RememberSchiff Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 http://www.atvrideronline.com/newsfront/1203_atvp_boy_scouts_of_america_ads_atv_program/index.html "...BSA updated their camp standards to allow for ATV use at approved camps only. It adopted the ASI RiderCourse curriculum as the official training course for leader/instructors and Scouts. And it applied state-by-state requirements for age of operator and other applicable laws. Over 200 Boy Scouts participated in the pilot program. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. provided the ATVs -- including 150 vehicles for the 2012 camping season -- through its Rider Training Loan Program. Individual councils pay for helmets and safety gear. BSA Councils with ATV programs up and running are in 11 states: Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Councils in another 5 states -- Arkansas, California, Oregon, Maryland, and West Virginia -- are in the process of creating a program. At the approved summer camps, ASI-trained adult volunteers lead the ATV program. Scouts who choose to participate pay an extra $30 in their camp fee to include the week-long ATV activity. They attend the rider course for a few hours each day, completing the curriculum and ending the week with a trail ride or combination riding/camping experience. The councils that were most successful had trails, but they also took them out on a campout, said Wellen. They had them put their tents and gear on their ATVs, and they got to ride to a part of the property that nobody else got to camp in...." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crew21_Adv Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 Schiff, I read something similar last year regarding this pilot program. I believe jetskis are also being tested certain camps. To find out if ATV and Jetskis can be safely applied into a Scouting program. Let's hope BSA Safety can find some good, reliable guidelines, to expand some of the fun to motorized events!! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basementdweller Posted March 30, 2012 Share Posted March 30, 2012 I was initially opposed to it.... I went a visited a camp that was in the pilot and my PLC was very excited about it. It was an extra cost and the Scouts had to be 14. It is what they want and I am here to support it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nldscout Posted March 31, 2012 Share Posted March 31, 2012 well neither of these will happen at our council as both of these things. ATV's and Jet Ski's are prohibited by law in the wilderness area wher our camp is. Another knife in the back of traditional scouting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RememberSchiff Posted March 31, 2012 Author Share Posted March 31, 2012 Seems like bubba camping to me but I have not seen the program nor witnessed scout response. I would expect scouts to pick ATV over hiking . No nearby camps are doing this, but I found the following: Del-Mar-Va Council, Henson Scout Reservation (Delaware) , nice muddy photo, no additional cost http://www.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=17806&orgkey=1516 Erie Shores Council, Camp Frontier (Ohio), +$60 http://www.psrweb.org/ATV.html Equipment list to bring: long pants, long sleeve shirts, boots that cover your ankles, some mention gloves (riding, mechanics, etc.)??? My $0.02 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudu Posted March 31, 2012 Share Posted March 31, 2012 It is the Disneyland approach to outdoor adventure: Ban the "Real" Patrol Method, and replace it with theme park rides and attractions. Yours at 300 feet, Kudu http://kudu.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortridge Posted March 31, 2012 Share Posted March 31, 2012 The Delaware camp in the list actually refers to Henson Scout Reservation, in Maryland, part of the Del-Mar-Va Council. That's my home camp. There is a great trail system there ... but I sighed deeply when I read the notice from the council. In recent years, since I served on staff, the camp has added John Deere "gator"-style battery-powered vehicles to help staff ferry equipment around camp. In my day, we used to use hand-carts to haul our water jugs, boxes of rope, hatchets, etc., around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RememberSchiff Posted August 16, 2012 Author Share Posted August 16, 2012 "Minneapolis (August 15, 2012) - Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles, today announced the company has donated a total of 28 Polaris all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and safety gear to the Boy Scouts of America's Northern Star Council's Tomahawk Scout Reservation, the second largest Boy Scout camp in the nation, and the Northwoods Camp, run by The Salvation Army, the world-wide leader of social, youth and rehabilitative services. The donation, valued at $100,000, is part of Polaris' long-term partnerships with the two organizations, focused on youth ATV safety practices and outdoor sports. "Our partnerships with Boy Scouts of America and The Salvation Army offer outstanding opportunities to demonstrate how ATVs can be a positive educational tool for youth," said Scott Wine, Polaris CEO. "By introducing young people to the sport in a manner that emphasizes the importance of safety and responsible ATV ownership, Polaris can entice a new generation into the powersports community while providing a great experience for thousands of young people." The Boy Scouts of America's Northern Star Council's Tomahawk Scout Reservation, located in Birchwood, Wis., is the destination for approximately 6,500 Boy Scouts, Webelos and adult leaders every summer. The new ATV program at the camp encompasses all aspects of safe ATV operation and ATV maintenance. Boy Scouts enrolled in the program also have the opportunity to earn merit badges for their participation. " http://www.4-traders.com/POLARIS-INDUSTRIES-INC-14008/news/Polaris-Industries-Inc-POLARIS-INDUSTRIES-DONATES-0-000-IN-ALL-TERRAIN-VEHICLES-TO-LOCAL-YOUTH-14463520/ I still have my doubts but have not seen this program in action. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
00Eagle Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 Camp Somers (Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation, Patriots' Path Council) is one of (or the only) camps in NJ to offer the pilot program. I was there this summer with my troop and had two scouts old enough, but neither tried it. One had thought about it and I gave him a permission slip (the program was so new that they couldn't get the slip out before camp, so they authorized unit leaders to sign in the guardian block, provided they could get a verbal from their parents), but he didn't go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle732 Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 My council camp advertised ATVs for this past years campers but they were never there. The program was suppose to be a one day class on safety, maintenance, practice on a closed course and then a trail ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twocubdad Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 I've got probably 15 boys and two adults who have gone through the program and completed the certification, including a number who have done it twice. They love it. Basementdweller's got the right idea. I don't know how this is any different from water skiing or motorboating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twocubdad Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 I've got probably 15 boys and two adults who have gone through the program and completed the certification, including a number who have done it twice. They love it. Basementdweller's got the right idea. I don't know how this is any different from water skiing or motorboating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle732 Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 No problem with ATVs at camp. The problem I have is Council using flashing promotion adds, emails, asking leaders to spread the word the there will be an ATV program at camp this year and then........ NOTHING! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WasE61 Posted August 17, 2012 Share Posted August 17, 2012 I don't see much need for the "Disneyland" rides at camp. Just a way to give kids opportunities to be stupid and hurt/kill someone...maybe themselves. Training or no. Mine would likely not partake in it, since one of his all-time favorite teachers was turned into a paraplegic in an ATV accident several years ago. Darn shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hal_Crawford Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 I am against these things on a number of levels. How can we claim to be teaching and practicing Leave No Trace and encouraging the use of ATVs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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