On-Target is a Varsity activity where 14 to 18 year old boys (Varsity Scout Teams), travel to mountain peaks to signal other teams on distant peaks. Signal mirrors, ham radio, FRS radio, and cell phones are used for communication. The activity is often referred to as “Peak to Peak”.
Teams prepare by learning how to build and aim signal mirrors, practicing orienteering and map reading skills, and learning about communication. Teams can use mountains, high buildings, open spaces, or other strategically selected locations for their signaling and communication locations.
Plan a campout near your selected peak. Have a mountain top ceremony tailored just for your team. Your ceremony can be around a campfire on Friday night, or after the mirror signaling on Saturday. This may be the most rewarding experience of your On-Target activity.
Take pictures, count successful contacts, and tell your story. Compile your information and submit it to the Council On-Target Coordinators. The best picture will replace the above picture for next year’s event. An archive of this year’s experiences will be posted for all to view. Don’t be left out!
The Amateur Radio Community (Ham radio operators) has always been a part of On-Target but this year they have been extended a special invitation to participate and provide communications. Find a Ham in your unit or community and invite them to participate with your group.
We will provide a Communication Hub (called Net Control Stations in ham lingo) to provide a geographically central location for radio and cell phone communications. This Net Control Station will be staffed by volunteers, including ham radio operators. This station will be located in Idaho Falls, but will be accessible from most locations in Eastern Idaho through the Garnes Mountain amateur radio repeater, and by cell phone.
The Net Control Station will keep track of where your team and other teams are located. They will coordinate the communications between teams to help ensure you have a successful event and get the maximum number of contacts from your selected peak.
The Net Control Station will be located where family and friends, Cub and Boy Scout Troops, and other interested people can come learn about Varsity Scouting, On-Target, and observe the event first hand. It will also be possible for family and friends to talk by radio with their boys on the mountain peaks.
If volunteer staff is available, satellite communication hubs will also be setup in smaller communities (or even in a Team’s sponsoring unit). These satellite hubs will provide local communications to the Varsity Teams through the Net Control Station.
See how many different Varsity Teams you can contact. Radio (and Cell phone) Check-in starts at 11:00 a.m. Flashing starts promptly at 11:00 a.m. and lasts until 1:00 p.m.
CHECK BACK OFTEN, this site is being updated frequently. Plan on downloading your needed info just before you leave; you will then have the most up-to-date information.
The above picture can be your picture next year, see contests.
