Canoeing MB

[dallaswinefan]

Our troop is working on the Canoeing MB. We've got one or two boys that just can't seem to get back in the canoe by themselves. Their arms just aren't strong enough, it seems. I'd hate to see them denied the badge for just this one thing. Does anyone have any tips? Ever encountered this and successfully gotten through it? It's a solo maneuver, but maybe a buddy boat can help out? Thanks very much.


Dan
Advancement Chair
MBC

[FrankJ]

The requirement says with a companion. That would imply that the companion could help. Maybe by stabilizing the canoe allowing it to roll on its rocker allowing the gunwale to get closer to the water. It is more of a technique thing than strength.

Unfortunately, unless you just want to give them the merit badge, they need to meet the requirements.

[dallaswinefan]

Clarification: the requirement simply states:
9. Wearing the proper PFD and appropriately dressed for the weather and water conditions, demonstrate solo canoe handling:

It lists "with a companion" earlier in the requirements, but since it didn't say companion in #9 I figured it was a completely solo event (which totally conflicts with the buddy/ buddy boat system). Would you say I was off base? Can a companion scout assist in stabilizing the boat? That would help a lot, I think.

Again, thanks for the info.

[FrankJ]

oops Teach to read the entire requirements. I was thinking of #6e

It is pretty clear. It has to be done to properly earn the merit badge.

Since this is a skills based merit badge, even as a renegade MBC, I would not stray far from the requirements.

[razor_strop]

Edited--Never mind, I answered my own question.

[dallaswinefan]

Thanks for the replies. I also take a fairly firm stance on interpreting the requirements. At least now I'll have input from this forum to back me up when I take that firm stance with the scouts.

[WVBeaver05]

Our troop is working on the Canoeing MB. We've got one or two boys that just can't seem to get back in the canoe by themselves. Their arms just aren't strong enough, it seems. I'd hate to see them denied the badge for just this one thing. Does anyone have any tips?

Yes. They should be using their legs. They are much stronger.

Admittedly, it has been quite a while (ok, ok, an absurdly long time) since I taught that - but that's how we taught it then. Even the kids that were so small (short and light) that they had trouble capsizing the canoe didn't have much trouble.

YiS