COASTAL GEORGIA COUNCIL, BSA High Adventure Sea Kayak Program Brunswick, Georgia

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1 COASTAL GEORGIA COUNCIL, BSA High Adventure Sea Kayak Program Brunswick, Georgia Greetings Unit Leaders and Kayak Participants, Preparations for your Sea Kayaking Adventure are well underway at the Coastal Georgia Council s Camp Tolochee located in Brunswick, Georgia. We are excited to have each of you joining us for a spectacular trek expedition this season. In the following pages, special care has been taken to provide you with important and useful information to assist your group in preparation for a unique High Adventure experience. Prior to your visit with us, I would like to recommend several planning scenarios and activities that could be helpful as you prepare for your Sea Kayaking Trek. 1. Map & Compass Orientation. Skill development from the Orienteering MB requirements would be helpful. 2. Conduct a LEAVE NO TRACE Principles training session. Make use of the LNT principles on campouts and outings. 3. Make sure that every participant in your group meets the requirements for the BSA Swim Test. We recommend that all participants be strong swimmers. 4. Canoeing and Rowing. Plan a couple of activities on the water to offer boating watercraft and water safety experiences. 5. Physical Exercise. It is very important that each member of your group be in good physical condition. Develop and conduct a simple exercise and conditioning program. 6. Camping Experience. Your group will be camping at primitive campsites located on our barrier islands. We recommend that each participant have some camping experience. This is not the best setting for first time campers. 7. Personal Gear Shakedowns. Schedule a couple of personal gear shakedown sessions with your group to ensure that everyone understands the importance of being prepared with the correct gear. An official gear shakedown will be conducted on your first evening at camp before departing on your scheduled trek. Use the Personal Items Check List included in this publication. 8. Required Forms. You will find all the required forms necessary for your trek adventure listed in the forms section of this publication. Forms are also available for downloading and printing at our council website at the Sea Kayaking link. It is recommended that you conduct a forms distribution and review session with members of your contingent. The private property Hold Harmless Agreement Forms will require notarization by a registered Notary Public. Inviting a Notary Public to a scheduled meeting and have all the HHA witnessed and notarized at one time would make this process easier. The following forms are required for your group: a. BSA Proof of Accident Insurance coverage (issued by your local Council) b. BSA Activity Consent Form (required for youth under age 18) c. 2 copies -BSA Annual Health History Form (Parts A, B &C) Must be renewed every 12 months and be endorsed by a certified Healthcare Provider. d. Food Allergies & Religious Dietary Information Form (if applicable) It is very important that this form be returned by May 15 before your summer camp trek (a month before any other trek date) e. Council Hold Harmless Agreement Form (required by all) f. Creighton Island Hold Harmless Agreement Form (required by all). This form is for permission to use private property. It will be submitted to the land owner and must be notarized by a registered Notary Public. In closing, please let us know if we can help you with your preparations in any way. Questions are strongly encouraged, this will aid in helping you be as prepared as possible for your adventure. You may leave a message on my number below anytime. Please include numbers you may be reached at various times of the day. We are excited to be able to share this adventure with you and want to make it an experience you will always remember!!! Sea Ya On De Trail Cherie Gresham Trek Coordinator

2 TREK PROGRAM BASICS High Adventure is the highlight of Scouting s outdoor experiences. It appeals to, challenges, inspires and excites youth and adult leaders who participate. Scoutmasters and Crew Advisors must make it a priority to promote high adventure opportunities and to involve members of their units who are qualified for these elite outdoor activities. Young people today seek greater challenges to their physical and mental abilities. High adventure activities teach us that we are able to pull out that extra effort we need to successfully achieve our goals when completing an exhilarating outdoor experience. A high adventure trek is more than a scenic outdoor experience, more than a physical adventure. It is an experience in living and cooperating with others to meet exciting challenges. It is an opportunity to develop a better understanding of the wonders of nature around us. Sea Kayak Seasonal Workshops The Sea Kayaking program of the Coastal Georgia Council provides seasonal Kayak Workshops in the fall and spring annually. The scheduled workshops have been designed to provide opportunities for units and individuals to learn and practice the basic skills and requirements for trekking activities. In order to participate in any Sea Kayak Trek program, we require participants to attend a training workshop in preparation for day trips, overnighters and weekend treks. Our Summer Trek programs provide a 1 ½ to 2-day orientation training in preparation for all summer week-long treks. General Schedule THIS IS WHAT THE SEA KAYAKING PROGRAM IN THE COASTAL GEORGIA COUNCIL IS ALL ABOUT! THE TRUE JOY OF A HIGH ADVENTURE PROGRAM IS THE TOTAL IMMERSION IN A TEAM. AS A TEAM, WE LEARN NEW SKILLS, WORK TOGETHER TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES, DEVELOP NEW FRIENDSHIPS, AND BUILD LASTING MEMORIES. -Rufus Ellis Seasonal Workshops and Training Itinerary 9:00 Check in at the Fendig Hall Assignment to watches and program areas 9:30 Crews report to their assigned program areas 12:00 Lunchtime. Information Class General overview of forms and requirements Fendig Hall 1. Registration a. BSA Activity Consent Forms (For youth members) b. BSA Medical History Form (Parts A, B & C) c. Food Allergy and Religious Forms Special Needs d. Hold Harmless Agreements BSA and private properties Note: Private Property Hold Harmless forms must be notarized 3

3 2. Review personal items needed: Water shoes, tennis shoes, maximum UV sunglasses, 30+ sunscreen Insect repellent, watch, whistle, waterproof bags, floppy hat, rain gear, mesh bag, mess kit, sleeping gear, canteens or hydration system Optional: Fishing gear, shrimp net, compass 3. Overview of Trek Planning a. Navigation, winds, tide tables, charts b. Sail Plans Planning Wilderness Menus/ Loading Gear for Kayak Treks 1. Planning a Menu a. Objectives, caloric intake, purpose, types of foods, nutritious snacks b. Water needs for consumption daily per person c. LEAVE NO TRACE Principle -pack it in, pack it out 2. Loading a Kayak a. How to pack personal and camp gear items b. Water usage - personal fluid intake, food preparation, sanitation, conservation c. Assignment and distribution of food for treks Kayak Safety and Operation 1. Parts of a kayak and their purposes 2. Gear Requirements - PFDs, paddle, spray skirt (Use of program gear and assignments. There will be a charge for any damage beyond normal wear.) 3. Review safety equipment - Whistles, strobes, flares, tow belts, VHF radios, and cell phones 4. Explain emergency preparedness and safety procedures in the water (ie. Accidents Medical emergencies, weather conditions, 5. Proper fitting of kayak, seats, gear and peddles 6. Demonstrate different strokes and braces 7. Explain and demonstrate different launch possibilities 8. Explain different exits and rescues buddy system 9. Practice wet exits, assisted rescues and self rescues Camping and Cooking Area 1. Explain landing kayaks and unloading gear for cooking and camping 2. Setting up a low impact campsite and cooking area 3. Set up tents, cooking and dining area, tarping techniques 4. Setting up latrine and shower areas. 5. Leave No Trace Principles 6. Safety procedures to consider: weather, fire, wind and animals 7. Breaking down camp, packing and loading gear for departure on time. 8. Explain need for staying on schedule: tides, sail plans, landing pickup times 4

4 SPECIAL BOOKINGS Our Sea Kayaking program offers special bookings throughout the year. On occasion, units have elected to schedule their booking dates over a long weekend period or during seasonal school breaks. A Sea Kayak Workshop will be provided as part of the special booking event. Units seeking to schedule a special booking should make prior booking arrangements at least (3) months in advance for their trek. Staff availability will need to be confirmed prior to your group s tentative trek dates. Interested units will need to contact our Sea Kayak Lead Guide, Cherie Gresham, for booking arrangements and registration details at (912) or to: cheriemrk@aol.com. Phone contact can be made after 6:00 pm. WEEKEND/DAY TREKS Participants are required to attend a Sea Kayak Workshop prior to weekend and day treks, to acquire the basic skills, knowledge and safety practices required for a weekend adventure. Weekend treks have been attended by units as an introductory program before committing to a week-long summer trek program. Weekend treks require a full day of training workshop (9-5 ish). Day treks require only about 3 hrs to become familiar with the equipment, safety procedures, water practice for strokes and rescues. Check-in time for your Weekend Trek will be 5:00 PM on the scheduled Friday of your weekend. Your weekend trek program should end approximately between 5:00-6:00 pm on Sunday. AGE REQUIREMENTS This is a BSA High Adventure Program requiring participants to be 13 years of age or older on or before September 1st of their year of participation. The Program has been designed for Boy Scouts, Venturing members, Explorers and adventurous Adult Leaders are always welcome. 5

5 Example Sea Kayak Weekend Trek Itinerary Note This is a generic Weekend Itinerary. Trek scheduling is dependant upon weather, tides and trek destinations. DAY TIME SCHEDULED ITEMS Friday Evening 5:00 PM Arrive at Camp Tolochee Load Gear on Trailer Prepare food for trek 7:00 Gear Shakedown / Prep Food 9:00 Review Sail Plan /Tides/Charts/Duty Roster Saturday Morning 10:00 Lights Out 7:30 AM Rise and Shine/ Pack remaining Gear & Load Trailer 8:30 Breakfast / Load Food / acquire cold food 9:30 Depart from base camp and travel to launch location 10:30 Arrive at Landing/unload gear/load boats/launch out for trek TBD Lunch afloat or on a sandbar 4:00 PM Arrive at Creighton Island/Setup camp/showers 6:00 Dinner/Clean & Up 7:00 Secure boats for the evening SUNDAY MORNING 10:30 Lights Out 7:00 AM Rise & Shine/Load Personal in the Boats 7:30 Eat breakfast / Load Remaining Gear / Police Area 8:30 Depart for Pickup Point 10:30 Arrive at boat landing/load boats and gear on trailer 11:15 Depart for Camp Tolochee 12:15 Arrive at Camp / Clean up and put away Boats & Gear Awards ceremony and Group departs for home

6 6 SUMMER SEA KAYAK WEEK-LONG TREKS High Energy and High Adventure Awaits You! We re excited that your group plans to take advantage of our great Team Building Program. This is a High Adventure Program requiring participants to be 13 years of age on or before September 1 st of their year of participation. Check-in time for your scheduled week will begin at 1:00 PM on Sunday. Upon arrival at Camp Tolochee, your group will undergo a Medical History re-check and BSA Swim Test. A two-day orientation will then begin to develop skills to include use of kayaking equipment, paddling strokes, safety procedures, wet exits, launch and rescue techniques. Training will include nautical navigation, wilderness survival, LEAVE NO TRACE camping and cooking techniques to prepare you for this awesome thrill packed Marshland and Sea Adventure! Groups will depart from the training area Tuesday morning, to set sail to our outpost campsites along the watery trail. Depending upon tides, the possibilities would be Creighton Island and Sapelo Island and beyond. While on your adventure, your group will travel through some of the most beautiful and pristine southeastern marshlands exploring areas of the Georgia Coastline. Studies in Marsh Ecology, Conservation and Oceanography will be part of the adventure as well as visiting many historical locations! Participants will have opportunities for swimming, fishing, crabbing, and shrimp net casting. Group sizes are limited to fourteen participants. Scout unit contingents, Individual Scouts, Explorers and Venture Crew members may register. Adult Leaders are welcome to join in on the fun for the same cost! Fees & Cancelation Policies A deposit of $50 must be paid by April 1st to secure your reservation. Total fees must be paid in full by May 25th. Fees include all food, camping equipment, kayak equipment rentals, program recognition t- shirts and patches. FEES ARE TRANSFERABLE TO ANOTHER SCOUT BUT NOT REFUNDABLE. Positively NO Refunds will be offered at camp. A $45 processing fee will be retained in the event of any cancelation request. REQUIRED FORMS Proof of BSA Insurance for your unit. Obtain a copy from your local Council Headquarters. BSA Accident Insurance Coverage (Optional - Obtain from local Council) BSA Activity Consent Form (Required for youth under the age of 18) 2 copies - BSA Annual Health History Form (Parts A, B & C) Must be renewed every 12 months and be endorsed by a certified Healthcare Provider. Food Allergies & Religious Dietary Information Forms (If Applicable) It is very important that the forms be returned by May 15. Creighton Island Hold Harmless Agreement Forms (Required by all) This form is for permission to use private property. It will be submitted to the land owner and must be notarized by a registered Notary Public. All forms are available at our council website for downloading and printing at Click on the Sea Kayak High Adventure links. 7

7 Example Itinerary for Week-Long Treks Special Note: Each week of operations will vary as to the route taken, daily tide changes, possible destinations and then subject also to changing weather conditions. SUNDAY 1:00 PM Kayak Contingent arrives at Camp Tolochee Brunswick, Georgia Meet & Greet Contingent members will need to provide the following: BSA Proof of Insurance (Obtain from Local Scout Headquarters) (Optional) BSA Accident Insurance coverage BSA Activity Consent Forms (Provided by Youth members) 2 copies - Individual BSA Medical Health History forms (Parts A, B & C) Medical forms must be signed by Physician or Health Care Provider. Food Allergies & Religious Dietary Information Forms Creighton Island Release & Hold Harmless Agreement (Both Adult & Youth forms must be Notarized) 11:00 PM Lights Out Report to First Aid Official for Medical re-screening. Provide all medications with clearly written instructions and dosages. Provide enough medications for the week plus an extra day. Don t forget to figure travel time to and from the trek program location. Review any dietary restrictions from the Food Allergies & Religious Dietary Information Form. Report to pool for BSA Swim Test All participants must be strong swimmers and pass this test Campsite Check-in and Setup Report with gear to High Adventure Base Camp Setup camp, stow personal gear, prepare for dinner, assignment to watches After unloading, remove vehicles to camp parking lot Leaders delegate evening assignments and fill-out duty rosters. Evening activities include: Dinner Field Uniform Kayak and gear assignments Basic safety issues Parts of a kayak Fitting of boats and gear Assignment of watch leaders for each day of the week Time permitting other areas to be covered: 1. Introduction to Leave No Trace Camping 2. How to pack for a kayak trip and loading a kayak 3. Tidal Navigation and Nautical Charts 8

8 MONDAY 7:00 AM Rise and Shine Breakfast 12:30 PM Lunch Morning activities include: Rotate watch leader and review daily assignments Learn various skills; emergency exits and rescues, whistle signals, basic strokes and braces. Paddling techniques, launching and landing Practice skills and team building. 1:30 PM Afternoon activities include: Review of paddle strokes, emergency gear and procedures Practice skills 6:00 PM Evening Meal 7:00 PM Evening activities include: Planning and preparation of wilderness menu Pack food supplies Pack up gear, load boats and gear not needed for Mon night on trailer, cover any planning orientation subjects in further detail as needed. 11:00 PM Lights Out Navigation and Charts 102: Study Navigation and Tide Charts Implement Trek Sail Plan Reflection activities of the day TUESDAY In the Early AM Wake Up Call will be determined by the tides and what time the contingent will need to launch. Crews must be up early enough to close camp (Leave No Trace techniques), store gear not needed for trek in secured areas. Review of daily assignments, deliver Sail Plan to camp management. Breakfast (may or may not be in dining hall). Leave camp for launch site, unload boats and gear from trailer and van, load gear in boats, review the route for the day and launch. Activities for the day may include: marine, bird and other wildlife observation, marsh, creek and /or sandbar explorations, fishing, shrimp net casting and/or crabbing. ETA at our first destination will be determined by tides, weather conditions, time spent on activities along the trek, strength of our weakest paddler, etc. Upon arrival at the island, we will setup camp, kitchen area, latrines and showers. Cook our meals & clean up, evening campfire (when possible) and reflection time. Lights Out. 9

9 WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY Wake up, breakfast, launch will be determined by tides and weather. Activities similar but unique to the day and locations. Rotate watch leaders and review daily assignments and routes. Activities will be determined by what we meet along the way. Evening activities after landing will be similar unless tides allow us to land early or launch late. Activities, time permitting, could include a hiking exploration. Early FRIDAY Lights Out Wake up, breakfast and launch again determined by tides and weather. Return to landing for pickup, load gear and boats on trailer, return to Camp Tolochee. Clean up and return boats and gear to storage areas, setup campsite for the evening, dinner Field Uniform, Fill out evaluations of the program, Determine fee(s), if any, for damaged or lost program items due to improper use. Fee(s) to be collected before contingent departs from camp. Campfire and award ceremony, return all unit paperwork. Reflection time. 11:00 PM Lights Out SATURDAY 7:00 AM Wake up call, pack up gear, clean up campsite, breakfast depart for home. 10

10 Frequently Asked Questions Q. Will we earn the Kayaking MB and/or Award? A. Yes, most of the requirements are met for both during the training period. Q. What are the prerequisites for attending a Sea Kayak Trek? A. Must be in good physical condition. Must be able to pass the BSA Swim Test. Must be 13 years of age by September 1 of the year of participation. Have a completed BSA Medical History Form. Q. Is the Sea Kayak Adventure just for Boy Scouts? A. No. The program has been designed for Boy Scouts, Ships, Crews, Posts, and Leadership from any of the before mentioned groups. Q. How old does a Participant have to be to participate in the Sea Kayak Adventure? A. Participants must be 13 on or before September 1 their year of participation. This is a standard set forth by BSA National Headquarters. Q. Do we have to register as a unit? A. Units are welcome to sign-up. The Sea Kayak Adventure is a Provisional Program. We supply trained adult leadership for all treks. There are fourteen available seats and adults are encouraged to participate as well. Q. On a scheduled weekend trek, do we have to attend a prior workshop for preparation? A. Yes. There are several things that need to be addressed before individuals or groups head out for open water to include: required paperwork necessary for the program, BSA swim test, navigation, tides, menu, campsite setup and takedown, LNT, packing and care of kayaks, open water rescue, etc. You are in our care when you are on an outing. It is our responsibility to maintain safety at all times. Q. Can a group bypass the Kayak workshop if they have taken a Kayak Orientation Course somewhere else? A. Again, it is our responsibility to maintain and operate a safe program. We can not depend on the skills (or lack of skills) on the part of others to approve you for our program. Q. How often does the Kayak Program schedule weekend programs? A. Upon request by a unit. 11

11 Coastal Georgia Council General Camp Policies VEHICLES AND TROOP TRAILERS: No vehicles will be permitted beyond the parking lot without prior approval from the Camp Administration. Two vehicles will be permitted to deliver gear. Only the Troop trailer may be left at the site. HANDICAP TRANSPORTATION: Valid Handicap placards will be granted driving permission with an additional camp approved vehicle sign placed on the dashboard. Please check-in with Administration to sign one out. We do appreciate a smaller vehicle such as a golf cart if you have that option. This is for the safety of our Scouts. PERSONAL CARTS AND ATVs: No personal golf carts or ATVs are allowed unless necessary for above reasons and again with prior permission only. SMOKING: Smoking is not permitted in any building and is restricted to areas out of the sight of campers. Please be respectful of those around you and the example we try to set for our Youth. INSURANCE: Each troop that attends summer camp or Sea Kayaking programs must provide a copy of their BSA insurance. If you are a Coastal Georgia Council unit, your unit s insurance is on file with the council office. All other units must provide proof of BSA insurance from their local council upon check-in. As an option, applications for additional BSA Accident Insurance Plans are available at your local Scout Service Centers. See the BSA Accident Insurance Brochure and form included in the forms section of this publication. HEALTH & SAFETY: All precautions for the safety of Scouts will be taken. We do have a qualified Health Officer on staff. We have also made arrangements with the local medical community for severe emergencies. MEDICATIONS: Prescription medication needs to be reported on your health form. Please have a discussion with the Trek Coordinator as to who will be responsible for handling the care and distribution of any medications. BUDDY SYSTEM: Scouts will be paired with a buddy at all times, including on the water, as stated in the BSA Safety Afloat training. FIRST AID: Please bring your own small first aid kit. Be prepared to perform basic first aid and then contact the Health Officer as necessary to report or to get assistance for more severe situations. FUELS: The use of liquid fuels for starting any type of fire is prohibited. All fuels, including backpacking stoves, should be stored properly. ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: The use of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, as well as the misuse of over-thecounter or prescription drugs are prohibited and will not be tolerated on BSA Property. Violators will be asked to leave; this policy is strictly enforced. FIREWORKS: Fireworks are not permitted on camp property or trekking programs. PETS: No personal pets are allowed in camp. This includes on family nights during Summer Camp Season. Please advise your families to leave their pets at home. FOOTWEAR: NO OPEN-TOED SHOES WILL BE ALLOWED. Participants in the Sea Kayak program should arrive with water shoes and a dry pair of tennis shoes. 12