Beaver Day at Camp

Hello Scouts and Scouters, and those of us who have a special place in our hearts for Camp Baker. In a few days we will have an opportunity to come together at Camp Baker and help prepare it for the 700+ campers that will walk among its many trails this summer season. We have jobs for everyone – from the youngest Boy Scout, to the oldest Venture and Sea Scout, and for all of us young at heart.

 Some of those work projects include finishing the construction of Tyee campsite (this is our biggest priority), moving the docks around to the waterfront, building picnic tables, cleaning and setting up tents, hardwiring electrical units in the shower house, clearing trails, pressure washing buildings, and inventorying program supplies. 

 This is but a short list – we truly do have projects for everyone of any skill level or age. If you are able to come out and spend a few hours, or the entire day, it would be greatly appreciated! The work starts at 8 am on June 5th 2010; with a continental breakfast, and lunch, and ends in the late afternoon. Bring any tools that you have or might need, (Hammers, saws, pressure washers, brooms), and remember; many hands make light work! I look forward to seeing you there.

 For more information, or to RSVP, please call Brian Gray at 541-997-3526 or the council office at 1-800-801-4430.

 Yours In Scouting,
 Chris Grooms
 Camp Director

         Cub Scout Day Camps

  “CSI: Cub Scout Investigators”

Don’t miss out on a week full of fun & exciting activities for all Cub Scouts as they become Cub Scout Investigators – following clues, solving riddles and exploring new ideas!  Activities include archery, BB guns, crafts, games, songs, skits, sports, nature hikes, outdoor cooking and many theme-centered activities.  For more information and registration materials, click here.

The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety

Few youth organizations encompass the breadth, volume and diversity of physical activity common to Scouting, and none enjoy a better safety record. The key to maintaining and improving this exemplary record is the conscientious and trained adult leader who is attentive to safety concerns.
As an aid in the continuing effort to protect participants in Scout activity, leaders should remind themselves and others of the following safety tips.

1. QUALIFIED SUPERVISION
Every BSA activity should be supervised by a conscientious adult who understands and knowingly accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of the children and youth in his or her care. The supervisor should be sufficiently trained, experienced and skilled in the activity to be confident of his/her ability to lead and to teach the necessary skills and to respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Field knowledge of all applicable BSA standards and a commitment to implement and follow BSA policy and procedures are essential parts of the supervisor's qualifications.
2. PHYSICAL FITNESS
For youth participants in any potentially strenuous activity, the supervisor should receive a complete health history from a health care professional, parent or guardian. Adult participants and youth involved in higher-risk activity (e.g., scuba) may require professional evaluation in addition to the health history. The supervisor should adjust all supervision, discipline and protection to anticipate potential risks associated with individual health conditions. Neither youth nor adults should participate in activity for which they are unfit. To do so would place both the individual and others at risk.
3. BUDDY SYSTEM
The long history of the "buddy system" in Scouting has shown that it is always best to have at least one other person with you and aware at all times as to your circumstances and what you are doing in any outdoor or strenuous activity.
4. SAFE AREA OR COURSE
A key part of the supervisor's responsibility is to know the area or course for the activity and to determine that it is well-suited and free of hazards.
5. EQUIPMENT SELECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Most activity requires some specialized equipment. The equipment should be selected to suit the participant and the activity and to include appropriate safety and program features. The supervisor should also check equipment to determine that it is in good condition for the activity and is properly maintained while in use.
6. PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
The supervisor must ensure that every participant has and uses the appropriate personal safety equipment. For example, activity afloat requires a PFD properly worn by each participant; bikers, horseback riders, and whitewater kayakers need helmets for certain activity; skaters may need protective gear; and all need to be dressed for warmth and utility depending on the circumstances.
7. SAFETY PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
For most activities there are common sense procedures and standards that can greatly reduce the risk. These should be known and appreciated by all participants, and the supervisor must ensure compliance.
8. SKILL LEVEL LIMITS
There is a minimum skill level requirement for every activity, and the supervisor must identify and recognize this minimum skill level and be sure that none are put at risk by attempting activity beyond their ability. A good example of skill levels in Scouting is the venerable "swim test" which defines conditions for safe swimming based on individual ability.
9. WEATHER CHECK
The risk factors in many outdoor activities vary substantially with weather conditions. These variables and the appropriate response should be understood and anticipated.
10. PLANNING
Safe activity follows a plan that has been conscientiously developed by the experienced supervisor or other competent source. Good planning minimizes risks and also anticipates contingencies that may require emergency response or a change of plan.
11. COMMUNICATIONS
The supervisor needs to be able to communicate effectively with participants as needed during the activity. Emergency communications also need to be considered in advance for any foreseeable contingencies.
12. PERMIT AND NOTICES
BSA tour permits, council office registration, government or landowner authorization, and any similar formalities are the supervisor's responsibility when such are required. Appropriate notification should be directed to parents, enforcement authorities, landowners, and others as needed, before and after the activity.
13. FIRST AID RESOURCES
The supervisor should determine what first aid supplies to include among the activity equipment. The level of first aid training and skill appropriate for the activity should also be considered. An extended trek over remote terrain obviously may require more first aid resources and capabilities than an afternoon activity in the local community. Whatever is determined to be needed should be available.
14. APPLICABLE LAWS
BSA safety policies generally parallel or go beyond legal mandates, but the supervisor should confirm and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations or statutes.
15. CPR RESOURCE
Any strenuous activity or remote trek could present a cardiac emergency. Aquatic programs may involve cardiopulmonary emergencies. The BSA strongly recommends that a CPR-trained person (preferably an adult) be part of the leadership for any BSA program. Such a resource should be available for strenuous outdoor activity.
16. DISCIPLINE
No supervisor is effective if he or she cannot control the activity and the individual participants. Youth must respect their leader and follow his or her direction.

       2010 Popcorn Sale

Our Fall Popcorn Sale begins in September, and promises to be an exciting sale, with all new packaging and healthier product ingredients.  We will be holding council and district kick-off events during the coming months. 

We will be introducing “Show and Sell / Show and Deliver” this year for all units.  This method is similar to other product sales. Popcorn is ordered in advance and sold in front of stores, banks, churches and any other public venue.  This gives your unit another method to reach customers.  We will have microwave and caramel corn products available for the "show and sell" to make it even simpler.  The full product selection will be available on the Take Order forms.  Attend your district kick-off this summer to learn “best practices” to increase your sale.

At your district kick-off you will receive a Popcorn Sale in a Box.  The box includes product samples, posters, banners, training DVDs, a leader playbook, the ever popular/exciting Marshmallow Crossbow and more, all designed to improve your sales. 

You can improve your commission by identifying your unit Popcorn Kernel, signing up early and attending the kick-off.

Call your District Executive to sign up, or sign your unit up now by clicking here.

Founder’s Recognition

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America a New Unit, the New Founder’s Bar recognition, is being introduced.

The Founder’s Bar is worn by all youth and adults whose names are on a new-unit charter or who officially join the new unit before the unit recharters for the first time. Members of veteran units still in operation who were on the original charter may also wear the Founder’s Bar with that unit’s numerals.

This recognition will emphasize the importance and pride of forming and nurturing a new Scouting unit. While it does not guarantee the unit will become a Quality Unit, it does encourage multiple-year rechartering so members may continue to wear the bar.

Once the unit has completed its charter, members may begin wearing the Founder’s Bar.
Contact your district executive for more information on how you can wear a Founder's Bar.