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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFredrickson Park proposal LaSalle Council Proposal for Fredrickson Park South Bend IN Aaron Perri Executive Director South Bend Venues Parks & Arts The LaSalle Council envisions utilizing Fredrickson Park as a year-round program facility that would be augmented with the use of the Scout Service Center, located by the park. This outreach initiative to the youth in our community would include The South Bend School System and Robinson Center, both who have expressed an interest in working with the LaSalle Council. The following programs would include: • Day Camp • Leave No Trace • STEM Activities • Physical fitness (nature hikes) • Special guests to teach youth members on topics relevant to the outdoors • Conservation projects, as approved by the city • Eagle Scout projects that are approved by the City Cub Scout Day Camp has been an integral part of the scouting program for the better part of Boy Scout of America’s existence, which in 2019, the LaSalle Council will celebrate 100 years of Scouting in South Bend, IN. We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring a Day Camp experience to Fredrickson Park. With your support and approval, Day Camp has an opportunity to introduce all South Bend youth to the area and develop programs related to the environment, STEM and conservation. Cub scouts (boys and girls) are grouped by rank; tigers-1st grade (6 yrs old), wolves-2nd grade (7 yrs old), bears-3rd grade (8 yrs old), webelos 1, 4th grade (9 yrs old), webelos 2, 5th grade (10 yrs old), into age defined groups called dens. Each den has a maximum of 10 scouts, each with 2 den walkers who are trained scout leaders. BSA Day Camp approved activities include: *Scout Craft: a comprehensive and practical overview of scout traditions including proper handling of the American Flag, flag ceremony and color guard. *Handi Craft: a hands-on activity center where cubs create theme-oriented props while learning the history of their projects. *Nature Walk: Pre-authorized guided exploration of local terrain, with an education and appreciation of native wildlife. *Nature Craft: Creation of a nature-oriented craft. *Wood Carving: building pinewood derby cars (Partnership with the Logan Center) *Den Time: An opportunity for each den to work on presentations for family night, review any tasks or revisit items that need extra attention. Leave No Trace at Fredrickson Park would also be a site where Scouts BSA, boys and girls, ages 11-18, would learn the important principles of outdoor activities. These principles are: 1. Plan and Prepare Proper trip planning and preparation helps hikers and campers accomplish trip goals safely and enjoyably while minimizing damage to natural and cultural resources. Proper planning ensures 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Damage to land occurs when visitors trample vegetation or communities of organisms beyond recovery. The resulting barren areas develop into undesirable trails, campsites, and soil erosion. 3. Dispose of Waste Properly This principle reminds back-country visitors to take their trash home with them. We teach that It makes sense to carry out the extra materials taken there by our group or others. 4. Leave What You Find Allow others a sense of discovery and preserve the past. Leave rocks, plants, animals, archaeological artifacts, and other objects as you find them. Minimize Site Alterations Do not dig tent trenches or build lean-tos, tables, or chairs. Replace surface rocks or twigs that you cleared from the campsite. On high-impact sites, clean the area and dismantle inappropriate user-built facilities such as multiple fire rings and log seats or tables. 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts Lightweight camp stoves make low-impact camping possible by encouraging a shift away from fires. Stoves are fast, eliminate the need for firewood, and make cleanup after meals easier. After dinner, enjoy a candle lantern instead of a fire. 6. Respect Wildlife Youth members, in partnership with local agencies, would learn about animals found in the local habitat of area. Scouts would learn the importance of storing food securely and keep garbage and food scraps away from animals, so they will not acquire bad habits. 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors Scouts would learn to be respectful of other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.