Operation On-Target
Encyclopedia
Operation On-Target is a high adventure
activity mainly for Varsity Scouts
, but also including Venturers
and older Boy Scouts. The event is mainly held in the western United States. The basic idea is to have Scouts scattered across a particular area, located on mountain peaks within line of sight of each other. Using large signaling mirrors, they relay messages from peak to peak. Many units spend time in the weeks or months before the actual event learning communications skills like ham radio and signaling. Of course, getting to some of the peaks can also be a challenge, requiring the boys to practice hiking, camping, and backpacking skills.
Two main goals are to establish a signal link from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, and to make a link from the Pacific Ocean to at least the continental divide.
The annual event is held on the third Saturday in July and September. Areas with warmer climates typically see larger turnout on the latter date.
A manual for this event was developed by the Great Salt Lake Council
, and later reprinted in one of the Varsity Scout Program Helps books.
High adventure
High adventure is a type of outdoor experience. It typically is meant to include activities like backpacking, hiking, kayaking or canoeing. It may also include mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain biking, orienteering, hang gliding, paragliding and hot air ballooning.-High adventure in...
activity mainly for Varsity Scouts
Varsity Scouts (Boy Scouts of America)
Varsity Scouting is part of the Boy Scouting program of the BSA. It is an alternative available to boys ages fourteen to eighteen that takes the basic Boy Scouting program and adds high adventure, sporting, and other elements that are more appealing to older youth to accomplish the aims of...
, but also including Venturers
Venturing (Boy Scouts of America)
Venturing is part of the program of the Boy Scouts of America for young adults, men and women, from the age of 14 years old or 13 years old and completed eighth grade through 21....
and older Boy Scouts. The event is mainly held in the western United States. The basic idea is to have Scouts scattered across a particular area, located on mountain peaks within line of sight of each other. Using large signaling mirrors, they relay messages from peak to peak. Many units spend time in the weeks or months before the actual event learning communications skills like ham radio and signaling. Of course, getting to some of the peaks can also be a challenge, requiring the boys to practice hiking, camping, and backpacking skills.
Two main goals are to establish a signal link from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, and to make a link from the Pacific Ocean to at least the continental divide.
The annual event is held on the third Saturday in July and September. Areas with warmer climates typically see larger turnout on the latter date.
A manual for this event was developed by the Great Salt Lake Council
Scouting in Utah
Scouting in Utah has a long history, from the 1910s to the present day, serving thousands of youth in programs that suit the environment in which they live.-History:...
, and later reprinted in one of the Varsity Scout Program Helps books.