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Historical Information About the Accomplishment Awards

One of the many traditions at Berkshire Boys Camp was the broad spectrum of Accomplishment Awards available to the campers.  Every activity at the camp had different levels of awards to recognize accomplishments and growth by the campers.

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The standard levels of achievement were:

  • Basic

  • Advanced

  • Master

  • Junior Instructor

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In addition to these, individual activities were allowed to modify their recognitions to meet the specific needs of the activity. Awards and requirements changed over time, and new ones were added often.  If you are aware of any requirements for specific awards, please chare them.  We are missing many.

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These activities have accomplishment awards, based on documented awardees  detailed in the BBC News newsletters.   When available, also as documented in the BBC News newsletters, the specific requirements are included here.

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Be sure to check out (and contribute to) the activity vignettes.

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Disciplines:

Top Tag

Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts

Advanced, 1971, Only given once to David Auld

Junior Instructor, 1960-1972

Craft Guild

Apprentice, 1960

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Athletics

Archery

Basic, 1951-1971

Advanced, 1952 - 1969

Expert, 1951-1960

Master, 1971, Only given once to Leo Liias

Junior Instructor, 1952-1971

Senior Instructor, 1971, Only given once to David Boldebook

Athletics

Basic, 1949-1962, There were also a series of Basics awarded that had suffixes of: 75, 95, 110, 125, 140, 160, and 200, followed by the word Class, that were issued in 1962.  There was also an award given for Basic Achievement in 1966 to Paul Krokas.

Advanced, 1956-1972, There were also a series of Advanced Awards that had suffixes of: 75, 95, 110, 140, 160, and 200, followed by the work Class, that were issued in 1962.

Master, 1958-1965

Apprentice Master, 1962, There were also a series of Masters awards that had suffixes of: 110 and 160, followed by the word Class, that were issued in 1962.

Expert, 1968, Only two were issued.

Junior Instructor, 1962-1969

Senior Instructor, 1969, Only one was issued in 1969 to Stanley Sarnacki.

Baseball

Special Awards, 1971, Baseball Awards were only given once.  They were for seven specific recognitions:  Captain, Captain, Golden Bat, Golden Glove, Most Improved, Most Inspirational, and Most Valuable Player.

Darts

Basic, 1951-1961

Advanced, 1951-1961

Expert, 1951-1961

Football

Basic, 1962, Only eleven certificates were issued:  Center (1), End (2), Fullback, Guard (2), Halfback (2), Quarterback, and Tackle (2).

Junior Instructor, 1962, Only one certificate was issued to James Barry.

Horse Shoes

Junior Instructor, 1962-1965, Only four certificates were issued.

Physical Fitness

Basic, 1959

Softball

Basic, 1962, Only two certificates were issued: James Barry and James Martorano.

Advanced, 1962, only two certificates were issued: James Barry and Stephen Newpol.

Tomahawking

Basic, 1949-1965, Only one certificate issues to Joe Keegan in 1969.​

  • Stick an axe in a pole from 8 paces in 12 of 15 throws.

Advanced, 1956

Expert, 1949-1961, Only eight certificates were issued.

  • Stick an axe in a pole at a designated spot.

  • Split a leaf in 3 out of 5 throws.

  • Axe completes two revolutions and sticks in a pole.

  • Axe sticks in a pole on 25 consecutive throws.

Junior Instructor, 1949-1965, Only two certificates were issued to: Richard Diehm and Richard Alder.

Weight Lifting

Basic, 1966

Wrestling

Basic, 1967-1970

Advanced, 1967, only three certificates were issued: Jonathan Wells, Ken Hirschkop, and Jonathan Oppenheim.

Anchor 1
Anchor 2
Anchor 3
Anchor 4
Anchor 5
Anchor 6
Anchor 8

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Bellman's Follies

Bellman's Follies

Junior Instructor, 1971, There were no achievement awards given for this activity. It was created in 1971 by Dale Belman, and lasted only that one year. The activity was based on adventuring. Junior Instructors were appointed based on their repeated participation in the activity, enthusiasm, and their quest for adventure. Only three awards were given: Aaron Clevenson, Dave Gelineau, and Ken Hirschkop.

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Communications

Communications

Basic, 1970

Broadcast Engineer, 1969

Broadcast Specialist, 1971

Broadcaster, 1969-1971

Co-Instructor, 1968

Engineer, 1969

Special Communications Award, 1968, only one certificate was issued to Robert Lennick.

Specialist, 1968-1971

Specialist A, 1968

Specialist Technician, 1968

Technician, 1969-1972

Broadcasting - Junior Instructor, 1969-1972

Broadcasting - Master, 1972

Broadcasting - Specialist, 1968

CB Radio - Basic, 1971-1972

CB Radio - Master, 1971

CB Radio - Specialist, 1971

CB Radio - Junior Instructor, 1971-1972

Disk Jockey - Basic, 1972

Radio Announcer - Basic, 1970-1972

Radio Announcer - Advanced, 1970

Radio Announcer - Master. 1970

Radio Broadcaster - Basic, 1972

Radio Broadcaster - Master, 1972

Radio Technician - Basic, 1970-1972

Radio Technician - Advanced, 1970

Radio Technician - Master, 1970

Technician - Basic, 1972

WBBC Technician - Basic, 1971

WBBC Announcer - Basic, 1971

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Dramatics

Backstage Dramatics

Basic, 1969, only four certificates were issued.

Junior Instructor, 1969-1972, Only two certificates were issued to: Aaron Clevenson and Mark Harrison.

Dramatics

Basic, 1965-1969

Advanced, 1966-1968

Master, 1967-1969, Only five certificates were issued.

Junior Instructor, 1966-1968, Only two certificates were issued to: Neil Harrison and Ken Hirschkop.

Anchor 9
Anchor 10
Anchor 11
Anchor 12
Anchor 14
Anchor 13
Anchor 15
Anchor 16
Anchor 17
Anchor 18
Anchor 19
Anchor 20
Anchor 21
Anchor 22
Anchor 7
Anchor 24

Exploring

Exploring

Basic 1952-1972

  • When making a 24 hour trip into the country or wilderness, you will generally need the following things:

    1. Plans.

    2. Choices.

    3. Decision on destination, duration, and equipment.

    4. Clothing:

      • shoes and socks

      • clothes (minimum to be clean, lightweight, warm, and waterproof)

      • hat

    5. Equipment:

      • watch

      • sun glasses

      • maps and brochures

      • compass

      • mosquito repellent

      • jacknife with screwdriver, can-opener, and awl

      • waterproof matches

      • US Army cartridge belt with canteen, cup, cover, and first aid kit

      • pack

      • toilet kit and towel

      • cooking utensils (8 inch frying pan, 6 cup coffee pot, 2 cooking pots (large and small), fork, large spoon, and spatula

      • bedding

      • flashlight

      • cord (long enough for tent, etc.)

      • tenting

      • hatchet and guard

      • sharpening stone

      • small shovel

    6. Skills:

      • Hatchet - safety and use

      • Tent pegs

      • Set up a tent

      • Build a fire (3 matches)

      • At least three 3-mile hikes

Advanced, 1958-1970

  • Know all of the basic requirements, be able to explain them, and also do these activities:

  1. Compass (all different kinds and how to use them)

  2. Know the topographical map symbols of the US Department of the interior Geological Survey

  3. Build a camp fireplace and a fire with one match

  4. Cooking of three meals (judged on completeness, taste, and cleanliness)

  5. Know the poisonous trees and bushes in our north east US

  6. Basic First Aid

  7. Eight-mile hike with full pack

  8. Know all of the places to get any kind of information on anything to do with exploring

Master, 1959-1970

  • In addition to the requirements for the Basic and Advanced Awards, also these activities:

    1. Know the trees in the north east US and their usefulness

    2. Know the edible plants and how to prepare them

    3. Plan 3 complete trips of 24 hours each (5 PM to 5 PM)

    4. Plan one complete trip of 72 hours (5 PM to 5 PM)

    5. One 12-mile hike with full pack​

    6. Advanced First Aid knowledge

    7. Survival camping

  • The trips will include supper on the first and last days. Trips will be judged for completeness of information, imagination, variety, and feasibleness.

    • Make a detailed map of any section of camp.                     

    • Make a 24-hour hike to Summit, coming out within 1000 feet with pack and cook all meals.                                          

    • Know 3 Cloud Types and know what they indicate. Forecast camp weather correctly for three days.                   

    • Recognize five animal tracks.                                     

    • Run a night compass course.

    • Demonstrate the use of traps.                                                  

    • Work on a major project to completion.

    • Take an overnight with a knife, a hatchet and a fish hook.

    • They may take bread, but must obtain three types of food. Done by two boys.                                               

    • Build a fire without matches.

Junior Instructor, 1958-1967, Only six certificates were issued.

Mapping

Basic, 1949-1956

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First Aid

First Aid

Basic, 1968, Only three certificates were issued to: Hoard Giller, David Laband, and Robert Lennick.

Advanced, 1968, Only six certificates were issued.

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Forestry

Forestry

Basic, 1949-1972

  • This can be done in about a week.

  1. Be able to use a hand axe safely

  2. Know common trees

  3. Be able to tie basic knots

  4. Know how to recognize a well-managed stand of timber

  5. Know the relationship of wildlife and the woods; brushpiles, etc.

  6. Know the uses of wood

  7. Help on a forest improvement project

  8. Transplant a tree

  9. Be introduced to the various stages of forest life (hardwood forest from softwood forest)

Advanced, 1966-1972

  • This can be done in two weeks.

  1. Be able to properly use an axe and a cross-cut saw

  2. Know how to lash

  3. Know a little about tree farming and forest management

  4. Work on a project involving both rope work and laboratory work

Lumberjack, 1949-1970, During part of this time, Lumberjack was treated as a separate function from Forestry.  At other times, it was treated as the Advanced Award for Forestry.

Master, 1950-1970

  • This usually takes about a month.

  1. Proficient in all fields of forestry, including surveying

  2. Complete a project of one's own choice, involving THINKING

Junior Instructor, 1957-1970

Lumberjack Junior Instructor, 1954, Only one certificate was issued to Ronald Broussard.

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Journalism

Journalism

Basic, 1949-1953, Only three certificates were issued to: Robert Dean, Bob Lorber, and Irving Winograd.

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Mechanics

Mechanics

Master, 1971, Only one certificate was awarded to James Rosen.

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Mountaineering

Mountaineering

Basic, 1967, Only six certificates were issued.

Rappelling

Body Rappelling - Certified, 1971, Only seven certificates were issued.

Body Rappelling - Junior Instructor, 1971, Only one certificate was issued to James Rosen.

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Photography

Photography

Basic, 1952, 1972

Advanced, 1970-1972, Only two certificates were issued to: Neil Carvin and Richard Goldman.

Anchor 23
Anchor 25

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Waterfront

Boating

Basic, 1949-1972:  this certification allows the camper to take out a boat with a "buddy".

  1. List 5 parts of the boat or oar

    • Oar:​

      • Tip​

      • Blade

      • Neck

      • Shaft

      • Handle

    • Boat:​

      • Bow​

      • Stern

      • Starboard

      • Port

      • Bow Plate

      • Transom

      • Bow Seat (Bow Thwart)

      • Center Seat (Center Thwart)

      • Stern Seat (Stern Thwart)

      • Bow Painter

      • Stern Painter

      • Oar Locks

      • Hull

      • Gunwales

      • Freeboard

      • Draft

      • Keel

      • Ribs

  2. List 5 boating safety rules

    • Always wear your lifejacket properly.

    • Never go out alone.​

    • Never go out of sight.

    • Never stand up in a boat.

    • Never overload a boat.

    • Never put an oar tip or blade down in the sand.

    • Don't sit on the bow plate.

    • If you swamp the boat, stay with your boat.

    • Never ram another boat.

  3. Do the forward stroke in a straight line for 10 feet.

  4. Do the backwards stroke in a straight line for 10 feet.

  5. Turn the boat 180 degrees

  6. Safely dock at the dock

  7. Properly ship your oars

Advanced, 1949-1971:  this certification allows the camper to take out a boat solo.

  1. List 10 parts of a boat or oar.

  2. List 10 boating safety rules.

  3. Do the forward stroke in a straight line for 25 feet.

  4. Do the backwards stroke in a straight line for 25 feet.

  5. Do the alternating stroke.

  6. Bring the boat into a dock parallel.

  7. Know how to carry a boat on land.

Intermediate, 1972, Only four certificates were issued.

Master, 1967-1971:  this certification allows the camper to take out a boat with a "buddy" and to go out of sight of the dock.

  1. List 20 parts of a boat or oar.

  2. List 20 boating safety rules.

  3. Safely swamp and empty the boat in shallow water.

Expert, 1968, Only three certificates were issued.

Junior Instructor, 1953-1972:  this certification was given to campers who have demonstrated their ability to safety and accurately use a rowboat and have the ability to chare that knowledge with other campers.  Usually this means they have attained the level of Master.

Canoeing

Basic, 1968-1972:  this certification allows the camper to take out a canoe with a "buddy".

  1. List 5 parts of the canoe or paddle

    • Paddle:​

      • Tip​

      • Blade

      • Neck

      • Shaft

      • Handle

    • Canoe:​

      • Bow​

      • Stern

      • Starboard

      • Port

      • Bow Plate

      • Stern Plate

      • Bow Seat or Bow Thwart

      • Center Thwart

      • Stern Seat or Stern Thwart

      • Bow Painter

      • Stern Painter

      • Hull

      • Gunwales

      • Freeboard

      • Draft

      • Keel

      • Ribs

  2. List 5 canoeing safety rules

    • Always wear your lifejacket properly.

    • Never go out alone.​

    • Never go out of sight.

    • Never stand up in a boat.

    • Never overload a boat.

    • Never put a paddle tip or blade down in the sand.

    • Don't sit on the bow or stern plates.

    • If you swamp the canoe, stay with your canoe.

    • Never ram another canoe.

  3. Paddling in tandem, do the forward stroke ("J" stroke) in a straight line for 10 feet.

  4. Paddle in tandem backwards in a straight line for 10 feet.

  5. Paddling in tandem, use the draw and pry strokes to more sideways for 5 feet.  Do the opposite strokes to return to original location.

  6. Turn the boat 180 degrees using the "C" (or sweep) stroke.

  7. Safely dock at the dock

  8. Properly store your paddles

Advanced, 1970-1972:  this certification allows the camper to take out a canoe solo.

  1. List 10 parts of a canoe or paddle.

  2. List 10 canoeing safety rules.

  3. Do the forward stroke ("J" stroke) solo in a straight line for 10 feet.

  4. Do the backwards stroke solo in a straight line for 10 feet.

  5. Do the draw stroke to more the canoe 10 feet.

  6. Do the pry stroke to return the canoe 10 feet.

  7. Turn the canoe 180 degrees using a sweep (C") stroke.

  8. Turn the canoe 180 degrees using the reverse sweep stroke.

  9. Bring the canoe into a dock parallel.

  10. Know how to carry a canoe on land.

  11. Empty a swamped canoe in shallow water.

Master, 1970-1972, Only seven certificates were issued.

Junior Instructor, 1971, Only three certificates were issued to: Evan Elgin, Russell Keith, and Michael Potter.

Senior Instructor, 1971, Only one certificate was issued to Stanley Sarnacki.

Small Craft

Basic, 1957-1972, Only two certificates were issued to: Earl Beacham and James Martorano.

Swimming

Basic, 1949-1967:  this certification indicates that the camper has graduated from the shallow swimming rea to the deep end.

  1. Swim across the shallow swimming area and return.

  2. Swim from the inner dock to the outer dock and back again.

  3. Tread water for 1 minute.

Red Cross Beginner, 1949-1972

Advanced- Phase 1, 1964

Red Cross Advanced Beginner, 1963-1970

Red Cross Intermediate, 1949-1969

Red Cross Swimmer, 1949-1970

Red Cross Advanced Swimmer, 1956- 1969

Long Distance, 1956, Only five certificates were issued.

Mile Swim, 1956, Only five certificates were issued.

Red Cross Junior Life Saving, 1949-1971

Red Cross Senior Life Saving, 1958-1972

Red Cross Basic Survival, 1963, Only one certificate was issued to Scott Giddings.

Red Cross Advanced Survival, 1963, Only one certificate was issued to Jonathan Ruby.

Outer Pool, 1966-1970, Only six certificates were issued.

Junior Instructor, 1952-1962, Only three certificates were issued to: Robert Kelly, Richard Arell, and Stephen Newpol.

Red Cross Water Safety Aid, 1961, Only one certificate was issued to David Brooke.

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Woodsman

Woodsman

Master

  • This was intended to be the highest honor.  There are no records of it ever being awarded.

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Pioneering

Pioneering

Basic, 1971

Advanced, 1949-1970

Master, 1949-1969

  • Meet these requirements:

  1. Complete Basic Forestry, Lumberjack, and Basic Pioneering.                             

  2. Construct a quality lean-to.                                       

  3. Sleep 8 nights in the lean-to.                                 

  4. Have knowledge about Boone, Lewis & Clark, Rogers, Kenton, Carson, Bridges, etc.                                              

  5. Build a reflector fire.                                                  

  6. Have knowledge of fires and how to use them.

  7. Make the army horseshoe, rover, and cave packs.

  8. Make a model of a pioneer project.

  9. Make the crossboard, shears, tripod, and chain lashes.

  10. Know 5 star constellations.                                         

  11. Make star map.                                                                

  12. Do 15 hours of trail work.                                           

  13. Cook and bake on outdoor ovens with minimal utensils.

Junior Instructor, 1953-1970

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Riflery

Riflery

Basic, 1949-1972

  • Meet these requirements:

  1. Know 5 parts of the rifle             

  2. Know 5 Riflery safety rules.                                    

  3. Have 5 out of 5 bullets hit the target at 50 feet in the lying position.

  4. Know and follow the proper protocols on the rifle range.

    1. No talking in the waiting area.​

    2. No talking on the firing line.

    3. Response to "Ready on the right?" is "Ready."

    4. Response to "Ready on the left?" is "Ready."

    5. Response to "Ready on the firing line?" is silence.

    6. Commence firing to start shooting.

    7. Cease fire to stop shooting.

Basic - Skeet, 1959-1961, Only six certificates were issued.

Advanced, 1965-1968

  • Meet these requirements:

  1. Know 10 parts of the rifle             

  2. Know 10 Riflery safety rules.                                    

Master, 1965, Only one certificate was issued to Steven Finer.

Position Shooting, 1966

Expert, 1951, Only one certificate was issued to Craig Dolan.

  • Meet these requirements:

  1. 20 parts of the rifle.                 

  2. The clock system of Scoring.                                    

  3. Effect of wind and sun on rifles.

  4. 20 points scored while standing.

  5. 35 points scored while sitting.                                       

  6. 40 point scored while prone.

NRA Pro-Marksman, 1952-1972

NRA Marksman, 1951- 1972

Marksman - Skeet, 1961, Only one certificate was issued to Stephen Newpol.

NRA Marksman First Class, 1953-1972

NRA Sharpshooter, 1953- 1972

Sharpshooter - Skeet, 1961, Only two certificates were issued to: John Lordon and Stephen Newpol.

NRA Sharpshooter - Bar 1, 1959-1972

NRA Sharpshooter - Bar 2, 1959-1972

NRA Sharpshooter - Bar 3, 1961-1972, Only eight certificated were issued.

NRA Sharpshooter - Bar 4, 1965-1972, Only eight certificates were issued.

NRA Sharpshooter - Bar 5, 1965-1972, Only eight certificates were issued.

NRA Sharpshooter - Bar 6, 1965- 1972, Only four certificates were issued.

NRA Sharpshooter - Bar 7, 1967-1970, Only three certificates were issued to: Steveen FIner, Mitchell Sidd, and Stanley Sarnacki.

NRA Sharpshooter - Bar 8, 1967-1968, Only two certificates were issued to: Steven Finer and Ann Moller.

NRA Sharpshooter - Bar 9, 1967-1970, Only three certificates were issued to: Steven Finer, Leo Liias, and Ann Moller.

NRA Distinguished Expert, 1968-1970, Only three certificates were issued to: Steven Finer, Leo Liias, and Ann Moller.

Aid, 1961, Only one certificate was issued to Stephen Lesberg.

Junior Instructor, 1952-1966

Instructor, 1965, Only one certificate was issued to Stephen Finer.

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Science

Astronomy

Basic, 1958-1962

Advanced, 1960

Master, 1958-1965

Junior Instructor, 1958-1959

Biology

Basic, 1959-1969

Master, 1960, Only one certificate was issued to Mark Abrams.

Junior Instructor, 1952, Only one certificate was issued to Michael Green.

Chemistry

Basic, 1962-1969

Advanced, 1962-1968, Only eight certificates were issued.

Master, 1962, Only two certificates were issued to: Jeremy Bluhm and Stephen Karon.

Junior Instructor, 1962, Only one certificate was issued to Jeremy Bluhm.

Ecology

Basic, 1966-1969

First Grade Advanced, 1967, Only four certificates were issued.

Geology

Basic, 1959-1965

Advanced, 1959-1961

Master, 1959-1961

Junior Instructor, 1959-1965

Naturalist, 1965, Only five certificates were issued.

Fossils, 1965, Only one certificate was issued to Ronald Broussard.

Meteorology

Basic, 1959-1966, Only one certificate was issued to James Rosen.

Advanced, 1960-1966

Master, 1966, Only one certificate was issued to Stephen Jackson.

Junior Instructor, 1960-1968, Only four certificates were issued.

Minerology

Basic, 1962, Only four certificates were issued.

Naturalist

Basic, 1949-1961

Advanced, 1952-1958

Master, 1952-1957

Junior Instructor, 1951-1957, Only four certificates were issued.

Ornithology

Junior Instructor, 1961, Only one certificate was issued to Douglas Meister

Psychology

Basic, 1961-1963

Advanced, 1961-1963

Master, 1962-1963, Only two certificates were issued to: Neil Silverman and Mark Guiness.

Junior Instructor, 1963, Only one certificate was issued to Mark Guiness.

Rocketry

Basic, 1970, Only three certificates were issued to: Peter Gabrielli, Case Martin, and Charles Brennick.

Advanced, 1970, Only two certificates were issued to: Peter Gabrielli and David Gelineau.

Science

Basic, 1957-1972

Advanced, 1958-1972

Master, 1958-1968

Laboratory Squad, 1968

Junior Instructor, 1957-1958, Only three certificates were issued to: Dave Udin, Jonathan Ara, and Bill First.

Soil Testing

Junior Instructor, 1966, Only one certificate was issued to David Newman.

Zoology

Basic, 1963- 1965

Advanced, 1963, Only two certificated were issued to: Carey Bluhm and Daniel Rosen.

Junior Curator, 1963, Only two certificates were issued to: Samuel Goldsmith and Paul Bailey.

Naturalist, 1965, Only one certificate was issued to John Wallace.

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Sheep Herding

Sheep Herding

Basic, 1957-1972,  Only seven certificates were issued.

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Spelunking

Spelunking

Basic, 1965

Cave Hunter, 1962

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Thoreau

Thoreau

Basic, 1969-1972, Only seven certificates were issued.

  • After participating in an activity, write an article about it for the BBC News.

Advanced, 1970, Only one certificate was issued to Aaron Clevenson.

  • During a week of participating Thoreau activities, keep a journal of all of the activities and your impressions

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