Boy Scout Troop 787Tripmaster TrainingTripmaster Training

12/5/09

Jerrold Buggert/Ron Stoffel

Topics

• Purpose of Outings• Outing Selection• Troop Calendar• Outing Preparation• Outing Activities• Outing Activities• Lead Times• Resources Available• Paperwork Required• Permission Slips• Check List

Purpose of Outings

• Learn practical skills

• Practice leadership skills

• Quality experiences for scouts

• Have fun safely• Have fun safely

• Earn Merit Badges

Outing Selection

• PLC planning weekend outing to present and prioritize outings

• Potential outings presented by tripmasters

• Outing proposals presented and selected • Outing proposals presented and selected by scout leadership

• Prioritized within types of outings for good distribution of outing types

ID 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th Total

Type # Pick Pick Pick Pick Pick Pick Pick Pick Pick Pick Points

Activities (combined with other outings)Golf merit badge a 007 1 3 1 3 1 1 76

Rifle shooting a 006 3 2 1 2 1 1 72

Caving - spelunking a 027 2 1 1 2 2 2 67

Death Valley - no family a 034 1 1 1 5 2 65

Shotgun shooting a 024 2 2 1 3 1 1 63

Road cycling (1 day) a 026 1 1 1 1 3 3 61

3T campout a 021 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 59

Mt Laguna mountain biking a 005 2 1 1 1 5 57

Multiday BackpackingZion 1-2-3 (5 day) mb 010 4 1 1 1 3 76

Sierra backpack (5 day) mb 012 1 2 2 3 1 1 76

Winter backpack (3 day) mb 004 4 2 2 1 1 75

Nine peaks (2 day) mb 001 3 2 1 2 2 72

Thousand Island Lake backpack (5 day) mb 023 2 2 3 2 1 66

Wind caves backpack (2 day) mb 008 4 1 1 2 2 63

Yosemite 1-2-3 (5 day) mb 028 1 1 1 4 2 1 62

Intro BackpackingBridge to nowhere ib 033 8 1 1 97

Dripping Springs backpack ib 017 2 7 1 91

Sitton Peak ib 037 1 6 3 78

Sugarloaf ib 038 1 2 7 74

ClimbingJoshua Tree rock climb (2 day) c 014 7 3 97

2008-2009 Calendar Planning - Vote Tally

NotesSeasonal Outing

Joshua Tree rock climb (2 day) c 014 7 3 97

Suicide Rock rock climb c 018 3 7 93

Snow ActivitiesSnow sports (2 day) s 011 8 2 98

Ski & snowboard (1 day) s 022 2 8 92

Cross country skiing (2 day) s 013 10 80

Summer CampsCherry Valley (Catalina) sc 029 5 3 1 1 92

Tahquitz (Big Bear) sc 039 4 4 1 1 91

Pico Blanco (Monterey) sc 040 1 1 6 2 81

Mensinger (Western Sierra) sc 041 2 2 6 76

TailgatesRocketeering t 025 5 1 3 1 90

Death Valley - no family t 034 2 1 2 3 1 1 73

Mt Laguna mountain biking t 005 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 70

Caving - spelunking t 027 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 70

Camp Surf - San Diego t 020 3 1 1 3 2 63

Shotgun shooting t 024 2 1 3 1 2 1 60

3T campout t 021 2 1 3 3 1 50

Death Valley family camping t 015 1 2 1 2 4 44

WaterWhitewater rafting - Kings River w 019 6 2 1 1 91

Catalina snorkeling - overnight w 016 2 2 3 2 1 78

Canoeing and water sports w 009 2 3 1 2 1 1 75

Deep Sea Fishing - overnight w 002 2 1 1 2 2 2 63

Kayaking - Laguna Coast w 035 4 1 1 1 3 54

Fresh water fishing w 003 1 1 2 4 1 1 53

Small boat sailing w 032 1 2 1 3 1 2 44

Winter fresh water fishing w 030 1 3 3 3 42

Palomar pond fishing - overnight w 031 2 1 1 4 2 40

Troop Calendar

• Programs chair creates troop calendar

• Integrates holidays, school schedules, district, council and NYLT dates

• Works with tripmasters and high adventure team • Works with tripmasters and high adventure team to schedule outings

• PLC approves calendar

• SPL presents to troop committee

• Troop committee approves calendar

• Programs chair updates calendar through year

Outing Preparation

• Tripmaster is the authority on the outing

• SPL assigns PLC members to assist with outing

• Co-tripmasters are recruited

• Requirements for reservations, food, routes, drivers, special equipment, special training and

• Requirements for reservations, food, routes, drivers, special equipment, special training and other logistics are identified

• Identify Merit Badge opportunities

• Tasks allocated to co-tripmasters

• Need to do local familiarization – go to the location

Special Considerations

• Medical Forms

• Medications

• Medical Conditions

• Troop first aid kit and medical cards• Troop first aid kit and medical cards

• Equipment– Rock Climbing, Camping, Backpacking, Canoeing,

Patrol Boxes, Tents, Lanterns

• Training– Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Backpacking

– YPT, Hazardous Weather required for all tripmasters

Outing Activities

• Support the Boy Run Troop

• Have SPL assign PLC members to help plan and run outing activities

• Have SPL for outing• Have SPL for outing

• Have patrols established for outing

• Have troop leadership run activities

• Tripmasters provide guidance and logistics support

Lead Times

• Early preparation needed for some items

– Wilderness Permits (3 months to 2 years)• Reserved, Quota System and Walkup

– Campground Reservations (3 months to 1 year)• State, County, National Park, Forest Service• State, County, National Park, Forest Service

– Commercial Activites (3 months to 1 year)• River Rafting, Canoeing, Skiing

– Rental Equipment• Rental providers can reserve items and have staff available

for faster service

Resources Available

• Trip files in barn filing cabinets– Info on previous trips

• Former tripmasters

• PLC• PLC

• High adventure team

• Internet

• Books

• Guides

Paperwork Required

• Tour Permit

– Tripmaster, co-tripmaster information

– Unit committee member signature

– Driver, car and insurance information – Driver, car and insurance information (operations)

– Approval, copy and registration at scout shop

• Permission Slip

– Use troop permission slip template

You Get This Portion Back Stamped

You Can Use The Troop Printout For This

Trip Sign Up Sheet

Scouts Canoe $20 Water Ski $65 Scouters Drive? Total Seatbelts

Canoeing/Water Sports Merit Badge SignupSaturday, August 25, 2007, Carlsbad

INFORMATION & PERMISSION SLIP Tripmaster: Mr. W

BSA Troop 787 Mission Viejo, CA

Cell: 949-636-0867 E-mail: abwooldridge@yahoo.com

Depart Point: Barn Return Point: Barn

Depart Day: Saturday, April 08, 2006 Return Day: Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Depart Time: 8:00 AM Return Time: 6:00 PM

Scout Cost: $85.00 (plus ~$0.00 cash for Mac Attack)

Adult Cost: $100.00 (plus ~$0.00 cash for Mac Attack)

• Make checks payable to “Troop 787”

Tripmaster prefers CASH for this outing if this box is checked

• LAST DAY AND TIME to turn in this Permission Slip & Money: 4/2/2006 8:30 PM

• Uniforms: Class A for travel, Class B for activities, Class HA for High Adventure (optional).

Minimum Recommended Equipment: Emergency Card Day / Fanny Pack Overnight Duffel Bag Backpack

Water (3 qt. or ltr.) Sack Lunch 10 Essentials Swimming Trunks

Jacket / Sweater Poncho / Tarp Sleeping Bag Hiking Poles or Staff

Hiking Boots Bowl/Spoon Rain Gear Warm Clothes

Expected Weather: Temperature Range: Highs: ~70’s οοοο

F / Lows: ~20’sοοοο

F

Check all that apply> Sun Rain Snow Wind speed: mph. Precipitation:

Outing / Destination: Grand Canyon High Adventure

Important: Plan to assemble at depart point by 7:00 AM

Return time

is estimated

Check all that apply> Sun Rain Snow Wind speed: mph. Precipitation:

in.

Description: Drive to Grand Canyon, camp at South Rim Mather Campground. 3 day hikes - first along canyon rim, second down into the West part of the Canyon, third day will go down central part of Canyon. Dinner Saturday will be a group dinner, other dinners and breakfasts will be by patrol. Patrols need to bring their food. Trail lunches will be provided. Bring layers of clothing as the temperature can vary widely, from mid 20's at night to 70's in the canyon. Sun protection and bug repellent. Bring 3 quarts of water since water will not be available on some of the trails. Bring hiking boots and 6 pairs of socks. Bring day bag and sunglasses, hat, shorts and long pants, long and short sleeved shirts, stocking cap and gloves. Bring knife/fork/spoon, bowl or plate and insulated cup.

··················································· Please cut here and return bottom portion with payment to tripmaster ···················································

OBLIGATION FOR COST OF THIS OUTING: Any Scout or parent who signs up for an activity (campout, outing, etc.) will be responsible for their portion of any expense associated with this outing whether they attend or not. In order for the scout family to not be responsible for the expenses associated with this activity, the Tripmaster MUST BE notified that the scout or parent will be unable to attend the activity and that they choose to cancel their signup prior to any expenses being committed or incurred by the Troop and/or the Tripmaster. Parent’s signature below indicates acceptance of this cost obligation.

PARENT PERMISSION / WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY Considering the benefits to be experienced, and that membership in the Boy Scouts of America is voluntary, and having full confidence that every reasonable precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of my son on the activity identified above, I give my permission for his participation and waive all claims against the leaders of this trip, officers and representatives of the Boy Scouts of America. Further, I will ensure that my son has in his possession a signed medical authorization form when he arrives for participation in the activity.

Date(s): 4/8/06 to 4/12/06 __________ Destinations: Grand Canyon ________________________________________

Scout: Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Phones: Home: ___________________ Emergency: ___________________ Return Day: __________________

In event no one is at our home or arrives at the pickup point to pick my son upon return, I give my permission to:

Leave him at home: Leave him with neighbor: Hold at Scoutmaster’s home for parent to pick up:

Will parent participate: Y N Will parent provide transportation?: Y N If yes, total # seatbelts: _________

Parent/Guardian Name:

Conduct on Outings

• Go over code of conduct

• Highlight safety issues particular to outing

• Emphasize that the scouts are representing the trooprepresenting the troop

ChecklistThis checklist contains the information needed for a successful outing. Please enlist an assistant

tripmaster, get youth leader assigned and ask for help when you need it. Your resources are: the programs chair, PLC planning weekend notes for the particular outing, and the assistant scoutmasters of Troop 787.

1) Read the proposal description from the PLC planning weekend ballota) Understand the original intent of the outing.b) Discuss details with programs and/or PLC as needed.c) Consider what type of outing it is: expectation, distance, is water available

2) Make all necessary reservationsa) Campsite (e.g. - www.reserveamerica.com, Camporee/Scout-O-Rama site, Summer Camp,

etc.).etc.).b) Other facilities (e.g. - white water rafting company, climbing instructor for Mt. Shasta, etc.).c) Equipment (e.g. - canoes, climbing gear, snowshoes, rocket kits, etc.).d) Food (e.g. - a pizza parlor on the drive up or back vs. McDonalds "Mac Attack" or “Road

Dogs” at rest stop).e) Some reservations can be very long-lead items (Sep-2003 beach outing made in Mar-2003).

3) Work with the PLC as much as possiblea) Develop an itinerary for the outing - hikes, activities, times, meals, etc.b) Get SPL and ASPL involved early on. Get youth leader for trip.c) Communicate to them any challenges or changes to the outing vs. as originally proposed.d) The PLC generally ties the outing into the monthly theme (e.g. - build rockets before outing).e) Tie the outing to a merit badge if possible.f) Add service project to the outing.

Checklist

4) Create a flier and take sign-ups for the outinga) Generally about 2-3 weeks before the outing.b) Work from a copy of a previous flier, especially if the same/similar outing (e.g., Death Valley).c) E-mail a copy to Troop 787 webmaster (troop787web@cox.net) for posting to the website.d) Encourage the PLC to do most of the advertising, whenever possible and if time permits.e) Transfer names from the sign-up sheet to a "Trip Roster".f) Adult sign-ups become your list of potential drivers, include total seatbelts on signup!

5) Create the "Outing Information and Parental Permission Slip"a) Work from the standard Troop 787 form available on the website (http://troop787.ocbsa.org).a) Work from the standard Troop 787 form available on the website (http://troop787.ocbsa.org).b) The top portion gives depart/return time, expected temps, list of equipment scouts should

bring, etc.c) The bottom portion is to be completed, detached, and submitted with payment during sign-

up period.d) Establish what is to be the cancellation policy for this outing, and put it on the form.e) Add any other special requirements for the outing (swimming MB, fishing license if over 16

yrs, etc.).f) If backpack or hike, include a color topographic trail map w/profileg) Make clear any prerequisites for outing, such as training hikes, intro backpacks or other

experience. The tripmaster decides who can participate.

Checklist6) Permits

a) BSA Local Tour Permit - required for all outings, no matter how short a distance (even Camporee).

b) If only a few drivers, write-in vehicle/insurance information ... otherwise, highlight/attach troop driver roster.

c) BSA National Tour Permit - required if outing venue is more than 500 miles away (even if still in CA).

d) Others - wilderness permit (backpacks), fire permit, Forest Adventure Passes etc.e) Scouts must wear Class A (Field Uniform) on the trip up/back ... Class B (Activity Uniform,

red troop t-shirt) usually worn in camp.7) Qualified Supervision and Certified Personnel

a) All adults need Youth Protection Training, Tripmaster need Hazardous Weather Trainingb) Reference Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Climb on Safely, Trek on Safely, etc. as needed.b) Reference Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Climb on Safely, Trek on Safely, etc. as needed.c) Determine who is to serve in each position, and confirm training is current prior to the

outing.d) Scouts on the outing may require certification as well (e.g. - climbing, scuba, swimming MB).

8) Identify the SPL and ASPL for the trip, and communicate to the scouts through thema) Develop the trip itinerary and roster, trail plan, meal (cooking) plans, etc. with them.b) Have them select a scribe (for trip summary) and a chaplain (for Scout's Own) for the outing.c) Encourage them to take a headcount (either cumulative or by patrol) at various times on

outing.d) SPL should schedule activities that help scouts get rank advancement items signed off.e) Trip SPL forms patrols for outing using current PLC for leadership.

9) Establish an adult trip quartermastera) This is more important on the larger/longer outings (e.g. - summer camp).b) The quartermaster handles all equipment needs - patrol boxes, coolers, ice, propane, trailer,

etc.c) The Tripmaster and quartermaster should visit outing location beforehand to know what to

expect.

Checklist10) If weather or other factors could jeopardize the outing, have a "Plan B" in place

a) Consult with programs chair, former outing TM's, and other ASM's for alternate plan possibilities.

b) Most outings do not change once they are underway.c) Rocketeering has been cancelled due to high winds, closure of I-15 pass, etc.d) Snowboarding has been cancelled due to no snow.

11) Get the First Aid box, and take it on the outinga) Before leaving, check the Medical Information cards for all scouts on the outing (update as

required).b) Review the contents (for expiration dates, sufficient quantities, etc.) and replenish as

necessary.c) The First Aid box (and tools, water, etc.) should be in the last car of the caravan on the way

up/back.d) All Scouters should have the “Guide to Safe Scouting” with them.e) Make last minute phone calls to make sure all that signed up are actually going on the e) Make last minute phone calls to make sure all that signed up are actually going on the

outing.12) On-road and on-trail communications

The 2-way FRS radios (from Costco, etc.) have been very useful, but have only 2-mile range. Try to use channel 7, code 8 (a non-zero "code" helps reduce unwanted chatter from others).

Have copy of scouters cell phone numbers for all drivers.c) Establish plan to communicate a revised ETA to parents on return. Generally this has been

handled by having individual scouts use cell phones from each vehicle.d) The revised ETA is typically determined at the last stop before arriving back at The Barn.

13) Upon completion of the outinga) Put together an overall summary of what was done on the outing, and give it to programs

chair.b) Include any "lessons learned" for any future repeat of the same outing (e.g. - better

campsites, route, etc.). Ask for input of other Scouters that went on the outing.c) Include an Excel spreadsheet (or other format) to show balance of trip receipts and

expenditures.d) If checks were written to Troop 787, a reimbursement form may be needed (see website).e) Generally, each trip is self-sustaining (can be subsidized, with troop committee approval).f) E-mail digital pictures to Saints Yuan, for posting on the website.

HAVE FUN !!HAVE FUN !!