Trailblazers

The Trailblazer program is a two-period program designed primarily for Scouts who are new to Scouting and are coming to camp for the first time. The purpose behind the program is to give new Scouts a jump start by teaching them the basic outdoor skills needed throughout their Scouting career. Such skills include camping, fire building, wood tools, knots, lashings, first aid, map and compass, and nature study. Each Scout will receive credit for the rank advancement requirements that he completes at camp. How much each Scout completes is up to him, and it is very possible that different Scouts will complete different requirements and some may complete more than others. The Trailblazer program focuses on working on the requirements leading up to Tenderfoot rank. Scouts will be put into patrols where they can learn things as a patrol in a small-group setting.

Camp Shands Overnight Program for Trailblazers

On Thursday night the Trailblazers will go on an overnight camping trip up to Camp Davis (a primitive area of camp). They will leave later in the evening where they will get to experience several different things, such as seeing the vast wildlife and overlooking Levy’s Prairie. They are provided with tents which they will pitch with the help of the staff using the skills they have learned throughout the week. They will prepare a dessert cooked in Dutch ovens over a fire and finish the evening with a great campfire filled with songs and stories. The next morning, they will wake up, break camp, and arrive back into their campsites to prepare for breakfast. It is truly the capstone of the Trailblazer program and a great experience for the young Scouts! Adult leaders are encouraged to attend. Note: Night may be changed if inclement weather is anticipated.

Rank Advancements
Scout: 1, 3, 4, 5
Tenderfoot: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 6a, 7a-b, 8