Canoeing MB required for Canoeing Trips...?

[ismellbacon]

So, I had a great time at another session of University of Scouting this weekend!

In one of my classes I heard something that struck me odd...

The instructor stated that in order to go on a Canoe trip each "paddler" needed to have completed the Canoeing MB...

This threw me for a loop because I don't remember reading that anywhere, but I know that the GTSS is always changing. I thought about doing the, "show me in the book where it says that." But, I didn't want to embarras her esp. before checking.

I looked through the guide, under Safety Afloat, and all I could find was that if a canoe trip lasts more than 4 hours then the scouts need a 3 hour training class or successfully navigate a 100 yrd course. Also a Padlle Craft Safety trained supervisor is recommended but not required.

Am I missing something?

In the past, my troop has ensured that all the scouts pass the BSA swimmers test and recieve a safety brief prior to canoeing.

Our typical trip is to canoe about 1/2 mile to an island where we camp for the weekend. Those scouts that are working on the Camping MB can spend additional time on the water during the weekend to get their 4 hours on the water.

But, we do plan on doing a 5-day trip down the James River next year, and I want to make sure we are "within policy."

Thanks in advance!!

[FrankJ]

Short answer is no. You do not need the canoeing merit badge to participate in any sort of canoeing activity. You do need to have passed a swim test in the last year or follow the safety afloat rules for non swimmers. So you could have somebody who has the canoeing but who has not passed a swim test in the last year so cannot participate.

The leaders need safe swim defense & safety afloat. You also need somebody who has the skill set for canoeing that SSD & SA will not give you.

The leadership need to make sure the youth have the skill set needed to for the trip. The minimum would be what you quote from SA. You also need to look at the planned trip & be sure the scouts have the skills to manage it. Since there is a wide range of quality of instruction, I would not accept any merit badge for proof of skill.

[Quailman]

Don't believe everything you hear at a University of Scouting.

[FrankJ]

Don't believe everything you hear at a University of Scouting.

What if you read it on the Internet?

Actually I prefer to interpret what the presenter was saying is to make sure the participants have the skills needed to do the tasks. That is also in the "Safety Whatevers" worded somewhat differently.

[ismellbacon]

Thanks guys.

[wagionvigil]

Just follow the rules under Safety Afloat and SSD.

[cballman]

Dont forget the Swim test is not a year to year item. It must be administered at the beginning of each swimming season.

[FrankJ]

My understanding the swim test is good for 12 months. While it is preferable to do them at the start of swim season, they are still good for 12 months regardless of when they are taken. This is a minimum standard. As the event leader you can require a higher standard or retest if you feel it is needed. IE some people can pass a swim test in a pool, but not the same test in a lake.

[smtroop168]

The instructor stated that in order to go on a Canoe trip each "paddler" needed to have completed the Canoeing MB...

That's almost as silly as saying you have to have Camping MB before you can go camping.

[ismellbacon]

The instructor stated that in order to go on a Canoe trip each "paddler" needed to have completed the Canoeing MB...

That's almost as silly as saying you have to have Camping MB before you can go camping.

AMEN!