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CPR/BAT Classes
Deer Lake Canoe Clinic
Directions
Instructor Level Classes
NBO Scout Training Team




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CPR/BAT Classes

Q 01  Signing-off WEBELOS Readyman requirements
Q 02  Adult Supervision policy at BAT classes
Q 03  Class times and fees at the Camp Strake training site
Q 04  How to register
Q 05  Signing-off Boy Scout merit badge requirements
Q 06  Who can attend?

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic

Q 07  BSA approved swim test
Q 08  Class Dates and Registration Dates
Q 09  Class Pre-Requisites, Fundamentals of Canoeing
Q 10  First Aid Emergencies
Q 11  How to register
Q 12  Personal Equipment and Canoes
Q 13  Personal Flotation Devices
Q 14  Pre-registration for Troops and large youth groups
Q 15  Troop owned canoes and equipment
Q 16  Unit Camping
Q 17  What about the alligators?
Q 18  Who can attend?

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Directions

Q 19  American Red Cross, Greater Houston Area Chapter
Q 20  Boy Scout Camp Strake, Main "Boy Scout" entrance
Q 21  Camp Strake Conference Center - BAT & CPR/FA Classes (Note some classes meet at Grand Lake)
Q 22  Camp Strake Grand Lake Dining Hall Deer Lake Canoe Clinic
Q 23  Conroe Swim Center (The Camp Strake Grand Lake Swimming Pool is closed)
Q 24  American Red Cross, Northern Branch Office (Now located in The Woodlands)

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Instructor Level Classes

Q 25  BIT Bat In Training Program

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NBO Scout Training Team

Q 26  Payment for all classes
Q 27  American Red Cross Patches
Q 28  How to use our FAX on demand system
Q 29  Shirts
Q 30  Textbooks and supplies

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Frequently Asked Questions


CPR/BAT Classes Signing-off WEBELOS Readyman requirements

WEBELOS Leaders please note: Scouts completing the BAT program will have been exposed to all of the requirements for the Readyman Activity Badge. At your request, our instructors will sign the Scout's book. However, we recommend that you plan a Den/Patrol meeting activity that allows the boys to "show off" the new skills . Then you or your designated counselor signs the Scout's book. Please see our adult supervision policy for BAT classes.

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CPR/BAT Classes Adult Supervision policy at BAT classes

We require that every youth participant have a designated "responsible adult" present during the BAT class. One parent, leader or other designated "responsible adult" may supervise an entire den or patrol. A "responsible adult" may agree to accept the supervision responsibilities for members of another unit. Parents may make arrangements with another unit leader to supervise a "maverick" WEBELOS. The designated "responsible adult" must be present at all times during the class. The "responsible adult" may not be enrolled in the adult CPR/FA class as was acceptable and encouraged in the past.

The "responsible adult" must register but will not be required to pay a class fee. Lunch for the "responsible adult" is $10.00. The "responsible adult" will assist the Training Team staff as required to maintain order during the class and help provide for the safety of the participants. The "responsible adult" will supervise the break activities and supervise the lunch period.

The supervision policy is intended to help protect your children. We support the SHAC supervision policy and we must insure that it is followed at our BAT classes. Our staff will assist your parents and leaders in any way we can to insure that proper supervision is provided.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH PARENT OR THE UNIT LEADER TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED "RESPONSIBLE ADULT".

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CPR/BAT Classes Class times and fees at the Camp Strake training site

All CPR/FA and BAT classes, scheduled at Camp Strake (except as specifically noted), will meet at The Conference Center or The Grand Lake Dining Hall as noted on the schedule. Required check-in begins at 8:00 AM. All classes begin promptly at 8:30 AM and end about 4:30 PM. Youth participants in the BAT class will have supervised activities until the Scout classes are complete. Course fees are $20.00 per person for BAT and $25.00 per person for CPR/AED, which includes all course materials, use of loaner textbooks, and an administrative fee. Lunch is included . BAT participants receive a special patch and workbook.

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CPR/BAT Classes How to register

You can register your Scouts on-line. Registration forms are usually available at the George Strake District Roundtable. Registration forms can also be down loaded from our "Links and Forms" page.

Please email us if you are having difficulty registering. Reservations are usually acknowledged by email on Tuesday before the scheduled class date.

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CPR/BAT Classes Signing-off Boy Scout merit badge requirements

Scoutmaster/Advancement Chairman please note: Scouts participating in the Merit Badge program will be exposed to all of the required knowledge and skills required for the First Aid Merit Badge. Scouts should read the Merit Badge pamphlet prior to class. We recommend that your Troop First Aid Merit Badge counselor review the Scout’s knowledge and skills before signing the "blue card". Our instructors are registered Merit badge Counselors However, we will not sign a "blue card" unless you provide the authorized card, including the Scoutmaster's approval, with us listed us as the Scout's merit badge counselor and we can determine that the Scout has met all of the requirements. Sometimes, due to class size and scheduling, this is not possible. Since this is an Eagle required merit badge, we prefer that the Unit assure that the Scout has met the requirements and sign the card.

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CPR/BAT Classes Who can attend?

All participants, youth and adult must be registered Scouts or registered members of other approved youth organizations. Girl Scouts, Royal Rangers, American Heritage Girls and their leaders are especially welcome. Parents and siblings of registered Scouts are eligible too. We encourage all registered leaders and parents to take the adult CPR-FA classes and keep the training current.

There are no pre-requisites for the CPR or BAT classes. The minimum recommended age for the CPR/FA class is 12. BAT is designed especially for 4th and 5th grade boys and girls.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic BSA approved swim test

Participants must jump feet first into water over the head in depth. Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breast stroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

The swim test is usually done at the Conroe Swim Center Friday evening. Those that can not pass will be give the option to re-take the test or be given an alternate swim test approved by the American Red Cross. Adults that cannot pass the BSA test will not be eligible to complete the SHAC Adult Flat-water Training program. Adults that are able to pass the alternate swim test can continue with the “Fundamentals of Canoeing” class. All participants must take and pass the swim check! Just about everyone passes though. We will do everything we can to help.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic Class Dates and Registration Dates

Unless we publish a different dates, we usually establish the registration dates for our Deer Lake Canoe Clinic as follows:

The spring clinic is usually held the weekend after Scout Fair. Registration for the spring clinic begins at the February Tall Tembers District Roundtable or the second Thursday in February. Registration closes when the class is full or at 5:00 PM Friday, two weeks before the scheduled class.

The fall clinic is usually held the last weekend in September. We use the calendar date that the Saturday falls on to determine which is the “last weekend” Registration for the Fall clinic begins the second Thursday in July or at the Tall Tembers District Program Preview meeting which ever comes first. Registration closes when the class is full or at 5:00 PM Friday, two weeks before the scheduled class.

Note: Please check the current schedule as our clinic dates do float depending on the schedule at Camp Strake.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic Class Pre-Requisites, Fundamentals of Canoeing

The minimum recommended age for Fundamentals of Canoeing is 12 years old by the end of the class and the suggested minimum weight is 100 pounds for boys. Please contact the course director if you do not meet the age or weight recommendations. Youth participants that lack the upper body strength or the maturity to handle an intensive, weekend long class frequently have considerable difficulty passing the required skills.

The teaching methods we use are designed to help teenage boys and girls learn canoe safety, explore the sport of paddling, have a really good time and learn basic paddling skills. Scouts that have attended their second Summer Camp are probably the best prepared to take our classes. While the younger Scouts are welcome with the Course Director's approval, we have found that boys and girls that meet the recommended age and weight guidelines have the most fun and get much more out of the clinic.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic First Aid Emergencies

We will provide minor first aid during the times that the Deer Lake Canoe Clinic is in session. An injury or illness should be immediately brought to the attention of the assigned instructor. The instructor will contact the waterfront director or the course director for assistance if necessary. We have an Emergency Action Plan in place for serious illness or injury. We can quickly get assistance from the Camp Strake Ranger Staff and can get professional EMS on site quickly if necessary.

We will assist in any way we can during the times the Clinic is not in session, however, first aid for those remaining at Camp Strake after class is dismissed in the evening and before class officially starts in the morning is the responsibility of the designated unit leader. Designated unit leaders should be prepared to handle minor injuries and must know how to activate the Camp Strake Emergency Action Plan. Our staff can explain the procedure.

Most of our Instructors and youth Instructor Aids have advanced CPR/FA training. Many have completed the American Red Cross Emergency Response Class and have been trained to perform or assist with water related rescues. Our course director and waterfront director have additional advanced training too. We are prepared to help in an emergency.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic How to register

Separate registration forms, with all requested information and signatures, including your Scoutmaster’s approval for all youth members, must be completed for everyone planning to attend. Please email us for specific information on how to complete your registration

We do process applications in the order that they are received. While we always try to accommodate everyone, our classes do fill up. We can accept and confirm reservations until the class is full or the “official” close of registration date. Please do not wait until the last minute. You may be disappointed.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic Personal Equipment and Canoes

All participants are encouraged to bring their own PFD’s. Participants may bring personal paddles too. All equipment must be clearly marked. Students in the FOC-Review and the Instructor class may bring their own canoe if they make arrangements IN ADVANCE with the course director and the boat is suitable. We no longer offer a class discount for those bring personal canoes. Personal canoes for Fundamentals students are discouraged.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic Personal Flotation Devices

As with all “afloat” BSA aquatic activities, PFD’s are required any time “anyone” in on the designated waterfront or in the boats. This rule is strictly enforced at the Deer Lake Canoe Clinic. The waterfront director is the “final authority” and he can (and will) remove a youth or adult from the class if the waterfront safety rules are not followed.

We will provide “everyone” with a suitable type II or type III PFD. We do suggest that participants bring their own. We strongly recommend a good quality, US Coast Guard Approved Type III PFD. Scouts and adults in the FOC-Review and the Instructor level classes should have their own PFD’s. While the “loaner” Type II PFD meet all our safety requirements, a properly fitting Type III is much more comfortable and is better suited to our sport. Make sure your name is clearly marked on all of your personal gear.

Good quality PFD’s are not necessarily expensive. Adults may find that the “fishing vest” style is most comfortable. Scouts may prefer to use their PWC or ski style vests and these are fine as long as they are US Coast Guard Approved. Scouts in the Fundamentals class may be able to borrow a vest from a friend with a PWC or ski boat.

Scouts in the FOC Review and Kayaking classes will receive a lot of very good information on PFD’s that are especially suited to whitewater canoeing and kayaking. We do recommend that Scouts and Scouters planning whitewater training or planning on becoming Instructor’s Aids or Instructors consider purchasing these special PFD’s. They are more comfortable than the general-purpose vests and have additional safety features that make them especially suited for whitewater rescue.

Scouts and adults planning Canadian boundary waters trips should discuss the special requirements for PFD’s with their instructor. This information is also presented at the adult training session on Saturday evening.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic Pre-registration for Troops and large youth groups

Unit leaders may send us an email requesting that we “hold” spaces for groups of 8 or more. You can do this pretty much any time, before the “official” registration dates. Remember though, this is only a preliminary reservation and must be confirmed, with completed registration forms and payment. Although we will try to contact you, the “held” spaces are subject to cancellation in accordance with our regular registration policies as soon as class registration “officially” begins. This is intended to help us accommodate larger groups that need to “lock in” dates before our “official” dates. We will work with you to help assure that your Scouts and Adults will be able to take the classes that they want.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic Troop owned canoes and equipment

We encourage Troops with suitable canoes on trailers to consider making them available for use at our clinic. We do offer a discount to groups that help us provide suitable canoes and equipment. We do require that all Troop equipment be clearly identified. Troop boats will become part of our fleet for the weekend and will be assigned, as needed to any of the training groups. We cannot guarantee that the Troops boats will be “reserved” for use by Troop members.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic Unit Camping

The DLCC staff reserves enough campsites to accommodate our participants. All participants are welcome to camp. We do need to know IN ADVANCE if you are planning to Camp. We generally assign one area for Troops, an area for our Venturing Units and an area for our Girl Scouts. Obviously, different restrictions apply to each area but, as a minimum, all BSA Guide to safe Scouting, Youth Protection Training, and Camp Strake Adult Supervision policies must be followed.

The Girl Scout area is “off limits” to everyone except our Girl Scouts, leaders and invited guests. If you do not belong there, do not go there. You next destination could very well be home. The designated Girl Scout leaders may establish additional policies, in accordance with GSUSA guidelines for this area and these additional policies must be respected and followed. We do remind the girls and leaders that they are our guests and that Camp Strake is a Boy Scout Camp. The boys agree to respect the privacy of the designated Girl Scout area. We expect the girls to follow the instructions of their leaders.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic What about the alligators?

Scouts and Scouters that are familiar with BSA Camp Strake realize that this is a heavily wooded area with streams and swamps. Alligators can be present but are actually seldom seen during training. The Council and the Camp Strake Rangers have policies in place to remove any large or “uncooperative” alligators.

The DLCC staff is always briefed on the status of any hazards at camp, including alligators. We always take appropriate measures to insure the safety of our participants, instructors and staff.

Alligators generally do not like people and will stay well away from humans, including Scouts and Scouters. Our policy is to leave them alone. We have made them a deal: They have all agreed not to try to paddle our boats and we have agreed to not wade into the reeds looking for their nests. We have mutually agreed that it is OK for them to watch us and you can bet our instructors and staff are watching them.

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Deer Lake Canoe Clinic Who can attend?

All participants, youth and adult must be registered Scouts or registered members of other approved youth organizations. Girl Scouts, Royal Rangers and their leaders are especially welcome. Parents and siblings of registered Scouts are eligible too. The registrar has been known to approve an application from a youth instructor aid’s girlfriend too.

All participants, youth and adult must be able to pass the BSA “blue bead” swimmers test. Details of the test are included in the current edition of “Guide to Safe Scouting”, Point number 6 of BSA Safe Swim Defense and in the Swimming and Lifesaving merit badge pamphlets.

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Directions American Red Cross, Greater Houston Area Chapter

The Chapter is located at 2700 Southwest Freeway. The Chapter is on the north side of Hwy 59/Southwest Freeway just west of the Kirby intersection.

Traveling west on Hwy 59/Southwest Freeway, take the Kirby exit. Move to the far right traffic lane as soon as it is safe to do so. The Chapter will be on your right approximately 100 yards past the light at Kirby. You cannot see the Chapter building from the intersection at Kirby. Be prepared to turn right into the first driveway at the Chapter.

Traveling east on Hwy 59/Southwest Freeway, take the Kirby exit. Make the “U” turn under the freeway at Kirby. Turn left on the Hwy 59 outer road and quickly move to the far right traffic lane as soon as it is safe to do so. The Chapter will be on your right approximately 100 yards after the “U’ turn at Kirby. Be prepared to turn right into the first driveway at the Chapter. You can contact the Chapter at 713 526 8300.

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Directions Boy Scout Camp Strake, Main “Boy Scout” entrance

Boy Scout Camp is located just south of Conroe, Texas on the west side of I-45.

From the north, take the "Camp Strake" exit off I-45 and stay on the outer road, through the stop light to the main camp entrance, which will be on your right.

From the south, take the "Camp Strake" exit off I-45, stay in the left lane and continue north on the access road to the stoplight. Make a "U" turn at the light, back under the freeway and head south on the access road to the main camp entrance, which will be on your right.

Watch for Scouts, WEBELOS, Venturers, Deer, and other wildlife when driving in camp they are everywhere!

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Directions Camp Strake Conference Center BAT & CPR/FA Classes

Enter Camp Strake through the main entrance off I-45. Continue through the gate to the camp administration building, which will be the first brown building on your left. Turn to your right and follow the signs to the "Conference Center" which is located immediately behind the Scout Shop. Please observe the speed limit in camp, park only in the designated areas and observe the no parking signs. It is not necessary to “check in” at the camp administration building when attending our CPR and BAT Training classes at the conference center.

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Directions Camp Strake Grand Lake Dining Hall Deer Lake Canoe Clinic

Enter Camp Strake through the main entrance off I-45. Continue through the gate to the camp administration building, which will be the first brown building on your left. Continue straight through the second gate. Stay on the paved road through the third gate. You will see the Grand Lake Dining Hall, on your left at the top of the hill. Please observe the speed limit in camp, park only in the designated areas and observe the no parking signs.

Parking for the Deer Lake Canoe Clinic is available in the large paved lot, just before the third gate at the bottom of the hill or in the small lot across from the Dining Hall. You can also park at your designated camping site. NO PARKING IS EVER PERMITTED AT DEER LAKE or on the road in front of Deer Lake. Please do not park in the service lot at the Dining Hall. We must leave this lot open for the Camp Rangers and DLCC support staff.

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Directions Conroe Swim Center

The Conroe Swim Center is located at 1205 Callahan Ave, Conroe, TX 77301 You can locate a map of the address on the map server of your choice. Here are easy directions to get you there:

If you are North bound on I-45 continue into Conroe and take the Hwy-105 exit, then continue North on the I-45 access road toward Wilson Road. If you are entering Conroe on South bound I-45, take the Hwy-105 exit, cross under I-45 and then head back North on the access road.

Look for the entrance to Candy Cane Park which will be on your right just after you pass the "Salt Grass" and "Outback" restaurants. Enter Candy Cane Park and follow the park road to the right around to The Conroe Swim Center which will also be on your right. The Swim Center is located at the far South East corner of the park.

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Directions The Woodlands American Red Cross office.

The office and training room is located at 210 Spring Hill Dr. Suite 150, Spring,Texas 77098. Use your favorite mapping program for turn by turn directions or here are a couple of good ways to get there:

Exit I-45 North or South to Rayford Road East . first light turn right (South) on Oakhurst Drive . then left on Pitkin Rd (also South your only choice). Pitkin will cross Spring Hill Drive. Go through the gate and the ARC office will be on your right. Our classes use the back door to the training room which is on the back side of the building.

If you are South bound on I-45 . pass the Rayford Road exit and take exit 72A at the next opportunity which should be marked Pruitt Road . Stay on the I-45 access road and cross under the freeway to the I-45 north bound feeder (the crossover is just before the Spring Creek bridge) then right on Spring Hill Drive you will see the ARC office on your right just before Pitkin Road. OR, if you are North bound I-45 . take exit 73 which is the Rayford Road exit . then right on Spring Hill Drive.

The telephone only rings during “normal business hours” at the Branch Office. Please do not “call for directions” on Saturday or Sunday or before 8:00 AM or after 4:30 PM during the week! The phone is answered at the main chapter office in Houston during the “off hours”. The chapter operator is trained to handle emergencies and cannot always provide directions They will not likely know “what is going on” at the branch office.

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Instructor Level Classes BIT Bat In Training Program

Mature teenage boys and girls can begin instructor training in our BIT program when they are fourteen. BIT’s take the American Red Cross “Fundamentals of Instructor Training” course and work with the youth BAT instructors.

BIT’s are permitted to attend a Basic Aid Training Instructor Class but cannot complete the class and be certified as instructors until they are fifteen. The usual procedure is to take the BAT instructor class as a part of the BIT program and then complete the instructor certification by attending the second day session of the first available BAT instructor class after they turn fifteen. Boys and girls that help us with our program have numerous opportunities to complete the instructor certification.

Teens planning to enter the BIT program need to have permission from their parents, the Unit leader and the NBOSTT BAT course coordinator. Interested youth should send us an email letting us know that they are interested in the BIT program. We will keep them advised of the next available training opportunity.

Most area Troops credit hours members spend participating in the BIT and BAT program as “approved service hours”. Order of the Arrow members can turn in the BIT and BAT service hours too.

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NBO Scout Training Team Payment for all classes

Please make checks payable to NBO Scout Training team. We usually do not deposit checks until the first day after the event. In the event that a scheduled class is cancelled, your check will be returned. We do accept cash too, but checks are preferred. Units are encouraged to pay with a single check when possible. We do get lots of requests but we do not take credit cards.

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NBO Scout Training Team American Red Cross Patches

Participants in the BAT class will receive a special embroidered patch, which is included in the class fees. Those who successfully complete the CPR/FA class can purchase a “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation” patch. We usually have these available at our classes. Scouts should remember that the Red Cross patches are not “official” BSA patches and should not be worn on a Scout uniform. Many Scouts and Scouters do wear them on the right shirt pocket as a temporary patch, but even this is discouraged.

WEBELOS should sew the BAT patch on their “Brag Vests” and show them off to the younger Cubs. Scouts and Scouters can wear the CPR patches on their Philmont shirt-jacket or other non-uniform items. We realize that the “uniform police” will not arrest you for wearing the Red Cross patch on your uniform. We just want you to know the rules and we encourage you to follow them.

We hope that our National Organization will soon authorize a way to identify Scouts and Scouters with CPR/FA training. So far, our efforts to help bring this about have been unsuccessful. We would like to see a patch like the “interpreter strip” or the “Trained” patch for this purpose. Well, maybe someday.

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NBO Scout Training Team How to use our FAX on demand system

We no longer offer FAX on demand service. Most of our forms are now available to download from our Resources tab.

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NBO Scout Training Team Shirts

Participants who successfully complete any of our Deer Lake Canoe Clinic classes, may purchase a special clinic t-shirt. Shirts are available during the clinic and are usually available from the course registrar for $15.00/ea. Larger sizes are a little more. Shirts can be ordered in advance along with your Deer Lake Canoe Reservation. Please email us for details.

We often have “Mass Training” shirts available. Proceeds from these shirts benefit both the training team and the American Red Cross, Northern Branch Office. We usually have a few shirts at our CPR/FA classes and they are always available at the ARC Northern Branch Office in Conroe. They are available for a recommended donation of $5.00/ea.

Special “golf” shirts with the unique NBO Scout Training Team “coon and armadillo” logo will soon be available to any of our currently authorized youth or adult instructors in any program area and to those who successfully complete the ER/Lifeguarding program. Shirts are $18.00/ea and can be ordered from the NBO Scout Training Team treasurer. Please email us for details.

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NBO Scout Training Team - Textbooks and supplies

We try to provide textbooks and all required supplies for all of our basic CPR/FA classes and for our Canoe and Kayak program. Our class fees include the use of the loaner textbooks. Instructor candidates, both youth and adult must make prior arrangements to purchase the basic level texts for the classes they plan to teach. The cost of all required textbooks is included for participants in our Wilderness and Rempte First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Lifeguarding and Emergency Response classes. The BAT class fees include the BAT workbook and special patch. We try to have basic level textbooks available for purchases at our classes. Please note: we are authorized to sell the textbooks at reduced prices only to Scouts and Scouters as part of our program. This pricing may not be available for textbooks and supplies purchased at the Chapter in Houston or at any of the other Branch Offices. These items must come from our stock or, with advance notice, from the Northern Branch Office.

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Questions?... just email us! training@scoutcpr.org


The Northern Branch Office Scout Training Team provides American Red Cross
Health and Safety training courses for Sam Houston Area Council Scouts & Scouters