Council too busy for Polar Bear???

[noname]

We are in the NE USA, so yep we get we get snow. Our council does not have a polar bear program. I was told by council that they are too busy to put a program, requirements ect together. So is a scout council truly too busy to put together a program that consists of 3 requirements? Sleep out in the cold, cook in the cold and prepare for the cold?

Any thoughts? (This message has been edited by a staff member.)

[noname]

Sorry meant to put in the Council relations stuff.

[NealOnWheels]

There is nothing stopping a unit from doing it on their own.

 

Define your own rules and provide your own recognition whether it be a patch or a certificate.

[qwazse]

Sleep out in the cold, cook in the cold and prepare for the cold?

Sounds like a routine to us. Do we really need a program?

 

If you find a couple of volunteers who would be willing to help make it work over the long term, present them to council and you might have a program.

 

 

[SR540Beaver]

Polar bear isn't a BSA or council program. It's just a patch you can purchase to recognize cold weather campers under your unit's own rules. Each unit does their own thing around here. The basic rule of thumb is that it has to get cold enough for unprotected (bucket, bottle, etc.) water in camp to freeze overnight.

[shortridge]

In some areas, it is a formal program, often known by other names. In some areas, it's not.

 

But there's certainly nothing stopping a unit or a district from making its own thing. The council leadership may have other priorities.

 

See these threads for some background and info that may help get one started:

 

http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=53688

 

http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=295964

 

http://www.scouter.com/forums/viewThread.asp?threadID=219045(This message has been edited by shortridge)

[structuralrik]

"Polar bear isn't a BSA or council program"

 

Some councils do have an official program.

 

http://www.denverboyscouts.org/openrosters/docdownload.aspx?ID=71952

 

[SR540Beaver]

Yes they do, but it is at the option of the council and not a requirement of national to the local councils. Individual Program Directors might choose to have a formal council sponsered PB program, but many don't. If someone's council doesn't, than your unit can buy the patches and make up their own requirements. The troop I'm with awards multiple PB's and tracks them. They only give you one patch, but keep track of how many nights you camped below freezing and mention it at COH's.

[noname]

thanks for all of the tips. I just like to go by the book in case something happens I am somewhat covered. Thanks again-

[ScoutNut]

What "book"?

 

Doesn't your Troop do outdoor activities on their own?

 

As others have stated, get your PLC together and see if a PB outing is something they would like to plan for the Troop. Then help them do it.

 

You do not need your council/district to do your program for you.