One of the pillars of the BSA’s current National Strategic Plan is to offer dynamic and relevant programs in order to attract and retain Scouts.Last year, the BSA approved a new activity—all-terrain vehicles—that support that goal while satisfying boys’ need for speed. After a successful pilot trial, the ATV program is now approved for BSA camps under the direction of All-Terrain Safety Institute trained instructors.

Cole Canoe Base is an approved site for the B.S.A.’s National A.T.V. program. Scouts will learn care and proper maintenance of safety equipment and A.T.V.’s, A.T.V. safety procedures, respect for the environment, and basic operation and handling of the A.T.V. The program will be conducted on site utilizing existing service and logging roads.

Scouts will complete the ATV Safety Institute’s Rider Course, a 16 lesson hands-on course designed for every level of rider from “never seen an ATV” to experienced riders. Scouts will learn how to ride safely, responsibly, and be “rideractive” while hill riding, performing emergency stopping and swerving, quick turns and riding over obstacles. They will also learn about protective gear, regulations, where to ride, ATV maintenance and environmental concerns. After the completion of the Rider Course, scouts will receive ATV Safety Institute Rider Course completion cards and will spend the rest of the week riding over, a circuit track, the ATV range, a mud pit, and 2.5 miles of trails. Riders must be at least 14 years of age or older and be strong enough to handle a 300-600 pound machine. All scouts must wear long sleeve shirts, pants that cover the shins, boots that cover the ankles and it is recommended to bring a bandana. Gloves, goggles and helmets will be provided but scouts are free to bring their own.

There is an additional cost to participate in this program and will be charged to the unit at check-out.
Note- ATV use is not authorized at the unit level.