🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <27720@oasys.dt.navy.mil>, talbott@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Walter Talbott) writes:
> This is in response to Bob Haar's comments on the COPE program. It sounds
> like the Lost Lake Scout Reservation program is absolutely super. Does
> anyone out there know of a similar program on the east coast?
> 
> Also I'm a new BSA troop leader and would like to attend adult training
> in developing an in-house COPE training program. Does anyone know where
> I can receive this training. I would be willing to travel.

ONLY LOCAL COUNCILS can conduct COPE courses.  Individual Troops/Posts
cannot.  This is a BSA policy and is done so to protect you and the 
BSA from liability caused from Scouts' participation. 

Councils send their COPE camp personnel to a regional National Camping
School (NCS) course, which is conducted by risk management and outdoor
personnel from Philmont Scout Ranch as well as from the four Regional
offices.  You can also go to Philmont and attend the COPE DIRECTORS' 
Course, but again, when your return, you will be expected to work at 
the Council's summer camp facility as a COPE Course Director.   NCS 
certification is good for five years, but my understanding is that
COPE personnel are good for three years. 

As far as I know from a recreational standpoint (being a rec
professional) there are several other organizations that conduct
COPE-like courses.  

> 
> I'm currently planning to take a couple of Tom Browns wilderness courses
> in New Jersey but he is back-logged so I have about a year wait.
> 
> My whole plan is basically to get our scouts back in touch with our
> natural surroundings and will be jumping at every opporunity to accomplish
> this.

Then you are looking at summer camp and not COPE to allow you this
opportunity.  Each Region now has at least one "regional outdoor
adventure base". Check with the Council office to get the address of
the closest one to your Council or send me e-mail and I can find it
for you. 
 
> 
> Thanks for the cooperation.
> 
> Walt Talbott

Walt:  COPE is a great course, but like I stated earlier, it is also a 
dangerous course from a risk management standpoint.  It was not
designed for younger Scouts.  Nor is it designed to be a total Troop
experience.  

Not trying to scare you away, but the cost of sending a boy through a
COPE course could be spent in additional outings instead. 

I couldn't see where you posted from, but I am sure that there is a 
Council close to you that *does* have a COPE course.  Go to their
camp, look at the course and then make your own mind up. 

Settummanque!

Mike Walton
Greenwood, Kentucky