Swim MB Session THREE

TO:  ALL T26 SCOUTS AND ADULTSFROM:  Nancy Schley, ASMPlease read carefully: There are two different topics here:1) The required BSA Swim Test offered.  2) The Swimming Merit Badge also offered.BSA rules require a Unit Swim Classification Record for any activity in or near the water.  Camp Chawanakee will not be conducting swim tests for participants this year, due to lack of resources and the temperature of the water. They must be done prior to camp.A.   IF you are going to Camp Chawanakee you WILL NEED to take this BSA SWIM TEST.The ONLY EXCEPTION: if you are going to SEA BASE, you have already taken this test for our annual 2026 BSA aquatic activities.B.    If you would like to earn your Swimming Merit Badge, this is an opportunity to do so.As a U.S.A. Swimming certified coach and a Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, I have been authorized by the Council to administer swim tests and certify swimming ability.  This is done yearly by our troop, but this year Chawanakee is requiring it before camp.  If you go to Chawanakee, and have not taken the swim test, you will wear a special alert bracelet that tells staff you may not participate in water activities.With the help of your Council leaders, I have scheduled these opportunities:1.     Swim Testing will be offered on these dates:Saturday, May 30, 11:30 am at Rancho Alegre. -Swimming Merit Badge starts right after swim tests.Sunday, May 31, 12 noon at Ranch Alegre. -Swimming Merit Badge starts right after swim tests.  This session is to accommodate Scouts who need the swim test and will be on the Horseshoe Bend trip.  HOW:  On the way back from the Horseshoe Trail Head, the Scouts needing the swim test or who would like to start the first session Swimming Merit Badge will meet me at Rancho Alegre.Mr. Hannotte and Mr. Rowe will arrange transportation/carpools straight from the trailhead to Rancho Alegre for your swim test/MB and others will go straight to the Church from the trailhead.  The Scouts will complete the swim test first and roll right into the 5 Requirements for Swimming MB that I cannot do during the other two sessions due to pool restrictions. (Be sure to pack your bathing suit and towel and leave them in car).  Note to parents:  Mr. Hannotte or Mr. Rowe will contact you when your Scout is headed back to Santa Barbara after the swim session/or MB.2.     Swim Merit Badge will be offered over three sessions:a.     First Session:  Either May 30 or May 31 (same time and place as above).  Please note:  The session one requirements must be done at Rancho Alegre, they cannot be done at the YMCA sessions.b.     Second Session:  June 3, 6:45pm – 8:30pm at the Santa Barbara YMCA.c.     Third Session:  June 10, 6:45pm – 8:30pm at the Santa Barbara YMCA.WHAT YOU NEED TO DO FOR THE MERIT BADGE:RSVP in the Calendar for the three sessions you will attend.Get approval (by email) from Mr. Hey, naming me as your MB counselor.Download or purchase the Swimming Merit Badge Handbook (I have 9 left to sell for $5 apiece, email me if you want one).Download the Swimming Merit Badge Workbook at http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/swimming.pdf.Before the first session, review these topics and complete these sections of the Workbook:  1a, 1b, and read and be prepared to practice water rescue methods (5a) and line rescue (5b) and survival floating (6b) and the HELP method (6c) and survival floating hypothermia (6d).  Use complete answers (3 or 4 sentences per answer) and legible writing for your Workbook entries!Essentials:  Bring swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, shoes (for the hot pool deck) water, and snack.If you have questions, please contact me.Nancy Schley, ASM805-455-5784nancy@schleys.com