powder horn - staff guide

POWDER HORN

STAFF GUIDE

High-Adventure Resource Management Course

Powder Horn Staff Guide

High-Adventure Resource Management Course

511-015

2018 Printing

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

iii

Table of Contents

Introduction to Powder Horn 1

Purpose 1

Learning Objectives 2

Maintaining Standards 2

Getting a Course Approved 2

Basic Course Requirements 3

Powder Horn Coordinator Position Descriptions 4

Region Powder Horn Coordinator 4

Area Powder Horn Coordinator 5

Course Director’s Pledge 6

Participant Information 7

Who May Attend a Powder Horn Course 7

Who May Earn a Powder Horn Medal 7

Youth Participant Guidelines 7

Venturing Versus Boy Scout Activities 8

Attending Multiple Courses 8

Staff 9

Staff Guidelines 9

Staff Functions 9

Course Director 10

Professional Staff Advisor 10

Assistant Course Director–Program 11

Assistant Course Director–Physical Arrangements 12

Assistant Course Director–Administration 13

Assistant Course Director–Crew Guides 14

Sample Organization Chart 15

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Course Scheduling 16

Choosing Your Approach 16

Course Planning and Backdating 16

Course Reports 17

Course Backdating Plan 18

Budgeting and Costs 19

Powder Horn Budget Worksheet 19

Calculating Course Fee 22

Staff Development 23

Objectives of Staff Development 23

Staff Development Sessions 23

Program 24

Consultants 24

What Makes a Good Consultant? 25

Preparing Consultants 25

Display Tables 26

Program Themes 26

Training Sessions 27

Session Topics 27

Scheduling 27

Sample Three-Day Course Schedule 28

Physical Arrangements 30

Site and Facilities Selection 30

Equipment 31

Food Service 31

Health and Safety 32

Administration 33

Pre-Course Administration 33

Participant Recruiting 33

Participant Communication 33

Course Administration (During the Course) 34

Participant Check-In 34

On-site Communication 34

Participant Evaluations 35

Newsletters 35

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Photos 35

Other Forms and Handouts 35

Resource Materials 35

Closing Ceremony 36

Post-Course Administration 36

Crew Guides 37

Why Is the Crew Guide Important? 37

Skills/Experience Needed to Be a Crew Guide 37

Duties 37

Crew Guide Development 39

Expectations/Position Description 39

The First Day 39

Journaling/Reflecting 40

A Final Note 41

Miscellaneous 42

Course Uniforms 42

Staff 42

Participant 42

Insurance 42

Powder Horn Supplies 42

Astronomy 43

Backpacking 45

Canoeing/Kayaking 47

Cave Exploring 50

Challenge Events/COPE 52

Climbing/Rappelling 54

Conservation 56

Cycling/Mountain Biking 57

Emergency Preparedness 59

Equestrian 61

Expedition Planning 63

Fishing 65

Geocaching 67

Hunting 69

Orienteering 71

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Outdoor Ethics/Leave No Trace 73

Outdoor Living History 79

Plants and Wildlife/Ecology 80

Scuba and/or Snorkeling 82

Shooting Sports 84

Small-Boat Sailing/Sailboarding 87

Wilderness First Aid 90

Wilderness Survival 92

Winter Sports 94

Appendix A1

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Introduction to Powder Horn

Powder Horn is a resource course designed to introduce Scouting’s adults and youth to the

exciting high-adventure program possibilities for their unit. The course supports the mission

of strengthening units so they can achieve the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. One

common denominator of successful courses is that creativity and variety play a role in the

delivery of the curriculum. Each course is somewhat different, and that is a good thing.

Some courses have had participants arrive by canoe, horseback, or bike, or even on skis.

Creativity is fun, too! The ultimate goal is for the participants to leave the Powder Horn

course with a list of ideas to help their program, along with the contacts and resources

needed to implement them. This will lead to a more exciting and robust program, which in

turn should lead to increased membership and a higher retention rate in our units.

It is important to understand that Powder Horn is not a personal development course or a

team-building experience. Its purpose is to educate the youth and adult Scouting leaders

about specific high-adventure skills, to connect them to resources to deliver those skills, and

to get them excited about delivering those skills in an exciting, challenging way to youth.

Fight the urge to do what is done in other courses. Don’t design a patrol flag; don’t have

patrols design and give a patrol yell. To cover the required Powder Horn curriculum, there

will be long, action-packed days and nights. Use your time effectively.

Purpose

The Powder Horn course is designed to help the unit by introducing youth and adult Scouting

leaders to safely conducted outdoor/high-adventure activities of a fun and challenging nature.

The course provides an introduction to the resources needed to successfully lead youth through

a program of outdoor adventure and is based upon giving participants an exposure to some

outdoor/high-adventure activities. It is not a certification event. It is for any youth or adult

interested in experiencing a unit-level, high-adventure program. The purpose of a Powder Horn

course includes:

■ Safe participation in fun and challenging outdoor activities

■ An introduction to resources that can improve a unit’s program

■ Exposure to new and exciting high-adventure activities

■ Help in delivering the BSA promise at the unit level

■ Promoting youths’ and adults’ creativity when delivering high-adventure programs

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the participants should have sufficient introductory information to

■ Provide a robust outdoor program using a variety of resources.

■ Identify local resources and consultants for high-adventure activities.

■ Apply the health and safety requirements of the Boy Scouts of America to outdoor programs.

■ Apply the rules and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America as they apply to

outdoor programs.

This course is not a total training program that enables the Scouting unit members (youth

and adults) to become experts or even self-sufficient in any aspect of outdoor skills. Units

will likely still need knowledgeable, trained, and certified individuals (consultants) to help

provide a safe and correct outdoor/high-adventure program.

Maintaining Standards

Follow the syllabus. This staff guide has been designed to achieve specific results. The syllabus

should be followed closely, particularly as to course culture and staffing requirements. All

sessions must uphold the practices and policies of the Boy Scouts of America.

This course may be administered by a region, an area, joint councils, or locally by a single

council. All courses must be approved by their Scout executive or host council Scout

executives and area or region Powder Horn coordinator.

Getting a Course Approved

To be certified, all courses must meet all the requirements stated in the Powder Horn Staff

Guide. Only certified courses may award the Powder Horn device.

Permission to hold a Powder Horn course must be formally requested by the council, cluster

councils, or area desiring to conduct a course. The Request for Authorization to Conduct a

National Training Course form (see the appendix) must be filed with the area or region Powder

Horn coordinator 360days preceding the course date. However, it is strongly recommended that

councils that are hosting Powder Horn for the first time (or the first time in several years) begin

their approval and planning process 18 months or more before the start of their course. When in

doubt about the approval process (including the filing deadline to request a course), check with

your area or region Powder Horn coordinator.

After receiving the area or region Powder Horn coordinator’s approval to conduct a Powder

Horn course, the course director, staff, and consultants must adhere to the following Powder

Horn guidelines. These guidelines are designed to ensure a high knowledge of health and

safety for our youth and adult participants.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Basic Course Requirements

■ All Powder Horn courses must follow the official Powder Horn Staff Guide.

■ The course must be financially self-sustaining.

■ Consider both the costs and the quality when filling your course. It is not cost-effective to

put on a Powder Horn course for a small group. Similarly, no one has a good experience

if a course is overly full. The minimum course size is 20 participants, and the maximum

is 48 participants. This permits cost sharing and justifies the large staff investment

necessary to complete the course.

■ At least three full days are required for the course, with the maximum length no more

than six days. A five- to six-day course may run over two weekends, but no more than

two weeks should pass between sessions.

■ At least 12 different electives must be presented during any given course. Your choice

of electives is determined by your needs and resources. Attendance at a minimum of

10electives is required to earn the Powder Horn.

■ Participants should be structured into crews of six to eight that operate together and

attend sessions together.

■ The course should not be done in conjunction with other activities such as other

courses (i.e., Wood Badge), family events, or other youth programs. Participants should

concentrate on Powder Horn.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Powder Horn Coordinator Position Descriptions

Each area and region training committee should appoint a Powder Horn coordinator. Course

directors are encouraged to use their coordinator as a resource and to build a collaborative

relationship with two-way communication and timely course reporting.

Region Powder Horn Coordinator

The region Powder Horn coordinator is appointed annually by the region training chair in

consultation with the region vice president of program. A region Powder Horn coordinator

must be a former Powder Horn course director.

■ Plans and conducts a regional Powder Horn course directors conference or advises the

areas on presenting those conferences.

■ When requested, assists the areas in canceling a course or waiving published

requirements for conducting a course.

■ Participates on the national Powder Horn Task Force; submits recommendations on

course content and organization.

■ Reviews the region’s Course Director’s Closeout Reports and sends a letter to

acknowledge receipt of the report, thank the course director for any comments or

suggestions, and note any significant deviations from the staff guide.

■ Presents periodic summary reports to the region training chair.

■ Promotes the course throughout the region, connecting prospective course directors with

course mentors.

■ Maintains records of course directors and assistant course directors.

■ Adds approved courses to the national Powder Horn website (www.powderhorn-bsa.org).

■ Performs the duties of the area Powder Horn coordinator if one hasn’t been assigned by

an area.

■ Meets annually with the area Powder Horn coordinators to discuss Powder Horn issues

and promote an interchange of ideas and best methods.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Area Powder Horn Coordinator

The area Powder Horn coordinator is appointed annually by the area training chair

in consultation with the area vice president of program and the region Powder Horn

coordinator. An area Powder Horn coordinator should be a former Powder Horn course

director. At a minimum, he or she must be a former Powder Horn assistant course director.

■ Works with the area training chair and region Powder Horn coordinator to prepare,

maintain, and promote three- to five-year projections for courses in the area.

■ Encourages, promotes, and assists in scheduling cooperation among councils in support

of cluster courses.

■ Encourages staff selection from additional councils to ensure staff development and

course director requirements.

■ Plans and conducts an area Powder Horn course directors conference or assists the regional

Powder Horn coordinator in conducting a regional Powder Horn course directors conference.

■ Participates in area leadership meetings and conference calls.

■ Evaluates Requests for Authorization to Conduct a Powder Horn Course and makes

recommendations to the area training chair and region Powder Horn coordinator for

course approval.

■ Evaluates first and second reports submitted by course directors. If the second report, due

30 days before the start of a course, includes at least 20 paid in full participants, the area

Powder Horn coordinator will process an order to the Supply Group for the appropriate

number of Powder Horn medals.

■ Evaluates, recommends, and assists with approval of course director(s) with area training

chair and region Powder Horn coordinator.

■ Visits (if invited) staff development meetings for area courses with area training chair.

■ Supports the councils in recruiting staff and participants from neighboring councils.

■ Performs service as a commissioner to Powder Horn courses—visiting, counseling,

supporting, troubleshooting, etc. This should primarily be a service with the course director.

■ Provides evaluations of course operations to the area training chair and region Powder

Horn coordinator.

■ Reviews Course Director’s Closeout Reports. Makes recommendations to the area

training chair and region Powder Horn coordinator on follow-up actions if required.

■ Meets annually with the region Powder Horn coordinator to discuss Powder Horn issues

and promote an interchange of ideas and best methods.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Course Director’s Pledge

Recognizing that a Powder Horn course is a national program and that, as course director

of a Powder Horn course, I will be representing the Boy Scouts of America, I pledge

the following:

■ I will work closely with the host council, staff advisor, and area or region Powder

Horn coordinator

■ I will work closely with my area or region Powder Horn coordinator and will keep

them informed of our progress and any concerns by turning in reports when due.

■ I have read and understand the basic course requirements and staff guidelines and

agree to abide by them.

■ I will present the materials in the current staff guide. I will personally be wholly

familiar with the staff guide, including the purpose and methods of the course.

■ I will structure my staff as outlined in the staff guide. I realize the importance of

recruiting the appropriate number of staff to fulfill the learning objectives of the course.

I will require my staff to be familiar with the staff guide.

■ I will make every effort to recruit highly qualified consultants, rather than assigning

staff members, to teach disciplines.

■ I realize consultants are critical to the success of the course and will set a high quality

level for the course.

■ I will follow the backdating schedule and will file forms within 30 days of completing

the course.

■ And I accept responsibility for the success of this Powder Horn course.

Please sign and date:

Course Director _______________________________ Date _______________________

Host Council Staff Advisor _______________________Date ______________________

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Participant Information

Who May Attend a Powder Horn Course

Powder Horn is open to any youth who is at least 14 years of age (or 13 and has completed

eighth grade, if part of a Venturing crew) or any adult registered in the BSA. Participant

guidelines include:

■ Must be a registered youth or adult member of the Boy Scouts of America.

■ Youth must be 14 years of age (or have joined a Venturing crew if 13 years of age and

completed eighth grade).

■ Youth must have completed the unit’s version of leadership training (Introduction to

Leadership Skills for Troops, Ships, or Crews). Previous attendance at National Youth

Leadership Training (NYLT) is recommended for youth participants but not required

■ Adults must be trained for their position.

■ All participants must complete Venturing Youth Protection and Hazardous Weather training

online through myscouting.org. If water sports are offered, participants must complete Safety

Afloat and Safe Swim Defense. If climbing or rappelling is available, then Climb On Safely

must be completed prior to the course.

■ Meet the physical requirements contained in the Annual Health and Medical Record

physical in a backcountry environment.

■ May have attended previous Powder Horn courses as a participant or staff.

When the course is full, all other applicants should be given the option of going on a standby

list or withdrawing their name. If participants drop out of the course, individuals from the

standby list should be invited to attend in order of the date of their original application.

Who May Earn a Powder Horn Medal

In order to earn the Powder Horn medal, the participant must complete at least 10 course sessions.

Youth Participant Guidelines

As youth officers in a troop, team, crew, or ship should be responsible for the planning of

their unit’s program, youth participation at Powder Horn should be encouraged.

Youth-only crews are strongly preferred to mixing adults and youth. It may be appropriate

for an older youth crew guide to be assigned to a youth-only crew. It is up to each course

to determine how to manage both coed and mixed youth/adult logistics, provided all youth

protection guidelines are followed. This is usually easily accomplished and should not be

used as an excuse to limit youth participation in the course if there are not enough youth

participants to form a youth-only crew.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Venturing Versus Boy Scout Activities

It is critical to be aware of the differences in what activities are allowed in each of the BSA

programs. For example, pistols are not permitted to be used by Boy Scouts but may be used

by Venturers of the same age. To avoid disappointing a part of your audience, you may need

to tailor your activities to the course makeup or be sure to offer equally exciting alternate

activities to anyone who is not allowed to participate in an event.

Attending Multiple Courses

Attending multiple courses is highly encouraged. Because each course is different, with different

themes, staff, consultants, and, oftentimes, different activities and locations, inviting previous

Powder Horn attendees makes good sense. At the opening session, recognize those who have

attended previous courses and ask them to share how they applied the knowledge they gained in

previous courses.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Staff

Staff Guidelines

■ The course director must have previously served as a Powder Horn assistant director.

■ One assistant course director should be assigned as the backup course director in case the

course director cannot serve.

■ A staff member should serve on no more than four courses.

■ Suggested positions include: course director (only one term), assistant course director–

program, assistant course director–physical arrangements, assistant course director–

administration, assistant course director–crew guides, crew guides, and the appropriate

number of support staff to ensure the course objectives are met.

■ A professional staff advisor assigned by the host council Scout executive is required.

■ The course director and assistant course director assigned as the backup course director

must attend a Powder Horn Course Director Conference within two years of the course start

date. The professional staff advisor is strongly encouraged to participate as well.

■ All staff members must be approved by their Scout executive.

■ The course staff should include male and female staff members. The staff should also

reflect the ethnic makeup of the participants and be drawn from a variety of Scouting

programs (i.e., Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Sea Scouting, and Venturing).

■ All staff must be required to read and understand the Powder Horn Staff Guide prior to

attending the course.

■ Each staff member should attend every staff development session.

Staff Functions

It is important that a Powder Horn course is neither over- nor under-staffed. A well-staffed

course has just the right amount of staff members to ensure the learning objectives are met,

participants are properly served, all staff members are kept busy but none are overwhelmed,

all have an opportunity to develop and grow, and they have fun. It is the responsibility of

the course director, along with the assistant course directors, to determine the appropriate

number of support staff that fulfills the above needs for their course. A six-day course with

48 participants, 25-30 consultants, and lots of equipment/logistics needs will inevitably need

more staff than a three-day course with 20 participants and 12 consultants. The staff needs to

be aware that they are always on the job during the course. Their conduct should reflect that

concept, as well as their comments to each other and to the participants.

The inclusion of youth is encouraged for any course that has youth participants (which

should be all Powder Horn courses). To serve as youth staff, the youth should have

completed an NYLT course.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Course Director

Qualifications

■ Must have a complete understanding of the contents of this Powder Horn Staff Guide and

ensures that the staff has a complete understanding of the staff guide as well.

■ Must have previously served as an assistant course director. When in doubt about

qualifications, check with your area or region Powder Horn coordinator. The nomination

must be made for a specific course, and the approval of the Scout executive and area or

region Powder Horn coordinator must be obtained in writing.

■ Must have attended a regional Powder Horn Course Director Conference within two years

of the course start date.

Duties

■ Working with the professional staff advisor, develops the course budget and keeps the

course within the budget.

■ Recruits the staff, assigns each staff member a task or responsibility in the course, and is

constantly aware of the needs of staff members.

■ Develops the staff through regular communication, staff development weekends, and

site visits.

■ Assigns one assistant course director as the backup in case the course director cannot

fulfill his or her duties. This person should also attend the regional Course Director

Conference within two years of the course start date.

■ Once the course is approved, sends course information to the Powder Horn website via

email: webmaster@powderhorn-bsa.org.

■ Understands that how the course is conducted is a direct reflection of his or her

knowledge, skills, and attitude.

■ Holds each staff member accountable for maintaining the standards of the Boy Scouts

of America.

■ Must be sensitive to participants’ needs and provide opportunities to meet those needs.

■ Completes two pre-course reports, the staff roster, and the closeout report (see First

Status Report, Staff Roster, Second Status Report, and Course Director’s Closeout Report

in the appendix) and submits them with appropriate forms to the area or region Powder

Horn coordinator.

■ Completes a Final Closeout Report after the course and submits it to the Scout executive

and area or region Powder Horn coordinator.

■ Is responsible for the success of the course.

Professional Staff Advisor

Qualifications

■ Appointed by the council Scout executive to work with the Powder Horn course director

and staff members to ensure a successful course.

■ Must be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the Powder Horn Staff Guide.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ It is recommended that the professional staff advisor attend a Powder Horn Course

Director Conference prior to first serving in this role.

■ Must establish and maintain the standards of the BSA.

Duties

■ Keeps the Scout executive apprised of course developments and encourages appropriate

participation in course activities.

■ Coordinates course dates with council calendars.

■ Shares responsibility with the course director to plan and manage the budget, ensuring

that the course is financially self-sufficient.

■ Assists the course director with the selection of staff.

■ May serve as an assistant course director or in another staff role. If the staff advisor

participates in the operation of the course and will be on-site for most of the course, that

person is qualified for full staff recognition.

■ Helps the course director to develop a list of adult leaders and youth eligible to participate

in a Powder Horn course. Supports the preparation of a promotion plan for the course,

including articles for council newsletters, website, and social media.

■ Ensures that notices, correspondence, mailings, and other support are dealt with in a

coordinated fashion by the council service center.

■ Assists in reserving council facilities and properties for staff meetings, course setup, and

the course itself.

■ Establishes and oversees the participant registration process conducted by the council

service center.

■ Responsible for the proper documentation of course finances through the council

accounting system. Collects and delivers appropriate fees and funds. Issues field receipts.

Provides the course director with monthly accounting reports from the bookkeeper.

Prepares check requests or approves bills for payment. Processes cash advance requests

and receives reports on advances and other expenditures.

■ Processes orders to the Supply Group for course materials, recognition items, and

uniforming needs.

■ Reserves and secures council materials and equipment.

■ Ensures that all required reports are completed by the course director in a timely manner

and forwarded to the National Service Center as required.

■ Maintains the council file of all course materials that will ease the process of planning

future courses.

Qualifications

■ Must be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the Powder Horn Staff Guide.

■ It is strongly recommended that assistant course directors have previous Powder Horn

staffing experience. Program support staff should ideally have been a previous Powder

Horn participant.

■ May attend the regional Powder Horn Course Director Conference.

■ Must establish and maintain the standards of the BSA.

Assistant Course

Director—Program

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Duties

■ Works with the course director to recruit an adequate number of program staff who can

assist with consultant recruiting and communication before the course, consultant support

during the course, opening and closing ceremonies, entertainment, religious services,

time keeping, announcements, and display tables.

■ Recruits and coordinates the consultant staff for the course. Strongly suggested to enlist

all staff members for consultant ideas, resources, and activities.

■ Communicates safety guidelines and standards to consultants. Verifies consultants’ certifications.

■ Responsible for all scheduling during the course.

■ Before the course, communicates regularly with consultants to ensure they are familiar

with course and presentation/demo objectives, as well as BSA safety guidelines and

standards. Shares the date, time, and location of presentations/demos with consultants.

■ Shares consultant equipment needs, housing, and meal plans with physical arrangements staff.

■ Shares consultant handout needs with administration staff.

■ During the course, greets consultants as they arrive, makes them feel welcome, escorts

them to their presentation/demo area, introduces consultants to physical arrangements

staff so that they can assist with the setup of their presentation/demo area, check in to

housing, etc.

■ Times and announces session rotations.

■ Prepares a bio of each consultant for session introductions and course newsletters.

■ Properly thanks and recognizes consultants for their assistance.

■ Responsible for setting up display tables for each Powder Horn topic (whether or not

covered by a consultant).

■ Responsible for program theme days, evening entertainment, music, and giveaways.

See page 24 for a detailed overview of the program function.

Qualifications

■ Must be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the Powder Horn Staff Guide.

■ It is strongly recommended that assistant course directors have previous Powder Horn

staffing experience. Physical arrangements support staff should ideally have been a

previous Powder Horn participant.

■ May attend the regional Powder Horn Course Director Conference.

■ Must establish and maintain the standards of the BSA.

Duties

■ Works with the course director to recruit an adequate number of physical arrangements

staff who can assist with facilities selection and preparation, program equipment, helping

consultants with setup of their presentation/demo area, housing, and food service.

■ Oversees preparation of presentation/demo areas, dining hall, housing, and all other

physical facilities of the course.

Assistant Course

Director—Physical

Arrangements

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Orders all food, materials, and supplies for the course. Takes responsibility for seeing that

all needed equipment is available and in good working order for the course.

■ Responsible for providing housing for any consultants and guests who request it.

■ Responsible for providing proper food service for the course, including preparation and

cleanup of all meals, beverage service, and evening cracker barrels. Cooking staff do

not need to have completed a Powder Horn course. They do NOT earn the Powder Horn

device in this role.

■ Responsible for issuing and accounting for all equipment, and return any unused

equipment. Completes a pre- and post-course inventory. Handles all equipment shipping

and receiving activities for the course.

■ Assumes responsibility during the course for issues involving health and safety. Ensures

a properly qualified staff member is appointed to serve as a medical resource person. This

staff member will be responsible for reviewing personal health and medical record forms,

conducting medical rechecks on the first day of the course, maintaining a first-aid area

with a full first-aid kit and logbook, and serving as the primary respondent to any first-aid

needs. Is responsible for emergency plan and execution if necessary. Informs the staff and

participants of the location of the automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site.

See page 30 for a detailed overview of the physical arrangements function.

Qualifications

■ Must be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the Powder Horn Staff Guide.

■ It is strongly recommended that assistant course directors have previous Powder Horn

staffing experience. Administration support staff should ideally have been a previous

Powder Horn participant.

■ May attend the regional Powder Horn Course Director Conference.

■ Must establish and maintain the standards of the BSA.

Duties

■ Works with the course director to recruit an adequate number of administration staff

that can assist with pre-course communication, course website/social media, forms

and training certifications, participant check-in, course newsletter, handouts, resource

materials, photos and videos, closing slideshow, and evaluations.

■ Responsible for pre-course communication with participants, including emails, pre-

course newsletter, website and/or social media, and distribution and collection of forms.

■ Ensures that Youth Protection, Hazardous Weather, Climb On Safely, Safety Afloat, and

Safe Swim Defense training have been completed.

■ Responsible for participant check-in/registration on the first day of the course. Collects

any remaining forms and fees, distributes nametags and course T-shirt/hat, provides

instructions for housing check-in, etc.

■ Responsible for publishing daily newsletter.

■ Responsible for taking photos and video (and collecting photos/video from participants

and staff). Shares photos with participants and staff. Prepares a closing slideshow.

Assistant Course

Director—

Administration

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Provides handouts requested by consultants.

■ Responsible for gathering resource materials to be shared with participants.

■ Distributes and collects course evaluations from participants and staff.

See page 33 for a detailed overview of the administration function.

Qualifications

■ Must be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the Powder Horn Staff Guide.

■ It is strongly recommended that assistant course directors have previous Powder Horn

staffing experience.

■ May attend the regional Powder Horn Course Director Conference.

■ Must establish and maintain the standards of the BSA.

Duties

■ Works with the course director to recruit crew guides (one for each six- to eight-person

crew of participants).

■ Serves as the liaison between the crew guides and the course director.

■ Trains and develops crew guides prior to the course.

■ Coordinates the crew guides during the course and follows up each day with the crew

guides to be aware of and help address issues and needs of participants.

■ Ensures Youth Protection guidelines are followed (if there are youth staff and/or participants).

See page 37 for a detailed overview of the crew guide function.

Assistant Course

Director—

Crew Guides

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Sample Organization Chart

ACD–Program

Emcee and

Consultant Support

Physical

Arrangements Staff

Historian

(Newsletters, Photos/

Video, Closing

Slideshow, etc.)

Cook Staff

Program Themes,

Entertainment, A/V,

Display Tables, etc.

Medical Officer

Resources

Boxes, Handouts,

Evaluations, etc.

Consultants

ACD–Physical

Arrangements

Course Director

ACD–Administration

Staff Advisor

ACD–Crew Guides

Crew Guides

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Course Scheduling

Choosing Your Approach

The program is designed to introduce Boy Scouting, Sea Scouts, Varsity Scouting, and

Venturing adult and youth leaders to the activities that add excitement to the unit calendar.

If long-distance travel is required, it is suggested that arrangements be made for participants

to stay at the camp before the course, if desired.

Other points to consider include

■ The facility must meet the needs of the participants.

■ It is important to schedule the course so that weather does not become a factor in the

participants’ ability to concentrate.

■ Much of this course is performed outdoors and in facilities that would not be safe to

operate in extreme weather.

■ The staff should be flexible enough to permit moving sessions or session locations to

accommodate changing weather situations.

■ If a two three-day session course is selected, consider different venues for each weekend

to take advantage of training facilities unique to the venue.

Course Planning and Backdating

Promotion should be performed through the local councils involved in this course well before

the course begins to guarantee that the information is received by those invited to participate

in time for them to schedule their participation. Adequate promotion is another key to a

successful course. This is a shared responsibility of the course director and all staff.

Lists of prospective attendees should be developed by the local councils involved in the course.

Each of these individuals should be invited by a letter from the course director with a personal

follow-up by a course staff member. This will permit each prospect’s questions to be answered.

(Sample invitation, acknowledgement, and follow-up letters are included in the appendix.)

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Course Reports

The course director must complete three course reports:

■ The first report is due to the area or region Powder Horn coordinator 150 days before the

course starts. It will give basic details about planning, staffing, and consultant recruiting

status.

■ The second report will be due 30 days before the course starts. It will be a detailed report

with a list of participants (at least 20 must be registered and paid in full at this point),

staff, and consultants. This report will result in the final go-ahead for the course and will

serve as the course medal order, which will be submitted to the Supply Group by your

area or region Powder Horn coordinator.

■ The final closeout report is due within 30 days of the close of the course and reports on

successes, challenges, and demographics, as well as a final attendance and staff list. This

report is explained in more detail in the Administration section.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Course Backdating Plan

Action Item

Number of

Days Before

Course Completion Date

1. Council agrees to host course 420 ______________

2. Secure course director and staff advisor 390 ______________

3. Select site and develop budget 375 ______________

4. Secure area approval to host course 360 ______________

5. Order staff guide from ScoutingU 330 ______________

(When the course is approved, an electronic

version will be emailed to you.)

6. Recruit all assistant course directors (core staff) 330 ______________

7. Core staff planning meeting 315 ______________

8. Begin recruiting staff and consultants 315 ______________

9. Begin course promotion 300 ______________

10. Recruit remaining staff, hold initial staff

orientation, and finalize consultants

270 ______________

11. Secure names of prospective participants and

issue invitation letters

270 ______________

12. Submit first course report 150 ______________

13. Review inventory of equipment 100 ______________

14. Begin staff development 90 ______________

15. Issue acceptance letters 90 ______________

16. Submit second course report. (Must have 20 paid

in full participants to go forward. If so, your

area or region Powder Horn coordinator will

order medals.)

30 ______________

17. Staff meeting at course site 1 ______________

18. Hold course 0 ______________

Open course date _____________

Closing course date ______________

19. Send thank-you letters +8 ______________

20. Submit final report and close accounts +30 ______________

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Budgeting and Costs

The host council is responsible for setting the fee for this course. The fee should be sufficient

to cover operating expenses (food, program materials, activity insurance, medical insurance,

equipment rentals, mailing, reproduction, etc.). The budget must be approved by the course

director, staff advisor, and the area or region Powder Horn coordinator. The course budget

should be approved prior to advertising the fee to the participants. See the backdating schedule

for times related to budgeting. Submit your budget to the region when seeking approval to host

a course.

Staff members are expected to pay their way. Any staff recognition items, jackets, etc., must

be paid through the staff fee, not by the participants. All staff and participants should receive

a course T-shirt and hat. Any additional apparel items included in the staff fee (e.g., a fleece

jacket) should also be made available for purchase by the participants.

No course fees or revenues are to be used for other purposes than this course, except for the

collection for the World Friendship Fund. Powder Horn is not a way to support Venturing officer

travel funds, camp improvements, or other extraneous, non-Powder Horn–related expenses.

Help in developing your budget may come from your council’s training committee and/or

your area or region Powder Horn coordinator

Powder Horn Budget Worksheet

This worksheet is to be used by the course director and staff advisor to develop the

operating budget for the course.

Date prepared ____________________ Course ______________________________

A. Participant Expenditures Per Person Total

Based on _____ number of participants

Annual Health and Medical Record, No. 680-001 $ - 0.00

Resource questionnaire $ - 0.00

Health and accident insurance $ - 0.00

Liability insurance $ - 0.00

Handout reproduction or purchase $ - 0.00

Certificates $ - 0.00

Participant Certificate, No. 33502 $ - 0.00

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Food

_______ Breakfasts @ $0.00 $ - 0.00

_______ Lunches @ $0.00 $ - 0.00

_______ Dinners @ $0.00 $ - 0.00

_______ Cracker Barrels @ $0.00 $ - 0.00

T-shirt (optional) $ - 0.00

Other $ - 0.00

A. Subtotal—Participant $0.00 $0.00

B. Staff Individual Expenditures Per Person Total

Based on _____ number of staff members

Invitation and course information $ - 0.00

Powder Horn Staff Guide $ - 0.00

Participant Certificate, No. 33502 $ - 0.00

Staff Certificate, No. 33501 $ - 0.00

Health and accident insurance $ - 0.00

Liability insurance $ - 0.00

Three-ring binder (2-inch capacity) $ - 0.00

Food

____ Breakfasts @ $0.00 $ - 0.00

____ Lunches @ $0.00 $ - 0.00

____ Dinners @ $0.00 $ - 0.00

____ Cracker Barrels @ $0.00 $ - 0.00

____ Staff development meals @ $0.00 $ - 0.00

(per staff member)

____ Staff recognition @ $0.00 $ - 0.00

Contingency fees $ - 0.00

Other $ - 0.00

B. Subtotal—Individual Staff $0.00 $0.00

C. Consultant Individual Expenditure Per Person Total

Based on _____ number of consultants

Consultant recognition $ - 0.00

Consultant mailings $ - 0.00

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Consultant certificate $ - 0.00

Consultant meals $ - 0.00

C. Subtotal—Consultants $0.00 $0.00

D. Variable Costs Per Crew Total

Based on _____ number of crews

Cooking equipment

Charcoal: one bag per crew $ - 0.00

Coleman fuel: half-gallon per crew $ - 0.00

Group photograph (optional) $ - 0.00

Rental equipment $ - 0.00

First-aid supplies $ - 0.00

Trading post supplies $ - 0.00

Skill demonstration supplies $ - 0.00

Consultant fees $ - 0.00

Miscellaneous $ - 0.00

1. Other $ - 0.00

2. Other $ - 0.00

3. Other $ - 0.00

4. Other $ - 0.00

5. Other $ - 0.00

D. Subtotal—Variable Expenditures $0.00 $0.00

Total Expenditures (A+B+C+D Subtotals) $0.00 $0.00

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Calculating Course Fee

The course fee is based on the following: Total expenditures are divided by the number of

expected participants (including staff is optional). The result equals the course fee.

Include Staff Yes No

Number of Participants ________

Divided into total expenditures ____

Course Fee______

Calculating Course Income

Participant fees $ -

Staff fees (optional) $ -

Trading post income $ -

Photograph income $ -

Scholarship funds $ -

Gifts-in-kind $ -

Council support $ -

Other $ -

Total Income $0.00

Net Income (Loss) $0.00

Approved ________________________ ____________________________

Course director Professional staff advisor

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Staff Development

As soon as authorization to conduct a Powder Horn course is granted by the area or region

Powder Horn coordinator and the staff is selected, the staff members should begin their

development under the leadership of the course director. The purpose of staff development

is to form a team to conduct the course. All staff members should come to realize that their

most important responsibility is to see that each participant is safe and has the opportunity to

learn and grow.

Staff development should begin with a planning meeting involving the course director, staff

advisor, and assistant course directors. This meeting should cover the course vision and a list of

possible consultants, develop a list for the remainder of the staff, and develop the basic schedule.

Staff development should require no more than four days. Three days are probably adequate

with planning.

■ To develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes of staff members to enable them to run a successful

course where participants experience high-adventure/outdoor resources at their best.

■ To involve each member in the group’s effort, developing group spirit in an atmosphere of

learning and fun.

■ To create an atmosphere of friendship and fellowship that will carry the staff through the

most difficult challenges and that will be infectious to the participants.

■ To set a high standard always by adhering as best we can to principles of Scouting.

■ To develop an understanding of the course flow and the individual staff responsibilities.

■ To provide an opportunity for a rehearsal to make sure everything is set.

Staff development begins by providing each staff member with a copy of the Powder Horn

Staff Guide and a description of their staff responsibilities.

At your first full staff development session, each staff member should brief the others on their

responsibilities and background. Ample time should be scheduled for staff to get acquainted.

Time should be provided during each staff development for at least one hour of “breakout

meetings” for each staff function.

Many courses have also found that a staff development session just prior to the course start

date is also helpful. The goals for this session include:

■ A final walkthrough of the course schedule, logistics, and individual staff responsibilities

■ A final inspection of the training sites and program facilities

■ A final review of what will happen at each session

Meals for the staff development should be provided by the course cook staff and should be

simple. A nice meal might be prepared the evening before the course starts where awards

and certificates for the staff could be presented.

Objectives of Staff

Development

Staff Development

Sessions

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Program

Consultants

A consultant is a person who is proficient, skilled, and/or certified in the subject matter he

or she is presenting. During the Powder Horn course, consultants provide exposure to the

techniques applicable to that skill and provide information on where to obtain the necessary

resources for performing that skill in the participant’s home unit.

Consultants do three things:

1. They demonstrate/share their skill.

2. They share resources, including how to find similar consultants for unit programs, where to

go to participate in their activities, and how to gather more information about the skill they

are teaching.

3. They explain how to deliver high-adventure skills in a creative, out-of-the-box approach.

Remember, the consultants should conduct a hands-on experience for the participants if at all

possible. Talking about an activity is boring. A demo is OK. But a hands-on tryout will educate

and inspire participants to take the skill back home to their unit.

Consultants should be used to teach the sessions, not the staff. Consultants are subject matter

experts who introduce the participants and staff to new and exciting ideas. Consultants provide

new resources and are available for the participants to contact after the course. The use of

consultants is key to a successful course!

Consultants are not presented a Powder Horn medal but should be recognized with a small

token of appreciation at the end of their session.

Resource organizations (such as the NRA) must be notified of Powder Horn dates in time to

guarantee their support. Six months is recommended.

All consultants must meet the current instructor certification for their program area (shooting

sports = NRA; scuba = NAUI or PADI; etc.). Consultants must be made knowledgeable of

and follow the current BSA safety regulations and standards. These instructors do not have

to be certified by a BSA National Camping School or be registered Scouters but should be

made aware of the applicable Venturing Ranger Award, Boy Scout merit badge, and/or other

award requirements for the skill they are teaching. While consultants do not need to base their

presentations and activities on Boy Scout advancement or Venturing Ranger Award material,

they should find the listing of requirements helpful to know how the skills would be taught by

consultants or merit badge counselors at the unit level.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Consultants should clearly understand that Powder Horn is a resource course, not a

skills certification course. The Powder Horn staff should review the session contents and

expectations with the consultants prior to the session being presented to ensure learning

objectives will be met. Be sure to provide consultants with the session guidelines and standards

applicable to their session(s) and answer any questions they may have. It is essential that they

know what they are there to do.

A consultant’s time is valuable. Be sure to work with the consultant to coordinate their travel,

housing, and other needs.

Adequate backup presenters and activities should be prepared in case of last-minute problems.

Any prior agreed-upon fees associated with the consultants should be included in the course

budget. All consultant fees must be negotiated prior to finalizing the budget.

What Makes a Good Consultant?

Having adequate, qualified consultants is key to the course. Here’s an example. Let’s say one

of your staff members is an expert fly-fisherman and can even tie competition-winning flies.

And they happen to be an assistant course director. Would they make a good consultant?

Unfortunately, no! It would be better to recruit someone like the regional sales manager

for Orvis or even the fly-fishing guru from Bass Pro Shops. They represent a resource, and

Powder Horn is a resource management course. Let’s translate this to the unit level. Now you

are the same expert fly-fisherman and a Venturing crew Advisor. Are you the best person to

give a program on fly-fishing to your crew? Maybe, but would it help to have that Orvis sales

manager present a program for the crew supported by you? Consultants help add credibility.

The No. 1 comment from participants of past courses was that they were blown away by the

quality of consultants (and the fact that we use consultants in the first place). Consultants are

not only the key to Powder Horn—they are what define it.

Preparing Consultants

As each consultant is identified, send them the Confirmation Letter to Consultants, the Powder

Horn Consultant Information Sheet, the Powder Horn Session Planning Sheet for Consultants,

and the Powder Horn Consultant Status Report (see the appendix for samples of these items),

along with a detailed course schedule, session outline guide sheets appropriate for their

presentation, and any other BSA health and safety materials applicable to their session. Do

not skip the confirmation letter; it is important that the consultants understand the purpose

and techniques of the course. Remember that many consultants are not knowledgeable about

or associated with the Boy Scouts of America. The information included with the consultant

letter, when returned, will provide you with a degree of quality control for the session and will

identify the consultant’s equipment needs. It is important that the schedule distributed to the

consultants contain actual days, dates, times, where to meet, who will meet them, directions/

maps, etc.

To avoid no-shows or miscommunication, contact your consultants regularly on the phone and

via email. Don’t assume a consultant will show up, especially if it’s been a few months since

you last talked to him or her. Outreach should occur at least monthly leading up to the course,

as well as the week of the course. Maintain a list of cellphone numbers and anticipated arrival

times so that your program staff can follow up if it appears a consultant is running late. Attempt

to build a cushion between their arrival and the start of their session by encouraging them to

come early with an offer of housing, meals, and watching sessions by other consultants.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Display Tables

Whether or not you have a consultant lined up for every Powder Horn training session, you are

strongly encouraged to set up display tables in your meeting room showing some maps, books,

magazines, training materials, photos, and equipment for every high-adventure topic that could

be covered at a Powder Horn course. Nothing is more impressive to a participant than walking

into the dining hall on day one of a Powder Horn course and seeing the training room lined

with displays. Recruit the rest of the Powder Horn staff to bring display table items.

The following BSA publications should be ordered for display and use by consultants

during presentations:

■ Belay On, No. 430-500

■ Caving, No. 430-102

■ Climb On Safely, No. 430-099, No. 33774 (card), No. 8631 (patch)

■ Climb On Safely Training Outline, No. 430-101

■ Guide to Safe Scouting, No. 34416

■ Passport to High Adventure, No. 34245, if available

■ The Principles of Leave No Trace, No. 430-105

■ Safe Swim Defense, No. 34370, No. 34243 (card)

■ Safety Afloat, No. 34368, No. 34242 (card)

■ Safety Afloat Training Outline, No. 34159

Program Themes

Many Powder Horn courses have utilized program theme days. A program theme may

incorporate the following:

■ Similar training session topics (e.g., a water sports day that includes sailing, scuba,

kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding)

■ Decorations (e.g., leis, grass skirts, coconut bras, beach balls, etc., in the dining hall)

■ Music (e.g., water- and beach-themed music played in the background during breaks

and meals)

■ Apparel (e.g., Hawaiian shirts, leis, etc.)

■ Food (e.g., pig roast, Key lime pie, etc.)

■ Evening entertainment (e.g., Jimmy Buffett tribute band)

When these elements are all tied to a specific theme, we can offer a total training experience

that is different from anything the participants have ever seen in other Scouting training

courses. Not every program theme has to have every element. However, the more elements that

can be combined, the better a program theme will generally be.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Training Sessions

Each consultant and backup consultant should be provided with the relevant session outlines

from this staff guide for their sessions. These session outlines contain specific session learning

objectives, applicable BSA rules and regulations, certification requirements, and references.

Remind the consultants that each session has been designed to meet specific objectives and that

all staff members and consultants have an obligation to the participants to provide them with

the appropriate BSA techniques, rules, regulations, and certification standards. Also, the entire

staff and all consultants must bear in mind that this is an experiential resource course, not a

certification course for the participants. Our purpose is to help young adults design and deliver

an exciting outdoor program.

This session guidelines section of the staff guide may be reproduced locally so that individual

session information can be supplied to the consultants presenting the session. Note that these

are guidelines to the consultants for the program they will deliver, not absolute requirements.

While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, the consultant should

be given leeway to deliver exciting content as fits his or her expertise. The overall message to

consultants is to stress the goal of exciting the participants about their activity and to provide

resources for units to do these activities at home after the course is over.

Session Topics

■ Astronomy

■ Backpacking

■ Canoeing/Kayaking

■ Cave Exploring

■ Challenge Events/COPE

■ Climbing/Rappelling

■ Conservation

■ Cycling/Mountain Biking

■ Emergency Preparedness

■ Equestrian

■ Expedition Planning

■ Fishing

■ Geocaching

■ Hunting

■ Orienteering

■ Outdoor Ethics/Leave No Trace

■ Outdoor Living History

■ Plants and Wildlife/Ecology

■ Scuba and/or Snorkeling

■ Shooting Sports

■ Small-Boat Sailing/Sailboarding

■ Wilderness First Aid

■ Wilderness Survival

■ Winter Sports

Scheduling

Powder Horn is designed to expose Boy Scout, Varsity, Sea Scout, and Venturing youth and

adult leaders to activities that can add spice to unit calendar activities. There are no required

electives, but we recommend a full spectrum of possible activities. For example, you could

do a “dry” Discover Scuba session even at a camp with no pool. Some sessions are best done

in the evening hours, such as Plants and Wildlife/Ecology.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

The course may vary from setting to setting. For instance, resources for cross-country skiing

and equestrian may not be available in all areas of the country. The Fishing session may be

used to replace one of these sessions.

You may also need to swap activities, depending on the weather or other conditions at the

training site. However, really creative staffs have offered interesting programs regardless of

their geographic location, i.e., a course in south Florida offering a session on ice climbing. It

can be done!

Consider variety when planning your daily schedule. Some subjects are more exciting than

others. Intersperse fun, hands-on classes with less fun, non-hands-on classes.

Care should be taken to maintain the schedule so that similar program sessions are presented

at their appropriate time, i.e., all water activities or all shooting activities.

Sample Three-Day Course Schedule

Your schedule will vary depending on the electives you choose. Time should not be stated

in military time.

Day 1

8–9:30 a.m. Registration crew assignment

Camp setup crew assignment

Get-acquainted time

Staff introductions

Review course, including emergency plan

Housekeeping announcements

10 a.m. First Aid

11 a.m. The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety (overall safety review)

Noon Lunch

1 p.m. Cycling/Mountain Biking

Backpacking

5 p.m. Cave Exploring

6–7 p.m. Dinner

6:30 p.m. Outdoor Ethics/Leave No Trace

7 p.m. Plants and Wildlife/Ecology

Wilderness Survival [Plants and Wildlife/Ecology and Wilderness

Survival are both repeated on Day 2; is that OK?]

8:30 p.m. Astronomy

9:30 p.m. Cracker Barrel

10 p.m. Taps

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Day 2

6 a.m. Reveille

6:30 a.m. Breakfast

8 a.m. Orienteering

Geocaching

Noon Lunch

1 p.m. Climbing/Rappelling

Challenge Events/COPE

Shooting Sports

5:30 p.m. Dinner

6 p.m. Outdoor Living History

7 p.m. Wilderness Survival

8:30 p.m. Plants and Wildlife/Ecology

9:30 p.m. Cracker Barrel

10 p.m. Taps

Day 3

6 a.m. Reveille

6:30 a.m. Breakfast

7 a.m. Hunting

8 a.m. Equestrian

Small Boat Sailing/Sailboarding

Noon Lunch

1 p.m. Expedition Planning

Conservation

4 p.m. Graduation and adjourn

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Physical Arrangements

Site and Facilities Selection

The site for your course should be carefully selected. While the course could be performed in

a wilderness area, it would be preferable to utilize a Boy Scouts of America or other camping

facility that has the necessary facilities and training equipment. For example, to offer Discover

Scuba, you may want to have a pool. However, you can still have a session on scuba without

a pool, just not a full Discover Scuba experience. Different sites for each weekend (for a two-

weekend course) may be selected for weekend courses to take advantage of facilities and add

diversity. The course also needs to be accessible to consultants.

Other considerations when selecting a site include the following

■ The site must have a protected area such as a building or shelter that is large enough to

hold participants for training sessions during inclement weather.

■ Powder Horn need not be restricted to Boy Scout camps. Sites such as other youth group

camps, federal and state recreation facilities, military reservations, climbing gyms, skating

rinks, and shooting ranges may also be used.

■ Adequate sanitary facilities must be provided for staff and participants. Gender and

youth-versus-adult issues must be considered.

■ Participants with special physical needs may be accommodated with planning.

■ All facilities used for training in this course must meet the applicable health and safety

requirements of the BSA. Each venue must be properly supervised and follow BSA policies

during this training course.

■ Camping areas must have with latrine and shower facilities that can be made separate for

male and female participants and staff members. (If only a single shower facility exists,

set up different shower times for male and female participants, as well as for youth and

adult participants.)

■ The COPE area used must meet the requirements stated in the Belay On, No. 430-500.

■ The waterfront area used should operate under the BSA Safe Swim Defense and Safety

Afloat plans.

■ Meeting rooms must have provisions for lighted evening meetings, heat or air-

conditioning as needed, and facilities for showing training videos. Remember that this is

a consultant-heavy course.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

The site selected must have at minimum the following facilities:

■ Sites for tents or cabin living

■ Dining hall or adequate eating area

■ First-aid facilities

■ Equipment storage and staging area

■ Meeting space large enough to hold meetings of all course participants and staff

■ Appropriate areas for training sessions

Equipment

Equipment should be arranged prior to the course and any rental or expendable (ammunition,

etc.) costs included in the course budget. Included in the appendix is an individual equipment

list to be mailed to each participant, along with their acceptance letter and medical form. The

equipment list includes items needed for all types of sessions. If a particular session cannot be

offered, the equipment for that session need not be provided.

All equipment must be in good repair. Ask the consultants to provide their own equipment where

possible. Their equipment may be more up-to-date than the typical Scout camp equipment.

Use good, appropriate equipment, as you are projecting a standard. Be sure you have enough

equipment for the number of participants (e.g., one shotgun for 32 participants is not enough).

Use the Participant Equipment List in the appendix to be sure.

It is critical that training session sites be set up with all necessary equipment, supplies, and

materials during the course. Be sure to have an adequate physical arrangements staff to

accommodate these needs.

Food Service

■ It is recommended you use a camp with a dining hall and adequate kitchen facilities.

■ Food should be appropriate for outdoor activities (costs should not be cut on food).

■ Providing a cooking and cleanup crew separate from the rest of the staff is strongly

recommended (OA cook team, camp cooks, etc.). Cooking and cleanup is so time

intensive that it prohibits participating in the Powder Horn training sessions. Even having

food catered is an option.

■ Do not use participants to clean up after meals.

Special attention should be paid to those participants, staff members, and consultants who

may have special dietary needs. In one of your pre-course letters to staff and participants,

ask if anyone has any special dietary needs.

Your budget will also need to include any food items necessary to perform the

demonstrations during the course, such as during the outdoor cooking demo session. Also

remember to build in any consultants who you might invite to share a meal or two.

Meals for the staff development days and for the staff setup period prior to the participants’

arrival will also need to be included in the budget.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Health and Safety

Medical certification and recheck standards must be enforced. An MD or nurse is

recommended for medical rechecks.

■ An on-site medical officer (MD or EMT) during the entire course is preferred.

■ At least one staff member must be an American Red Cross Instructor or certified in CPR

and first aid, preferably Wilderness First Aid Basics.

■ Courses must meet BSA safety standards.

■ Courses must carry BSA activity insurance.

■ Have staff and participants send in their completed Annual Health and Medical Record before

the course starts so that the staff has knowledge of any physical limitations of participants.

■ Plan for physically challenged participants.

■ Emergency plans, procedures, and reporting applicable to local site must be in place.

The applicable BSA health and safety standards and report forms for the Powder Horn

course are:

■ Annual Health and Medical Record, No. 680-001

■ Belay On, No. 430-500

■ Caving, No. 430-102

■ Guide to Safe Scouting, No. 34416

■ National Standards for Council High-Adventure and Specialty-Adventure Programs,

No. 430-120

■ Project COPE and Climbing/Rappelling National Standards, No. 430-008

A detailed emergency plan for handling emergency situations (lost individual, injury, severe

weather, etc.) must be developed. A staff briefing on the plan must be presented during the

staff development training, and the plan should be shared with participants at the beginning

of the course.

Youth Protection guidelines must be adhered to, and all participants and staff must take the

online Venturing Youth Protection training before the course.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Administration

Pre-Course Administration

Participant Recruiting

The administration staff may be assigned a variety of participant recruiting responsibilities

by the course director. They (along with other staff members) may send prospective

participants an invitation to the course along with a registration form.

The administration staff may also be responsible for tracking the status of prospective and

registered participants:

■ Prospective Participant Tracking: Has a prospective participant been contacted? If so,

by which staff member? What is the likelihood of their participation? What are the next

steps to secure their registration or confirm they do not plan to attend?

■ Participant Tracking: Has a registration form been received? Have they paid a deposit

or other fees? If so, how much?

If the staff receives any fees from participants, these must be receipted by the council.

If the administration staff is responsible for any participant recruiting tasks, they will keep

the course director and the rest of the staff updated on a regular basis.

Participant Communication

The administration staff is responsible for correspondence with participants prior to the start

of the course. Whenever possible, participant communications should be done electronically

to avoid the expense of mailing. The course director may also assign crew guides who can

also follow up with participants to make them feel welcomed and prepared for the course.

The purpose of pre-course communications is to learn as much as possible about each

participant prior to the course starting and to make the participant as comfortable as possible

prior to the start of the course. The effectiveness of this pre-course communication is

very important to keeping the participants involved in the course. Many times we recruit

participants and then they do not hear from us until just prior to the start of the course. And

when we finally do contact them, they are no longer interested in attending. Many successful

courses give regular highlights to their participants about consultants recruited and other

exciting plans to keep them excited and to build anticipation.

After a participant has submitted their registration form application, the administration

staff will send a letter from the course director welcoming the participant to the course.

Included with this letter will be a current Annual Health and Medical Record form, a

required equipment list, and a skills self-assessment sheet. The administration staff will

send out additional communication as required by the logistics of the course.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

The administration staff will maintain records of all participant rosters and will follow up

with any needed information, including:

■ Registration form

■ Annual Health and Medical Record

■ Skills Self-Assessment Form

■ Equipment list

■ Directions/map to facility

■ Course overview

■ Waiver of responsibility

■ Follow-up on pre-course online training status

■ Participant Travel Information Form—if needed to arrange transportation

To assist with communication, the administration staff should also consider establishing a

website and/or social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)

Course Administration (During the Course)

Participant Check-In

The first duty of the administration staff during the course is to manage the participant

check-in process. All participant response forms received prior to the start of the course

should be organized in a manner that allows easy access during the check-in process. During

check-in, the administration staff determines that all required paperwork is in order, all fees

are paid, and the Annual Health and Medical Record is signed and on-site. Because this

could be the first in-person interaction between staff and participants, thus setting the tone

for the early part of the course, this process must be quick and efficient, but it also must

allow participants to ask any questions they need to have answered.

On-site Communication

The administration staff, along with the crew guides, is responsible for ensuring adequate

two-way communication between the staff and the participants. This is accomplished in the

following ways:

■ On-site newsletter

■ Custom created forms, i.e., logo sales forms, nametags, etc.

■ Consultant support materials

■ Evaluations

■ Social media posts

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Participant Evaluations

It helps to understand the needs and wants of the participants, and one method is to use daily

evaluation forms. The administration staff should develop these forms and ensure that the

participants get them in a timely manner. These forms are collected each evening and shared

with the staff.

At the end of the course, each participant will be asked to fill out a final evaluation. The

assistant course director–administration should collect these forms and compile a summary of

participant evaluations. The course director will include this in the final course closeout report.

Newsletters

Many Powder Horn courses have found it helpful to have an on-site newsletter. Many

courses publish a minimum of three on-site newsletters while some even do a daily

newsletter. The publishing of a course newsletter is usually accomplished through a staff

position of historian. While the formats of these newsletters are pretty much up to the talent/

desire of the historian, here are a few suggested items to be covered:

■ Staff biographies—this is usually done in the first edition

■ Course schedule—this is covered in each edition

■ Consultant highlights and related stories

■ Lots of pictures of people having fun

■ Participant testimonials

Photos

The administration staff is responsible for taking photos and videos throughout the course.

The administration staff should also offer to collect photos taken by participants and staff.

These photos should be organized and distributed to all participants and staff at the end of

the course on a CD, DVD, or USB drive or online.

Other Forms and Handouts

Often, course-specific forms will need to be created on-site. The administration staff will be

responsible for creating these forms as needed, as well as assisting with support materials

that the consultants will bring for distribution. This can be as simple as making sure each

participant receives the materials or as complex as re-creating the material and making

copies for the participants. To assist with these duties, it is good to have a digital scanner and

copier on-site during the course.

Resource Materials

In addition to the consultant-led training sessions and display tables, the administration staff

can also help fulfill the learning objectives of Powder Horn by providing resource materials

to participants. Many Powder Horn courses have solicited maps, books, travel guides, and

“swag” from national parks and forests; state parks, forests, and tourism boards; outdoor gear

manufacturers and retailers; outfitters; and other companies that offer or support the high-

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

adventure topics that are taught at Powder Horn. Some courses have provided these materials

in a box that is provided to participants at the end of the course, while others have scanned a

number of the non-copyrighted materials so that they can be provided on a resource CD, DVD,

USB drive, or website. Regardless, the participants will collect many resources from both the

consultants and the staff. Therefore, they will need a way to store them.

Closing Ceremony

The administration staff is responsible for creating a closing slideshow that should include

photos and video taken during the course.

The administration staff should also ensure Participant Certificates, No. 33502, for course

completion are signed by the course director and presented to the participants at the closing.

Staff Certificates, No. 33501, may also be secured, signed, and given to the staff.

At the conclusion of the course, the administration staff ensures that each participant and

staff member has a roster of all the participants (with their permission), staff members, and

consultants. This should be developed during the course and prepared for distribution with

the participant final package. In addition, a CD, DVD, or USB drive containing photos and

resources might also be distributed at this time, along with a resource box.

Post-Course Administration

After the course is over, the assistant course director–administration works with the course

director to prepare the Final Closeout Report. This report includes the following sections:

■ Course overview—course location, dates, etc.

■ Evaluations from each functional area—what worked and what didn’t.

■ General observations—this could include quotes from some of the daily evaluations, both

good and bad. This is also the “lessons learned” section.

■ Recommended changes—this is where recommended changes to your future courses

are listed.

This report, compiled in coordination with the course director, staff advisor, and other staff,

is then forwarded to the host council/cluster council Scout executive(s) and the area or

region Powder Horn coordinator.

It is important to send a Training Report form to each council participating that notes their

Scouts or Scouters who have completed the Powder Horn course.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Crew Guides

Why Is the Crew Guide Important?

■ Helps reinforce the objectives of Powder Horn.

■ Helps ensure participants take the new skills and resources they have learned and apply

them in their unit back home.

■ Ensures participants are supported and the best possible program is presented.

■ The crew guide is responsible for the crew at all times.

Skills/Experience Needed to Be a Crew Guide

■ Must be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the Powder Horn Staff Guide.

■ Must have experience as a unit volunteer who has served older youth or an exceptional,

mature older Scout or Venturer. The crew guide is another resource who can provide

information on programs and activities for older youth in Scouting. As crew guides

are the primary staff contact with the participants, they cannot effectively deliver this

message if they are not knowledgeable about the program.

■ Whenever possible, it is strongly recommended that crew guides have previously

participated in a Powder Horn course. If the crew guide is also a participant in the course,

it adds an additional challenge to the role.

■ Should have a personality that inspires confidence and be enthusiastic about Scouting/

Venturing, Powder Horn, and high adventure.

■ Should have skills/experience in facilitating discussions.

■ Should be an experienced outdoors person with experience in a variety of high-adventure

activities. Crew guides with high-adventure experience should find it easier to facilitate

journaling discussions.

■ Because Powder Horn places a strong emphasis on using Leave No Trace principles, it

is also helpful to have knowledge and experience related to Leave No Trace, including

completion of a Leave No Trace Trainer course.

■ Should have knowledge of first aid. It is recommended that the crew guide be certified

in an American Red Cross First Aid course (preferably American Red Cross Wilderness

First Aid Basics) and CPR.

Duties

■ Should establish and maintain the highest standards of the BSA and maintain a “safe

haven.” There are several safe haven issues a crew guide might encounter at Powder

Horn. The crew guide must establish an expectation that participants don’t have to try any

activities that they cannot or do not want to do (also known as “challenge by choice”).

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

The crew guide should be willing to tell a participant it is OK not to participate in an

activity when they are physically or mentally not prepared to do it. The crew guide

should establish an expectation that participants will treat their fellow crew members with

respect and will help maintain a safe haven.

■ The crew guide should treat participants in a manner that sets a positive example for how

we should treat our youth. This doesn’t mean treating participants “like a kid,” even if—

in fact—the participants are youth members.

■ The crew guide is NOT the crew leader but the liaison between the assigned crew and

the staff. Must be a good listener and able to communicate the needs of the crew to

the appropriate staff member or staff group. They are an observer of individual crew

members and crew dynamics. Should assist the crew and individuals with any problems.

■ Solicits feedback about each day’s activities (beyond just a written evaluation) and shares

this information daily with the staff to ensure objectives of the course are being met or the

program/agenda is adjusted, when possible, to meet the course objectives.

■ Consults with each crew member to see that the subjects taught are understood and can be

applied to their Scouting position. Refer to information on journaling and reflecting.

■ Attends all activities with the crew. The crew guide’s primary role at each activity is to

support the crew, ensure a safe haven, and be a cheerleader.

■ Serves as cheerleader for the crew throughout the course. Powder Horn participants

may not be accustomed to long days of physical activity. The crew guide motivates and

encourages participants to take part in activities and keep going throughout each day.

Crew guides may participate in activities with the crew they serve (such as a climbing

wall), but only after all participants have participated first. If there is still time left for the

crew guides, and it doesn’t take away from their primary duties of service to the crew,

then they can participate.

■ Serves as health and safety officer for the crew. Ensures participants are hydrated, is

aware of potential medical problems within the crew, and is familiar with basic symptoms

and treatment of common Powder Horn first-aid problems. Frequently asks participants

how they are doing.

■ May be responsible for day one participant orientation of camp procedures, layout of

camp, and emergency plans. The crew guide communicates expectations (including safe

haven) and shares the schedule with the participants.

■ Promotes and provides information about programs and methods for older youth. Should

be able to point out where each activity fits in the advancement/recognition program of

the BSA’s older youth programs.

■ The crew guide is responsible for and maintains a safe haven for the assigned crew at all

times. Therefore, don’t discuss problems with or in front of participants. Don’t spend too

much time socializing with staff members. Don’t be negative about Scouting programs,

other training courses, teenagers, etc. If you can’t follow these guidelines, you may not be

qualified to be a crew guide!

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Crew Guide Development

During staff development, special emphasis should be placed on crew guides’ duties,

including these three basic items:

■ Expectations/position description

■ The first day

■ Journaling/reflecting

See the suggested guide below for how to schedule the breakout time for crew guides at two

staff developments:

Expectations/Position Description

When each crew guide is recruited, the assistant course director–crew guides should share

with them the crew guide position description. At the crew guide breakout meeting of the

first staff development, the assistant course director should review the position description

and establish their expectations for crew guides during the course.

The First Day

The first day, actually the first few hours, of Powder Horn are critical to the success of a

course. First impressions are everything, and one of the first impressions participants have at

Powder Horn is the introduction to their crew guide. The crew guide may conduct a participant

orientation of camp procedures, layout of camp, and emergency plans. Shortly thereafter, the

crew guide will conduct an opening session with his or her crew. To start this session, the crew

guide should establish expectations for the course. Key points to include are:

■ Asking the participants why they came to Powder Horn and what they expect to learn

and experience.

■ The objectives of Powder Horn and how the course will work.

■ What your role is as a crew guide.

■ Establishing expectations: treat each other with mutual respect, listen to each other,

challenge by choice, positive attitude, support each other, etc.

■ Course procedures/schedule/layout.

■ Using what you learn here when you get home.

■ Journaling/reflecting after each presentation.

■ Two-way communication.

■ Review the emergency plan if not previously done.

■ Review day one agenda.

Successful courses have incorporated several “get to know each other” games during the

opening session. The purpose of the games is not to build teams but to create an atmosphere

of camaraderie and fun, and, of course, to get to know each other! Take care to choose

games that are a combination of just for fun and get to know each other. For examples,

please see Getting-to-Know-Each-Other Games in the appendix.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

If your course chooses to conduct the participant orientation by crews, then the assistant

course director should work with the crew guides to develop the participant orientation. The

assistant course director should lead the crew guides in games during the staff development

that will be played during this session.

Journaling/Reflecting

At the end of each training session, a few minutes should be provided for participants to

think about how they will use the new skills, information, resources, etc., they have just

learned to improve their unit so youth will enjoy the program more. Participants should be

encouraged to think of resources (consultants, organizations, locations, etc.) in their local

area that can enable their unit to participate in these activities. Participants should write

down their thoughts in a Powder Horn pocket notebook and include the title of the session

at the top of the page. The BSA Supply Group offers a Powder Horn Pocket Notebook, No.

30279. Participants should also be encouraged to jot down thoughts during the presentation

if the consultant makes a key point that resonates with them. There is a difference between

journaling and note taking. Participants should not feel obligated to write down everything.

Crew guides are responsible for encouraging journaling.

Crew guides are also responsible for facilitating discussions. Crew guides should conduct a

short, informal reflection on ideas and thoughts their crew members have in between each

session. This can be as simple as discussing ideas with the crew on the way from one activity

to the other.

This is a very important duty as it constantly reinforces the purpose of Powder Horn.

Without journaling and reflecting, participants may not retain the ideas and resources

provided during the course.

During the staff development, the assistant course director should explain how the

journaling/reflection concept works and refer the crew guides to the Use of Guided

Discussion During Powder Horn below.

Journaling Objectives

The journaling and reflection process adds a special dimension to the training experience.

It helps the staff establish a safe haven, creating a special place where participants can

experience Scouting at its best. The use of reflection through a guided discussion has three

specific objectives:

■ To help participants learn from their experiences during the course, to make sense of what

they learn, and to reinforce the teaching process of experience and discovery.

■ To communicate to participants the staff’s respect for them as individuals through a

sincere interest in their thoughts and feelings.

■ To increase the staff’s awareness of the status and progress of participants through direct

feedback on their understanding of and reaction to training activities.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Use of Guided Discussion During Powder Horn

A good understanding of the skills used in guided discussion is critical to the success of

crew guides. Please utilize these techniques during informal conversations with participants

in your assigned crew (either as a group or individually). This might be as simple as asking

a few questions as you walk with your crew to a presentation or while you eat meals with

participants. Participants should be encouraged to write their thoughts about resources,

ideas, etc., in their journal, which will be used as the basis for guided discussion with the

crew guides. These “informal reflections” can help reinforce how the information and

resources given by each consultant can benefit their crew or troop back home. Always be on

the lookout for opportunities to ask participants how they are doing and what they can do to

take what they’ve learned back to their youth.

You can also utilize these techniques to determine each participant’s enjoyment of the

course, health and safety issues, and any other praise, concerns, comments, or questions they

might have about the course. Remember, the more feedback the staff gets from participants,

the more we can fine-tune our delivery of the course.

Facilitating a Guided Discussion

Start the Discussion

■ The key to a lively and useful guided discussion is to maintain the interest and enthusiasm

of the participants.

■ Especially at the beginning of the course, participants may not be willing to share

during a guided discussion. If there is little response, resist the urge to answer your own

questions or talk to fill the silence. Typically, participants will begin responding after a

few moments of awkward silence.

■ If nobody answers after 10 seconds of silence, you can rephrase the question and ask again.

Use Thought-Provoking Questions

The crew guide may have to probe for responses from participants with questions such as:

What did you learn from that presentation? How can you apply this in your unit back home?

Do you think your youth might be interested in this activity? What ideas do you have for a

consultant, location, or resource for this activity in your local area? How can we minimize

the impact of this activity while following Leave No Trace principles?

Encourage participants to note in their Powder Horn pocket notebook any ideas that come up

during these discussions that they might be able to take home to their youth.

A Final Note

The crew guide position is one of the most important staff roles at Powder Horn. It is the

crew guide’s responsibility to ensure the objectives of the course are met. That is why it is

critical to select the right people for this position and to make sure they are properly trained

for the task.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Miscellaneous

Course Uniforms

Staff uniforms should be the same as for the participants—it’s not about staff being “special.”

Uniforms for participants should not be an issue. Staff uniforms for presentations and other

formal times should be the official uniform of their program.

In your pre-course participant communication you should communicate that wearing an

official uniform is always appropriate, but because this course is a high-adventure/outdoor-

based course, wearing clothes other than a uniform is OK.

Insurance

Accident and BSA activity insurance coverage shall be in effect for all participants, staff,

and consultants. This includes the staff development sessions. It is the responsibility of the

host council to arrange for insurance coverage. The professional staff advisor will have

access to the appropriate insurance order forms. The insurance costs should be included in

the course budget.

The Annual Health and Medical Record, No. 680-001, is required of all staff and

participants. It is preferable to have the medical form with Parts A, B, and C sent in before

the course so that the staff is aware of any special, individual medical conditions.

Powder Horn Supplies

Available from Supply Group (see the Powder Horn Saleable Order Form in the appendix):

Powder Horn Award, No. 4044

Powder Horn Participant Certificate, No. 33502

Powder Horn Staff Certificate, No. 33501

Lapel Pin, No. 4254

Belt Buckle, No. 613145

Powder Horn Pocket Notebook, No. 30279

Other special Powder Horn items may be ordered from BSA Supply Group. For special

orders, visit www.scoutshop.org.

Staff

Participant

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Astronomy

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to appreciate the night sky as a unit

activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver

exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to

stress the fun nature of the activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at

home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Understand how the star fields in the sky move with respect to the Earth.

■ Find the major constellations in their hemisphere.

■ Locate the direction north from the constellations.

■ Know where to obtain astronomy tools such as observatory software.

■ Be able to identify the planets and major stars.

■ Telescopes for viewing planets and stars

■ Notebook computer with a planetarium program, such as The Sky, Skyglobe, etc.

■ Planisphere quick star reference device and star charts

■ A finder chart generated for the date and time of this session (copies for each participant)

Lecture and demonstration, followed by hands-on star observation.

■ Discuss the relative motions of the stars and constellations with date and time.

■ Demonstrate this effect using a planetarium program and notebook computer

■ Demonstrate the following, using the finder chart:

❒ How to locate constellations in the sky.

❒ How to locate pole star, other major stars, and the planets.

❒ How to locate the direction north from the stars.

■ In the field, use the telescope to view stars, planets, and other items (galaxies and star clusters).

■ Later, during an overnight adventure, find the direction north and review the constellations

and their relationships to one another.

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Norton’s 2000.0 Star Atlas and Reference Handbook, Ian Ridpath

The Backyard Astronomers Guide, Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer

The Miller Planisphere

The Monthly Sky Guide, Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion

Local and national resources provided by instructor

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Backpacking

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to go backpacking as a unit activity.

While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver exciting

content as it fits your consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to stress the

fun nature of your activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at home after

the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ List 10 items that are essential to carry on any overnight backpacking trek, and explain

why each item is necessary.

■ Describe ways one can limit the weight and bulk carried without jeopardizing health

and safety.

■ Describe environmental considerations that are important for backpacking and ways to

lessen their impact on the environment.

■ Describe symptoms, prevention, and treatment for first-aid situations most likely to occur

on a backpacking trek.

■ Plan a backpacking trek.

Latest backpacking equipment to support the session outline

This could be a lecture or demonstration session with the opportunity for participants to

share their experiences if time is available.

■ Explain why physical fitness is an important part of backpacking.

■ Display several types of packs, including external and internal frames. Explain the

differences and the types of treks for which each is suitable.

■ Display a properly packed backpack with at least 10 essential items. Include personal

gear and the gear you might carry if you were on a trek with one other person. Explain

why and where in the pack each item was packed. Discuss weight issues and the location

of items to distribute the weight for ease of carrying.

■ Explain items needed for a backpacking trek. Include a clean-up kit, cook kit, and first-aid

kit. The display should include various types of backpacking stoves and fuel; personal and

group first-aid kits and survival items; and filters, tablets, and drops for treating water.

■ Have a display showing several types of tents and sleeping bags. Explain the pros, cons,

and appropriateness of each.

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment Needed

for Session

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Explain the benefits of layering for protection from heat and cold. This is a great

opportunity for a store to send examples of equipment, including clothes and footwear.

The store could also supply stoves, tents, etc.

■ Describe symptoms, prevention and treatment for first-aid situations that might occur on

a backpacking trek, as well as resources for wilderness first-aid training.

The Backpacker’s Field Manual, Rick Curtis

Boy Scout Handbook, No. 34554

Fieldbook, No. 34006

New Wilderness Handbook, Paul Petzoldt

Passport to High Adventure, No. 34245

Walking Softly in the Wilderness, John Hart

Local and national resources provided by instructor

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Canoeing/Kayaking

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to try any of a variety of boating activities

as a unit activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may

deliver exciting content as fits your consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is

to stress the fun nature of your activity, and to provide resources for units to do these activities at

home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Name and point out the major parts of a canoe and kayak.

■ Know terminology.

■ Demonstrate the strokes for paddling a canoe and kayak.

■ Plan a canoe trip.

■ Know the BSA’s Safety Afloat policy.

■ Demonstrate kneeling and sitting positions in a canoe.

■ Kayak

■ Canoes

■ Paddles

■ Life jackets

■ Tabletop display on canoeing and kayaking

Short lecture with demonstration, followed by a hands-on experience for the participants.

Note: Safety Afloat should be completed before holding the hands-on portion of

this session.

■ Introduction

■ Safety Afloat

■ Equipment

■ Parts of a canoe and kayak

■ Paddles

■ Life jackets

■ Carrying yokes

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Bailers

■ Waterproof containers

■ Rescue rope

■ Types of canoe and kayaks and their care

■ Canoe and kayak specifications

❒ Lake canoes

❒ Wilderness canoes

❒ River canoes

❒ K-class kayaks

❒ Materials

■ Care of canoes and kayaks

■ Causes of boating damage

■ Canoe and kayak repair

■ Canoe and kayak storage

■ Handling the canoe

❒ J stroke

❒ Forward stroke

❒ Draw stroke

❒ Pry-away stroke

❒ Push-away stroke

❒ Cross-draw stroke

❒ Reverse and forward sweep strokes

❒ Back-stroke

❒ Turning strokes

❒ Inside and outside pivot

■ Handling the kayak

❒ Forward stroke

❒ Reverse stroke

❒ Sweep stroke

❒ Reverse stroke

❒ Draw stroke

❒ Duffek stroke

❒ Low brace

❒ High brace

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Exiting from the kayak

■ Barrel and Eskimo rolls

■ Launching methods

■ Landing

■ On the water

Canoeing, American Red Cross

Fieldbook, No. 34006

National Instruction ProgramandOn-Water Safety Curriculum,

American Canoe Association

Passport to High Adventure, No. 34245

American Red Cross Water Skills Course

Local and national resources provided by instructor

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Cave Exploring

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to try cave exploring, with a proper

guide, as a unit activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed,

you may deliver exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to

participants is to stress the fun nature of the activity and to provide resources for units to do

these activities at home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Explain the different type of caves.

■ Tie four knots used in caving.

■ List items needed in a personal cave pack.

■ Explain the standard map symbols used on a three-dimensional cave map.

■ Examples of different type of ropes used in caving

■ Examples of rope usage logs

■ Caving maps

■ Photos (or video) of different kinds of caves

■ Examples of personal gear, including helmets, light, backup lights, and cave packs

■ Examples of rappelling and ascending devices

■ Tabletop display on cave exploring

Discussion followed by hands-on practice. Participants could, at a minimum, simulate a cave

descent and ascent using BSA-approved climbing procedures. A good caving video is helpful.

Caves can be dangerous if you are not properly trained or equipped. Cave safety tips include:

■ Join an experienced group for proper training and safe caving.

■ Never go caving alone. At least three cavers are a minimum.

■ Always carry three sources of light.

■ Don’t attempt caves beyond your ability.

■ Use proper gear, including a properly fitted helmet and suitable clothes.

■ Leave word with family or friends about your trip plan, including the cave location and

expected return time.

■ Always use the safer alternative when you have an option.

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Discuss and show pictures or video of different types of caves.

■ Discuss and demonstrate equipment used in caving (lights, packs, ropes, etc.).

■ Demonstrate knots used in caving, followed by hands-on trial by participants.

■ Demonstrate rappelling and belaying techniques (this could be done as part of

COPE sessions).

■ Take a short caving trip if possible.

Belay On, No. 430-500

Boston Grotto Guide to SRT, Kevin W. Harris

Boy Scout Handbook, No. 34554

Caving, No. 430-102

Caving Basics, Tom Rea, et. al., National Speleological Society

Fieldbook, No. 34006

Oxford University Cave Club Expedition Rescue Guide, Gavin Lowe

Local and national resources provided by instructor

Session Outline

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Challenge Events/COPE

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to experience team-building events as

a unit activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may

deliver exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants

is to stress the fun nature of the activity, and to provide resources for units to do these

activities at home after the course is over.

Note: High-element preparation requires more time than is normally available on a

Powder Horn course.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Understand the principles of processing skills.

■ Understand the five stages of group development.

■ Understand the need for proper sequencing.

■ Understand the purpose of COPE.

A COPE director should teach this session with help from COPE instructors as needed.

Have the group participate in low-element exercises on the COPE course.

■ Discuss the purpose of low initiatives and low elements.

■ Discuss how to become a COPE director and instructor.

■ Describe safety procedures.

■ Discuss what should happen prior to and during the program.

■ Discuss the opening and closing sessions.

■ Discuss the role and characteristics of the facilitator.

■ Explain what processing is and what skills are needed.

■ Describe the five stages of group development.

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Belay On, No. 430-500

Association for Experiential Education, Boulder, CO

Climb On Safely, No. 430-099

Cowstails and Cobras II, Karl Rohnke, Project Adventure

Project Adventure Ropes Course Safety Manual, Project Adventure, Hamilton, MA

The New Games Book, Andrew Fluegelman

Venturing Advisor Guidebook, No. 34655

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Climbing/Rappelling

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to try climbing and/or rappelling, with

proper supervision, as a unit activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must

be followed, you may deliver exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall

message to participants is to stress the fun nature of the activity and to provide resources for

units to do these activities at home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Explain the difference between bouldering and technical climbing.

■ Explain the classification and grades of climbing difficulty.

■ Relate terminology and communication techniques used in rappelling.

■ Tie the proper knots used in rappelling.

■ Describe different types of setups and hardware.

■ Describe types of approved ropes for climbing and proper care and storage.

■ Correctly put on and teach others how to put on at least two harnesses.

■ Understand the need for rescue bags and first aid equipment.

■ Approved UIAA rope, safety helmets, seat harnesses, locking carabiner, figure-eight

(See detailed Participant Equipment List in appendix.)

■ Tabletop display on mountaineering

Short lecture with a demonstration, followed by a hands-on experience for participants.

■ Hardware setups

❒ Types of setups and hardware

❒ Safety considerations

■ Rope

❒ Types of approved ropes for climbing, descending, and caving

■ Safety considerations

❒ Rope usage logs

❒ Inspection

■ Storage

■ Helmets (UIAA-approved)

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Harness/seats and slings

■ Anchors

❒ Natural anchors

❒ Artificial anchors

■ Belays

❒ Top belay

❒ Bottom belay

❒ Self-belay

■ General safety

❒ Before a rappel

❒ During rappel

■ Terminology and communications

■ First-aid and emergency evacuation plan

Climb On Safely, No. 430-099

Passport to High Adventure, No. 34245

Belay On, No. 430-500

Boy Scout Handbook, No. 34554

Fieldbook, No. 34006

Project COPE and Climbing/Rappelling National Standards, No. 430-008

Local and national resources provided by instructor

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Conservation

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to undertake a conservation project as

a unit activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may

deliver exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants

is to stress the fun nature of the activity, and to provide resources for units to do these

activities at home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Know how to help plan, lead, and complete a significant conservation project.

■ Be familiar with the requirements for the BSA’s William T. Hornaday Awards.

■ Be familiar with the requirements for the World Conservation Award.

■ Know how to identify local conservation professionals to serve as advisors on projects

and awards.

■ Tools needed for sample project descriptions

■ William T. Hornaday and World Conservation award information

Lecture presentation, discussion, or demonstration led by a conservationist or other land

management professional.

■ Review the various conservation awards available to Scouts, including the William T.

Hornaday and World Conservation awards.

■ Review USDA Forest Service or other land management agency conservation

project examples.

■ Brainstorm a list of projects and ways to complete the selected projects.

■ Make a written plan.

Conservation Good Turn flier

Tread Lightly Inc.

Venturer/Sea Scout World Conservation Award Application, No. 512-064, No. 00152 (patch)

William T. Hornaday Award flier, No. 430-398

Local and national resources provided by instructor

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Cycling/Mountain Biking

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to go cycling as a unit activity. While BSA

safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver exciting content as fits

the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to stress the fun nature of the

activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at home after the course is over.

This session can be split into two sessions: road biking and mountain biking.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Know the differences of types of cycling (e.g., touring and mountain biking).

■ Know the laws governing biking in your state.

■ Explain safety rules and gear for your preferred bike.

■ Demonstrate proper first aid for a head injury.

■ Know the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) rules for the trails.

■ Make a bike tool and repair kit and be able to demonstrate the use of each tool.

■ Know how to plan a trip and record it in a journal.

■ Know what clothing will improve the comfort of your ride.

■ State laws on cycling

■ A variety of bicycles and cycles

■ Chain rivet tool, small slot head screwdriver, assorted wrenches, tire levers, standard pliers

■ Tube patch kit and pump

■ Maps

■ IMBA rules

■ Personal gear (gloves, padded shorts, windbreakers, helmets, etc.)

If possible, have enough bicycles for each participant to try for a short distance. Set up a

short course. Be sure to have sufficient helmet sizes to ensure that you have one that fits each

person riding.

■ Demonstrate various bicycles and discuss their uses.

■ Demonstrate proper bike maintenance both at home and on the trail.

■ Show bicycle safety equipment.

■ Show proper bike clothing.

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Discuss bicycle safety rules.

■ Discuss first aid applicable to bicycling accident situations.

■ Demonstrate how to drive a bike (gear shifting, etc.).

■ Allow participants to take a short ride.

■ Discuss trail etiquette and Leave No Trace principles.

Basic Essentials of Mountain Biking, Michael Strassman

Fieldbook, No. 34006

Venturing Awards and Requirements, No. 34784

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Emergency Preparedness

The goal of this session is to inform the participants of search-and-rescue techniques, as well

as possible emergency situations where they may be required to assist. While BSA safety

standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver exciting content as fits

the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to stress the nature of the

activity and to provide resources for units to practice these skills and get more information

at home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Have a better understanding about how much preparation is needed in emergency situations.

■ Participate in an example emergency situation.

■ Understand what individual needs are for emergency preparedness.

■ Develop a solution for emergency situations using different teaching scenarios related to

emergencies in outdoor activities.

■ First-aid kit (personal and crew)

■ Backboard and CVC

■ Rescue bag

■ Other resources, depending on situation

Have an Explorer post or other outside group stage a surprise emergency scenario during the

training session.

Example scenarios:

Car wreck Fall from a horse Stove fire

Shooting accident Search-and-rescue situation Boating accident

Swimming incident Climbing or rappelling accident Skiing situation

Scuba incident Caving accident

Remember, safety is always the first consideration for this session. Sufficient staff members

should attend this session to help with the safety aspects of the scenario.

The participants are informed about various first-responder groups. Explain how to:

■ Safely respond to the accident scene.

■ Triage the situation and decide how to handle the emergency.

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Perform first-responder services such as emergency first aid, victim extraction,

emergency services notification, and victim transportation.

■ At end of the exercise, hold a debriefing and reflect on how the exercise was handled.

American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basics Manual

First Aid for Colleges and Universities

American Heart Association

Wilderness Medicine Institute

Local EMT courses

Local and national resources provided by instructor

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Equestrian

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to go horseback riding as a unit activity.

While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver exciting

content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to stress the fun

nature of the activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at home after the

course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Name the three distinct American riding styles.

■ Name the various articles of tack used in riding.

■ Demonstrate how to properly saddle and bridle a horse.

■ Demonstrate how to properly mount and ride a horse.

■ Know how to properly care for and feed a horse.

■ Know the reasons to use different breeds for work and recreation.

■ Horses

■ Various saddles

■ Saddle blankets

■ Various bridles

■ Various tack

■ Proper riding clothing and boots

■ Pictures of proper attire for various styles of riding

■ Combs, brushes, etc.

■ Tabletop display on equestrian resources

■ Have an experienced horse person present this session.

■ Lecture and demonstration, followed by hands-on experience.

■ Discuss riding styles and various competitions in those styles.

■ Hands-on riding experience.

■ Discuss three American riding styles.

■ Show pictures or actual clothing for the different styles.

■ Demonstrate saddling and bridling.

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Demonstrate mounting and dismounting a horse.

■ Participant riding.

■ Remove tack and demonstrate equipment and horse care.

Horse Gaits, Balance, and Movement, Susan Harris

Hunter Seat Equitation, George H. Harris

Sports Organizations

Harness Horse Youth Foundation

16575 Carey Road

Westfield, IN 46074

Website: www.hhyf.org

United States Eventing Association

525 Old Waterford Road, NW

Leesburg, VA 20176

Website: www.useventing.com

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Expedition Planning

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to consider and properly plan an

expedition as a unit activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be

followed, you may deliver exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall

message to participants is to stress the fun nature of the activity and to provide resources for

units to do these activities at home after the course is over.

As a result of this session each participant should be able to

■ Develop a risk management plan for their unit activities.

■ Know the principles of trip and activity planning.

■ Know the Boy Scouts of America regulations and safety procedures.

■ Understand the equipment and training needs for Scouting activities.

■ Passport to High Adventure for each crew

■ Flipchart pads (or newsprint) and markers

Lecture or demonstration followed by a hands-on planning exercise.

I. Presentation of basic principles of expedition planning

II. Participation qualification

A. Boy Scouts

B. Venturers

C. Adult participation

D. Support personnel

III. BSA Regulations

A. Guide to Safe Scouting

B. Climb On Safely

C. Hazardous Weather

D. Safe Swim Defense

E. Safety Afloat

IV. Trip planning

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A. Where to go

B. Itinerary planning

C. Training activities

D. Food

E. Activities

F. Transportation

G. Equipment

H. Permits

I. Budget

J. Insurance

K. Backdating the plan

V. Risk Management

A. Heath and medical examinations

B. Getting in shape

C. Certifications

D. Skills and practices

E. Trek Safety

VI. Leave No Trace requirements

Have each group plan a five-day trip in detail using Boy Scouting and Venturing outdoor

skills. After five minutes of planning time, have each group report on their trip to the entire

group for comments and suggestions.

Fieldbook, No. 34006

Passport to High Adventure, No. 34245

Venturing Advisor Guidebook No. 34655

Local and national resources provided by instructor

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Fishing

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to go fishing as a unit activity. Sport

fishing and/or fly-fishing may be presented together or as separate activities. While BSA

safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver exciting content as

fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to stress the fun nature

of the activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at home after the

course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Know freshwater and saltwater fishing laws, regulations, and licensing requirements in

their state.

■ Know and understand different fishing techniques and required equipment.

■ Determine where different varieties of water are located.

■ Tell where the most popular game fish and any protected fish are found in their state.

■ Know the four main types of fishing equipment and their use.

■ Tie different fishing knots.

■ Recognize safety situations that one may encounter while fishing.

■ Tie fishing flies.

■ State and local fishing maps, fishing laws, and regulation books

■ Slides of different fish in the area

■ Four type of fishing equipment (spin cast, spinning, bait cast, and fly) and information on

this equipment

■ Rods and reels

■ Fly-tying equipment and materials

■ Assorted sample premade flies

■ Assorted fishing lures

■ Tabletop display on fishing

Summary

Learning

Objective

Equipment

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Have a game warden, sporting goods person, avid fisherman (contact through an anglers

club), or guide come to the session and bring the equipment and materials needed.

■ A tabletop display should be set up before the session starts. The slides and video can be

shown as participants arrive. Hand out literature before to avoid interrupting the class.

■ Provide hands-on activities. (Fly casting with a fly rod and fly-tying work well and are

popular with teens.)

■ Introduce species of fish found in state fresh and saltwater.

■ Review rules and regulations.

■ Discuss water varieties and locations.

■ Introduce fishing equipment using dry land or water targets for casting practice.

■ Review lure and fly types.

■ Demonstrate different fishing knots.

■ Discuss fishing safety.

■ Demonstrate fly-tying and equipment.

Fieldbook, No. 34006

The Orvis Guide to Beginning Fly Fishing: 101 Tips for the Absolute Beginner

Venturing Advisor Guidebook, No. 34655

Local and national resources provided by instructor

Procedure

Session Outline

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Geocaching

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to go geocaching as a unit activity.

While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver

exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to

stress the fun nature of the activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at

home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Understand how the global positioning system (GPS) works.

■ Know how to use a GPS receiver to locate their position on the ground (or water), and

identify that location on a topographical map or navigation chart.

■ Demonstrate finding a position (waypoint) using a GPS receiver.

■ GPS receiver and batteries

■ Topographical map and/or navigation chart of the area

■ Pre-laid orienteering course

■ Tabletop presentation on land navigation

■ Present how GPS works and how to use a GPS receiver.

■ Provide hands-on experience using the GPS receiver.

■ How the GPS works.

❒ Satellite fleet

❒ Timing determination by GPS receiver

❒ Position determination with three satellites

❒ Altitude determination with four satellites

❒ Position and altitude determination 50-foot accuracy

❒ UTM map coordinate system

❒ Datum meaning and usage

■ How to operate a GPS receiver.

❒ Taking a bearing—must be moving

❒ Measuring location and altitude

❒ How to set way points

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

❒ Mapping your course

❒ Using the receiver in the field (tree cover, etc.)

❒ Measurements improve with measurement time

Contact the Brunton Co. for a full compass and GPS training kit: 620 E. Monroe Ave.,

Riverton, WY 82501, 307-856-6559; or email [email protected].

Manual for GPS receiver used in course

GPS Made Easy, Lawrence Letham

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Hunting

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to go hunting as a unit activity. While

BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver exciting content

as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to stress the fun nature

of the activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at home after the course

is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Know more about hunter education and where to take the class.

■ Know more about bow hunter education and where to take the course.

■ Know more about muzzle loader education course and where to take the course.

■ Learn about careers associated with hunting and wildlife management.

■ Know where you can hunt in your state and obtain information on rules, regulations,

and licensing.

■ Videos/slides on hunter education

■ State hunting rules and regulation books

■ State hunter education literature

■ NRA literature

■ Guns, ammunition, bows, arrows, traps, etc.

■ Tabletop display on hunter education resources

Slides and videos can be shown while participants are coming into the room.

■ Slides

■ Discussion on how teens can support hunter education or where they can go after

hunter education

■ Hands-on demonstrations with guns, bows, etc.

■ Range time

■ Presentation on hunter education

■ Presentation on bow hunter education

■ Presentation on muzzle loader education

■ Presentation on state rules and regulations on hunting

■ Presentation on hunting areas in the region

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ National Shooting Sports Scholastic Clay Target Program Guide

■ National Shooting Sports Scholastic Rifle Program Guide

■ NRA Shooting Sports Camp Planning Guide

■ Local and national resources provided by instructor

■ National Bowhunter Education Association resources

■ National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association resources

■ NRA literature and approved videos

■ State wildlife agency hunter education program

■ State wildlife agency hunting regulations

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Orienteering

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to go orienteering as a unit activity.

While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver exciting

content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to stress the fun

nature of the activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at home after the

course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Identify and explain topographical map symbols.

■ Explain contour lines.

■ Demonstrate how a compass works.

■ Topographic map of camp area

■ Compass

■ Pre-laid orienteering course with control points (GPS)

■ Control point markers and punches

■ Control point log forms and description sheets

■ Tabletop display on land navigation resources

Short presentation on techniques followed by hands-on experience in compass and map work.

■ Review or teach the use of a compass.

■ Headings

❒ Sighting and traveling with compass

❒ Deviation

■ Explain how different types of compasses are used to shoot bearings.

■ On a topographic map, identify map symbols and their corresponding physical ground feature.

■ Teach participants how to orient the map using a compass. Explain magnetic versus true north.

■ Allow participants to run an orienteering course using map and control point listings.

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Contact the Brunton Co. for a full compass and GPS training kit: 620 E. Monroe Ave.,

Riverton, WY 82501, 307-856-6559; or email [email protected].

The Backpacker’s Field Manual, Rick Curtis

Fieldbook, No. 34006

Finding Your Way with Map and Compass, John Disley

Outward Bound Map and Compass Handbook

Local and national resources provided by instructor

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Outdoor Ethics/Leave No Trace

The goal of this session is to provide the participants with an awareness of the impacts

associated with outdoor recreation and to motivate them to practice outdoor ethics. The

overall message to participants is to stress that they can make good judgments when

recreating and to provide resources for units to learn outdoor ethics after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Discuss the impacts associated with Scouting’s outdoor program.

■ Explain the umbrella term “BSA outdoor ethics” and its components.

■ Recite and explain the Outdoor Code.

■ Explain the seven principles of Leave No Trace.

■ Demonstrate knowledge of where to find additional outdoor ethics resources and trainings

■ Posters or flip charts with the Outdoor Ethics umbrella, the Outdoor Code, and the seven

principles of Leave No Trace

■ Copies of the BSA’s Wilderness Use Policy and Outdoor Code (https://filestore.scouting.

org/filestore/pdf/20-121.pdf)

■ Optional: Audio/video equipment as needed to present a DVD or stream web content

■ Optional: Leave No Trace DVD

❒ Order DVD from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (https://lnt.org/shop/

product/national-park-service-leave-no-trace-dvd)

❒ Stream low-res version from the National Park Service (www.nps.gov/features/

wilderness/leavenotrace/popup.html)

❒ Stream low-res version from YouTube (www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXO1uY0MvmQ)

■ Optional: BSA Outdoor Ethics or Leave No Trace plastic reference cards (https://lnt.org/

shop/product/individual-ethics-reference-cards)

■ Equipment for optional activities

❒ Cathole trowels

❒ Bear bag and ropes

❒ 100 feet of rope or line

The lecture and discussion can be delivered in the field or in a meeting hall. The

demonstrations and activities can be delivered in the field.

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

1. Introduction—Need for Outdoor Ethics

(Give this example.) Have you ever arrived at a campsite only to find that the people who

previously used it left it trashed? While hiking, have you ever come across trees that have

been defaced by carvings, or meadows that have been trampled by careless campers? What

impacts have bothered you when recreating in the outdoors? Do you think that any of those

impacts could be eliminated or at least minimized?

The Scout Oath and Scout Law guide a Scout’s actions, but sometimes it is hard to see

exactly how they apply when we are out in the woods, climbing a mountain, hiking in

a desert or snowfield, running a river, or simply enjoying a city park. Fortunately, BSA

Outdoor Ethics assists us in applying the Oath and Law in the outdoors. Scouts and

Venturers know to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints. But we can do

more. As cities grow and populations encroach upon our wild lands and recreation areas, we

must do more than just pick up litter and extinguish campfires. We must learn how to help

maintain the integrity and character of the outdoors for all living things and other visitors,

and we must set the example and teach other people to do the same.

2. The BSA’s Outdoor Ethics Umbrella

BSA Outdoor Ethics builds on our history of conservation stewardship and passion for the

outdoors. It is an umbrella term encompassing the BSA’s programs that teach the awareness

of recreational impacts and stewardship of the land. Holding up the umbrella is the BSA’s

Outdoor Code, which is the foundation of our outdoor ethics program. Supporting the

Outdoor Code are the seven principles of Leave No Trace, which provide guidance on how

to eliminate or minimize our non-motorized recreational impacts. TREAD Lightly! guides

our behavior when participating in motorized recreation or backcountry shooting sports.

Noted American ecologist Aldo Leopold said that it is an “ecological necessity” that we

consider in our ethical decision-making “soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively:

the land” if the land and environment are to survive the stress placed by ever more people

using them. It is this “land ethic” that the BSA Outdoor Ethics umbrella strives to protect.

With BSA Outdoor Ethics, Scouting’s youth and adults have a principled framework that

helps them make proper, ethical decisions while enjoying the outdoors.

3. Outdoor Code

Scouting has a long and distinguished tradition of conservation leadership and environmental

protection, beliefs preserved in the Outdoor Code and Scouting’s Wilderness Use Policy.

The Outdoor Code guides our conduct in the outdoors, establishing our goals of a clean

environment unaffected by our passage—and our goal of environmental stewardship.

Distribute a copy of the BSA’s Wilderness Use Policy and Outdoor Code.

The Outdoor Code

As an American, I will do my best to—

■ Be clean in my outdoor manners. A Scout treats the outdoors as a heritage. A Scout

takes care of it for self and for others for the future. A Scout keeps waste like litter,

unused food, chemicals, and body wastes out of lakes and streams and either packs it

out or disposes of it properly in the backcountry. A Scout never engages in graffiti or

vandalism such as carving initials or defacing outdoor areas.

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Be careful with fire [and other impacts]. A Scout uses fire only when allowed and only

when it is safe and non-damaging to the environment to do so. Often, a Scout may use a

stove or a grill instead of making a ground fire. A Scout is also careful of other impacts,

such as leaving out food that may disrupt animal eating patterns, contributing to erosion

by cutting switchbacks, or whittling or chopping live trees. A Scout is careful of our

nation’s cultural heritage, leaving artifacts undisturbed and preserving our recreational

resources for all to use and enjoy.

■ Be considerate in the outdoors. A Scout treats the land and water and everything that

lives, grows, and plays on the land and water with respect. This means not just fellow

Scouts, but also other visitors and the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make up the

land. A Scout observes animals but does not disturb them or scare them from their nests

or foraging. A Scout avoids trampling delicate plants to preserve them for others to view

and for the insects and animals that depend upon them.

■ Be conservation-minded. A Scout observes the land, animals, and plants in the

environment. A Scout seeks to understand how they interact with each other. A Scout is

vigilant in watching for injury to the environment and reporting it to those who can stop

it. A Scout never passes litter without picking it up. A Scout works to restore the health of

the land so that others also can enjoy it, live, and learn from it.

4. Leave No Trace

Review the seven principles.

Optional: Show the National Park Service Leave No Trace video.

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are the bedrock of the Leave No Trace program. They

provide guidance for enjoying our natural world in a sustainable way that avoids human-

created impacts.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

■ Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.

■ Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.

■ Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.

■ Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.

■ Repackage food to minimize waste.

■ Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns, or flagging.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

■ Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow.

■ Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

■ Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.

■ In popular areas:

❒ Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.

❒ Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.

❒ Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ In pristine areas:

❒ Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.

❒ Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

Dispose of Waste Properly

■ Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack

out all trash, leftover food, and litter.

■ Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from

water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.

■ Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.

■ To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use

small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Leave What You Find

■ Preserve the past: Examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.

■ Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.

■ Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.

■ Do not build structures or furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

■ Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for

cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.

■ Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.

■ Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.

■ Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife

■ Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.

■ Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and

exposes them to predators and other dangers.

■ Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.

■ Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.

■ Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

■ Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.

■ Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.

■ Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.

■ Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.

■ Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

5. Review of Resources

■ Outdoor Ethics Contacts

❒ Council Outdoor Ethics advocate (http://outdoorethics-bsa.org/contacts/COEAs.php)

❒ Leave No Trace state advocate (https://lnt.org/about/state-advocates)

■ Outdoor Ethics Websites

❒ BSA Outdoor Programs (www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/outdoor-ethics)

❒ BSA Outdoor Ethics (http://outdoorethics-bsa.org)

❒ Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (https://lnt.org)

❒ TREAD Lightly! (www.treadlightly.org)

❒ The Aldo Leopold Foundation (www.aldoleopold.org)

■ Additional Resources

❒ http://outdoorethics-bsa.org/resources/

❒ BSA Program Features (http://troopleader.org/program-feature-outdoor-ethics/)

❒ Fieldbook, chapters 7-10

❒ Boy Scout Handbook, chapter 7

❒ Teaching Leave No Trace (www.scouting.org/programs/boy-scouts/teaching-leave-

no-trace)

■ Outdoor Ethics Trainings

❒ Training Overview (http://outdoorethics-bsa.org/training)

❒ BSA Leave No Trace Master Educator Courses (http://outdoorethics-bsa.org/training/

me_courses.php)

6. Field Exercises. Do as many as time allows.

■ Visit a model campsite with many examples of good and poor choices that represent all

seven principles. Have participants identify as many as they can.

■ Cathole Demonstration—Demonstrate how to dig a cathole for human waste disposal. If

time allows, give each participant the opportunity to dig one for themselves. Discuss all

considerations with human waste disposal.

■ Tree Damage Survey—Have participants examine all trees at a campsite for signs of

wood tool misuse. Discuss why wood tools should not be brought on camping activities.

Discuss when it is appropriate to bring wood tools on an outing (conservation work,

advancement activity planned with a land manager, etc.).

■ Bear Bag Hangs—Discuss the need for securing smellable items when camping. Practice

hanging a bear bag.

■ How far is 200 feet for wastewater disposal? Have participants form a line, then walk

an estimated 200 feet counting their paces. Use a 100-foot rope to show participants the

actual distance.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Fieldbook, No. 34006

Leave No Trace Trainer Course Manual, No. 430-015

Leave No Trace, 1830 17th St., Suite 100, Boulder, CO 80302; www.lnt.org/

Passport to High Adventure, No. 34245

The Principles of Leave No Trace, No. 430-105

Local and national resources provided by instructor

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Outdoor Living History

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to experience an outdoor living history

event as a unit activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you

may deliver exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants

is to stress the fun nature of the activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at

home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Gain more knowledge about a historical culture or time period.

■ Know where to get information on how to make an outfit that represents a person or type

of person from that culture.

■ Learn how to find information on constructing a working tool or weapon out of authentic

materials from that time period.

■ Pictures of costumes of different cultures

■ Examples of different tools and weapons from several cultures

■ Books (references) of different time periods

■ Slides and videos

Have a group put on a reenactment from a certain time period in authentic costume. Then

talk about what happened. Or go to a museum or archaeological dig and then discuss what

everyone saw. Another option would be to have staff work in period costume.

■ Introduction

■ Field trip or reenactment group

■ Discussion of costume, period of time in history, weapons, or tools

■ Question and answer time

■ Discuss how you can use what you learned in your own outdoor cultural experience with

your crew

Local and national resources provided by instructor

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Plants and Wildlife/Ecology

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to appreciate nature while on any unit

activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver

exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to

stress the fun nature of the activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at

home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Discuss the various conditions and seasons of the year as to how they relate to a specific

plant or animal species.

■ Understand the interaction of various species.

■ Understand how to carry out a project to benefit plants and wildlife.

■ Explain basic natural systems, cycles, and changes over time and how they are evidenced

in a watershed.

■ Know four basic elements, land use patterns, different species, and how they change

over time.

■ Describe four environmental study areas where you live.

■ Know how to carry out an ecological investigation in an area where you live.

■ Know how to contact a natural resource professional.

■ Know how to document your findings.

■ Books, pictures, videos, or slides of various plants and wildlife in the region

■ Dried and living specimens

■ Plaster castings of plants and animal prints

■ USDA Forest Service material

■ Maps

■ Natural resource professional

■ Lecture, discussion, brainstorming, and hands-on experience

■ Lead a discussion of plants and wildlife indigenous to the area. Discuss any species that may

be endangered or extinct. Conduct a hands-on examination of plant and wildlife materials.

■ Discuss indigenous plants and wildlife.

■ Demonstrate making plaster casts, rubbings, etc. of tracks or prints.

■ Take a nature hike or have an arranged trail for the participants.

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ “You are a visitor in the wild habitat; don’t intervene.”

■ Conduct a conservation education game that demonstrates the various natural cycles or

the dependency of species on one another.

Boy Scout Handbook, No. 34554

Fieldbook, No. 34006

Ecosystem Matters, USDA Forest Service

Investigating Your Environment, USDA Forest Service (may be found online at

National Park Service, http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/inventory/spplists)

Outdoor Action Guide to Animal Tracking, Rick Curtis

Outdoor Action Guide to Nature Observation and Stalking (Outdoor Action guides may be

found online at https://outdooraction.princeton.edu/)

Pre-K–8 Environmental Education Activity Guide, Project Learning Tree

Project WET K–12 Curriculum and Activity Guide

Local and national resources provided by instructor

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Scuba and/or Snorkeling

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to scuba and/or snorkel as a unit activity.

While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver exciting

content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to stress the fun

nature of the activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at home after the

course is over.

Note: Any scuba session is to be taught by a certified scuba instructor.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Experience Discover Scuba from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors

(PADI) or a similar introductory scuba session.

■ Experience the sensation of breathing underwater.

■ Develop some knowledge of the underwater environment.

■ Decide whether to continue the certification process.

■ Understanding of safety issues.

■ Mask, fins, and snorkels

■ Regulators and buoyancy compensators

■ Weights and weight belts

■ Tanks

■ Diver tables and other interesting equipment

■ “Discover Scuba” video, VCR or DVD player, TV set, and extension cord

■ Tabletop display on scuba resources

■ Scuba promotional materials

Video and lecture with hands-on experience given by a PADI open-water scuba instructor.

■ Greeting and welcome.

■ Show PADI video.

■ Discuss equipment and how it should fit.

■ Proceed with session per instructions in PADI instruction manual.

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

“Discover Scuba” video, PADI

“Discover Snorkeling,” PADI

PADI Dive to Adventure Scholarship Program Application

Scuba training literature, PADI

Local and national resources provided by instructor

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Shooting Sports

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to try a variety of shooting sports as a

unit activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may

deliver exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is

to stress the fun nature of the activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at

home after the course is over.

Note: Only Venturers may fire pistols or large-bore rifles. If other youth are present,

they will need to do a different activity at this time.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Demonstrate safe handling and proficiency.

■ Explain the three primary shooting safety rules.

■ Explain the range commands.

■ Explain differences in air rifle, muzzleloading rifle, and small-bore rifle.

■ Explain difference in recurve and compound bow.

■ Explain safe sports shooting range designs.

Air Rifle/Air Pistol

■ Six CO

air rifles (.177 caliber)

■ Six CO

air pistols (.177 caliber)

■ CO

powerlets—two per student (one rifle/one pistol)

■ .177 Pellets—60 per student

■ Airgun targets—three per student (rifle) 33 feet (10 meters), three per student (pistol)

TQ7 21 feet

■ Safety glasses—one pair per student

■ Hearing protection—one set (disposable) per student

Shotgun

■ 6-, 12- or 20-gauge shotguns

■ 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shells—10 per student

■ White Flyer clay birds—12 per student

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Small-bore Rifle

■ Six small-bore rifles (.22 caliber) single-shot bolt-action

■ .22 long rifle cartridges (standard velocity)—20 per student

■ Target—two per student A17 (50 feet)

Muzzleloading

■ Six muzzleloading rifles (50 caliber) caplock

■ Target—one per student M02406 (from NHLRA)

■ Six powder measures (rifle)

■ Six work rods (rifle)

■ Six ball starters

■ Six jags—50 caliber

■ Six patch pullers (worms)

■ Six nipple wrenches

■ .490 diameter round balls—four per student

■ 50 caliber pre-lubricated patches—four per student

■ No. 11 percussion caps—four per student

■ 3 lbs. RS grade Pyrodex powder

■ Six 50 caliber ball pullers

■ Three Pyrodex pouring spouts

■ Six bottles cleaning solvent

■ Six tubes lubricant

■ 200, 2 1/2” cleaning patches

■ Six cans light gun oil

Archery

■ Four target backs

■ 20 targets

■ Eight arm guards

■ Eight finger tabs or gloves

■ 10 longbows

■ 10 compound bows

■ 100 arrows

Lecture and discussion followed by range time for the participants.

■ Types of firearms or bows

■ Parts of rifle, pistol, or parts of bow

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Safe handling and primary safety rules

■ Types of firearms or bows

■ Range procedures and commands

■ Sequence of firing the shot

■ Shooting positions

■ Firing the first shot

You may use the NRA First Steps training for your training requirement. The training can be

done as a general session or by crew. It usually takes one and a half to two hours, depending

on the instructor.

National Archery Association

One Olympic Plaza

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

719-578-1576

Website: www.wheretoshoot.org

Civilian Marksmanship Program

P.O. Box 576

Port Clinton, OH 43452

Website: www.odcmp.com

Crossman Corporation

Routes 5 and 20

East Bloomfield, NY 14443

National Archery Association

One Olympic Plaza

Colorado Springs, CO 80909

National Rifle Association (BEST)

11250 Waples Mill Road

Fairfax, VA 22030

Instructor Locator: 703-267-1430

Education and Training: 703-267-1431

Instruction Books: 800-336-7402

State Associations: 703-267-1000

Venturing Shooting Sports Outstanding Achievement Award Application, No. 512-933

Local and national resources provided by instructor

Training Note

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Small-Boat Sailing/Sailboarding

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to go sailing or sail boarding as a unit

activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver

exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to

stress the fun nature of the activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at

home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Name and point out the major parts of a sailboat and sailboard.

■ Know terminology.

■ Demonstrate how to sail a small boat (setting sails, trimming sails, tacking, etc.).

■ Plan a sailing trip.

■ Know the BSA’s Safety Afloat policies.

■ Sailboat

■ Sailboard

■ Life jackets

■ Tabletop display on sailing and sailboarding

Short lecture with demonstration, followed by a hands-on experience for the participants.

Note: Safety Afloat should be completed before holding the hands-on portion of

this session.

■ Introduction

❒ Safety Afloat policies of the Boy Scouts of America

■ Typical sailboat and equipment

❒ Vane

❒ Masthead fitting

❒ Tang

❒ Spinnaker/spinnaker pole

❒ Upper shroud/lower shroud

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

❒ Spreader

❒ Battens

❒ Jib/jib stay

❒ Mast halyard

❒ Mast/mast coat

❒ Masthead

❒ Boom

❒ Running backstay

❒ Downhaul

❒ Cabin trunk

❒ Chock

❒ Cleat

❒ Deck horse

❒ Block

❒ Mainsheet

❒ Centerboard

❒ Transom

❒ Rudder

❒ Keel

❒ Motor bracket

❒ Cleats

❒ Chain plates

❒ Fairlead

❒ Turnbuckles

❒ Anchor

■ Life jackets

■ Bailers

■ Waterproof containers

■ Rescue rope

■ Types of sailboats and sailboards

■ Sailboat/sailboard specifications

❒ Materials

■ Care of sailboats and sailboards

■ Causes of boat damage

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

■ Sailboat repair

■ Sailboat storage

■ Handling the sailboat

❒ Launching methods

❒ Landing

❒ On the water

❒ Setting sails

❒ Trimming sails

❒ Tacking

■ Navigation

■ Buoy recognition

■ Radio telephone techniques

■ Knot tying

■ Weather

American Red Cross Water Skills Course

Basic Sailing, M.B. George

Fieldbook, No. 34006

Passport to High Adventure, No. 34245

Safety Afloat, No. 34368

Sailing for Beginners, Moulton M. Farnham

Sea Scout Manual, No. 33239

The Small Boat Sailor’s Bible, Hervey Garrett Smith

Local and national resources provided by instructor

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Wilderness First Aid

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to get additional wilderness first aid

training as a unit activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures must be followed,

you may deliver exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to

participants is to stress the fun nature of the activity and to provide resources for units to do

these activities at home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Have a basic understanding of the need for wilderness first aid.

■ Know what equipment is needed in a first-aid kit (personal and crew size).

■ Explain the rule of three.

■ Have a basic knowledge of the Guide to Safe Scouting.

■ Prepare an emergency evacuation plan.

■ Know where to find information to complete the first-aid requirements and know what to

do when help is delayed (from Wilderness First Aid Basic).

■ Unit first-aid kit

■ Personal first-aid kit

■ Guide to Safe Scouting

■ NOLS and ARC Wilderness First Aid handbooks

■ EMT or paramedic bag

■ American Red Cross Health and Safety Services’ first-aid/CPR/AED catalog

Lecture, discussion, and then hands-on practice

I. Introduction

II. Guide to Safe Scouting

III. Discussion of potentially hazardous situations

IV. Risk associated with outdoor activities in a wilderness environment

V. Safety considerations (Be Prepared)

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

VI. First-aid course

a. American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basic

b. American Red Cross First Aid, Responding to Emergencies

c. American Red Cross Emergency Response

d. EMT Basic

VII. First-aid kits

a. Personnel first-aid kit

b. Crew first-aid kit

VIII. Emergency evacuation plan

IX. Hands-on role-play

American Red Cross Standard First Aid Handbook/Community First Aid Course

American Red Cross Text, Emergency Response, Mosby

American Red Cross Text, First Aid—Responding to Emergencies, Mosby

American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basic

Backcountry First Aid and Extended Care, Buck Tilton

Camping and Wilderness Survival, Paul Tawrell

A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine, Eric A. Weiss, M.D.

NSC Wilderness First Aid Manual

The NOLS Wilderness First Aid Handbook

Outdoor Emergency Medical Guide, Mosby

Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, Avalanche Safety (Appalachian

Mountain Club)

Wilderness Medicine, William Forgey, M.D.

Local and national resources provided by instructor

Medical kits

Resources

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Wilderness Survival

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to experience a wilderness survival practice

exercise as a unit activity as well as to learn steps to prevent needing these skills. While BSA

safety standards and other procedures must be followed, you may deliver exciting content as fits

the consultant’s expertise. The overall message to participants is to stress the fun nature of the

activity and to provide resources for units to do these activities at home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Know how to write a risk management plan in accordance with BSA guidelines.

■ Describe personal hygiene methods and emergency first aid to be used in the wilderness.

■ Compile a small survival kit and be able to explain the inclusion of each item.

■ Describe five ways to attract attention when lost.

■ Describe ways to treat water.

■ Use and demonstrate survival knots and lashings.

■ Survival kits for demonstration

■ Posters showing insects, reptiles, trees, shrubs, and edible plants

■ Knot boards

■ Rope

■ Water treatment equipment

■ Model survival campsite

■ Tabletop display on wilderness survival

■ Lecture, discussion, then hands-on experience

■ Walk-through of model campsite with hands-on demonstration

■ Material handouts

■ Suggested consultant may be SAR, USDA Forest Service, military, etc. personnel

■ Elements of a model campsite, including:

❒ Emergency first aid

❒ Personal hygiene and emergency first aid for survival conditions

❒ Survival kit

❒ Fire building for warmth and food

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

❒ Tinder bundle, bow drill, flint and steel, optical

■ Staying found

❒ Finding south with a watch

❒ Finding south with stakes

❒ Finding north in the night

❒ Attracting attention for survival

❒ Rule of three

■ Shelter—various types

■ Edible wild plants

■ Animals for supplies and equipment

■ Cooking without utensils

■ Treating water

❒ Emergency sources of water

❒ Water in the desert

❒ Getting water from the ground

■ Clothing and supplies

■ Stalking and trapping

■ Ropes, knots, and lashings

■ Weather

❒ Warm and cold fronts

❒ Cloud types

❒ Wind shifts

❒ Lightning

❒ Local weather patterns

Clouds and Weather, Peterson’s First Guides

Fieldbook, No. 34006

Outdoor Survival Skills, Larry Dean Olsen

SAS Wilderness Survival Handbook, Tom Wiseman

Survival Handbook, Bill Merrill

Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Wilderness Survival, Tom Brown

Wilderness Handbook, Paul Petzoldt

Local and national resources provided by instructor

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Winter Sports

The goal of this session is to motivate the participants to go skiing, cross-country skiing,

and/or snowshoeing as a unit activity. While BSA safety standards and other procedures

must be followed, you may deliver exciting content as fits the consultant’s expertise. The

overall message to participants is to stress the fun nature of the activity and to provide

resources for units to do these activities at home after the course is over.

As a result of this session, each participant should be able to

■ Know and explain Wilderness Ethic, Leave No Trace, and Tread Lightly as they apply to

winter sports.

■ Know the symptoms of hypothermia and the actions that must be taken when it occurs.

■ Know the difference between ski touring, ski mountaineering, and alpine skiing.

■ Know the proper clothing and equipment of a one-day ski tour.

■ Grass area or outdoor carpeting

■ Cross-country skis, bindings

■ Cross-country skiing shoes

■ Snowshoes

Lecture-discussion followed by a hands-on experience for participants.

■ Wilderness Ethic, Leave No Trace, and Tread Lightly as it applies to winter sports

■ Cross-country skiing etiquette

■ Safety on ski tours

■ Emergencies on the trail

❒ Hypothermia

❒ Avalanche dangers

❒ Whiteouts

❒ Frostbite

❒ Snow blindness

❒ Weather reading

■ Cross-country equipment

❒ Boots

❒ Bindings

Summary

Learning

Objectives

Equipment

Procedure

Session Outline

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

❒ Skis

❒ Poles

■ Cross-country skiing skills

❒ Glide step

❒ Herringbone step

❒ Snow plow

❒ Side step

❒ Polling

❒ Turning

❒ Telemark

■ Skiing equipment

❒ Boots

❒ Bindings

❒ Skis

❒ Poles

■ Preparing for touring

Winter camping concepts:

■ Staying dry

❒ Layers

❒ Ventilation

❒ Insulation

❒ Wind chill

❒ Caloric intake

❒ Fluid intake

■ Shelter

❒ Tents

❒ Snow caves

❒ Igloo

■ Special cooking considerations

The Cross-Country Ski Book, John Caldwell

Local and national resources provided by instructor

References

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Appendix

Contents

Request for Authorization to Conduct a National Training Course A3

Guidelines for Conducting Flag Ceremonies A5

Preparations A5

Procedure A5

Powder Horn Course Participant Equipment List A6

Necessary Items for Each Person A6

Optional Items A7

Powder Horn Special Needs Request Form A8

Skills Self-Assessment Form A9

Participant Travel Information Form A10

Sample Participant Invitation Letter A11

Sample Participant Application Letter and Fact Sheet A12

Powder Horn Outdoor Skills Resource Course A12

Course Requirements A12

Course Information A13

Sample Participant Acceptance Letter on BSA Letterhead A14

Sample Staff Invitation Letter on BSA Letterhead A16

Sample Confirmation Letter to Consultants on BSA Letterhead A18

Sample Consultant Thank-You Letter on BSA Letterhead A20

Powder Horn Consultant Status Report A21

Powder Horn Consultant Information Sheet A22

How Powder Horn Fits in Scouting A22

The Consultant’s Role at Powder Horn A22

BSA Policies A22

Sample Powder Horn Session Planning Sheet for Consultants A23

Powder Horn Session Planning Sheet for Consultants A24

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Outdoor Skills Resource List A25

Suggestions for Religious Observations A27

Sample Interfaith Worship Service A29

Getting-to-Know-Each-Other Games A32

Sample Icebreaker Game—Have You Ever? A32

Powder Horn Course Evaluation A34

First Status Report A36

Staff Roster A37

Second Status Report A38

Powder Horn Course Director’s Closeout Report A39

Demographic Summary A39

Registered Scouting Positions A39

Powder Horn Course Demographic Summary Report A40

Powder Horn—The Story A41

Powder Horn Saleable Order Form A42

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Host council ______________________________ Host council No. _____ Region ______ Area No. ___________

Address _________________________________________________________________________________________

City ______________________________________ State ______________________________ Zip code ___________

Host council staff adviser ___________________________________________________________________________

Daytime phone number ______________________ Email _________________________________________________

Is this a cluster course? Yes No

In accordance with all national training procedures, authorization is requested to conduct a course as indicated above. Host council

agrees that staff, equipment, and facilities will meet the high standards and expectations set by the National Volunteer Development

Committee along with strict adherence to the correct current materials (syllabus, Administrative Guide, Staff Guide, etc.).

Course location ____________________________ City/state ___________________________ Zip code _____________

Dates

Weeklong ____________________________Weekend No.1 ___________ & Weekend No.2 ___________________

The following names are submitted as candidates for course director and backup course director. Council agrees that, if approved,

each will attend any required training and/or Course Director Conference, if any, as required in the staff guide for the respective course.

Course Director Conference is not required for PowderHorn.

Course director

Name ______________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________

City _________________ State _________ Zip ____________

Phone _____________________________________________

Email ______________________________________________

Current Scouting position ______________________________

Backup course director

Name ______________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________

City _________________ State _________ Zip ____________

Phone _____________________________________________

Email ______________________________________________

Current Scouting position ______________________________

Boy Scouts of America

Course will be held in

2018

Course type requested

Wood Badge NYLT

2019

REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT A

NATIONAL TRAINING COURSE

National Service Center

NYLT/WB/Powderhorn Staff Experiences

List experience only on the type of course to be directed, most recent

first (except WB troop guide for WB courses)

Course Type Position Month/Year Location

NYLT/WB/Powderhorn Staff Experiences

List experience only on the type of course to be directed, most recent

first (except WB troop guide for WB courses)

Course Type Position Month/Year Location

LANGUAGE _____________________

**Wood Badge

**A course director MUST have served as a troop guide in a prior Wood Badge course. There can be NO exception.

PowderHorn

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

NOTE: Host council sends original request to the area training chairman. If unknown or position is vacant, send to the area director.

Area/Region/National Approval

This course Is approved

Is not approved

•

If the course is approved, supplies and materials to conduct this course may be ordered. Area will assure that the course director

and backup course director are invited to and attend any required Course Director Conference.

•

If the course is not approved, the area training chairman, along with the area director, should confer with the host council to

resolve problems.

________________________________________________________

Area training chairman or director (or regional representative)

(print or type name)

_____________________________________________

Signature

___________

Date

Request for Authorization to Conduct a National Training Course—Page 2

For Cluster Courses Only

The following councils have agreed to provide participants and staff members:

Council Council Contact Name

Council Name No.

(For this course)

_______________________________ ________ ___________________________ ___________________________

________________________________________________________

Council training chairman (print or type name)

_____________________________________________

Signature

_____________

Date

________________________________________________________

Scout executive (print or type name)

_____________________________________________

Signature

_____________

Date

For National/Area Use Only

Course Number Assigned (Wood Badge only)

_________________ — _____________ –

18 – ___________

Region Letter/Area No. Host Council No. May be blank if

council has only

one course.

511-501

2017 Printing

For National/Area Use Only

Course Number Assigned (Wood Badge only)

_________________ — _____________ –

19 – ___________

Region Letter/Area No. Host Council No. May be blank if

council has only

one course.

As Host Council, we agree to pay the media usage fee of $200 for each Wood Badge course and $100 for each NYLT course

conducted in our Council. We understand that the National Service Center will issue an "Umbrella License" that will provide us the

ability to present the movies and movie clips in the Wood Badge and NYLT syllabus. As an additional benefit, the local council will be

able to present other movies, from an extensive list of movie producers, during November 1, 2018 to October 31, 2019 at their Council

Service Center or camp facilities. This license does not give the local council the ability to present a movie as a fundraiser or where a

ticket is purchased to attend.

In order to provide this service, every Wood Badge and NYLT course needs to pay their Media Usage Fee. This new Media

"Umbrella License" will now cover the local council and National Service Center liability for video media usage, at the same time

lowering the cost for the local council.

Host Council

•

Area approval is not required to conduct a Powderhorn training. Powderhorn course information is collected to help promote

Powderhorn courses on the National website.

•

Approval to hold a Council or cluster Wood Badge or NYLT course usually comes from the Area Training Chair. However, the

Region Training Chair and BSA Scouting U can review and reject an approval if the information and experience does not meet

the standards set forth in the current syllabus.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Guidelines for Conducting Flag Ceremonies

Preparations

At the assembly on the first day, a staff color guard conducts the flag-raising ceremony, setting

the tone and providing an appropriate model for subsequent flag ceremonies.

During the remainder of the course, the program team takes responsibility for the flag

ceremony. That team will have had program responsibilities since the previous day’s

assembly; that should give them time to plan and practice the ceremony, and to obtain the

appropriate historic flag from the quartermaster.

Procedure

The team leader directs, “Program team, raise the colors.”

The leader of the program team takes charge, calling the members of the course to attention.

The color guard approaches the flagpoles and attaches the flags for raising. The team leader

asks the course members to make the appropriate Scout salute, then instructs the color guard

to “Raise the colors.”

The U.S. flag should be hoisted rapidly. As soon as it is at the top of the flagpole, the team

leader commands “Two.” State flags and flags of the Boy Scouts of America are also raised

quickly. The program team leads the group in singing a patriotic song, then returns to its

position in the assembly.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Powder Horn Course Participant

Equipment List

(Should be modified for each course.)

Everything that you bring must be carried by you or in your backpack. Cars may not be

taken to the campsites. Please leave excess jewelry at home.

Necessary Items for Each Person

If you want to share equipment with someone you know, you will both need to be together

as you check in and we form crews.

❒ Annual Health and Medical Record, No. 680-001. You must have this or you cannot

participate in this training.

❒ One- or two-person tent and backpacking and ground cloth (if you use tents for the course)

❒ Sleeping bag suitable for season

❒ Foam pad

❒ Rain gear

❒ Toothbrush and toothpaste

❒ Towel, washcloth, and soap

❒ Two small flashlights with extra batteries

❒ Toilet paper

❒ 1/8-inch nylon cord—25 feet

❒ Hiking boots

❒ Aqua shoes, tennis shoes, sandals, or moccasins

❒ Heavy socks and poly sock liners

❒ Swimsuit and large towel

❒ Extra clothing (please layer and be prepared for rain and wind)

❒ Knife, fork, spoon, cup, and plate. Most meals will be prepared and served by the cook crew.

❒ Sunscreen

❒ Sunglasses

❒ Hat or cap

❒ Work gloves

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

❒ Water bottle (at least 1 liter)

❒ Folding camp chair

❒ Plenty of paper and pen/pencils for notes

Optional Items

❒ Songbook and musical instrument

❒ Bible/other religious books

❒ Camera

❒ Pillow

❒ Personal snacks

❒ Bear bag and line (if appropriate for the area)

❒ Small backpack or fanny pack

❒ GPS and compass

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Powder Horn Special Needs Request Form

Do you have any special equipment size needs? (such as a climbing harness, life jacket, etc.,

in extra small or large sizes). Please provide details.

Do you have any physical restrictions? Please identify restrictions.

Do you have any medications that need special handling, such as refrigeration? Please

identify handling need.

Do you have any dietary restrictions? Please identify.

Do you need to locate, borrow, or rent any personal equipment for the course?

Please return this form with your Personal Information Sheet to (Host council office address)

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

Skills Self-Assessment Form

Name (printed): ________________________________________________________________________

On a scale of 1-10 (1 = no skill; 10 = advanced skills and experience), rate yourself in the following areas.

Please include a brief rationale for your assessment.

Skill Area Score (1-10) Rationale

Astronomy

Backpacking

Canoeing/Kayaking

Cave Exploring

Challenge Events/COPE

Climbing/Rappelling

Conservation

Cycling/Mountain Biking

Emergency Preparedness

Equestrian

Expedition Planning

Fishing

Geocaching

Hunting

Orienteering

Outdoor Ethics/Leave No Trace

Outdoor Living History

Plants and Wildlife/Ecology

Scuba and/or Snorkeling

Shooting Sports

Small-Boat Sailing/Sailboarding

Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness Survival

Winter Sports

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A10

Participant Travel Information Form

Please print

Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Mobile Phone Number: _______________________________________________________

I will be traveling from: ______________________________________________________

I will be traveling via (personal vehicle, air, rail, etc): _______________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

I will be traveling with the following people: ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Other pertinent travel information: ______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Name/Phone Number: _______________________________________

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

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Sample Participant Invitation Letter

(Date)

Dear (Participant’s name),

I would like to invite you to be part of the (council’s, area’s) high-adventure resources

management course called Powder Horn on (dates) at (location).

Powder Horn is designed to expose Scouting adults and youth to activities and resources necessary

to operate a successful outdoor/high-adventure program of a fun and challenging nature.

The course will be limited to 48 participants. Participant qualifications are:

❒ Must be a registered member of the BSA.

❒ Youth must be at least 14 or be in a Boy Scout troop or Venturing crew. Youth need to

complete the unit leadership training for their program (Introduction to Leadership Skills

for Troops or Crews, etc.).

❒ Adults must have completed Venturing or Boy Scout leader-specific training prior to

attending the Powder Horn Course. Venturers must have completed the Introduction to

Leadership Skills for Crews course.

❒ To attend as a unit in a crew, you must supply at least six members of your unit and at

least two adults to meet proper two-deep leadership requirements. Otherwise, unit mem-

bers will be placed in appropriate crews.

❒ Receive a recommendation/approval from your council executive or designee for out-of-

council participants.

❒ Be able to meet the physical requirements of the Annual Health and Medical Record,

No. 680-001.

The participant fee for the course is $(cost), which includes all meals, training materials, and

program supplies. Participants must provide their own personal gear, including tentage for

the Overnight Adventure. If you need more information, please call me at (phone number)

or email me at (email address). You will have a GREAT experience!

Yours in Scouting,

(Name)

Powder Horn Course Director

Enclosures: Powder Horn Fact Sheet

Powder Horn Application

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A12

Sample Participant Application Letter

and Fact Sheet

Powder Horn Outdoor Skills Resource Course

Powder Horn is a training opportunity designed as an action-packed, hands-on outdoor

course to expose the BSA registered youth and adults to the resources necessary to operate

a successful unit-level high-adventure program back in their home units.

Sample course sessions include (list what will be in your course): Backpacking, Cave

Exploring, Conservation, Cycling, Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, Ecology, Equestrian,

Expedition Planning, Fishing, Land Navigation, Leave No Trace Camping, Lifesaving,

Mountaineering, Outdoor Living History, Physical Fitness, Plants and Wildlife, COPE,

Scuba, Shooting Sports, Watercraft, and Wilderness Survival.

The course will be limited to 48 participants. Participant qualifications are:

❒ Must be a registered member of the BSA.

❒ Youth must be at least 14 or be in a Boy Scout troop or Venturing crew. Youth need to

complete the unit leadership training for their program (Introduction to Leadership Skills

for Troops, Ships or Crews).

❒ Adults must have completed the leader-specific training for their position prior to

attending the Powder Horn Course. Venturers must have completed the Introduction to

Leadership Skills for Crews course.

❒ To attend as a unit in a crew, you must supply at least six members of your unit and at

least two adults to meet proper two-deep leadership requirements. Otherwise, unit mem-

bers will be placed in appropriate crews.

❒ Receive a recommendation/approval from your council executive or designee for out-of-

council participants.

❒ Be able to meet the physical requirements of the Annual Health and Medical Record,

No.680-001.

Course

Requirements

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A13

Location: (Location) (Date)

Participant Fee: $(cost). This fee includes all meals, training materials, and

program supplies.

A space can be reserved by completing a Powder Horn application and returning it to your

council’s service center with a $75 nonrefundable (but transferable) deposit. The balance of

the course fee ($balance) is due no later than 30 days prior to the date of the course. Make

checks payable to (council name), BSA.

It is important to note that this is a hands-on, intense, early morning to late-at-night

schedule. A number of the activities will be held in the backcountry. Participants will

need to have a current physical completed before participating in the course.

Course

Information

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A14

Sample Participant Acceptance

Letter on BSA Letterhead

(Date)

Dear (Participant’s name),

Congratulations on being recommended by your council and being selected to participate in

the Powder Horn course. You are going to learn about a broad set of high-adventure activities

that will help make your home unit program successful.

You will have fun and adventure at this Powder Horn, which we hope you will take back to

your home unit and to the other leaders in your council. You will be challenged to use these

skills to motivate both youth and adults and increase your self-confidence, as well as theirs.

Enclosed you will find the course schedule. Please take a moment to review the schedule and

fill in the Participant Information Sheet indicating your needs, and return it to us by (date).

Also attached is an equipment list of gear you will need to bring to the course. Remember,

this is an outdoor program and will be held no matter what the weather holds for us, within a

safe environment. Be prepared for cold, hot, or wet weather during the course.

The enclosed Annual Health and Medical Record, No. 680-001, must be completed and

returned to me at least one week prior to the course. You will not be permitted to participate in

the training without a completed medical form. The course is in the outdoors. Get in shape.

Please arrange to complete your appropriate online safety training through your local

council prior to coming to the Powder Horn course. (List courses relevant to your Powder

Horn electives; be sure to include Youth Protection and Hazardous Weather.) Due to time

constraints, a makeup basic course will not be offered during your Powder Horn experience.

Your $(cost) course fee must be received by the (area) office by (date). If you find that

you cannot meet the obligations required for attendance or simply cannot attend, please

let (training chair) in the (area) office (phone) know as soon as possible because there is a

waiting list.

Please plan to report with your gear to the (Powder Horn course site) at (location), by (time)

on (date).

You will receive other forms and information that will assist you as you prepare for this

exciting experience. We are looking forward to working with you. Please let us know

if there is anything we can do to help you. My number is (phone number) and my email

address is (email address).

Sincerely,

(Course Director)

Powder Horn Course Director

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A15

Enclosures: Participant Information Sheet

Special Needs Request Form

Equipment List

Annual Health and Medical Record, No. 680-001

Schedule

Participant Travel Information Form

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A16

Sample Staff Invitation Letter on

BSA Letterhead

(Should be modified for each course)

(Date)

(First Name) (Last Name)

(Address)

(City), (State) (Zip)

Dear (First name):

Congratulations! You are about to make history if you accept my invitation to serve as a

staff member for the Powder Horn course. As you know, this course will be at (Powder Horn

training site), (course date). The staff will need to arrive on (arrival date) by (time). You will

also be required to attend the course staff development weekend on (date).

We would like to have you serve as (staff position) during the course.

The staff fee of $(staff fee) is due by (date).

Participants will depart (day) morning, (date), but staff will need to close everything down

and complete critiques and other paperwork. As a result, you should plan on leaving no

sooner than (time) (day), (date). You may stay (day) night at (Powder Horn training site) or

at a hotel.

I have enclosed the Annual Health and Medical Record, No. 680-001. I ask that you pay

particular attention to this because it is required to participate, and you will notice that the

requirements are pretty rigid. We will do a physical recheck; if you don’t pass, you won’t

be allowed into the backcountry. We don’t want that to happen; we need you. If you or your

doctor feel you can’t attend, please let me know as quickly as possible.

I couldn’t begin to tell you how much preparation has already gone into this course, but it is

a drop in the bucket compared to all that still must be done. You have been selected because

you are the best of the best and have proven you can get it done.

I know we will all work extremely long and hard, but I also know this course will set the

stage for thousands of Scouting participants to learning high-adventure skills and resources

to support unit level programs. You will make a difference! If you have any questions, please

feel free to contact me at (contact information).

(Course Director)

Powder Horn Course Director

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A17

Enclosures: Annual Health and Medical Record, No. 680-001

Participant Travel Information Form

Staff Acceptance Form

Schedule

P.S. I encourage you to brush up on your first-aid skills. In high-adventure activities, safety

and preparedness for accidents are always first considerations.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A18

Sample Confirmation Letter to Consultants

on BSA Letterhead

(Should be modified for each course)

(Date)

Dear (Consultant’s name),

Thank you in advance for agreeing to help train the participants of our Powder Horn course.

I have enclosed with this letter a Consultant Information Sheet, which will explain our

purpose for this course and how we would like you to be involved in its presentation. Also

included is a possible session outline and time frame for the particular demonstration,

activity, or lecture that you will provide.

Also included is a Session Planning Sheet, which we would like for you to complete and

return. This will tell us the actual content of your session and what logistical support we

need to provide. I have also included the BSA standards that apply to your session and a

copy of the session outline.

Lastly, we ask you to fill out the enclosed Consultant Status Report, which will tell us your

housing and meal needs. If you plan to spend the night with us, we need to know so we can

have a tent ready for you. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag. If you prefer to stay

at (local motel), you can make your own reservations at (motel phone number). This is not a

luxury motel, but it is adequate. Rooms are about $(room price).

When you arrive to camp, please report to (Powder Horn Headquarters). (Enclose map

or directions.)

If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at (phone number)

or by email (email address).

Sincerely,

(Course Director)

Powder Horn Course Director

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A19

Enclosures: Consultant Information Sheet

Session Outlines

Sample Three-Day Course Schedule

Session Planning Sheet

Consultant Status Report

Map to Powder Horn site

BSA Health and Safety Standards

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A20

Sample Consultant Thank-You

Letter on BSA Letterhead

(Should be modified for each course)

(Date)

Dear (Consultant’s name),

On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Scouting youth and adults across the country,

thank you for your help with our recent Powder Horn training course.

From the comments I have received from the course participants, your efforts had an effect

that will be remembered for years and will have a positive impact on the young adults

involved in the Scouting programs.

Again thank you. Your technical expertise was key to making this year’s Powder Horn

course an outstanding success. Without your help, we could not have completed the course.

Thanks,

(Course Director)

Powder Horn Course Director

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A21

Powder Horn Consultant Status Report

Staff name (staff responsible for recruiting and working with the consultant, if not the

assistant course director–program)

—————————————————————

Topic (i.e., scuba, fishing)

—————————————————————

Name of consultant

—————————————————————

Name of organization consultant represents

———————————————————

Address

—————————

City

—————————

State

—————————

Business phone

———————————

Short bio of consultant

——————————————————————————

—————————————————————————––

——————————————————————————

Day/date of arrival

———————————

Time of arrival

———————–————

Day/date of departure

——————————

Time of departure

——————————

If you are staying overnight in a tent in the staff area, check here

(If we can make a bed in a building available, we will.)

Return by (Date)

Return to (Council office or staff member address)

Or fax (Council office or staff member fax number)

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A22

Powder Horn Consultant Information Sheet

How Powder Horn Fits in Scouting

The Powder Horn course, by nature, is an exposure course and not a certification course.

Administering a program in a Scouting unit provides a logistical and technical challenge

to youth and adult leaders. Therefore, the purpose of the Powder Horn course is to provide

exposure to the high-adventure elements to enhance unit program back home. Its goals are to

give youth and leaders knowledge on how to:

❒ Identify and recruit local resources to improve a unit’s calendared activities.

❒ Meet the standards and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America as they apply to Boy

Scouting and Venturing.

❒ Understand the safety aspects of the particular field of outdoor competence.

❒ Try out the various technical areas so they have a basic understanding of what the Ranger

Award requires in certified trained consultants, equipment, time, etc.

The Consultant’s Role at Powder Horn

You are critical to the success of Powder Horn. You bring the technical expertise to demonstrate

the correct and safe way to do your skill. We would like you to bring in resource materials, show

the equipment necessary, provide the participants with a hands-on experience of the activity, and

tell them where and how to locate resources and recruit trained consultants to work with their

units. We do not expect you to certify the participants in your field of expertise.

Specifically, we would like you to:

❒ Review the Session Outline that accompanies this sheet.

❒ Provide course participants with a hands-on experience that exposes them to your specialty.

❒ Describe the safety requirements and equipment needs to perform your specialty.

❒ Provide an idea of how and where to find local consultants and resources to do the activ-

ity with their unit.

❒ Demonstrate and show applicable equipment, literature, and other resources.

❒ Provide reference handouts that the participants can take home with them (100 copies).

❒ Tell the participants how to become certified in the subject (if applicable).

❒ Provide any equipment or expendable materials you can to help make your session a success.

❒ Based on your presentation, ask participants to reflect and write down some ideas they

can use when they get back to their troop or crew.

BSA Policies

One of the Powder Horn staff members will be in touch with you to provide the applicable

BSA safety requirements, program restrictions, and certification requirements as they apply

to your specialty.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A23

Sample Powder Horn Session Planning Sheet

for Consultants

Discipline: Discover Scuba

Time allocation: 4 hours total, 1 hour per group No. of participants: 48

Round robin: _X__ Yes ___No Number in each round-robin group: __8__

We can go to larger groups if you have enough equipment.

Part One: Hands-on (No. of minutes)

Show participants scuba gear and explain what each part is for. Let them touch the gear and

pick it up, place first stage regulator onto tank, etc.

Part Two: Sharing knowledge (No. of minutes)

Show PADI Discover Scuba video. Then share with them information about certifying

dive organizations.

Discuss BSA SCUBA diving guidelines.

How much does it cost to get certified?

What does “certified” mean?

What equipment will be required?

How long will certification take?

How to build a crew program around scuba: number of crew meetings, weekend activities and

super activity, how to provide service through scuba or earn the Scuba Diving merit badge.

Interesting scuba activities, i.e., underwater Easter egg hunt, underwater orienteering.

Part Three: Questions and answers (10 minutes)

Closing statement: “Your crew should consider scuba for your crew program because it

is one of the most exciting high-adventure challenges available to teenagers. You can do it in

all parts of the country, all times of the year. If you want a memorable superactivity that your

units will talk about for years, plan a scuba trip to the Florida Sea Base or other favorite dive

site. Now, please take a few minutes to reflect on what you learned about this skill and then

make a few notes in your Powder Horn Pocket Notebook to remind yourself of what you’d

like to do when you get back to your crew or troop.

Equipment to be provided by Powder Horn assistant course director–physical

arrangements for session (A/V, outdoor gear, food, etc.)

TV monitor

LCD projector

Table

Extension cord

Range

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A24

Powder Horn Session Planning Sheet

for Consultants

Discipline:

Time Allocation: (hours) No. of participants:

Round-robin: ____Yes _____No Number in each round-robin group: ____

(This could consist of two round robin sessions with 24 participants divided into three

groups, or one session with all 48 participants and no round robin)

Part One: Hands-on Time:

Part Two: Sharing knowledge Time:

Part Three: Questions and answers Time:

Closing statement:

Equipment that should be provided by Powder Horn assistant course director–physical

arrangements for session (A/V, outdoor gear, food, etc.)

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A25

Outdoor Skills Resource List

Annual Health and Medical Record, No. 680-001

Astronomy merit badge pamphlet, No. 35859

Backpacking merit badge pamphlet, No. 35863

Belay On, No. 430-500

Boardsailing Award Application, No. 512-017

Camping merit badge pamphlet, No. 35866

Canoeing merit badge pamphlet, No. 35867

Climbing merit badge pamphlet, No. 35873

Cycling merit badge pamphlet, No. 35881

Dutch Oven Cooking, No. 33549

Emergency Preparedness merit badge pamphlet, No. 35888

Fieldbook, No. 34006

First Aid merit badge pamphlet, No. 35897

Fishing merit badge pamphlet, No. 35899

Geocaching merit badge pamphlet, No. 35836

Guide to Safe Scouting, No. 34416

Handbook for Venturers, No. 33494

Health and Safety Guide, No. 34415

Hiking merit badge pamphlet, No. 35907

Horsemanship merit badge pamphlet, No. 35909

Kayaking merit badge pamphlet, No. 35702

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

Orienteering merit badge pamphlet, No. 35925

Outdoor Skills Instruction, Aquatics, No. 33026

Outdoor Skills Instruction, Backpacking, No. 33035

Outdoor Skills Instruction, Camping, No. 33003

Outdoor Skills Instruction, Climbing/Rappelling, No. 33036

Outdoor Skills Instruction, Survival, No. 33029

This

publication

number does

not exist

on the BSA

server. Please

confirm title

and number.

This publication

dates to 2007.

Is it still a

valid, current

publication?

These appear

to be obsolete

publications.

Please confirm

titles and

numbers.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A26

Passport to High Adventure, No. 34245

Pioneering merit badge pamphlet, No. 35931

Rifle Shooting merit badge pamphlet, No. 35942

Safe Swim Defense, No. 34370

Safety Afloat, No. 34368

Scuba Diving merit badge pamphlet, No. 35969

Shotgun Shooting merit badge pamphlet, No. 35948

Small-Boat Sailing merit badge pamphlet, No. 35950

Snow Sports merit badge pamphlet, No. 35951

Snorkeling Award Application, No. 19-176

The Sweet 16 of Safety, No. 19-130

Venturing Advisor Guidebook, No. 34655

Venturing Awards and Requirements, No. 34784

Weather merit badge pamphlet, No. 35964

Whitewater merit badge pamphlet, No. 35965

Wild Country Companion, Will Harmon

Wilderness Survival merit badge pamphlet, No. 35966

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A27

Suggestions for Religious Observations

It is vital that the staff give careful consideration to the religious obligations of the course

participants. As a rule, provision is made for all faiths—Muslim, Protestant, Catholic,

Jewish, Latter-day Saints, or any other faith.

Some faiths have firm requirements regarding the observation of the Sabbath. Remember that

the Sabbath may not be a Sunday for all religions. Consultation with the council religious

advisory committees on Scouting will be helpful in assuring that provisions are made for

these requirements.

Offerings at religious services—It is customary to receive an offering for the World Fellowship

Fund, which is used to provide training and training supplies to countries less fortunate than

our own. This offering is sent to the International Department using the appropriate form,

No. 130-159. Scouters attending other services should be given the opportunity to participate.

Grace at meals for Scout camps—A blessing on the food at meals may be conducted in a

reverent manner.

Philmont Grace

For food

For raiment

For life

For opportunity

For friendship and fellowship

We thank thee, O Lord.

Northern Tier Wilderness Grace

For food, for raiment,

For life and opportunity,

For sun and rain,

For water and portage trails,

For friendship and fellowship,

We thank Thee, Oh Lord. Amen.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

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Florida Sea Base Grace

Bless the Creature of the sea,

Bless this person I call me,

Bless these Keys You made so grand,

Bless the sun that warms this land,

Bless the fellowship we feel,

As we gather for this meal.

Amen.

Summit Grace

For this time and this place,

For Your goodness and grace,

For each friend we embrace,

We thank Thee, Oh Lord. Amen.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A29

Sample Interfaith Worship Service

(An outdoor worship service—keep it short)

Call to Worship

The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.

Opening Hymn: God Bless America

God bless America

Land that I love

Stand beside her and guide her,

Through the night with a light from above

From the mountains

To the prairies

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America

My home sweet home

God bless America

My home sweet home

Invocation (to be read)

Camper’s Prayer

God of the mountains and hills, make me tall and strong;

Tall enough and strong enough to right some wrong.

God of the stars, make me steadfast and sure;

God of every lake and stream, flow through my life and make it clean;

Let me do nothing base or mean.

God of the trees and woods, keep me fresh and pure;

God of rain, wash from my life all dirt and stain;

Pure and strong let me remain.

God of seed and soil, plant in my heart Thy love;

God of the darkness and day, through shadows or light, be my stay.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

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Guide Thou my way.

God of the radiant sun, light Thou my life;

God of glorious dawn, make each day a fresh start.

God of evening peace and quiet, keep me free from fear and strife.

God of joyful, free birds, sing in my heart.

God of the surging waves and sea, wide horizons give to me;

Help me to see the world as Thou wouldst have it be;

God of the lovely rose, make me lovely too;

God of the morning dew, each day my faith renew.

God of all glowing things, keep me growing, too.

—George Earle Owen

Responsive Reading: Psalm 8

In unison:

Oh Lord, our Lord,

How excellent is Thy name in all the earth!

Leader:

Who hast set Thy glory upon the heavens.

Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast

Thou established strength.

Because of Thine adversaries,

That Thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

Response:

When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers,

The moon and the stars which thou hast ordained;

What is a man, that Thou are mindful of him?

And the son of man, that Thou visitest him?

Leader:

For Thou has made him a little lower than the angels,

And crownest him with glory and honor.

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands,

Thou hast put all things under his feet.

Response:

All sheep and oxen,

Yea, and the beast of the field;

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

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The fowl of the air and the fish of the sea,

Whatsoever passeth through paths of the seas.

Oh Lord, our Lord,

How excellent is Thy name in all the earth.

Meditation for the Day

God be praised, now and forever,

for giving us minds to understand your teachings.

God be praised, now and forever,

for hands that lift up those who fall.

God be praised, now and forever,

for ears that hear the cry of those who need help.

God be praised, now and forever,

for hearts that care about the needs of others.

God be praised, now and forever,

for eyes that see the beauty of earth and sky.

God be praised, now and forever,

for the new day and this new journey.

We praise God for all that is good, true,

and beautiful in our lives.

Hymn: For the Beauty of the Earth

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth, over and around us lies,

Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonders of each hour of the day and of the night

Hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love; brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends of earth and friends above; for all gentle thoughts and mild.

Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise.

Worship Message

Offering: For the World Friendship Fund

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A32

Getting-to-Know-Each-Other Games

Sample Icebreaker Game—Have You Ever?

Get to know each other

Works well for a Powder Horn crew

None

Create several versions of bingo cards with the following information in the squares. Have

the group find a different person to initial each square if they answer yes to that information.

Earned the Eagle rank?

Earned the Girl Scout Gold Award?

Earned the Venturing Leadership Award?

Earned the Venturing Silver or Ranger Award?

Been a Sea Scout or Sea Scout leader?

Served as a leader in a Boy Scout troop?

Served as a leader in a Varsity team?

Served as a leader in a Venturing crew?

Been to Philmont Scout Ranch?

Been to Northern Tier?

Been to Florida Sea Base?

Been to the Summit Bechtel Reserve?

Been to national jamboree?

Objective

Group Size

Materials

Activity

Instructions

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

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Been to world jamboree?

Served on a Wood Badge staff?

Served on a district or council committee?

Been in a parade?

Eaten raw oysters?

Been bitten by a dog?

Won a state championship (athletic or non-athletic)?

Been to a professional world championship game?

Performed CPR or the Heimlich maneuver in an attempted life-saving situation?

Developed and printed your own black-and-white film?

Free diver below 30 feet (no scuba gear)?

Swam 50 yards nonstop underwater?

Flown in a glider?

Operated a bulldozer?

Been within 25 feet of a bear in the wild?

Walked on stilts?

Written a letter to the editor?

Climbed a tree to rescue a cat?

Seen the rings of Saturn and/or the moons of Jupiter (not in a photo)?

Experienced an outdoor shade temperature of over 110 degrees?

Been in every state of the United States?

Made ice cream by hand (no electricity)?

Owned more than one cat at a time?

Seen a whale or shark in the ocean?

Stayed up all night studying?

Had altitude sickness?

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A34

Powder Horn Course Evaluation

(Should be modified for each course)

Please fill out this evaluation and return to the course director before our closing ceremony.

Indicate how you personally felt about this course. Thank you for attending this course.

We wish you success in your role in Scouting. Have a safe trip home.

How do you rate the following sessions?

Will take it

home Liked it here OK Poor

Astronomy _________ _________ _________ _________

Backpacking _________ _________ _________ _________

Canoeing/Kayaking _________ _________ _________ _________

Cave Exploring _________ _________ _________ _________

Challenge Events/COPE _________ _________ _________ _________

Climbing/Rappelling _________ _________ _________ _________

Conservation _________ _________ _________ _________

Cycling/Mountain Biking _________ _________ _________ _________

Emergency Preparedness _________ _________ _________ _________

Equestrian _________ _________ _________ _________

Expedition Planning _________ _________ _________ _________

Fishing _________ _________ _________ _________

Geocaching _________ _________ _________ _________

Hunting _________ _________ _________ _________

Leave No Trace _________ _________ _________ _________

Orienteering _________ _________ _________ _________

Outdoor Living History _________ _________ _________ _________

Plants and Wildlife/

Ecology

_________ _________ _________ _________

Scuba and/or Snorkeling _________ _________ _________ _________

Shooting Sports _________ _________ _________ _________

Small-Boat Sailing/

Sailboarding

_________ _________ _________ _________

Wilderness First Aid _________ _________ _________ _________

Wilderness Survival _________ _________ _________ _________

Winter Sports _________ _________ _________ _________

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A35

Comments

How do you rate the following general items?

Right On OK

Needs

Improvement Poor

Food and dining service _________ _________ _________ _________

Camping areas _________ _________ _________ _________

Program equipment _________ _________ _________ _________

Staff support _________ _________ _________ _________

Comments

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A36

First Status Report

(Due to your area or region Powder Horn coordinator 180 days before the start of your course.)

Today’s date ___________________ Date of course start _______________________

Host council headquarters city__________________________________________________

Course director _____________________________________________________________

Staff advisor _______________________________________________________________

1. We have reviewed the Powder Horn backdating schedule and believe we are on track

___ Yes ___ No

If no, please detail where you think you are behind and need support:

2. Please complete the Staff Report Form and return with this status report.

3. Please complete the Consultant Report Form and return with this status report.

4. How many participants do you presently have committed? _____

5. Please list areas where you need help or what the region can do to support you.

6. Please list highlights that you would like to share.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A37

Staff Roster

Today’s date______________Course date ______________

Host council headquarters city _______________________

Name Address Phone Email

Home

Council

Staff

Position

How Many Previous

PH Courses on Staff

(Attach to the First Status Report form)

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A38

Second Status Report

(Due to your area or region Powder Horn coordinator no less than 30 days before the start of

your course.)

Today’s date ______________Date of course start __________________

Host council headquarters city___________________________________________

Course director _______________________________________________________

Staff advisor _________________________________________________________

1. We have reviewed the Powder Horn backdating schedule and believe we are on track.

___ Yes ___ No

If no, please detail where you think you are behind and need support:

2. Update the Staff Report Form submitted with your first status report with any staff

changes and return with this status report.

3. Update the Consultant Report Form submitted with your first status report and return with

this status report.

4. What is your final participant count? __________

5. Medal order summary

Number of staff medals requested? ____________

Number of participant medals requested? ____________

Total medals ordered? ____________

Please enclose a check made out to the BSA to cover the cost of the medals you order.

The region will approve your medal order and submit it to Supply.

Number of medals _______ × $ ______(price per medal) = $ Amt. enclosed __________

6. Please list areas where you need help or what the region can do to support you.

7. Please list highlights you would like to share.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A39

Powder Horn Course Director’s

Closeout Report

(Due within 30 days of completing the course to your area or region Powder Horn coordinator.)

Host council headquarters city__________________________

Course dates__________________________________

Course location_______________________________

Course director_______________________________

Staff advisor_________________________________

Demographic Summary

Total participants____________

Total staff ______________

No. of males ______________ Youth ______________ Adult ______________

No. of females ______________ Youth ______________ Adult ______________

Medals awarded ___________________________

Registered Scouting Positions

Youth member Troop_______Crew______Ship_______Team_______Post________

Adult member Troop_______Crew______Ship_______Team_______Post________

Please attach your course Demographic Report Form, participant roster, and staff roster.

1. Please list what you think were your course’s strengths.

2. Please list things you wish you could have done better.

3. Highlight aspects of the course of which you were most proud.

4. List staff members that you would recommend for future Powder Horn courses or other,

higher responsibilities.

5. Is there anything else you would like to share about the course?

6. Other

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A40

Powder Horn Course Demographic Summary Report

Region _______________ Council headquarters city _______________ Date ___________

Course No., if any _____________

Course director_________________ Course staff advisor_____________________

Participant Information

Participant Gender Ethic Age Origin

Totals

No.

males

No.

females White Hispanic Black Asian Other 14–20 21–30 31–40 41–55 55+

council

Out-of-

council

Cub

Scouting

Boy

Scouting Venturing

Registered Positions

Totals Crew advisor Associate Crew

Advisor

Crew Committee Scoutmaster Assistant

Scoutmaster

Troop Committee Cub

Scouting

District/Council Committee

(Please attach a staff roster and participant roster with name, address, phone, email address, staff position, number of Powder Horns attended, and home council.)

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A41

Powder Horn—The Story

Long used by men and women of the frontier as one of the necessary tools for daily life.

The powder horn carried the propellant that allowed them to sustain daily life.

The powder horn ranged from the very plain yet functional to the ornate work of art, but the

use was the same: a vessel to help sustain.

The recipient of the Powder Horn is a vessel—-a vessel to help sustain the spirit of the

outdoors in the youth of today. The propellant that you carry is the knowledge of new and

exciting program ideas to share with these youth.

Wear it proudly, and know that you are making a difference in the youth that you serve.

POWDER HORN STAFF GUIDE

A42

Powder Horn Saleable Order Form

Order Form

Catalog

Number Quantity Item Name or Description Suggested Retail Price Wholesale

Total Cost

Dollars Cents

613145 Powder Horn Buckle $19.99 $12.99

4044 Powder Horn Award Medal 2.99 1.99

4254 Powder Horn Lapel Pin 2.39 1.99

(Pricing Current as of 11-17-17)

TOTAL

ORDERS ARE TO BE MAILED TO

THE DISTRIBUTION CENTER:

National Supply Group

2109 Westinghouse Blvd.

P.O. Box 7143

Charlotte, NC 28241-7143

800-323-0732

Fax: 704-588-5822