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Spring 1992 — #71

The Chairman's Corner

Following in the Footsteps of Giants

It will be no easy task to follow in the footsteps of Scouters like Dick Smith, Dave Wyatt, Lew Gardner, and others who have served as committee chairman of the High Adventure Team. Previous accomplishments of this group have contributed substantially to the knowledge and Scouting experience of our leaders and Scouts over many years. We offer an excellent backpack awareness training course each year and administer the high adventure patch program in the council; the Rim of the Bay Patch Program was developed several years ago and recently updated (Pinnacles National Monument hike added in 1991) by the High Adventure Team.

As a Scouter, I have learned to appreciate the value that a quality outdoor experience can be for active young Scouts. Whether it is a 50 miler in the High Sierra or a 200 mile cycling trek on Highway 101, Scouts always enjoy the challenge of placing their newly learned skills into action. We must always have trained leadership to ensure the best high adventure experience with the least amount of risk. And that is our goal!

I see the High Adventure Team becoming more active in Council leadership training programs. In addition to the regularly scheduled 2-weekend Fall backpack awareness training course, we plan to offer a one day refresher training seminar next year. This "re-certification" course will help leaders sharpen trek skills and update their knowledge of health and safety practices. We are also planning a few specialized high adventure training classes such as a Winter Awareness Planning Class for adults and senior Scouts which will be given at the OA Winter Camp Awareness Course next year. We also plan to become more active in the District Roundtables through brief high adventure skill demonstrations and trek logs.

The High Adventure Team has a strong nucleus of active members. They'll make my job a lot easier as we transition toward a more visible Council training resource. But we always have room for any Scouters with high adventure experience and who would like to become active in our program. Meetings are the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 PM at the Council Service Center, Enterprise Way. I hope to see some new faces soon.

Keep on trekking!

— John Bouey

Emergency Evacuation

This subject was included in the original "Outline for Backpacking", created by the Southern California Trails Committee in 1972. Their reason for inclusion: "Trek leaders have been faced with the necessity of evacuating an injured or sick adult or youth. This section is to assist you in deciding whether or not to call for outside help and, if you do, how you can speed the operation and your continuing responsibilities." (editor‘s emphasis)

Among the comments in the evaluation of this section at the last Basic Backpacking Awareness Course was: "I thought this was a dumb course and should be combined with lost."

Although I take exception to the conclusion, it is a valid statement by that Scouter. To that person we did not communicate the seriousness nor the importance of this sometimes lugubrious topic.

Way back when this team was the "Trails and Awards Committee" I was assigned to be instructor in the subject of evacuation, weather, and lost. There were many resources available on weather and lost, but the only one on evacuation was the course outline.

A search was made for assistance in gathering the material of value to the learner. Every book on Search and Rescue teams was reviewed; a number of Search and Rescue teams were contacted; two years of the Sierra Club mountain medicine courses by Dr. Blosser were attended; a week was spent at the Yosemite Mountain Medicine/Search and Rescue Seminar. Gradually, from these sources and the few references in backpacking books, and discussions with Dr. Wade Sherwood of our committee and my own personal physician, an outline that seemed to convey the essential actions by the trek leader were evolved.

When first presented, twelve hypothetical cases were prepared. Classes were broken down and issued a case to evaluate. They were to respond with: Would you evacuate? Why? What kind of evacuation? This was an attempt at a "hands on" method but it took so much time that it was abandoned.

To allay unwarranted fears the presentation was usually opened with this comment: "Probably none of you will ever require these skills. Why then do we use valuable and scarce time to cover it? Colin Fletcher wrote: "Good fortune is infatuated with the efficient" - the Chinese have a proverb: "Dig a well before you get thirsty" and Baden-Powell said it succinctly: "Be Prepared." But Dr. Paul S. Auerback said it best: "Proper education prior to situations of risk allows the participant to cope in a purposeful fashion, rather than in a state of fear and panic."

At a later date, the Western Region Area III High Adventure Task Force suggested a combination of Evacuation and Lost. A strong letter of opposition was presented. The reasons and facts that had been unearthed during the long research did not indicate a compatibility. If there does exist a link, it would be with Mountaineering Medicine or Beyond First Aid. These two subjects cannot be covered in the time allotted to one. In the Wilderness Handbook by Paul Petzodt, Chapter 12 is titled "Mountain Medicine and Evacuation."

Fortunately, the incidents of emergency evacuation in our Council have been few. In my 61 years of Scouting service I have personal knowledge of only two, both head injuries. It is estimated that the number of missions of rescue from all regions of the country exceed 100,000 per year and I have news clippings indicating that Scouts were involved in a number.

Another suggestion was: "Bring in a county SAR team member. Someone with a depth of experience." Seems worthy. A few years ago we had a helicopter pilot present this topic. That is recalled with a lot of respect and knowledge gained--about helicopters. It did not address the imperative actions of the trek leader immediately after the incident, nor his "continuing responsibilities." There is little question that a SAR member could present a fascinating talk--but it would be about "Search and Rescue"--the mechanics of that action. The trek leader does not need that information. When the SAR team arrives he turns that operation over to the SAR leader--but not his "responsibilities."

"Never explain - never complain" - good thought, but the members of that course should know that the Scouter assigned to the topic did not arrive. A member of the staff was asked at the last moment, to fill in and did so to the best of his ability with the outline as his only resource. Years of research and study indicate that it is a difficult task to do.

The evaluations this year were the best ever. Pat Magee put them into the computer and each course with comments has been listed. They will serve well in the future.

One result is that we will strive to have a "team" for each topic. That will insure a prepared instructor and needed physical resources present. To all of the readers of this newsletter that is a challenge. If you have skills in any of the subjects taught, please volunteer. It would be a "once a year" commitment and would help insure the "optimum and ideal" for this training effort.

There is no "letters to the editor" department in Boots & Blisters, but when received, they are noted and often commented upon in articles they suggest. Anyone who has an opinion can help us progress with the sharing of that information.

There is one primary objective of our High Adventure Team - "That the Scout will have a fantastic experience with little or no difficulties."

Suggested Reading on Evacuation

For those who would like to brush up on this subject, Scouters who purchased Leadership and Administration of Outdoor Pursuits, by Phyllis M. Ford, will find a worthy section in chapter 13, page 249, "Direct care of the victim." Mountaineering First Aid by Dick Mitchell, The Mountaineers, Seattle, pages 15 to 20 are good. The Wilderness Handbook by Paul Petzold, Chapter 12, "Mountaineering Medicine and Evacuation" pages 221-226 are helpful. See appendix D, page 296, Medicine For Mountaineering, edited by James A. Wilkinson and the Mountaineers.

If any readers know of any other resources on this subject, you can help by letting me know about them.

Readers may find of interest that in the preparation of the above article seven books were checked; two pamphlets, 32 pages of notes accumulated and the article was re-written three times before printing. For years, news and magazine articles were collected and fill a 1 1/2 " binder to capacity. Another binder contains helicopter rescue books and articles.

A Subject List of Books for Your Review

Two graduates of the recently completed Basic Backpacking Awareness Training, on different occasions, expressed a desire to have included a list of the books that were displayed by the different instructors.

Several years ago I was requested by Dale Cook, Chairman of the Area III High Adventure Committee, Western Region, to prepare a bibliography of relevant subjects of our training on Basic Backpack Awareness. That list was made but unfortunately was not published by Region for the resource binder issued at the first cadre training course.

At that time, I did prepare an introduction and included this sentence: "Having someone else decide a particular book for you carries all of the stigma of censorship, but space requires decisions." Any list is somewhat obsolete the day it is published. If you want more information on a subject, to be sure you have the latest book on that subject, check with your librarian. Ask her to let you refer to the current listing of Books in Print. Look under the subject in which you are interested for currently available books.

Age does not necessarily brand a good book unusable or the information offered suspect. Some books are "Classics" - unfortunately, some are "pot boilers" and almost worthless. This is why it is best to review any book before investing, unless it comes highly recommended by reputable sources.

The list that was prepared for Area III covered these subjects:

• Outdoor Leadership
• Outdoor Planning
• Where to Go
• Equipment - Group / Personal
• Backpacking
• Camping
• Mountaineering / Climbing
• Wilderness Canoeing
• Bicycling
• Skiing - Cross Country / Showshoes
• Menu Building - Cooking
• Fires, Fuels and Stoves
• Low Impact Camping
• Weather and Lightning
• Wilderness Navigation
• Health and Safety - Wilderness First Aid - Evacuation
• Lost - Search and Rescue - Helicopter Rescue
• Wilderness Survival
• Edible Wild Plants
• Trail Maintenance - Conservation
• Enriching the Outdoor Experience
• Forest Wildfires
• Stream Crossing

If anyone would like a copy of that list please write to the SFBAC High Adventure Team, 8480 Enterprise Way, Oakland CA 94621-1393. When we determine the interest, an evaluation will be made on the possibility of preparing and having the list available at the Scout Service Center or by mail for the cost of the mailing.

Those who attended the last course should refer to the resource binder issued. Book lists will be found in sections:

6.0 Food - page 6-6

8.A Prevention - pages 8A-13 & 8A-14

8.C Water Safety - page 8C-16

9.0 Weather - pages 9-15 & 9-16

10.0 Orientation in the Wilderness - page 10-15

The weather bibliography is one that I prepared and the Area III list is in the same style.

Those of you who have visited me know that I do have a rather extensive library. I use it as a resource in preparing articles for Boots & Blisters. Too many are of the 'pot boiler" ilk and that again is why I suggest prudence before large investments.

Most of the books listed can be secured from your local library. If not shelved, the library can secure one for you through the inter-library loan system. A copy of the book Administration and Leadership of Outdoor Pursuits which 25 of the last class purchased, was secured through that method from the Fullerton State College.

Don't overlook Scouting's vast library. The field Book is considered by many knowledgeable people as one of the finest collections of outdoor activity data. An excellent and valuable feature of the Field Book is that it has a section on bibliography (pages 607-620) covering every chapter. If you want to check on a subject relating to outdoor activity, check the Field Book and the bibliography on that subject which includes magazines. You will find the benefits a wise investment of your time. All merit badge pamphlets are written for Scouts and our needs. There is a catalog available from Scouting that lists every piece of Scouting literature. Pad Elam at the Service Center can order for it for you if it is not stocked.

One of the very first books on outdoor pursuits was Horace Kephert's Camping & Woodcraft originally printed in 1906, and considered a classic. It had passed through 28 printings when I secured my copy in 1972. In that book he wrote: "As for book learning in such an art it is useful only to those who do not expect too much of it. No book can teach a man how to swing an axe or follow a faint trail. Nor is it of much account to one who merely learns by rote, without using his own wits and common sense as he follows the pages. Yet a good book is the best stepping stone for a beginner. Without it he may bog and flounder a long time without an aim or method. It gives a clear idea of general principles. It can show, at least, how NOT to do a thing - and there is a good deal in that - half of woodcraft as in any other art, is knowing what to avoid."

Perhaps Horace would have extended his worth of books had he lived to see the exponential growth in all of the multiple facets of the outdoor experience - equipment, stoves, conservation, etc.

The Impossible Dream — Experiences Every Scout Should Have

In a few weeks, I will have passed my 62nd year as an active adult Scouter and will be 81 years old. How I "dream the impossible dream" that a miracle would erase about 50 of those years and restore the strength, vitality and will, to allow me to be a Scoutmaster again. And, if I could retain the knowledge gained during those 62 years, what would I set up as objectives for each Scout that I would serve?

That each Scout would:

• Have five years minimum tenure.
• Have at least one weekend at Los Mochas.
• Have at least one summer camp at Royaneh.
• Have at least one summer camp at Wente.
• Have at least one summer camp at Oljato, Marin Sierra or other High Sierra location.
• Participate in at least one long term moving camp in the High Sierra.
• Spend time in the organization camp in Yosemite Valley.
• Spend time in the organization camp at Tuolumne Meadows.
• Visit and hike at Philmont.
• Visit and canoe at Northern Tier National High Adventure base in Ely, Minnesota.
• Climb Mt. Lassen, last active volcano in California.
• Climb Mt. Whitney, highest mountain in the contiguous United States.
• Climb Mt. Hoffman in the geographical center (almost) of Yosemite National Park.
• Visit and hike the Grand Canyon.
• Visit Death Valley and Bad Water, lowest spot in the United States.
• Visit the Koshare Indian Dance Team at La Junta, Colorado.
• Be a member of the Order of the Arrow.
• Attend at least one OA Winter Camping Awareness Course.
• Attend at least one Klondike Derby
• White water canoe on the Rogue River.
• Attend Brownsee 22.
• Attend Phase 3 of White Stag TLD.
• Attend at least one Scout-O-Rama.
• Attend at least one National Jamboree.
• Attend at least one World Jamboree.
• Participate in at least one great good turn for his community.
• Attain the rank of Eagle.

That list is the optimum and ideal - a chimera - perfection and almost impossible to attain, and could still stand a few I have missed. But, as I look back, how pleased I am that so many of the Scouts with whom I was associated experienced a lot of those goals. To those of you who are active Scoutmasters who might aspire to those objectives, a good many are possible with long term planning. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Group Insurance For Scouting Units

The insurance policies offered are a real good bargain and provide good coverage for units that do not have a wide range of activities. For units that have a lot of field trips, long-term moving camps, and other activities, it might be well to investigate alternative options. These will not be as economical as the Scout policies, but the increased costs may be worth while. And remember again - the Scout policies are not medical. They are related only to medical expenses that arise from an accident.

This article was prepared, as have those in the past, by Joe Ratto, a former member of the High Adventure Team, A Silver Beaver Scouter, and a Scout leader with many years of experience. Joe is also a 31 year licensed insurance broker and is familiar with the insurance industry.

Comments On Group Accident Insurance For Scout Troops

Accident Insurance is recommended by Council, and they offer two such programs. Many insurance companies write similar or broader coverage, available through insurance agents. Keep in mind benefits under all such policies only provide payment for:

1. Accidents There is no coverage for any medical problem whose source is other than an accidental injury (illness not covered).
2. Approved & Supervised BSA Events, Travel Included
3. Reasonable Charges For Medically Necessary Treatment
4. Limited Benefit For Time Period Usually one year if started within 60 days of injury.
5. Specific Limits For Some / All / Of Following Benefits
• Accident Medical Expense
• Accidental Death or Disability
• Paralysis
• Dental
• Ambulance
• Adult Weekly Accidental
• Indemnity for Total Disability

Insurers will emphasize one or other benefits with higher limits thereon relative to the other policy benefits. Be certain you conform to policy requirements by obtaining:

1. Full medical insurance information on Scout's family's medical plan (Insurance Company name and policy number)
2. Parental Medical Treatment Authorization Forms
3. Council Tour Permits for every event

Having tour permits and parental permission eliminate the question of approved/supervised events. Prompt entry to medical facilities is assured by providing family insurance information.

Further, be aware some accident policies will limit or exclude:

1. Air Ambulance or Helicopter evacuation
2. Snow Activities

This means they may pay none, some, or the full cost, depending on that particular policy's provisions.

The more restricted policies will pay only $150 or $200 of accidental medical expense after which the family policy applies. However, if family coverage does not exist, benefits are payable. Broadest policies will pay regardless of family's insurance.

To illustrate results under different policies, following is an actual recent case, a knee injury from a snow trip sled crash. The required surgery and $10,000 medical treatment was paid by the troop's independent accident insurance plan. Of the council's offered policies, $300 was the maximum benefit allowed (snow activities limit) with one. Under the second policy, $2,150 would have been payable ($150 plus 20% of the $10,000 not covered under a family plan).

Benefits under Accident Insurance are limited, vary considerably, with many uncovered medical situations. It would therefore seem advisable to review your policy coverage relative to your troup's activities before and injury - Be Prepared.

Adult Certification of Trained Youth Who Have Reached Their 21st Birthday

Background

The SFBAC does not grant an individual under 21 years of age certification as an adult trek leader even if they have successfully completed Basic Awareness course. Youth participants who are at least 16 are issued a certificate with a number beginning with the letter "Y" signifying "youth member." The question arises as to proper procedures for these individuals when they turn 21 and desire full adult certification.

Procedure

Youth members who desire to convert their youth Basic Awareness certificates to that of an adult must state their intention in writing to the chairman of the Council High Adventure Team. The chairman will advise them on the four options outlined below:

1. The individual may repeat the entire Basic Awareness training at a regularly scheduled course in the SFBAC or any other council conducting the training. Completion of the course and passing of the exam will entitle the individual to an adult certificate. This option is highly recommended and is independent of previous youth status.
2. The individual may be invited to serve as an instructor at the next regularly scheduled Basic Awareness course. He would accept staff assignments from the Course Director and attend as many of the other sessions as possible. Following approval of his performance by the Course Director, he will be issued an adult certificate. As a staff member, he would not be required to pay the course registration fee.
3. The chairman will assign three members of the High Adventure Team, on to be appointed as chairman, to meet with the individual and review his current knowledge of High Adventure subjects. The review will focus on topics such as planning, health and safety, required forms, trek preparation, trail discipline, environmental impact, and Boy Scout leadership skills. Following the approval of the review chairman, the individual will be issued an adult certificate.
4. The chairman will make arrangement for the individual to retake the Basic Awareness exam. Following successful completion of the exam, the individual will be issued an adult certification.

Risk Management

by Ed Davis

Recently there were headlines in the papers concerning two tragic incidents involving Scouts. One happened on a hike in the Southern California mountains:

• A Scout fell behind the troop and the Search and Rescue Teams give up looking for him after days of search.
• On an outing in Utah, 2 Scouts are struck by lightning and killed and others were injured while taking shelter under a tree.

Could these accidents have been prevented? I think so.

Our Council's High Adventure Program covers both of these subjects in depth. How would I have handled them? First, the hike. I always have a "front man" - nobody gets ahead of him; and a man in the read "Tail end Charlie" - nobody gets behind him. Now the lightning strike. Some knowledge of weather helps, but at the onset of a thunderstorm, seek the low ground - never under a tree, or in a tin roofed shack. Walk in the opposite direction of the travel of the storm, which you can tell by observation. This I guess you could call Risk Management; by taking proper precautions you can prevent accidents of this type.

So really, what is "Risk Management"? People are risk takers, it is part of the adventure of an outdoor program. Your job as a leader is to know what the risks are and minimize them in your program. It is said that the biggest risk of all is the trip by car to the trail head and return. Knowledge of the driver's habits, road conditions, and the time of driving will help to prevent any accidents. Your plan for the outdoor program, menus, location of the day's camp, proper care in supervising the swimming and other activities will also help. You can use trained adults as your helpers in supervising along the trail and in camp, and maintaining discipline within the unit. Identify the risks in advance and have a plan (written) to avoid those risks where possible. This is a simple explanation of "Risk Management". There are books, seminars, and training courses on this subject. All are much more involved than my writing about it in this article. I recently read a chapter in a college text book on the subject.

After reading that chapter, I thought about my years of being a trek leader - how did we handle it? Experience, a bit of luck, but we had the normal run of cuts, bruises and burns. This you expect on any outdoor activity. It is the big things that you will have to plan for. Here is an outline that I have included for your information in planning

I. Supervision

A. General Supervision

1. Have a supervisory plan including the number and location of supervisors
2. Be aware of dangerous conditions
3. First Aid knowledge

B. Specific Supervision

1. Communicate at the level of the participants
2. Make sure participants adhere to safety procedures
3. Pay attention to existing conditions

II. Conducting the activity

A. Make sure you give adequate instructions and directions
B. Understand the participants

1. Age and size
2. Skill maturity
3. Special conditions (mental, physical, etc.)

C. Warning of dangers and use of protective devices

III. Understanding of the environment

A. Equipment checked
B. Conditions checked

1. Man-made structures
2. Natural hazards

C. Layout and design checked

We as unit leaders should maintain a standard of discipline at all unit meetings and this will in turn help assure safety on an outdoor program.

Now, to quote our founder: "A certain amount of practice is taking risks is necessary to the prolongation of life. Scouts have to be prepared to encounter difficulties and dangers in life. We do not, therefore, want to make their training too soft." from Aids to Scoutmastership, by Baden Powell.

The College textbook referred to is Leadership and Administration of Outdoor Pursuits by Phyllis Lord and James Blanchard, Venture Publishing Company.

Ed Davis' Cookout Corner

Herbed Pull-Apart Skillet Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 package (10) refrigerated biscuits
• 2 tbsps grated Romano cheese
• 1/2 tsp dried basil - crushed
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano - crushed
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsps butter or margarine - melted
• 1 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions:

Line a heavy 8" skillet with heavy duty foil and set it aside.

With kitchen shears, cut each of the biscuits into quarters. In a large plastic bag combine the Romano cheese, crushed Basil, crushed Oregano, and the Garlic powder. Add the biscuit quarters and shake gently to coat evenly. Place the biscuits into the foil lined skillet.

In a small bowl, stir together the remaining Romano cheese mixture from the plastic bag, the melted butter or margarine, and the cooking oil. Pour over biscuits in the skillet, cover tightly with lid or foil.

Cook for 10 minutes over med-low heat. Check the bottom and sides for browning - if browning too fast lower the heat to low. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes more or until the biscuits test done. (Note: because the biscuits will not brown on top, you must check the sides and bottoms of the biscuits to tell when they are done.) Invert on a plate, keep warm.

Makes 6 servings

Source: Better Homes and Gardens, June 1986

A confession: I have never made these on a backpack type stove. I have always used an open wood fire, but with great success. E.D.