The Ultimate High Adventure Challenge If you are a thrill-seeker looking for a rollercoaster week of challenge and fun, look no further than the New River Adventure Program. This program combines teamwork, leadership, and the confidence-building activities of a nationally accredited COPE course with the thrills, skills, and challenges of high adventure programs ranging from white water rafting to ice climbing. Prepare For The Adventure Who can participate? What kind of leadership do we need? How do we get to all the activities? Where will we stay? With whom will we participate? What kind of special gear do I need? What does optional day mean? Swimmers who are at least 13 years old by January 1 of the year attending that can pass the BSA Swimmer s Test. If you cannot pass the test, you will not be allowed to participate in water activities including ww raft and ww canoe. Our program staff provides the primary adult leadership for New RiverAdventure Groups during activity and travel; however, we encourage adults to participate (Why should the kids have all the fun?). The only exception for this rule concerns co-ed Venture Crews that must send at least one female adult leader if there are female crew members. The New River Staff will provide transportation to and from all activities in either school buses or 15-passenger vans. Adults can earn credit toward the Leader s Award by offering to assist with driving. Participants will stay at Powhatan either with their own troops or in provisional sites dedicated to New River Adventure. Groups that receive the New River Gorge Climbing option will spend one night at our outpost in West Virginia. Participants will be combined into groups of 10-20 scouts and adult leaders based on the optional day choice. When possible, (depending on size) we will group your unit together. New River Adventure provides certified, high-quality gear for all of its activities. However, each program requires specific personal gear that helps to ensure your safety and enjoyment of the program: (A small backpack will be helpful for carrying gear to and from programs). Everyone in the NRA Program will participate in four days of COPE, white water canoeing, and white water rafting. Your group must select an optional day program and submit the form with this guide. Selections will be honored on a first-come first-served basis, but no choice is guaranteed. C.O.P.E. & climbing tower Closed-toe shoes Sturdy shorts or pants recommended Water bottle Gloves Natural Rock Climbing Daypack Boots or sturdy shoes (climbing shoes if you have them) Rain gear Long pants Water bottle Bug spray Gloves Money for dinner in WV ATV The ATV Institute requires that all participants wear long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots. Participants must bring these items to camp if they wish to participate in the ATV program. Participants and guardians must complete the agreement found on page 6 of this guide as well. Rafting/Canoeing Closed-toe shoes Bathing suit Hat Sunscreen Water bottle Sunglasses Dry clothes for ride home Caving Long pants Long-sleeve shirt Closed-toe shoes Gloves recommended Change of clothes and shoes for ride back Note: Cave mud will permanently stain clothing! Camp Leader s Guide 2014 New River Adventure Page 1
Getting Started! Registration Participants in the New River Adventure should go through registration on Sunday with their units and complete the BSA Swimmer s Test at either Camp Powhatan or Camp Ottari. All participants for this program will be based out of Camp Powhatan. Participants at Ottari may catch a shuttle to Powhatan. Please remember to check in when you arrive. Sunday night dinner will be served after a short Retreat Ceremony. Please arrive promptly at the Dining Hall in your Class A uniform. Group assignments will be made after the campfire and posted in a designated area.your schedule for the week will be posted on the Centennial Training Center (CTC) porch (beside the parade field). What to Expect Remember to Bring: NRA Waiver Form BSA National Medical Form Tour Plan (out of council) Proof of Troop Insurance (out of council) Roster list All groups will participate in the following three programs: 1. White Water Rafting Intense! Challenging! Exciting! You ll be saying all those things after your day trip to the New River Gorge in West Virginia. The Gorge is often called the Grand Canyon of the East, and for good reason. During the seven mile journey from Cunard to Fayette Station, your group will surf the rapids, leap off Jump Rock, and plunge through 19 major Class 3, 4, and 5 rapids. The trip finishes with a cookout 876 feet beneath the longest arch bridge in the western hemisphere. Our staff provides transportation (3 hours each way), meals, raft guides, and all the equipment necessary to have an exciting day on the river. The trip will stop both ways at a rest stop, so you may wish to bring some cash for snacks. 2. The COPE Course Your group will spend two days participating in our Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience or COPE. This program is designed to improve communication, teamwork, and trust within your unit while boosting individual self-esteem, confidence, and leadership. During the day of Low COPE, our staff will guide your group through initiative games and low rope activities. Whether creating a monster, traversing a pool of lava on magic stones, or braving the trust fall, these activities are guaranteed to boost the morale of your team and improve the group s dynamics. This prepares the group for the High Ropes Course where participants will traverse a series of logs and wire obstacles over 40 feet in the air. The thrill seekers in your group can even soar through the air on our 200-foot zipline or clear the runway and catch some Gs on the flying squirrel. 3. White Water Canoeing Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and get ready for a day of fun as your group canoes the New River through Giles County, Virginia. Participants in this program will hone their paddling skills as they shoot Class 2 and 3 rapids, perform boat rescues, and learn how to better read the moving water. There will also be plenty of time to swim the waters and just enjoy this scenic section of the New River. Camp Leader s Guide 2014 New River Adventure Page 2
Getting Started! Your group must select one of the following activities for your optional day. In most cases we can accommodate your first choice; however, group size and time of registration also affect program selection, so please understand that we cannot guarantee your first choice. Come prepared for your second choice. The form is attached to this document and is due by April 1st. First-come, first-served, but not guaranteed. Option 1 Caving (limit 8 per day) Those selecting the Caving option will explore one of the many limestone caves located throughout the New River Valley. Be prepared to get muddy as you experience total darkness, learn about cave formation and practice low-impact caving techniques. Note: cave mud will permanently stain clothing. Option 2 Ice Climbing (limit of 40 per day) Located next to the COPE Course is our 50-foot tall climbing tower. Groups will spend the day learning about traditional climbing and rappelling and more advanced techniques including dry tooling and ice climbing. Groups interested in working on the climbing merit badge or Venturing elective just need to let the staff member in charge know. Option 3 Natural Rock Climbing in the New River Gorge (Limited to 10 climbers per day) If you like the feel of a climbing harness, the cool touch of natural rock, and the taste of sweat as adrenalin pumps through your system, then this is the program for you. Scouts who choose this option learn basic climbing skills in the New River Gorge. Participants will spend one night in our outpost in West Virginia. The crew will eat out for dinner and have the opportunity to purchase snacks, so bring $15 20. Due to National Park Permit requirements, groups with more than ten people will be split up and have separate schedules for the week. Venturers should complete all but requirement 9 of the Ranger Mountaineering elective and a large portion of the COPE elective. Option 4 Basic Pistol and Handgun Firing (limited to 12) Participants may sign up for this intensive option that includes the NRA basic pistol marksmanship course. Participants will be trained in the following skills by a certified instructor before being allowed to fire on our handgun range and participants must bring a completed participation agreement (found on page 7): Pistol knowledge and safe gun handling Ammunition knowledge and fundamentals of pistol shooting Firing and first shots (includes cleaning and storing) Two-handed and one-handed standing shooting positions Pistol sports and activities There is an additional fee of $50 for this program. Option 5 All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) (limited to 8) Those selecting the ATV option will spend the entire day learning how to safely control and maintain an ATV, while completing the ATV Safety Riders Course. The ATV Institute requires that all participants wear long sleeves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots. Participants must bring these items to camp if they wish to participate in the ATV program. There is an additional fee of $50 for this program. Participants and guardians must also complete the agreement found on page 6 of this guide and submit to the ATV instructor. Friday Night After the Order of the Arrow Campfire: Have Scouts pack all their belongings except those needed Friday night and Saturday morning. Pack all troop gear. Check to make sure you received the correct number of participant s patches. Complete the camp evaluation and reserve your spot for next year. If members of your unit need to get from Powhatan to Ottari, either arrange for someone in your troop to pick the participants up or let the Camp Director know prior to Friday. Camp Leader s Guide 2014 New River Adventure Page 3
Optional Day Selection Form Return by April 1st to: Camp Registrar blue Ridge Mountains Council, BSA or Fax: (540) 265-0659 P.O. Box 7606 shirleyn@bsa-brmc.org Roanoke, VA 24019 Dates for attending camp: Number of Youth: Number of Adult Leaders: Unit #: Council: Adult Contact: Email: If we do not receive your selections by April 1 st, we will select an optional program for you. All selections must be made as a group. Address: City: State: Zip: Daytime Phone: ( ) Evening Phone: ( ) If you would like your group to be together for the core four days of the program, but your group size exceeds the minimum for the optional day activity below, please indicate two first choices and two second choices. This will allow us to split your group up for the optional day so your Scouts have the best possibility of getting the optional activity they desire, please select a third choice as well. Smaller groups please list in order of preference (1 3): Option 1 - Caving (limit 8) Option 2 - Ice Climbing (limit 40) Option 3 - Climbing in New River Gorge (limit 10) Option 4 - Basic Pistol - requires signed participation agreement (Costs an additional $50) (limit 12) Option 5 - ATV - requires signed participation agreement (Costs an additional $50) (limit 8) Special Needs In order to serve you better, please list below any special needs (physical or dietary) that your group might have: Camp Leader s Guide 2014 New River Adventure Page 4
Parental Waiver A Letter of Understanding To: Parents of participants in the New River Adventure Your son/daughter is enrolled in a week-long high adventure program at the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation. To participate in the New River Adventure, both the participants and their parent(s) must sign and return this form. To participate, your son/daughter must be at least age 13 by January 1 of the year attending camp and must pass the BSA first class swim test upon arrival at our camps. This program will include: 1) A day of white-water rafting in the New River Gorge, which has nineteen Class 3, 4, & 5 rapids. 2) A day of canoeing on the New River, which has several class 2 & 3 rapids. 3) Two days of physical challenges on our COPE course. This is a BSA-designed ropes course that develops confidence, self esteem, problem solving abilities and teamwork. 4) For the 5th day of the program, the Unit may chose to go caving, climbing and rappelling on a 55-foot tower, participate in a natural climbing experience, ride ATVs, or, Venturing units may learn to safely fire a handgun. Our New River Adventure receives enthusiastic reviews each summer from hundreds of participants. They find it exciting and worthwhile, but it is also physically demanding. We highly recommend following the BSA s height/weight guidelines found on the health form. All outdoor high adventure activities have inherent risks. We ve had cuts, sprains and broken bones. We have safety rules that must be obeyed and safety equipment that must be worn. Families and Scout troops are responsible for medical costs. I have read and understand the nature of the activities of the New River Adventure program. I will follow instructions and will adhere to the safety rules of the program. Name (please print): Unit #: Dates of Camp: Signature: (participant) I have read and understand the above form, and I give my son/daughter permission to participate in the New River Adventure program this summer. Signature: (parent/guardian) Date: Camp Leader s Guide 2014 New River Adventure Page 5
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Program Participation and Hold-Harmless Agreement Camp New River Adventure Camp New River Adventure from the Blue Ridge Mountains Council will be conducting an ATV program at camp. Scouts will be instructed how to ride on and drive an ATV. Scouts will be taught ATV safety and will drive on a training course, then on approved trails only. Scouts will be on the unit individually and in control of the power and brakes. Scouts will be required to wear a helmet, goggles, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeve shirts, and long pants. Scouts are expected to abide by all safety rules and the instructions of the camp instructor(s). I, the undersigned, give my child,, permission to participate in this program. I understand that participation in the activity involves a certain degree of risk. I have carefully considered the risk involved and have given consent for my child to participate in the activity. I understand that participation in the activity is entirely voluntary and requires participants to abide by the rules and standards of conduct. I release the Boy Scouts of America, the ATV Safety Institute, the local council, the activity coordinators, and all employees, volunteers, related parties, or other organizations associated with the activity from any and all claims or liability arising out of this participation. For safety, my child and I agree that he/she will do the following or he/she will be removed from the program. Because space is limited, any additional cost associated with participation in this program will not be refunded. 1. Complete the ATV safety class taught at Camp. New River Adventure 2. Wear all required safety gear at all times on or around the equipment. 3. Follow all safety rules provided in the training class. 4. Follow the instructions of the camp staff instructor(s). 5. Maintain control of the ATV at all times and remain within the speed determined to be safe by the camp instructor(s). 6. Be in full compliance with all local, state, and federal guidelines, including age restrictions and original equipment manufacturer standards. 7. Respond to the camp satisfaction survey from the Boy Scouts of America as it evaluates the ATV program. Participant s signature: Date: Parent/guardian signature: Date: Parent/guardian printed name: Date: Home phone: Cell phone: Email address (for survey purposes only): 430-048 2012 Printing Camp Leader s Guide 2014 New River Adventure Page 6
Camp Powhatan Pistol Pilot Program Participation and Hold Harmless Agreement Camp Powhatan (Blue Ridge Mountains Council) will be conducting a pilot program for Pistol safety and marksmanship during 2014. This program is conducted under the approval of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts will be instructed how to handle, maintain, and shoot a pistol safely and be provided instruction to increase their marksmanship skills. Scouts will have both classroom instruction and range instruction in which they will fire a pistol under the supervision of a trained Range Safety Officer and pistol instructor at Camp Powhatan. Scouts will be required to wear eye protection and ear protection at all times while on the range. Scouts are expected to abide by all safety rules and the instructions of the Range Safety Officer(s) and Pistol Instructor(s). I, the undersigned, give my child,, permission to participate in this program. I understand that participation in the activity involves a certain degree of risk. I have carefully considered the risk involved and have given consent for my child to participate in the activity. I understand that participation in the activity is entirely voluntary and requires participants to abide by the rules and standards of conduct. I release the Boy Scouts of America, the local council, the activity coordinators and all employees, volunteers, related parties or other organizations associated with the activity from any and all claims or liability arising out of this participation. For safety, my child and I agree that he/she will do the following or he/she will be removed from the program. Because this is a pilot program and space is limited, any additional cost associated with participation in this program will not be refunded. 1. Complete the First Steps Class taught at Camp Powhatan. 2. Wear all safety gear at all times while on the range. 3. Follow all the safety rules provided in the training class. 4. Follow the instructions of the Range Safety Officer(s) and Pistol Instructor(s). 5. Do not handle the pistols until instructed to do so by the Pistol Instructor(s). 6. Follow the instructions of the Range Safety Officer(s) at all times. 7. Is 14 years of age, or 13 and has completed the 8 th grade, as of the start of the class and will be in full compliance with all local state and federal guidelines, including age restrictions and original equipment manufacturer standards. 8. Will respond to the camp satisfaction survey from the Boy Scouts of America to help in the evaluation of the pilot program. Participant s Signature Date: Parent/Guardian Signature Date: Parent/Guardian Print Name Date: Home Phone Cell Date: Email address for survey purposes only: Camp Leader s Guide 2014 New River Adventure Page 7
Camp Roster Unit Number: Week Attending: name of Scout/Adult Leader Date of Birth Address Phone 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Camp Leader s Guide 2014 New River Adventure Page 8