On October 2-4, a group of adult leaders will descend on camp to finish their Leader Training.  Hosted by the Gathering Waters district, this is the final part of a training course that began earlier this month.

While at camp, they will be putting their new knowledge to the test in the outdoor setting, selecting campsites, learning hiking and packing techniques (including “Leave no trace”), outdoor cooking, practicing woods tools, and planning a campfire program, among many other things.  The adults form patrols just like the boys do, and work together on various projects.  This allows them to return to their troops and provide the best opportunities for the boys as they advance through Scouting.

There are three main components to the BSA Scout Leader training program.  A fully trained leader learns the role of the Scoutmaster in the troop, troop administration & program planning, and the outdoor program & advancement.  If you’ve missed the training this time around, don’t worry, new training sessions are held regularly at various locations.

Contact the Center for Scouting for more information about adult leader training programs and how you might participate.

If you’ve ever been to camp on a weekend, you may have been greeted by one of our friendly Campmasters.  These volunteers may have helped you check in for your stay at camp, taught a merit badge, or even helped out in case of an emergency.  This fall, the Campmasters already have a few things on their schedule.

• The weekend of October 2-4, Warren Beske will be doing some cooking demos for those at camp.  Have you ever cooked breakfast in a paper bag?  Interested in seeing how a box oven works?  Warren will show you all of the little tricks so you can try them on your own next time.
• October 9-10 Ray Drake will be at camp, and offering a chance to work on Surveying merit badge.  Scouts can learn how to measure land and map out boundaries.  This weekend could be a great opportunity to work on one the oldest merit badges!

Keep an eye on the year round camp calendar for the latest activities our Campmasters have planned. New ones are added all the time!

Interested in becoming a Campmaster and sharing your skills?  It’s a great way for you and your family to enjoy camp on weekends.  Any registered adult Scouter is able to become one!  You can find out more information or join in the conversation over in the Ranger’s Corner.  A short questionnaire is available for you to download if interested.

If you are ready to join the group, on October 3 there will also be a Campmaster planning and training session for the upcoming season at camp. Learn more about what’s new, discuss ideas, and enjoy a relaxed day in the woods with veteran Campmasters. We hope to see you there.

After nearly 30 years of service and exposure to the worst that Mother Nature can send, the South basement wall of Saffran Lodge is in need of a complete reconstruction. The entire wall has evidence of heavy rot and will be totally rebuilt.

The Camp Engineers have scheduled the week of October 5 through 9 to support the existing building, demolish this exterior wall, and rebuild it from the foundation. Many of the plans for this project have yet to be secured as of this writing, but the Engineers are still looking for talented craftsmen who can help on this project.

We will update this posting as we are able to give you more information, but if you are interested in learning more join the Engineer’s conversations in the Rangers Corner discussion group or send an email directly to Camp Ranger, Andy Anderson.