| CAMPOREES The district sponsors a spring and Fall Camporee hosted by local troops. These events are a key part of the Scouting experience. They are an ideal way to interact with Scouts from other troops and participate in inter-patrol/troop competition testing various Scouting skills. PHILMONT Philmont is a High Adventure Scout Base, located in Cimarron, NM. It is open in the summer to Scout Crews of up to 12 members. The Scouts can participate in 20 + different treks ranging form 50 to 75 miles over a 12-day period. During this time the Scouts will learn the value of teamwork and enjoy many different activities on the trail such as; burrow racing, black powder gun shoots, rock climbing, mountain-men story telling. JAMBOREES The National Jamboree is held every 4 years, most recently at Fort AP Hill, VA. The last jamboree was July 2001. This is a gathering of Scout contingents from all over the United States, meeting for 9 days of scout fellowship. There are many displays and activities during this time. The World Jamboree is held every 4 years, most recently in Chile, in Dec of 1999. This is a gathering of Scout Contingents from all over the world. Scouts must be at least age 12 and a First Class scout to attend a National Jamboree, and age 13 and First Class to attend a World Jamboree. These trips are coordinated by the Council. ORDER OF THE ARROW The Order of the Arrow (OA) is Scouting’s national honor society. The local lodge is Nacha-Mawat #373. They conduct lodge meetings monthly (generally the first Tuesday of each month). The members of the local lodge consist of scouts from troops within the Southwest Michigan Council. The Purpose of the Order of the Arrow is: · To recognize those campers--Scouts and Scouters--who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such recognition cause other campers to conduct themselves in such a manner as to warrant recognition. · To develop and maintain camping tradition and spirit. · To promote Scout camping, which reaches its greatest effectiveness as a part of the units camping program, both year-round and in the summer camp, as directed by the camping committee of the council. · To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others. Elections are generally conducted in the spring of each year. Scouts must be First Class of rank or higher, have spent 15 days and nights of camping; including 6 consecutive days and 5 nights of resident camping, The Scouts eligible for election into the Order of the Arrow must also have approval of the Scoutmaster. The election is open to all registered Scouts in the troop. A Scout must receive at least 50% of the vote and at least 50% of the registered Scouts must be present for a valid election. Generally, two Scouts are elected each year, but the number can vary. Each year the troop may select one adult leader to be inducted into the Order of the Arrow. |
| ADULT TRAINING YOUTH PROTECTION (ADULT) A comprehensive youth protection training program for all BSA professionals and volunteers. The training consists of a video and supporting materials that cover recognizing and reporting child abuse. NEW PARENT ORIENTATION This meeting is conducted on the first meeting in March or the first meeting new Scouts attend. The purpose is to introduce Leaders, explain the Troop Program, Patrol Method and answer questions. The “Fast Start” video is also shown, this video is a must for all parents and adult volunteers to watch – it provides an introduction to the Scouting Program. The Boy Scout Fast Start tape (AV-026) covers three topics: The Troop Organization, The Troop Meeting, and The Outdoor Program. SAFE SWIM DEFENSE Training is available at least yearly at the District Level and also offered at Summer Camp. This training is valid for 2 years and is required of at least 2 adults for the troop to participate in swimming activities. SAFETY AFLOAT Training is available at least yearly at the District Level and also offered at Summer Camp. This training is valid for 2 years and is required of at least 2 adults for the troop to participate in activities involving watercraft. NEW ADULT ESSENTIALS (Formerly Scoutmaster Fundamentals I) This is the new Basic Leader Training. New Leader Essentials is an introductory session that highlights the values, aims, history, funding and methods of Scouting. It is aimed for all unit-based volunteers to take at the same time. Each leader completes New Leader Essentials training only once. To be considered trained; a leader must take the New Leader Essentials and the job specific training for their program or position. LEADER SPECIFIC TRAINING (Formerly Scoutmaster Fundamentals II) Once the volunteer has a solid overview of the Boy Scouts of America’s values-based program, they begin training for their specific Scouting position that provides the specialized knowledge a new leader needs in order to assume a leadership role. Leader specific training has been developed all unit positions. BOY SCOUT LEADER SPECIFIC TRAINING (Formerly Scoutmaster Training III) Scoutmasters/Assistant Scoutmasters: This training is divided into four parts. The first three focus on troop operations. The fourth part focuses on outdoor skills (see Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills below). A leader is considered trained when he or she has completed New Leader Essentials and the Leader Specific Training. Troop Committee Members: Troop Committee Training consists of the Troop Committee Challenge. After completion, a troop committee member is considered trained INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR LEADER SKILLS (Formerly Council Outdoor Training-COT) This is a required outdoor training for all Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, and Varsity Scout coaches. The skills taught are based on the Scouting skills found in the Boy Scout Handbook. The course is also ideal for Venturing leaders since it focuses on skills that build confidence and competence in leaders conducting outdoor camping experiences. To be considered trained; these leaders must complete the New Leader Essentials, Leader Specific Training and this new course. WOOD BADGE Wood Badge will give you the training in LEADERSHIP to benefit you and your Scouting job. It will help you better serve the Scouts and Scouters you are empowered to lead. It will help you better serve the needs of all youth in Scouting. And outside of Scouting, on the job, in the home, and in your community, the skills become valuable and transfer to all walks of life. Most persons describe Wood Badge as the highest training experience they have taken. ** The troop encourages and will support the initial cost of training for the new leaders and committee members up through and including Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (formerly Council Outdoor Training- COT), subject to financial availability. continue |