special programs and events
Resource material on Mountain Man activities are too numerous to list but a great place to start is The Mountain Man Rendezvous, A guide Book for Varsity Scout Teams, Dennis I. Greenwood Jr., printed in the Great Salt Lake Council. Note: There will be a mountain man salute at each flag raising and retiring. Any team members who have black powder rifles and appropriate mountain man attire are invited to participate (contact the Boushway if interested).
MOUNTAIN MAN VILLAGE
An entire Mountain Man village will be set up at the East Fork of the Bear River in Rendezvous Meadows. Teams are encouraged to bring their lodges to set-up in the meadow. Each lodge will become a part of the village with a pre-assigned camp spot. Activities and demonstrations will include a Mountain Man Campfires, and Mountain Man crafts.
TRADERS ROW
Shops will be set up with items that can be traded or purchased. This will include an old fashioned blacksmith shop. Shops may include items such as pelts, leather goods, furs, animal tails, hats, mountain man shirts, knives, hawks, traps lanterns, coats, craft items etc. Each team is encouraged to "throw down a blanket" and trade. Any items the Scouts and leaders have made can be traded or purchased.
BLACK POWDER
Participants will use the council equipment and a range master will be presiding over the activity. Black powder and balls will be available on a fee for shoot basis ($1.00 for 3 shots). Liability insurance will require that any powder brought to the Big Event for personal use be stored at the shooting range. Best scores will be posted on the bulletin boards daily. For a brave few, there will be an egg shoot competition. You miss the target you eat the egg. Each team will be given a reserved time at the black powder range when they pre-register
Safety Issues that Everyone should know when shooting at the Big Event or Anywhere.
- Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection
- When shooting black powder always wear a long sleeved shirt. This minimizes possible minor burns on the arms.
- Never point a gun at anything but the target.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
- Always treat every gun as if it were loaded and only load when ready to shoot.
JOHN COLTER RUN
John Colter was trapped in Blackfoot country, near what is now Yellowstone National Park. He and a trapper associate by the name of Potts were captured by Blackfoot Indians. In an altercation which followed Potts was killed and Colter was stripped of his clothing, foot wear and weapons, and allowed to run for his life. The John Colter Run is a commemoration of this event with obstacles and survival skills. These include fire making with flint and steel, trap and snare setting, and tomahawk and knife throws. The event is timed with time deducted for successfully doing the skills. Contestants must provide their own fire making materials. This event will be run in squads of 2 members. Best Times will be posted daily.
PRIMITIVE FIRES
Learn how to start a fire without a match. This will include both bow and drill and flint and steel fire making but will focus on alternate methods. Participants should provide their own tinder and flint and steel kits, if possible. Time will be marked on your score cards and posted on the Bulletin Boards daily. An advanced option is available for experienced scouts to earn the Embers Award by demonstrating skill in matchless fire starting.
RESOURCE: New BSA Handbook, pg. 91.
HAWK AND KNIFE
The skill of hawk and knife throwing will be tested in the rendezvous area. Scouts may bring their own hawks and knives and will be allowed to use them following inspection and approval. Best scores will be posted on the Bulletin Boards.