Camp Out Exercise 1

ASSIGNMENT ONE-WINTER CLIMATE

The setting for this outdoor adventure is a large area of private property not far from the hometown of the Varsity Scouts on your team. There are several forested sections of the property and a large lake. The team is interested in having a winter camp out that will allow them to practice building igloos. The

1. What opportunities are there in this scenario for a successful Scouting event?

2. As you consider this event, what are your issues of concern?

3. What ethical choices are likely to come up during this activity?

4. What leadership roles can Varsity Scouts assume in planning and carrying out this weekend event?

5. How can the youth leadership of the team best be utilized?

6. What opportunities for advancement can be woven into this event?

7. Using the resources of The Varsity Scout Guidebook, write down the names of the checklists you as Varsity Coach will need to consider for this event to be a success, and note the importance of each one. (For example, rather than listing every item of gear that will be needed, simply write down the name of the appropriate gear checklist and then a sentence or two of explanation.) Include in your notes any other gear or supplies that are not covered by the standard checklists.

8. What portions of the planning and leadership of this event can be delegated to the team's assistant Varsity Coaches? What support should be requested from the team committee?

9. Staying warm and dry during this camp out will be an interesting challenge for the team. What ideas do you have for solving this problem? Where can you go to get more information about these issues and other considerations for camping in a frozen environment?

10. Discuss the importance of the following four points of the Sweet 16 of BSA Safety, especially as they apply to your preparations for this specific activity:

• Qualified supervision

• Physical fitness

• Buddy system

• Safe area or course

11. Consider how the team can conform to the principles of Leave No Trace.

12. Consider how you would go about discovering the possibilities of an appropriate Conservation project for the team to do and the right way for it to be conducted. (It should be good for the land, meaningful for the Varsity Scouts, and planned well in advance with the assistance of appropriate personnel of the state park.)