S-F Ranger Program

This is the ULTIMATE backpacking program for Scouts and Venturers who are at least 14, or in their fourth summer camp, and looking for fun, adventure and challenges in the backwoods of S bar F Scout Ranch. The Ranger program, revised to be conducted in a socially distant and safe manner, will take place at various back country locations at S bar F Scout Ranch. Participants will live in outpost camps, carry all equipment necessary for camping in their backpacks, and hike portions of the Three Notch Trail. Youth should participate in the Ranger Program if they are interested in increasing their appreciation of nature, camping, and self-reliance. Since many of the activities require strength, physical conditioning is recommended before camp.

For 2020, we are offering half-week options only.

STAFF-GUIDED SESSIONS
(Click above to register for a staff-led session)

The session dates listed below are for the traditional Ranger model of a staff-guided program. Participants will meet with two adult staff members upon arrival. They will stay with these staff members for the duration of their trek. Unit leadership is encouraged but not required.

UNIT-LED SESSIONS
(Click above to register for a unit-led session)

There are also several sessions available for units to register as a unit. For these sessions, units must provide their own adult leadership and will lead their own trek following the provided itinerary. Each day will feature rendezvous points with program staff that will lead programs for the group. Participants must meet all requirements, including being 14 years old and having a current, complete health form The maximum crew size is 10, and all Youth Protection requirements must be maintained. The dates for these treks are:

To help make the Ranger program a safe experience for your youth this summer, the following practices are being put in to place:

• All participants must provide a current and complete BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A, B, & C)
• Participants must be from same geographic area/district. Each session is identified by the area that may attend it. Click here to view a district map. 
  • Area 1 – St. Louis City & County (Grand Towers, Thunderbird, Gravois Trail, New Horizons, North Star, Pathfinder)
  • Area 2 – Boone Trails, Osage, River Trails
  • Area 3 – Piasa Bird, Cahokia Mounds, Illini, St. Clair, Kaskaskia
  • Area 4 – Arrowhead, Redhawk, Black Gold, Egyptian, Big Muddy
  • Area 5 – Sioux, Shawnee, Cherokee, Ozark Trailblazers
• When possible, all youth wanting to attend from the same unit should attend the same session and should consider attending as a unit-led program.
• All participants are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days prior to arrival at camp
• All participants should complete a Self-Check before traveling to camp – temperature, cough, shortness of breath – if any of these symptoms are present, do not come to camp.
• Travel to camp with members of your household only.
• All participants will complete an onsite medical screening that includes a temperature check
• Participants should plan to provide their own face coverings. Face coverings will be required for:
  • • Participating in any program where equipment is shared and/or social distancing cannot be maintained (e.g. black powder rifle shooting instruction).
    • Campfires (sitting and moving around a fire)
• Participants are required to bring their own hand sanitizer. If they cannot bring any, they will be issued a container of the sanitizer at camp. Participants will be asked to apply multiple times throughout the day.
• Participants must provide their own backpack and means for sleeping (tent, sleeping bag, etc.)
• Based on dietary needs, participants may need to provide their own food.
• Participants receive their own food bag for all breakfasts and lunches. Dinner is served by a dedicated staff member on individual serving ware.