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Department Schedules & InformationOckanickon Scout Reservation |
2008 Program and Leader Guide
Remember: Badges are continually changing and when possible, Ockanickon
always uses the most recent requirements. Please check resources like
usscouts.org merit badge requirements.
Not all camp programs are listed below. Only regular offerings from departments
that run merit badges are listed. For special programs like River Rafting,
Scuba activities and Horseback Riding, please see
Offsite and Extended Programs.
Pre-Requisites: Many badges offered at Ockanickon have pre-requisites
so please review our pre-requisite policy here.
Times: Many listed activities don't include an end time such as Cloths Inflation
and the Volleyball Tournament. These activities run until they're done, weather
interferes or the camp curfew of 10:00pm is reached.
Sessions: Merit badges and other activities often list multiple times for
that activity. A Scout need only attend one of these sessions each day of
the week rather than all. Once a Scout has picked a time, the Scout should
return at that time each day but may switch after discussing it with the instructor.
Some badges do not run the full week but may if deemed necessary by the instructor.
Clicking on the merit badge or activity name will take you to the usscouts.org page containing the merit badge requirements. Please use this as a reference for pre-requisites. These links will not work if you do not have an active Internet connection.
This page changes the most often and these changes are documented on the updates page.
Quick Links to Departments: Adventure Sports (previous Spoke 'n Rope) | Aquatics | Dan Beard | Eagle | Ecology | Handicraft | Photography | Rock Climbing | Sailing | Science | Scoutcraft | Shooting Sports | Spoke 'n Rope (now Adventure Sports) | Woodburning | Other
Adventure Sports (Previously Spoke n' Rope)
Ockanickon's advanced outdoor activities have been expanded considerably. Where previously Scouts could participate in week-long COPE or individual sessions, Adventure Sports (Previously Spoke n' Rope) now offers two complete tracks plus the Sailing program.
The Adventure sports program offers physical activities designed to challenge Older Scouts (13+) who have mastered basic Scouting skills. These programs blend activities from Ockanickon's traditional Rock Climbing, COPE, mountain biking, mountain boarding and sailing programs in a coherent weeklong experience. In each half-day weeklong program, Scouts will experience the best adventures Ockanickon offers.
Ages and Stages Recommendations - Adventure Sports holds some of the most physically challenging activities offered at Ockanickon and this consideration is important when unit leaders help their Scouts determine appropriate activites. The recommended age for Challenge, Endurance and Velocity Crew participation is 13. The recommended age for Nautical Crew/Sailing activities is 12. As always, Scouts with proven experience may try an activity if they are slightly younger while under-developed Scouts or those with no outdoor experience should seriously consider waiting before attempting these activities.
Crew Summary
Challenge Crew - Scouts will develop their ability to work with a group to overcome physical challenges and solve problems. The focus of the Challenge Crew is the COPE course and Scouts completing this program will receive an Ockanickon COPE Certificate.
Endurance Crew - Scouts will be asked to use their physical strength and mental awareness as they push through a program centered on climbing. The focus of this crew is rock climbing and Scouts completing this program have the opportunity to complete Climbing merit badge if participants complete the Tuesday evening Rock Climbing merit badge session.
Nautical Crew - Scouts will travel to Nockamixon State Park and use wind power to propel them to target destinations. This program is the expanded Sailing program first offered in 2007 and weather-permitting Scouts completing this program will earn Small Boat Sailing merit badge.
Velocity Crew - Scouts who love speed and balance will benefit from Velocity Crew's fast-paced schedule. The program focuses on mountain biking and boarding.
Participating in a Single Session -While the Adventure Crews are heavily geared towards week-long involvement Scouts and patrols may participate in specific sessions if they arrive on time, are off appropriate abilities (Ages and Stages) and meet any pre-requisites. Some sessions like Sailing are limited by capacity and can rarely take extra campers while others like Climbing and Mountain Boarding can absorb extra participants but some waiting may be involved due to finite equipment.
High COPE Single Sessions - Participating in a High COPE session when not normally part of an Adventure Crew requires completion of Low COPE at Ockanickon which is done during the belay training, low COPE, activity session offered on Monday from 9:00 PM to noon and again from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Completion of low COPE at another facility or during a previous year does not qualify a camper to participate in high COPE.
A Note on Activity Times - Session times are listed as starting 15 minutes before most camp program. This is a recommended arrival time so participants can be set-up, rigged and individually prepared for the 9:15 AM or 2:00 PM start time. Crews will start program at the 9:15 AM and 2:00 PM start times even if a few individuals are not ready and those individuals may be excluded from that session if not prepared on time. So, simply because a group has B Meals does not mean they cannot participate in the activity, but being a waiter for the meal before a participant's crew meets and being to that session on time would be very difficult.
Location of Activities - Final meeting places for each activity are still being determined. Once confirmed, meeting places will be posted both here and at the brown Adventure Sports board between Foster Dining Hall and the Camp Office.
Preparedness - All participants in Ockanickon's Adventure Sports program must be prepared for each session with:
- Water - Arrive with a full water bottle. Participants in mountain biking are recommended to bring a second bottle.
- Proper Footwear
- Sneakers with good socks are recommended for Endurance and Challenge Crew participants
- Sneakers with good socks and a shoes for crossing the Tohickon Creek are recommended for Endurance Crew participants
- Shoes that can get wet are recommended for Nautical Crew/Sailing participants
- Appropriate Clothing
- Long pants are recommended for days when a crew will be doing High COPE activities
- Clothing that can get wet is recommended for Nautical Crew/Sailing participants
- Clothing that can get very dirty is recommended for the day when participants in Small Boat Sailing will be swamping
- Many Adventure Sports activities are run rain or shine so participants should have appropriate raingear
Endurance, Challenge, Velocity Crew Schedules |
|||||
Adventure Crew |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
| Endurance Crew (9:00 AM to noon) | Low COPE/Belay Training/Equipment Basics |
Rock Climbing | High COPE/Rapelling | Mountain Biking to Rock Climb | Rock Climbing |
| Challenge Crew (9:00 AM to noon) | Low COPE/Belay Training/Equipment Basics Ladders and Belaying |
High COPE | Rock Climbing | High COPE | High COPE |
| Nautical Crew | See Sailing Schedule below | ||||
| Velocity Crew (1:45 PM to 5:00 PM) | Low COPE/Belay Training/Equipment Basics Mountain Biking |
Mountain Biking | Mountain Boarding | Rock Climbing | Mountain Biking |
| Endurance Crew (1:45 PM to 5:00 PM) | Low COPE/Belay Training/Equipment Basics Bouldering |
Rock Climbing | High COPE/Rapelling | Mountain Biking to Rock Climb | Rock Climbing |
| Open Adventures (7:00 PM to 8:30PM) | Mountain Boarding | Mountain Biking | None (Water Carnival) | None (Volleyball Tournament) | Mountain Boarding (until campfire) |
Additional program in Rock Climbing
Activity Name |
Time |
Prerequisites |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Climbing Merit Badge | Tues 7:30pm | Belay Training | Soft soled shoes, water, day pack | 13 and up |
| Climb On Safely | Weds 7:30pm Totem Lodge |
None | 21 and up |
Belay Training: In the past belay training was run in hourly sessions on Monday. While this system instructed participants in proper usage of equipment, it did not promote the teamwork and group cohesion necessary for a quality climbing experience during the week. Belay training is now offered in two large-group three hour sessions on Monday, one from 9:00 AM to noon and another from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM where participants complete belay training, low COPE and then break of to an introductory activity appropriate for each crew or activity as noted on the Crew Schedule.
Climbing Merit Badge: The session listed above is required in addition to the normal Endurance Crew Schedule to complete Climbing merit badge. To complete climbing merit badge, each participant must participate complete at least three belays, three climbs, and three rappels within the week. This can take three or more all morning or all afternoon sessions, and can be seriously affected by weather.
Climbing Shoes: High-quality climbing shoes are available for rental and are strongly recommended for all participants especially those taking the merit badge. A week-long rental is only $5.00 and is paid for at the trading post. Please bring the receipt to the climbing staff to claim your pair for the week. This option is far cheaper than buying climbing shoes and is also much cheaper than many rock gyms charges for only a day rental.
Climbing Group Size: The BSA has provided very specific guidelines as to the number of climbers allowed at a time. Based on Ockanickon's projected staff that group size will be 12. Campers taking either Climbing Merit Badge or Instructor Certification will be given priority while all other slots will be first-come first-serve.
Instructor Certification: Adults interested in becoming a Climbing Instructor may earn this certification through the Ockanickon Climbing Department. This program shows learners how to properly set up ropes for climbing trips and more advanced safety concerns than covered in the simpler Climb On Safely program. This program is available only to leaders over 21 and may take significant time during the week and several climbing sessions. Please talk to the climbing director at the Sunday Leader Meeting to arrange meetings for this program.
Doylestown Rock Gym/Bad Weather Alternative: Climbing merit badge can be severely restricted by weather so in the case of a long period of inclement weather, Climbing may take place at the Doylestown Rock Gym but only if deemed necessary by the Climbing Director. Participants are strongly encouraged to complete and bring the Doylestown Rock Gym Hold Harmless Agreement so he can complete the badge there. Scouts that choose to participate in Rock Gym sessions are encouraged to arrange carpooling. The Rock Gym sessions cost $12.00 for a full day.
Sailing/Nautical Crew |
||||
Activity Name |
Time |
Prerequisites |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Open Sailing | 9:15-12:00noon Monday 9:15-12:00noon Wednesday |
Must complete swim test as a swimmer | Water-friendly cloths, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle | 12 and up |
| Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge | 7:30-9:30pm Monday 9:15-12:00noon Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
Must complete swim test as a swimmer | Water-friendly cloths, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle | 12 and up |
Sailing Lottery Procedures: During check-in, Small Boat Sailing lottery entry forms will be available on the front counter in the Main Office. Complete one for each Scout interested in taking Sailing merit badge by 5:00 PM. Before 5:30 PM, if more than 6 Scout signed-up, 6 names will be drawn at random from submitted forms and a list containing these names will be posted at the main office.
Drivers for Sailing Merit Badge: To allow full participation, Sailing needs the assistance of two adults to provide transportation for a total of 10 participants, two instructors, six youth and the two drivers. If you have a vehicle that can fit five people and would like to spend some quality time at lake Nockamixon, please sign-up, sailing thanks you. Driving is first come first serve, if you’d really like to go, you may work any preferences out with the other listed drivers. Adults may participate in the badge if they like or simply enjoy quality time at Lake Nockamixon. Adults who volunteer to drive and don't choose to say may have the youth of their choice go in their place.
Additional Sailing Merit Badge Information: Groups that have been sailing at Nokamixon are often late back to camp. We always ensure that the group returns in time for their lunch, either Meal A or Meal B. Please make sure your Scout Master is aware of this. Merit badge requirements can be done during the free sail periods, but Scouts wishing to pursue the badge during these periods must attend the Monday evening merit badge session and tell the staff members present that you'd like to participate in the badge then. Like all sessions, free sail periods are limited by boat capacity and require drivers.
Unit Activities: Limited space is available for unit Adventure Sports activities. Units interested should speak with the area director early in the week of their stay to arrange for activities. Adventure Sports' staff availability changes from week to week so unit activities my have limited availability.
Aquatics
|
Badge Name |
Time |
Prerequisites |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Canoeing |
9:15-10:40am |
Must complete swim test as a swimmer | knee pads (optional), cloths and shoes that can get wet | 12 and up, physically able to handle a canoe |
| Lifesaving | 9:15-11:00am | Must complete swim test as a swimmer | Long sleeve shirt, long pants, socks, shoes and belt for emergency clothing removal | 13 and up or strong swimmer |
| Rowing | 3:30-5pm | Must complete swim test as a swimmer | Cloths and shoes that can get wet | 13 and up |
| Swimming | 9:15-10:40am 10:40-12:00noon |
Must complete swim test as a swimmer | Long sleeve buttoned shirt and long pants for cloths inflation | any age Scout |
Other Aquatics Programs and Activities |
||||
|
Activity Name |
Time |
Prerequisites |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| BSA Lifeguard | 9:15-12noon + other times | Must complete swim test as a swimmer | Proof of CPR certification or $25 to take class at camp | 14 and up including adults, strong swimmer |
| Clothing Inflation | Mon 7:30pm | Required for Swimming MB | Long sleeve buttoned shirt and long pants | Any age Scout |
| Discover Scuba | Tues or Thurs 7:15pm | $6.00, payment and registration taken at pool | Any age and swim ability | |
| Instructional Swim | 9:15-10:40am 10:40-12noon |
For weak swimmers who want to pass swim test as swimmer by end of week | Any age Scout or adult | |
| Kayaking BSA | 10:40-12noon | Must complete swim test as a swimmer | Only takes one or two session to finish does not take entire week | Any age Scout or adult |
| Mile Swim Practice | Mon-Thurs 4-5pm |
Qualifying laps for Friday's Mile Swim held at same time | Any age Scout or adult | |
| Polar Bear Swim | 7-7:30am | Attend 3 of 5 sessions to earn certificate | Any age and swim ability | |
| Safe Swim Defense/ Safety Afloat | Mon 2:00pm | Any adult | ||
| Scuba BSA | Tues, Thurs or Fri 6:00pm | $40.00, payment and registration taken at pool | Any age Scout or adult | |
| Snorkeling BSA | 4-5pm | Must complete swim test as a swimmer | Only takes one or two session to finish does not take entire week | Any age Scout or adult |
| Troop Boating | Tues or Thurs7:30-8:30pm | Participants must complete swim test as a swimmer | Reservations made at Sunday Leader Meeting or with Lake Director | Any age Scout or adult |
| Water Carnival | Wed 7:30pm | Any age and swim ability | ||
BSA Lifeguard: The BSA Lifeguard program is a rigorous training program open to both youth and adult strong swimmers. This program can take 30 or more hours to complete and because of the time constraints make-ups are not available. The other times listed above change from week to week but include all mornings and several evenings during the week.
BSA Lifeguard Recertification: Scouts or Scouters who have already done BSA Lifeguard certification may request to recertify rather than repeating the entire course to extend their certification period. Participants must complete the theory and skill tests successfully. Please see the Aquatics director early in the week to arrange times for the tests. Scouts and Scouters wishing to do this must be staying in camp during the week.
Scuba BSA and Discover Scuba: More information is available on the Offsite and Extended Activities Page.
Swim Tests - Questions about swim tests are answered in the Camp Policy Section.
Dan Beard
The Dan Beard Department runs a full-week day-long first year Scout program to help new Scouts quickly fulfill many requirements for ranks up to First Class as well as gain experience with patrol camping and activities. The Full Day program is the cornerstone of the department and program is both fun and comprehensive. A detailed schedule for the Full Day Dan Beard program is available here and contains information about activity times, requirements and other notes.
Totin Chip certification is offered to Scouts not in the Full Day program (Totin' Chip training is completed as part of the Full Day program) on Tuesday night starting at 7:00pm. Scouts do not need to bring a knife for this training as one will be provided but Scouts should bring a flashlight and a buddy.
Eagle
|
Badge Name |
Time |
Prerequisites |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Citizenship in the Community | 3:30-5pm | 2b, 3a, 4a, 4b, 7 | Map of Community(2a) Government Chart (2b) Meeting Minutes (3a) Interview Information (4a) Volunteer Information (7b, c) Community Presentation (8) |
14 and up |
| Citizenship in the Nation | 2-3:30pm | 2 | Monument/Facility Reports (2) | 14 and up |
| Citizenship in the World | 9:15-10:40am 2-3:30pm |
7 | Proof of Requirement 7 | 15 and up |
| Communications | 10:40-12noon |
5, 7, 8 | Meeting notes and your notes (5) Objective Report (5) Teaching Plan and Aids (6) Proof of Requirement 7 Campfire Program and Scripts (8) |
13 and up |
| Emergency Preparation | 9:15-10:40am | 2b, 2c, 6c, 8 | Emergency Chart with Disaster Coordinator Info (2, 6c) Proof of Requirement 8 Photos of Family Emergency Kit (8c) Personal Mobilization Kit (8c) |
13 and up |
| First Aid | 9:15-10:40am 2-3:30pm |
2d | Personal First Aid Kit (2d) | Must have First Class |
| Personal Fitness | 10:40-12noon | 1, 6, 7, 8 | Explanations for Requirement 1 Dental Statement (1b) Fitness Logs and Programs (6, 7, 8) |
15 and up |
| Personal Management | 10:40-12noon 3:30-5pm |
1, 2, 8 | Proof of Requirement 1 Budget (2) To Do List, Calendar and Schedule (8) Project Plan (9) |
15 and up |
The checklist used for the Emergency Preparation is available here.
Ecology
|
Badge Name |
Time |
Prerequisites |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Bird Study | 9:15-10:10am | Binoculars, notebook, pen, birding field guides | Any age Scout | |
| Energy | 4-5pm | 4 | Notebook and pen | 14 and up |
| Environmental Science | 9:15-10:10am 11:05-12noon 2-3pm |
3E | notebook and pen | 14 and up |
| Fishing | 9:15-10:10am | 9 | Pictures of 2 fish you've caught (see note) | Any age Scout |
| Forestry | 2-3pm | 7 | Any age Scout | |
| Geology | 11:05-12noon 3-4pm |
Any age Scout | ||
| Landscape Architecture | 10:10-11:05am | notebook and pen | 13 and up | |
| Mammal Study | 11:05-12noon 3-4pm |
Any age Scout | ||
| Nature | 10:10-11:05am | notebook and pen | Any age Scout | |
| Oceanography | 2-3pm | 8 | notebook and pen | Any age Scout |
| Reptile and Amphibian Study | 10:10-11:05am | 8 | notebook and pen | Any age Scout |
| Soil and Water Conservation | 4-5pm | Any age Scout | ||
Other Ecology Programs and Activities |
||||
|
Activity Name |
Time |
Prerequisites |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Night Hike | Thurs 7:30pm | Hiking Shoes, water bottle | Any age Scout | |
| First Class Req. 6 | Wed 3-4pm | Any age Scout | ||
| Second Class Req. 5 | Tues 3-4pm | Any age Scout | ||
| Tenderfoot Req. 11 | Mon 3-4pm | Any age Scout | ||
| Leave No Trace Intro. | Tues 7:30 PM | None | 21 and up | |
|
Archeology, Insect Study, Plant Science, Fish and Wildlife Management offered by Appointment |
||||
Many Ecology badges involve extensive outdoor activities, many of which occur rain or shine. If instructed, lease be prepared with good shoes for all sessions and rain gear or all-weather clothing if rain is expected.
Bird Study-At least once during the week, the session will go bird watching from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM. The date will be announced during the first merit badge session and can change due to weather. Please allow additional time for bird watching on your own as the bird watching quota is not always met during the early morning bird watching session.
Fishing-Fishing merit badge requires each Scout to catch two fish. While this can be done at camp with provided gear, there is no guarantee that this requirement can be completed in camp. Scouts with previous experience may bring pictures of two fish they have caught to receive credit for this requirement. Scouts are also welcome to bring their own fishing gear but some will be available to borrow.
Geology-One day involves a hike to the Tohickon Creek and Scouts must bring appropriate footwear for this trip as well as a bottle of water. The date is weather dependent and will be announced during the first or second day of this badge.
Handicraft
|
Badge Name |
Time |
Items to Bring |
Average Sessions |
| Art | 11:05-12pm 2-3pm |
artwork that qualifies for requirements | 2 |
| Basketry | 9:15-10:10am 10:10-11:05am |
money for two kits and a stool ($4.50-$11.00 each) | 3 to 5 |
| Composite Materials | 2-3pm 3-4pm 4-5pm |
money for composite materials projects ($10.00) | N/A - Requires attendance each day |
| Fingerprinting | Mon-Tues 11:05-12noon Tues or Thurs 7:30pm |
1 | |
| Indian Lore | 2-3pm 3-4pm 4-5pm |
Any completed crafts or garments $15.00 for moccasin kit |
N/A - Requires attendance each day |
| Leatherwork | 2-3pm 3-4pm 4-5pm |
Money for vegetable tanned leather kit | 4+ |
| Metalwork | Metalworking Merit Badge has been removed | ||
| Pottery | 2-3pm 3-4pm 4-5pm |
$1 charge per project | 4-5 |
| Textile | Weds-Thurs 11:05-12noon Tues or Thurs 7:30pm |
A piece of clothing made from an entirely natural fiber | 1 |
| Wood Carving | 9:15-10:10am 10:10-11:05am 11:05-12noon |
Money for neckerchief slide project kit | 4+ |
Other Handicraft Programs and Activities |
|||
Badge Name |
Time |
Items to Bring |
Notes |
| Indian Lore Campfire | Tues 9:00-9:45PM Handicraft Grove |
None | Open to all, required for Indian Lore |
| Introduction to Leatherworking | Thurs 7:30-9:00PM |
Money for leatherwork project | Open to Scouts interested in taking Leatherwork in future years and to adults |
Woodburning
Activity Name |
Time |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Morning Open Woodburning | 9:15-12noon | Money for the purchase of wood | Any age Scout or adult |
| Afternoon Open Woodburning | 2-5pm | Money for the purchase of wood | Any age Scout or adult |
| Evening Open Woodburning | Mon and Weds 7-8:30pm |
Money for the purchase of wood | Any age Scout or adult |
Ages and Stages- Woodcarving has a minimum age of 13. The instructor may ask a participant to pursue another activity if the instructor believes the participant cannot complete the badge or if the participant is a danger to himself or other participants. All other Handicraft badges are open to all Scouts.
Evening Time- The Handicraft Lodge is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:00PM to offer extra help with Handicraft Badges. Scouts may not start a new badge at these evening sessions.
Session Requirements- Art, Leatherwork, Metalwork, Pottery and Woodcarving use the first two sessions to teach basic skills and the rest of the week to complete projects. Scouts should attend the same session slot for those days but may attend any listed time for that badge afterwards to complete projects. Projects must be finished and reviewed by 5:00pm on Friday
Indian Lore Campfire- Participants
Photography
|
Badge Name |
Time |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Photography | Sunday 6:30pm and Tuesday by appt |
Digital camera which writes to a common memory format (SD, CF). Cameras may not be part of multi-function devices like mobile phones, PDAs or video cameras. $5.00 to cover cost of developing pictures and printing |
13 and up |
Photography Lottery Procedures: During check-in, Photography lottery entry forms will be available on the front counter in the Main Office. Complete one for each Scout interested in taking Photography merit badge by 5:00 PM. Before 5:30 PM, if more than 12 Scout signed-up, 12 names will be drawn at random from submitted forms and a list containing these names will be posted at the main office.
Rock Climbing
|
Activity Name |
Time |
Prerequisites |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Climbing Merit Badge | Tues 7:30pm | Belay Training | Soft soled shoes, water, day pack | 13 and up |
| Climb On Safely | Weds 7:30pm | None | 21 and up |
Climbing Merit Badge: To complete climbing merit badge, each participant must participate complete at least three belays, three climbs, and three rappels within the week. This can take three or more all morning or all afternoon sessions, and can be seriously affected by weather.
Climbing Shoes: High-quality climbing shoes are available for rental and are strongly recommended for all participants especially those taking the merit badge. A week-long rental is only $5.00 and is paid for at the trading post. Please bring the receipt to the climbing staff to claim your pair for the week. This option is far cheaper than buying climbing shoes and is also much cheaper than many rock gyms charges for only a day rental.
Climbing Group Size: The BSA has provided very specific guidelines as to the number of climbers allowed at a time. Based on Ockanickon's projected staff that group size will be 12. Campers taking either Climbing Merit Badge or Instructor Certification will be given priority while all other slots will be first-come first-serve.
Instructor Certification: Adults interested in becoming a Climbing Instructor may earn this certification through the Ockanickon Climbing Department. This program shows learners how to properly set up ropes for climbing trips and more advanced safety concerns than covered in the simpler Climb On Safely program. This program is available only to leaders over 21 and may take significant time during the week and several climbing sessions. Please talk to the climbing director at the Sunday Leader Meeting to arrange meetings for this program.
Doylestown Rock Gym/Bad Weather Alternative: Climbing merit badge can be severely restricted by weather so in the case of a long period of inclement weather, Climbing may take place at the Doylestown Rock Gym but only if deemed necessary by the Climbing Director. Participants are strongly encouraged to complete and bring the Doylestown Rock Gym Hold Harmless Agreement so he can complete the badge there. Scouts that choose to participate in Rock Gym sessions are encouraged to arrange carpooling. The Rock Gym sessions cost $12.00 for a full day.
Science
|
Activity Name |
Time |
Prerequisites |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Astronomy | 3:30-5pm | Ability to identify constellations in planetarium/outdoors extra time in evening | Pen and paper |
All Science Center badges may only be attempted by Scouts 13 and up. This is not a guideline for Scoutmasters but a requirement and Scouts under 13 will be denied. Each badge except Nuclear Science accepts 24 participants and if more than 24 Scouts attempt to enter a badge, they will be accepted starting with the oldest first. Please encourage Scouts to have alternatives available should a spot not be available in a Science badge. |
| Chemistry | 2-3:30pm | Pen and paper | ||
| Electricity | 9:15-10:40am | Pen and paper | ||
| Electronics | 3:30-5pm | Bring $10.00 for electronics kits or $5.00 for parts consumed using Science Center's kit | Pen and paper | |
| Nuclear Science | 10:40-12noon | Pen and paper | ||
| Weather | 9:15-10:40am | Extra time to do weather talk | Pen and paper |
Check out the weather around the Science Center in realtime
Telescope Observations for Astronomy Merit Badge: If weather, staffing, and light levels permit, the Science Director will determine if the Science Center telescopes will be used. An announcement will be made during both A and B Dinner if the telescopes will be out. No announcement will be made if they are not.
Note: Other special evening programs are available at the discretion of the Science Director. If your unit would like to arrange an evening please see the Science Director early in your stay to see what is available.
Scoutcraft
|
Badge Name |
Time |
Prerequisites |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Camping | 10:10-11:05am 2-3pm 4-5pm |
8c d, 9a b | Gear and clothing needed for an overnight campout (5e, 7b) | 12 and up, previous camping experience with unit |
| Cooking | Mon-Thurs 11:05-2pm Fri 11:05-12pm |
7abd | 12 and up, previous cooking experience with your troop | |
| Orienteering | 9:15-10:10am | 7 | compass, waterproof shoes or boots | 13 and up |
| Pioneering | 9:15-10:40am 2-3:30pm |
2a | Must have thorough knowledge of all knots and lashings required for Tenderfoot to First Class | |
| Wilderness Survival | 10:40-12noon 3:30-5pm |
5 | Survival Kit | 13 and up |
Other Scoutcraft Programs and Activities |
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|
Activity Name |
Time |
Prerequisites |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Wilderness Survival Overnighter | Weds 5pm | 13 and up | ||
| Trek Safely Training | Thurs 7:30 PM, Totem Lodge | 21 and up | ||
Orienteering: Ockanickon has set up orienteering courses to complete requirement 7. These courses will not be completed in the normal course of the badge and Scouts that wish to complete this requirement in camp should dedicate at least 4 hours later in the week to complete these courses.
Wilderness Survival: Allow time early in the week to construct shelter for Wilderness Survival Overnighter. Additionally, Scouts taking Wilderness Survival must bring the following for the overnighter: pocketknife, personal first-aid kit, extra set of clothing, rain gear, water bottle, flashlight, matches or fire starters, compass, tarp and 50 feet of rope (3/8th inch or thicker)
Dietary Restrictions and Overnighters: Scouts with dietary restrictions can participate in the Wilderness Survival Overnighter but must give the badge instructor advance notice so he or she can request the right food. Please inform the instructor no later than Tuesday so help guarantee food availability.
Shooting Sports
|
Badge Name |
Time |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Archery | Safety Talk: Sunday 6:30-7:30pm Lecture: Mon 7:30-8:30 Shooting Times: 9:15-12noon and 2-5pm |
Merit badge book $3.00 for arrow kit |
able to pull back 30lb bow |
| Rifle Shooting | Mandatory Safety Talks: Sun 6:30-7:30pm and both Mon, Tues 7:30-8:30pm Shooting Times: 9:15-12noon and 4-5pm |
Merit badge book | Must be able to safely handle a rifle |
| Shotgun Shooting | Mandatory Safety Talks: Sun 6:30-7:30pm and both Mon, Tues 7:30-8:30pm Shooting Times: 2-4pm |
Merit badge book $0.85/2 rounds |
Must be able to safely handle a shotgun |
Other Shooting Sports Program and Activities |
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|
Activity Name |
Time |
Items to Bring |
Ages and Stages |
| Leader Archery Competition | 2pm, Archery Range | Determination | 18 and up |
| Open Shoots | As listed for merit badges, must complete appropriate safety talks and pass safety quizzes | Must be able to safely handle bow or firearm | |
Thursday is reserved for merit badge work at at all ranges. Scouts not shooting to complete requirements will be able to shoot if range spaces are need for badge participants.
Shooting Sports Badge Time Requirements - There is no set time required to complete a Shooting Sports badge. Besides the mandatory lectures, please allow time early in the week to complete the accuracy components of each badge. Fridays are a very bad time to complete requirements due to the popularity of the Shooting Sports ranges one other activities have ended.
Shooting Sports Age and Size Requirements - The Shooting Sports department has a sterling safety record and unit leaders are vital to maintaining this. Scouts that are immature, too small, or physically weak can prove very dangerous when given firearms and the Shooting Sports staff will remove or deny any Scout in which the staff does not have full confident. In almost all cases, Scouts will one day be able to safely handle firearms so don't hesitate to recommend that small or weak Scouts try other activities. Also, these Scouts are being set-up to fail as even if an exception were made, progress is unlikely and the Scout may injure themselves.
Shooting Sports Lectures: Scouts attempting any Shooting Sports badges must attend the Sunday and Monday meetings and Shotgun Shooting and Rifle Shooting participants must attend the Tuesday meeting as well. Scouts interested in simply shooting must attend the Sunday meeting and pass the appropriate range safety test.
Guns in Camp: Camp provides unscoped rifles and shotguns for program participants. Campers may not bring their own shotguns and rifles nor scopes. No one may bring a firearm to camp including leaders and Scouts attempting Shooting Sports badges.
Additional Shooting Times: Additional shooting time may be available based on weather and range conditions. Extra times will be announced through the Summer Times or at meals.
Spoke n' Rope (See Adventure Sports)
Other Merit Badges
Law Merit Badge-Law Merit Badge will be run in two sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evening in Palmer A. Participants are encouraged to complete requirements 2, 4, 5, and 9 before camp but if a camper does not they can be done in camp if a participant pays attention.
Music Merit Badge-7:30 PM at the logs in front of Totem Lodge and will meet on both Monday and Tuesday. This badge will not offer make-ups so any Scout wishing to complete it must attend both sessions.
Radio Merit Badge - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM and initially meets in the Totem Breezeway. Radio is done three evenings during the week but these days are subject to change.
Golf and Horsemanship are also available through offsite programs.
Continue to Offsite and Extended Programs
Continue to Camp Program
