Paddling Skills Stage 5

Paddling Skills - Stage 5 Competencies & Requirements

1. I have participated in at least two two-day paddling trips.
   • Scouts have participated in a minimum of two paddling trips that include overnight camping.
2. I have helped prepare an emergency plan and a float plan with a more experienced paddler for one of the trips.
   • With the help of a more experienced Scout or Scouter, Scouts can assist in the completion of a trip emergency plan (as outlined on pages 10–11 in the Field Guide to Canadian Scouting).
   • Scouts can complete their own float plan that includes their intended route, dates, potential camping locations and intended return date.
   • Scouts can complete an emergency plan that identifies potential hazards they may encounter, a system for dealing with hazards and a method for contacting emergency services if required.
3. I have participated in creating a menu for an overnight trip.
   • As a part of their Patrol, Scouts can contribute meal ideas for one each of breakfast, lunch and supper for a menu.
4. I can recognize the symptoms of weather-related injuries and know how to treat them.
   • Scouts know the signs and symptoms and recommended treatment of weather-related injuries such as: hypothermia, hyperthermia, heat exhaustion, sun stroke, frost bite, etc.
5. I can demonstrate a self-rescue with my canoe or kayak.
   • Scouts can swim a capsized watercraft to shore or paddle it (10 m) while sitting in it.
6. I can demonstrate how to pack my personal gear so that it will stay dry.
   • Scouts can properly pack their personal gear so that it will stay dry during a paddling trip.
   • They have considered options such as ziploc bags and garbage bags or commercial dry bags and barrels, and can discuss the pros and cons of these options.
7. I have participated in a canoe-over-canoe rescue as both the rescuer and the one being rescued.
   • In a swimming pool or in open water, Scouts can demonstrate the ability to complete a canoe-over-canoe rescue.
8. I can light a fire using no more than three matches.
   • Scouts can demonstrate the ability to light a fire quickly and efficiently.
9. I have made a personal survival kit as identified in the Field Guide for Canadian Scouting (pages 27–28).
   • Scouts can make a personal survival kit (including signaling devices, first aid items, food items, tinder and a fire starter) that is waterproof and buoyant.
10. I can explain Scouts Canada’s guidelines for paddle sports.
    • Scouts have reviewed and can explain Scouts Canada’s Bylaws Policies & Procedures section 10000 with particular attention to sections 10006 (.7 and .8) and 10007(.14–.17).
11. I can assist Stage 3 paddlers to get back into their swamped watercraft.
    • Using the watercraft-over-watercraft rescue technique, Scouts can assist Stage 3 paddlers to get back into their watercraft.
12. I can help paddlers at Stage 1 identify the parts of their paddles and their canoes or kayaks.
    • Scouts working at Stage 5 can teach paddlers at Stage 1 to identify the parts of their paddles and their canoes or kayaks.
13. I have completed and logged at least six days of backcountry paddling.
    • Scouts have logged six days of backcountry paddling.
    • This can include a mix of day trips and overnight trips.
14. I have attained at least the Paddle Canada Canoe Basic Skills level of paddling certification.
    • Contact Paddle Canada to determine this requirement.