Camp Freeland Leslie

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Observation Deck This area operates at the bottom of “Heart Attack Hill” and on the shores of one of the cleanest lakes in Wisconsin. The variety of merit badges and programs offered at Aquatics are designed to improve a Scout’s skills on and in the water. Because of the nature of the merit badges offered in this area it is recommended that a Scout takes no more than two Aquatics merit badges. It takes time to walk down to Aquatics and punctuality is very important for these merit badges, so a Scout should plan accordingly.


Sailing Instruction Sailboating

Instructional swim is a time for Scouts that did not pass their swimmers test or Scouts that just want to improve their swimming to work one on one with a Staffer. The Aquatics staff are trained to work with all levels of swimmers. If a Scout is interested in improving their swimming ability, it is recommended that they take advantage of this time. Instructional swim is only offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at 11:00 o’clock.


Kayak BSA is an opportunity for a Scout to learn the proper techniques of kayaking. A Scout will learn how to use a kayak and all its equipment. Scouts will also learn different water maneuvers and capsizing skills. Kayak BSA is offered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 3:00 o’clock.

Swimming

Waterfront - Boating Boating

Mile Swim BSA is a chance for Scouts to give their all. There are three preparation sessions that prepare a Scout for attempting to swim a mile. These times are on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon at 11:00 o’clock. A Scout must show up to all three practice sessions if they want to earn the Mile Swim BSA. The mile swim will take place Thursday morning during the polar bear swim. A Scout wishing to do the mile swim must arrange to have their own rower and spotter. These two Scouts can be a youth or an adult but must be swimmers. Their job will be to follow, in a row boat, the Scout doing the mile swim. One will row while the other keeps their eyes on the Scout in the water.

Canoeing Fishing

The following is a list and description of the merit badges offered in the Aquatics Area.

CanoeingCANOEING Recommended for all Scouts. Learn the skill of canoeing. A Scout will learn the proper use of all the equipment and techniques that are used in canoeing.  A Scout wishing to take this merit badge must pass the swimmers test given on Sunday morning.

LifesavingLIFESAVING Recommended for older Scouts. Learn water skills that can be used in life threatening situations. Improve your own swimming and ability to recognize unsafe situations.  A Scout wishing to take this merit badge must have Second Class requirements 7a, 7b and 7c and First Class requirements 9a, 9b and 9c done prior to arriving up to camp.

RowingROWING Recommended for all Scouts. Learn the skill of rowing. Study knots and techniques that are used in rowing.  A Scout wishing to take this merit badge must pass the swimmers test given on Sunday morning.

Small Boat SailingSMALL-BOAT SAILING Recommended for all Scouts. Ride the waves of Lake Emrick. Learn to navigate a sail boat and properly use the equipment related to sailing.  A Scout wishing to take this merit badge must pass the swimmers test given on Sunday morning.

SwimmingSWIMMING Recommended for all Scouts. Improve your swimming skills. Learn different swimming strokes, snorkeling techniques and water survival skills.  A Scout wishing to take this merit badge must have Second Class requirements 7a, 7b and 7c and First Class requirements 9a, 9b and 9c done prior to arriving up to camp.

Snorkeling BSASNORKELING BSA - Snorkeling BSA has been added this summer to the Aquatics program! Scouts will learn how to use snorkeling equipment, safety when snorkeling, and participate in several snorkeling dives. All scouts who wish to participate must have passed the BSA swimmer test before participating. Class size is very limited due to equipment availability; because of this, scouts are asked to register for this class as soon as possible to insure themselves a class slot. Scouts are also encouraged to bring their own equipment (snorkel, fins, and mask) with to camp so that more scouts can participate in the program.


Note about changes to BSA Lifeguard

BSA Lifeguard’s primary purpose is no longer to provide units with the skills necessary to conduct safe swimming and boating activities and is now intended primarily for waterfront staff.

Swimming and Water Rescue and Paddle Craft Safety are two new programs designed to meet unit level needs. In accordance with these changes, BSA Lifeguard is no longer offered at CFL. In its place, Paddle Craft Safety or Swimming and Water Rescue is now offered. The course offered will depend on demand from unit leaders present in camp. Each section is an eight hour course. Because of the time constraints and staff limitations we can only offer one course or the other during any given CFL week. Please be apprised that the minimum age for either certification is 16.