In recent weeks, we have experienced higher than normal temperatures, humidity, torrential rain storms that brought flooding to some, high winds toppling trees and downing power lines, all in an area that boasts a favorable and temperate climate. Our Scouts do not confine their activity to this area, however. We are sending a contingent to West Virginia for the National Jamboree and others are off to Philmont. Still others trek to the Northern Tier, Sea Base, and other more remote locations around the country. Even camping within Wisconsin or Upper Michigan can find our youth in remote areas with unfamiliar terrain and weather patterns. Weather plays a role in the safety and success of these outings, so it is easy to see that weather does indeed matter. So, how do we respond to the challenges of changing weather patterns?
Scouting America has launched a mission to provide safe Scouting experiences through training and preparation, educational moments, and vigilance. Each adult leader with direct youth contact is required to take and renew Hazardous Weather training every two years. These leaders are not considered position specific trained unless they complete this 30-minute course online and keep their certification current. At least one trained adult must be present in any outing involving Scouts. In addition, a number of Safety Moments have been developed to offer at each unit gathering. These “moments” can be used to educate Scouts on topics such as heat related illnesses, prevention and treatment; projection against extreme cold or hot conditions; proper hydration; frostbite and other cold exposure conditions, and other topics. Unit leaders should be preparing youth for outdoor experiences and potential hazards just as they help Scouts prepare appropriate clothing, shelter, sleeping gear, and other equipment for an outing. Care must also be taken with food storage, preparations, and handling which can be impacted by changes in weather.
Communication is also an important consideration. Leaders should review with Scouts and parents the ways in which they will communicate, should changes in weather force changes in plans. With the near full coverage that cell phones have, following weather is more easily done and leaders should be tracking not only anticipated weather while on an outing, but changes as they develop.
Finally, you can take comfort in knowing that all Bay-Lakes Council organized camp outings and facilities, emergency response plans are in place. Camps have methods for communicating severe weather situations, shelters for protecting youth and adults, and emergency power generations capabilities in sensitive areas. Each session of summer camp begins with a safety discussion that includes what to do in the event of severe weather.
So, weather does matter and at Bay-Lakes Council, we take it seriously! I hope each unit takes stock of the training completed by each adult leader and encourages leaders to certify in Hazardous Weather along with the other certification training programs designed for each position. As always, I want to thank you for entrusting your youth to Scouting and supporting their grown within our program. With your help and careful planning, completion of training in all areas, and providing safety moments to our units, we ca provide our youth with safe experiences and extend the Scouting experience to others.