Scouts handbooks off according to what has been signed off on the sheet. Below are the requirements that will be covered during the specific days of the week at Camp Kern. 6

8 Camp Kern s Trail to First Class Schedule MB Period Rank Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday 1 Tenderfoot 6-display, raise, fold flag 7-Scout Oath, motto, slogan Understanding the Outdoor Code 4a-demonstrate how to whip and fuse the ends of a rope 4b-tie half hitch & taut line hitch 5-review hiking rules 11-poisonous plants 12a-Heimlich 12b-elementary first aid Swim 2 Second Class 1a-compass skills & orient a map 1b-5 mile orienteering course Understanding the Outdoor Code 3c-knife, axe, $ saw care 3d-tools for making kindling, fuel for cooking fire 9e-appropriate use of cooking fire and lightweight stove 3f-lighting a fire and stove 7a-hurry cases 7b-personal first aid kits 7c-intermediate first aid 8a-safe swim 8b-swim check 8c-rescue methods, reaching and throwing 3 First Class 1-find directions without a compass during day/night 2-1-mile orienteering course requiring measuring 6-10 kinds of native plants Understanding the Outdoor Code 7a-lashing use, timber hitch, clove hitch, square knot, shear, diagonal lashing poles 7b-camp gadget 8a-bowline and uses 8b-first aid and bandages 8c-transport moves 8d-5 common signs of a heart attack and CPR steps 9a-safe trip afloat 9b-swim check 9c-tender and rescuer ADVANCED CAMPER EXPERIENCE (ACE) Camp Kern offers a fantastic in-camp high adventure program for all campers over the age of 14 yearsold. This program is designed for older boys and adults who want to participate in more high adventure activities at scout camp. Participation in this program can be done in conjunction with merit badge classes, which will be taken in the morning, or it can stand alone and be the only thing a Scout participates in. A Scout can take merit badge classes and participate in ACE, but they will miss the ACE morning activities in order to take merit badge classes. Those who participate will be hiking, sailing, canoeing, shooting, biking, horseback riding, and rock climbing throughout the week. Those who participate in every activity will receive a special patch at the end of the week. On Tuesday afternoon the ACE group will be going on a two hour recreational horseback ride on the north side of the lake. This is a guided ride through D&F Pack Station and will be an additional $50.00 for those who want to participate. Money should be paid in the trading post upon arrival at camp using cash, a personal check or a credit card. A special pass will be given to riders upon check-in at camp and after verification of payment. All riders are required to have a signed waiver form prior to riding. Those who do not participate will be board sailing on the lake. 7

9 ACE Week at a Glance Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Swim Checks assigned as troops Bike Ride to Indian Pools Breakfast: 6:15 AM Catamaran Sailing Sunset Point Hike Rock Climbing/ Bouldering Horseback Riding & Board Sailing Kaiser Loop Trail Hike Catamaran Sailing Overnighter to Scout Island Mountain Boarding & Black Powder Shooting HORSEMANSHIP Camp Kern has partnered with D & F Pack Station to provide an outstanding horsemanship experience. Located just across the lake from camp, D & F will teach the Horsemanship merit badge in an all-day session on each Wednesday of camp. Instead of participating in the hike day, Scouts will be barged by the camp staff to the public docks. Scouts will then hike the ½ mile to D & F Pack Station. Staff will pick up riders at the public docks at the conclusion of the ride and return them to camp. Scouts will also need to bring a bandana or something to cover their face for the ride due to dust in the air. Following the merit badge instruction, each Scout will enjoy a full length ride throughout the Huntington Lake area. There is an additional cost of $ for this merit badge and fees must be paid prior to attending camp or through the trading post once at camp. Those who participate must fill out the Horsemanship application & waiver located online at HANDICRAFT PROGRAM Camp Kern offers a fun handicraft program that is made up of six merit badges that can be earned during merit badge class time OR free-time. The Camp Kern handicraft schedule operates according to the schedule indicated below. During the morning session each period will offer a number of merit badge options for Scouts, which they will work on during the week every time they attend the class. Scoutmasters need to put their Scouts in the class period that best fits their need and ability level. Below are a few examples of how a Scoutmaster could schedule a Scout s handicraft class: Example #1-Johnny Scout is an 11-year old new Scout who needs all of the handicraft merit badges. He could sign Johnny up for 1 st & 3 rd periods which will allow him a chance to earn a number of merit badges. When Johnny attends first period on Monday he will choose between art and woodcarving merit badge and then work on those badges on Monday and Tuesday OR until he completes the badge. Once he completes the badge the instructor will then give him the option of basketry or sculpting to begin working on. So realistically if Johnny has the ability he could earn two merit badges during 1 st period. He would do the same thing in his 3 rd period class and could realistically earn four handicraft merit badges by the end of the week. Example #2-Johnny Scout is a 13 year old Scout who has most of the handicraft merit badges offered, except for photography and sculpting. So the Scoutmaster signs him up for 2 nd period photography, which he will hopefully earn by the end of the week. However, Johnny also needs and wants sculpting, but has other classes in the camp he wants to take during the periods it is offered. So the Scoutmaster tells him to attend handicraft during the free-time beginning at 2 pm on Thursday. At this time sculpting 8

10 will be taught for the entire three hours of free-time, but this will require Johnny to spend his free-time that day in handicraft until he earns the badge. Example #3-Johnny Scout does not want to take handicraft classes during the merit badge class period, but instead chooses to attend class during the free-time on Monday and Tuesday to earn woodcarving and photography. He will be expected to attend the entire time on each of those days OR until he earns the badge on those days, whichever comes first. NOTE: *Scouts taking photography merit badge must come to camp with a digital camera that he will use to fulfill the merit badge requirements. **Scouts who want to take free-time handicraft classes on Monday will take these in the morning from 9:30 am-12:15 pm. They must be prepared to pull away from the class when they have swim checks, after which they can return to the class and hopefully complete the requirements. If they do not complete the requirements for art or woodcarving during this time they may return anytime during the free-time to finish the merit badge. ***Scouts who take handicraft merit badge classes during the class periods can attend any day during free-time to continue working on requirements they did not finish in class, even if that merit badge is not taught that day during free-time. Handicraft Schedule Period Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday 1 st Art & Woodcarving Art & Woodcarving Basketry & Sculpture Basketry & Sculpture 2 nd *Photography & Leather *Photography & Leather *Photography & Leather *Photography & Leather 3 rd Basketry & Sculpture Basketry & Sculpture Leather & Art Leather & Art Free-Time **Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Art & *Photography & Sculpture & Open Woodcarving Leather Basketry 2014 TRAIL TO EAGLE PROGRAM The Trail to Eagle program is for all Scouts needing to earn merit badges required to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. Each year Camp Kern offers three Eagle required merit badges. Trail to Eagle is offered as an alternative to free-time on the day the class is offered. If the Scout wants to work on all three Eagle merit badges offered this summer he will have to spend his free-time in class working, forfeiting any troop activities planned during that time period. It is suggested that older Scouts take these classes. Each class will move at a faster pace than standard merit badge classes, however all requirements will be taught, no more no less. Scout do not have to earn or attend all three merit badge classes to be involved in Trail to Eagle; if they have already earned one of the badges offered they will be free to enjoy their free-time on the day that class is taught. The Trail to Eagle merit badge classes will focus on requirements that can be completed at camp. Many of the requirements for these badges cannot be taught at camp as they require things that the Scout must do on their own. Please know that the counselor will only pass off prerequisites Scouts have completed if they come to class with a note from the Scoutmaster indicating there completion to his level of expectation. Scouts who come to camp without having the prerequisites completed will not earn the merit badge. They will, however, go home with a signed blue card that only needs to be dated 9

11 by their Scoutmaster upon completion of the missing personal requirements. Below is the day each merit badge will be taught during the summer of Tuesday Thursday Friday Camping Must come to class having completed requirements (9a & b) Make sure to come to class with a copy of your troop roster and patrol roster. Citizenship in the Nation Must come to class having completed requirements (2 & 3) Personal Management Must come to class having completed requirements (1, 2, & 8) ADVANCEMENT AT CAMP KERN Rank advancement is primarily the responsibility of the unit leaders and the unit committee. Camp Kern assists unit leadership by providing the finest in instruction and counseling. Although staff instructors and counselors will provide accurate records for information covered and skills accomplished, it is the responsibility of each unit leader to mark rank advancements in each scout s individual record (usually in his handbook). Camp counselors will also sign merit badge cards, but the unit leaders are responsible to ensure proper recording in each scout s permanent record. ADVANCEMENT POLICIES 1. All advancement will be in accordance with BSA National Standards. 2. Merit badge counselors must be 18 years of age or older. 3. No substitutions for any requirements are allowed. 4. Blue cards for completed merit badges are provided by Camp Kern. 5. Those not completing all requirements for a merit badge will be given partial completion slips. 6. Boards of Review may be conducted in camp if adequate adult leadership is available. Appropriate adult representation on the board, however, is the responsibility of each unit s leaders. 7. The Scoutmaster is responsible to prepare, monitor, and verify completion of a Scout s advancement. 8. Completing prerequisites for each merit badge by the Scout is highly encouraged and work done before camp is acceptable. 9. Any Scout receiving a merit badge from Camp Kern will know the subject matter and will have learned the practical skills associated with the merit badge. Note: Unit leaders are given an opportunity to review all advancement records before leaving camp and are encouraged to review them at home and give the cards to the unit advancement chairman. 10

12 MERIT BADGE CLASSES The teaching of merit badges at Camp Kern is an important part of the program. Ensuring that campers receive the highest quality instruction is vital to the integrity of the Scouting program. While at camp, Scouts must complete all of the requirements no more, no less in order to receive the completed blue card. Scouts who do not complete the merit badge will receive a partial and will be able to complete the merit badge back at home with a local merit badge counselor. Some of the merit badges offered at Camp Kern have requirements that cannot be completed while at camp. Merit badges such as environmental science (solitary observation), astronomy (night observations), weather (out-of-class observations), first aid (teaching others), to name a few, will require extra effort on behalf of the Scout. It is suggested that the Scoutmaster look through the merit badge requirements that each Scout is taking and plan on fulfilling those aspects before camp begins. This will ensure that the Scout will receive the completed merit badge while at camp. Many of these requirements can be fulfilled at camp with the assistance of the Scoutmaster during the scout s own time. Scouts should also read requirements before coming to camp and begin any such requirements before coming if they wish to complete the badges at camp. Camp Kern is not a merit badge mill, where one pays a fee and gets merit badges automatically. Instead, we offer merit badges as only one part of the overall camp experience. It is suggested that leaders limit their Scouts to three merit badges to work on while at camp. This will allow the boy to participate in other areas of camp that create a well-rounded camp experience. We do not want to see a scout come to camp and spend the entire week sitting in classes. Due to BSA policy or because some of the more difficult skill-oriented merit badges require increased strength Camp Kern has an age limit requirement for a few merit badges. Scouts must meet the minimum age requirement to take the following classes: Shotgun Shooting (14 years old+), and Small Boat Sailing (13 years old+). It is suggested, but not required, that older Scouts take rifle and archery as they require strength usually found in boys 13 years and older. At Camp Kern, the staff works hard to see that every Scout gets into merit badge classes that he would like to participate in. Additional staff will be added to accommodate the needs of the merit badge classes as needed. It is wise to look for merit badges that are not normally offered in your hometown and try for those while at camp. Try new things and look for variety. Proper planning between the Scout and their adult leader and parents will be a big help once the Scout arrives at camp. In order for Scoutmasters to follow the progress of their Scouts throughout the week it is recommended that they come to camp with worksheet packets for the merit badge classes they are taking, with the exception of waterfront merit badges. In all of the nature and outdoor skills classes, the instructors will be requiring Scouts to show knowledge and advancement by having them fill out their workbooks or take notes. In the traditional classes that follow more of a classroom approach these workbooks are great for note taking and placing the learning squarely on the shoulders of the Scout. They can be used for review by the Scoutmaster and allow for greater retention of knowledge. DON T FORGET TO PRINT OUT THE MERIT BADGE WORKBOOKS TO HELP SCOUTS KEEP THEIR WORK IN ORDER AND TO HELP YOU TRACK THEIR MERIT BADGE PROGRESS WHILE AT CAMP KERN; MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE AT TO OBTAIN THESE WORKBOOKS. Just in case Scouts do not come to camp with workbooks, they will be sold in the trading post for $

13 Camp Kern Merit Badge Classes & Extra Costs ARCHAEOLOGY FORESTRY PHOTOGRAPHY ($10.00) ARCHERY**($5.00) GEOLOGY PIONEERING ($10.00) ART* ($5.00-$10.00) HORSEMANSHIP ($100.00)*** PLANT SCIENCE ASTRONOMY* INDIAN LORE ($8.00-$15.00) RIFLE SHOOTING** BASKETRY($10.00-$15.00) INSECT STUDIES ROWING** BIRD STUDY ($8.00-$15.00)**** KAYAKING** SCULPTURE ($5.00) CITIZENSHIP IN NATION **** # LEATHERWORK ($5.00-$10.00) SHOTGUN SHOOTING**($10.00) CAMPING **** # LIFESAVING** SMALL BOAT SAILING**(2 MB Periods) CANOEING** MAMMAL STUDY**** SOIL & WTR CONSERVATION **** EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS* MOTOR BOATING **($10.00) SPORTS* ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE** NATURE SWIMMING** FIRST AID** ORIENTEERING WEATHER FISHING* PERSONAL MGMT **** # WILDERNESS SURVIVAL FLY FISHING* PERSONAL FITNESS* WOODCARVING ($8.00-$15.00) *Merit badge cannot be completed in camp without pre-requisites being completed. ****Free-Time only merit badge. **Merit badge classes only offered during class-time and not offered during free-time. # Trail to Eagle ***Horsemanship is offered by an outside company. See Horsemanship application for details. Merit Badge Prerequisites and Descriptions The Trading Post sells Merit Badge books (required for each class) for approximately $5 each and Merit Badge workbooks (not required but recommended) for $1 each. (ER) means Eagle required. Archery Additional Cost: Archeology Description of Merit Badge Approximately $5 for Arrow kit Requires physical strength and remembering a lot of information. Good for younger Scouts. Get hands on experience! Art Prerequisites: Requirement 4 Additional Cost: Approximately $5 - $10 for materials Description of Merit Badge Good for younger Scouts. Astronomy Prerequisites: Requirement 6 Difficult, and requires night time activities. Basketry Additional Cost: Approximately $10 - $15 for kits Great for younger Scouts, especially those working on First Class Trail. Bird Study (free time only) Additional Cost: Approximately $8 - $15 Special Clothing or other Item: Bring sketch pad and binoculars to class Good for Scouts who enjoy relaxing in Nature. Requires time to observe and record birds. BSA Lifeguard Bugling (free time only) Special Clothing or other Item: Most difficult experience at camp, and rewarding! Please review the course guide in this Leader s Guide. Available to boys and adults over the age of 15 (no exceptions) Must bring personal trumpet or bugle to camp. Recommended each Troop have at least one scout with the Bugling Merit Badge. 12

14 Canoeing Can be time intensive with instruction and practice. Interested Scouts should be prepared to practice during Free Boating. Requires CPR demonstration. Emergency Preparedness (ER) Prerequisites: Requirements 1, 2c, 6c,8a, 8b, 8c, 9b (First Aid Merit Badge) Special Clothing or other Item: Bring personal and family emergency kits Helps Scouts learn to cope with emergency situations both at home and in the field. Environmental Science (ER) Fishing Prerequisites: Fly Fishing Prerequisites: Not recommended for first year Scouts. Requires homework outside of class. Catch two fish and clean one fish. Must be done in campsite under Adult supervision Surveys basic fishing techniques and spends time fishing Huntington Lake. Catch and clean one fish. Must be done in campsite under Adult supervision Surveys basic fly fishing techniques and spends time fishing rivers near camp. First Aid (ER) Prerequisites: Forestry Geology Horsemanship Additional Cost: Clothing or other Item: Indian Lore Additional Cost: Insect Study Prepare and bring home first aid kit to camp Difficult. Scouts should be at least First Class Somewhat difficult. Requires observation, specimen collection, projects Explores earth materials, processes, and history, and geology careers. $100. Class taught by D&F Pack Station Pair of jeans, gloves, covered shoes and bandana to cover mouth Taken on Wednesday instead of going on Troop Hike. Please review Horsemanship section in this Leader s Guide for more details. Approximately $8-15 for kits Involves making artifacts, writing a report, and playing Indian games. Great for first year scouts! Watch insects in all four phases of their life cycle. Kayaking Leatherwork Additional Cost: Lifesaving (ER) Prerequisites: Special Clothing or other Item: Spend the week paddling around Huntington Lake while learning how to use a Kayak Approximately $5 10 for kits Excellent Merit Badge for first year Campers. CPR Certification, Swimming Merit Badge Pair of jeans and a long sleeve button down shirt. Very intensive, involving safe swim defense, reaching and throwing rescues. Mammal Study (free time only) Includes making three-hour observations while at Camp Kern. Motor Boating Additional Cost: Approximately $10 Spend the week driving our Mercury motorboats and learning how to drive them safely 13

15 Nature (free time only) Oceanography Orienteering Special Clothing or other Item: Great for scouts interested in Nature but haven t learned the general knowledge yet. We may not be on an ocean but that doesn t mean we can t learn about the oceans while doing cool experiments! Good Compass. Scouts learn how to use a compass, read a map. Not recommended for first year Scouts. Personal Fitness (ER) Prerequisite: Requirements 1, 7, 8 Learn how to develop and maintain skills to keep your body physically strong Photography Additional Cost: Special Clothing or other Item: Pioneering Additional Cost: Plant Science Rifle Shooting Rowing Sculpture Additional Cost: Description of Merit Badge Shotgun Shooting Additional Cost: $10 for materials Digital camera What better way to see more of camp kern than by capturing it on camera?! $10 for pioneering kit A must for most Scouts. Scouts will learn about knots, lashings, and rope. Good for younger Scouts Requires shooting 3 and 5 shot groups that can be covered by a quarter and completing a test that covers the remaining requirements. Difficult merit badge. Scouts learn how to handle a rowboat. May require extra practice time. Approximately $5-10 for materials Great for younger Scouts $10 for week of shooting 14 years or older only. Can be difficult meeting shooting requirements. Will require effort during free time Small Boat Sailing (2 MB Periods) 13 years or older only. A must for scouts at Camp Kern!!! Best sailing in California! Need previous experience handling a boat and strong upper body strength. Soil & Water Conservation (free time only) Prerequisites: Must have completed requirement 7 Difficult class learning how to care for our environment. Sports Prerequisites: Must have completed requirement 4 Play sports while learning about safety concerns and good sportsmanship. Swimming (ER) Prerequisites: Weather (free time only) CPR Certification and the First Aid Merit Badge. Requires basic swimming skills--150 yards swimming continuously, the safe swim defense plans, and reaching and throwing rescues. Very difficult, not recommended for younger Scouts. Involves monitoring weather patterns and camping safety rules pertaining to weather conditions. 14

16 Wilderness Survival Special Clothing or other Item: Woodcarving Additional Cost: Multilayered clothing for overnighter Includes learning basic first aid for wilderness emergencies, signaling for help, and surviving in different climates and weather, building and sleeping in shelters. $8-15 for woodcarving kits Excellent for first year campers. FREE-TIME MERIT BADGE CLASSES Merit badges, with the exception of ALL waterfront merit badges, Rifle, Shotgun, Archery, Environmental Science, and First Aid, will be available during free-time. It is recommended that Scouts sign-up for merit badges during the regularly scheduled class periods. All Scouts who sign up for a merit badge during the class time can work on skills to fulfill requirements during free-time. Free-time is also a good time to fulfill requirements for partial merit badges which may have been received from previous counselors. Depending on the requirements that need to be completed, our counselors may be able to assist your Scouts in completing their merit badges. FREE-TIME MERIT BADGE SCHEDULE The merit badge free-time schedule is designed to better help Scoutmasters plan their Scouts freetime. All classes will be taught from 2-5 pm on the day indicated below. Scouts who wish to participate in a free-time merit badge class are expected to attend the entire time if they want a blue card. Hopefully Scoutmasters can use this guide when planning their Scouts overall merit badge schedule. TUESDAY DINING HALL: Camping NATURE LODGE: Archeology Astronomy Bird Studies Forestry PARADE GROUNDS: E-Prep UPPER NATURE: Orienteering TTFC-Tenderfoot Wilderness Survival THURSDAY DINING HALL: Cit in Nation NATURE LODGE: Fishing Insect Studies Mammals PARADE GROUNDS: Personal Fitness UPPER NATURE: Pioneering TTFC-2 nd Class FRIDAY DINING HALL: Per. Management NATURE LODGE: Fly Fishing Indian Lore Plant Science Weather PARADE GROUNDS: Sports UPPER NATURE: TTFC-1 st Class BRYAN BATEY SAILING ACADEMY The Bryan Batey Sailing Academy offers outstanding sailing opportunities for Scouts at Camp Kern! We encourage all scouts 13 years old or older who wish to sign up for the Small Boat Sailing merit badge to do so. We will have instructors who will work with the Scouts to fulfill the requirements outlined by the BSA. It is recommended that scouts have experience with canoeing or rowing prior to enrolling in the course. This class is very challenging and requires a good amount of strength and maturity; therefore, it is recommended that only scouts who are physically and mentally able to participate do so. The Sailing merit badge will take up two merit badge class times and potentially a significant amount of free-time, so plan accordingly. Remember, when signing a Scout up for this class; only sign him up for one more merit badge class. 15

17 Troop# SPL: SM: Camp Kern Brotherhood of the Mountain Man Woodsrunner Scout s Name Be a first year camper at Camp Kern Be at least a Tenderfoot Scout by the end of the week Pass the swim check or participate in two program activities Go on a troop hike Participate in a camp service project Show cooperation and willingness to follow troop leaders in camp 16

18 Troop# SPL: SM: Camp Kern Brotherhood of the Mountain Man Pathfinder Scout s Name Be a second year camper at Camp Kern Hold the degree of Woodsrunner Be at least a 1st Class Scout by the end of the week Pass the mile swim or participate in shooting sport activity Go on a troop hike Participate in 30 minutes of a service project at camp Show leadership in troop by being an example to others 17

19 Troop# SPL: SM: Camp Kern Brotherhood of the Mountain Man Trapper Scout s Name Be a third year camper at Camp Kern Hold the degree of Pathfinder Do the mile swim, hike at least 6 miles, and participate in one shooting sport at camp. Complete at least three merit badges by the end of the week Participate in one hour of a service project at camp Earn an aquatic or outdoor skills merit badge during the week 18

20 Troop # SPL SM Camp Kern Brotherhood of the Mountain Man Chief Trader Scout s Name Be a fourth year camper at Camp Kern Hold the degree of Trapper Row for the mile swim, hike Kaiser Loop Trail, George Lake or commissioner approved hike Hold at least ten merit badges by the end of the week Participate in two hours of a service project at camp Show outstanding leadership in all phases of camp life 19

21 Troop # SPL SM Camp Kern Brotherhood of the Mountain Man Frontiersman Scout s Name Be a fifth year camper at Camp Kern Hold the degree of Chief Trader Participate in ALL ACE program activities Hold at least twelve merit badges by the end of the week Participate in two hours of a service project at camp Show outstanding leadership in all phases of camp life 20

22 Troop # SPL SM Camp Kern Brotherhood of the Mountain Man Adult Leader Requirements Leaders Name Earn BSA Lifeguard, complete the Mile Swim, or participate in an ACE activity. Participate in a troop service project. Participate in a Hike Day hike. Attend two adult leader roundtables. Supervise their troop waiters for three meals. Assist a Scout with a merit badge class or participate in advancement of a Scout While at camp. 21

23 Trail To First Class Sign Off Sheet TENDERFOOT: 4a demonstrate to whip and fuse the ends of a rope 4b half hitches, taunt line hitch 5 hiking rules 6 display, raise, lower, fold flag 7 scout oath, motto, slogan 11 poisonous plants, treat 12a Heimlich 12b elementary first aid 2 ND CLASS: 1a compass, orient a map 1b 5 mile orienteering course 3c proper care and use of knife, saw, ax 3d use tools to make tinder, kindling, fuel for cooking fire 3e appropriate to use a cooking fire and lightweight stove 3f demonstrate how to light a fire and lightweight stove 7a hurry cases 7b personal first aid kit 7c intermediate first aid 8a safe swim 8b swim check 8c rescue methods - reaching/throwing Name: Troop: 1 ST CLASS: 1 Find directions without compass during day/night 2 1 mile orienteering course requires measuring 6 10 kind of native plants 7a when to use lashing, timber hitch, clove hitch, use in square, shear, diagonal lashing of poles 7b camp gadget 8a bowline and uses 8b first aid bandages 8c transport moves 8d 5 common signs of a heart attack/ steps to CPR 9a safe trip afloat 9b swim check 9c tender and rescuer FREE TIME: 2 ND CLASS 1b. 5 mile compass course 1 ST CLASS 2. mile hike and measuring FIREM N CHIT TOTIN CHIP 22

24 CAMP KERN TOTEM (Bead Program) BEAD COLOR RED YELLOW WHITE ORANGE BLACK DARK GREEN ROYAL BLUE CLEAR SPARKLE BLUE GREEN LIGHT BLUE BROWN PINK CREAM GOLD GRAY PURPLE REQUIRED ACTIVITY OPENING CAMPFIRE Commissioner Campfire SCOUTS OWN SERVICE PROJECT Ranger Approved Service Project TROOP FRIEND NIGHT Cobbler HIKE DAY NATURE TRAIL HONOR TRAIL FLAG CEREMONY ISLAND ADVENTURE Canoe trip to Scout Island w/ Commissioners COMMISSIONER GAMES KITCHEN DUTY KYBO TRASH/ RECYCLE PICK UP CRITTER FINDER PRAYER BLACK POWDER SCOUTMASTER ROUND TABLE 23

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26 PARENTAL FIREARM* AUTHORIZATION FORM I give consent for of Troop #, who is my son/daughter or ward, to use the following equipment offered at Camp Kern: Please check all that apply Archery BB Guns.22 Rifles Shotguns Black powder (14 yrs or older) Horseback Riding Climbing/Rappelling Watercraft (catamaran, sailboats, windsurf boards) I, the undersigned parent or legal guardian, do hereby authorize the Southern Sierra Council to furnish firearms, archery, and other appropriate equipments as marked, to the minor named herein for the purpose of instruction in the safe handling and shooting of firearms, target shooting and related activities under the supervision of the appropriate Area Director staff. This authorization will remain in effect for said minor while he is participating in any Boy Scouts of America program or activity related to firearms, unless revoked in writing by the undersigned and said revocation personally delivered to the Council Service Center. Parent/Guardian s Name Date Phone Number (H) (W) Parent/Guardian s Signature *California Penal Code Section 12522: S Furnishing Firearm To Minor Under 18 Without Permission of Parent. -- Every Person who furnishes any firearm, air gun, or gas operated gun, designed to fire a bullet, pellet, or metal objective, to any minor under the age of 18 years, without the express or implied permission of the parent or legal guardian of the minor, is guilty of a misdemeanor. PHOTO RELEASE I hereby give permission for the Southern Sierra Council and CampWorks, Inc. to use pictures taken of me and/or my son for the promotion of the Scouting program in the Southern Sierra Council and throughout the United States. Full Name of Participant: Address: Signature of Participant: Date: Father/Guardian Signature: Date: Mother/Guardian Signature: Date: Or 25