Powder Horn (Boy Scouts of America)

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Powder Horn is a high adventure resource course^[1] for Venturing, Boy Scout and Varsity Scout leaders of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The goals of Powder Horn are to: help Scout leaders to safely conduct outdoor activities of a fun and challenging nature, provide an introduction to the resources necessary to successfully lead their youth through a program of high adventure and to understand what is involved in different high adventure disciplines. It will also familiarize the Venturing advisor with the Ranger program so that they can help Venturers in meeting the requirements of the Ranger Award. The course is not designed to teach specific skills or earn certifications. Powder Horn is held over a one-week period or two three-day weekends.^[2]

The course was first held at the Philmont Scout Ranch in 1999. The course was then rolled out to be run at region and area levels, and can now be offered by local councils. There is now a Powder Horn Course Director Conference, usually held in each region at least once a year. Attendence at such a course is mandatory for those who wish to conduct a PH course as a Course Director.

Upon completing the course, the leader is awarded the Powder Horn medal: a pioneer's powder horn suspended from a silver ring and hung from the button on the left pocket of the uniform. A belt buckle is available for uniform wear and as well as a silver pin for non-uniform wear.

[edit] Footnotes

1. ^ Powder Horn. Boy Scouts of America. Retrieved on March 29, 2006.
2. ^ Powder Horn Training. Retrieved on March 29, 2006.