(Extracted from Hike Aid 3, dated May 2019)

Introduction

Leadership by Scouts is a key premise of Scouting. This applies to outdoor activities in the same measure that it applies to the balance of the Scouting program. Developing this leadership should be a continuing process in a Unit.

A special program is offered by the GLAAC-HAT to help the Unit Leader in accomplishing this objective. This program is Scout Leaders Backpack Training. In addition, youth may attend Wilderness and Remote First Aid (age 14 and up) and Wilderness Woman (females only).

This training is open only to registered Scouts. Each participant must have a medical examination, in compliance with BSA-National Council policy. He/she is responsible for obtaining the personal clothing and equipment which are required for the field experiences.

Specific information about dates, locations, fees, and reservations for this training is published in The Trail Head, Scouter's News, the GLAAC-HAT web site (http://glaac-hat.org/), and the Council's web site (https://www.glaacbsa.org/).

Scout Leaders Backpack

Camping and hiking are fun. Developing the skills and learning safe and courteous practices are a necessary part of these activities. This most effectively occurs when it is the Scout leadership in the Unit which provides the instruction.

The objectives of this High Adventure training are:

• to acquaint Scouts, Venturers and their adult leaders with a basic understanding of how to plan and conduct a backpacking trip;
• to give them information that they can use to teach other Scouts and Venturers safe and effective outdoor outings; and,
• to stimulate their participation and leadership in a High Adventure Program.

While the emphasis of this training is on backpacking, it is generally applicable to all types of outdoor activity.

This High Adventure training consists of a Saturday seminar and a weekend field trip in the local mountains. This High Adventure training is designed to be taken together as an adult leader and the Scout leaders in a troop/crew.

The seminar is conducted as a series of demonstrations and discussions. This training provides an overview of the basics: basic backpacking skills; equipment and clothing; food and cooking; mountain navigation and travel; outdoor courtesy; planning and preparation; risk and safety; weather and climate - the necessities for safe and enjoyable outings. Emphasis is placed on the Scout leader's role and responsibilities.

The weekend field trip provides the opportunity to practice the skills and use the equipment which are discussed at the seminar. This trip will be a backpack of about 10 miles, round trip, with a 6 mile day hike to climb a local peak. Each person is responsible for providing their own equipment, clothing, and food.

Completion of this training is recognized by the award of a special patch.

Prerequisites: Scouts and Venturers must:

1. be at least 14 years old
2. be a minimum of First Class or the Venturer equivalent
3. be accompanied by an adult leader that has completed Adult Leader Backpack.

Note: An adult and a maximum of five Scouts or Venturers per Unit is permitted.

Fees: A nominal fee is charged.

Wilderness and Remote First Aid

Scouts at least age 14 can take Wilderness and Remote First Aid.

Wilderness and Remote First Aid (WRFA) is the assessment of and treatment given to an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. This course goes far beyond what you may know as "first aid". While it contains substantial medical information and teaches skills required for medical emergencies in the wild, the deeper purpose is to train participants to manage acute situations.

Designed for youth and adult Scout leaders and anyone who works or spends time in remote environments, this course teaches advanced skills to be used in emergencies when help from professional first responders may be far away. Scouts and Scout leaders will likely find this the most valuable program they'll ever take.

WRFA is based on the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine Guidelines (including Philmont and the other High Adventure Bases).

Completion of this training provides a two year certification through the American Red Cross or the Emergency Care and Safety Institute. Completion of this training is a requirement for earning the High Adventure Leader Award.

Prerequisites: Participants in this training must be at least 14 years old and hold current adult CPR/AED certification.

Fees: A nominal fee is charged.

Wilderness Woman

Female Scouts of any age can take Wilderness Woman.

With the introduction of girls into Scouts BSA, the question of how to get more female leaders and Scouts out on the trail needed an answer: we created this 4-hour course to respond!

The objectives of this High Adventure training are to provide females of all ages with specific tools geared towards addressing some of the challenges faced on the trail, including how to navigate going to the bathroom, menstrual cycles, Leave No Trace, what to expect on the trail, how to behave as an effective leader, what to pack, and what to leave behind. The intention of this course is to create more freedom amongst adults and Scouts to discuss personal issues; therefore, this is a female-only course. Young female Scouts are encouraged to attend this course with their mothers as well to start the conversation about these various topics. The goal is to create more opportunities for mothers and daughters to enjoy nature together, and for the whole family to get outdoors.

This 4-hour seminar consists of presentations, group discussions, and outdoor activities. Backpack gear will also be presented for attendees to investigate and discuss. While additional topics like outdoor courtesy, conservation, and conditioning are included, this seminar is not intended to cover the full spectrum of backpack training. It is recommended that female leaders attend the Adult Leaders Backpack Training course after Wilderness Woman.

Prerequisites: Female-only.

Fees: A nominal fee is charged. The fee covers a continental breakfast and course materials.