LEADER REFERENCE GUIDE - canr.msu.edu

Michigan State University Extension 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Instructor Reference Guide 1

LEADER REFERENCE GUIDE

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CHALLENGE


Leader Reference Guide Contents

• Program Goals & Overview

• Program Policies

• 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader Certification Standards

• 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Specialty Leader Standards

• Basic Activities Checklists

• Specialty Area Activities Checklists

• Outdoor Club Versus 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Club

• 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Group Report


PROGRAM GOALS & OVERVIEW The Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge (previously called 4-H Challenge) program began in 1975 and is intended to help participants see themselves from a whole new perspective. The 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program seeks to help the participant renew the bond with self, others and the natural environment. Through trained leadership, the natural environment and stressful outdoor activities become classroom and curriculum to further learning by experiencing. The multi-session training program is designed to train adults to utilize the outdoors to develop life-skills in youth. The program includes an introduction to the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program, training in backpacking, caving, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing and rappelling, map and compass orienteering, winter camping and first aid. Adults being trained are expected to work with youth enrolled in 4-H and the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program. Youth development is the primary goal of the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program. The specific goals of the Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program are: • To teach cooperative participation and the value of effective communication. • To instill a greater sensitivity, understanding, and appreciation of the natural environment,

with a sense of stewardship. • To achieve personal growth and heighten self-awareness, physically, mentally, and

emotionally, through a variety of outdoor experiences. • To acquire a better understanding of wilderness first aid and group safety. • To create an awareness for the needs and safety of others and the needs of the environment. • To help members learn the means for coping with stress. • To develop qualities of leadership among members. • To strengthen families through participation in life-long recreational activities. • To involve youth in improving their environment through community service. • To set realistic boundaries and goals and provide positive role models that will encourage

youth to do their best. Definition The Michigan 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge instructors assist the State 4-H OAC Coordinator and 4-H Environmental and Outdoor Education Program Leader with the following: • Determine the annual training calendar • Update the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Training Manual • Facilitate 4-H OAC leader and instructor training • Facilitate program development • Conduct program evaluation • Serve as an advisory group as needed Major policy and budget decisions are referred to the State Coordinator and 4-H Director. Annual Meeting The 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge instructors meet annually at the beginning of the year to set the annual training calendar, assess equipment (inventory and replace as needed) and address other issues. 4-H OAC leaders and trainees are welcome.


Program Administration The program is administered by Michigan 4-H Youth Development of the MSU Extension Children and Youth Institute through the staff member designated as the State Outdoor Adventure Challenge Coordinator. PROGRAM POLICIES Use of Name Use of the name ‘4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge’ attached to any group requires participation of a Certified 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader. Trips and Outings A certified adult (21 years or older) 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader is required to be on all 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge outings for the entire duration of the outing. A 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge outing is defined as any activity conducted by a 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge club and its certified leader away from its normal meeting location, (usually the leader’s home or a local community center, school, etc...) Private Property All 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge leaders must obtain the permission of the property owner when using private property. Parental/Guardian Consent Forms Parental/guardian consent forms for participants for all 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge outings are REQUIRED. Participants WITHOUT signed forms CANNOT BE ALLOWED to go on the outing. Life Jackets Life jackets MUST BE WORN BY ALL OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS (youth and adults) during canoeing, boating or other float trips and any shoreside activities. Helmets Helmets MUST BE WORN BY ALL OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS (youth and adults) during caving and climbing/rappelling and white water activities. You must have the proper approved helmet for each activity. Insurance Leaders are covered by the MSU liability insurance policy when working with the 4-H clubs. Health/Accident Insurance for youth and adults participating in Outdoor Adventure Challenge outings MUST BE OBTAINED. MSU Extension has access to low cost health/accident insurance programs. 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge leaders should work with county Extension staff to obtain group health/accident insurance. Some counties cover insurance costs; others require clubs to do so.


Conduct Policy All 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program activities (leader training, youth group trips, etc.) must follow the 4-H Code of Conduct Policy. Instructors/leaders should include the Conduct Policy Statement with all correspondence to trainees. Michigan 4-H Code of Conduct for 4-H Activities: Positive behavior is a key expectation for youth and adults participating in 4-H activities – behavior that reflects trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Participants are expected to follow all program and event guidelines. Theft, vandalism, the use of illegal drugs and alcohol, inappropriate or threatening behavior that violates the rights of others, and other such offenses are strictly prohibited, and anyone involved with these offenses will immediately be sent home at his or her own expense. If it is determined by 4-H staff or persons in charge of the activity that the offense warrants it, the offender will be turned over to the proper authorities. 4-H OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CHALLENGE LEADER CERTIFICATION STANDARDS A certified 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader is qualified to independently lead a group of youth in activities listed below: • weekend backpacking • map and compass work • flat-water canoeing • initiative games

Prior to certification as a 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader, the individual trainee will have accomplished the expectations indicated below: 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Philosophy • Know the goals for the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Program. • Know the basic structure of the Michigan 4-H Program. • Know the organizational structure of the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Program. 4-H OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CHALLENGE SPECIALTY LEADER STANDARDS A certified Outdoor Adventure Challenge Specialty Leader is qualified to independently lead a group of youth in activities in the specialized area of training listed below in which he/she has had training and has been certified: • caving • climbing and rappelling • kayaking • swift-water canoeing • winter camping Prior to certification as a 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Specialty Leader, the individual trainee will have accomplished the expectations indicated below in the specific specialty area.


Caving • The trainee should be able to demonstrate knowledge about:

o Format of caves Karst topography Evolution Cave types Creation and enlargement of passages Distribution of passages Types of passages and rooms Humidity, temperature, and other characteristics of the cave atmosphere Fragile environment within caves

o Growth of Speleothems Stalactites and related deposits Stalagmites and related deposits Formations created by seeping water Deposits formed in standing water Cave minerals

o Caves as a habitat for life forms Cave food chain Degrees of adaptation Fungi Insects Amphibians Fish Mammals

• The trainee should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: o Various combinations of personal equipment

Clothing Light sources Food and water types and containers Pack First aid and other gear for emergency and comfort Checklist

o Trip organization Necessary forms and provisions Written trip plans Finding caves Cave conservation/fragile environment maps Route finding Safety measures, including cave communication; accident treatment Some psychological problems cavers might face (e.g., fear of dark, claustrophobia,

fear of cave animals, etc.) • The trainee should have explored at least five caves, and in the process shown competence

in: o Vertical techniques

Free climbing


Chimneying Use of ropes, knots, riggings Descending methods Ascending methods Seat and Chest harness use Ladders The Belay

o Horizontal Techniques Scrambling Crawls Squeezes Wading

Climbing and Rappelling Of all the activities within the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program, climbing and rappelling require the best, top-notch, no factory seconds, often-replaced equipment. In this training the leader will learn many things listed below. It is vitally important to remember that ropes, harnesses, helmets, carabiners, webbing and all other climbing and repelling gear has a life span. Leaders and instructors should routinely check equipment for signs of wear, and replace as needed. The trainee should be able to demonstrate knowledge about: • How to use a length of webbing, put on a swami harness with and without pre-tied leg loops,

tied with a water knot (or frost knot) and adjusted to eliminated excessive slack. Leave enough “tail” to tie off. Also put a swami harness on another person.

• Attach a climbing rope to a climbing harness using a Figure 8 loop. Also, attach a climbing rope to another person’s harness.

• When asked, give as a reason for not using a carabiner to attach a rope to a harness, the weakness of the gate.

• How a prusik knot can be applied with one hand to hold a fallen climber while holding the rope with the other hand. (Demonstrate ascender device as self belay.)

• Join two ropes with a Figure 8 knot and a grapevine (double fisherman’s) knot. • Correctly use the following climbing signals: On Belay! Off Belay! Up Rope! Slack! Climbing! Tension! Testing! Falling! Rock! • Use the following procedure for rappelling:

o Check all ropes and equipment for wear and damage o Check anchor points for security o Make sure both ends of rappel rope reach a safe landing site o Make sure clothing, equipment, jewelry, and hair will not be snared by rappel o Correctly rig and double check rappel system and belay (correct placement of rope,

correct use of Figure 8 rappel device; or any approved belay mechanical device.) o Use appropriate signals o Make rappel with feet spread and body at about a 45-degree angle to wall

• Set up anchor for “top-roped” belay using two carabiners with gates reversed and connected to at least two anchor points. Designate and mark staging area, if needed.


• Demonstrate ability to set up belay anchors using a tree or rocks and to use both rope and webbing for attachment to the anchor.

• Make a climb of at least F4 difficulty, 20 or more feet high, using the following procedures: o Check equipment with anchors o Attach climbing ropes to harness o Use appropriate signals o Use good balance and three-point suspension o Demonstrate some useful techniques (jams, etc.)

• Belay a climber and a rappeller according to the following procedures: o Select an anchor point that provides an “aimed belay” o Set up and check belay anchor o Correctly position climbing rope in relation to direction of climb o Give full attention to climber o Make sure braking hand does not leave rope during climb o Use appropriate responses to climbers signals

• Use belays on all climbs of F4 or greater and provide belays on request for lesser climbs • Given a description of a climbing area, including classification of climbs, select climbs

suitable for a group of inexperienced youth. • Discuss safety procedure around the climbing area, including:

o Activity at the top of the climb (safety lines for viewers, no horseplay, etc.) o Use of helmets o Procedure when Rock! Signal is heard o Care of ropes (keep dry, don’t walk on them, coil when possible, etc.) o Belay rules, (i.e., concentration, brake hand on rope at all times, etc.) o “Illegal” techniques (e.g., grabbing onto rope or webbing for ascent)

• Protection of climbing areas (conservation concerns, e.g., on soft rock, etc.), including rock types (sandstone, etc.)

Kayaking Introduce kayaking skills and safety to beginners. Participants will be introduced to and demonstrate paddling skills throughout the training cycle. • During the course of the training cycle, the following topics should be covered as integral to

the training. These topics can be taught from written materials, discussion and sharing, actual practices and/or directed teaching, or a combination of all of these techniques.

• Skills should be taught and assessed on a protected flat water site that is open enough to practice rescues and perform short paddling trips. Designated camp site can be used as a classroom when not on the water. This should be an active kayak camping course. Trainees MUST demonstrate a level of knowledge about kayaks and paddling, and demonstrate a proficient level of paddling skills, and rescue techniques.

• Personal Clothing and Gear o PFD’s o Wetsuits o Spray skirts o Layers o Other

• Safety Equipment


o Bilge Pump o Paddle Float o Signaling Devices

• Kayak Types & Parts • Loading and Unloading Kayaks, Proper carrying techniques • Proper fit and adjustment of their kayak for effective control and comfort • Attaching and releasing the spray skirt • Safely entering and exiting kayak, including wet exit • Effective use and control of the paddle • Performing basic strokes efficiently

o Forward Stroke o Reverse Stroke o Stopping o Sweep Strokes o Draw Strokes o Braces o Rudder

• Performing Rescues o Rescue Priorities

People Boats Gear

o Paddle Float Self Rescue o TX or T Rescue o Paddler Assist Rescue

• The importance and influence of weather on kayakers • Dealing with marine hazards and other safety issues

o Waves, obstructions, rocks, shallows, etc. • Understanding personal limitations and skill level • Trip Leadership Skills

o Demonstrate appropriate maturity and judgment. o Plan a trip using a float plan with travel distances, times and contingency plans for

weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies. o Rate the difficulty of a trip and note the skills required for participation. o Screen potential participants for skill and health. o Identify general and local hazards e.g. environmental, equipment failure etc. o Determine appropriate personal and group safety equipment with knowledge of

regulations. o Describe off and on water organization for effective group leadership and control. o Provide and demonstrate a pre “launch” talk/ briefing. o Demonstrate basic paddling skills in moderate conditions up to 15 kt wind and 1.5 foot

seas. o Demonstrate effective self-rescue and assisted rescues including injured paddler rescue

and support. o Demonstrate how to recover and repair equipment (i.e. paddles and boats) effectively. o Demonstrate towing rescues.


o Demonstrate basic chart and compass use o Demonstrate knowledge of signaling device use including VHF radio procedure.

Swift-Water Canoeing • The trainee should have mastered the basic canoeing skills outlined in leader training. • An understanding of river difficulty ratings, conditions affecting classification, causes and

signs of hydraulic phenomena, and floating timetable estimates must be shown; an ability to interpret conditions by using a topographical map is necessary.

• The trainee must show a working knowledge of: o Nomenclature, in regard to canoes, paddles, and other equipment o The ways in which hull designs affect performance o Performance standards for different construction materials used in canoes and canoeing

equipment o Methods used in choosing paddles, PFDs and other accessories o River wave names, identification of currents, and appropriate maneuvers o Potential hazards o Methods of emergency repair for damaged equipment o proper maintenance of equipment o Water first aid and safety methods

• The trainee must demonstrate a knowledge of such safety practices as: o Filing an itinerary o Utilizing proper dress, PFDs, knee pads, etc. o Having a properly qualified instructor o How to escape from an entrapment situation o Inspection of unknown waters before entry o River reading and strategies, to include route selection, setting bends, portages and

lining, ledges, “V”s, etc. o Selection of proper safety gear o Recognition of, and use of, good judgment

• Trainees should be able to demonstrate the following: o Proper transportation of gear

Car top Trailer

o Carrying and launching under different conditions o Proper loading and boarding o Complete trip planning o Gear selection and loading for extended trips in various types of water o Rescue of others

Rope throw to others Reaching with available objects Assisting with craft Canoe over canoe

o Knowledge of hypothermia and treatment, etc. o Proper free floating river techniques to avoid personal injury o Proper maneuvers under and around sweepers and other objects o At last six types of bow strokes o At least six types of stern strokes


o At least six types of combination strokes o Successful completion of two extended trips, and the negotiation of both Class II and

Class III rapids Winter Camping Your winter weekend camping training will provide an opportunity to apply the following skills and show them to your instructors or other observers. Trainee will demonstrate: • Appropriate participation in pre-trip preparation

o Notify instructor o Provide health information o Arrival as notified

• Appropriate choice of clothing for winter camping • Appropriate choice of equipment for winter camping • Proper maintenance of skis, boots, and snowshoes in winter setting. • Travel in snow with loaded backpack

o On skis o On snowshoes

• Appropriate packing of gear on sled - in pack • Appropriate pacing and timing of own travel in field • Appropriate application of map/compass and map terrain navigation skills • Appropriate participation in group route-finding (input, observation, leadership, etc.) • Appropriate participation in group travel (lead, follow, share tasks, mutual support) • Adjustment of clothing as required by changing activity level, changes in conditions • Changing clothing for warmth -- to ensure dry feet and undergarments, etc. • Choice of foods for winter camping • Appropriate level of food-fueling and hydration • Food preparation, cooking, use of stove(s) and other equipment • Fire-building • Fuel-gathering • Sharing delicious foods with instructor • Techniques for keeping drinking water fluid/or thawing frozen drinking water • Melting snow for cooking or drinking • Participation in buddy system to provide assistance and monitor for health concerns • Appropriate set-up of tent/bivvy:

o Placement o Ground preparation o Windbreak o Orientation of doorway o Over-Shelter

• Overnight in tent/bivouac shelter one night with one or more tent partners • Participation in construction of multi-user quincy snow shelter

o Placement o Construction o Interior set-up

• Observation and/or participation in construction of other snow shelter(s)


• Overnight in snow shelter one night with one or more partners • Appropriate use of sleeping bag system in winter conditions • Appropriate clothing for night - change to dry, cover head • Understanding use of outside heat sources

o Chemical warmers o Hot water bottles

• Understanding of warming techniques during night • Teamwork in camp routines

o Mutual assistance o Communication with group

• Knowledge of cold weather health issues o Hydration o Frostbite: prevention and first aid o Hypothermia: prevention, stages, acute vs. chronic, first aid o Report concerns with cold/health immediately to partner and instructor(s)

• Use of low impact approaches • Camp breakdown and return of site to natural state • Demonstrate understanding of principles of emergency management of group

o Search and rescue in winter conditions o Immediate assistance for victims according to need o Withdrawal of group from field, as necessary

• Participation in mid-event processing and post-event processing • Understanding of leader issues in planning winter camping activities with youth

o Pre-requisites o Additional preparation o Readiness with backup equipment

Cross-Country Skiing (One day activity or done in conjunction with winter camping) • Have knowledge about basic ski construction and selection (materials, length, width, camber,

bindings, poles, boots), basic ski care and waxing, conditions favorable to skiing. • Be able to demonstrate:

o Downhill techniques - straight, traversing, snowplow o Uphill techniques - side step, herringbone, traverse o Turns - kick turn, half-plow turn, step turn o Fall and recovery o Use of poles

• In conjunction with a minimum of three-hour trip, demonstrate: o Knowledge of clothing selection and layering o Respect and preparation for safety considerations:

Readiness for first aid/hypothermia treatment Understanding of personal conditioning Ability to adjust the pace to the group Choosing the course and orientation on a map

o Select and carry essential items o Map, whistle, compass, waterproof matches, etc.

Spare ski tip, tape, waxes


Gorp, water, etc. Chapstick, sunglasses, other personal items

Snowshoeing (One day activity or done in conjunction with winter camping) • Have knowledge about basic snowshoe styles and the conditions favoring each (Bearpaw,

Maine or Michigan, Pickerel, Western, Alaskan); frame materials (ash, aluminum, other); advantages and disadvantages of rawhide, neoprene, and other webbings and bindings; snow conditions and their effect on fine or coarse webbing; basic care and maintenance.

• Be able to demonstrate: o Construction of an emergency snowshoe o Improvisation of an emergency harness o Techniques or use - straight line walking; kick turn; side-step up a hill; fall and recovery o Knowledge of clothing selection and layering

BASIC ACTIVITIES CHECKLISTS Listed below are activity checklists for several activities in the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge program for leaders and instructors to use to prepare themselves for taking others on an outing. (This is different than the Gear List section of the Training Manual that lists items needed by each individual going on the outing.) Depending upon the specific activity, time of year, site location, etc., additional items may need to be added at the discretion of the individual leader. Backpacking

Health and personal identity cards for all youth and adults; permission slips for all youth.

Comprehensive group first aid kit Group accident insurance has been obtained (Check with local Extension office) Emergency evacuation arrangements have been made. Site information, travel plans, etc., have been left with someone “at home”. County Extension staff person has been informed of trip. Permission/permits have been obtained for activities on public/private property. Key individuals at activity site (ranger, state police, etc.) Have been notified of travel

plans and return time. Maps have been secured for the hiking route. (Copies or originals for all members of

activity). Each individual (youth and adult), before leaving, has been checked for:

Adequate footwear A pack with a waist belt that fits properly Adequate and proper clothing, including hat and rain gear Adequate and proper gear, including

o Tent o Sleeping bag & mat


o Cookware (stove, spoon, pot, etc.) o Canteen

Compass, whistle, knife, and waterproof matches Personal survival kit, including cordage First aid kit Waterproofed map of route Bug dope Sunglasses recommended

Canoeing Health and personal identity cards for all youth and adults; permission slips for all

youth. Comprehensive group first aid kit Group accident insurance has been obtained (check with County Extension office) Emergency evacuation arrangements have been made Site information, travel plans, etc., have been left with someone “at home”. County Extension staff person has been informed of trip. Permits/permission have been obtained for activities on public/private property Key individuals at activity site (ranger, state police, etc.) Have been notified of travel

plans and return time. Maps have been secured for all members of the group (either originals or copies). Each canoeist should have: Personal floatation device - to be worn at all times when in the canoe or near water. Knife, compass, waterproof matches, whistle – all kept on person at all times Adequate and proper clothing, including hat and rain gear (glasses strap

recommended) Bug dope Warm change of clothing in a waterproof bag Sunglasses recommended Shoes with non-skid soles (ankle support desirable if doing much portaging) Personal survival kit, including cordage First aid kit, including sun screen Wet suit and boots (optional based on trip conditions) Waterproofed map of route Extra heavy-duty garbage bags Each canoe should have: Life line or other rescue device, secured to canoe Bailer or large sponge (depending on water conditions) Spare paddle, extra duct tape


Each group leader should have: Extra blanket, cooking pot, plastic drop cloth in waterproof bag (emergency survival kit) Throw line, life line, or webbing (secured to canoe) Leader should have a plan for keeping canoes organized and together during trip. Leader should discuss life saving and rescue techniques with all individuals in the group

prior to the trip. SPECIALTY AREA ACTIVITIES CHECKLISTS Listed below are activity checklists for 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge specialty area programs. Depending upon the specific activity, time of year, site location, etc., additional items will need to be added to the checklist at the discretion of the individual leader. Caving Health and personal identity cards for all youth and adults; permission slips for all

youth. Comprehensive group first aid kit Group accident insurance has been obtained (check with local Extension office) Emergency evacuation arrangements have been made. Site information, travel plans, etc., have been left with someone “at home”. County Extension staff person has been informed of trip. Permission/permits have been obtained for activities on public/private property. Key individuals at activity site (ranger, state police, etc.) Have been notified of travel

plans and return time. Maps (to cave/of caves) have been secured (copies or originals). Leader should have current weather conditions and how they might affect the cave or

caves being explored. Each individual (youth and adult) should have: Three sources of light (plus spare batteries and bulbs) If carbide lamps are used, spare carbide and a lamp repair kit Layered clothing capable of covering the possible range of activity and duration Personal first aid kit Personal survival kit Knee and/or elbow pads (optional, but highly recommended) Water Food - high energy snacks such as gorp, jerky, dried fruit Knife, whistle, compass, waterproof matches Notebook and pencil Reflective tape, cave map, spare clothing (optional at discretion of leader) A “buddy” to check for signs of fatigue, hypothermia, etc.


Climbing and Rappelling Health cards for all youth and adults; permission slips for all youth. Comprehensive group first aid kit Group accident insurance has been obtained (check with local Extension office) Emergency evacuation arrangements have been made. Site information, travel plans, etc., have been left with someone “at home”. County Extension staff person has been informed of trip. Permission/permits have been obtained for activities on public/private property. Key individuals at activity site (ranger, state police, etc.) Have been notified of travel

plans and return time. Maps have been secured for the hiking route (copies or originals). Kayaking Health and personal identity cards for all youth and adults; permission slips for all youth Comprehensive group first aid kit Group accident insurance has been obtained (check with County Extension office) Emergency evacuation arrangements have been made. Site information, travel plans, etc., have been left with someone “at home”. County Extension staff person has been informed of trip. Permits/permission has been obtained for activities on public/private property. Key individuals at activity site (ranger, state police, etc.) have been notified of travel

plans and return time. Maps (of the river/lake) have been secured and presented to kayakers. Review auditory and visual signals. Introduction to kayak types/uses Make sure wet exit procedure is clear and demonstrate/test as appropriate.

Have a plan for keeping kayaks organized and together during trip Discuss lifesaving and rescue techniques to all individuals in the group prior to the trip Each kayaker should have:

Personal floatation device to be worn at all times Knife, compass, waterproof matches and whistle Sun screen, sun glasses, hat (glasses strap optional) Personal first aid kit Bug Dope Warm change of clothing in a waterproof bag Rain gear Shoes with non-skid soles (w/ankle support if doing a lot of portaging) Wet suit and boots (Optional based on trip conditions)

Each group leader should have:


Emergency survival kit (extra blanket, cooking pot, plastic drop cloth in waterproof bag)

Throw line, life line or webbing (stowed in kayak) Swift-Water Canoeing


Comprehensive group first aid kit Group accident insurance has been obtained (check with local Extension office) Emergency evacuation arrangements have been made. Site information, travel plans, etc., have been left with someone “at home”. County Extension staff person has been informed of trip. Permission/permits have been obtained for activities on public/private property. Key individuals at activity site (ranger, state police, etc.) Have been notified of travel

plans and return time. Have a plan for keeping canoes organized and together during trip

Discuss lifesaving and rescue techniques to all individuals in the group prior to the trip Each canoeist should have:

Personal floatation device to be worn at all times Knife, compass, waterproof matches and whistle Sun screen, sun glasses, hat (glasses strap optional) Personal first aid kit Bug Dope Warm change of clothing in a waterproof bag Rain gear Shoes with non-skid soles (w/ankle support if doing a lot of portaging) Wet suit and boots (Optional based on trip conditions) Map of the river and surrounding topography

Each canoe should have: Life line or other device for rescue (secured to canoe) Extra trash bags Bailer or large sponge (depending on water conditions) Spare paddle, extra duct tape Each group leader should have: Emergency survival kit (extra blanket, cooking pot, plastic drop cloth in waterproof

bag) Throw line, life line or webbing (secured to canoe)


Winter Camping


Comprehensive group first aid kit Group accident insurance has been obtained (check with local Extension office) Emergency evacuation arrangements have been made. Site information, travel plans, etc., have been left with someone “at home”. County Extension staff person has been informed of trip. Permission/permits have been obtained for activities on public/private property. Key individuals at activity site (ranger, state police, etc.) Have been notified of travel

plans and return time. Adequate number of skis and snowshoes are available for the group. Each individual (youth and adult) should have: Adequate clothing covering the full range of possible weather conditions Proper and adequate gear for the activity

o Backpack with waist belt o Sleeping bag and closed cell pad o Knife, whistle, compass, waterproof matches o Canteen o Cord/wire o Personal survival kit o Personal first aid kit o High energy foods o Cooking gear/stove o Fire starter o Waterproof gloves/mittens/extra wool socks

A “buddy” to check for signs of fatigue, hypothermia, etc. Personal survival kit, plastic drop cloth, cordage Personal first aid kit Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing (One day activities or in conjunction w/winter camping) Health and personal identity cards for all youth and adults; permission slips for all youth Comprehensive group first aid kit Group accident insurance has been obtained (check with County Extension office) Emergency evacuation arrangements have been made. Site information, travel plans, etc., have been left with someone “at home”. County Extension staff person has been informed of trip. Permits/permission has been obtained for activities on public/private property.


Key individuals at activity site (ranger, state police, etc.) have been notified of travel plans and return time.

Group ski repair kit (duct tape, wire, steel wool, ski tip, metal straps, extra bale, etc. Maps of all terrain to be covered Range of ski waxes Spare ski tip (optional) Personal survival kit, plastic drop cloth, cordage Personal first aid kit Spare mittens, hat, and wool socks Each individual (youth and adult) have: Layered clothing capable of covering the full range of possible weather conditions Personal first aid items, including chapstick Sunglasses Waterproof matches, knife, whistle, compass Water and/or something in which to melt snow

A “buddy” for periodic checking of hypothermia OUTDOOR CLUB VERSUS 4-H OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CHALLENGE CLUB

Outdoor Club A leader trainee (not yet certified) is required to be working with a group of 4-H youth prior to OAC certification. With other 4-H leaders, clubs can participate in the “lower risk” activities of Outdoor Adventure Challenge.

To participate in the weekend backpacking, basic canoeing, and one-day cross-country skiing and one-day snowshoeing portions of 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge, a currently certified 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader must accompany the group for the entire duration of the trip. For the “high adventure” specialty areas, a Certified Specialty Leader must accompany the group for the entire duration of the trip.

Outdoor Adventure Challenge trainees should enroll their outdoor club with their county MSU Extension 4-H staff (youth will obtain credit for being in 4-H, while Leaders are covered by MSU liability insurance). 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge Club Lead by a certified 4-H Outdoor Adventure Challenge leader, the club is now able to participate in all phases of Outdoor Adventure Challenge in which the Outdoor Adventure Challenge Leader has been trained and certified. Clubs should be registered with their county MSU Extension 4-H program.



4-H OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CHALLENGE GROUP REPORT Trip Dates __________________________ Location __________________________________ Type of Trip: [ ] Canoeing [ ] Kayaking [ ] Backpacking [ ] Winter Camping Activities [ ] Caving [ ] Climbing & Rappelling [ ] Other __________________________________________ Include name, address, and telephone number of all participants, trainees, and leaders who attended this activity. Name Address Telephone Number 1.____________________________________________________________________________

2.____________________________________________________________________________

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over


Comments

Weather Conditions ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Site Description ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Unique Experiences ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Special Activities ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Injuries – If injuries occur, make sure you file a separate accident report. Submit your completed form within 10 days of completing your trip as follows: For a club activity – to your local 4-H staff. For a state OAC training session -- to the State 4-H OAC Coordinator. _______________________________________ ________________ Group Leader’s Signature Date

Documents

LEADER REFERENCE GUIDE - canr.msu.edu