Thunder Ridge Scout Camp

Thunder Ridge Scout Camp Leader’s Guide http://utahscouts.org/thunderridge 1 How to Get to Thunder Ridge Thunder Ridge is located about twelve mi...
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Thunder Ridge Scout Camp

Leader’s Guide

http://utahscouts.org/thunderridge

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How to Get to Thunder Ridge Thunder Ridge is located about twelve miles up Parowan Canyon on Hwy 143. Drive to Parowan, Utah using I-15. Troops coming from the south will need to take exit 75 into Parowan and troops coming from the north should take exit 78. From exit 75, drive east on 200 South to the intersection of Main St and 200 South. Continue on 200 South through the intersection until 200 South ends on Center St/Hwy 143. Turn right and drive south towards Parowan canyon. From exit 78, drive south on Main St to Center St. Turn left on Center St and follow Center as it curves south toward Parowan Canyon. Continue on Hwy 143 toward Brian Head, Utah for 12 miles. The turn-off and entrance to Thunder Ridge will be to the left and will be identified by a fenced gateway and with a sign at the top that reads “Thunder Ridge Scout Camp”. Go through the gateway and follow the dirt road up the mountain for two miles and through 11 switchbacks to reach the main camp. Due to changing conditions vehicles with good clearance and 4WD or AWD are recommended, however most vehicles will make it up to the top if the road is driven slowly and carefully enough. For those using GPS navigation systems, the GPS coordinates to the lower entrance off of Hwy 143 are as follows: Latitude: 37°43'55.13"N Longitude: 112°50'14.98"

http://utahscouts.org/thunderridge

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http://utahscouts.org/thunderridge

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WELCOME TO THUNDER RIDGE!! The most memorable experiences that come from Scouting are the experiences that the Scouts have as they participate. Experiences, not badges, are the things that shape youth for the future. Changing the program at camp will allow Scouts to have more of these experiences while progressing in the Scouting program. Adventure Tracks (aka – “Tracks”) are camp-wide experiences for Scouts to work on selected program elements and merit badges. Some adventures will be in the form of High Adventure experiences, overnight campouts, or in-camp programs. This Leader’s Guide includes the information that you need to prepare your unit for the adventure that is Thunder Ridge. Boys who come to camp have the opportunity for an in-depth “outing” experiences with our trained and knowledgeable staff, allowing for a more extensive learning engagement. There are three program options from which your week at camp can be created: 1. HIGH ADVENTURE TRACK – this Track is a week-long experience (Monday thru Friday) in the back country of the 1300+ acres of Thunder Ridge. 2. ADVENTURE TRACK: OUTPOST – These Track offerings provide an overnight outdoor experience for Scouts to learn about a variety of subjects and experience the FUN of the camping experience. 3. ADVENTURE TRACK: IN-CAMP – These Track offerings are similar to the Outpost Tracks, with a more “traditional” camp feel. These Track offerings are within close proximity to the base camp.

Planning your week at Thunder Ridge You may choose the High Adventure Track as your only activity. OR You may choose your week from any of the Track offerings in the Outpost and In-Camp program Adventure Tracks. To ensure Scouts are engaged throughout the week, each Scout must be registered for a “Track A” (Mon-Tues) AND a “Track B” (Wed-Thurs). Friday program includes Camp Wide Games and a closing campfire.

HIGH ADVENTURE TRACK Week-Long Track (Mon-Fri) Recommended for boys 16-18 years old. Outdoor Venturing Bronze Award OR Venturing Ranger Award if Outdoor Bronze is earned Includes ARC Wilderness First Aid Course * Varsity Teams can participate in this Track and if dual-registered as a Venturer, can work on Bronze/Ranger Award. This Track includes several C.O.P.E elements. This Track requires each participant to bring backpacking supplies. The entire week will be out in the undeveloped portions of camp. This equipment must include a stove suitable for cooking meals daily.

* Merit Badges with the * next to them are not able to be completed solely at camp. Additional work, outside of camp, will be necessary to complete the badge requirements. http://utahscouts.org/thunderridge

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Camp Program ADVENTURE TRACKS: OUTPOST These Adventure Tracks are OVERNIGHT campouts!! Scouts will need a suitable pack to carry sleeping equipment and provisions for their activities. Choose any 1 Track from the "A" Column

& Choose any 1 Track from the "B" Column

A

B

Scouting Basics (Mon. & Tues) Any youth not 1st Class or above should be signed up for this track.

Overnight Boys should return from this track having advanced at least one rank with the possibility of having passed off requirements for more than one rank. Leaders will do NorthStar on this track. Scout → Tenderfoot Tenderfoot → 2nd Class 2nd Class → 1st Class Direction & Navigation (Mon & Tues) Overnight *Geocaching Orienteering Wilderness Survival *Backpacking/Hiking Rifle or Shotgun Shooting *Camping

Backwoodsman (Wed & Thurs) Overnight Fishing *Cycling *Camping Pioneering Rifle or Shotgun Shooting *Cooking

Exploring Nature (Mon & Tues) Overnight *Environmental Science Fish & Wildlife Management Forestry

Bugs & Stuff (Wed & Thurs) Overnight Soil & Water Conservation Astronomy Mammal Study Insect Study

Nature *Cooking Leave No Trace Award Heights & Depths (Mon & Tues) Overnight Climbing *Cooking *Backpacking/Hiking Pioneering Geology Fishing

*Cooking Bird Study Emergency & Search and Rescue (Wed & Thurs) Overnight *Geocaching Orienteering Fishing Emergency Prep *Cooking *Search and Rescue http://utahscouts.org/thunderridge

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Camp Program ADVENTURE TRACKS: IN-CAMP These Adventure Tracks happen in the main base camp at Thunder Ridge. Choose any 1 Track from the "A" Column & Choose any 1 Track from the "B" Column

A Track 0 – Scouting Basics

B (Mon. & Tues)

Any youth not 1st Class or above should be signed up for this track.

In-Camp Boys should return from this track having advanced at least one rank with the possibility of having passed off requirements for more than one rank. Leaders will do NorthStar on this track. Scout → Tenderfoot Tenderfoot → 2nd Class 2nd Class → 1st Class Direction & Navigation (Mon & Tues) In-Camp *Geocaching Orienteering Rifle or Shotgun Shooting Wilderness Survival

Bugs & Stuff (Wed & Thurs) In-Camp Soil & Water Conservation Mammal Study Insect Study Bird Study

Exploring Nature (Mon & Tues) In-Camp *Environmental Science Fish & Wildlife Management Forestry Nature

Units participating in In-Camp Adventure Tracks are required to have Two-Deep Leadership in camp at all times!! Please plan accordingly, if your unit plans to have youth and leaders on the Outpost Adventure Tracks and the In-Camp Adventure Tracks. Buddy system must be enforced for all activities and tracks. We encourage youth to come with a buddy already chosen, however, one may be assigned at camp for the track. * Merit Badges with the * next to them are not able to be completed solely at camp. Additional work, outside of camp, will be necessary to complete the badge requirements.

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Note: Some Tracks (particularly those including shooting sports) have additional materials fees associated with them. *Scouts do not have to earn merit badges on the Tracks offered. However, the material for each of the topics listed in the Track will be presented to all the Scouts on that Adventure Track. No Camp Program substitutions or modifications are allowed.

**Leaders are welcome to participate in Adventure Tracks,

but MUST pay the regular Track participation fees for that program. PLEASE NOTE: Tuesday night and Thursday night are for the unit to provide activities aligned with your Chartering Organization. Activities could include: Firesides, Troop Campfires, Ecclesiastical Leadership visits, Troop Games, Etc. Friday Schedule 9:00a - 12:30pm Merit Badge Make Up Sessions - Track Guides/Counselors will be available, as needed, for make- up requirements during tracks. Open Program Availability - Program areas will be available for all Scouts to participate. 12:30 - 1:00p Lunch 1:30pm - 5:00pm CAMP-WIDE GAMES 5:30pm - 6:30pm Dinner Dusk CLOSING CAMPFIRE

"Scoutmasters should learn to become requirement hunters instead of badge seekers." - Lord Baden Powell

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Program for Adult Leaders Scouts are not the only ones to receive instruction at Camp. Scout leaders should take advantage of several training opportunities available during their week at camp. Available Trainings:  Leader Specific Training  NorthStar (Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills)  BSA Youth Protection: This class covers the BSA Youth Protection Guidelines. It is recommended by the BSA that leaders take this class once every year.  Hazardous Weather Training: This class covers the BSA Hazardous weather guidelines.  Leave No Trace: This two-hour course certifies anyone (Scouts included!) to the level of “Guide” in the Leave No Trace program. This will be offered as part of the PIT 21/Northstar Area. Check with your Commissioner to find out what day this will be taught. Attendance in PIT 21/Northstar is not required to complete Leave No Trace portion. Scoutmaster Activities Thunder Ridge offers some unique fun things for adult leaders to do during the week. Horseshoes: A great chance to relax, toss some shoes, hang out and get to know your fellow leaders. No competition, just fun. Available for check-out from your commissioner. Thunder Ridge Open: Leave your golf clubs, balls and tees at home. The use of natural supplies and personal imagination will aid you in building your own club, ball and tee. Rain or shine, this golf challenge is fast becoming a grand tradition at Thunder Ridge. Woodcarving Competition: We all know that leaders just sit around and carve all week (Ha-Ha). So, why not put those skills to use? Enter your project in the Scoutmaster Woodcarving Competition. Compete against other leaders for fun and show off your skills with a pocket knife. Talk to your commissioner for more information. Dutch Oven Cook-Off: Bring your ovens, charcoal, ingredients and best recipes to compete for the honor of being named the “Master Camp Chef.” This will be a one-pot competition in which competitors may provide a dish in one or more of the three categories: main dish, dessert, or bread. Judges will judge entries on taste, presentation, degree of difficulty, and originality. Below are the rules: 1. Team will register their intent to compete, names of team members, and dishes they intend to enter on the morning of the competition. 2. Ingredients cannot be precooked and must be combined, chopped, sliced, or diced during the competition on site including garnishes. Marinating of meat prior to the start of the competition is not allowed. 3. Team members may consist of both youth and adults, but all entries will be judged at the same level. Only team members are allowed to prepare dishes for competition. 4. All cooking must be done in a Dutch oven and everything cooked MUST be presented to the judges with the exception of excess gravies and sauces, and/or cooked garnishes not specified in the recipe. Dishes must be presented to the judges' table on time. NO EXCEPTIONS. 5. Dishes must be prepared using charcoal or gas. Competitors must follow camp fire policy by keeping all charcoal and gas cooking platforms between 5 to 18 inches off the ground. 6. All judging decisions are final. Awards will be given to the top dish in each of the three categories with the “Master Camp Chef” award going to the best overall dish. Please note that should the Forest Service enact fire restrictions banning open fires, which includes charcoal, it may be necessary to cancel the competition. http://utahscouts.org/thunderridge

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Deposits, Payments and Refunds A deposit is required to hold a group reservation and a camp site. The deposit for our Boy Scout resident camps is $250.00. All deposits are non-refundable. Based on the commitment a unit makes when placing a deposit, decisions are made and resources allocated that often result in expenditures that are not recoverable, hence our “No Refunds on Deposits” policy. Again, deposits are non-refundable but are transferable from one camp to another camp during the same camping season. Your deposit will be applied to your overall fees. At least 50% of all campers’ fees must be paid to the Council Service Center in Orem by March 1st. A Unit that has not paid 50% by March 1st is in danger of having its campsite and reservation cancelled. The remaining camp fees are due to the Council Service Center in Orem no later than four weeks prior to your unit’s camp arrival date. The number of campers on record four weeks prior to your date of attendance is the minimum number of campers that must be paid for. Please do not bring final payments to camp! Payments must be made before camp begins. Adjustments in numbers must be made by calling the Council Service Center at (801) 437-6222 at least four weeks in advance.

Check-in/Check-out Procedures Checking into Camp 1. Arrival: Please plan to arrive in camp between 8:00 am and 10:30 am on Monday. Do not plan to arrive early that morning. The camp staff is not in a position to check in troops that arrive early. You will need to line up on the road. Staff will direct drivers from this point. Due to the limited space in the parking lot, equipment trailers should be left at a campsite when possible. 2. Registration: Please have ready all rosters and fee receipts. The Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader will need to make sure that ALL the Scouts and leaders that are attending any time during the week are listed on the Troop Roster. Your Troop Guide will be assigned to your troop to help with the registration walk-through. 3. Missing Scouts: If there are Scouts who were supposed to come to camp but didn’t, please verify that they are not with you. Remember that no refunds will be issued for boys who are no shows if the Scout Office was not informed at least two weeks in advance! Also, please inform us of any Scouts or Leaders that will be joining the unit throughout the week. 4. Medical: Give the camp medical officer your completed BSA Health Forms which will be reviewed for special considerations. 5. Camp Tour: Once everyone has gone through the medical re-check, Scoutmasters and leaders can drive gear to their assigned campsite. The troop will go on a tour of camp with their Tour Guide and meet the leaders at their campsite. Vehicles must be out of Camp by 5:00 p.m. The main gate into camp will be locked until 5:00 p.m. on Friday night.

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Leaving Camp 1. The gate into camp will be opened after 5:00 p.m. on Friday. You will be able to park your vehicles overnight in your campsite so you can get an early start the next morning. 2. Clean your campsite. 3. Remove all trash from porta-potties; it belongs in the trash. 4. Place all trash in garbage sacks and take them to the main dumpsters. 5. Police campsite for trash and lost items. 6. Check the lost and found located at the Trading Post. 7. Your Commissioner will report to your campsite on Saturday morning to assist you with check-out. 8. Make sure you complete all items on check-out form. Your Commissioner will not check you out until this is complete. Fill out survey with troop and turn-in to your commissioner. 9. Please plan to depart camp between 7:00 am and 9:00 am. 10. Have a safe trip home!! Sharing a Campsite Troops are encouraged to reserve their own campsite while at camp. We will only be able to accommodate one unit per campsite. Wall tents will be set up for your convenience while at camp. Since the program that Scouts will be participating in will include overnight camp outs they will need to provide their own backpacking tents for use on those evenings. Vehicles in Camp In the interest of camper safety, the following restrictions apply to vehicles at Thunder Ridge Scout Camp:  Only camp-approved vehicles will be permitted on inner-camp roads.  Once the main gate is closed on Monday afternoon, it will not be opened again for general traffic until 5:00 p.m. on Friday night. This policy is in compliance with Boy Scouts of America National Camping Mandatory Standards.  Multiple vehicles will be allowed on inner camp roads during the check-in and check-out process for the loading and unloading of equipment. Please try to limit this number to no more than two vehicles at a time.  Due to limited parking space we encourage troops to leave equipment trailers at their campsites during the week if possible.  All vehicles are to be parked facing out in the camp parking lot and not in the individual troop sites. No Camper or Visitor vehicles are to remain in campsites overnight.  Scouts are not to ride in vehicles on inner-camp roads.  All passengers riding in vehicles must use a seatbelt.  The speed limit on all camp roads is 10 mph. Speed in camp and you will have to haul all your gear to and from the parking on foot!

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Camp-wide Games On Friday, it is time for a change of pace. We will move from our outdoor learning experience tracks to patrol-based CAMP-WIDE GAMES!! Troops plan what member(s) will best fit for each activity. Scout skills, creativity and team work will be a must in completing the necessary challenges to win the day! Friday afternoon promises to be an exciting, challenging and most likely, exhausting end to a great week of camp at Thunder Ridge. Come ready for adventure!

Campfire Program The closing campfire will be held on Friday evening following the camp-wide games.

Service and Conservation Projects “A Scout is Helpful”-The upkeep and beautification of Thunder Ridge is an ongoing process. This means that there is no end of meaningful projects that a troop can participate in while at camp. To find out what those projects are talk to your Commissioner upon your arrival at camp.

Order of the Arrow The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s National Honor Society of Campers and is an important part of the spirit and lifeblood of Thunder Ridge Scout Camp. OA Day in camp is Thursday. Members are encouraged to wear their sash on this day and to participate in cheerful service to fellow Scouts. A service project will occur at 5pm this day for members of the OA. Leaders wishing to help the camp utilize the OA more in camp should contact the camp director by email through the camp’s website at www.utahscouts.org/camps/thunderridge.

Commissary Food Plan Camp providing food through the commissary Food Plan to all individuals participating at camp throughout the week will ensure that the most enjoyable experience possible is available. Units going on Outpost Adventure Tracks are REQUIRED to be on the Food Plan. Units that are participating only in the In-Camp Adventure Tracks may opt to bring their own food, but food prep may detract from the overall camp experience.

Visitor Meals For troops participating in the commissary food plan, additional meals for special guests and parents may be purchased online while registering for the Commissary or at Monday’s check-in. Since food deliveries only happen twice a week, ordering guest meals on Monday allows the commissary time to order extra food on the next delivery truck. The costs for individual meals is $6.00.

Trading Post The camp Trading Post provides a wide assortment of souvenir, program and comfort items for sale. Supplies, patches, T-shirts, hats, merit badge pamphlets, candy, soft drinks, ice cream, sundries, and many other items are available. The Trading Post also carries ice for Troops not on the commissary plan. $40-$50 should be sufficient to meet the needs of most Scouts, depending on the badges and activities they are taking and the projects they wish to complete. For Scoutmasters, the Trading Post conveniently accepts credit and debit cards. The Trading Post is open most mornings, afternoons, and evenings for your convenience. A schedule is posted next to the entrance.

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Other Policies to Remember The Uniform at Camp Scouts are expected to wear uniforms at camp. The dress code is very simple and easy to follow and will add to your troop’s qualifications for the High Honor Award given at the Friday night campfire. Demonstrate your troop’s spirit by being the best uniformed troop in camp. The Code is available on the Boy Scout/Varsity Scout Uniform Inspection Sheet, 2008 printing. Axes & Knives Hatchets and axes are to be kept and used in the troop’s axe yard. Double bit axes are not allowed anywhere at camp. If knives are brought to camp and misused in any way, leaders and staff have the authority to confiscate the item for the remainder of the camp. No Scout should be allowed to use a pocketknife, axe or hatchet, or camp saw unless that Scout has on their person a Totin’ Chip with the appropriate signatures. Cell Phones and 2-way Radios Although we discourage the use of 2-way radios and cell phones at camp, we understand that they can be a valuable asset. Scoutmasters and adult leaders may use 2-way radios and cell phones for communication. Cell phone service at camp can be excellent depending on your position in camp and your service provider. Firearms, Fireworks, Bows & Arrows, Etc. Do not bring any type of firearms, archery equipment or projectile devices, or fireworks to camp. This includes concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit holders. Personal Conduct and Camp Discipline We expect everyone Live the Scout Oath and Scout Law at Camp and to maintain the highest level of behavior. Conflicts between campers from different troops will be resolved by the adult leaders of the units involved, with the assistance of camp management. Conflicts between staff and campers will be resolved by camp management and unit leaders. Serious problems may require troops to leave camp, certain individuals to leave camp, or the dismissal of staff members. Personal Property The Camp cannot be responsible for your personal property. Anything that you bring to camp that may get lost, stolen or damaged is your responsibility. We encourage you not to bring anything valuable to camp. Youth especially should leave all computers, video games, MP3 players, cell phones, etc at home. Water Conservation In keeping with the principles of Leave No Trace, we try to conserve water at camp. We ask that each troop bring a five gallon water container for every 10 Scouts. Wildlife Do not attempt to handle snakes, spiders, skunks, raccoons or any other wild critters at Thunder Ridge. No hunting or harming is allowed. In most cases, if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. Southern Utah is bear country. Keep “smell-ables” in smell-proof containers. Keep your camp area free of garbage.

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A Word about Campfires & Firewood Campouts that include nights relaxing around a campfire swapping stories and keeping your feet warm are definitely a highlight of summer camp. Campfires can also be useful in a program setting to allow for a particular mood or spirit to help emphasize the values of Scouting or create inspirational moments with our youth. The following campfire scenarios will be allowed at Thunder Ridge this summer:  Natural Fuel (Wood) Campfire: Must be contained in a fire pan or fire barrel. Units MUST provide their own barrel.  Charcoal Briquettes: Same as wood fires.  Propane or other contained fuel: Always appropriate in any form. While the camp management will always make every effort to keep unit leaders informed of fire restrictions and other environmental changes that may affect your stay at Thunder Ridge, ultimately adult leaders need to make this a personal responsibility to find out as much information possible before you go.

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