Sabattis Adventure Camp

Programs, Events and Awards
Program Areas
Sabattis Adventure Camp is organized into program areas which offer a variety of experiences for Scouts and leaders. An
overview of the program areas follows. See the Daily Camp Schedule on page 43 and the Merit Badge and Program
Schedule beginning on page 46 for dates and times.
Aquatics
On a hot summer day, no other activity can match the popularity of the waterfront. Here the Scouts can take a cool dip in
Bear Pond under the supervision of our trained Aquatics staff. Tired of swimming? Scouts can learn how to sail a boat or
paddle a canoe. The more daring Scouts try the Polar Bear Swim each morning before breakfast.
Aquatics merit badges include Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Rowing, and Small Boat Sailing. Other programs
include Snorkeling BSA, BSA Lifeguard, Funyaks, Mile Swim BSA, 14 person War Canoes, sailing regatta, open swimming
and open boating. Training courses include Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Aquatics Supervision: Swimming & Water
Rescue, and Aquatics Supervision: Paddlecraft Safety.
Non Swimmer Identification
In accordance with NYDOH guidelines, all non-swimmers using the waterfront must wear a T-shirt while in the water. All
beginners and swimmers may not wear any shirts while in the water. This makes it easier to identify non-swimmers in the
water.
BSA Lifeguard
BSA Lifeguard is a very long course and requires extensive pre course work. Anyone interested in this certification (youth
and adult alike) should obtain an application at http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34435.pdf as soon as possible and
review the requirements.
Prerequisites: Scouts must be 14+ years old; show evidence of the ability to perform the skills and knowledge of basic first
aid; show knowledge of the procedures for the universal precautions for blood borne pathogens; have current CPR
certification; and be able to show proficiency in rowing and lifesaving skills.
BSA Lifeguard is a 5 day commitment. Be prepared to spend most of your day from 8:00am until 8:00pm working on this
course. You will have little time for other activities.
Mile Swim BSA
To complete this award you must participate in four hours of training and preparation for distance swimming (one hour a
day maximum). The actual mile swim will be on Thursday or Friday.
Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (COPE)
COPE is a series of physical, mental, and emotional challenges facilitated by a trained staff directed at enhancing personal
growth. The program is comprised of group initiative games, low course, and high course activities. Some of the activities
involve a group challenge while others test individual skills and agility. Group activities are ideal for emphasizing the patrol
method and developing leadership skills.
The goals of the program are:
• Leadership
• Self-Esteem
• Communication
• Trust
• Decision Making
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Planning
Each COPE experience begins with several activities called initiative games which are designed to allow a team to get to
know each other and form a new level of trust. The activities are not designed to be competitive or to be a race against
time.
2015 Sabattis Adventure Camp Leaders’ Guide Page 8