United Pioneer Corps

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The United Pioneer Corps, shortened to U.P.C, is a galactic wide environmental and youth scouting organization dedicated to educating minors about the aspects of nature, and why one should appreciate it. The organization teaches children and teens valuable survival skills, teaching them how to rely less on technology along with valuable life lessons.

Despite its name, the corps is not affiliated with the United Alliance or any of its sub-organizations. The organization does however receive funding and support from the alliance and uses some of the U.A’s imagery in their own with explicit permission. The organization operates as a nonprofit entity.

## Mission Statement

*“To teach minors about aspects of survival and how to rely less on today’s advanced technology. To show minors about the beauty of nature and give them a reason to appreciate it. To teach minors life lessons that they’ll find useful in their years ahead. To help minors prosper and succeed by teaching them about the old ways of life.”*

## Description

The United Pioneer Corps, or U.P.C is a youth scouting organization with the intention of teaching minors (kids + teens) about the various aspects of nature as well as to foster appreciation for it. They teach kids about valuable survival skills and important life lessons. They teach about the themes of integrity, teamwork. patience, compassion, friendship along with many others. The organization teaches kids to be less dependent on technology and to enjoy the good old ways.

Many people do end up getting confused however. Their goal is not to vilify technology or technological progress, rather they want to teach people to become less dependent on it, to rely on it less, especially because you won’t always have technology to help you. They value progress, and believe advancement is key to a better society, but they just want to encourage people to “get up, go outside and be active, do something,” you know.

## Curriculum and Activities

### Curriculum

The curriculum mainly focuses on important survival skills, and learning how to do things without the aid of technology. This includes learning how to craft and use ancient tools such as spears, knives, bows (regular, long and cross), slings, and older firearms (namely muskets along with an assortment of late 18th century and early 20th century rifles, revolvers and pistols).

Scouts are taught how to fish and hunt using ancient, tools, methods and techniques. They are also taught older forms of communication, such as using smoke signals, flags or lights. Scouts learn how to preserve food and how to ward off predators. They would learn about the various types of plants, animals and insects found throughout the galaxy, and what was aafe to eat and use what was not safety to eat and use.

Scouts are generally taught about the various aspects of the environment and are generally thought to care and appreciate it. They learn about all the wonders and fascinations lf nature. They are taught about its inner workings, and how nature many times provides valuable lessons. They are usually taught to care for animals and plants. One of the biggest things that is thought are the bonds that can be formed between animal and man (or any other sentient being for that matter). Scouts are taught various peaceful methods to tame animals, as well as to ride them (well those that are rideable).

Members are taught to navigate the land using old methods, from using the North Star (or the brightest star), to looking for specific markers, learning how to read paper maps, using magnetic compasses and so on. They are taught on how to recognize signs of dangerous animals, looking for specific smells or sights, letting one know if an animal has marked its territory. They are taught various things to do should they find themselves with a dangerous predator.

First aid and relief is a big subject taught. They are also thought how to do things such as administering first aid, both with and without medical kits. They are thought to perform test to see whether a specific fruit or plant could be poisonous or not. They are taught to analyze various insects they come across before touching them, checking for the signs to see whether they are dangerous or not. They are also thought what they should do should they find themselves with an insect injury. They are also taught the various cold weather and warm weather injuries.

Scouts are taught various morales and lessons regarding things such as teamwork, forgiveness, integrity and loyalty. They are thought to appreciate the value of hard labor and good old fashioned work. Scouts are taught the importance of discipline and obedience, although if needed, there might be times where the rules must be bent.

Physical fitness and self care are two other big things that the corps teaches. Scouts are taught to physically care and appreciate themselves. It doesn’t matter what one is capable of; what matters is that one is capable of something. They are taught to respect themselves, regardless of their limitations, abilities, appearance or what others say.

In addition to fitnesses and self appreciation of one’s self, diet is another area of importance that is covered within the pioneers’ curriculum. Eating healthy and ensuring you supply your body with everything necessary and avoid going over board on things that are unnecessary and unhealthy are stressed over.

Overall. The main goal of the pioneer corps’ curriculum is to creat well rounded individuals who are resourceful and can think creatively and can operate individually or on a team when needed.

### Activities

In addition to the main curriculum, the corps offers a variety of mainly outdoor based activities although indoor activities are provided also. These activities are meant to get the user up, moving and active. They are meant to be interactive and fun. The activities offered are designed to build upon the values and skills taught in the main curriculum.

These activities are designed to encourage social interaction and self reliance and foster an understanding and appreciation for the environment. The activities offered range in everything: cold weather or warm weather, single or team based, day or nighttime, etc: Here is a small list showing a small portion of the many, many activities on offer:

* Animal Handling and Care
* Archery
* Arts & Crafts
* Boating (Sailing, Canoeing and its many variants)
* Fishing
* Forging
* Gun Marksmanship (Both pistol and rifle, usually flintlocks along with older rifles, revolvers and pistols; must be at least 14+ and with parental approval)
* Hang Gliding
* Horseback Riding (other animals included)
* Hunting (small to medium sized animals; 13+)
* Mountaineering
* Navigation
* Ice Skating
* Parasailing
* Rock Climbing
* Scavenging
* Skiing
* Skydiving
* Snowboarding
* Surfing
* Swimming

## Clubs

Apart from the standard curriculum and offered activities, various clubs exist within the corps. These clubs cover activities that aren’t in relation to what the corps itself teaches. These clubs are usually ran and operated by the scouts themselves, which is seen as a way by the leaders of the corps to help further build upon the values they are taught, in this case namely teamwork, communication and leadership along with innovation, research and discovery. These clubs are financed by efforts from their members.

Clubs usually cover things such as more traditional sports, fine arts, and the technical and scientific fields. Clubs also cover a verity of nicknack fields that would be more for leisure. Clubs are seen as a way by corps leaders for scouts to find their place, home and family within the organization, other than their assigned troop. It is seen as way to meet and socialize with new people (or other beings).

Clubs are usually responsible for adding a more “humane” feeling to the organization, often in the form of running their own media outlets and publications such as newspapers or broadcast networks, helping out with issues in camp such as maintenance and repair and hosting events and activities in their own time.

Due to the nature of the organization, it is possible that multiple clubs focusing on the same subject exist within a specific region. This is generally allowed, as competition has been seen as way to foster the skills and values thought to them along with helping speed up technological progress and innovation. There are regulations however, as the corps authorities want to keep this competition at only a friendly competition status.

Corps Authorities do not want rivalries amongst the ranks, for the fear that fights and riots could break out amongst members, which could not only spill disaster for those clubs, troops or members responsible, but potentially for the entire corps as a whole. Here is a list of some of the fields that clubs usually offer:

### Construction & Engineering

* Construction
* HVAC Repair and Maintenance
* Interior Design

### Fine Arts

* Art
* Band
* Choir
* Orchestra
* Theater

### Fun

* Board Games
* Card Games
* Chess
* Video Games

### Language Arts

* Poetry
* Writing

### Languages

* Chinese
* English
* French
* German
* Spanish
* Japanese
* Ukrainian

### Media

* Broadcast Journalism
* Cinematography
* Journalism
* Photography
* Print Journalism
* Video Editing

### Science & Research

* Astronomy
* Aquatic Science
* Equine Science
* General Biology
* Mathematics
* Plant Science

### Sports

* Air-soft & Gel blaster Warfare (12+; with appropriate safety equipment and measures)
* Basketball
* Hockey
* Paintball Warfare (13+; with appropriate safety equipment and measures)
* Pickleball
* Track and Field
* Volleyball
* + many, many, many more

### Technical

* Computer Engineering
* Computer Programming
* Robotics

## Organization

### Camps

Camps are the main component of the organization.

### Troops

Troops are the secondary component of the organization. Every scout is part of a troop, no exception. Everyone in the troop is considering a sibling, whether actually related or not. They usually spend most of their time on the corps together, and they usually tend to form close friendships. Troops usually participate in activities together and against each other. Troops usually consist of five squads. They are usually lead by any of the five ranks of troop leader with assistance from a head scout and scout master. Together, these three form a sixth 3 being squad, known as the administrative squad.

### Squads

Squads are the smallest component within the entire corps. They usually have five members. They are usually lead by Lead Scouts or Scout Leaders. Squads usually participate in inter-troop completions and meetings.

## Equipment

As the organization is about teaching minors to rely less on advanced technology and learn how to use older methods and items for doing things, scouts (and leaders) use objects that are long past their prime, objects that are no longer used by society day to day. Here is a list of things that are standard issue:

### For all

These are items issued to all scouts:

* Blankets - For keeping warm.
* Flask - For carrying water or any other liquids.
* Guidebook - Contains all necessary information that scouts will need. Covers basic things, such as rules, and simple things such as learning how to use a compass.
* Mobile Storage - Backpacks, duffle bags, satchel bags or tote bags. For carrying all small items.
* Magnetic Compass - To help aid in navigation.
* Maps - To further aid in navigation.
* Pocket-watch - To help scouts tell the time.
* Resealable Tins/Jars - For carrying food.
* Telescope/Binoculars - For seeing things from a distance.
* Tents - For sleeping outdoors.
* Water Flask - For carrying drinking water.

### Restricted/Temporary

These are items that are more dangerous and, as such, are only allowed to be in the hands of older, more experienced members on a day to day basis, and for younger members (with an age limit) on certain missions, quest or activities:

* Flint and Steel - Used to start fires when needed.
* Instruments - Things such as drums or bugles. While not dangerous, they’re not considered a necessity, except during certain events. Scouts also have the option to purchase one or bring a personal one from home.
* Modern Commodities - Basically things such as bug spray. Not prohibited, but not used as the goal of the organization is to teach minors to depend less on technology. Scouts should expect not to have every luxury out in the wilderness.
* Other Tools - Things such as fishing rods, shovels, hammers and other items. It is allowed to bring a personal version of some of these items (such as fishing rods).
* Weapons of any kind:
	+ Blades of any kind - Axes, bayonets, daggers, knives, spears, swords and every other melee weapon - Meant to be used for obtaining resources and hunting only. Can also be used for self defense when the situation calls for it, but this is rare.
	+ Non Explosive Powered Ranged Weapons (NEPRAW) - Bow and Arrows, Long bows, Cross Bows, Slings and other weapons of similar nature. Used for hunting primarily, and for sport, secondarily. Again, can be used for self defense, but rare. Some of these, such as slingshots are allowed to be kept by scouts, but with rules applied, mainly in regards on where to use it and on what to use it.
	+ Firearms - Flintlock muskets and pistols, rifles, revolvers and older pistols - Meant primarily for competition and “just for the fun of it.” Many times used in hunting exercises. Again, can be used for self defense, but this is very, very rare. Firearms are only allowed to be used by scouts after their 14th birthday, with parental consent/approval required, except for scouts who turn 18.

## Uniforms

The uniform used by the corps is reminiscent of a military service dress uniform, including shoulder boards, which are a remnant of when the corps was first formed, when the two explorers who founded the organization had a surplus of hold cadet uniforms.

The basic uniform consists of eight pieces: a khaki button up shirt, earth brown pants, lighter brown belt with a brass buckle, white calf length socks, a white T-shirt that goes underneath the khaki shirt, red neckerchief, tan or olivine sash and brown boots. Scouts display their rank on two rank pips worn on each collar tab. A side cap is also provided.

These aren’t the only things on the uniform or part of the uniform. Shorts and skirts (for girls) are available as an alternative for the pants. Patent leather shoes, the same color as the boots, are provided for “civil” functions (that is, not in the wilderness). Items like jackets, coats, ponchos and other accessories and gear are provided for different weather conditions.

Junior scouts have a similar uniform, except their uniform has blue components for dark and/or colder environments and weather, and white for the brighter and/or warmer environments and weather, which their neckerchiefs being the inverse of said colors.

The corps, being a diverse organization, offers customized versions of uniforms for beings of different body types, or, a complete substitute if needed.

Troop leaders wear essentially the same uniform, without the sash however. They also wear a tie or neck tabs. They also might wear a Sam Browne belt. Unlike the scouts, who display their rank on the two collar pips, troop leaders use shoulder boards. Troop leaders also wear campaign hats.

Corps leaders usually wear simplified versions of military style peaked service caps, along with uniform jackets.

## Ranks

The corps uses a variety of ranks to help distinguish members and creat a distinguishable chain of command. Members have varying levels of experience, expertise, skill and time in the corps. The various ranks have different roles, sets of responsibilities and varying levels of authority. Additionally, there are several requirements that must be met in order to rank up.

### Leadership Team

Leadership Ranks
 Abbreviation

Members of the leadership team serve as the ultimate leaders of the corps. They make the big decisions in regards to the organizations and hold the highest degree of authority. Well in theory. In reality, they usually serve as the face of the corps, acting more as representatives since administration and leadership functions usually fall to the executive team and administration team.

There can only be one Galactic Leader, one Galactic Deputy and four Galactic Assistants at any given time. They are usually voted on by members of the executive team and the senior portion of the administration team.

### Administration Team

The Administration Team deals with all major administrative and leadership functions. Their decisions usually affect he majority of the organization. Members of the administration must be appointed by the Galactic Leaders. They detail with internal and external operations within and out of the organization.

Administration Team (Executives)
 Chief Operations Officer
 Chief Financial Officer
 Chief Media Officer
 Chief Public Affairs Officer
 Chief Legal Officer
 Chief Diversity Officer

Members of the Board of Executives are responsible for handling with necessary core functions required for the organization to function properly. They deal with, as their name states, administrative functions, dealing with all of the “boring” office work. They take care of everything in regards to outside operations. There are seven members in this side of the Executive Team each with their own specific task. The task of each officer is listed down below:

* CEO: Leads this side if the Executive Team.
* COO: Handles the organization’s day to day operations.
* CFO: Deals with all financial aspects.
* CMO: Tasked with dealing with all of the advertising and marketing.
* CPAO: The one who’s responsible for dealing with public affairs and relations.
* CLO: Deals with all of the legal matters.
* CDO: Ensures the camp is diverse amongst the ranks, both the scouts and adult members.

Administration Team (Governors)
 Vice Chairmain
 General Secretary
 Deputy Secretary
 Assistant Secretary
 Other Board Mumbers

Members of the Board of Governors are the ones with the main leadership roles, usually making the larger decisions that affect the company. They usually tend to be influenced the decisions made by the members of the Board of Executives. They are responsible for dealing with all major disciplinary matters, the passage of new regulations and the settling of major disputes within. They deal with all internal operations.

The secretaries are responsible for helping manage the schedules of the leaders (those with leadership ranks). They help fill in for them when none of them are available.

### Staff Team

Members of the Staff Team are responsible for handling internal and external affairs across regions. They deal with all internal and external operations on the regional level. They deal with a region’s finances, public relations, recruiting campaigns, management of relations between camps.

Senior Staff Ranks
 Abbreviation

Members on the senior side of the Administration team are responsible for dealing with regional operations in regards to logistics, recruitment and finances. They are usually responsible for making deals with organizations within the region to obtain things such as food or equipment. If a camp as trouble operating for any reason (ineffective leaders, financial problems, etc), members of this side of the team are tasked with temporarily taking charge to get things back to normal, before handing leadership off to a new Camp Director. Senior Members usually have the power to change a camp’s leaders if necessary.

Junior Staff Ranks
 Abbreviation

Members in the junior side of the Administration Team are responsible for running multiple camps. They regularly check up on them to ensure the camps are doing what needs to be done. They check up to ensure the scouts are being properly treated. They are responsible for reporting results to their superiors.

### Management Team

Members of the management team are responsible for dealing with local operations (i.e, the camp itself), they are responsible for dealing with finances, organizing and planning events and activities and monitoring scouts as they progress through the organization. They deal with disciplinary issues and are responsible for solving disputes within the camp. They deal with things such as logistics, transportation, lodging and the issuing of supplies and gear.

Senior Management Ranks
 Abbreviation

Members of Senior Management are responsible for running and administering the camps themselves. They’re the ones tasked with organizing activities and events. They deal with the core functions to ensure the camp runs as smoothly as possible. They deal with recruitment efforts, disciplinary issues, assigning troops to specific task, the welfare of the scouts and other administrative and leadership functions.

Junior Management Ranks
 Abbreviation

Junior Management, also known as the Troop leaders are members of the organization responsible for leading individual troops. They not only lead them, but they are also responsible for the wellbeing and warfare of their subordinates. Troop leaders are responsible for enforcing rules and regulations to their members. They also settle disputes amongst troop members. They are also responsible for monitoring their troop’s progress, both as a whole and individually. They are to report any issues or problems.

Troop Leaders are usually 18 years of age minimum, although scouts who have been noted with excellent and/pr exceptional performance, behavior or skills can be nominated by their troop leader to become a troop leader themselves starting at the age of sixteen.

### Scouts

Scouts are the main members if the organization. They’re the main focus of the organization, the ones who are learning. Scouts, as mentioned, participate in a variety of activities and programs. Within the organization, they learn useful skills, both mentally and physically.

Senior Scout Ranks
 Abbreviation

Senior Scouts were the original focus of the organization, although they make up the majority. Members often participate in various challenges and events set for them to help them develop self confidence and awareness. They usually have set schedules and rules to adhere to. More experienced higher ranks members will often be seen helping less experienced members. Senior members can also be seen helping their younger peers.

To join as a senior scout, you must be 12 years of age. Scouts are allowed to remain within the organization until the age of 18, where they must leave, or transition into being a troop leader.

Junior Scout Ranks
 Abbreviation

Junior Scouts are the younger members of the organization, with the minimum age being 5 years, and maximum being 11. They usually have a much easier curriculum compared to older scouts, which focuses more on morals, themes, simple academics and simple skills as opposed to the more intense curriculum of older scouts that usually requires greater physical abilities and would be considered less safe for the younger members.