SCOUT SKILLS COMPETITION WINTER CAMPOREE

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FEBRUARY 2010

PAWNEE DISTRICT - Quivira council B.s.a.

Is your unit ready to return to the rugged and wild Arctic for a challenge?  Are you itching in your woolly red flannels for adventure in the winter out-of-doors to test your skills?  Then you could be ready to register for CAMP ALASKA.  Please read the pages in this WEBSITE and consider some of the suggested procedures and tips to make this outing a memorable one for the fun (not the misery).  You may note, as you read through this WEBSITE, some changes have been made this year to increase the challenge and offer more information – so (it’s that motto again) BE PREPARED.

 

The entire event is based on the PATROL METHOD.  Each patrol will be made up on 4 to 9 Scouts. There are 8 Alaskan cities each having a scout skill to complete. A total of 8 points can be earned at each station. The patrol to earn the closest to 64 points in each division wins. Is your patrol up for the challenge? 

 

At CAMP ALASKA, we abandon “modern” technology in favor of skill and ingenuity.  Can YOU meet the challenge of having to rely on your wits and the skills you have learned through Scouting?  If so, mark your calendar for the third (full) weekend of February and plan to join us.

 

This activity has been expanded to include ALL registered youth scouts, including
BSA 2^nd year Webelos, Boy Scouts, Venturers. 
To get us into the theme of the outing – we will be using the following terminology throughout the rest of this text:

Observers – scouts 3^rd grade or younger.  These ARE non-participants.

 

Webelos – younger scouts registered as BSA Webelos in the 4^th or 5^th grade.

 

Boy Scouts – youth participants registered as BSA Boy Scouts in the 6^th grade or higher.

 

Venturers - This category range is age 14 to 20, and may elect to assist as staff or may choose to compete.  Be aware, the skill levels expected at each station will be higher for older aged Scouts.

 

Venturing Crews are encouraged to participate in CAMP ALASKA, to test their skills and knowledge, see how well they remember what they have learned on this trail, and what they need to refresh. 

 

We have noticed in the past that there are some pretty savvy Webelos out there who have spent a lot of time learning what they need to know for this contest.  In some instances, while not necessarily faster, a few of the Pack Patrols have occasionally demonstrated a little better skills knowledge than some of the Troop Patrols – so age isn’t always an indicator of ability.

 

LEADERS – please be sure the Mayor at each station is aware that your unit is a Webelos unit, so if they need just a bit more time they may not be penalized.  Webelos units may have an adult “coach” – but keep in mind, adults keep their hands OFF.

 

If you’re Patrol, Troop, or Crew doesn’t meet these participant requirements, they may be paired up with another small unit to form one good-sized patrol.  We don’t want anyone to miss out on the fun because of some little glitch like having only 2 or 3 scouts able to attend.  Please fill out the roster (reproduce as many copies as needed) for each Patrol planning to “live by their wits” for a day. 

 

As everyone knows, the WEATHER in Kansas can be pretty unpredictable during February.  In the past, we have had 6 to 8 inches of wet snow on one weekend, and on others the temperatures have been in the 60’s and cold at night.  Dress and pack accordingly.  Cold Weather Camping Tips can be found in Woods Wisdom, the Boy Scout Handbook, the Field Book, the new Troop Program volumes, and in many other sources.  There will also be someone at one of the Quivira Council offices who can assist you in finding information.

 

Parents and leaders are encouraged to pack lunches that can be easily carried for the competition lunch break and as carry-around snacks.  CANDY IS OKAY.  Actually, candy is great, and so are Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwiches, and granola bars.  Trail mix with lots of nuts, chocolate, and dried fruit is good and lightweight.  Hot soup, cocoa, or Jell-O in a thermos gives quick warm calories.

 

In other words – leaders and parents need to make sure that the youth are appropriately and properly dressed and outfitted for the elements, whatever they may be.  It’s up to YOU to make this a FUN OUTING (not an ORDEAL to survive).  Remember, the youth may be in mixed company during this outing.

 

UNIFORM DRESS CODE FOR CAMP ALASKA

No self-respecting prospector would be caught dead wearing a uniform in the wilderness.  So, NO UNIFORMS.  (A unit may opt for a common color shirt or similar hats.)

In the back woods, NOBODY WEARS SNEAKERS.  Whatever the weather is or may change to, sneakers are NOT recommended outdoor footwear.  They are not insulated enough, and do not resist moisture enough, to be good winter outdoor shoes.  In a pinch, insulate the feet with 1 or 2 plastic bags or bread sacks between sock layers.  (ALL youth should also bring a couple of extra pairs of dry socks – just in case.) 

Wear LOOSE-FITTING LAYERS.  See the Cold Weather Camping guidelines.

Gloves are essential in cold wet weather.  Make sure everyone has a pair with them to wear between stations.

NO ELECTRONICS, this includes FRS two-way radios.

Follow the Outdoor Code: use the latrines - this is a coed camporee – or removal from camp may result.

 

Beware, adults are allowed to be observers only!  Scout units should not need adults.  Points may be deducted if they have an adult overseer. Adults wishing to sight see the “Alaskan terrain” can be provided a map of the area, and may travel the locales at will - like salmon flowing upstream.  

 

Please be advised – All registered units are requested to provide adult leaders to help as staff during the event if at all possible.

 

Due to the necessity of having adequate supplies on hand, we must ask everyone to PRE-REGISTER.  This is a requirement (and an especially important one too, because everyone wants their patches for the event at the end of the contest).  PLEASE be sure to mark the roster for previous attendees properly.

 

REGISTRATION COSTS:

             UNIT Fee:          No troop reservation fee, but pre-registration required!

             ALL Scouts:       $8.00 (includes participant patch)

             Leaders:            $7.00 (includes participant patch)

             Late Fee:           NONE — THIS IS NEW -- WE WANT YOU THERE!

Day observers & non-participants (Observers):  no charge, but bring a sack lunch.

 

REGISTRATION FEES

Due to rising cost of expenses, and insurance, we regretfully need to raise the cost of the camp fees.  Youth participant fees will be $8.00 per person.  Adult leader’s fees will be $7.00 a person.  Unit Late Fees have been eliminated but please register your unit before Jan. 31^st.   Your unit registration forms, patrol rosters, and registration fees will be due when you arrive, please pay by check at Camp. If using your unit’s FHOD please pay before Jan. 31st at the Scout Office, we cannot take FHOD payments at camp.

 

As an added incentive, for the first unit to volunteer to help with clean-up of Skagway after Camp Alaska has finalized on Sunday, a rebate of some camping fees will be available.

 

Due to bottle-neck problems in the past, and the number of Scouts expected to sign up this year for the event, those who attend as observers need to be aware that they may need to make space for the competing teams at the “town” stations.  We enjoy the spirit and anticipation of the Observers (3^rd grade & under scouts), and they are always encouraged to visit the troops to observe. 

 

ALL “WEBELOS” will be permitted to compete, and we encourage them to coordinate with a troop for help, encouragement, and an opportunity to make troop contacts & new friends.

 

The contest design will change a little bit each year, just to avoid boredom.