Waterfront
The waterfront program at Seven Ranges was designed to accomplish and support the five purposes of the Scouting aquatics program. These are:
- Give Scouts self-confidence and skill in aquatics.
- Instruct Scouts in self-preservation, the care and use of aquatic equipment and simple rescue methods.
- Promote aquatic recreation.
- Develop physical strength and coordination.
- Aid units in planning and conducting a safe, year-round aquatic program.
Seven Ranges has a complete waterfront including swimming and boating areas. These areas, as well as all aquatic activity in camp, are conducted using the Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat programs of the Boy Scouts of America. The Waterfront Director, as a certified Aquatics Instructor through the BSA National Camping School, will serve as the qualified supervisor for all swimming and boating done in camp. All water activities will be done under the supervision of the Waterfront Director and the waterfront staff.
Unit leaders must help see to it that Scouts do not swim at any place on the reservation that is not under the Waterfront Director’s supervision.
It is helpful for any scout planning on taking a waterfront merit badge to hold a current CPR certification, but not required. We offer a CPR review course on Wednesday afternoon to satisfy merit badge requirements. However, if a Scout does not wish to take part in this time-consuming activity and is a holder of valid CPR certification, they must present their certification card directly to their counselor in order to be passed on the requirement.
MERIT BADGES
BSA AQUATICS SUPERVISOR
This program is designed for the extremely dedicated Scout or leader. Anyone interested in BSA Aquatics Supervisor will make arrangements with the Waterfront Director on Sunday directly following retreat as indicated during the dinner meal. Any Scout interested should have a current CPR certification. Due to the extreme nature of this program, Scouts may not have time for any other programs or merit badges.
MILE SWIM BSA
The Mile Swim BSA program is designed to be a conditioning program to promote good physical fitness and safe practices in distance, open-water swimming. The conditioning program requires the participant to swim 1/4 mile on Monday during open swim, 1/2 mile on Tuesday during open swim, and a full mile in open water on Thursday evening. Participants, whether youth or adult, are required to complete all phases of the conditioning program as well as provide a rower and spotter to accompany them in a boat on Thursday evening.
Click here for more information on Mile Swim BSA
KAYAKING BSA
Seven Ranges is proud to offer Kayaking BSA as part of our Waterfront program. Please note that those enrolled in this class are expected to be strong swimmers and have some experience with kayaks. The class size will be limited according to the number of kayaks available.
Click here for more information on Kayaking BSA
SAFE SWIM DEFENSE AND SAFETY AFLOAT
Training will be offered to adult leaders in the BSA’s Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat programs . This certification is valid for two years and gives the training necessary for conducting a year-round aquatic program.
Click here for more information on Safe Swim Defense
Click here for more information on Safety Afloat