compdcd

I'm not too familiar with the newest Red Cross requirements, but having been certified in the past as Red Cross, YMCA, and BSA, I really think that the BSA LIfeguard Cert is by far the most difficult of the three. Years ago, Red Cross and Y were more difficult, but these have gotten less challenging as the BSA classes have gotten more difficult. A lot of this also depends on the instructor. When I am teaching BSA Lifeguard I like to include different rescues and styles from all three. I think that Red Cross excels in teaching rescues with krescue tubes, while the Y and the BSA so a great job in teaching unassisted rescues. So overall, I have to go with the BSA program, and there's mothing wrong with adding a little extra instruction in if you think it's necessary.

Greetings, everyone! I am a Norhtern Region Camp School veteran who is attending his first camp school in the Southern Region. I will be attending the Aquatics Director section at Cherokee Scout Reservation in May. I am looking for information on either Cherokee itself, or if anyone out there has attended camp school there I would love some info on that, too. Thanks alot, compdcd

Kelley, that couldn't have been said any better Thank you

"piercings on men, including Pirates, is an obvious sign of anti-social behavior and has no place in scouting. Piercings on boys is an obvious sign of irresponsible anti-social parenting and regardless shouldnt be allowed to be worn during scout functions." If we're on the subject of anecdotal evidence,Dedicated Dad, could you show me the hard facts to back this little quote up? Anyone that relies on personal experience is hardly using what would be considered anecdotal evidence. I think it may be a little overboard to equate someone with a tongue, ear, or eyebrow piercing to a Scout who wants to parade aroung a Scout meeting in a dress. And, to go backwards a little bit, if these kids are truly exhibiting anti-social tendencies, should we not, as Scouters, be doing our best to encourage growth and development in these kids instead of immediately blocking them out?

I haven't been on the site for a little while, and when I came back and saw the thread for a discussion on earrings, I immediately had to read. You see, the idea of earrings has recently come up in conversation with the management of our Council's summer camp. Our policy has always been one of non-interference. However, we are in the process of considering a "no earrings" rule for our staff. I had hoped to read some refreshing points of view on the subject, which I did. However, Dedicated Dad and Chippewa29, I was surprised with the feelings you both had on the subject.I only hope that your feelings are truly personal and not foisted on the troops you work with. In the past 13 years that I have worked with the youth staff of a summer camp, never once have I seen any difference in the behavior of kids with piercings versus kids without. In fact, it is that idea of being different and standing out that has made some of these kids the best of the best with whom I've worked. The statement that 99% of the children that I've seen with piercings are behavior problems is nothing more than a self-fulfilling prophecy, that creates the bad behavior by treating those kids differently. On the bright side for me, after reading this thread, I can make up my mind that our rules should not be changed. So thanks for that, everyone!

Well, cjmiam, I've already gone the Camp Director and Program Director Route, and worked for two years as each. But neither of these positions was as personally fulfiling to me as working with kids. Years ago I was an Aquatics Instructor and absolutely loved the work. This just seemed like a great way to end my time at camp.

I am a 13 - year veteran of the summer camp game who's going back for one more. While I have taken camp schools(4 of them) in the Northeast, I'm looking for a change of pace for my last cert in Aquatics. I would gratly appreciate if anyone could send in information about camp schools that have Aquatics Director programs happening before June in the Southern and Central regions.

I have recently been invited to present one of my camp staff his Eagle badge and Eagle charge. I havew heard a variety of charges and openings for Eagle presentations, and I would like some of the favorites. Thanks, compdcd

Just a little story about my experience with a pine-sol and chlorine firestarter. A few years ago, my crack Commissioner staff decided to try this method for the opening campfire. They were successful, but the first 10 rows of the fire circle filled with a noxious, green smoke. So, if you're going to try this method again, please make sure you're in a very ventilated area.