Camping: Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch & High Adventure Camp
2008 Summer Camp
[Updated 1/21/08]
Cavalcade – High Adventure Horseback Program
The Cavalcade is a weeklong High-Adventure horseback experience. The program is designed for older Scouts, Venturers, and Explorers who have achieved the horsemanship merit badge or equivalent training. Cavalcade participants will ride day to day traveling over extremely rugged terrain through canyons, up mountains, and across BTSR’s many trails. Cavalcade participants get the chance to experience the best of the Davis Mountains from up in a saddle.
BTSR will provide well qualified guides, tack, cookware, shelter, food, and ALL riding and/or pack animals. Riders must supply their own bedding, clothing, rain gear, and water bottles. Participants are encouraged to bring their own saddle and/or saddlebags, though all equipment must be approved through the Cavalcade Director. Personal gear is only carried by a riders’ mount, weight and bulk will be minimized. Keep it simple and keep it light, this is not a suggestion.
Cavalcade crews require a minimum of eight youth and two adults, the ride may also be coed if adult female leadership is available. If ten riders cannot be found to initiate a cavalcade, the group will be still be responsible for payment of a ten rider crew. Many crews adopt riders from other troops before their arrival in order to meet the 10 rider requirement.
All riders MUST be in good physical condition, MUST have an approved High Adventure Physical, earned the horsemanship merit badge of equivalent training, weight less that 250 lbs (dressed to ride), and be thirteen years of age or older by check-in. All riders will be required to pass an equestrian skills test before being allowed out onto the trails.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Cavalcade participants will be greeted by their cavalcade guides upon chick-in. A brief orientation, medical check, weigh-in and swim test will follow immediately after.
Training will begin Sunday evening. The trek will be discussed at this time along with addressing of any questions or concerns. The group will meet Monday at 5:30 (that’s A.M.) in the morning to feed and continue training. Saddling, packing, knots, riding, bridling, grooming, and many other skills will be taught the first part of the day, attentiveness at this time is crucial. If all goes well the Cavalcade should tentatively hit the trail around late afternoon.
In the course of the week riders will average between 30 – 45 miles horseback. Cavalcades change camp sites daily and the group will be expected to pitch in with chores at each night’s stop. Along the trails the history and ecology of the Davis Mountains can be retold by the cavalcade wranglers, hiking opportunities are also a possibility. Advancement opportunities are however limited due to the cavalcades constant movement, the days will be full of riding and exploring, sleep will come easily to most. The itinerary tentatively plans for cavalcade to return to camp on Thursday for troop night. This time allows the mounts a bit of well earned rest and can also allow the cavalcade an opportunity to visit some of the historical landmarks in and around the Davis Mountains.
Fridays will begin early and are typically spent in the saddle, many destinations are available and lunch will be packed for the day. Cavalcades return before Supper for a good meal and the Friday-Night Campfire.
Cavalcades keep in touch with base camp by Radios via repeater towers. Emergency vehicles and qualified medical personnel are on call 24 hours a day. The Cavalcade wranglers are also trained in First-Aid and carry emergency supplies at all times.
All riders are expected to pitch in to accomplish necessary camp chores and to follow the leadership of the wranglers. Self-discipline is expected; the Scout Oath and Laws will be the rule of the camp.
NECESSARY INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT
- Long, properly fitted pants
- Hat
- Cleated Cowboy Boots or Hiking Boots (COMFORTABLE)
- Small Flashlight with extra batteries
- Blanket bedroll (fleece works)
- Long-sleeved shirt (denim works)
- 2 one quart water bottles
- Leather Gloves (well fitted)
- Pocket Knife
- Rain Gear
- Bandana
A Fleece Blanket bedroll fits the saddle better than a sleeping bag. Bedrolls must fit into an 8” x 24” cylinder. Bedrolls will be wrapped in a brush and water proof wrap. Some plastic will be available if needed. Academy Sports now sells a perfectly sized canvas.
OPTIONAL INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT
- Camera
- Swim Suit
- Toothbrush
Optional Group Shared Equipment
- Toothpaste
- Bug repellent
- Hand soap
- Sunscreen
Cavalcade Wranglers Carry
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit
- Camp Radio
- Shoeing Gear
Leave in Camp
- Money/billfold
- Scout Uniform
- Changes of clothes
- Shampoo and conditioners
- Towels
- Extra shoes
- Deodorant
Due to the rugged terrain and BSA policies, ALL riders are required to wear approved riding helmets at all times when astride.
DON’T BRING
- Privately owned horses
- Cell phones
- Sheath Knives
- Floppy rain gear
- Radios or noise making devices
- Beepers
- Big Sleeping Bag
- Negative Attitude
