BLUE MOUNTAIN MEN PROGRAM

This program is designed specifically for the First-Year Camper- those transitioning from Webelos and those who recently joined and have almost no Scouting experience and/or background. The program teaches the Patrol Method, basic Scout skills, and gets boys excited about Scouting. 

 Primarily, the purpose of the BMM program is to properly train scouts in the essential outdoor skills they need to have successful experiences when camping with their troop.  This is done through hands-on practice, games, and demonstrations.  Scouts will receive a bead for the thong on their walking stave for each rank requirement skill he masters. Walking staves are available through the Trading post, or Scouts can find one in the woods. The BMM staff keeps a record of all requirements that are covered throughout the week, and the unit leader gets a report card at the end of the week. Please note that the BMM staff does not "sign-off" the requirements for rank advancement- that is up to the unit leader.

 This being the single largest program our camp offers, troop level involvement coupled with proper staffing and supervision is highly important.  We are asking for troops that have 3 or more boys in the program to provide at least one leader to help supervise throughout the day. Do you have a relatively new leader in the troop with little or no outdoor camping skills? This is an excellent opportunity for him or her to learn right along with the boys, while providing some much needed supervision.

 A typical day will be spent learning skills and playing games that help them retain what they have learned. Every day during the 3^rd class period, the BMM Scouts have exclusive use of the pool and work with our aquatics staff to develop and practice swimming, safety and rescue skills. During the last period of the day, the boys have the opportunity to work on any of 3 merit badges. While we do not emphasize merit badges in this program, BMM Scouts have the opportunity to choose from Leatherwork, Basketry or Mammal Study merit badges.

 The Patrol Method is the secret to the success of this program. Initially the scouts are divided into patrols of no more than 10-12 members. Each day a new Patrol Leader is elected and wears the patch of office. Each patrol is assigned a BMM staff member (Troop Guide), who will serve as mentor and instructor for the week. On Wednesday evening (weather permitting) the BMM scouts will participate in a special outpost camping experience complete with foil dinners (a.k.a. Silver Turtles) and a special campfire program. Participants are encouraged to bring their own tent or ground cloth / tarp. Finally, at the conclusion of the week, the Scoutmasters and Senior Patrol Leaders are invited to a special graduation ceremony that recognizes the Scouts and their accomplishments for the week. At that time they will receive a special patch to commemorate their participation.  

GREEN BAR SCOUT PROGRAM

This program is targeted at the older boy who has not yet reached First Class, and is in need of completing certain requirements that can be done while in camp. Any boy wishing to participate must be present at the Monday afternoon session at 4:00pm. The program is very flexible and Scouts need only attend those sessions that they need for advancement throughout the balance of the week. 

Scouts needing a specific requirement to be covered that we do not address in our program should talk to the BMM Director about individual counseling.  Scouts who are in this program are free to take Merit Badges during Periods 1 through 4.

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Last modified: 08/05/08