2015 Leader’s Guide Camp Buffalo Bill, Greater Wyoming Council, BSA

Camp Buffalo Bill 870 North Fork Hwy

Cody, WY 82414 (307) 587-5885

www.campbuffalobill.com

Greater Wyoming Council, BSA 3939 Casper Mtn. Road

Casper, WY 82601 (307) 234-7329

www.wyoscouts.org

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Welcome!

The Greater Wyoming Council would like to welcome you to Camp Buffalo Bill. We are busy preparing the camp for your arrival. This guide is designed to help you prepare also. In it, you will find the information you need to plan an outstanding summer experience. Camp Buffalo Bill is located 43 miles west of Cody, Wyoming on US Highway 14/16/20 and just seven (7) miles east of Yellowstone National Park along the banks of the Shoshone River. The incredible Wapiti Valley between the North Absaroka and Washakie Wilderness areas provides a setting where beauty and wildlife abound. This was the playground for William “Buffalo Bill” Cody and now it’s ours to share with you.

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2015 Camp Dates

Program Start End High Adventure – Week 0 June 14 June 20 Scout Camp – Week 1 June 21 June 27 Scout Camp – Week 2 June 28 July 4 Scout Camp – Week 3* July 6 July 11 Scout Camp – Week 4 July 12 July 18 Scout Camp – Week 5 July 19 July 25 Scout Camp – Week 6 July 26 August 1 High Adventure – Week 7 August 2 August 8 Cub Resident & Family Camp Session 1 August 4 August 7 Cub Resident & Family Camp Session 2 August 7 August 9

Troops are resquested to arrive and check in on Sunday afternoons between 2-5pm. If because of circumstances you cannot arrive on Sunday, please have your boys in camp and ready to start the camp program Monday morning at 9:00. If you arrive on Saturday afternoon, you must plan your own meals for that night and Sunday breakfast and lunch. * Session 3 is an LDS week with a Monday AM check-in with program starting after lunch.

2015 Camp Fees

† In addition to Camp Fees. All High Adventure must pre-register.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING DUE DATES

The non-refundable campsite reservation fee is $50.00 per camper and will be applied toward your total camp fees. All high adventure fees are due with your reservation. All fees are due in the Council Service Center by May 1, 2014 or an additional fee of $25.00 per person will be charged. Make checks payable to Greater Wyoming Council. For proper credit, please include Troop number, camp dates, city and state, and contact person information. For registration and payment questions, contact the Council Service Center at: cwyoming@bsamail.org or 307-234-7329.

2015 Camp Fees

BSA Scout Camp Youth In Council $225 Youth Out of Council $300 Adults In Council $150 Adults Out of Council $170 High Adventure† Youth & Adults $100 Cub Scout Resident Camp Youth $85 Adults $55

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Cancellation /Refund Policy Because most of the camp fees are actually spent for staffing, program supplies and equipment before your crew arrives in camp, refunds can only be made under the following conditions: 100% minus campsite reservation fee is refundable before April 1. 75% minus campsite reservation fee is refundable between April 1 and April 15 50% minus campsite reservation fee is refundable between April 15 and May 1. 0% refundable after May 1. This includes any “no shows” or scouts who leave during the camp dates for any reason. At this point, monies have been expended for staffing, food and supplies to support your arrival at camp. Any appeals due to extenuating circumstances must be received in writing at the council service center within 30 days. Appeals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the council camping committee.

Proof of Insurance All out-of-council units must present proof of current Troop insurance upon check-in to camp. Greater Wyoming Council does not carry health or accident insurance on out-of-council youths or leaders. Contact your local Council Service Center for assistance with providing the required proof of insurance.

Physical Exam & Health Requirements Camp Buffalo Bill abides by BSA policy regarding health requirements. Youth and Adults participating in camp programs must have a completed (Parts A, B, and C) of the BSA’s annual health and medical record. Part D is necessary for all High Adventure participants. If available, please include family health and accident insurance company information and policy number. The form is available here: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/ahmr.aspx Please bring two sets of medical forms with you to camp. You should keep one set (originals) of the forms with your unit. Put the second set (copies) of medical forms for your unit in a three ring binder to turn into the health lodge when you check in. Upon arrival, all medical forms will be submitted to the camp medic and screened. This does not take the place of the medical examination required by the medical form. The purpose is to identify any conditions or situations that we need to know about to make camp a safe experience for all.

Medications Please leave the medications in the original containers with the person’s name and Troop number written on it without covering the prescribing information contained on the label. Medications will be dispensed by the troop’s adult leadership as on any other campout or by the camp medic if necessary. We can provide refrigerated and secure storage for prescription medications. DO NOT BRING SICK CAMPERS TO CAMP! They infect the staff who then infect every other camper that comes for the rest of the summer.

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Food Allergies & Restrictions The Food Allergy & Restriction Form (found on the downloads page of the camp website & mailed with your April billing statement) is due with your final payment May 1. If you have any changes of additions, please submit an additional form as soon as you can. We can only accommodate camper’s dietary restrictions if we know about them early enough to modify the menu and order appropriate substitutions. If you have special concerns, please have the scout’s parent contact the camp director.

Camp Standards

We expect leaders and Scouts to reflect the highest of Scouting standards and to: • Behave in a Scout -like manner • Wear the BSA uniform and wear it properly • Be courteous to other Participants • Strive to live the Scout Oath and Law.

Camp Policies

• Footwear must be worn at all times. No open toe shoes, except in the showers. • Fireworks are not permitted in camp. • Alcohol is not permitted in camp. • Bicycles are not permitted in camp. • Pets are not permitted in camp. • Each Troop must make a visual check for attendance at all meals and lights out. • Lights out is at 10:30PM. All Scouts should be in their campsite and quiet. • Scouts and Scouters may not bring ammunition, rifles, and archery equipment into camp. • Smoking is permitted only by adults and only in the designated area(s). • Troops must follow all fire and safety rules by having water and sand by all tents and

campfire areas. The camp provides cans, water, and sand. • The camp’s southern boundary is the “high trail.” You will be shown where this trail is.

South of the “high trail” is off limits. • Staff quarters are off limits. • Program areas are off limits/closed when not occupied by Camp Buffalo Staff. • No food will be stored in campsites. See the section on wildlife for further explanation of

this policy. • Youth may not use the shower room without adult supervision. Adults will supervise

from just outside the shower room. • All US Forest Service regulations regarding viewing and approaching wildlife are strictly

enforced. • The penalty for violations of these and all camp policies is at the discretion of the Camp

Director and can include removal from camp at the Troop’s expense.

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Tents Troops provide your own tents. To comply with BSA’s mandatory standards, your tents must meet the following requirements:

• All tentage meets or exceeds fire-retardant specifications by the manufacturer (CPAI-84) and “no flames in tent” is marked on, or adjacent to each tent. (This is usually a sewn in label or tag on most commercially produced tents)

• All campers have clean quarters reasonably safe from inclement weather and comfortable bedding.

Check-in and Check-out Things needed at check in: ☐ Tour plan/permit ☐ Proof of liability insurance (this should be available from your local council service center) ☐ Medical forms (copies in 3-ring binder) ☐ Unit swim classification record (must be completed before arrival at camp) ☐ Scoutnet generated unit roster (available from your local council service center) The camp facilities open at 2:00 pm on Sunday. Troops planning to arrive on Sunday are asked to check-in between 2-5pm We ask Troops to arrive no later than 9:00am on Monday morning. Camp program begins promptly Monday at 9:00am. Upon arrival, all vehicles must park in the parking lot and remain there for the week. No vehicles or trailers are allowed in campsites after initial unloading. All vehicles must be backed into their spaces. No Exceptions. Check-out begins after breakfast on Saturday and should be completed no later than 10:00am. You will be cleared to leave when your campsite has been inspected and found clean and in good order by your Troop Guides. Units needing earlier checkout can schedule an earlier time with their Troop Guide(s).

Early Arrival If you are traveling a long distance and plan to arrive in the area on Saturday or Sunday preceding your camp week, notify the Council Service Center at least one month in advance.

• Camp Staff are off duty from 10am Saturday until 2:00pm on Sunday and will not be able to assist you.

• No food is allowed in campsites. The dining facility (meals) is closed during this time, so any meals will have to be obtained off camp. However, the kitchen is available for early arrival Troops to prepare their own food if arranged ahead of time.

• All USFS bear protection rules must be followed. They are posted on the camp bulletin board (in front of the dining hall) and at each campsite.

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Wildlife Your stay at Camp Buffalo Bill will provide you with a great opportunity to see Wyoming wildlife. Enjoy the opportunity, but be aware of important safety precautions. This wildlife should be considered dangerous, so keep your distance: Bears. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is home to the largest grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states. We have a mandatory bear lecture every Monday evening during the camp season. Bears can smell food, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, soda, or anything with a smell. We call these things “smellables” and restrict their use. Food or beverages are never allowed in the campsite. We provide bear boxes in each campsite where other smellables can be stored or they can be stored in your vehicles. You may want to consider cleaning your camping gear (to include tents and sleeping bags) to eliminate smells from past camp outs. The Forest Service can (and generally do) inspect the camp each week. If they find violations of the bear rules, they have the authority to issue a ticket to the offending camper. Should a bear find a food reward in your campsite, we will be unable to get rid of the bear and have to close that site for the rest of the season. It is a crime to knowingly approach a bear closer than 100 yards. The Forest Service will issue the offender a $5000 fine and we will send them home at their unit’s expense. Moose. We often see moose in and around camp. If you see a moose, consider yourself lucky and stay out of it’s area. Buffalo. American Bison occasionally wander through camp. They are very unpredictable. Stay clear.

BSA Policy on Youth Protection This policy is outlined in numerous publications. Here are Camp Buffalo Bill highlights: • Every unit must have at least two registered adult leaders. • Male and females must have separate sleeping facilities. (Married leaders may share quarters,

if appropriate facilities are available.) • No youth will stay in a tent with an adult other than his parent or legal guardian. • Adult leaders will respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing or

showering. • Leaders must also protect their own privacy. • Camp Buffalo Bill has separate shower facilities for male and female campers and staff.

Times are scheduled for adults, youth, and youth staff. • The “safety rule of four” requires that no fewer than four people (including two adults) go on

any backcountry expedition or commute.

Uniforms Scouts and leaders are encouraged to properly wear the Scout uniform while in camp. We do require your unit to be in official Scout uniform for morning and evening flag ceremonies.

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Equal Opportunity Statement The Greater Wyoming Council provides programs and services to children without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. However, if you have concerns or complaints regarding discrimination issues, there is a system in place to do so. Your first point of contact is the Camp Director at (307) 587-5885 or 870 North Fork Hwy Cody, WY 82414. Should that fail to resolve the issue or if the issue is with the Camp Director, contact Matt Myers, Scout Executive, at (307) 234-7329 or 3939 Casper Mountain Road, Casper, Wyoming 82601.

Lost and Found Lost and found items are kept in the camp office until the end of camp. They are then brought to the Council Service Center. All items not claimed by October 15 will be donated to a local charity. Please encourage your boys to take home their gear and encourage parents to ensure their child’s items are marked with his name and troop number.

Laundry Facilities There are no laundry facilities available for campers at Camp Buffalo Bill.

Provisional Troop We can make arrangements for Scouts who are unable to attend camp with their troop. Contact the Council Service Center for more information.

Camp Map

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Family Camping Area Given our location close to Yellowstone Park, we host a number of non-Scout family campers each year. To accommodate them, we have established a small family camping area. All rules applicable to the troop campsites are applicable to the family camp, including no food. Families may use the shower facilities according to the posted shower schedule. For family members who would prefer to rough it with maid service, there are several lodges in the area that can accommodate them.

Visitors Parents and families of Scouts are invited to visit the camp on Friday evenings for dinner and the closing campfire. Extra meals can be purchased from the Camp Clerk and must be purchased no later than Wednesday evening. Meals are $5.00 per person. Visitors must park in the parking lot.

Mail Campers can send and receive mail daily during their stay at CBB. Incoming mail will be available at the trading post. Mail should be sent a few days earlier than the intended delivery date. Mail received after a unit has checked out will be returned to the sender. Outgoing mail can be dropped off at the trading post in the mail drop box. The mailing address for campers is:

Scout Name – Troop Number Camp Buffalo Bill 870 North Fork Highway Cody, WY 82414

Phones Camp Buffalo Bill’s office phone is for business and emergency use only. The number for emergencies is (307) 587-5885. There is a pay phone available for campers to call home. This phone requires a calling card. There is no mobile phone coverage at CBB.

Wednesday is Troop Tour Day At Camp Buffalo Bill, we designate Wednesday as a flexible troop day. Many troops spend the day hiking in Yellowstone or visiting the historic sites in Cody, Wyoming. Other troops choose to remain in camp for open boating, open shooting, or special merit badges (available by appointment). Road lunches are available for those Troops leaving camp on Wednesday. Lunch arrangements for Wednesday must be made by Tuesday Breakfast. Early Breakfast is not available. Dinner will be held until 7PM.

Friday is Order of the Arrow Day

Those Order of the Arrow members of your troop may wear their OA sash Friday.

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Leader Opportunities Although Camp Buffalo Bill exists for youth, opportunities are available for the adult leaders. Safe swim defense, Safety afloat, Climb on Safely, Trek Safely, Leave no Trace and Youth Protection are offered each week. Other training opportunities may be available upon request.

Troop Shoots, Troop Boating etc. Troops may sign up for troop shoots, troop boating at the pond, or other group uses of program areas during free time or Wednesday.

Evening Programs On Sunday evening, the staff will put on an opening campfire. On Friday evening, the troops will be responsible for putting on the closing campfire. We ask that each unit prepare a skit or song for this campfire. Monday night each troop guide will visit the campsite. On Tuesdays, your troop guides will facilate an inter-troop campfire with another troop, normally from a different state. On Thursdays, we will have our Dutch Oven Iron Chef Dessert Cook-off. Friday evening will also feature our Recycle Regatta Competition. Campwide games will occur Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and a self-guided Honor Trail on Wednesday evenings. In addition, we encourage troops to run their own evening activities according to their own troop’s needs and goals.

Trading Post

We operate a Trading Post for your convenience. Souvenirs, comfort items, craft and merit badge supplies, camping equipment, toilitries, BSA literature, and snack bar are available. Any food purchased in the Trading Post must be eaten either at the Trading Post or in the dinning facility. We accept Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. It is suggested that the Scouts bring an additional $40 for merit badge supplies, snacks, souvenirs, and Trading Post items.

Conservation The Boy Scout program stresses the conservation of our natural heritage. We have become more active in preserving the very lands we use and love so much. Camp Buffalo Bill encourages each troop to spend at least one hour on a conservation project. It will improve camp and reinforce in a Scout’s mind the need to care for things, especially the environment. The nature director, Camp Director or Ranger will provide conservation projects and project direction.

Climate The weather is characterized by large shifts in temperature. Mornings are generally chilly or cold ranging from 25 to 50 degrees. Afternoons may get as high as 90 degrees. The air is dry and many people experience dry skin and chapped lips. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Campers should be sure to stay hydrated and wear plenty of sunscreen!

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Troop Check List ! Patrol Leader Council meets to determine camp date and location. Unit Committee

approves the plans. ! Campsite reservation is made with the Greater Wyoming Council. Deposit fee and High

Adventure program fees are paid. ! Parent’s night program is conducted to inform parents of summer camp plans. ! At least one adult leader (over 21 years old) is schedule to be in charge of the troop at all

times, and at least one assistant (18 year old or older) is scheduled. ! Scouts commit themselves to camp attendance and pay fee deposit. Those who cannot

attend should make plans to attend with another troop. ! Scouts are provided with a personal needs list. ! A BSA health and medical form is completed for each Scout and adult who plan to

attend. It is required that BSA medical forms be used. Give us a copy. We recommend bringing a set of copies in a 3-ring binder. You should keep the originals.

! Side trips and excursions are planned, and transportation is arranged. ! All fees are paid to the Central Wyoming Council by May 1, 2015. ! Unit Swim checks are conducted. ! Troop records for advancement are checked and each Scout arranges his schedule for the

week. ! All Scouts and adults are officially registered as members of the Boy Scouts of America

prior to camp. ! Arrangements are made for Proof of insurance (to be shown at check-in) ! An approved BSA local or national tour permit is secured. ! Clean equipment to remove any possible food smells. ! Troop camping equipment is ready and packed for camp use. ! Special requests are communicated to the camp at least two weeks prior to arrival at

camp. ! Hold a “shake down” meeting to check each Scout’s equipment. ! Pack all equipment.

*This is not an all inclusive list and is provided only as a guide

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Individual Equipment* Suggested Equipment ! Air Mattress or pad ! Canteens or water bottles (1 quart each) ! Comb ! Flashlight/Headlamp & extra batteries ! Official Scout Field Uniform ! OA Sash ! Hat ! Hiking boots ! Sunscreen ! Insect repellent ! Jacket or sweater ! BSA Annual Health & Medical Record ! Merit badge supplies ! Pack or duffel bag ! Pajamas ! Pants ! Pencil & notebook ! Pocket knife ! Scout Handbook ! Shirts ! Sleeping bag ! Soap ! Socks

! Spending money ($50.00 suggested) ! Swimsuit ! T-shirts ! Toothbrush and toothpaste ! Towels and washcloth ! Underwear

Optional Gear

! Compass ! Fishing gear ! Laundry bag ! Photo gear ! Sewing kit ! Sharpening stone ! Sunglasses

Leave at Home

" Sheath knives " Fireworks " Firearms/ammunition " Wrist rockets " Radios, Walkie-Talkies " CD/MP3 Players " Video games

* Mark all equipment and clothing with your name and troop number. * This is not an all inclusive list and is provided only as a guide. * High Adventure Participants should consult the packing list in the YHAO Guidebook (available on website)

Suggested Troop Equipment ! Lanterns & Fuel ! Large Troop Shade/Rain Fly or

Tarp ! Blue Cards or Merit Badge

Check Sheets ! Dutch Oven(s) ! Special ingredients for

Scoutmaster Dutch Oven Dessert Cookoff

! Sunscreen ! Bug Spray ! Sewing/Repair Kit

! Troop First Aid Kit ! Duct Tape ! Parachute Cord ! Pioneering Rope ! Troop Axe & Bow Saw ! Matches ! Set of Two Way Radios ! Favorite Song & Campfire Skit ! Pack or duffel bag ! Sharpie Markers

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Fishing Even if you don’t plan to participate in the fishing or fly fishing merit badges at Camp Buffalo Bill, you should consider doing some fishing while here. Our canoe pond and the North Fork of the Shoshone River provide great fishing for bait and fly fishermen. Fishing is allowed at the canoe pond outside of the waterfront area when merit badge classes are not in session, so see the aquatics director before fishing there. You must also observe the Wyoming fishing regulations. • Fishing licenses are required for resident and nonresident anglers 14 years old or older. • Resident youth under 14 do not need a license and their creel limit is the same as those

requiring a license. • Nonresident youth under 14 do not need a license, if accompanied by an adult possessing a

valid Wyoming fishing license; however, the nonresident youth’s creel limit shall be applied to and limited by the fishing license held by the adult person in his/her company. (Those boys under the age of 14, working on the Fishing and Fly-Fishing merit badges will fish under the Nature Director or merit badge counselor’s license.)

• Full fishing regulations are available here: http://wgfd.wyo.gov/web2011/Departments/Fishing/pdfs/WYFISHINGREGS_1415_BROCHURE0004975.pdf.

Because of the bear restrictions at camp all fish caught will have to be released. We can make special arrangements for those boys taking the fishing merit badge, so they can keep and cook the required fish. Note: We do not sell fishing licenses at camp. They may be purchased at the Red Barn Store in Wapiti, in Cody at Wal-Mart or online at: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/elso/elsowelcome.aspx

Fishing License Fees for 2015: • Resident Annual Fishing license..........................................................................$24 • Resident Daily Fishing License* ...........................................................................$6 • Resident Youth Fishing License (between 14th & 18th birthdays).......................$3 • Nonresident Annual Fishing License...................................................................$92 • Nonresident Daily Fishing License*....................................................................$14 • Nonresident Youth Annual Fishing License (between 14th and 18th birthdays) $15 • Conservation Stamp........................................................................................$12.50 * A conservation stamp is not required for this license.

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Local Information For the most up to date trip planning resources, a list of nearby guest lodges, airport and ground transportation options, and Yellowstone tour tips, please use our visitor resources page: http://campbuffalobill.com/about/yellowstone-area-resources/ Attractions and Entertainment

• Cody Chamber of Commerce (800) 393-2639. http://www.codychamber.org/ • Yellowstone Valley Chamber of Commerce: http://www.yellowstonecountry.org/ • Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center - Highway 14/16 at the east end of Buffalo Bill

Reservoir. Open 8 am to 8 pm during the camping season. No admission charge. (307) 527-6076. www.BBDVC.org.

• Buffalo Bill Center of the West - 720 Sheridan Avenue. Open 8 am to 6 pm. Group rates by request. (307) 587-4771. http://centerofthewest.org

• Cody Nite Rodeo - Yellowstone highway in Cody. 8:30 nightly http://www.codynightrodeo.com/

Campgrounds US Forest Service Campgrounds in the Shoshone National Forest can be reserved through www.recreation.gov Yellowstone National Park National Park Service Visitor Services Office PO Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 (307) 344-7381, www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm The preceding list is for your information and does not constitute an endorsement by Camp Buffalo Bill, the Greater Wyoming Council or the Boy Scouts of America

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Eagle Quest—CBB First Year Program Our Eagle Quest First Year Program is specifically designed for young and new scouts. The program focuses on basic skills for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class rank advancement. Each scout should bring his own handbook so that the Eagle Quest director can sign off on individual requirements. The Eagle Quest program meets during Merit Badge Sessions A and B. During the afternoon session, the scouts should sign up for an additional merit badge. Eagle Quest participants often form their own patrols for the week. They usually lead a song at a mealtime ceremony and sometimes do a flag ceremony for the camp. They may also have their own special evening campfire program (on an off-night when there is no camp-wide campfire). If your troop has many boys participating in the first year program, it is suggested that you also provide a scoutmaster to help out in the first year program area.

New for 2015: Eagle Quest will offer the beginnings of camping, cooking, and personal fitness merit badges during open program area time. Tuesday evening will have the first year program conducting a “troop” campfire and orienteering class. The following is a list of rank requirements normally covered in the Eagle Quest program. There may be some slight variation from week to week.

Tenderfoot

4a, 4b, 4c, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12a, 12b, 13.

Second Class

1a, 1b. 2, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 4, 6, 7a, 7b, 7c, 9b, 10, 11,

First Class

2. 5. 6. 7a. 7b. 8a. 8b. 8c. 8d. 11. 12.

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Merit Badge Program Scouts will work on rank advancement through the Camp Buffalo Bill's Merit Badge Program, unless they registered to participate in the Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost Program. Scouts in the merit badge program will attend three merit badge sections daily (Wednesdays excluded).

• Session A 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM • Session B 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM • Session C 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

In some cases, it is possible to earn two merit badges during one session. In these cases, complementary merit badges (such as Indian Lore and Archaeology) are paired together. Scouts should arrive at their merit badge sessions on Mondays with appropriately-filled out blue cards for their badges. If they are attending a session including two badges, they will need to bring two blue cards for that session. Blue cards are on sale at the Trading Post, but troops may also want to bring them prepared from home. Merit badge registration takes place on Sunday night in the Dining Hall. Each program area will have a different registration table. Merit badge classes may be capped at the discretion of the area director. Aquatics, Shooting Sports, Metalworking, and Handicrafts classes are normally capped between 12-16 scouts. Other badges can accommodate 20-25 scouts. There should be enough spots to accommodate most scouts in their first choices, but it never hurts to have a back-up option for each session. We try to keep our class sizes low so that each scout can have a quality learning experience in every badge! Open Program Area: Some scouts may wish to complete additional merit badges during Open Program Area, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM daily. Please coordinate these efforts with each individual area director. Some merit badges, such as Art or Mammal Study, can easily be completed during a couple of Open Program Area slots. Other merit badges, such as Environmental Science or Canoeing, cannot be completed during such a limited time. In addition, if a scout is behind in a merit badge class, he can use Open Program Area to catch-up and get extra assistance. Normally, Open Program Area on Fridays is reserved for scouts who are completing merit badges from Sessions A, B, and C. Otherwise, scouts are free to visit an area and try out fun activities, such as canoeing, tomahawk-throwing, insect-pinning, and archery. Wednesday Merit Badges: Merit badges on Wednesdays are available by appointment and based on demand. Please consult with the Program Director at the Scoutmaster meeting on Monday or Tuesday to set up a plan for your troop if you plan to stay in camp Wednesday. We are able to schedule open shoots at the ranges and open boating at the pond, as well as Wednesday editions of popular merit badges (usually shorter badges such as Mammal Study or Indian Lore). In recent years, we have also offered a few *special* merit badges on Wednesdays, such as Game Design and Moviemaking.

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We normally will not open an area for an individual scout on Wednesdays—please make sure that at least 3 or 4 scouts are interested in signing up for any given Wednesday activity. Age and Skill Requirements: In order to participate in any aquatics merit badge, a scout must arrive with a completed swim checks. These swim checks CANNOT be completed upon arrival at camp. Scouts planning to use the pond should also bring water shoes (or old tennis shoes that can get wet). A few badges have minimum age requirements:

• Chemistry (age 14) • Fly Fishing (age 14) • Metalworking (age 13)

A few badges also have prerequisites:

• Art: visit an art museum prior to arrival at camp • Bird Study/Nature: build a bird feeder and observe the birds that visit it for one month • Emergency Preparedness: scouts must already have the First Aid merit badge • Woodcarving: scouts must already have their Tot-n Chit.

A few merit badges cannot normally be completed at camp:

• Camping: requirements 9a, 9b cannot be completed at camp • Emergency Preparedness: requirements 2c, 6c, 9a, 9b must be completed at home after

camp Several merit badges require scouts to bring their own supplies to camp:

• First Aid: bring own first aid kit to camp • Fishing: bring own fishing gear to camp • Fly Fishing: bring own fly fishing gear to camp, Fly Fishing kit available at trading post

(~ $40) • Metalwork: bring long pants and sturdy shoes to camp • Photography: bring digital camera, connector cord, and SD card to camp • Wilderness Survival: bring personal wilderness survival kit to camp

Please see the chart below for specifics concerning each merit badge. Scouts should plan ahead to purchase the supplies for certain merit badges (handicrafts badges, Indian Lore/Archeology, Metalwork, and Archery) at the Trading Post. For some handicrafts badges, each scout can choose between several different kit options, affecting the total cost. See the link below for detailed requirements for each merit badge: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/boyscouts/advancementandawards/meritbadges.aspx.

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MERIT BADGE OFFERINGS

Merit Badge Program Area Session Cost* Notes Canoeing Aquatics A, B, C bring completed swim check and water

shoes (or old tennis shoes) Rowing Aquatics A, B, C bring completed swim check and water

shoes (or old tennis shoes) Fishing Fishing A, B, C bring own fishing gear to camp; if over

14 have own WY fishing license Fly Fishing Fishing A, B, C must be age 14 or older; bring own fly

fishing gear to camp; have own WY fishing license

Art Handicrafts A, C pair with leatherworking; visit an art museum before coming to camp

Basketry Handicrafts B $17-$22 Leatherwork Handicrafts A, C $4-$17 pair with art Photography Handicrafts B bring digital camera, connector cord, and

SD card to camp Woodcarving Handicrafts A, C $4-$6 must have Tot-n chit prior to first class American Her. Living History A Archaeology Living History B pair with Indian lore Indian Lore Living History B $13.75 pair with archaeology Metalwork Living History A, B, C $1.75 must be age 13 or older; bring pants and

sturdy shoes Public Speaking Living History C Astronomy Nature C pair with weather Bird Study Nature A pair with nature badge; build a bird

feeder and observe it for a month prior to camp

Chemistry Nature C must be age 14 or older Env. Science Nature A EAGLE REQUIRED BADGE Forestry Nature C pair with mammal study Geology Nature B pair with soil & water Insect Study Nature B Mammal Study Nature C pair with forestry Nature (badge) Nature A pair with bird study; build a bird feeder

and observe it for a month prior to camp Oceanography Nature B Soil & Water Nature B pair with geology Weather Nature C pair with astronomy Camping Scout Skills A EAGLE REQUIRED BADGE;

requirements 9a, 9b cannot be completed at camp

Emergency Preparedness

Scout Skills B EAGLE REQUIRED BADGE; First aid is a prerequisite; requirements 2c, 6c, 9a,

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Merit Badge Program Area Session Cost* Notes 9b must be completed after camp

First Aid Scout Skills C EAGLE REQUIRED BADGE; bring own first aid kit to camp

Geocaching Scout Skills B pair with orienteering Medicine Scout Skills C Orienteering Scout Skills B pair with geocaching Pioneering Scout Skills A Search & Rescue

Scout Skills A

Wild. Survival Scout Skills C bring personal survival kit to camp Archery Shooting

Sports A, B, C $6

Rifle Shooting Sports

A, B, C in-class shoots free

$2 per target w/ 10 rounds for any shooting outside of class time

* Extra cost for these badges is variable for kit supplies available at the trading post.

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CBB Week at a Glance Note: This schedule is a sample and is subject to change

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Polar Bear 06:30

7:15

Cont. Breakfast 6:30-8:30

7:30 Flags 7:30 7:45

8:00

Breakfast 7:45-8:30

8:30

9:00

9:30

10:00

MB Section A-1 9:00-10:30

MB Section A-2 9:00-10:30

MB Section A-3 9:00-10:30

MB Section A-4 9:00-10:30

10:30

Campsite Cleanup, Checkout 7:30-9:00

11:00

11:30

12:00

MB Section B-1 10:45-12:15

SM Mtg 11:00

MB Section B-2 10:45-12:15

SM Mtg 11:00

9:00 All program areas open by appointment

MB Section B-3 10:45-12:15

SM Mtg 11:00

MB Section B-4 10:45-12:15

SM Mtg 11:00

SPL Meeting 12:20 @ Dining Hall 12:30 Assembly 12:30

1:00

Camp Staff Off Duty

Lunch 12:45-1:30

Camp Staff off Duty

1:30

2:00

2:30

2:00 Unit Check In Camp Set Up Camp Tours

3:00

MB Section C-1 1:45-3:15

MB Section C-2 1:45-3:15

MB Section C-3 1:45-3:15

MB Section C-4 1:45-3:15

3:30

YHAO Orientation Meeting

@Tate-Daniels Porch

4:00

Open Area 3:30-4:30

Open Area 3:30-4:30

All program areas open by

appointment

Open Area 3:30-4:30

Open Area 3:30-4:30

4:30

5:00

Unit Check In Camp Set Up Camp Tours Free Time 4:30-5:15

Flags 5:20 5:30

6:00

Dinner 5:30-6:30

6:30

7:00

7:30

Recycle Regatta 7:00

MB Registration, Q&A

@Dining Hall

Mandatory Bear Talk 7:00

@ Dining Hall

Camp Wide Games 7:00 Woodbadge

Gathering 7:00

Camp Wide Games 7:00

8:00 SM Flop Off

8:30

Honor Trail 7:30-9:00

@ Campfire Ring

Troop Guide campfires 8:30-9:30

First Year Campfire 8:00

Yellowstone Flag Retrieval 8:00

SM Dutch Oven Dessert Cook-off

7:00-9:00

9:00

Opening Campfire 8:30 (Meet @ Dining Hall)

9:30

Inter-Troop Campfires 9-10

Troop Campfires Wilderness Survival Hike

Troop Campfires

Closing Camp Fire, Awards 8:30 (Meet @ Dining

Hall)

OA Social 9:30

10:00 Quiet Hours 10:00-06:30

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The Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost provides three, unique, five-day high adventure experiences each week for campers at Camp Buffalo Bill. Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost participants must be at least 13, and have completed the eighth grade prior to participation. High Adventure Participants must have filled out parts A, B and C of their physical form. Additionally, the physician should review part D of the form. Each camper’s physical condition will be reviewed by the High Adventure Director and Camp Medic using Philmont’s hiking standards to insure all hikers are physically prepared. Please refer to the Philmont webpage if you have questions about the standards. Participants will check into the Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost at the beginning of the week and will stay at YHAO basecamp for the entire week. YHAO is an exclusive program. Participants will not have time to take merit badge classes outside of those specifically offered through high adventure. The Yellowstone High Adventure Outpost has three core areas: Rock Climbing, Whitewater Rafting and Wilderness Trekking. Participants will choose one of the three areas to participate in for the week. A full program description, gear lists, waiver form etc. is available in the YHAO Guidebook, available online YHAO participants must pre-register for the high adventure program of their choice before arriving at camp. Participants must read and return a signed risk advisory statement found in the YHAO Guidebook. Parent/guardian approval is required if the participant is under age 18. High Adventure participants should come equipped as noted in the YHAO Guidebook’s gear checklist for all three activities in case their first choice is not available or is full.

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Yellowstone Backpacking YHAO is pleased to offer treks in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Treks are each 5 days long and cover approximately 35-45 miles. Crew size is limited to 8-10 participants including any adults depending on the itinerary. Please check the availability and rates page of campbuffalobill.com for weekly trek caps. 2015 Itineraries will be available after March 15, 2015. A full curriculum in Leave No Trace including camping and traveling in bear country will be thought along the trail. In addition, scouts will learn about the natural history of our nation’s first national park while traveling through what 98% of park visitors will never see. Trek participants must arrive on Sunday afternoon by 3:00 as they leave for the trail first thing Monday morning. Come prepared with all the gear listed on our trek gear checklist. Our staff will conduct a shakedown on Sunday afternoon. Those who aren’t properly equipped will not be allowed on the trek. A limited quantity of loaner equipment is available.

Absaroka Backpacking Our signature program. The Absaroka (Ab-zor-kuh) backpacking program was developed around Leave No Trace. Participants hike between 7-10 miles a day through the 704,529 acres of the Washakie Wilderness, some of the most remote territory in the Lower 48. This area ranges in elevation from 6400 to more than 13,000 feet. Our treks have a distinct wilderness flavor that is not found in other high adventure programs. Come prepared with all the gear listed in the YHAO Guidebook. Our staff will conduct a shakedown on Sunday afternoon. Those who aren’t properly equipped will not be allowed on the trek. Scouts should bring a small personal first aid kit for minor cuts and scrapes. A large, crew first aid kit will be provided by YHAO. The weather on this hike can vary greatly. Morning can be below freezing and afternoons can be as high as 90 degrees. Rain, snow, and hail are possible. The air is quite dry and many hikers experience dry skin and chapped lips. Each camper’s physical condition will be reviewed by the High Adventure Director and Camp Medic using Philmont’s hiking standards to insure all hikers are physically prepared. Please refer to the Philmont webpage if you have questions about the standards.

Rock Climbing

Climbers will participate in an intensive program that takes scouts on climbing routes and boulder problems ranging from 5.0 to 5.12 in difficulty on granite, limestone and dolomite throughout the Shoshone Canyon. Our indoor rock wall is also utilized in the beginning stages of the program or during inclement weather. Additional climbing time on the wall may be scheduled in the evenings. Participants will complete the requirements for the Climbing Merit

23

Badge and most of the requirements for the Venturing Ranger Mountaineering elective. In addition, participants will be introduced to anchor building and placing natural and artificial protection. Climbers are most comfortable in loose fitting, athletic type clothing and must have rain gear, two-1 quart water bottles, a day pack, and sunscreen. Participants may bring their own climbing harness and shoes. YHAO supplies harnesses, shoes, helmets and all climbing hardware.

Whitewater Rafting* Rafters will explore the entire 40 runnable miles of the North Fork of the Shoshone River. In addition, rafters will float the Main Shoshone below Buffalo Bill Dam. These rivers range from Class II to IV in difficulty. Topics covered will include raft rigging, whitewater paddling, water rescue, reading the water and scouting rapids, river camping and river Leave No Trace. This program covers most of the Whitewater Merit Badge and Venturing Ranger Watercraft elective. Rafters will want to wear shoes or secure sandals (no flip-flops, closed toed sandals are preferred), shorts, and a T-shirt or swimwear and a brimmed hat for this activity. They will get very, very wet. Participants should also bring a second “dry” pair of shoes for time off the river. If you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, a retainer strap is highly recommended. YHAO provides splash jackets, PFD’s and helmets. *Rafting is river flow dependent and is not available after mid-July. Participants in the rafting program must have passed their swim test and be classified as a “swimmer”

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Unit Swim Classification Record Swim tests are not available at Camp Buffalo Bill. In order for a Scout to participate in aquatics activities, he must have a swim test prior to camp. Although swim tests are conducted away from camp, the Aquatics Director shall at all times reserve the authority to review or retest all participants to assure the standards have been maintained. This form must be in the Aquatic Director’s possession before your Scouts will be allowed to participate in aquatics activities.

Unit Swim Classification Record

This is the individual’s swim classification as of this date

. Any change in status after this date (i.e., nonswimmer to beginner or beginner to swimmer) would require a reclassification test performed by an approved test administrator. Changes and corrections to the following chart should be initialed and dated by the test administrator.

SPECIAL NOTE

: When swim tests are conducted away from camp, the camp aquatics director retains the right to review or retest any or all participants to ensure that standards have been maintained.

Unit Number _________________ Date of Swim Test _______________

Full Name (Print) Medical Swim Classification(Draw lines through blank spaces.) Recheck Nonswimmer Beginner Swimmer

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

NAME OF PERSON CONDUCTING THE TEST:

_______________________________________ _______________________________________ Print Name Signature

_______________________________________ _______________________________________ Qualification Council/Agency (Red Cross, YMCA, etc.)

UNIT LEADER: ______________________________________ ____________________________________ Print Name Signature

430-122 (OVER) Revised: March 2009

SWIM CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURES

The swim classification of individuals participating in a Boy Scouts of America activity is a key element in both Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. The swim classification tests should be renewed annually, preferably at the beginning of each outdoor season. Traditionally, the swim classification test has only been conducted at a long-term summer camp. However, there is no restriction that this be the only place the test can be conducted. It may be more useful to conduct the swim classification prior to a unit going to summer camp.

All persons participating in BSA aquatics are classified according to swimming ability. The classification tests and test procedures have been developed and structured to demonstrate a skill level consistent with the circumstances in which the individual will be in the water (e.g., the swimmer’s test demonstrates the minimum level of swimming ability for recreational and instructional activity in a confined body of water with a maximum 12-foot depth).

ADMINISTRATION OF SWIM CLASSIFICATION TEST (THE LOCAL COUNCIL CHOOSES ONE OF THESE OPTIONS

):

OPTION A (at camp):

The swim classification test is completed the first day by camp aquatics personnel.

OPTION B (Council conducted/council controlled):

The council controls the swim classification process by predetermined dates, locations, and approved personnel to serve as test administrators. When the unit goes to summer camp, each individual will be issued a buddy tag under the direction of the camp aquatics director for use at the camp.

OPTION C (At unit level with council-approved aquatics resource people):

The swim classification test done at a unit level should be conducted by one of the following council-approved resource people: Aquatics Instructor, BSA; Aquatics Cub Supervisor; BSA Lifeguard; BSA Swimming & Water Rescue; or other lifeguard, swimming instructor, etc. When the unit goes to summer camp, each individual will be issued a buddy tag under the direction of the camp aquatics director for use at the camp.

TO THE TEST ADMINISTRATOR

The various components of each test evaluate the several skills essential to the minimum level of swimming ability. Each step of the test is important and should be followed as listed below: SWIMMER’S TEST: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating. BEGINNER’S TEST: Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place.