FIRST YEAR SCOUT PROGRAM (F.R.O.G.) (Outdoor Skills) Seven Ranges offers a program designed specifically for the younger Scout who has not been to summer camp before. The purpose of the Fundamental Requirements and Outdoor Growth (FROG) program is to help young Scouts make a smooth transition to camp life. Sometimes the idea of taking a merit badge and being at camp for the first time seems a little daunting to the new Scout. The idea of FROG is to teach this Scout the skills to function in the camp environment.

FROG is a program that meets from 9:00–10:50 AM Monday through Thursday. During this time, the FROG Staff will instruct Scouts in fundamental requirements at “The Pad” as well as take Scouts to different program areas in camp where they will be introduced to the program. Mixed in with all the fun, the FROG Staff will ensure that the Scouts are exposed to the skills necessary to complete 10 parts of a rank.

This instruction may cover such topics as knife and axe use, fire building, knot tying, plant identification, hiking, citizenship, physical fitness, first aid and the patrol method. An advancement card will also be delivered to scoutmaster’s mailboxes to show what was covered with each individual Scout for the week. The FROG program ends in time for Scouts who are learners or beginners to attend classes at the waterfront. If a first-year Scout is a swimmer, he may elect to take one of the merit badges recommended for first-year Scouts during the 11:00-11:50 class time.

A daily record will be posted at the dining hall to keep leaders up to date on their Scouts’ progress. The FROG staff will not pass Scouts on any requirements, instead they will keep track of what instruction the Scout was presented. It is up to the unit leader to decide if the Scout has an acceptable knowledge of each skill.

The FROG program is designed for Scouts who are new to camp and Scouting. It is limited to those Scouts under the age of 13. Most of the requirements covered in the program will be for Tenderfoot Rank. FROG may not be appropriate for Scouts who have more camping experience. Those participating in FROG may purchase the exclusive FROG patch at Hutch’s Trading Post.