COUNCIL ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR LETTER

Transcription

1 Greater Alabama Council 2011 Winter Blast Leaders and Parents Guide 1

2 COUNCIL ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR LETTER Dear Scouts and Scouters: Your Winter Blast adventure awaits you at Camp Comer atop Lookout Mountain. The Winter Blast staff is preparing to deliver a fun and educational experience for your Scouts. We continue to adjust, expand, and develop our Winter Blast programs. Please take time to read this guide from cover to cover, absorb all of the information in it, and pass it along to your other leaders and your troop. We feel that the 2011 program will be our best and most energetic effort ever. If any Scout or adult would like to offer their services as a Camp Site Scoutmaster or a Merit Badge Counselor please complete the Winter Blast Staff Application in the appendix. Mail it to the Council Office or it to vlambert@1bsa.org. In Scouting, Joey Kiker Winter Blast Director Vince Lambert Winter Blast Staff Advisor 2

3 Table of Contents GREATER ALABAMA COUNCIL GENERAL INFORMATION... 5 FEES FOR WINTER BLAST... 5 GENERAL INFORMATION... 5 Camp Comer General Information... 5 Emergency Calls... 5 OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION... 6 Forms... 6 Refunds... 6 Uniform at Camp... 6 Weather... 6 Controlled Substances... 6 PREPARING FOR CAMP... 7 What Do I Do Now?... 7 WHO IS IN CHARGE?... 8 Adult Leadership in Camp... 8 YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING REQUIRED FOR ADULTS... 8 WINTER BLAST REGISTRATION... 8 Winter Blast Registration Deadlines... 8 As Soon As Possible:... 8 December 10:... 8 December 20:... 8 CHECK-IN: TUESDAY DECEMBER CHECKOUT: SATURDAY, DECEMBER MEDICAL INFORMATION FORMS AND MEDICAL CARE... 9 Medical Information Form... 9 Medications... 9 Special Diets Emergencies and Medical Care Accident and Sickness Insurance Unit Leader First Aid EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: Severe Weather Fire Lost Person WINTER BLAST VOLUNTEER STAFF OPPORTUNITIES MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION OTHER SAFETY GUIDELINES CAMP VISITOR POLICY Uniform in Camp: Lone Scout Camping: CAMP COMER FACILITIES: Dining Hall: Camp Office: High-Tech Productions Science & Technology Center: Health Lodge:

4 Trading Post: Flatt Rock Arena: Campsites: UNIT CAMP PROGRAM ASSIGNMENTS: CAVING AND BOULDERING (MAYBE SKIING) (WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY) CLOSING CAMPFIRE (FRIDAY) Eagle Bound Program (Weeklong) WINTER BLAST PROGRAM Merit Badge and Advancement Information DAILY SCHEDULE Merit Badge Offerings Course Requirement Offerings SCOUT LEADER PARTICIPATION Camp Comer Service: RANGER NOTES: PROGRAM COSTS & ACTIVITY FEES EXPERIENCE TELLS US MISCELLANEOUS CAMP FORMS AND MAPS Authorization to Assist Competent Scout with Self-Administration of Medication WINTER BLAST STAFF APPLICATION WINTER BLAST MERIT BADGE AND INSTRUCTION SELECTIONS CAMPSITE MAP MAP TO CAMP COMER

5 GREATER ALABAMA COUNCIL GENERAL INFORMATION Greater Alabama Council Service Center PO Box Birmingham AL Telephone: (205) FEES FOR WINTER BLAST The fee is $140 for in and out of council Scouts and $50 for each adult. If the weather permits snow skiing/boarding may also be available. There will an additional charge of $30 for this activity which will be collected at the ski lodge. Some merit badges also have additional fees. See the merit badge listing on pages 23 and 24 for more information. GENERAL INFORMATION CAMP COMER GENERAL INFORMATION Camp Comer is located atop Lookout Mountain on the eastern border of Alabama. The weather during the last week in December may be spring-like or what you would expect in winter. Parents and leaders should ensure their scouts are prepared (clothing and sleeping bags) for winter weather. Camp Comer has outstanding programming and facilities and provides Scouts with several class opportunity periods to work on merit badge requirements. Your unit Scoutmaster or each Lone Scout will receive Advancement Records before departing. The responsibility rests with each Scoutmaster or Lone Scout to verify, before leaving camp, that the Advancement Records are complete and correct. Camp Comer Contact Information: Camp Comer County Road 89 Mentone, Al Camp Telephone No: (256) Camp Rangers Telephone No: (256) EMERGENCY CALLS Camp Comer

6 OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION FORMS Required forms are the appropriate health form, troop roster, and proof of youth protection training for adults. Failure to arrive with a completed, signed health form (Parts A, B and C completed within the previous 12 months) will delay your check-in. No one, adult, youth or staff, may participate in any activity without a completed health form. Out of Council troops must provide evidence of accident insurance and a tour permit. REFUNDS Refunds must be requested in writing with an explanation of why the refund is requested. Refund requests will be judged on a case-by-case basis. Refund requests received prior to December 10 th will be eligible for a full refund All other refunds will be subject to a loss of deposit. Refunds will be mailed directly to the unit leader of record for Winter Blast no later than January 30, UNIFORM AT CAMP Arrival: During The Day: Evening Meal: Closing Flag Ceremony: Field uniform (Full Class A ) Activity Uniform ( Class B ) Field uniform Field uniform WEATHER During the winter the weather in Alabama is warm to really cold. Be prepared with plenty of warm clothing and sleeping gear. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES Drug and alcoholic beverages will not be tolerated. Boy Scouts of America policy is to provide a tobacco-free environment for all Scouting participants. Therefore, tobacco is not allowed in the presence of youth or in buildings. You may use tobacco only in the designated smoking area, by the dumpsters near the dining hall. 6

7 WHAT DO I DO NOW? PREPARING FOR CAMP Well, here you are all pumped up about going to Winter Blast but a little unsure of your next step. That's O.K. here are some suggestions. 1. As soon as possible you need to schedule a parent s night to inform Scouts, parents and leaders of the activities available at Winter Blast. 2. Contact your Order of the Arrow chapter advisor so you can have a few seasoned campers at your parent's night to answer questions. This is an important step because the winter camp experience may be the first time many younger scouts will be camping for such an extended period in winter weather conditions. Once again, if you don't know someone, contact your District Camping Chairman or Commissioner, they will know somebody. 3. Send Winter Blast Reservation Form to any Greater Alabama Council service center, along with a $40.00 deposit per Scout. 4. Determine What do we want to accomplish at Winter Blast? How can we insure a balanced program that will enrich the life of each Scout? Set some goals for your unit or Lone Scout. 5. Determine which Scouts are planning to attend Winter Blast and determine your patrol structure. Follow-up with Scouts who don t plan to attend and encourage them to reconsider. 6. Complete the Merit Badge and Instruction Selection Form found in the appendix to this guide and register for classes on-line ( or mail it to the Birmingham office no later than December Collect and send your final payment by December Secure the needed medical forms from all Scouts and Leaders. 7

8 ADULT LEADERSHIP IN CAMP WHO IS IN CHARGE? Under the Boy Scout organizational structure, the unit Scoutmaster or the Campsite Scoutmaster is in charge of the troop at all times. The Scoutmaster and other adult leaders have the primary responsibility for the care of all the unit Scouts while in camp. The discipline and organization of the troop is the Scoutmaster s responsibility. However, it should be noted that the Scoutmaster should utilize the Senior Patrol Leader s leadership skills whenever possible. The Winter Blast Leadership Team works with the troop to facilitate a positive camping experience for each Scout. The Winter Blast Leadership Team s purpose is never to take over your job as leader of your unit, but rather to help you gain the respect from your Scouts. YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING REQUIRED FOR ADULTS All registered Scouters listed on the Unit Adult Registration form who will be remaining at Winter Blast more than 24 hours must have a current Youth Protection Training Certificate. Certification is valid for three years and must be current through the Scouters entire time at camp. This requirement is to be verified by the Scoutmaster before camp. WINTER BLAST REGISTRATION Cost is $140 per Scout. Registration will be done on-line (go to or by paper. If registering by paper, please fill out the registration form and select six Merit Badges from the program listing found in this guide, then simply mail or fax it to the Birmingham Council office. If registering on-line, a convenience fee may be added to the total. WINTER BLAST REGISTRATION DEADLINES As Soon As Possible: Schedule a Winter Blast presentation and hold Unit Winter Blast Parents and Scout Meeting December 10: Return the camp registration form and $40.00 per Scout registration fee to the Council office by December 10. December 20: All of your Scouts merit badges and class schedules are due in to the Council Office. Final payments of all Winter Blast fees are due into the Council Office. A $25.00 late fee will be added to all payments received after December 20. 8

9 Starting at 10:00 A.M. CHECK-IN: TUESDAY DECEMBER One unit leader and Senior Patrol Leader or Lone Scout should begin the registration procedure in the Dining Hall. Each unit will be asked to review their alphabetical unit roster (Scouts and adults), adult and youth medical forms, tour permit (if out-of-council), and program schedule. 2. Following verification of assigned campsite the unit SPL or Lone Scout should get the troop moving toward their campsite and start getting settled in. 3. You may leave your troop equipment in the parking area under the supervision of a responsible adult or have adults take it to your campsite.. 1. Lunch CHECKOUT: SATURDAY, DECEMBER A member of the Winter Blast Staff will complete a campsite checkout when you are ready to clear your campsite. 3. Each troop and Lone Scout should review all advancement reports prior to departure. Discrepancies can be corrected by the Program Director. 5. Checkout with the Winter Blast Director. PICK UP HEALTH FORMS 6. Pick up lost & found, etc., from Camp Director's office. MEDICAL INFORMATION FORMS AND MEDICAL CARE MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM All participants (youth and adults) attending Winter Blast must complete a medical form supplied by the Greater Alabama Council, BSA. This medical form is available at the Council Service Center or on the web site The medical form can be reproduced, but not altered in any way. Each medical form requires a physician s examination and signature and parents or legal guardian signature indicating that the camper or leader is fit to attend camp. According to BSA policy, parts A,B and C must be updated annually. MEDICATIONS Under Alabama law, either a parent or camp medical staff must dispense medications for youth. All youth medications must be turned into the camp medical staff and then dispensed to the campers by the medical staff. Medications must be collected by a unit leader before arrival and given to Camp Medical Officer. All medications checked in must be in the original containers, marked with the Scout s name and troop number and 9

10 original medication information. Do not cover up the information and instructions on the medication. Dosages and schedules to be followed in camp must be the same as on the package; changes must be stated in writing. Medication in pillboxes and non-original containers will not be accepted. Please send only enough medication for the doses that will be administered during the week at Winter Blast. The Winter Blast medical staff will work with the Scoutmaster to ensure that Scouts are taking their medication. It is the primary responsibility of the Scout and his Scoutmaster to know when they should be taking their medication. SPECIAL DIETS Winter Blast Dining Hall Staff are willing to accommodate special diets for campers. If a Scout has dietary restrictions, make sure that it is indicated on his medical form. In addition, please contact the Greater Alabama Council Office in writing or by December 1st to request special dietary needs. EMERGENCIES AND MEDICAL CARE Every precaution is taken to insure a healthy and safe camping experience for all Scouts and Scouters attending Winter Blast. However, accidents and medical problems do occur. Camp Comer operates well-equipped medical facilities that are administered by the Winter Blast Medical director. The Winter Blast medical staff will be responsible for initiating care of all medical situations. Basic treatment within the scope of the camp medical staff will be provided. We have special arrangements for contacting and working with the DeKalb Co EMS for Camp Comer. Help will arrive much quicker if camp medical personnel make the call. If a non-emergency problem arises, such as an illness that is beyond the scope of our medical technicians, we will contact the parents and unit leader. The following procedures will be followed: 1. It is the responsibility of the unit leadership to provide transportation for members of their unit requiring non-emergency attention from a doctor or hospital. 2. One adult leader from the unit will accompany the unit member requiring medical services and must obtain the Scout s health form from the Health Lodge before leaving. 3. Parents or guardian will be notified immediately by the Camp Director of any serious illness or injury. Parents not at home while Scout is at camp, must advise adult leaders of contact information in the case of emergency. 4. The Camp Medical Officer must clear all cases requiring outside medical care. 5. The Troop is responsible for providing proof of insurance upon arrival at the hospital or pay cash for the Doctors office. The parents should file insurance claims. In the event of an injury or illness requiring immediate medical attention, the Camp Director will contact local emergency medical personnel, who may require the use of ground or air ambulance service at their discretion. All expenses associated with this additional treatment and/or emergency transportation is the responsibility of the Scout s parents or guardians. The providers will directly bill the patient or other responsible party; we will not make any payments. 10

11 ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE The Greater Alabama Council has purchased accident and sickness insurance for every Scout and Scouter. This coverage is excess insurance to any health or accident insurance that a family may already have in place. This coverage is primary only if no other insurance is available. This insurance covers all authorized camp program activities while in camp. This insurance does not cover the co-payments for a family s primary insurance. All claims are handled directly with the insurance company. Units not chartered in the Greater Alabama Council must provide proof of insurance upon arrival at camp. For any questions contact the Greater Alabama Council Service Center. UNIT LEADER FIRST AID We encourage unit leaders to provide first aid for minor cuts, small blisters, etc. using your unit first aid kit. For anything more serious, and any situations requiring medication, please use the health lodge staff. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: The Camp Director or his designee may sound an emergency signal at any time due to a lost scout, fire in camp, or severe weather. Following any emergency signal, the entire camp will assemble by troop at their assigned position on the parade field in front of the Dining Hall. We will ask the unit Senior Patrol Leader and adult unit leaders to account for all those on your roster. The process will go quicker if you have a copy of unit roster with you. Adults should carry a unit roster with them at all times while in camp. If it becomes necessary to evacuate camp, we will rely on your unit s drivers for transportation. Unit leaders may not be able to return to their campsite; therefore, drivers should carry their car keys at all times while at camp. SEVERE WEATHER There is a chance that your unit may experience severe weather while in camp. Seek shelter in buildings or tents. If we have a winter storm we may have to depart camp. Be prepared for COLD weather! FIRE If you see or suspect a fire, notify the camp leadership team immediately. Send for, or get help before you try to put out the fire, and do not put yourself in a dangerous situation! DO NOT CALL 911. If the need to call 911 arises, Camp Comer has established procedures to expedite this process. LOST PERSON If a member of your troop is missing, first check their tent and surrounding campsite, and any buildings or latrines near the campsite. Then check their last known program area or location. If the person cannot be found promptly, immediately notify the Winter Blast Leadership Team while continuing to search. 11

12 What to Bring to Camp: Medical (PARTS A,B,&C) Plenty of Socks, Shorts, Underwear, T- shirts, long underwear. Cap/Hat Long Sleeve Shirt and Long Pants Pillow Towels Soap/Shampoo Flashlight/ Extra batteries Insect Repellent Sunscreen Notebook/ pens/ pencils Current merit books for each merit badge that Scout plans of working on Scout Uniform Shoes/ Boots/Gloves Pajamas Winter Sleeping Bag or extra blankets Raingear/Jacket for cold weather Washcloth Toothpaste/Toothbrush Pocket Knife/Totin Chip Work Gloves Boy Scout Handbook Bible/ prayer book If Caving bring a set of clothes you will wish to throw away it is fun but messy!!! NOTE: The above list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but a minimum suggested list WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME: Hunting and sheath knives, fireworks, firearms, ammunition, radios, Ipods, cell phones, electronic game apparatus, and CD or tape players. WINTER BLAST VOLUNTEER STAFF OPPORTUNITIES The Greater Alabama Council is already making plans for the Winter Blast programs in 2011 and YOU can be a part of them at Camp Comer. Adults and youth may volunteer as staff members at Winter Blast. Positions are available as Camp Site Scoutmasters, Merit Badge Counselors, dining hall, and Winter Blast Administration. Staff members have an opportunity to work with youth of all ages and backgrounds. Camp Site Scoutmasters (2 per campsite) will be adults 18 years of age (Eagle Scouts preferred) and older and will spend the night in their campsite and will serve as Scoutmasters. Each adult must have up to date Youth Protection certification. Adult and youth Merit Badge Counselors are needed for the merit badges shown later in this guide. Copy the staff application in this guide and send it in today. Let us know where you would like to work and what you can do. 12

13 MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION Drivers should keep their car keys with them at all times while at camp so that they can assist in emergency evacuations; in the event of an emergency, there may not be time to return to the campsite for keys. At all times, including check-in and check-out, only two vehicles will be allowed on the service road to the campsite; please do not leave the roadways or drive directly into your campsite. Once the unit is established at its campsite all cars are to be removed to the camp parking lot. A unit trailer may be kept at the unit campsite parking area, PLEASE INSURE THAT TRAILER IS LOCKED when entry into it is not required. Campers and motor homes are allowed in the camp parking lot; however, it should be noted that there are no electricity, water or sewage hookups or any dumping stations provided. If you have a Scout or adult with special mobility needs, a permit can be obtained to drive this individual to various activities. Please identify this need during the unit s check-in process. Do not use this privilege to drive other Scouts attending the same activity. OTHER SAFETY GUIDELINES -Guns, ammunition and archery equipment should be left at home. -Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs and fireworks are not permitted in any Scout Camp. Possession or use of them on Camp property is cause for immediate removal from camp. In addition, use of illegal drugs will be reported to local law enforcement authorities. -No flames in tents. Self contained stoves and lanterns may be used, but not in tents or Adirondacks. Liquid fuels or starters shall not be used for starting any type of fire, including damp wood, charcoal and ceremonial fires. Knowledgeable adult supervision must be present when Scouts are involved in the use, handling, lighting, or storage of chemical fuels (liquids, jellies, or gaseous). All fuels must be stored in a locked container. -All units shall use the buddy system while in camp. It is suggested that the use of the buddy system be discussed with your Scouts prior to arriving at camp. This will be reinforced at camp. -No pets are allowed in camp. -No fireworks. -All cars must be parked in the camp parking lot. -Closed Toe Shoes must be worn in camp at all times! Sandals may only be worn at the waterfront and shower. -Anyone leaving/returning to camp must sign out/in at the Camp office. -A troop must have two deep adult leadership at all times. At least one adult 21 or older and one 18 or older. 13

14 Youth Protection Guidelines The following policies have been adopted to provide security for the youth in our programs. In addition, they serve to protect adult leadership from situations in which they are vulnerable to allegations of abuse. Two-Deep Leadership Two registered adults or one registered adult leader and a parent of a participant (who must be at least 21 years of age or older) are required on all trips and outing. The Chartered Organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities. At least two leaders must be with the troop 24 hours a day. Leaders may rotate but must also sign in/out at the Camp Office. No One-to-One Contact One-to-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require a personal conference, such as a Scoutmaster conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youth. Respect of Privacy Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing into swimming suits or taking showers at camp and intrude only to the extent that health and safety requires. Adults must also protect their own privacy in similar situations. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent or cabin of an adult other than his own parent or guardian. Camp Comer provides limited separate shower and latrine facilities for females. Abuse Adult and unit leaders are not to use physical, mental, or verbal abuse on youth. This includes any threatening manner toward any youth or other person. Any actions or suspected behavior of this type is to be reported immediately to the Camp Director. It is the policy of the Boy Scouts of America that any suspected abuse of any kind be reported to the appropriate authorities. CAMP VISITOR POLICY All visitors must check in when they first arrive. Visitors will be issued a visitor pass that must be worn at all times. Visitors are required to leave pets, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, and firearms at home, and must follow all other camp policies. Program facilities are not available for use by visitors when camp is in session. All vehicles must be parked in the main parking lot, and not at campsites. LOST AND FOUND Lost and found items will be turned into the Camp Office. Leaders should encourage Scouts to mark their belongings with name and troop number. Camp management and staff are not responsible for lost items. 14

15 UNIFORM IN CAMP: Before 5:00 p.m., clothing appropriate for winter weather may be worn. During the retreat and supper, a Class A uniform should be worn. While complete uniforming is our goal, Unit Leaders should use discretion for Scouts without a full uniform. Please don t allow a Scout to miss Winter Blast because he doesn t have a uniform. A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent duty to God and Country, Morally straight. These ideals of Scouting have nothing to do with socially unacceptable clothing and hats. Clothing related to alcohol or tobacco products or which are unpatriotic or that show disrespect for Scouting ideals are not appropriate wear at any Boy Scout Camp. Campers observed by staff wearing any questionable clothing will be asked to wear it inside out until additional clothing can be obtained. Scouts unwilling to adhere to this respect policy will be asked to return home. LONE SCOUT CAMPING: Individual Scouts wishing to attend Winter Blast may sign up for the Lone Scouts Program. Lone Scouts will be placed with units already attending camp. All campsites will have at least two adults in residence at all times. DINING HALL: CAMP COMER FACILITIES: Camp Comer has a centrally located Dining Hall with cafeteria style dining. We can comfortably seat 450 at one time. CAMP OFFICE: The Camp Office is located in central camp as a part of the Health lodge. It houses the administrative offices for the Camp Director. All mail will be delivered to the Camp Office as it arrives in camp, and all out-going mail will need to be dropped off here. The Scoutmaster or his designated alternate will be the only person authorized to pickup mail for your troop. HIGH-TECH PRODUCTIONS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CENTER: Part of this building is the site of our leaders lounge. The Coosa 50 Lodge Order of the Arrow has furnished this room for leaders to read their mail, newspapers or just relax a bit. This room is also used as a merit badge classroom during the day. The Leaders Lounge will be for ADULTS ONLY from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM. HEALTH LODGE: The Health Lodge is located just across from the dining hall and adjacent to the Science & Technology Center. All Medical forms and medications are kept in this building for access and administration by the camp medic. The Medical Officer lives in the facility and is always available. However, the camp asks that all troops keep and utilize a troop First Aid kit in their sites to treat minor cuts and scrapes, as well as headaches and other 15

16 minor ailments. On the side of this building there are two restrooms that are open for adult leaders only. TRADING POST: Camp Comer has a well-stocked trading post that is also located in main camp. It offers plenty of camp souvenirs and general scouting and craft items. The Trading Post also offers snack items for sale after the evening meal. Scouts will be able to purchase their merit badge books at the trading post for use throughout the week. The trading post is set up in convenience store form. Batteries, stamps, flashlights, shirts, patches, craft items, and other general merchandise are all available here. FLATT ROCK ARENA: The opening and closing campfires are held in the Flatt Rock Arena overlooking Lake Republic. In the event of inclement weather, these may be moved to the dining hall. CAMPSITES: Camp Comer presently has 15 campsites. Most campsites have several Adirondacks that sleep four on bunk beds. One Adirondack in each campsite will be reserved for the Camp Site Scoutmasters. Several of the campsites may be occupied by more than one troop. Camp Comer has two shower and restroom facilities for camp-wide use. UNIT CAMP PROGRAM ASSIGNMENTS: Tuesday evening the Winter Blast staff will perform the Meal Grace and Flag Ceremony. Camp Site Scoutmasters / Senior Patrol Leaders may sign-up their Troop/Campsite to be responsible for one ceremony and one grace in the Camp Directors Office. Each campsite will be given a schedule for their assignments for cleaning the central showers and latrines. These will be cleaned twice daily. NOTE: Camp Site Scoutmasters / Senior Patrol Leaders must insure that the Troop trash is brought to the dining hall and placed in the dumpsters behind the Dining Hall. Campsite inspections will be performed every morning after breakfast to check for trash, latrine cleanliness, fireguard chart postings, and general neatness. Please remain on the main trails and roads in camp and do not wander through other campsites. These sites are your homes for the week, and we need to respect each other s privacy. CAVING AND BOULDERING (MAYBE SKIING) (WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY) Scouts 13 years old and older may sign up for caving upon arrival in camp. If you wish to go caving, bring clothes and shoes you never want to wear again. Additionally, Scouts also can sign up to ski when arriving in camp. Bouldering will be available for any Scout who signs up. See the activity schedule below. 16

17 CLOSING CAMPFIRE (FRIDAY) The closing campfire will be Friday evening at 8:00 in the Flatt Rock Arena (weather permitting). Troops are encouraged to perform approved skits or songs at the campfire. Your 2011 Winter Blast Adventure is coming to a close and the staff thank you for all your hard work and Scout Spirit. EAGLE BOUND PROGRAM (WEEKLONG) This program uses the patrol method and various team-building exercises to give first year Scouts the tools they need to be leaders in their own troop. Scouts will cover many of the requirements for Tenderfoot and Second Class as well as much of the First Aid Merit Badge. WINTER BLAST PROGRAM MERIT BADGE AND ADVANCEMENT INFORMATION Study merit badge requirements and prerequisites in this guide carefully to determine which requirements your Scouts may not be able to complete at Winter Blast and try to have them completed before they come to Winter Blast. Be sure that you receive written proof of all advancement completed for each Scout before leaving camp. This especially applies to those who have completed part of the requirements for a merit badge. Check the schedule for availability of established merit badge instructional programs at Winter Blast. Once you have reviewed the advancement opportunities at Winter Blast, help your Scouts choose the merit badges they wish to work on. Registration for classes may be done online at (a convenience fee may apply) or by paper. If using the paper registration form, please list their choices in order of preference on the class schedule found in the appendix. For instance, a Scout may want to work on, forestry merit badge, cooking merit badge and citizenship in the world merit badge. List them in that order on the class schedule and we will make every effort to get him into those classes. Your class schedule must be returned to the Greater Alabama Council office no later than December

18 DAILY SCHEDULE TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 7:00 AM Reveille Reveille Reveille Reveille 7:30 AM Flag Ceremony Flag Ceremony Flag Ceremony Flag Ceremony 7:40 AM Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast 8:30 AM MB/Classes MB/Classes MB/Classes MB/Classes 10:00 AM Begin Check-in MB/Classes MB/Classes MB/Classes MB/Classes 12:15 PM Lunch Assembly Lunch Assembly Lunch Assembly Lunch Assembly Lunch Assembly 12:20 PM Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch 1:00 PM SPL/ Leaders Meeting 2:00 PM MB/Classes MB/Classes MB/Classes MB/Classes DEPART SPL Meeting SPL Meeting SPL Meeting Pick-Up Advancement 3:30 PM MB/Classes MB/Classes MB/Classes MB/Classes 5:25 PM Flag Ceremony Flag Ceremony Flag Ceremony Flag Ceremony 5:30 PM Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner 6:30 PM Free Time 7:00 PM 7:30 PM Evening Program 8:00 PM Opening Show 8:30 PM 9:30 PM Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel 10:00 PM Taps Taps Taps Taps Evening Program Evening Program HAPPY NEW YEAR! DRIVE SAFELY HOME 18

19 2011 Winter Blast Merit Badge and Programs Listing: LOCATION Shooting Sports Ranges Handicraft Shelter Handicraft Building First Period 8:30 9:45 Shotgun Second Period 10:00 11:15 Shotgun Archery Third Period 2:00 3:15 Rifle Archery Fourth Period 3:30 4:45 Rifle Leatherwork Fingerprinting/ Basketry Pottery/ Pulp & Paper Sculpture Woodworking Wood Carving Woodworking Wood Carving Climbing Climbing Climbing Tower Sci-Tech Computers Radio Photography Electricity Scoutmaster Lounge Dining Hall Robotics Theater Indian Lore Astronomy 1.Forestry 2.First Aid 3.Cit/Nation 4.Communications 1.Chemistry 2.Law 3.Cit/World 4.Environmental Science 1.Nuclear Science 2.First Aid 3.Cit/Nation 4.Communications 1. Chess 2.Scouting Heritage 3.Cit/World 4.Environmental Science Scoutcraft Orienteering Cooking Geocaching Pioneering Eagle Bound Eagle Bound 19

20 MERIT BADGE OFFERINGS The chart following this section shows all the merit badge offerings at Winter Blast You should sign up for merit badges as soon as possible, because the class size is limited in some. They are filled on a first come first served basis. Class Size: Capacity is strictly limited in Rifle, Shotgun, and Archery Merit badges. If you unable to get a class your Scouts need, see the Program Director or Camp Director when arriving at camp. The requirements offered at camp column shows those requirements from the 2011 Requirements Book that we will try to complete at camp. Requirements that are not completed at Camp Sequoyah can be finished at home with unit leaders or merit badge counselors. Requirements to do at home column shows those things that the Scout must do either before or after camp. It is the responsibility of the unit or Scout to arrange for completion of these requirements. Prerequisites, Other. This column shows minimum ages or other requirements to meet before taking the course, special forms requiring parent signature, and other remarks. Review this column carefully, as these requirements cannot be waived. COURSE REQUIREMENT OFFERINGS Program Area/Course Class Size Costs/Fees Requirements Offered at Camp Requirements to do at home Prerequisites/ Other Archery MB All Read MB Book Able to pull a bow Astronomy 12 None All Basketry MB 15 Cost of All None None Kits Chemistry 12 None 1-2, Older Scouts Chess 12 None All Citizenship in 15 None 1,4-8 2,3 None the Nation MB Citizenship in 15 None None the World MB Climbing MB 12 None All Age 13 or upper body strength Communications 8 None 1-4, 6,7, 9 5, 8 None MB Computers 10 None All Read MB None Book Cooking 12 None 1-3,5,6,8 4,7 None Electricity 12 None 1, 3-7, , 8, 9 None Environmental 15 None All Read MB None Science MB Book Fingerprinting 15 None All None First Aid MB 15 None All 2d Forestry 15 None All Read MB Book None

21 Geocaching 8 None Indian Lore 12 Cost of All kits Law MB 15 None 1-3, Older Scouts Leatherwork 15 Cost of All MB kits Nuclear Science 15 None 1-3, Older Scouts Orienteering 10 None 2-7 1, 8, 9, 10 MB Photography 15 None All None Pioneering 12 None 1-7, Pottery 15 None All None Pulp & Paper 15 None All Radio 12 None All Rifle MB 16 None All Read MB None Book Robotics 12 None All Older Scouts Scouting 15 None 1,2,3,7,8 4b, 5, 6 None Heritage Sculpture 15 None All Shotgun MB 8 None All Read MB Book Big enough to handle a 12 gauge shotgun Theatre 15 None All Wood Carving 12 Cost of All None None MB Kits Woodworking 12 Cost of materials All None None You should register selected courses as soon as possible, because most class sizes are limited to 12, and they are filled on a first come first served basis. High demand Merit Badges may be offered more than once, depending on availability of adult volunteers. BEFORE YOU COME TO WINTER BLAST: READ THE MERIT BADGE BOOK for each merit badge you want to earn. If each Scout will be prepared for the performance requirements, he can spend more camp time participating in programs and less with studying his manuals. Knowledge requirements will be reviewed IF session time is available. Scouts should read the merit badge book before coming to camp, or they could be overwhelmed during the week and/or disappointed at the end of the week. 21

22 CAMP COMER SERVICE: SCOUT LEADER PARTICIPATION Brotherhood of Cheerful Service A Scout is Helpful if you are a carpenter, electrician, plumber, or handyman of any kind, the camp could certainly use your skills during the week. Bring your tools and you ll still feel like you re at home! NOTE: All Service Projects must be coordinated with the Camp Comer Ranger. RANGER NOTES: There will be NO fireworks, firearms, alcohol, illegal substances, pocket knifes with a blade longer than 3 inches, air pistols/rifles, nor slingshots at Camp Comer. When discovered the Camp Ranger or Camp Director will take possession. PROGRAM COSTS & ACTIVITY FEES Scouts Fee: $140 Adult Fee: $50 Skiing Fee (Additional) 22 $30 (collected at ski lodge). Note: Some merit badges have a fee for materials, and registration on-line may have a convenience fee. EXPERIENCE TELLS US Campers are our customers. Comments made by trained and experienced Scoutmasters over the years were compiled into a collection of helpful hints regarding merit badges and advancement. 1) Most Scouts should plan on a maximum of four merit badges. 2) Complete advance written work at home, camp is not the ideal classroom for written work. The prepared Scout comes to camp with all written work already done. 3) The Troop should come to camp prepared. Have patrols already organized. Elect camp patrol leaders. Work on ideas as patrols and have the patrol leaders represent the group at camp. 4) Your campsite is your home for the week, take care of it, take pride in it, and work at making it comfortable by bringing banners and flags to dress it up. 5) Top Troops show spirit. The Troop that comes to camp with Creative Ideas & Scout Spirit and challenges make the rest of camp come alive. Bring your Troop cheer to camp and show everyone that you re number one. 6) Be flexible. During Winter Blast there will be about 200 campers attending camp and while staff is there to meet everyone s needs, a Scout is friendly, cheerful, and courteous. We need to practice the Scout Law in camp when dealing with others. 7) In the event a situation requires you or one of your Scouts to go to the hospital, experience tells us that it would be wise to have a photocopy of each troop members insurance card for more efficient processing and faster service. 8) For your benefit, it would be advisable to have no less than 2 copies of each Camper s and leader s health forms while at camp. One for your unit s file and one for the Health Lodge file

23 MISCELLANEOUS CAMP FORMS AND MAPS AUTHORIZATION TO ASSIST COMPETENT SCOUT WITH SELF- ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION Medication shall be administered only when the Scout s health requires it be given during camp. It is the parent/guardian s responsibility to send this medication to camp and remove any unused medication when treatment is completed. All prescription medication must be brought to camp in the original container. The pharmacy label must include the following information: Name of Scout Prescription Number Administration route or other directions Date Licensed Physician s Name Name of Medication and Dosage Pharmacy name, address and phone number All nonprescription medication must be brought to camp in the original manufacturer s labeled container with the ingredients listed and the Scout s name affixed to the container. No more than one week s supply of any medicine should be brought to camp. Parent/Guardian Authorization Scout s name Camp Date I request that health personnel assist the above named Scout to self-administer the following medication while at Camp. Name of Medication: Amount of Medication to be taken: How Medication is to be taken (orally, topically, inhalation, injection): Time(s) Medication is to be taken: Date the last dose of this medication is to be taken: Reason Medication is needed at Camp: Date: Signature: It is understood that the medication is administered solely at the request of and as an accommodation to the undersigned parent or guardian. In consideration of the acceptance of the request to perform this service by any person employed by Greater Alabama Council, BSA, the undersigned parent/guardian hereby agrees to release the Greater Alabama Council and its personnel from any legal claim they now have or may thereafter have arising out of the administration of or failure to administer the medication to the Scout. I will assume full responsibility for any side effects and complications that my child may have as a result of taking this medication. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Parent/Guardian Name Printed Phone: Home Work Comments: 23

24 2011 WINTER BLAST STAFF APPLICATION Winter Blast Staff Application Greater Alabama Council, Boy Scouts of America Mail or fax completed application to: PO Box 43307, Birmingham, AL Fax Name: Date: / / Address City/State/Zip Home Phone Address Shirt Size Please check: I will be at least years of age by December 26, 2011 Please list any first aid training certificates (include expiration date) Please list any other training certificates (include expiration date) Current BSA Registration: Yes No Unit Position Council BSA Rank Have you served on Winter Blast or summer camp staff previously?. If yes, when and where? Please list three references (not a family member) we may call who are familiar with you: Name Address Phone Relationship Scoutmaster/Crew Advisor approval (signature) for serving on Winter Blast staff: : 24

25 Please list merit badges you feel qualified to teach or help teach. List any other special skills you possess that (song leading, woodcarving, etc.). Why do you want to become a member of the 2011 Winter Blast Staff? 25

26 WINTER BLAST MERIT BADGE AND INSTRUCTION SELECTIONS Number of Scouts: Troop Number: Scoutmaster s Name: Daytime Phone: Evening Phone: List selections in order of priority. Include Trailblazer and Merit Badges you want to take. Class assignments will be based on your date of registration, priority of interest and availability. Refer to class descriptions for time required for completion of classes. Scouts Name: 1 st Choice 2 nd Choice 3 rd Choice 4 th Choice 5 th Choice 6 th Choice 26

27 CAMPSITE MAP 27

28 MAP TO CAMP COMER FROM THE SOUTH Exit at AL Hwy 35, go right Thru Ft Payne (Watch for left turn and right turn) and up the mountain. At the top, take Co Rd 89 Left 6 miles to STOP sign Go left.9 miles to STOP. Go right 1 mile to Comer FROM THE NORTH Exit AL Hwy 40, go left 1 mile to US 11, go right 300 ft. to AL HWY 117, go left 2.8 miles to Tutwiler Gap Road, Go right 1 mile to County Rd Go right 2.4 miles to Comer.