Dear Scouts and Scout Leaders, We would like to take a moment to welcome you to D-A Scout Ranch for your summer camp Adventure. We know for many Scouts and Scouters their week at the Ranch is also their vacation for the summer. This year we, along with our staff have created a truly unique summer camp experience to give each Scout and Scouter their own awesome vacation. The Program at the Ranch is dynamic and exciting giving each Scout the opportunity to build their own adventure; from merit badge classes to high adventure opportunities. We are excited for you and your unit to, EXPERIENCE. THE. RANCH. In the following pages you will find detailed schedules and descriptions of all of the programs offered at the Ranch. If you or your unit have any questions or would like to chat about the program please contact us. Adam Weidman Nathan Snow Program Director Camp Commissioner D-A Scout Ranch D-A Scout Ranch (989)-551-2060 (989)-494-8590 adam.weidman@scouting.org snowy1736@yahoo.com Ryan Henderson Camp Director D-A Scout Ranch (313)-618-5822 hendo789@aol.com 2
Table of Contents Section 1: Camp Wide Schedule... 6 Important Daily Events... 6 Sunday Check-in Schedule... 6 Camp Wide Schedule... 7 Camp Wide Schedule Notes... 8 Section 2: Dodge City Schedule... 9 Dodge City Round-up... 9 Adult Leader Participation... 9 Dodge City Program Schedule by Patrol... 10 Dodge City Program Blocks... 11 Section 3: Merit Badge Schedule... 10 Merit Badges and Awards... 10 Scheduled and Program Merit Badges... 11 Scheduled Merit Badges... 11 Scheduled Merit Badges Times... 11 Program Merit Badges... 13 Online Merit Badge Scheduling... 14 Merit Badge Program Philosophy... 14 Merit Badge Pre-Reqs... 15 Merit Badge Program Remarks... 15 Merit Badge Paperwork... 15 Section 4: Program Areas... 16 Hay Pavilion / Dinning Hall... 16 Shooting Sports... 16 Silver-Spur Corral... 17 Dodge City (FYC)... 17 Aquatics... 18 C.O.P.E. and Climbing... 18 Bike Shop... 19 Ecology-Conservation and STEM... 19 Handicraft... 20 3
Scoutcraft and the Summit... 20 The Shop... 20 Section 5: High Adventure Programs... 21 Scuba Offsite Adventure... 21 Mini Yucca... 21 D-A 5k Mudder... 21 Horsemanship High Adventure Programs... 22 Council in Training (CIT) Program... 22 Section 6: Evening Programs... 23 Sunday Evening... 23 Monday Evening... 23 Primitive Shootout... 23 Iceberg... 23 Cross-cut saw and Branding... 23 Night Rappelling... 23 Tie-Dying... 23 Tuesday Evening... 24 Nautical Tuesday... 24 Ice Climbing... 24 Wilderness Survival Overnight... 24 OK Corral Shootout... 24 Zompocalypse... 24 Wednesday Evening... 25 Western Night... 25 Astro Night... 25 Thursday Evening... 26 Mini Yucca... 26 Western Sponge-sling... 26 Family Night... 26 Root Beer Salon... 26 Friday Evening... 26 Section 7: Other Programs... 27 Trading Post... 27 4
D-A Scout Museum... 27 Leader Meetings... 27 SPL / ASPL Round Tables... 28 Order of the Arrow... 28 Hiking, Fishing and Biking Trips... 29 The Tumbleweed... 29 Photos at the Ranch... 29 Model and Talent Release... 29 Section 8: Awards... 30 D-A Rangers Awards... 30 Adventure Patrol Award... 30 Longhorn Award... 30 Ranch Master Award... 30 LEAF Award... 30 Camp Gadget Award... 30 STEM Award... 31 Mud Scout Award... 31 Appendixes... 33 Appendix I D-A Rangers Awards Requirements... 33 D-A Deputy... 33 D-A Captain... 33 D-A Ranger... 33 Appendix II Adventure Patrol Award Requirements... 34 Appendix III Longhorn Award Requirements... 35 Appendix IV Ranch Master Award Requirements... 36 5
Section 1: Camp Wide Schedule Important Daily Events 7:50am 8:00am Morning Flags Breakfast 9:00am-11:45am 9:00am-10:15am 10:30am-11:45am 12:00pm 1:00pm-2:00pm 2:00pm-4:45pm 2:00pm-3:15pm 3:30pm-4:45pm 5:30pm 5:45pm 7:00pm-9:00pm Program Areas Program Section A Program Section B Pack out Lunch Quiet Hour (No activities) Program Activities Program Section C Program Section D Evening Flags Dinner Evening Program Sunday Check-in Schedule 1:00pm-3:00pm Check-in 2:00pm-5:00pm Swim Checks 5:45pm 7:00pm 8:15pm Dinner Leader Meeting in Hay Pavilion Dodge City Round-up at Dodge City area Flags and Campfire 6
Camp Wide Schedule Time Sun Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri Sat 6:30 AM 7:50 AM 9:00 AM 10:30 AM Campus is Closed Program Areas Daily 9:00am-11:45am 9:15am Leaders Meeting 9:15am Leaders Meeting 9:15am Leaders Meeting Shotgun and Rifle Climb Shoot All Ranges Climb Morning Colors/Breakfast Shoot All Ranges Polar Bear Swim Climb Shoot All Ranges Climb Shoot All Ranges Climb Camp tear down and site checkout 10:00 am Closing Ceremony, and Awards Camp Check-Out 12:00 PM Pack-out Lunch 1:00 PM OA Service Corp Program Areas Daily 2:00pm-4:45pm 2:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 5:45 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM Check-In, Health and Swim checks Meet at Flag Pole for Dinner Leader Meeting at the Hay Pavillion ing Flags, Staff Introductions, and ing Campfire Instructional Swim Shoot All Ranges Climb Mile Swim Practice Aquatics Aquatics Mile Swim Practice Instructional Swim Instructional Swim Instructional Swim Shoot All Ranges Climb Mile Swim Practice Shoot All Ranges Climb SPL Round Table SPL Round Table Primitive Shootout, Tie Dying, Swim, Iceberg, Cross-cut saw and Branding, Night Rappelling 9:30pm Ranch Night Hike Aquatics Evening Colors/Dinner Meet at Flag Pole for Dinner Evening Colors/Dinner Nautical Tuesday, Ice Climbing, Wilderness Survival Overnighter, O.K. Corral Shootout, Zompocalypse 9:30pm OA Callout with Felloship following 7:00pm Evening Colors Western Night 9:45pm Astro Night (Weather Permitting) Shoot All Ranges Climb Troop Night Mile Swim Practice Aquatics Mini Yucca at 7:00pm Western Sponge-Sling 7:00pm Root Beer Saloon 8:00pm 9:45pm Astro Night (Weather Permitting) Shoot All Ranges Climb SPL Round Table Mile Swim Aquatics 8:00pm Evening Colors, Awards, Scout's Own Service, and Closing Campfire (put on by the Scouts) Campus is Closed 7
Camp Wide Schedule Notes This section is a quick highlight of several important activities happening at the Ranch. Also noted in this section are several of the changes to D-A that returning units may not be familiar with. Lunches will be Pack-out this year giving Scouts a chance to hone their campsite cooking skills. Adult Leader meetings will be held M, W, F at 9:15am in the Hay Pavilion. SPL / ASPL Round Tables will be held M, W, F at 5:00pm in the Hay Pavilion. On Tuesday we will be holding a special lunch for Order of the Arrow Arrowmen at the Hay Pavilion followed by a quick service project. Please RSVP for the OA Lunch early so we can prepare enough food. Family Night has been moved to Thursday!!! Families have a chance to visit their Scouts and see what they have been up too. Please let us know if your unit will be having visitors for dinner so that we can prepare enough food. We also encourage all families and campers alike to visit our brand new Root Beer Saloon. 8
Section 2: Dodge City Schedule Dodge City is our premier First Year Camper program at The Ranch. The following section includes the schedule and program of Dodge City. The main focus of this area of camp is to prepare new Scouts to be successful at summer camp and their home units. The Staff at Dodge City is dedicated to introducing your Scouts to the basics of the Boy Scouts. Dodge City s program is built with the Patrol Method in mind, as Baden Powell once said, The patrol system is not one method in which Scouting for boys can be carried on. It is the only method. At the beginning of the week Scouts will be divided into patrols. It is through these patrols that Scouts will participate in the Dodge City Program. These patrols will work on requirements as a team over the week so that they can return to their units to be tested and complete the requirements. During the week Patrols will also visit the other areas of camp to sample what they have to offer. These field trips will allow the Scout a chance to see camp in its entirety, while working on requirements and having the opportunity to earn Fingerprinting MB. The advancement requirements offered at Dodge City are selected to fit the summer camp environment. Dodge City will be using the new 2016 rank requirements, if your Scouts need help completing the old requirements please speak with the area staff. Dodge City Round-up Sunday at 7:00pm Dodge City holds their weekly Round-up. All Scouts that are looking to participate in the Dodge City Program should attend. During the Round-up Scouts are put into their patrols for the week. During the week Scouts will complete all of the Dodge City program with their patrols set during the Round-up, it is imperative that all Scouts participating attend. Adult Leader Participation Adult leaders are more than welcome to participate in the Dodge City Program. Dodge City is not only a great introduction for new Scouts but also can be a great introduction for new leaders to the Boy Scout program. Dodge City also offers more experience leaders a chance to provide service to camp through teaching requirements and helping out with crowd control. 9
Dodge City Program Schedule by Patrol Patrol A Schedule Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thrusday Friday 9:00am- 10:15am 10:30am- 11:45am 2:00pm- 3:15pm 3:30pm- 4:45pm Corral Field Trip Totin' chip Shooting Sports Field Trip Outdoor Safety FYC Trauma Unit 1 Scoutcraft Field Trip Aquatics Field Trip FYC Trauma Unit 2 Handicraft Field Trip Service Project Knots 2 Climbing Field Trip Eco Con Field Trip Flagtastic Knots 1 Navigation Exploration Knots 3 FYC Trauma Unit 3 Patrol B Schedule Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thrusday Friday 9:00am- Shooting FYC Trauma FYC Trauma 10:15am Sports Field Knots 2 Unit 1 Unit 2 Trip 10:30am- 11:45am Corral Field Trip Climbing Field Trip Scoutcraft Field Trip Handicraft Field Trip Exploration 2:00pm- 3:15pm Totin' Chip Eco Con Field Trip Aquatics Field Trip Service Project Knots 3 3:30pm- 4:45pm Outdoor Safety Flagtastic Knots 1 Navigation FYC Trauma Unit 3 Patrol C Schedule Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thrusday Friday 9:00am- 10:15am Totin' chip Knots 2 10:30am- 11:45am 2:00pm- 3:15pm Shooting Sports Field Trip Corral Field Trip FYC Trauma Unit 1 Handicraft Field Trip Service Project FYC Trauma Unit 2 Climbing Field Trip Eco Con Field Trip Scoutcraft Field Trip Aquatics Field Trip Exploration Knots 3 3:30pm- 4:45pm Outdoor Safety Flagtastic Knots 1 Navigation FYC Trauma Unit 3 10
Dodge City Program Blocks Outdoor Safety: Learn the basic of safety for camping, hiking, swimming, and boating Req: TF 5a, TF 5b, TF 5c, 2 nd 3c, 2 nd 5a, 2 nd 6d, 1 st 6b, 1 st 6c FYC Trauma: Scout will lean how to treat and prevent injuries in the backwoods and at home. Req: TF 4a, TF 4b, TF 4c, 2 nd 6a, 2 nd 6b, 2 nd 6c, 2 nd 6e, 1 st 7a, 1 st 7b, 1 st 7c, 1 st 7d, 1 st 7e Knots: Scouts will have the opportunity to perfect their rope skills and build camp gadgets. Req: TF 3a, TF 3b, TF 3c, 2 nd 2f, 2 nd 2g, 1 st 3a, 1 st 3b, 1 st 3c, 1 st 3d Navigation: Lean how to use your compass and map in the woods. Req: 2 nd 3a, 1 st 4a, 1 st 4b Exploration: Come take a five mile hike and learn about hiking in the wilderness. Bring comfortable hiking shoes and water. Req: 2 nd 3b, 2 nd 4, 1 st 5a Totin Chip: Scouts are given the opportunity to earn their Totin Chip and create fire wood. Req: TF 3d, 2 nd 2b Service Project: Help camp out by providing useful service in patrol sized projects. Req: TF 7b Flagtastic: Participate in conducting a respectful flag ceremony. Req: TF 7a, 2 nd 8b, 2 nd 9a, 2 nd 9b Shooting Sports Field Trip: Scout will be able to participate in some open archery shooting at the range. Corral Field Trip: Scouts will have an opportunity to visit he corral, meet the horses and take a corral ride. Aquatics Field Trip: Have fun learning how to save a distressed swimmer and cool down at Aquatics. Req: 2 nd 5b, 2 nd 5c, 2 nd 5d, 1 st 6a, 1 st 6d, 1 st 6e Eco-Con Field Trip: Learn about weather patterns and get a chance to see our 3D printer in action. Req:1 st 5b, 1 st 5c, 1 st 5d Climbing Field Trip: Let s do some bouldering at the Bouldering wall. Handicraft Field Trip: Visit the craft world of Handicraft and earn your Fingerprinting merit badge. Req: Fingerprinting Merit Badge Scoutcraft Field Trip: Come discover fire at the Scoutcraft Area. Req: Fireman chit, 2 nd 2c, 2 nd 2d, 1 st 7f 11
Section 3: Merit Badge Schedule Merit Badges and Awards Aquatics BSA Kayaking BSA Mile Swim BSA Snorkeling Canoeing Kayaking Lifesaving Motorboating Swimming Rowing Shooting Sports Archery Rifle Shooting Shotgun Shooting NRA Pro-Marksman NRA Marksman Eco-Con and STEM Astronomy Aviation Environmental Science Geology Insect Study Nature Nuclear Science Pulp and Paper Ranch STEM Award Reptile and Amphibian Study Soil and Water Conservation Weather Dodge City Tenderfoot Requirements 2 nd Class Requirements 1 st Class Requirements Totin Chip Firem n Chip Scoutcraft Camping Citizenship in the Nation Citizenship in the World Cooking Emergency Preparedness First Aid Fishing Orienteering Pioneering Search and Rescue Wilderness Survival Climbing Climbing Handicraft Art Basketry Leatherworking Music Photography Sculpture Woodcarving Silver Spur Corral Horsemanship Veterinarian Medicine Shop Welding Automotive Maintenance Underwater Adventure Scuba Diving Bike Shop Cycling D-A 5k Mudder 10
Scheduled and Program Merit Badges The Ranch offers a unique merit badge program, with merit badges falling into one of two categories, Scheduled or Program Merit Badges. Scheduled Merit Badges give the Scout an opportunity to create a regimented program for himself throughout the week. Where Program Merit Badges give Scouts the freedom to work on merit badges at their own pace and convenience. Scheduled Merit Badges Scheduled Merit Badges take place during a specific program block and have a specific time when the Scout must be present throughout the week. Scouts must be on time for Scheduled Merit Badges and must attend each section of the class in order to complete the merit badge. Some merit badges have multiple scheduled sections, such as Swimming, which is scheduled between 9:00am-10:15am and 10:30am-11:45am. In this case Scouts can sign up for either section but they must attend the same section throughout the week. Scheduled Merit Badges Times Merit Badge / Award Scheduled Times Pre Reqs Comments Area of Camp Capacity BSA Mile Swim 2:00-3:15pm Special Award Must be a Level 3 Swimmer Aquatics 10 BSA Snorkeling 2:00-3:15pm Special Award Must be a Level 3 Swimmer Aquatics 15 Canoeing 10:30-11:45am Must be a Level 3 Swimmer Aquatics 15 Kayaking 9:00-10:15am Must be a Level 3 Swimmer Aquatics 15 Lifesaving 9:00-10:15am or 10:30-11:45am Must be a Level 3 Swimmer Not Recommended for 1st Years Aquatics 20 Motorboating 9:00-10:15am Must be a Level 3 Swimmer Aquatics 15 Rowing 10:30-11:45am Must be a Level 3 Swimmer Aquatics 15 Swimming Cycling Mud Scout Award Climbing Horsemanship Veterinarian Medicine 9:00-10:15am or 10:30-11:45am 9:00-10:15am or 2:00-3:15pm 10:30-11:45am or 3:30-4:45pm 9:00-10:15am or 2:00-3:15pm 9:00-11:45am or 2:00-4:45pm 7B(c), 7B(d) Must be a Level 3 Swimmer Not Recommended for 1st Years Mountain Biking Option Only Not Recommended for 1st Years Must be 14 years or older Aquatics 20 Bike Shop Bike Shop Not Recommended for 1st Years Climbing 15 These Classes are 2 blocks long Not Recommended for 1st Years 8 10 Corral 20 3:30-4:45pm 6 Monday and Tuesday Only Corral 15 11
Merit Badge / Award Aviation Environmental Science Scheduled Times 9:00-10:15am or 2:00-3:15pm 9:00-10:15am or 2:00-3:15pm Pre Reqs Comments Area of Camp Capacity 4 Eco-Con 15 Not Recommended for 1st Years Eco-Con 15 Nuclear Science 10:30-11:45am 3 Eco-Con 10 Scuba Diving (Add l $200 fee) Camping Citizenship in the Nation Citizenship in the World Cooking Emergency Preparedness First Aid Archery Rifle Shooting Shotgun Shooting Automotive Maintenance Welding All Week 2 9:00-10:15am or 2:00-3:15pm 7:00-9:00pm Monday Only 7:00-9:00pm Tuesday Only 10:30-11:45am or 2:00-3:15pm 9:00-10:15am or 2:00-3:15pm 10:30-11:45am or 3:30-4:45pm 9:00-10:15am or 2:00-3:15pm 9:00-10:15am or 2:00-3:15pm 9:00-10:15am or 2:00-3:15pm 9:00-10:15am or 2:00-3:15pm 10:30-11:45am or 3:30-4:45pm 4b, 5e, 7b, 8d, 9 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 5, 7 1, 2, 6c, 8, 9 Need to have earned Swimming MB to participate You can complete req. 9b6 at camp Off-site Adventure Scoutcraft Not Recommended for 1st Years Scoutcraft 10 Not Recommended for 1st Years Scoutcraft 10 Lunch at Scoutcraft Tue-Fri Not Recommended for 1st Years 12 NA Scoutcraft 15 Scoutcraft 1, 2d Scoutcraft 15 1f 1f Not Recommended for 1st Years Shooting Sports Shooting Sports Shooting Sports 11 Must be 14 years or older Shop 10 7a Must be 14 years or older Requires hard shoes, jeans, and long sleeves NA 16 16 16 Shop 10 NOTE: The merit badge schedules have not been updated with the 2016 revisions. When the new 2016 Requirements book has been release from National your unit will be updated on any changes to the Pre- Reqs via email. 12
Program Merit Badges Program Merit Badges work similar to, open entry open exit classes, a format of class that many institutes of higher education use. Program Merit Badges allow Scouts to come and go when they have time to work on requirements. Program Merit Badges require Scouts to manage their own time to complete requirements. Scouts can work on Program Merit Badges whenever the program areas are open (9:00am-11:45 and 2:00pm-4:45). Scouts are not required to attend Program Merit Badges on Monday but must start the badge before Thursday. Below are the Program Merit Badges offered at D-A. Merit Badge/Award Time to Complete Pre Reqs Astronomy 5 hours 5b, 8 Comments Astro Night at the Observatory required Area of Camp Eco-Con Geology 4 hours Eco-Con Insect Study 6 hours 9 Eco-Con Nature 6 hours 4a(2), 4d(2), 4f Need to complete 5 options from requirement 4 Eco-Con Pulp and Paper 5 hours 7 Eco-Con Ranch STEM Award Reptile and Amphibian Study Soil and Water Conservation 3 hours Demonstrations and activities offered daily during this block. Eco-Con 5 hours 8 Eco-Con 6 hours 7 Eco-Con Weather 4 hours 2, 9 Eco-Con Art 5 hours 6 Handicraft Basketry 4 hours Handicraft Leatherwork 5 hours Handicraft Music 2 hours 3, 4 Bring your Instrument Handicraft Photography 5 hours 4 Bring your own Digital Camera, no Camera Phones please. Handicraft Sculpture 5 hours 2c Handicraft Woodcarving 6 hours 2b Need Totin' Chip Not Recommended for 1st Years Handicraft 13
Merit Badge/Award Time to Complete Pre Reqs Comments Area of Camp Fishing 5 hours Bring your fishing gear. Scoutcraft Orienteering 5 hours 7, 8, 9 Scoutcraft Pioneering 8 hours 2a Scoutcraft Search and Rescue Wilderness Survival 4 hours 4, 5 Not Recommended for 1st Years Scoutcraft 5 hours 5 WS Overnight Required Not Recommended for 1st Years Scoutcraft NOTE: The merit badge schedules have not been updated with the 2016 revisions. When the new 2016 Requirements book has been release from National your unit will be updated on any changes to the Pre- Reqs via email. Online Merit Badge Scheduling Online registration for merit badges opens on April 4 th. Please make sure to sign Scouts up early for merit badges and special awards. Several merit badges have class size limits, signing up early will guarantee Scouts a place in the class. Scouts not only need to sign up for Scheduled Merit Badges but also Program Merit Badges to reserve program supplies. Supplies are not guaranteed if you don t sign up for an Program Merit Badge before mid May. Sign up for merit badges on the Michigan Crossroads Council web page. http://michiganscouting.org/ Merit Badge Program Philosophy The merit badge program at D-A is designed to meet the BSA standard of No More, No Less. Meaning in order to fully complete a badge a Scout must complete and be tested on every requirement. Counselors may not change requirements to accommodate Scouts with special needs, only the National Advancement Committee may do so. Each adventure here at The Ranch is unique and each Scout should be given the opportunity to decide their own schedule for their week. Advancement is an important part of the Boy Scout program but remember so is enjoying the outdoors, allow Scouts a chance to enjoy themselves at camp and do something beyond attending merit badge classes. 14
Merit Badge Pre-Reqs At D-A we try to offer merit badges that can be completed completely at camp but sometimes it is just not possible. In these circumstances these merit badges have requirements that must be finished before camp in order to complete the badge, these requirements are also known as Pre-Reqs. Please understand that Pre-Reqs require proof of completion in order to be signed off by a counselor at D-A. Proof of completion can be shown by a signed partial blue card or enough documentation to give credit where credit is due. This documentation can be photographs, written reports, signed documentation, or any other form of documentation that satisfies the requirement. Merit Badge Program Remarks To be successful in merit badge classes at D-A please have Scouts read the merit badge pamphlet(s) before camp. It is also suggested that Scouts bring folders, binders, paper and pencils to help organize themselves for the week. Merit Badge Paperwork Paperwork is an important step in the advancement process. In order to start a merit badge Scouts must bring a signed blue card to the counselor. Throughout the week the D-A staff will track the Scouts progress and what requirements they have completed. If there are any question on the progress a Scout has made on any particular badge just stop by the program area and the staff will help answer any questions they can. All blue cards will be returned to units through the unit mailboxes in the Jack Lord Office by 7:00pm Friday. Between 7:00pm and 8:00pm the staff will be available to answer questions about blue cards and advancement. 15
Section 4: Program Areas Hay Pavilion / Dinning Hall The Hay Pavilion is the largest Program Area at camp and one of the most exciting. Every Breakfast and Dinner the entire camp assembles together under the Hay Pavilion for meals. Meals are quite the production with good food and meal time entertainment provided by the D-A Staff. Also a quick reminder, mess-kits are NOT required at the Hay Pavilion but your unit will most likely still use them during their Pack-out lunches back at their campsite. The Hay Pavilion also holds the sign-up sheets for several opportunities to provide service to camp such as; Flag Ceremonies, Meal Time Grace, Meal Time Servers, Shower House Clean-up, Dining Hall Clean-up, and Chaplain Aides. Shooting Sports This is The Ranch s department of things that go BOOM!!! Shooting Sports give Scouts the opportunity to learn how to use firearms in a safe and controlled environment. Stop on by and check out the awesome multi use range. We run our Rifle, Shotgun and Archery ranges simultaneously, giving Scouts every opportunity to come on down and shoot. At The Ranch we offer all of the Shooting Sports merit badges along with the opportunity to earn NRA Pro-Marksman and Marksman special awards for Rifle (NRA Award Medals are available for purchase in the Trading Post). The costs of shooting are covered for all Scouts participating in Shooting Sports badges. Scouts who would like to participate in an open shoot who are not enrolled in the merit badge class will have to purchase tickets from the Trading Post to shoot. New this year to Shooting Sports area is the O.K. Corral Shootout where Scouts can participate in shooting competitions for special awards. Returning this summer is the Primitive Shootout where Scouts can earn points and see how they stack up amongst the other caveman at camp. 16
Silver-Spur Corral The Ranch wouldn t be complete without the horses. D-A is the only working year-round Scout Ranch this side of the Mississippi. The corral also hosts trail rides, Scouts can sign up and pay for trail rides at the Jack Lord Trading Post. Individuals must be at least 10 years old to go on a trail ride. Scouts looking to ride at D-A must wear long pants (preferably jeans) and closed toe shoes. Scouts looking to participate in a trail ride, must have a buddy. The corral also offers a Meal Ride as a special trail ride where Scouts have the opportunity to eat a meal on the trail. All trail rides leave from the corral, mess kits are not required for meal rides. TRAIL RIDE COST: (Payable at the Jack Lord Trading Post) Trail Ride: $15.00 Meal Ride: $30.00 The coral also offers a Mini Yucca, an overnight horseback riding experience. The Mini Yucca is a truly unique experience at the Ranch and is limited to only one Scout per unit. To sign up a Scout for the Mini Yucca have the one Scout per unit along with an adult leader sign up at the Trading Post. For the Mini Yucca we also need one adult male volunteer over the age of 21. The adult volunteer position is first come first serve. Dodge City (FYC) Dodge City in Kansas was once known as the cowboy capitol of the world. Dodge City was once a small town on the frontier but grew rapidly as cattle drives began to push west. For many cowboys Dodge City was the first stop on their journey west and for Scouts at D-A, Dodge City is the first stop on the trail to Eagle. Dodge City gives Scouts the opportunity to work on advancement while experiencing the entirety of camp. Scouts are placed into patrols and with their patrol they will work on Tenderfoot, 2 nd Class and 1 st Class requirements while visiting the other areas of camp. Scouts will learn the skills, but it will be up to unit leadership to test the skills they have learned and sign off on them at a later time. Staff members cannot sign off requirements in Boy Scout Handbooks. New this year, participating Scouts will also have the opportunity to earn their first merit badge, Fingerprinting! 17
Aquatics Aquatics is located on Lockwood Lake, the largest lake a D-A. Scouts have a chance to earn a slew of merit badges and special awards at Lockwood Lake s waterfront. Scouts will get acquainted with the waterfront early in the week on check-in day with Swim Checks. Aquatics also offers several special programs throughout the week, including Nautical Tuesdays, Instructional Swim, and the chance to hang out on our inflatables. Scouts and Leaders alike will have the opportunity to test their endurance at either the Polar Bear Swim or the Mile Swim. If you re just looking for a relaxing afternoon stop on by and participate in open swim and boating, don t forget your buddy. Adult leaders will have the option to become trained in the BSA s Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat program so they can help out in the lookout tower, and facilitate their off season aquatics programs. C.O.P.E. and Climbing C.O.P.E and Climbing is all about vertical challenges. Scouts have the chance to reach new heights at the climbing tower. This area of camp offers the Climbing Merit Badge as well as a chance to try our bouldering wall. C.O.P.E. and Climbing also offers several special programs such as ice climbing where Scouts can participate in a simulated Ice climb and test their skill against the camp ice climbing record which is just over 9 seconds! They also offer Night Rappelling a great chance for those who are not so keen on climbing the tower but want to try their hand at rappelling. 18
Bike Shop The Bike shop is one of the newest program areas to The Ranch. We offer the Cycling Merit Badge with the Mountain Biking option on our different trails. Scouts can learn all the skills required to operate a bicycle safely both in the city and on the trail. Come down to the Bike Shop with a buddy to challenge yourself on our trails. The Bike Shop will also be hosting D-A s 5k Mudder, a weeklong C.O.P.E. event where Scouts will test their physical endurance against obstacles in the Camporee Field. While biking remember to be cautions of vehicles and pedestrians at camp. Horses do not like bikes so please STOP AND GET OFF your bike until they pass so that you, the horse and the rider can be safe. Please review the Bike Safety Standards in the Unit Planning guide (pg. 14) with your unit before you arrive. Safety is paramount in this area of camp, due to the natural change in the landscape of the D-A environment over the off season the following protocol has been established. Each year our Mountain Biking Director and Camp Risk Assessment team will evaluate they trail system and recommend standards pertaining to the use of trails by certain groups provided they have supervision. You will be notified of these condition at the leaders meeting on Sunday. Ecology-Conservation and STEM Eco-Con teaches Scouts about the natural sciences and this year we are adding a STEM program, making Eco-Con the most diverse area at The Ranch. Eco-Con offers 11 Merit Badges focusing on a range of subjects from nature to technology. Eco-Con offers several special programs such as Astro Night where Scouts have the chance to use D-A s giant telescope that electronically zeros in on stars and planets. Eco-Con will also host the Zompocalypse where Scouts will have to use their skills to see if they would survive the Zombie Apocalypse. Finally, Eco-Con offers the new Ranch STEM award which will introduce Scouts to the STEM program and give them a chance to see The Ranch s 3D printer in action. 19
Handicraft If you are creative then Handicraft is the place for you. Handicraft offers several arts and crafts related merit badges but is also a great place to go to work on a project for fun. Handicraft hosts a Tie-dying party as a Special Event where Scouts can Tie-dye a shirt or a bandana. Scouts interested in Tie-dying should stop by the Trading Post to pick up an official D-A Tie-Dye shirt or Bandana. Scouts cannot Tie-dye shirts brought from home. Scoutcraft and the Summit Scouts looking to improve their Scouting skills beyond the basics need look no further than Scoutcraft. Scoutcraft offers several Merit Badges focused on skills used in the outdoors. Scoutcraft has expanded this year to also include the Summit an area that offers exclusively Eagle Required Merit Badges. Scoutcraft will be offering the Camp Gadget contest where units will compete against one another to lash together the most unique, and adventurous camp gadget. Scoutcraft also holds the Wilderness Survival overnight where Scout have the opportunity to live in the wilderness under a structure they will build from natural materials. The Shop Once again the Shop will be offering the Welding Merit Badge. New this year the shop will also be offering Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge. Safety dictates that Scouts and adults in attendance have hard closed toed shoes, long jean pants, and a long sleeve shirt. Classes held at the Shop will meet at the Hay Pavilion during their class times. 20
Section 5: High Adventure Programs Scuba Offsite Adventure Get set for your underwater adventure! New and unique to the Michigan Crossroads Council is the opportunity for Scouts to earn their Scuba Diving Merit Badge. Scouts will travel and stay offsite at the beautiful Algonac State Park. Scouts will work on a PADI certification through the week at the local dive shop s pool and by the end of the week they will earn the majority of their Scuba Diving Merit Badge and PADI certification. Due to time constraints, not all open water dives necessary to complete the requirements may be accomplished, but D-A and the Dive Shop will work with the Scout to schedule these dives. Scouts will have the opportunities to participate in other outdoor high adventure activities when they are not working on scuba. This program is offered to Scouts age 14 or older. The scuba program will require the Scout to be off D-A camp property for the entire week giving them their own unique and separate summer camp experience. D-A provides transportation and 2 staff members to be with the group throughout the week. A special program fee of $200 is required in addition to the standard camp fee. Mini Yucca The Mini Yucca is a unique high adventure opportunity available to one Scout per unit. Scouts leave from the Corral after dinner on Thursday night for an overnight horseback riding excursion. The adventure begins with a horseback ride through the backwoods of camp until Scouts reach their campsite for the night. After which Scouts will enjoy a western style crackle barrel and take shifts looking after the horses throughout the night. Scouts can sign-up for the Mini Yucca at the Trading Post, however an adult leader must be present to confirm the Scout is the one per unit chosen for the Mini Yucca. Scouts going on the Mini Yucca are required to wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed toed shoes. Scouts attending the Yucca also need, a sleeping bag, flashlight, bug spray, water bottle, watch, rain gear and pocket knife (totin chip also required). The Mini-Yucca is also available to one male leader over the age of 21 each week. This slot will be filled on a first-come/first-served basis. D-A 5k Mudder New this year is the D-A 5k Mudder a week long COPE activity. This activity is made for Scouts over the age of 14 due to the physical activity involved. The scouts will meet the Mountain Biking Staff at the Bike Shop and will ride out to the Mudder Course. Throughout the week Scouts will develop their team 21
building skills while they conquer each of the individual obstacles of the course. On Friday the team will work together to run the entirety of the 5k course. May the mud be with you. Scouts are required to wear closed toed shoes to participate in the D-A 5k Mudder, shoes with ankle support are recommended but not required. Scouts also should be aware that the Mudder will be dirty and will most likely want to bring clothes that they are not too attached to for the course. Horsemanship High Adventure Programs Throughout the summer D-A will be offering unique week long horsemanship opportunities to Scouts who are interested in doing some serious riding. D-A has two advanced horsemanship programs, Ranch Hand and weeklong Yucca Trails. Scouts must be at least 13 years of age to participate in these programs. Ranch Hand offers Scouts the chance to see what it is like to work on a full time ranch. Allowing them an inside look at the behind the scenes horse program at D-A. The Yucca Trail is an opportunity to spend the entire week exploring the backcountry of D-A while on horseback. Scouts move from campsite to campsite during the day while they care for the horses with brief trips back to the Jack Lord sub-camp to participate in other program areas. Both the Ranch Hand and Yucca Trail are separate summer camp opportunities from the traditional summer camp program. Scouts can either participate in the Horsemanship High Adventure Programs or the traditional summer camp program. Here is the schedule for Horsemanship High Adventure Programs Week 1 Yucca Trail Week 4 Ranch Hand Week 2 Yucca Trail Week 5 Yucca Trail Week 3 Yucca Trail Week 6 Ranch Hand Counselor in Training (CIT) Program The Counselor in Training Program is a unique experience for a Scout to see what it is like to be a summer camp counselor at D-A. The program is meant to bridge the gap between camper and counselor. The program allows for scouts to get a taste of what it is like working on a summer camp staff, giving them the opportunities to help teach merit badges, run program, and live among the staff. The CIT program adds an additional week to the Scout s summer camp experience one week as a CIT and the other to participate as a member of their unit. In addition to gaining the experience of what it is like to work on a Summer Camp Staff, CIT s are given the opportunity to work on their own personal advancement throughout the week. If a Scout is interested in being a CIT have them fill out a Summer Camp Application by following the link below. http://michiganscouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mcc-summer-camp-staff-application- 2016-Final.pdf 22
Section 6: Evening Programs Sunday Evening Camp starts on a high point with our opening campfire. The Jack Lord Trading Post will be selling concessions for Scouts and adult leaders to enjoy while watching the campfire. The D-A staff will provide the entire camp entertainment as we welcome you to D-A. Monday Evening Primitive Shootout The Primitive Shootout is a chance for Scouts to use primitive tools to figure out who would have been the Alpha Caveman. At the Primitive Shootout each Scout will be given a score card and then participate in 4 events for points. Scouts will have the opportunity to do primitive archery, knife throwing, tomahawk throwing and most importantly rock throwing. Afterward the event points will be tallied up to decide who at camp is The Alpha Caveman. Iceberg Scouts have the opportunity to visit the Aquatics area for open swim and open Iceberg. Remember to bring a buddy. Cross-cut saw and Branding Dodge City will be hosting Cross-cut saw and Branding. Scouts will have the opportunity to use a two man Cross-cut saw to cut a cookie from a log. After Scouts can take their cookie and have it custom branded. This is a great opportunity for Scouts to create a souvenir to take home with them. Night Rappelling The Climbing Tower will be holding Night Rappels. Everyone has seen an action movie where someone rappels out of a helicopter or down the side of a building. This is the perfect chance for Scouts to share in that experience. The Night Rappel is also a great opportunity for Scouts to complete a requirement for Camping Merit Badge. Tie-Dying Scouts that are looking to take home a tie-dyed souvenir should stop by Handicraft on Tuesday night. Official D-A tee shirts and bandanas can be purchased in the Jack Lord Trading Post to be tie-dyed. Handicraft cannot tie-dye personal items brought from home, shirts and bandanas for tie-dying must be purchased form the trading post. Tie-dying costs between $7 and $14. 23
Tuesday Evening Nautical Tuesday The waterfront will be holding Nautical Tuesday, where there will be several events for Scouts to participate in both in a patrol and with a buddy. Scouts will have the opportunity to use the War Canoes along with play other waterfront games. Ice Climbing One of the coolest activities on camp the climbing tower will have ice climbing. Scouts will use real ice picks on our simulated ice climb to get a feel for real ice climbing. The ice climb is extremely physically demanding. Wilderness Survival Overnight The Wilderness Survival Overnight is the pinnacle of outdoor experiences. The Scoutcraft staff will leave for the Wilderness Survival Overnight immediately following dinner. Scouts who are taking the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge are required to attend the overnight but anyone who would like to go is welcome. Scouts not in the Merit Badge class that wish to attend the overnight must speak with the Scoutcraft staff before the overnighter. Scouts attending the Wilderness Survival Overnight must bring a water bottle, multiple layers of clothes, and a survival kit. OK Corral Shootout Come on down to Shooting Sports to participate in the OK Corral Shootout. The OK Corral Shootout includes two events. In the first event Scouts have the opportunity to shoot a Muzzle Loader, an early firearm replica. Scouts looking to participate in the Muzzle loading section of the OK Corral shootout mush purchase one Muzzle Loading ticket from the Trading Post. The second event tests Scouts reaction time and judgment at the shotgun range. This event will require 3 shotgun tickets which can be purchased from the Trading Post. At the end of the shootout we will see who in camp can stand up to the legends of Wild Earp and Doc Holiday. Zompocalypse The Nature staff will be holding a zombie survival challenge on Tuesday night. Scouts will have to test their navigation skills as they attempt to make it from one safe point to the next and avoid the zombie plague. Scouts must participate with at least a buddy but it is highly suggested they participate as a group. 24
Wednesday Evening Western Night Western Night is the premier Evening Program at the Ranch an event like no other. For the entirety of the day the D-A staff will be dressed up in their western gear and we highly suggest your unit join in on the fun. Western Night is a patrol based event so patrols should come with a patrol flag and patrol yell or cheer. The event starts at the flag pole with closing flags. From there the entire camp will march to Western Night field. The Western Night field will be full of games and activities that Patrols can participate in for coins. These coins can be redeemed at the Trading Blanket for the coveted Western Night prize. If your patrol has extra coins after buying their map they can spend the rest on other prizes available at the Trading Blanket. Patrols with inventive flags and yells will receive more coins at the stations they visit. Astro Night Scouts have the opportunity to visit D-A s massive telescope. Astro Night is a unique opportunity for Scouts to view distant stars and planets. Scouts will depart from the Hay Pavilion to the Trout Lake sub-camp at 9:45pm. Scouts taking Astronomy Merit Badge must go on the Astro Night. Scouts looking to attend Astro Night must sign up ahead of time at the Eco- Con area. If it is cloudy and the stars cannot be viewed Astro Night will be moved to Thursday. 25
Thursday Evening Mini Yucca The Mini Yucca leaves from the Corral immediately following dinner. For more information on the Mini Yucca refer to page 21. Western Sponge-sling The Western Sponge-sling is a giant game of dodge ball but with wet sponges. Bring clothing and closed toe shoes that can get wet. The undefeated Staff challenges the campers to break our record. In order to participate in the sponge-sling Scouts must wear closed toes shoes. We ask for the Scouts honesty while participating in the Sponge-sling and for adult leader support in helping to referee the event. Family Night We invite the families of all Scouts participating in the events of the week to come to camp and visit. Family Night starts at 4:00pm and we ask that all visitors check out of camp by 9:00pm. Visitors are more than welcome to join us for dinner, we ask however that units let us know how many visitors they are expecting so that we can prepare enough food. After dinner families are welcome to participate in the events of the evening. Root Beer Salon After the Western Sponge-sling the Hay Pavilion will transform into a Root Beer Salon. The D-A staff will be selling root beer floats in mason jars at the hay pavilion. Join the staff for some root beer, some ice cream and some fun. Friday Evening Friday evening s program starts at 8:00pm with an award ceremony followed by evening colors. From there the camp will depart for the Chapel to hold a Scouts Own Service. Immediately following the Scouts Own Service camp will reassemble in the Fire Bowl for the closing campfire. This campfire will be similar to the opening but it will be the Scouts providing the entertainment this time. 26
Section 7: Other Programs Trading Post The Jack Lord Trading Post is a one stop shop for all your camp business and equipment needs. We carry a vast selection of D-A swag, camping gear, cold soda, candy, ice cream, mess kits, nutritional snacks and lots of other items. We carry many items that you would see in a National Scout Shop. Sunday Monday Friday Saturday 1:00pm 5:30pm and 7:00pm 8:00pm 7:45am 12:00pm, 1:30pm 5:00pm, and 6:45pm 9:00pm 7:45am 10:00am Shoot Prices Scouts and Scouters looking to participate in the open shoot at Shooting Sports that are not enrolled in the corresponding Merit Badge class will need to stop by the Trading Post to purchase tickets to shoot. Prices for the tickets are as follows. Rifle 5 shots $0.50 Shotgun 3 shots $2.00 Muzzle Loader 2 shots $1.00 Archery Unlimited Free D-A Scout Museum Scouts will have the opportunity to visit D-A s Scout Museum located near the front of camp. Inside of the Museum is scouting memorabilia from the last century of scouting. Items include patches, uniforms, sashes, medals, magazines, and Native American exhibits. You can also find cool patches from D-A camping history and scouting in the Detroit area of Michigan. This is one unique piece of the D-A Ranch experience that you must not miss out on. The Trainor Museum will also satisfy requirements for the Scouting Heritage Merit Badge. Leader Meetings Adult leaders are asked to join the Camp Administration team on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday under the Hay Pavilion at 9:15am. All adult leaders are welcome to the leader meeting where we will be discussing the events of the week and addressing any issues that might have arisen during your units stay. 27
SPL / ASPL Round Tables On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday the Program Director will be meeting with the SPL and/or ASPL from units at 5:00pm under the Hay Pavilion. During these meetings the units senior leadership will discuss the upcoming events throughout the week as well as work with the units to plan the Friday evening Closing Campfire. Order of the Arrow The Order of the Arrow has its origin at summer camp. The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is to recognize Scouts, who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in the same manner. The Order of the Arrow provides valuable service to our council camps and assists in the promotion of camping. This year marks the 101 st anniversary of the Order of the Arrow. The program for the Order of the Arrow at D-A is as follows: O-A Day: All Day Tuesday All Arrowmen are encouraged to wear their sash throughout the day. O-A Luncheon and Service Project 12:00pm We invite all Arrowmen to the O-A luncheon at the Hay Pavilion. After some food and fellowship we ask that all Arrowmen present join the D-A OA Service Corp for the next hour to provide service to camp. Partaking in this activity earns you the privilege of buying a D-A OA Service Corp patch at the Trading Post OA Callout: Tuesday 9:20pm An impressive ceremony to honor newly elected members of the Order of the Arrow. This ceremony will take place at the OA Firebowl directly following evening program activities. Observers will meet at the Jack Lord Flag Pole at 9:20pm so that we can walk SILENTLY down to the ceremony which will start at 9:30pm. ALL campers are encouraged to attend. Scoutmasters if you have any Scouts that have been elected PRIOR to camp, please have their names submitted to the Program Director by lunch on Tuesday, so he can collect them and give them to the OA Camp Chief. 28
OA Fellowship: Tuesday following Callout After the OA Callout ceremony we ask all Arrowmen and newly elected members to join us in the Hay Pavilion for some ice cream and fellowship. The newly elected Scouts will join us for the fellowship. Feel free to share stories to help inspire these young men to stay active with their lodges and chapters after their induction. Hiking, Fishing and Biking Trips If your unit or Scouts would like to experience The Ranch s miles of hiking and biking trails or fishing on other lakes, please make sure to follow the following safety standards. Adult supervision must be in accordance with Youth Protection and Safe Scouting Guidelines. You will need to fill out a Trip Plan form for hiking, biking on the trail systems, and / or fishing trips to other lakes and submit it to the camp office. That way we know your intended route, number of participants, and departure and arrival time in case of emergencies. This is to make sure that all participants have a safe adventure here at The Ranch. It will also ensure the safe and proper use of trail systems since bikes are not allowed on hiking trails and hikers are not allowed on bike trails. The Tumbleweed The Tumbleweed is D-A s daily newsletter. Keep an eye out on the newsletter for events of the day along with any revisions or changes to the program. A copy of The Tumbleweed will be provided to your unit each day and dropped in your units mail boxes. Additional copies are available by request in the camp office. Photos at the Ranch This year one of our staff members will be taking photos of different activities for promotional purposes. Some photos may become published for use in year round marketing for The Ranch. Scouts and Leaders are encouraged to provide the Ranch with any pictures you may take throughout the week as well. Model and Talent Release The BSA model and talent release is located in Part A of the Annual Health and Medical Record. If parents elect to NOT allow the BSA, MCC, and D-A to use photos and video of their Scouts at camp, please bring that to the attention of the Camp Director upon arrival at camp. 29
Section 8: Awards D-A Ranger Awards The D-A Ranger Award is new to The Ranch, and has three tiers of rank. The award is an individual accomplishment and focuses on completion of key programs that exemplify D-A Scout Ranch. The rank tiers are D-A Deputy, D-A Captain, and finally full D-A Ranger. Only one rank tier can be completed during a week of summer camp and Scouts must complete the previous rank tier before moving on to the next. With each rank tier completed the individual Scout will be recognized and awarded a patch for the rank tier they have completed. Requirements for the D-A Ranger Award can be found in Appendix I. Adventure Patrol Award The Adventure Patrol Award is designed to challenge your units patrols to experience many of the adventures here at The Ranch. Requirements for the Adventure Patrol Award can be found in Appendix II. Longhorn Award The Longhorn Award is a unit based award. If your unit has earned this award in the past great job, but this year the requirements will be ever more challenging. Only the strongest units will earn this coveted award. Requirements for the Longhorn Award can be found in Appendix III. Ranch Master Award Adventure, leadership, and service are the pillars of a Ranch Master. The Ranch Master Award is for unit leaders to challenge themselves and have fun on their vacation here at the Ranch. Requirements for the Ranch Master Award can be found in Appendix IV. LEAF Award The LEAF award is a unit specific special award offered by the Michigan Crossroads Council. The award focuses on leave no trace awareness on a unit level. The award is unit regulated and unit adult leaders can sign off requirements for the unit. Individual Recognition Patches are available for purchase in the Trading Post. Camp Gadget Award At the end of the week the D-A Scoutcraft staff will visit units campsites to judge their camp gadgets. Camp gadgets will be judged on their originality, structural stability and proper lashing techniques. The unit with the best camp gadget will receive the coveted Knot-man Award. 30
STEM Award Scouts and adults will be able to take home the D-A STEM award after attending 3 of the 5 demonstrations at the Ecology-Conservation area throughout the week. Demonstrations are geared to introduce scouts to the new STEM program at D-A. Stop by and check out the cool new 3D printer and participate in other fun activities. Mud Scout Award Scouts who complete the D-A 5k Mudder will receive the D-A Mud Scout Award. For more information on the D-A 5k Mudder see page 21. 31
End Remarks: We hope the information provided in this guide serves your program scheduling needs this summer. As always the information in this guide is tentative and we reserve the right to change aspects as staffing is finalized and materials are ordered. Your unit will be updated on changes via email. Contact us with any questions that you have. Remember that Scouts and Scouters come to camp to experience an adventure and we hope you guys will too. That is also why we work at summer camp, to meet many new faces, and have fun in the outdoors. Experience. The. Ranch. #DbarAwesome Cheers, The Admin Team Thank You for Choosing D-bar-A Scout Ranch as your 2016 Boy Scout Summer Camp Adventure! 32