Able Scouts

This article appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of Abilities Digest

The time for summer camp is quickly approaching. For many Scouts, the process of getting to camp and then being at camp can be a very stressful time.

Tranquility Base is a safe, quiet space Scouts and Scouters can go when noise and stress levels get to be too much. Many Scouts on the spectrum and others with sensory issues need time alone to regroup and recharge in order to rejoin the community/activity that caused the stress. Many stressors of the day can put many of us on overload. Imagine that high pitched screech from a microphone: maybe your teeth are clamped together and your shoulders are lifting just thinking of the sound. If you consider the discomfort of that sound, you will have some idea of the stress and pain some of those with low tolerance levels or sensory issues experience. All will appreciate those places within the camp parameters that are quiet and allow one to regroup and reset their systems. All camp spaces should have a Tranquility Base.

These tranquil spaces are not a punishment time out area. The person simply removes him/herself and spends some time away from the stressful situation. These spaces are a way to help the youth grow in self-management skills. Think about what you do when things get to be too much for you. Generally speaking, most of us walk away from whatever it is because we can. At camp, when under the direction of authority and rule following, a Scout does not have the luxury to remove him/herself without permission and sometimes that permission is denied. Then what happens? For those who have issues, havoc can break loose. The bottom line is without YOUR sensitivity to these Scouts and Scouters, everyone loses out on a fun and enjoyable time.

Ask the Scout what works best for him/her. You may be surprised that their own idea of Tranquility Base is a simple solution that does not affect the surrounding activities. Remember one of the methods of Scouting focuses on personal growth. For individuals who have a difficult time holding on to self-control, Tranquility Bases at all your Scout functions may prove to be the simplest solution for that Scout or Scouter to extricate him/herself from a potential meltdown or tantrum and reboot. Yes, adults included. As you know, it’s hard being a leader sometimes.

Set a space up at your events as a Tranquility Base and allow those who need it to use it. Set up the basic rules (so as not to abuse the space and what it is primarily used for) and demonstrate its use, as needed. Tranquility Bases allow your Scouts to deescalate and get back into the action productively.

There are many ways to set up a Tranquility Base at your summer event, at a Council camp, or even at a national camp. Tranquility Base does not need to be complicated. It does not need to have a lot of equipment attached to it. Tranquility Base can be quite simple really.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Sling a hammock from two trees a little way off from the bustle of camp life. The Scout or Scouter can roll up in the hammock and hang suspended. Gentle rocking can soothe the nerve endings and in a few minutes one can emerge a bit calmer than when he/she entered.
• Sit on a tree stump (or comfy chair) a bit away from camp within eyesight of leadership. Maybe the seat is looking out over the lake. Maybe the seat is facing a marine harbor. Maybe the seat is facing the sunrise or sunset. You get the picture.
• Set up a table area where one can be distracted by fidget tools such as chain link puzzles, search and find tubes or books, stretchy fidgets, or other manipulative items. It’s very possible that the Scout has brought the fidget that best meets the needs of the moment. Allow that Scout to use it.
• Listen to music in that comfy chair that is facing the sunset.
• Take advantage of the side boundaries of an area for the Scout to pace, stand, move back and forth. Usually, they are listening to what is happening at the center of the action, so don’t stress that the Scout is missing out on important information. Consider the fact that when something is bothering you, YOU probably have a very hard time concentrating on what’s in front of you. These Scouts are very much like you in that respect. Allow them to self-regulate.

When all is said and done, remember that Scouting is supposed to be FUN! So, get out there and have a fun summer!!!

You can research other ideas by reading a previous article on Tranquility Bases from Abilities Digest, posted on AbleScouts.org.