Operation On-Target

Operation On-Target is a high adventure activity mainly for Varsity Scouts^[1][2], but also including Venturers and older Boy Scouts^[3]. The event is mainly held in the western United States, but has included Hawaii^[4] and New York.^[1] The basic idea is to have Scouts scattered across a particular area, located on mountain peaks or other prominent points^[1] within line of sight of each other. Using large signaling mirrors^[5], they relay messages from peak to peak. Many units spend time in the weeks or months before the actual event learning communications skills like ham radio^[6] and signaling. Reaching the peak can also be a challenge, requiring the boys to practice hiking, camping, and backpacking skills^[1] . They also need to consider what they will do if the clouds block the sun.^[7]

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Two main goals are to establish a signal link from the Mexican border to the Canadian border^{[1] [8]} , and to make a link from the Pacific Ocean to at least the continental divide. The event has been annual since 1981.^{[9] [10]} As many as 5,000 scouts have participated in a single year, with participation from Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington, from Puget Sound in Washington to Catalina Island and San Diego in California.^{[11] [12] [13]}

The annual event is held on the third Saturday in July^[1] and September. Areas with warmer climates typically see larger turnout on the latter date.

A manual for this event was developed by the Great Salt Lake Council, was later reprinted in one of the Varsity Scout Program Helps books, and now is a chapter in the Boy Scouts of America Varsity Team Features Volume II handbook^[1] . While even small handheld mirrors, 3" to 4" on a side, can be seen 30 miles away, ^[1], teams are encouraged to take along at least one large mirror.^[1] The classic large Operation On-Target signal mirror is a modular design with four square feet of reflecting area, transported in backpacks and assembled on-site. It consists of four 12"x12" mirrors bolted to a square of plywood with wing bolts and mounted on a light tripod. A small aimable signal mirror is taped to one edge as a sight.^{[1] [14]}

References

External links

• Utah National Parks Council Operation On-Target Site
• Grand Canyon Council Operation On-Target Site
• Grand Teton Council Operation On-Target Site
• New Mexico Operation On-Target Site
• Arizona Operation On-Target Site

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