Little Brave Program Manual
A Program of the
Chief Pontiac Trail Committee, Clinton Valley Council, BSA
for use by Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts,
Boy Scouts, Explorers, Venturers and non - BSA Youth Organizations
October 16, 2005
Chief Pontiac Trail Lil' Brave Program Unit Manual
- Front cover Overview Map of the Trail / Region
- The Chief Pontiac Trail Committee
- Where to Get What You Need
- Location of Program Areas
- How to Use the Program
- Obtaining Recognition Items
- The Central Patches
- The Segments / Activities to Earn Them
- Program Rules
- Guidelines (for Planning and Conducting Activities)
- Using the 'Lil Brave Program Forms
Chief Pontiac Trail Committee - Current Structure and Members
Overview
This manual explains the Lil' Brave Program, an outdoor activities program for use by youth organizations. Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Units such as Tiger Cub Groups, Cub Scout Packs or Dens, Boy Scout Troops or Patrols, Explorer Posts and Venture Crews. The program is also available to non-BSA organizations such as the Girl Scouts USA, Y-Guides, Campfire Units, Pathfinders, Royal Rangers, 4-H and others.
Outings must be conducted by registered leaders of the participating group, subject to the rules, regulations and policies of each organization. The program is not for use by individuals or families without such Leaders. However, parents, siblings and friends may participate.
The Clinton Valley Council (CVC) and the BSA do not assume responsibility for reliance on the accuracy of the information presented in this manual or for accidents or injuries sustained in connection with the use of the Lil' Brave Program of the Chief Pontiac Trail Committee. All outings must be conducted by, and at the discretion of, appropriate leadership with parental permission for all minor participants.
The Chief Pontiac Trail Committee
The Chief Pontiac Trail Committee (CPT Committee) develops programs for use in conjunction with the "Lil Brave Program. These programs are available for all levels of scouting and may be used by non-BSA groups.
The CPT Committee is part of the Clinton Valley Council, BSA and consists of volunteer Scouters and Scout Professionals who work in cooperation with the managers of the Highland, Island Lake, Pontiac Lake, Bald Mountain and Proud Lake State Recreation Areas (DNR), Camp Agawam BSA Camp, Indian Springs, Kensington, Metro Beach, Wolcott Mill and Stony Creek Metroparks and the owner/operators of the concessions that serve these areas. The current structure and members of the CPT Committee are available on a separate web page.
Any unit needing information should contact their CPT Committee District Representative or other member of the CPT Committee.
Where to Get What You Need (Info, Materials, Etc.)
The forms and recognition items referenced in this manual are available from the CVC Program Secretary or the CVC Trading Post.
Any Unit with question, comments, suggestions, criticisms or accolades concerning the Lil' Brave Program should send them to the Chief Pontiac Trail Committee c/o Clinton Valley Council, BSA at the address shown on the cover of this manual.
The Lil' Brave program is designed to structure and promote outdoor activities at Camp Agawam BSA outdoor center and in the recognized State Recreation and Metropark parks.
Camp Agawam BSA Camp is located off Clarkston Road and is West of Lapeer Road. Camp Agawam offers Scouting experience (especially camping) for all levels of Scouting.
Highland SRA is located just south of M-59 between Pontiac and US-23 and offers excellent opportunities for loop hikes, orienteering, skiing, sledding and water related activities as well as equestrian trails and campground.
Island Lake SRA is located West if I-96 and Kensingston Metropark. The park offers swimming, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and group camping. There are also 2 Rustic Cabins and pole type shelters. During the winter you can cross country ski.
Proud Lake SRA is located north of Wixom and Southeast of Milford, and is South the Highland SRA. It can be reached from the Wixom Road exit of I-96. Go north through Wixom and follow the signs. Proud Lake SRA has a modern campground and offers excellent canoeing, fishing, beach and picnic areas, hiking and cross-country skiing and a ski concession.
Indian Springs Metropark is located west of Pontiac and north of M-59. It can be reached by going north on Teggerdine Road and turning west on White Lake Road. The park has picnicking, a shelter, paved bike-hike trails, a nature program and winter activities.
Kensington Metropark is just north of I-96 at Kent Lake Road and is southwest of Proud Lake SRA and south of Milford. The Milford Road exit off I-96 is a convent route to the Metropark. Kensington offers spacious group camping and open fields for activities such as kite flying and frisbee throwing. It has picnicking, swimming, fishing, and bike, hiking, and nature trails. There is also an Nature Center and a Farm Center.
Metro Beach Metropark is located at the end of the Metropolitan Parkway (16 Mile Road). I-94, M-3, and Jefferson Road are convent ways to the park entrance. The park offers picnicking, swimming, fishing, trails for biking, and hiking and there is a Nature Center. In the Winter the park offers cross country skiing, ice skating, and sledding.
Stony Creek Metropark is north of Rochester and east of Goodison. The park entrance is off 26 Mile road West of the M-53 freeway. It offers group camping, picnicking, shelters, hiking trails, swimming, boating, fishing, and offers a nature program. The park also has winter activities such as Cross country skiing, sledding, and ice skating.
Detailed maps of the Recreation Areas, the Metroparks, Camp Agawam and the Huron River are available at the parks.
The 'Lil Brave Program affords many activity opportunities. Hiking is the most obvious. Beyond that, cooking, swimming and fishing activities are available. Ecology can be studied or nature photographed. Cross-country ski trails are numerous. Picnics can be held. Service projects are possible and there are places to camp.
The available segments suggest the broad range of activities that are possible. These activities may be carried out in either of two (2) ways: 1) Unit Planned Events and 2) Council Sponsored Events.
1) Unit Planned Events
Units may organize and conduct their own outings. For BSA Units this could be a Pack, Troop, Den or Patrol event. Or it could be a joint activity such as: Webelos / Boy Scout, Boy Scout/ Girl Scout, Cub Scout / Brownie, etc.
All regular Segments can be earned in this way without prior approval (except for Service). Activities should relate in some specific way to the Segment earned. However, the defined Segment activities listed later in this manual are just that, suggestions. You are free to use your imagination in planning your outing, subject to the rules and guidelines described later on.
You may contact the CPT Committee for specific information or suggestions concerning which activities are most appropriate for the 'Lil brave Program at different times of the year. Non- BSA groups wishing to sponsor large scale events should contact the CPT Committee.
2) Council Sponsored Events (Chief Pontiac Trail Committee)
Members of your Unit may participate in an official 'Lil Brave event, sponsored and organized by the Chief Pontiac Trail Committee. These are held at various times. The activities and dates vary from year to year, so look for details in the Clinton Valley Council Venture, your organizations newsletter, at your BSA Roundtable meetings or in the annual BSA "Program Kickoff" packet.
There is always a registration fee for sponsored events which includes insurance, Patch/Segment fees and perhaps refreshments or program fees. Pre-registration is always available and is strongly encouraged. At some events it is mandatory.
These events make great unit outings! All the organization is done for you; just get your people together, show up, pay your fees, participate, have a great time and take back the great memories to share with those who didn't attend!!!
For unit sponsored events, patches and segments must be purchased and may be obtained in person or by mail from the CVC Service Desk upon submission of the necessary form(s) (see below). Patches and segments may be presented in a unit award ceremony or simply handed out to the participants at a den or pPatrol meeting.
The Segment Order form must be submitted to the CVC Program Department after the event, along with the appropriate fees for patches and segments. Current copies of the form with the appropriate fees for Patches and Segments can be found here and at the CVC offices. The form should be completed by the registered adult leader who organizes and conducts the outing, signed by the Cubmaster, Scoutmaster or appropriate group leader, and submitted to the CVC.
For your convenience and for your own Den or Pack records, you can use the following form to assist you in tracking what has been completed by your Scouts. This form is not to be turned in. It is just for your own use. Scouts can participate in this program up until 2nd class in Boy Scouts. Tracking form: CPT - LIL' BRAVE PROGRAM - UNIT EVENT FORM"
The Lil' Brave Program recognition system consists of three (3) central hexagonal Patches, approximately 3 inches across which are surrounded by Segments as they are earned. The Segments are designed such that six Segments complete a Patch as a circle.
For BSA Units the Patches may be worn as temporary insignia on the right uniform shirt pocket or may be displayed on a patch vest or other patch display.
There are four (4) central Patches which will accommodate a total of 18 Segments. The Patches are:
- Lil' Brave use segments 1-6
- Brave use segments 7-12
- Lil' Chief use segments 13-18
Note: The Service segment is reserved for the number 1 position at the bottom of the Lil' Brave center patch. Service segments #2 through #7 must be located on all positions of the Service Center patch.
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| Lil Brave | Brave | Lil Chief | Service Project |
The Lil" Brave Patch is worn first. The Brave Patch may not be worn until the 7th Segment is earned. The Lil' Chief Patch may not be worn until the 13th Segment is earned.
Patches and Segments are purchased at nominal prices as they are earned (except the Service Segment, which is free). Proceeds from the sale of Patches and Segments are used to support the activities of the CPT Committee and the CVC.
The Segments -- Activities to Earn Them
The following Segments are defined and are available.
- Camping, Hike, Service,
- Cooking, Indian Lore, Snow Event,
- Ecology, Map/Compass, Spring,
- Fall, Night Sky, Summer,
- Fishing, Land Transportation, Water Event,
- Friendship, Photography, Winter
- Canoe -- This segment is no longer available as a unit event due to BSA restrictions on Cub Scout canoeing and rafting.
To assist you in tracking your Den or Pack’s progress with the Lil’ Brave program, you can use the following tracking sheet: CPT - LIL' BRAVE PROGRAM - UNIT EVENT FORM". These sheet does not get turned in. It is just for your use, to aid in tracking segments earned.
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Camping Return to Segment List |
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Cooking Plain or fancy, cooking is a basic outdoor skill; and the results are so much fun! Earn this Segment for preparing a cooked meal using a propane stove, charcoal, or wood. Be sure to use designated areas and follow outdoor fire safety procedures. Return to Segment List |
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Ecology Nature abounds throughout the 'Lil Brave Program area. On an ecology outing you could learn about plants, animals, water systems or geology and how they interact. You could go bird watching and learn to identify birds by appearance, flight, calls, and songs. An occasional chipmunk or rabbit may surprise you as you visit the parks. Return to Segment List |
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Fall Fall colors, cool days, animals, preparing for the coming Winter, and mushrooms sprouting in the parks (look, but don't eat). What a great time for a hike in the parks. The Fall Segment is earned for an event occurring from September 21st through December 20th. Return to Segment List |
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Fishing Every Kid loves to fish, young and old. From the small streams and lakes of the Recreation Areas to the large lakes of Kensington and Stony Creek Metroparks, fish abound throughout the Huron River Basin. And don't overlook ice fishing. Or how about a fish fry? Adults need a State of Michigan fishing license. Children (under 16) do not. A trout stamp is required for trout fishing at Proud Lake SRA during specific times of the year. Return to Segment List |
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Friendship Whatever your activity, outings are great ways to form new friendships and renew old ones. Perhaps your Unit could arrange an outing with another Unit. A Pack and a Troop could become better acquainted with an eye towards Webelos-to-Scout transition. Why not invite your Grandparents or some Senior Citizens to join you for a walk in the woods? Expand your circle of Scouting Friendships using the 'Lil Brave Program. Return to Segment List |
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Hike Take a hike and earn this segment. The distance and Trail section should be appropriate to the age(s) involved, but should be at least 1 hour, with 1 to 2 hours being typical. Although many of the other Segments may involve a hike related activity, earn this one for the pure joy of hiking. Return to Segment List |
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Indian Lore Have you ever wondered about the Indians who once populated this part of Michigan, traveled these same woods and fished from these same streams? Or how the area was settled and brought to its current form? Plan an outing around this Segment and discover the history of the local Indians. Return to Segment List |
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Land Transportation The settlers around the 1700's used covered wagons to go from place to place. Some of these wagons wound up in Michigan and may be seen at some Historical sites. Plan a trip to your next Lil' Brave unit or Council event using road maps and maybe some travel literature. Compare how we travel to today to how the early settlers traveled. That your unit bicycling or on a hay ride in the parks. This segment is available an event which includes traveling on wheels of some sort. Return to Segment List |
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Map/Compass Learn the skills of map and compass, and how to "read" the terrain. Excellent orienteering maps are available at the Highland SRA for a nominal fee, from the Chief Pontiac Trail Committee, or the Southern Michigan Orienteering Club. Topographic maps of the area are available at the Oakland County Executive Office Building (just across the street from the CVC office). A simple Orienteering event could add an interesting twist to your experience of the surrounding area. Return to Segment List |
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Night Sky Although the Parks are not far from the "big city", they are surprisingly removed from the light pollution that exists "in town". With the right weather conditions, you can enjoy star gazing at its finest. Bring binoculars and/or a telescope and don't forget your planisphere. Plan this activity in conjunction with a campout. Return to Segment List |
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Photography Introduce your youth to the wonderful world of photography. The Parks offer photo opportunities for scenery, plants, animals and people (people often make the most interesting photos). This would make an excellent project for a Scout working on the Photography Merit Badge. It's also a great way to share Scouting experience with fellow Scouts, friends and family. And why not share some of your pictures with the CPT Committee for the Chief Pontiac Trail Scrapbook or the slide show we present to interested Units?! Return to Segment List |
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Service Return to Segment List |
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Snow Event Cross-Country skiing along the Trail is great! Come out and enjoy this increasingly popular activity. If you are a devoted hiker and "sliding" through the woods in the snow isn't quite your thing, try snowshoeing. The woods and meadows are very different in the Winter, and few people see them. You can make simple snowshoes or they can be rented. Other snow related activities include sledding, tobogganing or building a snowman. Or, you can identify animal tracks. What's your idea? Return to Segment List |
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Spring Spring is a great time to see the woods and watch for birds building nests. Take a hike in the Parks and look for wild flowers (but don't pick them). Spring is also a great time to fly a kite or play a game of Ultimate (Cub Scout Sports Program). The group campsite area of Kensington has a large field that is excellent for kite flying or frisbee throwing. The Spring Segment is earned for an event occurring from March 21st through June 20th. Return to Segment List |
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Summer Looking for something your Unit can do during the summer? How about a picnic at the Teeple Lake Trailhead area in Highland SRA and a hike. Or ride the Island Queen paddle boat on Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark. The Summer Segment is earned for an event occurring from June 21st through September 20th. Return to Segment List |
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Water Event A picnic and swimming party makes a great summertime Unit event. Powers Beach in Proud Lake SRA provides public swimming on a cove off of the Huron River and Highland SRA provides a swimming beach at Teeple Lake. There are supervised swimming beaches at Kensington and Stony Creek Metroparks and numerous picnic grounds. Go ahead, make a splash! You say you're an experienced canoeist? The how about a canoe race?! Fastest time from the livery to Moss Lake dam and back wins! (Or maybe, slowest time wins.) Kent Lake in Kensington Metropark and the lake at Stony Creek offer opportunities for sailing. Or try out your fins, mask and snorkel tube at one of the beach areas (with proper supervision). All Scout units must use the Safety Afloat and/or Safe Swim Defence plans which must be submitted to the CVC Program Office for approval prior to the event. Return to Segment List |
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Winter Come play in the snow and earn your Winter Segment. Hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski. Make a snowman or have a snowball throw. Try ice fishing. Make a snowsnake. The Parks abound with things to do when the white stuff falls. The Winter Segment is earned for an event occurring from December 21st through March 20th. Return to Segment List |
30th Anniversary
June, 1988 was the 30th anniversary month of the Chief Pontiac Trail. Participants in the official commemorative hike received this Segment. It is very rare and does not have a spot around the center patches. When you do see one, it is usually "stacked" below or above another segment.
As you organize and conduct activities in the 'Lil Brave Program areas and share them with the CPT Committee we will be able to pass them on to other users. When you share, everyone is potentially enriched by your experience. The Lil' Brave program is new, it's exciting and it's growing. Your participation will ensure the program's success, and yours!
Use the "CPT - Lil' Brave Program - Unit Event Form" to request segments.
You may earn only one segment per person in one day.
| Make your creed to: | Take - nothing but pictures; |
| Follow the BSA Outdoor Code: | Be Clean in your outdoor habits; |
Observe and obey all park rules and regulations and pay required fees.
Outings must be organized under the direction of a registered adult leader, at least 21 years of age, as required by your organization, although youth and non-registered adults may certainly assist and participate.
BSA Outings must be lead by registered adult leaders. The two-deep leadership policy must be followed. On larger Unit events, it is recommended that there be at least two (2) leaders for every six to eight (6-8) Cubs or eight to ten (8-10) Scouts. Under no circumstances should any Unit undertake any Lil' Brave activity without at least two (2) adult leaders present.
The Safe Swim Defense program should be employed by BSA Units whenever Scouts are in or near water. It is highly recommended that no Unit undertake water related activities, especially Cub Scout Packs and Dens, unless there is one-to-one parent/child supervision and the parents take full responsibility for their children.
Do not drink ground or stream water. Water from pumps in campground areas may be used if it is known to be safe for drinking. On hikes of any length, each person should carry sufficient water and take along some high energy snacks such as nuts and dried fruits. And remember, REMOVE ALL OF YOUR TRASH. One candy wrapper spoils the parks for those who follow.
Take care of your sanitary needs in the parks and other locations with appropriate facilities. If you must relieve yourself in the woods, do NOT do so within 200 yards of a stream or lake. Better still, just don't do it.
Overnight activities for Cub and Webelos Scouts have special restrictions and requirements. You must follow current BSA policy in effect at the time of the outing.
Remember, when you hike as a group, in your uniform, you represent your entire organization. Don't pollute the parks with trash, unnecessary noise or rude behavior. Be sure your behavior in the parks reflects pride in your organization.
Guidelines (for Planning and Conducting Activities)
Let Common Sense prevail.
Safety must be the first consideration in all planning.
Make KISMIF (Keep It Simple, Make It Fun) your guiding principle.
BE PREPARED! The 'Lil Brave Program activities are safe, and never far from civilization. Even so, it is always advisable that someone in the outing party, an adult or older Scout, be trained in First Aid and carry a first aid kit. It is strongly advised that BSA recommendations for a minimum hiking party of four (4) persons be adhered to. In the event of an injury or illness, one person can stay with the injured while two others go for help, ensuring that help is obtained.
Units should always hike in uniform, but should be dressed appropriately for the season and daily weather conditions. Scout T-shirts, shorts, and hiking shoes would be suitable for warm weather events, for instance.
You should structure your activities to earn only one Segment on a day outing. You may earn no more than one (1) segment on any given single day outing. An overnight activity could result in two segments being earned over two days.
Share your experience with others. When submitting your "CPT - LIL' BRAVE PROGRAM - UNIT EVENT FORM", which includes a description of your event, include a couple of pictures so the CPT Committee can build a scrapbook. Share your experience with others in your Unit, perhaps making a presentation at a meeting, and encourage them to use this wonderful resource.
Using the Lil' Brave Program - Service Segment Pre-Approval Form
Service segments are to be earned at the approved Lil’ Brave locations which can be found on the Lil’ Brave order form.
Make sure to discuss what your service project is with the Ranger at the Park beforehand. Other than that, you do not have to get pre-approved by anyone else. Many parks have service projects already planned in which you can participate.
Park Phone Numbers
| Camp Agawam | 248 693-8821 |
| Highland State Recreation Area | 248 685-2433 |
| Island Lake State Recreation Area | 248 229-7067 |
| Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area | 248 666-1020 |
| Proud Lake State Recreation Area | 248 685-2433 |
| Bald Mountain State Recreation Area | 248 693-6767 |
| Indian Springs Metropark | 248 625-7280 |
| Kensington Metropark | 248 685-1561 |
| Metro Beach Metropark | 586 463-4581 |
| Stony Creek Metropark | 586 781-4242 |
| Wolcott Mill Metropark | 800 477-2757 |
~ Trustworthy ~ Loyal ~ Helpful ~ Friendly ~ Courteous ~ Kind ~ Obedient ~ Cheerful ~ Thrifty ~ Brave ~ Clean ~ Reverent ~
© 1999-2008 Clinton Valley Council
1100 County Center Drive West
Waterford, Michigan 48328-1903
248-338-0035
Fax: 248-338-0039
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