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The cream of winter camps the training camp. It is organized for one or more weeks at Christmas holidays, Easter vacation, or at any other time when a group of Scouts or adult leaders can be free from school or home duties. Almost always the training camp is designed for a small group with a common purpose, usually instruction or practice in one particular phase of Scoutcraft.
Patrol Leaders' Training Camp:
This type of camp may be used with especial advantage for taking Patrol Leaders into camp for what may be termed a normal school of Scoutcraft rather than technical training in such details as knot-tying. Instruction will be on methods of discipline, the keeping of Patrol records and reports, devices used to encourage boys to greater achievement along the lines of Scout advancement. The technical side will be in the line of tent-pitching and emergency methods, especially where Patrol Leaders would be responsible for meeting the unusual situation. It is an excellent time for defining the duties and responsibilities of the various leaders in relation to each other and developing the ability as well as the inspiration for intelligent leadership (see Intensive Training in the Green Bar Patrol).
Merit Badge Instruction:
No greater success has attended any phase of the winter training camp than the gathering of First Class Scouts together for Merit Badge instruction. This offers all the advantages of having a small group with strong common interest concentrated upon two or three subjects. Indoor work is easily combined with outdoor demonstration and practice. The outdoor work provides sufficient exercise, which reinforced by winter sports of various kinds, makes up a varied program sure to sustain interest and arouse enthusiasm. Conditions in winter give a new aspect to certain activities as well as valuable training in carrying them out in spite of all obstacles.
Intensive Training for Exhibition Programs:
Intensive work may be devoted here to the preparation of any program for exhibitions or for inter-Troop competitions. There is no danger of interference with attendance or rehearsals. Enthusiasm over the camping experience as a whole carries over into enthusiasm for doing well the special task undertaken. Naturally, the intensive training takes up but a part of a program designed to provide recreation as well.
First Aid Competitions:
First aid competitions between Troops or Patrols may serve as the theme for a winter training camp. The preparation for this is especially elaborate, as the boys must thoroughly understand the principles upon which the emergency measures are based in order to use those methods effectively. Practice (considerable practice in concentrated doses) is absolutely essential in order to insure quick and concerted action.
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