Scouter Article October 2008
Is It Going to Rain?
“Is it going to rain this weekend, Mr. Scoutmaster?” was one of the most common questions I received before almost every camping trip. My answer? The obvious answer, of course: “Be prepared for any kind of weather.” But I also checked the weather forecast before leaving on the trip.
So my question to you is: are you prepared for any kind of weather. I mean really prepared for ANY kind of weather? When I ask this question, two events from this past summer come to mind.
In June, we tragically lost four brave Scouts in Iowa when a tornado tore through the Little Sioux Scout Ranch. All of the Scouts and Scouters in camp were prepared for the storm and their preparation prevented countless other serious injuries, given that there were nearly 120 Scouts in camp at the time. In August, six Scouts and three Scouters from Maplewood, NJ were hiking in the Grand Canyon when a flash flood trapped them and hundreds of other campers. These Scouts and Scouters were also prepared for the catastrophe, kept their wits about them, and were eventually rescued from the Canyon, tired, wet, missing some equipment, but safe.
Let me ask the question again: are you REALLY prepared for any kind of weather?
This past spring, BSA released an excellent on-line training program, “Planning and Preparing for Hazardous Weather”, also called “Weather Smart”. The course takes about 50 to 60 minutes to complete, and gives a very good overview of ten important weather topics, including weather planning & preparation, dealing with hot and cold weather, flash floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, and weather signs.
Because of the importance of weather as we plan our outdoor events, for every tour permit filed for trips starting on or after January 1, 2009, at least one adult leader must have completed “Weather Smart” training. While we need to meet the MINIMUM requirements for the tour permit, let’s try to have every uniformed leader take this important training. Also, why not introduce this training to your Scout leaders, certainly the SPL and ASPL, if not the patrol leaders?
“Weather Smart” is available at the BSA Online Learning Center, http://olc.scouting.org/
Jay Lubin
Council Training Chair
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
~ Margaret Mead