Scouterhorn at Camp Snyder Family Camping Weekend

2022-04-23

It was a sunny Saturday at Camp Snyder. Thanks to John Merchant (Assistant Climbmaster), we were able to operate the Scouterhorn. Thanks to Tim Miller and Kaytlyn A. (members of the O/A), we were able to handle the morning rush. Thanks to John Cavan and Thomas(?), we had enough hands to support the afternoon rush. Very glad we had that much help. Especially since very young climbers must be watched continually. Lessons learned:

• When clipping in, have the spine of the carabiner, not the gate, next to the cimber. This is reverse from previous guidelines. We've discovered the gate will press against a young climber's chest.
• To check the fit of the harness, have the climber squat down. This not only confirms there will not be slack when they climb, it also forces the climber to focus on you. Impress upon them they can climb only when they can focus on instructions.
• Avoid putting very young climbers on Route 2 or Route 3. The davits for both routes pull the climber away from the wall.
• Remind the climbers there is no reason to touch the cable or connections. For example, encourage them to pat the Scouterhorn when descending. Climbers who fixate on the connections are failing to focus on what will help them succeed.

	A	B	C
1	A Mom and Dad helping their daughter climb the Scouterhorn. Notice how each daughter has their right hand. Why? Perhaps this is an unconscious signal we should look for and address. How many times have we been in a situation where someone is trying to help, but we have an issue that needs to be addressed? We cannot be helped when something is in the way. We should, therefore, understand why the other person cannot be helped until they are able to accept help. 04/23/2022 09:30 AM 5.4MB	Another Mom coaching her youngest, with assistance from Tim M. Thanks Tim! 04/23/2022 09:44 AM 4.91MB	Tim helping a young climber on their first attempt. Not the best choice of footwear, but it works. 04/23/2022 10:34 AM 4.44MB
2	Learning moment; somehow, we either missed a sufficiently thorough CHECK, or we need to reconsider something (e.g., model of harness, position of webbing, how to tighten). 04/23/2022 10:34 AM 4.21MB	A Dad helping his young daughter on Route 1. Webelos (son) had photo op but lacking the means. Rats. What lessons can we learn from this? 04/23/2022 11:11 AM 5.23MB	Young climber (with very proud Dad) descending after hitting buzzer on Route 1. Shortly afterward, she successfully climbed all the other routes. Then she tried the "Conquer the Scouterhorn" challenge; climb one of the routes while wearing swim goggles covered with duct tape! Unfortunately, she was unable to understand guidance from her sighted coach. Came within inches of pressing the buzzer! Lesson learned for operators; ensure coaches understand how to communicate to the climber. 04/23/2022 11:18 AM 3.58MB
3	Here she is on Route 2 with goggles and coach. [Katylyn A. heading to Route 1.] 04/23/2022 11:39 AM 5.4MB	Same route, different angle. 04/23/2022 11:39 AM 5.6MB	Example of what happens when too many distractions get in the way of thinking. Failure is about to occur (e.g., only left leg can provide upward force and neither hand is high enough to keep body upright and close to the wall). 04/23/2022 11:39 AM 5.67MB
4	Recovery. 04/23/2022 11:39 AM 5.59MB	Restart. 04/23/2022 11:39 AM 5.2MB	John Cavan and me. Example of what happens when trying to take a selfie when sunlight is too bright to see what is on the screen. 04/23/2022 01:52 PM 1.58MB
5	Example of a parental crowd. [O/A member Thomas(?) with helmet on the right.] We saw many youth and parents wearing Pack 698 shirts. What could (should) we have done differently? 04/23/2022 02:24 PM 5.3MB	John Lesko describing "Jump the Creek" (a C.O.F.F.F.E.E. game). 04/23/2022 03:15 PM 6.42MB	The creek looks pretty dry and weedy. But John can help imaginations create the water. 04/23/2022 03:15 PM 6.36MB