View Full Version : Stuff for Scouts to do in Loveland / Greeley
Old college buddy from Nebraska is bringing his scout troop out here, and he's asked me if I had any recommendations for things scouts might find fun/interesting in the Loveland/Greeley area. Not sure how far he's willing to travel, and I'm assuming visiting breweries and pot stores is not what he had in mind.
I mentioned Estes or Carter Lake... anybody up North have any good ideas? I don't think it would have to be and outdoor-only thing...
And no, visiting Jim's garage in Windsor is probably not the experience they were looking for, either... :)
Greeley has the Long's Peak Council with Ben Delatour Scout Ranch (http://camps.longspeakbsa.org/bdsr/) about an hour out of Greeley. A better bet is the Air Force Academy (http://www.usafa.af.mil) down in Colorado Springs with Garden of the Gods, Fort Carson and Manitou Springs. Lots of stuff to see.
Aloha_Shooter
06-17-2015, 06:38
Several easy hikes including Long's Peak and Horsetooth up in Fort Collins
water sports in Dillon
JohnnyEgo
06-17-2015, 07:00
Take them over to JAX. Scouts love camping equipment.
Are they going to RMNP?
If not, or if they are looking for a short day trip, have them check out the Devil's Backbone over in Loveland towards the park entrance.
Great-Kazoo
06-17-2015, 07:13
Old college buddy from Nebraska is bringing his scout troop out here, and he's asked me if I had any recommendations for things scouts might find fun/interesting in the Loveland/Greeley area. Not sure how far he's willing to travel, and I'm assuming visiting breweries and pot stores is not what he had in mind.
I mentioned Estes or Carter Lake... anybody up North have any good ideas? I don't think it would have to be and outdoor-only thing...
And no, visiting Jim's garage in Windsor is probably not the experience they were looking for, either... :)
They could have the opportunity to be taken to the range for some trigger time. Wouldn't you enjoy a trip where as a kid you could shoot guns. Unless you're one of "those "
You denying them that enjoyment means you're projecting your reluctance to come by (again) because you'll go home with more treasures.
All kidding aside how many kids we talking. I'd break out the bolt and lever actions for them.
There's a few things to see out at Pawnee, the missile silo south of town. If you want i can touch bases with the local PD, see about a tour. Depending where they are with this "shooting" crap. I know there's lot's of entities in & out of the dept, lately.
Mykidsdad
06-17-2015, 09:02
Going to chime in here on the shooting sports related activities.
Unfortunately, ALL shooting sports activities for the Boy Scouts are now heavily regulated. Even though many of us can afford the Scouts a properly supervised and safe shooting experience, the regulations promulgated at the national and council levels for the Scouting program require that ALL shooting activities take place at officially sanctioned and approved facilities. So as not to disappoint the Scouts with false hope, be sure to check with the local council office.
Don't kill the messenger here...I have faced these hurdles trying to provide some activities for the Scouts in the past.
To the OP. RMNP is a great idea to get the Scouts into an outdoor environment and up to some degree of elevation out of the heat. Camping is likely to be booked unless they want to go back country. NIST / NOAA facility in Boulder is a great science opportunity. Drive them up Pikes peak or Mt. Evans...great for flat-landers. Could also take them up to one of the ski resorts to go zip lining, or alpine slides.
Be sure that they stay hydrated or they are all going to crash and burn at altitude.
Going to chime in here on the shooting sports related activities.
Unfortunately, ALL shooting sports activities for the Boy Scouts are now heavily regulated. Even though many of us can afford the Scouts a properly supervised and safe shooting experience, the regulations promulgated at the national and council levels for the Scouting program require that ALL shooting activities take place at officially sanctioned and approved facilities. So as not to disappoint the Scouts with false hope, be sure to check with the local council office.
Don't kill the messenger here...I have faced these hurdles trying to provide some activities for the Scouts in the past.
To the OP. RMNP is a great idea to get the Scouts into an outdoor environment and up to some degree of elevation out of the heat. Camping is likely to be booked unless they want to go back country. NIST / NOAA facility in Boulder is a great science opportunity. Drive them up Pikes peak or Mt. Evans...great for flat-landers. Could also take them up to one of the ski resorts to go zip lining, or alpine slides.
Be sure that they stay hydrated or they are all going to crash and burn at altitude.
What a crock... I'd strongly consider just inviting another non-scout too, effectively making it just another group of boys, plinking under the guidance of a safe instructor... ie. non-scouting sanctioned.
Mykidsdad
06-17-2015, 11:08
What you are suggesting places a volunteer Scout leader at profound legal risk. Scouting has rules for a reason and the protection by insurance afforded under those rules mandates that leaders leaders follow the strictures regarding Scout safety as mandated by the national organization.
Not saying that the members of this forum cannot provide a safe and fun filled experience. Just that once an activity is commenced under the auspices of a Scout sanctioned event that these rules and procedures must be followed to the letter.
What you choose to do on you own accord is certainly your business and I am in now way challenging that. But for the legal welfare of volunteer adult leadership the troop must follow the mandates of the program.
What a crock... I'd strongly consider just inviting another non-scout too, effectively making it just another group of boys, plinking under the guidance of a safe instructor... ie. non-scouting sanctioned.
Missle silo park
Dang now I want to check that out.
Appreciate all the advice. I'll ask him if he wants to deal with shooting ideas - obviously I'd be thrilled to help with that and I'm sure a few of you would even join in too - but I'll let that be his call.
You could find out about a tour of the Vet school at CSU in Ft. Fun, too.
Great-Kazoo
06-17-2015, 12:51
What you are suggesting places a volunteer Scout leader at profound legal risk. Scouting has rules for a reason and the protection by insurance afforded under those rules mandates that leaders leaders follow the strictures regarding Scout safety as mandated by the national organization.
Not saying that the members of this forum cannot provide a safe and fun filled experience. Just that once an activity is commenced under the auspices of a Scout sanctioned event that these rules and procedures must be followed to the letter.
What you choose to do on you own accord is certainly your business and I am in now way challenging that. But for the legal welfare of volunteer adult leadership the troop must follow the mandates of the program.
Your input is much appreciated. What i would offer will not be a BSA sanctioned event. Just a causal get together with some out of state folks who share similar hobbies. Now taking some of them to the strip club, is there a merit badge for that?
Mykidsdad
06-17-2015, 13:43
Your input is much appreciated. What i would offer will not be a BSA sanctioned event. Just a causal get together with some out of state folks who share similar hobbies. Now taking some of them to the strip club, is there a merit badge for that?
Believe me. I totally get what everybody here WANTS to do for the Scouts. I am with you there. With all of the LE and Mil experience as well as trained and experienced civilians collectively acting as Scout leaders nationwide we have a deep talent pool.
However, since the Scouts originated on a Scout sanctioned event/trip and they are out of state, they are required to file a tour plan with their local council. Since the trip started as a Scout sanctioned event it stays a Scout sanctioned event until their return home. Scout leaders are required to fully comport with the rules to maintain their insured protection for the full duration of the planed trip.
I am not saying that some leaders don't stray from the plans and rules. Just not a risk I would consider with kids that are not my own.
StagLefty
06-17-2015, 14:05
^ saved me a post Thanks
Believe me. I totally get what everybody here WANTS to do for the Scouts. I am with you there. With all of the LE and Mil experience as well as trained and experienced civilians collectively acting as Scout leaders nationwide we have a deep talent pool.
However, since the Scouts originated on a Scout sanctioned event/trip and they are out of state, they are required to file a tour plan with their local council. Since the trip started as a Scout sanctioned event it stays a Scout sanctioned event until their return home. Scout leaders are required to fully comport with the rules to maintain their insured protection for the full duration of the planed trip.
I am not saying that some leaders don't stray from the plans and rules. Just not a risk I would consider with kids that are not my own.
Thanks. This makes complete sense.
Great-Kazoo
06-17-2015, 14:50
Believe me. I totally get what everybody here WANTS to do for the Scouts. I am with you there. With all of the LE and Mil experience as well as trained and experienced civilians collectively acting as Scout leaders nationwide we have a deep talent pool.
However, since the Scouts originated on a Scout sanctioned event/trip and they are out of state, they are required to file a tour plan with their local council. Since the trip started as a Scout sanctioned event it stays a Scout sanctioned event until their return home. Scout leaders are required to fully comport with the rules to maintain their insured protection for the full duration of the planed trip.
I am not saying that some leaders don't stray from the plans and rules. Just not a risk I would consider with kids that are not my own.
Appreciate the clarification.
thedave1164
06-17-2015, 19:28
Train Museum in Greeley
newracer
06-17-2015, 21:50
How many people?
two shoes
06-17-2015, 23:51
Great Guns in Nunn is a "sanctioned" range and all that is needed is an NRA cert'd instructor and RSO for it to be BSA approved. For any other questions as far as shooting go, Ken Craft out of the Greeley BSA office is the guy to talk to. I believe Weld county and Pawnee are on the approved range list as well.
Mykidsdad
06-18-2015, 05:52
Great Guns in Nunn is a "sanctioned" range and all that is needed is an NRA cert'd instructor and RSO for it to be BSA approved. For any other questions as far as shooting go, Ken Craft out of the Greeley BSA office is the guy to talk to. I believe Weld county and Pawnee are on the approved range list as well.
Great to know!
Aloha_Shooter
06-18-2015, 07:21
Going to chime in here on the shooting sports related activities.
Unfortunately, ALL shooting sports activities for the Boy Scouts are now heavily regulated. Even though many of us can afford the Scouts a properly supervised and safe shooting experience, the regulations promulgated at the national and council levels for the Scouting program require that ALL shooting activities take place at officially sanctioned and approved facilities. So as not to disappoint the Scouts with false hope, be sure to check with the local council office.
There are ways to get approval for shooting on Grandpa's farm and other non-range ranges BUT the biggest hurdle is that there MUST be 1 NRA-certified RSO **AND** 1 NRA-certified instructor per 8 shooters. If shooting at summer camp, you're allowed to drop the number of RSOs down to 1 per 16 shooters. Also, Boy Scouts can now use magazines but can still only fire shotguns and .22 caliber bolt action rifles. Handguns and high power are reserved for Venturers.
Great-Kazoo
06-18-2015, 08:17
There are ways to get approval for shooting on Grandpa's farm and other non-range ranges BUT the biggest hurdle is that there MUST be 1 NRA-certified RSO **AND** 1 NRA-certified instructor per 8 shooters. If shooting at summer camp, you're allowed to drop the number of RSOs down to 1 per 16 shooters. Also, Boy Scouts can now use magazines but can still only fire shotguns and .22 caliber bolt action rifles. Handguns and high power are reserved for Venturers.
They're in luck, i'm a NRA instructor.
Not going to add to the Shooting Sports discussion because it has gotten more restrictive to the tune the ranges need approved by council shooting sports CRSOs.
Now the missile silo ... Was planning on taking my troop this year, but my last discussion with the caretaker is the site may not be open for tours any more. I would give them a call.
Z
two shoes
06-19-2015, 07:08
Not going to add to the Shooting Sports discussion because it has gotten more restrictive to the tune the ranges need approved by council shooting sports CRSOs.
Z
The established ranges up north here (Pawnee, Weld, Great Guns) are all approved by the Longs Peak Council CRSO. Any self made ranges would need inspection before use. I believe the next LPC Shooting Sports Committee meeting is next Wednesday in Greeley. If anyone is interested, let me know and I will pass along details.
JohnnyEgo
06-19-2015, 14:55
Eagle Scout and former Assistant Scoutmaster in Florida. I'll join the stick-in-the-mud crowd and say too much work, too little time, and too much risk to accommodate a shoot. It would be one thing for a group of boys who were close friends and also scouts. It is another thing entirely for a scout troop under the guise of a scouting related trip. Whatever you may know about one boy's family, you don't know about all of them. And even if nothing goes wrong, kids being kids and bragging to other kids, it's very easy to be sanctioned by the organization for these sorts of well intentioned activities. Nothing sucks more than getting kicked out of a troop or losing a good Scout Master over an hour's range time with fun but not Scouting approved firearms.
Nebraska, from what I remember of it, is mostly flat. Take them out to Devil's Backbone, the Horsetooth Reservoir, or other outdoor functions, and let them run around like the idiot pre-teens and teens they are, until they are exhausted and the parental supervision can get a decent night's sleep. If you feel compelled to do indoor activities due to the heat or weather, take them to that laser tag place in Loveland and let them pretend to shoot one another.
Great-Kazoo
06-19-2015, 15:05
take them to that laser tag place in Loveland and let them pretend to shoot one another.
http://thesummitwindsor.com/specials/
Mykidsdad
06-19-2015, 16:03
Indoor Scouting option if weather craps out.
http://www.denverboyscouts.org/openrosters/view_homepage.aspx?orgkey=3096
Thx again - forwarding on all the ideas... haven't heard of any decisions yet.
two shoes
06-19-2015, 22:40
If you feel compelled to do indoor activities due to the heat or weather, take them to that laser tag place in Loveland and let them pretend to shoot one another.
BSA will not allow any simulation of shooting another person/human... not even squirt/water guns...
StagLefty
06-20-2015, 08:20
Indoor Scouting option if weather craps out.
http://www.denverboyscouts.org/openrosters/view_homepage.aspx?orgkey=3096
I got to do a tour of this facility before it opened. Lots of potential there-will be curious to see how it all works out.
RblDiver
06-22-2015, 14:39
Not quite Greeley/Loveland, but pretty close. Just yesterday my family and friends went to a laundry machine museum up in Eaton. Apparently it's the only one in the world (or at least, others might have 20-30 machines, but this guy has ~1800). It was really quite interesting. He restores them all himself, knows their history, etc.
Be advised, I think he does it by appointment only, and pretty much only mornings (since his two warehouses with them don't have air conditioning so it can get pretty hot).
http://www.oldewash.com/
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