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We have been asked as a Chapter to help fill a SafariCare Bag- our Chatper is concentrating on the ORANGE COLORED items below, other SCI chapters in Montana will provide the medical items and sporting goods items. There will be a box at the banquet to collect donated items, please bring them with you. Hunter bringing SafariCare bag Brad Shramstad (see bio and picture below)
SAFARICARE BAGS Helpful Tips and Suggested ListsThe following tips and lists have been developed to help SCI members get started with the delivery of healthcare supplies when on safari in remote areas of the world.
Sources for this information include: first-hand reports from SCI members who have already delivered healthcare products to people in remote regions of the world; staff and committee interviews with a pharmacist from Africa; Professional Hunters (PH) from Africa and South America (at the annual SCI convention); and medical professionals (SCI members) on safari who have observed the lack of health- care goods and services in remote areas.
Helpful Tips
Remember that you are going to a place where there may or may not be trained medical people, and they may or may not be able to read or understand instruction labels.
Discussions with your PH will alert you as to what items are "most appropriate" for the people in the area you will be visiting, supplies available for purchase "in country" and supplies you may have to bring, and update you on any current Customs issues.
Chapter members travel to common places for safaris. An ongoing list of targeted needs can be updated. Members can communicate experiences and pass along the information to the next chapter member(s) taking a SafariCare bag. Supplies can be stockpiled or located for future trips. Chapter systems tend to be creative, unique, and effective.
At present, airlines may charge significant fees for "extra" luggage. Most chapters "pass the hat" to cover the baggage costs. Some members are not affected by the additional costs. Other members creatively condense gear or cut back on "nice but not necessary items" and stay within the allowable luggage guidelines. Others, we are told, convince airline representatives of the humanitarian nature of part of the trip, and have the "extra" fee waived. Better yet, ask your travel agent to intercede with the airlines, as they are usually on a first-name basis with airline employees. And finally, some members pack the SafariCare bag in their luggage and purchase supplies upon arrival, and are thus able to provide familiar, reasonably-priced local items. The bag is then filled and taken on safari for distribution. All these methods work. Find what works best for your chapter and do it. Just do it!
Recognition: All SCI members are encouraged to take photos and keep notes of their SafariCare experiences. Articles can then be developed for news stories in your local community and for publication in the Safari Times, Safari Magazine and the HS museum exhibit. Refer to the SCI Public Relations Handbook for assistance. Hunters help save hunting when recognized for compassionate deeds - the present day application of our humanitarian heritage.
SafariCare Bags: Suggested Working Lists of Items
Some items (non-outdated medicinal supplies) should be dispensed under supervision through established clinics or trained medical people in the village. For example, toothpaste may appear harmless, but some children may think it is candy and become ill from improper use. If misused, the medicines become dangerous. These items are considered "Schedule 2 – they can be bought over the counter in a pharmacy in South Africa...and should not be a problem at Customs." Educational, recreational and basic quality of life items are also welcomed and appreciated.
| Clinically supervised items | Non supervised items | ||
| Ibuprofen | Eyeglasses | School supplies | |
| First aid kits/creams | Shoes/socks | Maps/atlases | |
| Fungus infection creams | Hats/caps | Pens, pencils,paper | |
| Eye/ear ointments/cleansers | Shirts/Jackets | Sports equipment | |
| Upset stomach medicines | Toothbrushes | Soccer Balls & pumps | |
| Diarrhea medicines | Trash bags | Mosquito netting | |
| Vitamins | Portable water filters | Mosquito repellant/coils | |
| Anti-itch creams | Needle and thread | Cloth/fabric | |
| Skin rash creams (cortisone) | Rope/twine/string | Crayons/colored pencils | |
| Water purification tablets | Fish hooks and line | Coloring books | |
| Burn ointments | Antibacterial soaps | Scissors | |
| Triple antibiotic ointments | Adhesive bandages/gauze | Pins- straight/safety | |
| Dehydration(salt)tablets | Plastic bottles | Toys | |
| Hydrogen peroxide*/cotton | Disinfectants | Candy | |
| Toothpaste | Shampoo | Bandanas | |
Gathering items has become a rewarding chapter function with members rallying to test their networking talents and connections in the community. Before long one bag is filled, then another and another, and so on. Based upon the success of the initial deliveries, more members take more supplies to more places, helping more people.
When on safari in a remote area, you are the only ambassador representing the hunting community. You arrive to hunt native wildlife. The image you leave is dependent upon the impression you make while visiting. SafariCare is one way to leave a wonderful, lasting impression. If you have a good experience, you and/or your friends will be returning. The people will remember your generosity. A list of your supplies is required by the HS department. If Customs happens to call the HS department we can verify the list with them. This is to protect SCIF-HS from anyone trying to smuggle illegal items in the bag.
To borrow or purchase a SCIF blue bag please contact SCI Foundation Humanitarian Services Coordinator Eva Wilson at 520/620-1220, ext. 480; ewilson@safariclub.org.
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Bradley (Brad) Skramstad was born in Minot, North Dakota and moved to Kalispell Montana when he was fifteen years old. In June of 1995 he suffered a spinal cord injury ffom a fall while working at a local plywood manufacturer. After months of hospitalization, several surgeries and exhausting rehab he faced the challenge of living and hunting as a quadriplegic.
Brad volunteers his time helping the Flathead Valley Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and as a volunteer district chair in Montana. This year marks his 10th year of committee service. Brad also helped organize and underwrite the costs of Jack Creek Preserve Youth Camp. Jack Creek Preserve is dedicated for the use of youth conservation and archery hunting. Youth from across the country were able to participate in the 2006 camp. He has also helped with other conservation projects in Montana like fence removal, habitat improvement and acquisition.
Brad's passion for the outdoors and hunting has not changed. The only change now is with the adaptive equipment he has to use. After several years of trial and error he has taken elk, deer, antelope, a bighorn sheep as well as turkeys. He is still waiting to draw a Montana moose tag after 28 years of applying.
He is currently a member of Safari Club International, National Rifle Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America and a life member and habitat partner with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Brad continues to be an advocate for more disabled hunting opportunities and always available to discuss his methods of hunting as a quadriplegic.
Brad volunteers his time helping the Flathead Valley Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and as a volunteer district chair in Montana. This year marks his 10th year of committee service. Brad also helped organize and underwrite the costs of Jack Creek Preserve Youth Camp. Jack Creek Preserve is dedicated for the use of youth conservation and archery hunting. Youth from across the country were able to participate in the 2006 camp. He has also helped with other conservation projects in Montana like fence removal, habitat improvement and acquisition.
Brad's passion for the outdoors and hunting has not changed. The only change now is with the adaptive equipment he has to use. After several years of trial and error he has taken elk, deer, antelope, a bighorn sheep as well as turkeys. He is still waiting to draw a Montana moose tag after 28 years of applying.
He is currently a member of Safari Club International, National Rifle Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America and a life member and habitat partner with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Brad continues to be an advocate for more disabled hunting opportunities and always available to discuss his methods of hunting as a quadriplegic.