Friday 25 December 2009

Scouting Christmas

Each year it gets harder and harder to find something new and exciting to share this time of year. Here is the song that I thought I would share.

Tommy the Cub Scout

Tune: Frosty

Tommy, the Cub Scout
Was a very happy boy.
With a uniform of blue and gold
And a Den that gave him joy.

Tommy, the Cub Scout
Earned his badges one by one.
He did his best and met the test.
A good citizen he's become.

He helps out other people when
He sees they need a lot.
He does his chores around the house
And feeds his dog (named Spot).

Tommy, the Cub Scout
Does his duty willingly.
Someday he'll join a Boy Scout Troop
And a fine man he will be.

--Thanks to Chuck Bramlet, ASM Troop 323, Thunderbird District, Grand Canyon Council, Phoenix, Az. and the Thunderbird District, TRC, Cub Scout Roundtable resource packet, Nov 9, 1989.


Also more songs like this can be found by clicking here.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

NSJ 2010 and Fitness

This will be my second post on this subject but it is very sensitive to me, especially since for as long as I can remember I have always struggled to keep a healthy weight. This is two fold I have a big bone structure and the fat that I do not always have the best diet. I am a carb and candy lover, which leads to me eating a lot of empty calories. I know carbs are a good thing but for me who overindulges in them it is a problem.

I weight myself tuesday evening and I ended up over the 200 lb mark, this poses a problem because my highest acceptable weight according to the chart the BSA uses for the Jamboree I cannot weight more than 195, I am hoping by this coming monday I will have reached 193 or 194, this will allow me to complete my physical sucessfully and probably get approved by Jamboree medical.

Even beyond this I plan on continuing to increase fitness level and losing weight, so this coming summer in the viriginia heat can be a sucessful and pleasant experience.

I know many scouters and even scouts struggle with their weight but I believe that if we were all truly dedicated to changing our lifestyle then we could loose the weight. This does not work for everyone but for a majority of people this will work. As staff we need to all be examples for the participants in this event. Being a example in regards to fitness is part of the Scout Oath and as leaders in the scouting movement we need to be following this to letter. Perfection is not possible but striving for perfection is.

If you are a unit leader or a youth participant then you should make sure you also maintain a high level of fitness especially since the Jamboree site is a very hot and humid place.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Update and Merry Christmas

Dear Loyal Readers and Visitors

I just wanted to take some time to say Merry Christmas. Hope all is well for you and your family. I am spending christmas with my mom, sister, my sister's boyfriend, and his family, so I should have a excellent time.

Thank you all for being loyal readers, I know that I do not always update my blog on a regular basis or blog on a regular basis. I just wanted to let you know why I haven't been able to blog on a regular basis for a while now.

The first reason is because for the last two weeks of school after thanksgiving break I did not have a lot of time because of homework, studying, and exams. Those two weeks are especially stressful for me because I have some test anxiety issues. I ended up with all As and Bs so that was excellent.

Next I have been on vacation and trying to catch up on sleep because the college schedule does not always allow for regular sleep patterns. That is definitely a lame excuse, so I will try to avoid using that one again.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Friday 11 December 2009

NSJ 2010 Online Training

National Council has come out and suggested three trainings that are avialable online for jamboree staff should complete. These courses include:

1. 2010 National Scout Jamboree Staff Orientation

This orientation course was developed to help you understand your role as a staff member, learn what you need to do to prepare for your jamboree experience, and to answer commonly asked questions. With your help, this will be the best, most exciting, fun-filled, safest jamboree ever! We highly recommend you view this orientation prior to attending the jamboree. You will need to log in to your MyScouting account. Within the E-Learning section, you will find it listed under Basic Training.

2. Physical Wellness

Physical Wellness Training was developed to help prepare attendees for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. It is appropriate for leadership in all program areas and for Boy Scout and Venturing youth. The module focuses on Mind, Body and Spirit. Learning objectives include the ability to define physical wellness; identify ways to improve the wellness of the mind, body, and spirit; describe the role self-responsibility plays in wellness; and answer questions about nutrition. Completion is noted automatically in the BSA training records database if the module is experienced online. Estimated time to complete: 40 minutes.

3. Jamboree Youth Protection Policies

Completion of the BSA’s Youth Protection Training for Volunteer Leaders is required of each jamboree adult member. You are responsible for taking this training in your local council before coming to the jamboree. This training helps prepare you to fulfill the youth protection responsibilities of your jamboree position. It contains information to enable you to identify and report suspected child abuse. It also sets forth in detail the BSA’s Youth Protection policies.

Also I personally think that in addition Adult scouters should take Hazardous Weather Training.

Youth should take the physical wellness training course which is avialable through e-learning or the Online Learning center which is avialable through a myscouting accout.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

100th Anniversary Kickoff

I missed the podcast last night, because I had a Scout function and dinner come up at the last minute. This is most unfortunate but I want to get the opinion of scouters and youth alike on how they think the audiocast went.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Cell phones, technology and Scout

Here is a post I recently made on the 2010 National Jamboree Group. The group was debating the whether or not youth should bring cell phones to the jamboree. I personally believe we should but then again many scouts are against it. I will leave it to you to decide. Please comment and share your side of the story it is very important.

All

As a new adult leader, just became a adult leader this april, I have seen how important it is for adults to allow electronic communications between scouts to occur for several reasons.

One it allows parents to keep update to date in regards to activities and what is going on in their scouting life. For many scouts this will be the longest time they have been away from home. Think about the parents wanting to call their son but not being able to because they had to wait for a phone booth call from the scout. For me personally at the 2005 jamboree, I probably called my mom over the 18 day trip, twice. Lets just say that was not very good for my parents but it all worked out. Lets now look to the world jamboree in the United Kingdom, I called her once but e-mailed her at least three times. This was only possible because a corporate sponsor, sponsored wifi cafe's. Obviously parents want to talk to their boys. Another type campout like philmont does not really require everyone to have cell phones because they barely work anywhere anyway. So, I believe that for back country trips or trips with limited cell phone coverage then the scouts should leave the cell phone bringing to the adults for emergencies and coordinating logistics.

Next, lets talk about in Troop communications. Personally for me I check my e-nail 2 to 3 times a day on a normal day, and if I am expecting something important this will increase. A fair amount of my email is scouting related whether it is just e-mail lists, in unit communications, out of unit communications, council information and events, training, Jamboree related communication or any other scout related communication is included. So obviously for me it is important to stay connected in scouts to keep up to date on the ongoings of this organization. I believe that instead of always relying on phone calls for communication a text message or e-mail may work better. Especially text messages, more and more teens have cell phones and use them habitually. These text messages/emails could be used to keep track of scouts, sending out activity changes, sending out updates, cancellations, or rescheduling, or just keeping people informed. We as the BSA need to recognize the importance of this technology and not fight it because when we do we LOOS MEMBERS. This is not okay, we should not be loosing members just because we can't keep up in regards to technology.

I want some day the BSA to become fully digital, what I mean by this is that instead of just Professionals having access at the council office to scouting reccords, there should be a Scoutnet for Scout volunteers and youth. This should improve efficiency and reduce the amount of errors. Of course there would have to be many levels of access depending on your position or role but this different access levels would allow scouts and leaders to have the most current information about the program and the requirements. This would also allow for efficient distribution of information. It would in the long run reduce costs for councils and reduce the amount of tedious work on professional staff has to do. Also more blogs, more webcasts, more virtual meetings, and more audiocasts, would reduce the gap between the professionals and the non-pprofessionals. These are only a few of the ideas that I have for increasing the digital communications with our units and councils.

Now lets get back to the subject, one argument against youth members having cell phones is that they will be used during the wrong time or inappropriately. The only reason scouts do this, is because we as the adult leadership have not set firm guidelines on when it is appropriate and when it is not appropriate to use our cell phones. In order to solve this problem we as a teaching organization which goods back to the fundamental methods of scouting, in case you forgot maybe this would be a good chance to review, need to teach them this important skill. This skill will teach our scouts skills that they can end up using the rest of their life. We also need to ourselves learn how to use this technology in scouting. A fair amount of leaders in the program, don't know how to use it, so we also need to teach them as well. I think that a new training course about implementing technology or incorporating it into basic leader training is essential if we are to continue to gain instead of losing members.

Technology is not the enemy here, it is people who are misinformed about what technology can do for our units. This will only happen if the leaders are willing too. We are going to have to learn ourselves and then teach our scouts of to use this technology efficiently and appropriate. Or maybe we should just listen to the youth and get back to want Boy Scouts in all about.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Saturday 5 December 2009

WSJ 2011 Bulletin

Here is a link to the official first 2011 World Jamboree Bulletin: click here.

Some of the highlights of this Bulletin include:
  1. Theme: the Jamboree THeme and the three areas that will help accomplish the Jamboree theme which is "Simply Scouting"
  2. BSA Contingent Emblem
  3. Who Qualifies for the Jamboree: Again here are the age ranges which include Scouts and Venturers between the ages of 14 and 17 on July 27, 2011 that is, specifically those born
    between July 25, 1993, and July 27, 1997 may take part in the 22nd World Scout Jamboree. There can be no exceptions. This is a world Scouting requirement and cannot be adjusted by the BSA. Those over 18 are encouraged to apply to be members of the International Service Team.
  4. Concept of the Gateway City and Reasons not to include a Tour of Sweden
  5. Application Process, Fees, and refund policies
  6. Site Location Basics
  7. Some New swedish Terms
Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

100th Anniversary Kickoff

On December 10, 2009 the BSA has put together a online live audiocast that will include presenters such as Randall Stephenson, AT&T President, CEO and Chairman and 100th Anniversary Chair, John Gottschalk, BSA National President, Tico Perez, BSA National Commissioner, and Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive. The times for this audiocast will be:

8:00 to 8:30 Eastern
7:00 to 7:30 Central
6:00 to 6:30 Mountain
5:00 to 5:30 Pacific
4:00 to 4:30 Alaska
3:00 to 3:30 Hawaiian Islands

Another reason besides being interested in hearing about the planned activities of the 100th aniversary is to be able to be entered in a 100th Anniversary Scout Giveaway, which could include the following prizes:
  • Two tickets to Gala Twenty-Ten, a very special and elegant 100th Anniversary event in Washington, D.C. on February 9, 2010. (One night's hotel stay is included.)
  • A signed, limited and special edition print of Joseph Csatari's 100th Anniversary painting.
  • A specially packaged, limited edition U.S. Mint commemorative coin honoring BSA's 100 years.
In order to be entered in the drawing you must register for the audiocast by 6:55 central time on December 10, 2009 and their can be only one entry per one person. TO register go to the following website: http://audiocast.scouting.org

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Thursday 19 November 2009

Scouting Stamp

Here is a picture of the Scouting Stamp that is going to used by the USPS to help the BSA Celebrate 100 years:
I am not totally impressed by this Stamp because it does not clearly show that it is supposed to be promoting the BSA. I know that there would be problems with a government organization looking like the endorse a organization like the Scouts but I wish they would have made it a little more clear. All in all it is fabulous design.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

4th National High Adventure Base

It is official the BSA, has released a Press Release about a 50 million dollar endowment to develop and build a National High Adventure Base in West Virginia. This facility is expected to be the home of future National Jamborees after the year 2010. Also if the BSA bids for a upcoming World Jamboree, then this will be the location of the event. This has not been confirmed but has be rumored at for a while now, a a few semireliable sources, we will probably not have a definite answer to this for a while. Also it is suppose to complement Florida Seabase, Philmont, and Northern Tier as another National High Adventure Base Option for Scouts to Attend. It is also going to be another National Training Center.

Here is a map of the area:

Here is a link to the Press Release from the BSA:

Click Here.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

NSJ 2010 Fitness

Been working on achieving a higher level of fitness for the Jamboree. Even without losing weight I would still qualify for the Jamboree but I personally believe that I need to lose weight and achieve a higher level of fitness for the Jamboree, in order to be prepared for the event and set the example for all the youth attending the Jamboree. I will keep you posted as a work towards achieving this goal.

Also just as FYI, I was surprised at how fast i recieved my Health form. I did not expect it until mid December but I already have it, which is great because I have to complete this form as soon as possible in order to make sure I get it done, especially with my busy and hectic college schedule which does not allow for very much free time.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Pack 69 November 18 Meeting

Yesterday's meeting went okay. We worked on the Heritage Belt Loop, this went fairly well and we ended up completing three requirements. We did this as a pack wide activity because we only have 10 boys. I think we need to work on doing Activities in Dens or at least partial dens, maybe we could do a Webelos and then a younger scout group because we have almost enough webelos to make a full Den. Also dividing the ages this way will help the older and younger boys get more out of the program. I may sugggest this at the Pack planning meeting coming up this weekend. I think that this would help distribute the weight among all the leaders in the Pack. I believe that the Den leaders need to take a more active role but that is just me. I will discuss this with the other adults this weekend and see what they thhink.

I will keep posting weekly meeting updates for every meeting, in order to ensure I track my progress as leader.

Two important announcements though:

1) No meeting next week because of thanksgiving.

2) Leader Specific Training: I will almost have completed all of my basic training for my position again after December 5. The only thing I will have left to do is outdoor leader training which will occur in the spring.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Wednesday 11 November 2009

Signature Change 2

Final change to my signature, found out that I will be primarily working with Webelos Scouts, so I changed my position name again. Hopefully for the last time for a while but who knows it is hard to say what will stay current and what will not.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Pack 69 November 11 Meeting

Tonights meeting went really well, we talked about what is Veterans Day and why is it important. To sum up the group decided that Veterans day was more than just honoring those who have served but it also includes those who are currently serving.

We meet as one large group because we only have 10 boys. Me and the CM or Cubmaster talked about expanding the Unit by doubling or tripling numbers by this time next year, it is a hard goal to meet but if we both work diligently then every will end up working out. Also I found out that I will be taking on a group of Webelos Scouts as their Assistant Den Leader, so I guess i finally figured out my exact position.

Two major things that I need to do in the short term:

1. Uniform: Finish updating my uniform, hopefully I will have this done in a few weeks, I will have to figure out who is the best to contact about finishing putting together my uniform.

2. Leader Specific Training: Take the Webelos Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader Specific Training course, it is being offered at our council office on December 5 and I plan on attending the event.

3. Communication: Work on developing a better Pack Communication plan. Look into email, phone tree, newsletter via handouts, e-mail or snail mail, and quick emergency announcement procedures.

4. Day Camp/Summer Camp: Figure out a week that will work for Day Camp and Webelos Resident Camp. This should not be too hard of a task but I will have to get the approval of the Pack Committee before preceeding.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Webelos Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Veterans Day

Let us take a moment to remember all of the veterans out there who have served or are serving are country. Wish them the best of luck and be thankful to them for serving our country.

Let us also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in doing their duty to their country. Many their souls rest in peace and their families be cared for.

Happy Veterans Day!


Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Monday 9 November 2009

The Koolamunga Test

Long ago, somewhere in Africa, a little place called Koolamunga had a Scout troop but no Cub Pack. When the missionary, John Cristy, sent out word that he was going to start a pack, all the boys who were too young to be Scouts rushed over to join.

John looked out at rows and rows of faces - black, white, brown, yellow, and some so dirty you couldn't tell. It was impossible to start a pack with 40 or 50 Cubs ! "You can't be a Cub until you are eight," he said, "so would everybody younger please go home."

Nobody left. The six and seven-year-olds stood as tall as they could and tried to look tough. John realized he would have to sort them out some other way. So he told them the Cub Law. And then he said, "Next week, we will have an obstacle race. You can all come, but I shall start the pack with the 12 boys who do their best to keep the Law during the race."

A big crowd gathered on race day. The Scouts came along to help John pick his 12 Cubs. John designed an obstacle course so tough that it automatically eliminated the boys who were too young. The others had to run half a kilometer downhill to the river through prickles and a mangrove swamp with knee-deep mud. Then they had to swim across the river. On the other side, they had to climb a steep bank, go along the top, cross over the river again by a fallen tree bridge, and finally climb 300 m up the hill to the finish.

"This is not a race," John told them. "It's a test to see who can really do his best to keep the Cub Law." And he was already sorting them out. Some jabbered away and didn't listen to the rules. One put his foot over the starting line. "Ready, steady, GO!" John shouted, and off they went.

Very soon, some of them were yelling and swearing at the prickles. In the swamp, some gave up, pretending they were hurt. One boy thought he would be clever and sneak along the bank instead of swimming across the river.

A small boy caught his foot in a floating branch and thought it was a crocodile. John didn't blame him for yelling, but noticed a red-headed boy swim back to pull the branch free. Then he saw a white hand shoot out and duck a black head. That settled the white boy's chances, but the black face came up smiling and the boy swam on without complaint. On the tree bridge, there was a good deal of bumping, some by mistake and some by mistake-on- purpose.

Only 20 boys finished the race, and the first 12 home were sure they would be chosen. But the Scouts put aside those who had cheated or taken short cuts, those who had pretended to be hurt, and those who had sworn or lost their temper.

John chose only boys who had done their best to keep the Cub Law. There were 11 of them. For the 12th, he chose a boy named Peter who was watching but hadn't taken part in the race. John knew his mother was ill. She'd asked Peter to look after the younger children to make sure they didn't fall into the river, and he did it without a grumble.

And who do you think he asked to be his sixers ? He chose the red-haired boy who had turned back to help with the crocodile that wasn't a crocodile, and the black boy who came up smiling after being ducked.

And that's how the 1st Koolamunga Pack began. If you'd been there, would you have been one of the 12 chosen ?

-- Leader Magazine, January, 1989


Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

The Power of a Cub Scout

Here is a short online story published by James Garner about a Cub Scout who joined a pretty much full Den already and taught the group the meaning of what it was to be a human and how everyone should be treated. So here it is how you enjoy it:

My Biggest Hero Was Nine Years Old.
By: James Garner

When my son was in second grade I was the leader of his Cub Scout Den. Before his third grade school year started, a Cub Scout Pack leader called and asked if I would take on another boy. We had a large group and I knew it wouldn't be easy, but so did everyone else in this age group.

The kicker of the deal was that Tray was a cancer patient and an amputee, one leg at the knee. I had a hard time making up my mind about exposing "my" boys to what I was almost positive would surely end in a lot of anguish and sadness for all of us. I finally decided to take him in, but before I said yes to our Pack leader I called all my parents to let them know what I planned to do and get their feedback.

To a person, they all supported my decision. Only one mother verbalized the fears I had for the emotional well being of my little charges, but she too supported my plan. We felt like it would help teach them compassion and generosity, it did and us too!

When Tray came to us I found out that not only did he have severe health and physical problems, his family was incredibly poor. But they wanted Tray to have all the experiences he could in what would most likely be a short life. His parents did their very best to provide it.

Tray was without a doubt the most enthusiastic member of my scout den. There wasn't anything he wouldn't try to do. When we did the things for all their little badges he was right in there with us, and most often excelling. ALL of my boys encouraged him and helped whenever they could, this carried over into their school life as well.

Even the physical fitness segment of our program he did well in, better than most other boys save for the broad jump. Tray just couldn't get far enough to match the standards the Cub Scout Manual said had to be met to achieve this badge. I passed him on this one because I deduced that the skills were written for boys with two legs and since Tray only had one his goal should only be half that of the other boys. Tray acheived that half and a great deal more, in fact was only just a little short of the minimum anyway.

We all progressed along through Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Lion ranks and went on to Webelos. Over the years our Pack's leadership made sure that somehow Tray had all the hats, uniform parts, etc. that was necessary for him to be just like everyone else. Most of the time I knew that some of the things required weren't in his folks budget but they found ways and when they couldn't we found ways to make sure it just happened.

We all suffered with Tray on days he had just come from chemo and was so sick he couldn't go 10 minutes without a trip to the bathroom. But he was in there with all of us and insisted on coming to meetings when any one of the rest of us, child or adult, would have been too ill to go.

Just before the end of the Cub Scout program I took them all to a Boy Scout meeting to see how it was and help them make the final yes or no decision to continue on in the Scouting program. Tray was ready. I helped him choose a Troop and introduced him to their leader and such to prepare him for the sixth grade year when he would move to Boy Scouts.

My proudest moment was to watch all my boys go through the Arrow of Light ceremony, Tray included. This ceremony marks the transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts if they choose to go on. All my other boys' interests had changed over the years and they were into sports, band and other things; not Tray, he would be my only Boy Scout.

The summer before sixth grade came and went and just before the next school year was to start Tray was taken from us. I like to think he was just asked to join another troop whose leader is far better than I could have ever hoped be.

We all learned a lot from Tray; "my" boys, their parents and me. Yes, there is a plan and purpose for us all and, I think, I am not the only one in my community who has a nine-year-old hero.

Now, when I am in difficult situations I often think of how Tray would have handled it. This makes the going a lot easier because I know he would have tackled the challenge with greater gusto and zeal than anyone else and finally succeed in the end.


Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Boy Scouts to Cub Scouts

Many of you may be wondering, if you are a regular reader of Scoutingmaniac why I would change from the Boy Scout Troop Level to the Cub Scout Pack Level. There are several different reasons, some of them personal, some of them based on logistics, and some of them based on units that are taking leaders where I live.

1. Personal: I knew that I wanted to stay involved with some sort of Scout Unit at all costs, I know I already joined a Explorer Post down here but still that is not a traditional Scout Unit and that is what I wanted to work with. Traditional Scout Units include Packs, Crews, Ships, Troops, and Teams. Each have a different purpose and age range but overall the message of developing citizens of high moral fiber is the same throughout the program. Also The opportunity to get to work with a Cub Scout Pack was given to me and I always wanted to work with a Cub Scout Pack as a adult leader, I definitely going to have a lot to learn in a short amount of time but learning more about my favorite activity just comes naturally to me.

2. Logistics: I am currently a college student but do not have a vehicle so the Troop or Pakc had to be close. In this case the Pack is with 9 blocks which makes it a little over a 1 mile from the University. The other Unit within the same distance was a Boy Scout Troop but they were currently not accepting new applications for adult leaders, I have never run into a issue like this, so it surprised me. This to me did not make sense because 99% of the units of I have had contact with needed more leaders to have a fully functioning committee or unit. Also I could have chosen a Troop within a differnet district that was only 25 minutes away by bus but I did not want to do this because of the logistics involved with making sure I have a ride to and from via public transportation. So this unit was my only option but I am most definitely glad that I choose this unit.

I went to my first meeting with the unit last week, they are a smaller unit with only about 15 boys in the unit but that is perfectly fine with me. I have finally gotten use to the idea of a smaller unit from my experience in Alaska. I do believe though that growth for this unit will be necessary to ensure its longterm success, so my plans while I am actively involved in the unit include helping make a better recruitment and keeping scheme for the unit. In this unit I will serve as a Assistant Den Leader, this position is a direct contact position which is definitely the type of position I wanted to have.

The meeting was a Pack Meeting that ended up being a Halloween Party and Pinewood Derby. Most units could not have gotten away with having these two events on the same night, which was exactly like the Cub Scout Pack I was involved with as a youth, but since it is a smaller unit, the combination of the two events ended up working out perfectly.

All the adult leaders had not problem with me and I hope I made a good impression and will be a good asset to the unit in the future.

Until my next report, have a great Scouting Week and good luck in all that you do. I definitely have a lot to learn but learning it will be easy with all of the resources I have at my disposal which include other leaders, A strong District staff and Commissioner, the internet, Scouts-L, and my regular readers of my blog.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Thursday 5 November 2009

Signature Change

You all may be wondering why there was such a drastic change in my signature after my posts. The reason behind this is that I am in the process of switching to a adult leadership role in Denver Area Council after my move to this area. My move lead me to having to change roles to the Cub Scout Level, but Scouting is Scouting at all levels. I am ready to learn a lot about this level and hopefully expand my knowledge and skills as a leader, which is my ultimate goal no matter which unit I choose to serve.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

NSJ 2010 Staff App Update the Last One

It is official, I am going to the 2010 National Jamboee as Staff on Subcamp Seven as one of there youth staff members. I am not exactly sure what I will be doing in regards to a specific assignment but I am sure it will be fun all around. This is a excellent opportunity for me and I in truth ever since I went to the National Jamboree in 2005 I knew I wanted to come back in 2010. In case you didn't know Subcamp 7 serves the following states:
  • Washington
  • Alaska
  • Idaho
  • Oregon
Well that is all for know, I will keep you update on Jamboree Information as it comes avialable to me. The next step is to start receiving lodging and travel advisories for the Jamboree and to receive the Jamboree specific Medical Form.

Also I returned my LOA this morning, so hopefully by tomorrow I will recieve confirmation that National has received my LOA.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Den Leader Pack 69
Frontier District, Denver Area Council
NSJ '05 Youth Participant '10 Subcamp 7 Youth Staff
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

WA/AK/ID/O

Monday 2 November 2009

NSJ 2010 Staff App Update

Recieved word from Subcamp 7 Cheif Dave and found out he still has spots avialable for staff. He said I could either be a dining, commissary, or environmental assistant. I responded that I would gladly take any of these three positions and I should receive confirmation and my LOA or Letter of Appointment in a about 1 day to 1 week, so probably by friday I will recieve the email with my LOA.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Monday 26 October 2009

Words to Live By 6




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Words to Live By 5




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Words to Live By 4




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Words to Live By 3




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Words to Live By 2




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Words to Live By 1



Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Sunday 25 October 2009

Words to Live By Campaign




Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Scouting Video of the Week



Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Support Eagle Scout that was Suspended for bringing a pocket knife to School

Here is a request for help to support a fellow Eagle Scout in need of our assistance:

I've recieved a few messages about Matt the Eagle Scout who was suspened from school for 4 weeks for a 2 inch pocket knife in his car. I think that as a group we should stand behind him and ask his school;s administration to change their decision. We all know that a 2 inch pocket knife is nothing mroe than a tool, and Matthew was simply being prepared for any emergency that require it, So let's help him out.

Please help by contacting Super intendent George Goodwin by em-amil at ggoodwin@lansingburgh.org or by phone at 518-233-6850 ext. 3400.

I personally choose to send a e-mail and her is a copy of the e-mail that I sent:

Dear Superintendent George Goodwin

Hello. My name is Mark West and I am currently a Assistant Scoutmaster for a Boy Scout Troop in Soldotna, Alaska. I have been involved in Scout as a Youth and Adult for over 12 years. I am also a Eagle Scout and I realize that even without meeting with Matt face to face I know he is a Scout of good character and moral standards. This is just something that every Eagle Scout comes to expect from fellow Eagles.

I know for you as the superintendent it must be really hard to make some of the decisions you have to make. I realize that the School district has a zero tolerance, I know that in this case you had no choice in suspending him but I do not think that it was necessary to suspend Matt for the full 45 days, this to me seems unfair to the student and in this case in particular the punishment does not fit the crime. A punishment is definitely necessary according to district policy and changing for this student would only complicate matters for you, the family, and the district but I do suggest that you decrease the length of the suspension for two reasons. My first reason is that since there was no intention of using the knife or causing harm to others which the student clearly admits this, then the punishment should not be for the maximum length of time. I know that there is a possibility that the student that reported seeing the knife either felt like he was seriously endagered or the more likely story is that it was just another teen trying to attract attention. I just do not believe that the student report Matt ever felt he was endangered. If the student was then obviously something more is going on then the media is leading us to believe. Making this determination will hopefully allow you to reconsider the decision. Second the Scout was completely honest with security and the administration, so I believe that this should be taken into account when making your decision. Matt never tried to hide anything from you in regards to this pocketknife. ALso I do not believe that he was fully aware of why a pocketknife that he would only use in emergency's would cause such a big problem. I think that if Matt was more aware of the problem this would cause, he would have never brought the knife to school. I know from personal experience that whenever I am without a knife is the time when I need the knife the most which is probably along the same thought process Matt was thinking. Without a knife I sometimes feel naked and not able to fully participate in a activity. This nakedness comes from the Scout training both me and Matt have recieved. I know that there are rules and laws about taking knifes into certain places but I do not believe that Matt violated the law and cannot be charged with a crime. Yes he did violate school district policy and he admits that but I just don't think that he was fully aware of the consequences of his actions.

If have any questions or comments in regards to this e-mail plese feel free to e-mail me at:

westybsa@aol.com or west701@regis.edu

You can also reach me via cell phone at the following number:

303-870-2376.

Thank you in advanced for taking the time to read and consider my perspective. It is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely
Mark West
Scouting Volunteer.


Please feel free to use sections or ideas from this e-mail in order to write one to the Superintendent. We all have a duty to act upon this and help this Eagle Scout.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Thursday 22 October 2009

NSj 2010 Staff App

Just wanted to give you a update on how my application is going.

As you know I have recieved Council, Local, and National Approval. I am just waiting on my LOA which probably got held up in the system because I choose a area that is supposedly already full, so hopefully then will get it to the next area director on my list soon. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

That is all for now. I know that wasn't much of a update but I hadn't posted information for a week on the subject.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 '10 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Quote of the Week

The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A Death! What's that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you live in an old age home. You get kicked out when you're too young, you get a gold watch, you go to work. You work forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You do drugs, alcohol, you party, you get ready for high school. You go to grade school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little baby, you go back into the womb, you spend your last nine months floating.
Georg Carlin
John Wayne
Life is tough, and if you have the ability to laugh at it you have the ability to enjoy it.
Salma Hayek
Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 '10 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Sunday 18 October 2009

JOTI After action report

JOTA/JOTI 2009 Half a million Scouts, 6500 actions for environment

Since last Friday, thousand of Scouts from all-around the world have met via Air-waves and Internet. At the World Scout Bureau radio station, the JOTA international team welcomed 50 Scouts and Guides de France and Portuguese Scouts. They established connection with more than 50 countries. From Germany, the JOTI international team implemented all the necessary technology to run the event.

At the end of a working meeting on WOSM Governance, Luc Panissod, Secretary general , came to say hello to all participants and broadcasted the following message : “As every year, on the occasion of the JOTA/JOTI, you have been part of half a million Scouts coming together over the air-waves and through the Internet. On behalf of World Scouting, I thank you all, volunteers and young people from all around the world, for having shared a real spirit of brotherhood and cooperation.
In order to demonstrate what the Scout Movement is doing in favour of protecting our common environment, we invited all of you to promote your challenges for climate change. I’m very happy to announce that since 12th October, more than 3000 newactions have been registered by you on the website of the race for environement, adding up to some 6400 actions being undertaken worldwide by Scouts just like you.
On your behalf, we will ensure that all these actions will be brought to the attention of the United Nations Summit on Climate Change which will be held this December in Copenhagen.
This last week end, your friendly and supportive contributions has demonstrated the great capacity of the Scout Movement to concretely act to create a better world. I hope that you will use JOTA/JOTI to all come together again next year and I encourage all of you to continue your positive actions wherever you are.”


Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Saturday 17 October 2009

New Blog Gadget Update

I finished adding the gadget or widget I wanted to but unfortunately it required me to make a few minor adjustments to my template. This I believe has cause the blog to ac somewhat irregularly and take longer to load. I need someone to confirm this because I am on a large scale network at college I do not have the best testing environment and I am not able to adequately diagnosis or support this issue with confirmation.

Also If you think my blog is getting too busy or the template does not look very good then feel free to leave comments about that subject as well.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Thursday 15 October 2009

NSJ 2010 Staff App

Been approved by National Council.

Just waiting to recieve my LOA or Letter of Acceptance. Can't wait to see which position I will get, I will probably not get subcamp staff but that is okay.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08
One of the more important Positions in the NCCS or National Catholic Committe on Scouting is that of the Vice President of the Committee. Recently the Vice President has passed away.

Let our prays and thoughts be extended over him and his family.
Here is a copy of the Obituary which can be accessed online at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/louisville/obituary.aspx?n=john-paul-ribar&pid=134371157

RIBAR, JOHN PAUL, 81, of Louisville, died at home Friday, October 9, 2009.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean; his children, John (Judy), David (Susan), Richard (Susan), Don (Tracee), and Susan Loveland (Mike); eight grandchildren, Rachel, Beth, Erin, Matt, Thomas, Carly, Zoe and Max; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was born June 19, 1928 in Wilmerding, PA and was an alumni of the University of Pittsburgh. He served a tour as an Air Force second lieutenant in the Korean War and hiked Mt. Fuji before accepting a sales position with Standard Register in North Carolina. He moved to Louisville in 1959 where he later started a successful family-owned printing company, Bluegrass Business Forms, in 1972.

A founding member of Mother of Good Counsel Parish, he prayerfully served for more than forty years. Most recently he belonged to St. Margaret-Mary Catholic Church.

John began service to the BSA in 1960. He was a cubmaster and scoutmaster, and then held positions at the District, Council and Regional levels. John was a recipient of many Scouting awards, including the Silver Antelope, the Silver Saint George, and the Golden Ad Altare Dei. He was proud of all those he helped to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, including his four sons and two of his grandsons. His daughter married an Eagle Scout.

In 1995 John represented the BSA on a trip to Siberia. He was a leader and course instructor at Philmont, and attended five National Jamborees. John formerly chaired the Louisville Catholic Committee on Scouting and organized many popular Flaget Trail camp-outs. He was a vice chair of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, and was awarded the prestigious Brother Barnabas Founders Award in 2008.

John belonged to the Kiwanis for many years. He assisted the Trinity High School Foundation and donated time and support to many other charities. He was a devoted gardener and sports fan. His sense of humor was renowned.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Margaret-Mary, 7813 Shelbyville Rd., followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 2-8 p.m. Friday at Pearson- Ratterman Funeral Home, 12900 Shelbyville Road.

Memorials may be made to the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015; The Lincoln Heritage Council, P.O. Box 36273, Louisville KY 40233, or another charity of your choice.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Adding New Gadget

Working on adding a InsaneScouter widget to the site. Having problems but they should be resolved shortly.

Thanks for your patience.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08
Here are the answers to the questions:

1. Scouting’s first camp took place in 1907 on Brownsea Island, off the coast of England
2. Global Positioning System
3. Compasses appeared in China about 1,000 years ago
4. Webmaster and Leave No Trace Trainer
5. In bedrolls
6. Severe thirst, dark urine, headache
7. Reach, throw, row, go
8. Every quiz has one give-away…

That is all for right know.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Wednesday 14 October 2009

Scouting Skills IQ Test

Here are the questions to a Scout Skills IQ test:

  1. Where and when did the first Scout camping trip take place?
  2. What does GPS stand for?
  3. GPS is nifty, but the ever-reliable compass has been around for a long time. When and where did compasses first appear?
  4. Name two new Scout positions introduced in the new handbook.
  5. Other than backpacks, how did early Scouts carry supplies?
  6. Name three signs of dehydration.
  7. What is the order of water rescue?
  8. Who builds the leaders of tomorrow?

I guess you will just have to wait a day to get the answers.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Scout Healthy Food Tips

Here are some healthy eating tips from Scouting magazine:

  • Water instead of soda: -150 calories (12 oz. serving)
  • Pretzels instead of chips: -80 calories (2 oz. serving)
  • “Light butter” instead of “movie theater butter” microwave popcorn: -75 calories (5 cups)
  • Skim milk instead of whole: -60 calories (1 cup)
  • Whole-grain Fig Newtons instead of Chips Ahoy: -60 calories (per serving)
  • Subway Turkey Sandwich instead of McDonald’s Quarter Pounder With Cheese: -300 calories
These ideas are designed to help you switch various foods for something more healthy which will lead to a calorie reduction of at least 700.

Here are some camp food ideas:
  • Healthy trail mixes: dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and a healthy cereal (Grape Nuts or Kashi, for example)
  • Lowfat stews made with lean protein and veggies
  • Beans and rice
  • Fish or lean meat with vegetables in a foil pocket
  • Oatmeal with dried fruit and skim milk
Here are some other nutrition tips:
  • Adding 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber to your daily diet will reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by 5 percent.
  • Adding a daily dose of 2 to 3 grams of plant-derived stanol and sterol esters (a supplement found in foods such as yogurt, orange juice, and margarine products) typically lowers LDL by 6 to 15 percent.
  • Adding fruits and vegetables, reducing sodium and alcohol intake, and increasing physical activity will reduce blood pressure by 2 to 14 mmHg.
Obviously it would be impossible to do all of these things at once but taking a few of these ideas even if you just take 1 and are super committed to it then you can make a big difference.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08
BSA Press Release for New jamboree home:

National Executive Board News I am writing to share some exciting news. Today, our National Executive Board took another significant step toward establishing a permanent home for future national jamborees and creating another premier outdoor adventure Scouting site. The board approved the purchase of more than 10,000 acres of some of the most spectacular land you’ve ever seen. It’s located in the New River Gorge area of West Virginia-an area that offers some of the best rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking anywhere in the country. It is a perfect site for the full complement of activities we intend to offer at our new facility: extreme sports, leadership training, camping, high adventure-anything you can imagine doing in the great outdoors, and, of course, the national jamboree. We still have a lot of work to do, but under Jack Furst’s tremendous leadership, we are well on our way toward going from vision to reality. As Jack said to board members, “We are only limited by our own creativity and ingenuity.” And as we know, with Jack at the helm, that means there are no limits to what we can accomplish through this effort. Stay tuned for further details and a formal unveiling of our plans in November. Until then, my sincerest thanks to the team for its tireless efforts in bringing this exceptional opportunity to our Scouting family. It is, truly, one of the best investments we will make in serving Scouts for the next 100 years.


Sounds like National is definitely moving quickly on this issue. Seems a lot quicker then normal but the I guess the Next jamboree after 2010 is expected to occur in 2013 in order to get back on schedule of the national and world jabmoree schedule of one or the other switching every two years. This schedule allows scouts to attend both events and allows for less of a finanicial burden. Both these events are very expensive but the fact remains you can attend both if you know far enough in advance and if you plan for the expense.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Thursday 8 October 2009

JOTI

During the same weekend as JOTA there is also a event known as JOTI or Jamboree on the Internet, this is a event where scouts get togoether on the internet and through various other digital communication means to exchange ideas and meet new people.

Here is a introduction from a WOSM Circular or World Organization of the Scouting Movement Update:

WHAT IS THE JAMBOREE-ON-THE-INTERNET?
Similarly to the JOTA, the Jamboree-On-The-Internet connects Scouts using Internet techniques. The JOTI is held on the same weekend as the Jamboree-On-the-Air. Units can choose to take part in either one event or both. The JOTA and JOTI are worldwide events. During the weekend, units may normally participate for 48 hours or any part thereof, from Saturday 00.00 h until Sunday 24.00 h local time. Both JOTA and JOTI are WOSM events to which members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) are kindly invited to take part and enjoy the international atmosphere together with the Scouts.

Here are some of the resourcce sites available for this event:
  • JOTI Resource site: http://www.joti.org/
  • Official WOSM JOTI Resource page: http://scout.org/en/information_events/events/joti/joti_2009_theme
  • Theme Resource Site 1: http://www.environmentrace.org/
  • Theme Resource Site 2: http://en.cop15.dk/
Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

JOTA

A very important event is coming up in World Scouting that I feel every scout should know abou.t This event is that of Jamboree on the Air. This Jamboree is a jamboree that takes place over radio waves.

Here is a introduction to what the event is all about:

The JOTA is an annual event in which Scouts and Guides all over the world speak to each other by means of amateur radio contacts. Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared, via the radio waves.

Since 1958 when the first jamboree-on-the-Air was held, thousands of Scouts and Guides have "met" each other through this event. Not only is it fun to talk to Scouts from other parts of the world but it provides also a chance to find out about other countries and about Scouting elsewhere. Many contacts made during the JOTA have resulted in penpals and links between scout troops that have lasted for many years.

With no restrictions on age, on the number that can participate and at little or no expense, the JOTA provides an opportunity for Scouts and Guides to contact each other by amateur radio. The radio stations are operated by licensed amateur radio operators. Many Scouts and leaders hold licences and have their own stations, but the majority participates in the JOTA through stations operated by local radio clubs and individual radio amateurs. Today some operators even use television or computer linked communications.

Date and duration of the event

The world--wide Jamboree-On-The-Air is organized to coincide with the third full weekend of October each year. The event starts at 00.00 hours local time on the Saturday and concludes 48 hours later at 24.00 hours local time on the Sunday. Each station can choose its own operating hours within this period.

Here are a couple of website addresses that are very important to this event.

  • World Scouting Website: http://scout.org/en/information_events/events/jota/jota_2009_theme
  • JOTA Information Site: http://home.hetnet.nl/~kava04un/index.htm
  • JOTA Theme Resource website: http://en.cop15.dk/
Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

15 steps to building a campfire

15 Steps to Build a Campfire

1) Split dead limb into fragments and shave fragments into slivers.

2) Bandage left thumb.

3) Chop other fragments into smaller fragments.

4) Bandage left foot.

5) Make structure of slivers (including those embedded in hand.).

6) Light match.

7) Light match.

8) Repeat "a Scout is cheerful" and light match.

9) Apply match to slivers, add wood fragments and blow gently into base of flames.

10) Apply burn ointment to nose.

11) When fire is burning, collect more wood.

12) Upon discovery that fire has gone out during your absence, soak wood from can labeled "kerosene".

13) Treat face and arms for second degree burns, and relabel can to read "gasoline".

14) When fire is burning well, add all remaining firewood.

15) When thunderstorm has passed, repeat steps 1-14.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

NSJ 2010 App Status Update

My 2010 Nationl Scout Jamboree App has made it through Council and is probably still at Western Region or has been sent off to National for Approval and dissemination to the appropriate first choice position. In this case I am trying to get a spot in subcamp staff. I called region and they said that there subcamp staff was probably full but that does not make sense because I was contacted by someone from subcamp 9 saying that they were sitll looking for staff. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Sunday 4 October 2009

NSJ 2010 Staff App

I decided that I could not miss the action and ended up signing up as a staff member for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. I know that it will be a crazy 2 years between the National Jamboree in 2010 and the World jamboree in 2011 but that is perfectly fine with me. Everything should go great, I can't wait to see which position I get as a youth staff member. I am hoping to work in subcamp 9 because I already not one of the staff members in this subcamp, if not I am sure I will get a great position as a youth staff member.

There are going to be some long days at the jamboree but hey if I didd not want to do this then why would I be wasting the money and signing up. It does seem ridiculous to some people that we have to pay as staff members bu that is just a expectation of being staff.

Hopefully Council will approve me relatively quickly.

Immediately after getting a assignment I will post information about what position I got.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

NSJ 2010 Bulletin

September-October 2009

COUNCIL CHECKLIST: WHERE DO YOU STAND?

Should Already Be Done

  • Second national fee paid by July 31.
  • Confirmed transportation and tour arrangements.
  • Finalized council fee and payment schedule.
  • Designed council shoulder insignia.

In Progress

  • Promote jamboree at roundtables.
  • Promote jamboree at troop meetings.
  • Make individual calls to Scouts who have indicated an interest in attending.
  • Hold monthly committee meetings.
  • Schedule Troop Junior Leader Training for early 2010.
  • Schedule the troop’s pre-jamboree training campout for late May 2010.
  • Prepare for the third and final payment, due January 31, 2010.

Next 30 Days

  • Order council shoulder insignia.
  • Order custom unit numeral.
  • Order equipment packages from Supply department.

Announcing new lower prices on canvas tents. Check out the updated 2010 Jamboree Package Plans brochure on MyBSA>>Resources>>Jamboree Information.

September 16, 2009: The first batch of Jamboree Health and Medical Records for those who are council-approved have been distributed. Before you ask or e-mail a question, please review not only this alert, but also all of the information about the process contained on this Web site.

Our hints for making this a better experience:

  • Mac users, please open the medical record with Adobe Reader 9, not in preview mode.
  • The password that you will receive is case-sensitive. Many users have found cutting and pasting the password is easiest. To date, we haven’t found a technical issue that prevents the medical record from being opened with the assigned password when entered correctly.
  • We suggest you download Adobe Reader 9 if you do not have it. It’s available for free; we consider that pretty thrifty: http://get.adobe.com/reader/ .
  • If you have your spam filter in place and have not added jamboree.medical@scouting.org to your sender list, please correct this issue before you ask for another record.
  • The confidentiality of your information is important to us. Thus, the medical record is password-protected and encrypted. If you have a .mil address or a policy in place that does not allow encrypted password-protected documents to pass, we suggest you update your or your son’s registration to include a personal e-mail address that will allow the attachment through. You can do this yourself at www.scouting.org , MyScouting. We know the Army is filtering these records.
  • If you notice incorrect information after you open the file, type over it and print out the record.
  • Please complete the record to reflect the time the physical exam is performed.
  • Parents, you should receive a copy of your son’s medical record. If you used the same e-mail address for both of you, that is why you received two copies.
  • Leaders, if you let your youth use your e-mail address, then you’ll receive theirs as well. Each record is bar-coded with the participant’s member ID.
  • Council coordinators, you get a copy of all contingent members’ forms.
  • Council coordinators, please contact the jamboree registrar at 2010Jamboree@scouting.org if you need to remove a youth from your attendees list. Parents, please contact your council if your son will not be attending the jamboree.
  • We understand some of you inadvertently deleted the form. This is not a problem. If you cannot recover it, send us an e-mail, and we will resend it.
  • If you have general questions about the Jamboree Health and Medical Record, please review the FAQs (click the link below) before contacting us. http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Resources/MedicalFormFAQs.aspx

There is still room: Despite rumors, there is still room available at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, both as participants and staff members. Prospective participants should contact their local council and get signed up as soon as possible. Prospective staff members need to fill out an application at www.MyScouting.org. After all, the 100th Anniversary comes only once. You don’t want to miss this one! Staff members should go to the staff section of this Web site, go to the bottom of that page, and click on “staff positions available–complete list” to view all of the positions available.

Troop Leader Guide: The 2010 National Scout Jamboree Troop Leader Guide is now posted on this Web site. Check out the “Publications” section on the left side to download and print a copy. Please remember this is a “living” document. If you printed a copy some time ago, you may want to print the newest version from our Web site.

Youth Protection Training: Leaders and staff, don’t forget to update your Youth Protection training so it will be current during the national Scout jamboree. Make sure you go through your “MyScouting” account so it will include the correct date. If you need assistance with your “MyScouting” account, contact the customer service center at 800-627-3025.

Travel Advisories: Soon it will be time to book your travel to Fort A.P. Hill. Information will go out via e-mail regarding travel advisories. It is imperative to housing, food services, and emergency services that a travel itinerary for every staff member and for every contingent troop be submitted to the Jamboree Transportation Services by the due date. Instruction on submitting this information and the due date will be included in the e-mail. Be sure to check your e-mail, including the junk/spam folder, regularly.

Recycling: One goal of the 2010 jamboree is to be the “greenest” jamboree to date.

Our refuse contractor has developed a waste removal and recycling program for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Each subcamp will have distinct containers for waste material and recycling of specific materials. Each container will be clearly marked, identifying the materials that should go inside.

The proceeds from these transactions will be utilized to offset the expense of hauling and disposing of non-recyclable materials.

Non-recyclable trash will be bagged and collected in a marked subcamp container that will be emptied regularly by our refuse company and disposed of at a landfill.

Dishwater and wet kitchen waste should be collected in pails and taken to the nearest grinding station for appropriate disposal by subcamp maintenance/environmental personnel. Scouts are required to do the same. Food waste recycling is being explored; guidelines and containers for this type of recycling would be made clear.

World Friendship Fund: A Good Turn opportunity for jamboree participants will be provided at breakfast on Thursday, July 29, 2010. At this time, a collection will be taken for the World Friendship Fund. The purpose is to make Scouts and Scouters aware of how the fund helps Scouts around the world and to give them a chance to contribute to world Scouting endeavors.

A collection bag will be given to each troop in a subcamp by the subcamp program officials prior to the collection. Follow subcamp instructions on how to turn in the collection bag after breakfast.

Scout Visitors to the Jamboree: Jamboree activities are made possible by the event fees paid by participating Scouts and leaders. To ensure all paying Scouts get ample opportunity to participate in all of the jamboree activities, visiting Scouts will not be allowed to participate in events and activities at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Participation in the activities at the action centers (action alley, air rifle, archery, bikathon, buckskin games, confidence course, motocross, pioneering, rappelling, and trapshooting) by members of visiting units will not be allowed. Other areas reserved for paid jamboree participants are the outback centers (conservation, fishing, and aquatics), mountain boarding, and the Order of the Arrow’s THE MYSTERIUM COMPASS. Visitors will not be able to work on merit badge requirements at the Merit Badge Midway. Visitors are allowed to watch the action, tour the various activity sites, and purchase food and awesome souvenirs at the trading posts.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Wednesday 23 September 2009

Quote of the Week- Environment

Quote of the WeekIf people want to change, they will. If they don't want to, it's hard to make them do so. The current interest in the environment is is itself fashionable.
Giorgio Armani

I think it is manmade. I think it's clearly manmade. If you don't understand what the cause is, it's virtually impossible to come up with a solution. We know what the cause is. The cause is manmade. That's the cause. That's why the polar icecap is melting.
Joe Biden

We can drift along as though there were still a cold war, wasting hundreds of billions of dollars on weapons that will never be used, ignoring the problems of people in this country and around the world, being one of the worst environmental violators on earth, standing against any sort of viable programs to protect the world's forests or to cut down on acid rain or the global warming or ozone depletion. We can ignore human rights violations in other countries, or we can take these things on as true leaders ought to and accept the inspiring challenge of America for the future.
Jimmy Carter

The world’s forests need to be seen for what they are.. giant global utilities, providing essential services to humanity on a vast scale. Rainforests store carbon, which is lost to the atmosphere when they burn, increasing global warming. The life they support cleans the atmosphere of pollutants and feeds it with moisture. They help regulate our climate and sustain the lives of some of the poorest people on this Earth.
Prince Charles

If the firms that employ an increasing majority of the population are driven solely to satisfy the owner's greed at the expense of working conditions, of the stability of the community, and of the health of the environment, chances are that the quality of our lives will be worse than it is now.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

There are many who still do not believe that global warming is a problem at all. And it's no wonder: because they are the targets of a massive and well-organized campaign of disinformation lavishly funded by polluters who are determined to prevent any action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming out of a fear that their profits might be affected if they had to stop dumping so much pollution into the atmosphere.
Al Gore

We sometimes emphasize the danger in a crisis without focusing on the opportunities that are there. We should feel a great sense of urgency because it is the most dangerous crisis we have ever faced, by far. But it also provides us with opportunities to do a lot of things we ought to be doing for other reasons anyway. And to solve this crisis we can develop a shared sense of moral purpose. (talking about the environamental crisis)
Al Gore


For a long time, the scientists have been telling us global warming increases the temperature of the top layer in the ocean, and that causes the average hurricane to become a lot stronger. So, the fact that the ocean temperatures did go up because of global warming, because of man-made global warming, starting around in the seventies and then we had a string of unusually strong hurricanes outside the boundaries of this multi-decadal cycle that is a real factor; there are scientists who point that out, and they're right, but we're exceeding those boundaries now.
Al Gore
Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

WSJ 2011 Promo VIdeo

Here is a promotional video for the 2011 World Scout Jamboree.



Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

WSJ 2011 Twitter

The Sweden Jamboree Organizing committee is not on twitter, so follow their twitter updates on a daily basis to help keep you up to date. Here is the link the the twitter site:

2011 WSJ twitter

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Little Sioux Ranch

Here is a story from popular mechanics about Surviving and facing disaster. It has a interesting scouting twist and I think that all scouts need to read it. Here is the link to the full article:

Click here for full article.

Here is the excerpt about the Scout Ranch in Iowa:

Rule 2:

Keep Cool in a Crisis
The tornado siren sounded at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in western Iowa just before the power went out on June 11, 2008. Scout Leader Fred Ullrich, an IT manager at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, opened the door of the building where he and 65 Boy Scouts had taken shelter. “I was looking for lightning and listening for that freight train sound you’re supposed to hear with tornadoes, but there was nothing like that,” Ullrich says. “But something told me we were in deep trouble—I don’t know what it was. I yelled for the boys to get under the tables.” As the scouts dove for cover, the wind came up. Ullrich leaned into the door from the outside, trying to push it shut, but instead he was picked up and thrown from the building. Then the 150-mph wind simply blew the Boy Scout shelter apart. “I can only describe my actions in that moment as being totally futile,” Ullrich says. “There was absolutely nothing I could do.”

Once the tornado passed, Ullrich noticed he couldn’t hear out of one ear. He felt around and fished out a stone. All around him was chaos. Some scouts were pinned under a collapsed brick chimney; others were trapped by the debris of the wrecked structure. For a brief moment Ullrich was dazed. Then he went into autopilot rescue mode. “I don’t know how to describe it,” he says. “It was like my brain went away, and I went to a very businesslike place.” He circled what was left of the disintegrated shelter, directing the able-bodied to take care of the injured. And the scouts did just that—applying pressure to wounds, turning T-shirts into bandages and elevating the legs of those who were in shock. Ullrich used a 6-foot iron bar to pry up a wooden board and bricks that had fallen on one boy.

In a disaster roughly 10 percent of people panic, while 80 percent essentially do nothing. Unable to come to terms with what’s happening, they freeze. The remaining 10 percent jump into action. Ullrich was trained in CPR and first aid, skills that doubtless helped the scouts that day, but before any of that formal training would even matter, Ullrich needed a separate and equally important skill: to get hold of himself and get people organized.

According to Chris Hart, a former Navy psychologist and now professor at Texas Woman’s University, being able to set aside fear is what separates people like Ullrich from others. “Fear is a good thing,” Hart says. “You want to have it because it can motivate you to action. But if you become overwhelmed by it, then it’s debilitating.”

What’s worse, research shows that the greater the number of people who are involved in an emergency situation, the less likely it is that anyone will intervene—a phenomenon known as the Bystander Effect. Ervin Staub, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Massachusetts, who has done extensive research on the subject, says that in group situations, there is a diffusion of responsibility; people look for cues from others before deciding how to act. “Just being aware of this tendency and saying ‘I am responsible’ can make a difference. People who believe that they are responsible for other people’s welfare help more.”

Ullrich didn’t know what he and his scouts were in for that day, but mental preparedness and responsibility are central to the Boy Scout philosophy. The night before the tornado, Ullrich had put the boys through a first-aid drill. When emergency responders arrived after the tornado, what they saw was devastating—four scouts were dead or mortally wounded. Scores were suffering from broken pelvises, dislocated shoulders, lacerations and punctured lungs. Yet, amazingly, the rescue crew also saw that Ullrich and the uninjured scouts were putting their training to work. They had organized an on-the-spot triage center, helping to prepare the most seriously injured for their journey to the hospital.

By teaching his scouts to leap into action, Ullrich skewed the 10-80-10 math of disaster. He saw the drill as part of his responsibility to care for the troop. “The point of it is to get these scouts to be the people who don’t sit around when something bad happens,” he says, “but to be the type of people who do something.”

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

Monday 21 September 2009

NSJ 2010 Bulletin

September-October 2009

COUNCIL CHECKLIST: WHERE DO YOU STAND?

Should Already Be Done

  • Second national fee paid by July 31.
  • Confirmed transportation and tour arrangements.
  • Finalized council fee and payment schedule.
  • Designed council shoulder insignia.

In Progress

  • Promote jamboree at roundtables.
  • Promote jamboree at troop meetings.
  • Make individual calls to Scouts who have indicated an interest in attending.
  • Hold monthly committee meetings.
  • Schedule Troop Junior Leader Training for early 2010.
  • Schedule the troop’s pre-jamboree training campout for late May 2010.
  • Prepare for the third and final payment, due January 31, 2010.

Next 30 Days

  • Order council shoulder insignia.
  • Order custom unit numeral.
  • Order equipment packages from Supply department.

Announcing new lower prices on canvas tents. Check out the updated 2010 Jamboree Package Plans brochure on MyBSA>>Resources>>Jamboree Information.

September 16, 2009: The first batch of Jamboree Health and Medical Records for those who are council-approved have been distributed. Before you ask or e-mail a question, please review not only this alert, but also all of the information about the process contained on this Web site.

Our hints for making this a better experience:

  • Mac users, please open the medical record with Adobe Reader 9, not in preview mode.
  • The password that you will receive is case-sensitive. Many users have found cutting and pasting the password is easiest. To date, we haven’t found a technical issue that prevents the medical record from being opened with the assigned password when entered correctly.
  • We suggest you download Adobe Reader 9 if you do not have it. It’s available for free; we consider that pretty thrifty: http://get.adobe.com/reader/ .
  • If you have your spam filter in place and have not added jamboree.medical@scouting.org to your sender list, please correct this issue before you ask for another record.
  • The confidentiality of your information is important to us. Thus, the medical record is password-protected and encrypted. If you have a .mil address or a policy in place that does not allow encrypted password-protected documents to pass, we suggest you update your or your son’s registration to include a personal e-mail address that will allow the attachment through. You can do this yourself at www.scouting.org , MyScouting. We know the Army is filtering these records.
  • If you notice incorrect information after you open the file, type over it and print out the record.
  • Please complete the record to reflect the time the physical exam is performed.
  • Parents, you should receive a copy of your son’s medical record. If you used the same e-mail address for both of you, that is why you received two copies.
  • Leaders, if you let your youth use your e-mail address, then you’ll receive theirs as well. Each record is bar-coded with the participant’s member ID.
  • Council coordinators, you get a copy of all contingent members’ forms.
  • Council coordinators, please contact the jamboree registrar at 2010Jamboree@scouting.org if you need to remove a youth from your attendees list. Parents, please contact your council if your son will not be attending the jamboree.
  • We understand some of you inadvertently deleted the form. This is not a problem. If you cannot recover it, send us an e-mail, and we will resend it.
  • If you have general questions about the Jamboree Health and Medical Record, please review the FAQs (click the link below) before contacting us. http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Resources/MedicalFormFAQs.aspx

There is still room: Despite rumors, there is still room available at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, both as participants and staff members. Prospective participants should contact their local council and get signed up as soon as possible. Prospective staff members need to fill out an application at www.MyScouting.org. After all, the 100th Anniversary comes only once. You don’t want to miss this one! Staff members should go to the staff section of this Web site, go to the bottom of that page, and click on “staff positions available–complete list” to view all of the positions available.

Troop Leader Guide: The 2010 National Scout Jamboree Troop Leader Guide is now posted on this Web site. Check out the “Publications” section on the left side to download and print a copy. Please remember this is a “living” document. If you printed a copy some time ago, you may want to print the newest version from our Web site.

Youth Protection Training: Leaders and staff, don’t forget to update your Youth Protection training so it will be current during the national Scout jamboree. Make sure you go through your “MyScouting” account so it will include the correct date. If you need assistance with your “MyScouting” account, contact the customer service center at 800-627-3025.

Travel Advisories: Soon it will be time to book your travel to Fort A.P. Hill. Information will go out via e-mail regarding travel advisories. It is imperative to housing, food services, and emergency services that a travel itinerary for every staff member and for every contingent troop be submitted to the Jamboree Transportation Services by the due date. Instruction on submitting this information and the due date will be included in the e-mail. Be sure to check your e-mail, including the junk/spam folder, regularly.

Recycling: One goal of the 2010 jamboree is to be the “greenest” jamboree to date.

Our refuse contractor has developed a waste removal and recycling program for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Each subcamp will have distinct containers for waste material and recycling of specific materials. Each container will be clearly marked, identifying the materials that should go inside.

The proceeds from these transactions will be utilized to offset the expense of hauling and disposing of non-recyclable materials.

Non-recyclable trash will be bagged and collected in a marked subcamp container that will be emptied regularly by our refuse company and disposed of at a landfill.

Dishwater and wet kitchen waste should be collected in pails and taken to the nearest grinding station for appropriate disposal by subcamp maintenance/environmental personnel. Scouts are required to do the same. Food waste recycling is being explored; guidelines and containers for this type of recycling would be made clear.

World Friendship Fund: A Good Turn opportunity for jamboree participants will be provided at breakfast on Thursday, July 29, 2010. At this time, a collection will be taken for the World Friendship Fund. The purpose is to make Scouts and Scouters aware of how the fund helps Scouts around the world and to give them a chance to contribute to world Scouting endeavors.

A collection bag will be given to each troop in a subcamp by the subcamp program officials prior to the collection. Follow subcamp instructions on how to turn in the collection bag after breakfast.

Scout Visitors to the Jamboree: Jamboree activities are made possible by the event fees paid by participating Scouts and leaders. To ensure all paying Scouts get ample opportunity to participate in all of the jamboree activities, visiting Scouts will not be allowed to participate in events and activities at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Participation in the activities at the action centers (action alley, air rifle, archery, bikathon, buckskin games, confidence course, motocross, pioneering, rappelling, and trapshooting) by members of visiting units will not be allowed. Other areas reserved for paid jamboree participants are the outback centers (conservation, fishing, and aquatics), mountain boarding, and the Order of the Arrow’s THE MYSTERIUM COMPASS. Visitors will not be able to work on merit badge requirements at the Merit Badge Midway. Visitors are allowed to watch the action, tour the various activity sites, and purchase food and awesome souvenirs at the trading posts.

Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 '11 Philmont AA '08

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