In the new Cub Scout program there are required adventures
for all ranks that center around the idea of learning to camp. The boys
are required to participate in a campfire program, learn about the Leave no
Trace principles, the outdoor code and more. But wait… as per the“Green Scouting Handbook”, (page 4 section 6.1) Cub Scouts in LDS units are
not allowed to go camping, right? Let’s re-examine the statement in the
LDS Scouting handbook a little closer because the “Cub Scouts can’t go camping”
interpretation is not quite accurate. What it actually says is: “No Scout-sponsored overnight camping should
be planned for boys under age 11.” Okay,
so does it actually say that a boy under age 11 can’t go camping? No!
Let’s get this straight… A Cub Scout age boy CAN go camping, just not
with his den or pack, like would be done in Cub Scout packs not sponsored by
the LDS church.
And, if you read the
requirements for the adventures with camping requirements they also include the
following statement. “If your chartered organization does not
permit Cub Scout camping, you may substitute a family campout or a daylong
activity.” So, what does that mean for LDS Cub Scouts?
Well, since we have already established that an LDS Cub Scout CAN go
camping, there are lots of options for an LDS Cub Scout to fulfill the camping
requirements. The first one was listed above in the BSA
statement, and since Cub Scouting is a family program this, in my opinion,
is the very best place for him to pass off these requirements—on a family
camping trip! It could be with his immediate family, with extended
family, on a ward campout, or even on a “Father’s and Son’s” camping trip.
Of course, just GOING camping may not do what needs to be done.
Let’s look at the actual requirements to see how they could get passed
off on a family or ward campout.
If a boy is 8 years old
and working on his Wolf badge:
 |
| Wolf Camping Requirements, click for a larger view |
Wolf Camping requirements
– click on pic for larger image.
If a boy is 9 years old
and working on his Bear badge:
Bear Camping requirements
– click above to see larger image.
And a 10 year old working
on his Webelos and Arrow of Light badges:
As you
read through the above listed requirements, do you see anything that could not
be done on a family campout, at a ward campout and/or at a Father’s and Son’s
campout? I don’t. If it is known in advance that the boys need to
do these things, they could easily be worked into the plan.
To download a pdf with
all the Camping Requirements here.
But,
let’s say you have a boy who’s family just does not camp. The don’t and
they won’t. Well, most of these requirements could even be done in the
back yard but that’s not quite the same type of experience so there is still
the 2nd option—that of the “daylong activity”. I have had some leader’s
ask me if that means that attending Cub Scout Day Camp counts as a “daylong
activity”. Well, maybe… if the requirements are completed at day camp,
but most likely not. The National Council recently made the following statement about
Day Camps: “The overall purpose of day camps is to offer
a fun experience and extend the participant’s Scouting engagement. The purpose
is not advancement. If advancement happens as part of fun engaging program,
great! But it should not be the focus of camp.” So, most likely
the day camps will not be focusing on those camping requirements.
But there is nothing stopping a pack from planning their own “daylong”
activity that does focus on and allow boys to complete the required camping
requirements.
Picture
this… The boys, parents, leaders and possibly siblings as well, all show up
somewhere suitable for camping. The Webelos Scouts need to pick a spot to
set up a tent without adult help. Webelos also need to demonstrate how to
build a fire. (Note the requirement is to “demonstrate how” so if fire
restrictions prevent you from actually having a fire, have them build it and
just not light it) Wolf Scouts need to practice being careful with fire so that
they can write about it after. Webelos need to cook part of a meal as
well as two recipes that do not require pots and pans (many camp recipes don’t)
and the Bears need to help cook the meal and help clean up. The Webelos
will have previously planned a campfire program,
with adult help, and can assign songs, skits, run-ons etc to the
appropriate den according to their requirements. I think it would be
great if assignments were made to the families/parents and leaders as well.
End your “Day long activity” with a Campfire program and your
requirements are fulfilled! Cub Scouts have learned about camping without
actually camping – let’s call it the next best thing.
This
day long activity could also be used to pass of many of the other outdoor
related activities like plant and animal identification, hiking, etc… And some
of the above are electives not required. It could be done all together as
a pack, like I described above, or each den could plan their own day long
activity. There are lots of options—It’s all in how you plan it. Note – The Webelos do have one more required “campout or outdoor
activity” with the troop as part of the Scouting Adventure but that’s a little
different and really should be done with the troop (or 11yr old Scouts) and
Webelos Scouts together.
So, for those who read
the title of this article and thought “No they can’t” or to those parents and
leaders wondering how LDS Cub Scouts will complete all the new camping
requirements, I hope I have shown you a few ways that it is possible. Use
your imagination, use your resources and keep the outing in scouting.
Boys today need experiences that can only be found outdoors and Cub
Scouting can give that to them when it is planed right.
No comments:
Post a Comment