BSA, Three Fires Council
Norris Scout Center 415 North Second St.
St. Charles, IL 60174
P: (630) 584-9250 Norris Scout ShopP: (630) 797-4614Deicke Scout ShopP: (630) 231-3192Hours & Locations
This is the page where Venturing Crews will be able to tell others about their trips & activities. If you are in a Venturing Crew in Three Fires Council and have experienced a great trip which you would like to share with others, please write it up (with photos if you have them) Crew contact information, and send it to Michael Uchmanowicz . Thanks!
VENTURERS SIGN UP NOW FOR 2013 JAMBOREE
The folks at the Summit wanted me to pass along a little info on the Jamboree that’s coming up in 2013. It’s a big deal, and there’s a lot to know about it, but first, take a second and watch this video …
That’s 20 seconds or so of the World Jamboree, held this last summer in Sweden. Looks like fun, right?
Now imagine 10 days of that, with other Scouts from all over the country. Throw in some of America’s best scenery (Almost Heaven, West Virginia) and sit it on top of the BSA’s newest High Adventure Base. What you’re picturing is the first national Scout jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, the new permanent home of the jambo.
For right now, here’s what’s important:
Venturing will be at the jamboree for the first time ever!
This is the first-ever jambo to be held at the Summit, Scouting’s newest High Adventure Base.
This only happens once every four years; it could be your only chance to go to a jamboree as a Venturer.
So, this is pretty huge. An entire subcamp is being set aside just for Venturing. It’s our chance, for the first time ever, really, to show the rest of Scouting how amazing Venturing really is, smack in the middle of Scouting’s biggest showcase.
There’s plenty of info on the way about how Venturers can get to the Jamboree. I hope you’re as excited as I am. Something like this doesn’t come along very often.
So let’s make sure we have a huge showing at the Jamboree in 2013! Go check out theTop 3 Reasons To Attend The 2013 Jamboree, and let us know what you think in the comments.
Yours in Venturing,
Daniel A. Carriveau
2011-2012 National Venturing President
Boy Scouts of America
ONLINE REGISTRATION is now live on the left sidebar of this websitein the TFC Camp Store for all Three Fires Cub Scout Daycamps, overnight camps & resident camps. This year ALL TFC Summer Camp reservations will be made online. Payments can be made online with a credit card, or at a TFC Scout Shop. If paying offline, please print a copy of your online receipt to attach to your payment. A $20 deposit / Scout will hold your reservation. Early Bird fees apply if paid in full by April 1st!Don't miss out on the FUN of summer camping! Register now!!!
Welcome to Cub Scout Camping in Three Fires Council. This page is where you will be able to access all the forms that you will need to ensure that your Cub Scouts have a FANTASTIC camping experience during 2012. We will be posting information as it becomes available to us!
See the FUN that awaits you! View the 2012 CUB SCOUT SUMMER CAMPS Video
2012 Cub Scout Summer Camp General Forms
Information and forms for the 2012 Three Fires Council Summer Camp Programs for Cub Scouts will be linked below beginning November 2011 as they become available.
Registration is done online for all TFC Cub & Webelos Camps. You have the option to pay online or offline for all our Cub Camping opportunities. To register click on one of the categories in the TFC Online Camp Store located near the bottom of the left sidebar of this website.
TFC Guidelines for reducing risks associated with allergens
In keeping with national guidelines for providing a safe environment, TFC has adopted the following position relative to allergens and reducing the risks for participants. Identification is critical to preventing a life threatening situation. Both the participant and TFC have a role to providing and maintaining a safe environment for all Scouts.
Advisory Form for Campers with Special Medical Issues/Needs
This form is to be used for youth participants that plan on attending a Three Fires Council 2011 Summer Camp Program that have severe health concerns that may limit their full participation or present safety issues.
Webelos Session #1 - June 12-15, 2012 (Tu-F) - View Photos of 2011 Webelos Session #2 - June 16-19, 2012 (Sat-Tu) Webelos Session #3 - June 20-23, 2012 (W-Sat) - View Photos of 2011
As you prepare for a four-day adventure with your son, be sure to check with the Camp Freeland Leslie Website for the latest information about CFLs facilities, programs, and policies such as:
Forms & online registration will be available January 2012
Webelos Adventure Camp MENU - See an example of what you will be eating at Camp
Schedule & Area - Where the Activity Pins & Belt Loops are offered
Daily Schedule -See what a typical day at Camp will be like! WOW!
Parent Guide - Everything parents need to know!
The Webelos Activity Pins Offered at CFL
The staff at CFL will be offering 13 of the 20 Webelos Activity Pins. Along with the Webelos pins, we will also be offering the Cub Scout BB Gun Marksmanship Pin & Belt Loop and the Archery Pin & Belt Loop
Aquanaut
Athlete**
Artist
Citizen
Engineer
Forester
Geologist
Handyman
Naturalist
Outdoorsman
Readyman
Scientist
Showman
Schedule & Area - Where the Activity Pins & Belt Loops are offered
**Please Note: There is a pre-requisite for the Athlete pin of first obtaining the Cub Scout Physical Fitness pin that must be done prior to camp.
WEEKENDS IN ILLINOIS - Scout Adventure Camp, Rochelle, IL
DesPlaines Valley Council & Three Fires Council presents, Weekends in Illinois! Come join us overnight at Weekend In Illinois located at Scout Adventure Camp in Rochelle, IL.
Enjoy all the activities including Star Gazing, Nature, Archery, BB Gun Safety and making Crafts. The gently rolling land makes it easy to get around. No special gear is needed. You provide a tent, (your own or borrowed), for you and your son. We’ll have people there to help you set it up. Meals will be prepared for you.
Not a camper? No problem. No experience is necessary. This is an easy going, fun filled program led by our trained staff that is there to serve you and your son. Warm showers will sure feel good at the end of the day. The program is designed for the Cub Scout to be accompanied by Mom, Dad, or both. You don’t have to come with your Pack. You and your son are welcome. Hope you can join us.
June 23-24, 2012
Sat - Sun
Tigers, Cubs
June 30 - July 1, 2012
Sat - Sun
Tigers, Cubs, Webelos Specialty
July 14-15, 2012
Sat - Sun
Tigers, Cubs
July 21-22, 2012
Sat - Sun
Tigers, Cubs, Webelos Specialty
July 28-29, 2012
Sat - Sun
Tigers, Cubs
Who can attend? Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, or First Year Webelos Scouts. One or both parents attend with their son. (Sorry, no accommodation can be made for siblings.)
Registrations must be made through Des Plaines Valley Council.
Registration Form - Weekends in Illinois- Forms available in 2012
Weekends in Illinois - Information Flier
Cost / Scout will be $135.00 minus $25 with Discount Coupon.
Cost / Adult will be $105.00 minus $25 with Discount Coupon.
Operation Cubscicle- Save the date!
2011-2012 Operation Cubscicle was a great success with hundreds of Cub Scouts and Adult Leaders participating!
Over 50 campgrounds & campsite facilities are presently approved for Cub Camping as of March 2010. See your District Training Chairman to learn more about BALOO training to obtain the needed skills and certification to take part in Cub Scout Pack Camping.
If you have a campsite that you don't find on the approved list, please let your District Camping Chair know, so that it can be evaluated and approved for Cub Scout Pack Camping. Your Camping Chair can begin the process for adding that campsite to the Cub Camping Approved list.
Check out the Cub Scout Camping Guidelines for commonly asked questions on TFC standards, as well as the cover letter from the 2009 Cub Scout camping packet.
You can't take the "outing" out of Scouting! The outdoor program is one of the biggest features about Scouting that appeals to Scouts, and a week at summer camp is one of the top experiences. No one will ever forget the memories and experience from summer camp. The Three Fires Council has another exciting summer awaiting Scouts at Camp Freeland Leslie. Camp Freeland Leslie is the premier patrol-method camp in the Central Region. We believe that the patrol is the heart of Scouting, and that teaching Scouts to work as a team is our most important job. The staff is hard at work preparing for your visit next summer, and we look forward to serving you. Please visit the Camp Freeland LeslieWebsite often as we add new information as it gets closer to camp, & be sure to check the important announcements and dates as they appear.
ONLINE REGISTRATION is now live on the left sidebar of this website in the TFC Camp Store for all 6 sessions of Camp Freeland Leslie Boy Scout Summer Camp. This year ALL TFC Summer Camp reservations will be made online. Payments can be made online with a credit card, or at a TFC Scout Shop. If paying offline, please print a copy of your online receipt to attach to your payment. A $50 deposit / Scout will hold your reservation. Early Bird fees apply if paid in full by April 1st! Don't miss out on the FUN of summer camping! Register now!!!
Three Fires Council Boy Scout Summer Camp Opportunities
We, once again, are in search of the highest quality scouts, Eagle Scouts, and adult leaders to fill the various staff positions at camp. Any Scouter who lives up to the Scout Oath and Law, with a strong work ethic and an interest in having FUN, are encouraged to complete an application. While we prefer Eagle Scouts, we gladly interview and hire Life and Star Scouts as well. 2012 Camp Staff Interest Application
We hire scouts ages 15 and older, including adults! We are also interested in hiring 14 year olds as Counselors in Training. Please click on the link below to access and print a Staff Application. Completed applications should be sent to the Norris Scout Center, 415 N. Second Street, St. Charles, IL 60174, attention CFL Administration. Interviews will begin in November 2011.We are looking forward to another fantastic summer season in 2012! 2012 Staff APPLICATION
Also check out our 2012 CAMP FREELAND LESLIE VIDEO!
Camp Freeland Leslie
Many troops are already making plans for Summer Camp 2012. On behalf of the Three Fires Council and staff, we invite you to join us in Oxford, WI at Camp Freeland Leslie (CFL)! If your unit is looking for a camp that offers a wide variety of advancements, outdoor high adventure, and outstanding programming for scouts off all ages – then join us at CFL for Summer Camp 2012. As the “premiere patrol method camp in the Central Region,” the CFL staff is committed to providing you and your Scouts with an summer camp experience to last a lifetime.
Want to see what camp is like? View camp photos of CFL 2011 Boy Scout Summer Camp!
Welcome to High Adventure camping and activities in Three Fires Council. The High Adventure Committee has many fun and challenging programs, and events to expand your troop, team or crew's High Adventure Program for older Scouts.
No Adventure is too challenging, no trip is too small, for a Back Country Experience...
CONTACT: Ed Gacek for information, 815-786-8182 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
“Helping Units Succeed and Grow through High Adventure!”
Online registration requests for 2012 Expeditions for Philmont Scout Ranch has past.
Please review the attached flyers for complete information and attendance requirements for Philmont. The following information is provided to assist your unit in placing a registration request. Attached you will find the 2012 Registration Packet that has the procedures for a unit to place a 2012 registration request online for a 12 day or 7 day Expedition. This information can also be obtained at the Philmont Scout Ranch Website.
2012 Three Fires Council Philmont Contingent
Three Fires Council will be sending a Contingent in 2012. We arrive at Philmont on 06/24/2012, and depart on 07/06/2012. Get your reservations in early for this great opportunity! Slots are limited. We have 8 crews of 12 for a total of 96 Scouts & Scouters. Reservations are being taken on a first come first served basis. If all crews are filled, a waiting list will be created in the order in which applications are received. If we are not able to put you on the Council contingent, your deposit will be refunded. Once on the contingent, a welcome letter will be mailed giving you more information and a time line of upcoming events. If you have any questions, please contact Pete Dillenburg at the Norris Scout Service Center. 630-584-9250.
Philmont Application - Three Fires Council - Arrive 06/24/2012‐Depart 07/06/2012
2012 Northern Tier National High Adventure Program
With over 9,750 miles already paddled and portaged this summer in the North Woods of Minnesota and Canada, we are already looking forward to the summer of 2012. Attached you will find a registration form for Wilderness Canoe Treks for the summer of 2012 at one of the three National High Adventure Bases that are part of the Northern Tier Program.
RESERVATIONS:
1. You must phone the base to receive a crew number and tentatively reserve a trip date. You then have three weeks to send in your reservation form and the $300 per crew reservation fee (deposit). After three weeks, the reservation is subject to cancellation.
2. Please complete the enclosed reservation form. You will need to have a council signature along with a deposit of $300 per crew (which is applied to your total fee) to secure your reservation. This deposit is not refundable if you cancel and is not transferable from one crew to another. 3. Reservations for the 2012 season begin at 8:00 AM Central Time on Friday, April 1, 2011
Questions?? Please feel free to contact Northern Tier National High Adventure Program at 218-365-4811 or visit the Northern Tier Website.
Philmont Scout Ranch -- The Boy Scouts of America's premier high-adventure base challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 200 square miles of rugged New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.
Florida Sea Base -- The Florida National High Adventure Sea Base is headquartered in the heart of the fabulous Florida Keys, on an island (Lower Matecumbe Key) 75 miles south of Miami. Scouting's most complete aquatic facility offers a complete variety of water activities from SCUBA diving to sailing "Tall Ships". All participants have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and fish among the most beautiful coral reefs in the northern hemisphere.
Northern Tier -- Northern Tier offers more wilderness camping (3 million acres) than any other opportunity in Scouting. Northern Tier is so remote that nesting bald eagles abound, the portages between the lakes are moose trails, and the humans are just visitors. This is the land where the French-Canadian voyageurs traded for beaver pelts with the native populations, and you can still see the ancient Indian pictographs on the sheer rock faces.
Welcome to the Shooting Sports Information Page. Here you will find updates & information regarding Scouting shooting sports. Three Fires Council is proud to announce the formation of our new Shooting Sports Committee. Watch this page for information regarding Scout related events, safety, training, & opportunities.
BB & Archery Information
“ Archery and BB gun shooting are restricted to day camps, Cub Scout/Webelos Scout resident camps, or to council activities where there are properly trained supervisors and all standards for BSA shooting are enforced. Archery and BB gun shooting are not to be done at the pack level. Cub Scouts are not permitted to use any other type of handgun or firearm.”
NRA Pistol Instructor Certification Course
DATE: March 3rd/4th, 2012 Time: 7:00am to 5:00pm
At: Maywood Sportsmen’s Club
700 N County Line Rd., Elmhurst IL. 60126 FLIER - for Course information
Course fee $195
$50 discount for MSC Members
$25 Discount to Boy Scout Leaders and veterans
(only one discount can be used. Proof of eligibility required.)
(This is the certification for Pistol shooting with Venture Scouts)
Registration due by Feb. 22nd 2012 - To register call or email Jim Appleby 630-664-4042/ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Become an NRA Certified Rifle or Pistol Instructor!
Course Hosted By ILLOWA Council, BSA Date: March 31st & April 1st 2012 / Check in 7 to 7:30 am on Saturday, March 31st
Camp Loud Thunder Scout Reservation
9906 175th Street, West, Illinois City, IL 61259 Fee $225/ BSA Leaders $175 - Meals and lodging included
Registration Infomation - FLIER
The NRA Rifle or Pistol Instructor Course teaches experienced shooters how to teach the basics of shooting.
Completion of this course allows you to teach the NRA Basic Rifle/Shotgun Course and to do rifle/shotgun shooting with Boy Scout troops. Registration and course fee due by March 15th, 2012.
To register for this course you will need to: 1) register with the Illowa Council by completing and submitting the registration form and payment to the Illowa Council Service Center by March 15th. www.ILLOWABSA.org
2) Contact Jim Appleby for final registration details at 630-664-4042 Or E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Guidebook 2012 Camp Card Sale
A Scout is Thrifty...He helps pay his own way!
The Three Fires Council is pleased to announce a new Council-wide fundraiser...the 2012 Camp Card.
The intent of the Camp Card sale is to allow Units to raise funds to pay for their Summer Scouting Program. This includes purchasing camping equipment such as tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags, and to send Scouts to Cub Scout Day Camp, Webelos Camp, and Boy Scout Summer Camp. This program is completely RISK FREE, because any unsold Camp Cards may be returned.
Camp Cards sell for $5 each. Units earn 50% commission, or $2.50 per card sold. The cards come in sets of 10 cards in an envelope. Camp Cards are ordered by the set, but individual Camp Cards can be returned. Your unit may reserve sets of Camp Cards online for your Scouts to sell. They will be available for pickup at roundtables in March. List of discount offers on the 2012 Camp Cards. CAMP CARD FLIER & INFORMATION
Key Dates for the Sale • District January Roundtables – Hand out Camp Card Commitment Forms.
• District February Roundtables – Begin collecting Commitment Forms.
• February 15th or 22nd at the Camp Kickoff Meetings – Commitment Forms due.
Camp Cards are available on a first come first serve basis based upon the Commitment Forms received by February 21, 2012.
• District March Roundtables – Camp Cards distributed
• May Roundtables 2012 – Turn in money and unsold cards.
Sales Techniques for Scouts - Don’t miss this opportunity to use the Camp Card Sale to train your Scout in public speaking, entrepreneurship, and salesmanship. Your Scouts and their parents will appreciate the effort, and, your sales will improve. For a successful Sale, ensure your Scouts:
• Wear their Scout Uniform
• Smile, and say their first name.
• Tell Customers what Unit they are with
• Tell Customers that the Scouts are going to use the money for Camp
• Tell Customers how much THEY can save with a Camp Card
• Close the sale, and always say Thank You
Ensure your families understand that they are selling character, they are selling a better community, and they are selling the benefits of Scouting. Emphasize that each card sold helps a Scout go to camp. The reason our sale will be successful is that people want to support Scouting.
How to sell Camp Cards .... There are 3 Methods to selling Camp Cards:
• Door to Door – Take your Sales Envelope with your Camp Cards for a trip around the neighborhood. Don’t forget local businesses also.
• Show and Sell – Set up a sales booth and sell Camp Cards on the spot.
• Sell at Work – A great way for adults to help their Scout.
Safety and Courtesy....... Be sure to review these safety and courtesy tips with your Scouts and parents.
• Never enter anyone’s home • Never sell after dark, unless with an adult
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash • Always walk on the sidewalk and driveway
• Be careful of dogs while selling • Say Thank You, whether or not the prospect buys a Camp Card
Scout Advancement Opportunities
Scouts can earn much more than money through the Camp Card Sale. They learn the value of planning, organization, and commitment. Scouts develop and practice new skills, and learn about sales and marketing.
*Cards will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
Camp Card activities can be applied to the following Merit Badges: BOY SCOUTS
• SALESMANSHIP – All requirements for this merit badge can be completed through the Camp Card Sale.
• ART - For requirements 2, 5 and 6 – Produce a Camp Card Sale poster for display using pen and ink, watercolor, pencil, pastel, oil, tempera, acrylic paint or marker.
• CIMEMATOGRAPHY – For requirements 1 and 2 – Create a storyboard for a video designed to show how to sell Camp Cards.
• COMMUNICATIONS – For requirement 1 – Show your counselor how you would teach others to sell Camp Cards. For requirement 2 – Make a Camp Card sales presentation to your counselor.
• COMPUTERS – For requirements 2, 3, 4 and 5 – Design a personal sales spreadsheet to keep track of the Camp Card Sale and money made for your Troop.
• PHOTOGRAPHY – For requirement 2b – Take photographs of Camp Cards, Scouts selling Camp Cards, and other activities related to the sale, and arrange the prints with captions to tell a story of the sale.
• PUBLIC SPEAKING – For requirement 1 – Prepare and give a speech to your Troop describing the benefits of the Camp Card sale to the Troop. For requirement 2 – Prepare and give a speech to your Troop describing the steps to a successful Camp Card Sale.
• J OURNALISM – For requirements 2a and 2b – Create a newspaper story or radio news announcement reporting on your Troop’s Camp Card Sale. WEBELOS
• ARTIST BADGE – As one of the five requirements design a Camp Card sales advertising poster for display at your show and sell.
• COMMUNICATOR BADGE – As a requirement, explain to a group of Cubs the proper way to conduct a Camp Card Sale.
• SHOWMAN BADGE – As a requirement, demonstrate the “right” and “wrong” ways to sell Camp Cards.
Cub Scout Arrow Points
• ART ELECTIVE – As one of the requirements, make a poster to announce your Pack’s Camp Card sale.
• PHOTOGRAPHY ELECTIVE – To fulfill requirements, make photos showing the best ways for Cubs to look and act when they sell Camp Cards. Explain your photos to your Den.
• SALES ELECTIVE – The Camp Card Sale fulfills all the requirements for this elective.
Unit Camp Card Kickoff The objectives for your Unit Camp Card Kickoff are simple:
• Get Scouts excited about Camping • Ensure parents are informed about why their Scout should attend Camp.
How can you ensure a successful Kickoff?
• Make sure the Kickoff has maximum attendance
• Be prepared to discuss summertime camping opportunities in the Three Fires Council
• Make sure every Scout received a Promotional Envelope with 10 Camp Cards in it
Camp Card Kickoff Sample Agenda:
1. Grand Opening with music, cheers, and EXCITEMENT!
2. Ensure each Scout signs out at least one set of 10 Camp Cards
3. Explain Commission
4. Review summertime camping opportunities in the Three Fires Council (Cub Day Camp, Webelos and Boy Scout Resident Summer Camp)
5. Review Goals and Key Dates
6. Scout Training – Role Play
7. Cover Safety and Courtesy Tips
8. Big Finish, send Scouts and parents home excited to sell!
Commission - • The 2012 Camp Card Sale commission is 50% IF your Unit has returned unsold cards, and paid in full by your May Roundtable.
• Commission DROPS to 40% IF your Unit has returned unsold cards, and paid in full on or after May 16, 2012.
• Commission DROPS to 30% IF your Unit has returned unsold cards, and paid in full on or after May 22, 2012.
• If your Unit has returned unsold cards, and paid in full on or after May 31, 2012 - commission Rates will be handled on a case by case basis.
Return Policy - Camp Cards may be turned into either Scout Shop without penalty between March 1, 2012 and May 15, 2012. The cards must be in new condition, including snap-offs still attached. Camp Cards may also be turned in without penalty at your district’s Scheduled May Roundtables. Units are responsible for any cards that are lost, stolen, misplaced or damaged. Scouts and parents should treat the cards like a five dollar bill.
Attachments
• Commitment Form • Acknowledgement of Receipt of Camp Cards • Camp Card Settlement Form
The Camp Card Sale is a Council-wide fundraiser sponsored by the Three Fires Council. The intent of the Camp Card sale is to allow Units to raise funds to pay for their Summer Scouting Program. This includes purchasing camping equipment such as tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags, and to send Scouts to any Cub Scout Day Camp and Webelos or Boy Scout Resident Summer Camp.
The Camp Card will sell for $5. Units will earn 50% commission, or $2.50, for each card they sell.
Unsold cards can be returned. THIS IS A NO RISK FUNDRAISER!
How Do I Get Started? Fill out a Camp Card Commitment Form, indicating how many Camp Card sets (10 cards per set) your Unit wants. Commitment Forms can be turned in at:
• The Camp Kickoff Meetings on February 15th or 21st, 2012
• Your district’s February roundtable • A Scout Shop
Camp Cards are available of a first come first serve basis based upon the Commitment Forms received by February 21, 2012.
Pick up your Camp Cards at your March Roundtable or at either Scout Shop on or after March 1, 2012. Bring a unit check
(for 50% of what you sold – YOU KEEP THE OTHER 50%) and any unsold cards to your district’s May Roundtable.
Crew 2501 is now offering PADI Open water SCUBA Certification (required for SCUBA Merit badge). Pricing is based on the number of students. Crew 2501 staff are all Scout volunteers and our schedules are limited. If our schedule is not going to meet your units needs, we can recommend an area dive shop that will be offering SCUBA Certification at a Scout discount (that will be $300 or less based on the number of students).
Also Crew 2501 can run the SCUBA BSA program for your unit (introduction to SCUBA) $37.00 per person min 8. Adults are also welcome.
All Scouts are welcome: no age limit.
Please call, Bradley Fresh - IP Chairman, Cell# (630) 514-3539
Canoeing Resourses
Here are some web sites of interest for paddlers:
For boat design and performance, Wenonah canoe has a great site.
For articles on paddling technique, Paddle.net articles section.
American Canoe Assoc, Guides for Rivers
Prairie State Canoeists, Reports on local rivers
More info on rivers in the area
The Wisconsin DNR site allows searching for info on many of their rivers. Just type canoeing in the space.
Swimmer Definition - BSA
Scouting has an enviable aquatics safety record among youth organizations. While the Buddy System, Qualified Supervision, and Discipline are some of the factors that contribute to Scouting’s safety success, another significant factor is our Swimming Classification system. In Scouting all participants are one of three simply defined classes of swimmers; Non-Swimmers, Beginners, and Swimmers.
Non-Swimmers are those participants with little or no swimming background. It is important to recognize that even if a Scout or Leader is classified as a Non-Swimmer they may still participate in Aquatics Program including both the Free Swim, and Instructional Swim opportunities offered at camp. At CFL the non swimmers area is approximately 4 ½ feet deep at the deepest—making it as deep as many backyard pools. If you attempt neither the Beginner nor Swimmer test you will be given the classification of Non-Swimmer.
Beginners are participants who are able to pass the following test: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to starting place. Beginners may swim in either the Non-Swimmers area of the waterfront or the Beginner’s area. The Beginner’s area starts at approximately 4 ½ feet deep and runs to around 6 feet deep. The Beginner’s test is meant to show that a participant is ready to begin working on deep water swimming skills.
Swimmers are those participants who are able to pass the following test: Jump feet first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating. Boy Scout age Swimmers have access to all areas of the waterfront, all watercraft, and to advanced program opportunities like kayaking, snorkeling and sailing . Webelos Swimmers have access to canoes, rowboats, and all areas of the waterfront.
Key points to keep in mind are:
• Three Fires Council offers several chances to take the Swimmer’s test (Boy Scouts) and Swimmer’s or Beginner’s test (Webelos) prior to arriving at CFL. The Council website will add the dates to the calendar as we book them.
• The pre-camp tests are optional and offered as a convenience to make check-in at camp less stressful and less harried. You may take the test as part of check-in at CFL.
• Cub Scout parents should keep in mind that the Swimmer’s test is definition of a “swimmer” or “beginner” in the Boy Scouts of America’s eyes and therefore cannot be modified.
• The test for the “Swimmer” classification is arduous, covering the distance of a football field. Special note should be made that the Dog-Paddle is specifically prohibited for use during the test and that the test must be competed in a “strong manner”--meaning that it should be apparent to the observer that a Scout could swim further than the test distance should the needs of the situation dictate.
• Scouts or Webelos not able to attend the pre-camp swim tests will have ample opportunity at CFL to test, and access to instructional swim should they need assistance gaining confidence and ability to pass the test.
• Because of time limitations we may not be able to offer test re-takes during a given pre-camp swim check, it is however our policy to strive to offer the chance to re-test on the same day if circumstances allow.
• Finally, if you have concerns or issues you’d like to raise about swim checks you may contact me at 630-605-0144 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
UStream Video Project
Subscribe to RSS Feed
This is the page where Venturing Crews will be able to tell others about their trips & activities. If you are in a Venturing Crew in Three Fires Council and have experienced a great trip which you would like to share with others, please write it up (with photos if you have them) Crew contact information, and send it to 
VENTURERS SIGN UP NOW FOR 2013 JAMBOREE
Welcome to Cub Scout Camping in Three Fires Council. This page is where you will be able to access all the forms that you will need to ensure that your Cub Scouts have a FANTASTIC camping experience during 2012. We will be posting information as it becomes available to us!
2012 Cub Scout Camp Staff
Operation Cubscicle- Save the date!
You can't take the "outing" out of Scouting! The outdoor program is one of the biggest features about Scouting that appeals to Scouts, and a week at summer camp is one of the top experiences. No one will ever forget the memories and experience from summer camp. The Three Fires Council has another exciting summer awaiting Scouts at Camp Freeland Leslie. Camp Freeland Leslie is the premier patrol-method camp in the Central Region. We believe that the patrol is the heart of Scouting, and that teaching Scouts to work as a team is our most important job. The staff is hard at work preparing for your visit next summer, and we look forward to serving you. Please visit the Camp Freeland Leslie Website often as we add new information as it gets closer to camp, & be sure to check the important announcements and dates as they appear.
Three Fires Council Boy Scout Summer Camp Opportunities
2012 Three Fires Council Philmont Contingent
BB & Archery Information
The intent of the Camp Card sale is to allow Units to raise funds to pay for their Summer Scouting Program.
How to sell Camp Cards .... There are 3 Methods to selling Camp Cards:
How can you ensure a successful Kickoff?
PADI Open water SCUBA Certification
Swimmer Definition - BSA
