NEW AND EXCITING IN 2010

SHOOTING SPORTS RANGES

Last year we dreamed about the new shooting sports ranges. They are a reality for camp. The Shot Gun/Sporting Clays range is already in use. The combined Five Stand and Sporting Clays ranges provide great opportunities for older scouts. Shot Gun merit badge has been moved to mornings offered three periods. The new five-stand provides more opportunities.  The program is limited to 8 per period. There is a charge of $15 for the week. The fee is paid at the Trading Post.

New to camp is the Sporting Clays program in the afternoon. This is a three period block from 2 to 5 PM. This is limited to 15 participants. Participants must have Shot Gun merit badge before participating in the program (can not be taken concurrently). Sign-ups will be held and selection made based on age and rank with oldest Eagle scouts having first priority. The cost is $60 for the week. The fee is paid at the Trading Post and must be paid prior to the first period.

The new rifle range is located just east of the Dining Hall. This state of the art range will provide excitement and opportunity for older scouts. ($3 fee paid at the Trading Post prior to the first class) Rifle does require signing up on Sunday due to the limited number (16) each period. The new archery range is located next to the Rifle Range. This new facility will make using the compound bows even better. Buckskin Games has a new home as well with the other ranges.

NEW COPE AND CLIMBING COURSE

The all new and awesome COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Encounter) course with the 60’ climbing tower will excite all older scouts. COPE runs from 9 am to noon everyday. All participating Scouts must have reached their 14th birthday by January 1, 2009, or have completed the seventh grade. This thrill-packed week-long encounter will stretch physical abilities and enhance self-esteem as it pushes the Scout to accomplish more than he believes he can. This difficult, yet challenging experience should be reserved for older and more experienced Scouts. They will climb, swing, balance, rappel and think their way through its multiple events. This national program of the BSA was begun by the Pony Express Council in 1979, and has been successful in teaching teamwork, while enhancing self-esteem in hundreds of Scouts. Sturdy, well-constructed athletic shoes, leather work gloves and long pants or jeans are necessary items for each Scout taking COPE. Scouts are required to sign-up on Sunday (5:30 PM) and the activity is limited to 36 participants.

The new course includes an exciting 60’ climbing tower. Climbing merit badge is offered every afternoon form 3 to 5 PM. The same requirements for COPE apply to climbing. The rock faces of this new tower will surely challenge any scout.  Climbing merit badge is limited to 12 participants with sign-ups on Sunday (5:30 PM). Priority is based on age and rank.

Any Scout 13 years of age or older can take part in free rappelling off the new tower. The Rappelling Tower will be open Monday evenings following vespers. The activity lasts for one full hour of hair-raising fun, and Scouts have the opportunity to repeat the activity as many times as they wish – on a space available basis, of course. Scouts who wish to use the rappelling tower must sign up at Camp Headquarters prior to supper Monday. The size of this activity may be limited. Join the countless numbers of young men who have attempted similar feats of bravery and daring on Geiger's own tower of power. Leather gloves for this activity will be provided by Camp.

MOUNTAIN BOARDING ADDED TO THE PROGRAM

To bring even more excitement to the Geiger experience, mountain boarding (also known as dirt boarding) is being introduced. For the uninitiated, mountain boarding is snow boarding on wheels. The new activity is for those who have most of the merit badges and are looking for something new and different. The program is offered at 9, 10, and 11 am and 3 and 4 pm. It is limited to 8 participants per period so signups are required. Older scouts of advanced rank will get priority. The program is housed at the top of Black Hawk Ridge (the old shot gun range).

LEADERSHIP SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Developing leaders is a goal for every troop, but not easily achieved. To assist units, camp is providing the opportunity for up to 12 older boys based on the 11 Leadership Skills. This program does not replace NYLT or other training opportunities. The training will be from 3 to 5 every afternoon. This program is recommended for troop level leaders that have most of the Eagle required merit badges. Adult leaders are welcome to participate as well.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SCOUTING

The scouting movement in the United States has a rich and wonderful history. This year we celebrate 100 years of provided young men the opportunities to develop to responsible adults. This history is celebrated in a special demonstration area open to all scouts, scouters, and visitors. A collection of memorabilia, pictures, and documents will be displayed. One staff member will be available to spin the stories that helped make scouting.

SCUBA MERIT BADGE

BSA has added SCUBA Merit Badge to the offerings. Unlike SCUBA BSA, the merit badge requirements lead to SCUBA certification. At camp you can complete all the instruction time and confined (pool) dives. The open water dives cannot be completed at camp or as part of the camp program. These dives can be completed through a variety of ways. Participants must be at least 14 by January 1, 2010, hold Swimming Merit Badge, and have the completed, signed PADI health review and parent signatures. The Merit Badge is a 2 period block from 3 to 5 each afternoon at a cost of $45.

An opportunity to complete certification and the merit badge is being offered at a reduced price. This is a 2 day program at the estimated cost of $100. This opportunity is being provided at C & J Sports, 11792 Hwy 187, Eureka Springs, AR 72631. Dives will take place at Beaver Lake. More information will be available at the pool and Camp Office during the summer.

Nature Trilogy

This year scouts can earn three (3) nature badges in two periods. The nature lodge is offering nature, insect study and forestry in a two period block form 9 to 11 each morning. Participants cna complete all three merit badges during the week. Check each specific information on each badge under the merit badge listing for prerequisites. Since the three badges have requirements that are related all participants are expected to attend the entire period even if the scouts has earned one of the badges,