by scoutaholic » Thu Feb 01, 2007 2:30 am
summertop wrote:Great Salt Lake Council's Bear Lake Aquatics base in Utah.
I'm not sure if they actually teach the Water skiing merit badge, but they do have a ski boat for the scouts to use.
Other cool classes offered:
PADI certification for Scuba diving...for adults and scouts.
Aviation merit badge (the boys get to fly in a plane).
Rappelling
Shotgun/Trap shooting
Ice cave exploring
Small boat sailing
Horseback riding
Overnight Canoe Trek
The camp is on the shore of beautiful Bear Lake.
My scouts LOVED it.
Bear Lake Aquatics Base is a great camp, and my boys loved it too.
They do have a skiing boat, but generally don't offer the MB. They simply don't have time for boys to practice enough to be able to ski as well as required for the badge. The week we were there last year, the ski boat had something broken, and was awaiting repairs. It sat unused all week. If your boys really want the MB, they will need to practice before camp to get their skills up. The other option is to bring or rent a boat for your troop.
They teach Rowing, Canoeing, Small Boat Sailing, Swimming, and Lifesaving MBs on the waterfront, as well as swimming lessons, BSA Lifeguard, and Mile Swim.
On years when the water level is high enough to launch the big boats they have 2 big sailboats (for your whole troop at once.) They also have catamarans.
Some of the other programs mentioned above (shotguns, horses, aviation, etc.) have age limits, prerequisites, and/or additional fees. The popular activities are just too busy to get everyone.
Eagle Scout 1987
OA Vigil Honor 1986
Fox - WE7-590-05-2
Currently - Troop/Team/Crew Advancement Chair & Dist Webmaster
Previously - SM, MC, CM, ACM, ADL, ASM, COR, Dist Camp Chair, PL, SPL, Scribe, Songleader, JASM, OA Chapter Officer, ...