The Power of the Scout Sign

Here is a short little story about the power of the Scout Sign. Remember the sign is something that people will recognize that, that person has been in scouting whether or not you are in uniform. So here it is.

After having been around scouting for a few years it is not very hard to pick up various habits. Reciting an oath has been one of them. On one occasion, not too long ago, a seasoned veteran of the New York City Police Department was being sworn in at a Grand Jury Proceeding. The officer raised his right hand and swore to tell the truth ...all the time holding his pinkey with the thumb of his righthand in the scout sign. The officer realized it almost immediately but not before the district attorney noticed and commented, " officer, I think you've just increased your credibility a 100 fold with this grand jury". Such is the effect of the scout sign. It has great meaning and symbolism for truth and justice. And so it should!

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

Tustumena District Spring Camporee 2009

Just this weekend my unit attend the 2009 Spring Camporee for Tustumena District of the Great Alaska Council. This event was held at Halibut Campground in anchor point which is about an hour from where our Troop meets, so getting there was not a big challenge. This campground is on the beach near the Cook inlet. We had a huge turn out at the event which suprised me. We end up have 14 youth which is awesome for the small size of our Troop. We divided into our regular patrols instead of having just one big patrol like normal because we had enough participation. I unfortunately did not get to see my Troop's two patrol's go through the events because they needed judges for the various competition. I was assigned to the Ronin Patrol from Unit 555. The Patrol I judge in the competion did a excellent job while completing the task. The competition including starting a fire using natural fire starters which means dead plant material and matches and nothing else. After that they had to boil two cups of water in 10 penny can and then dry a wet paper towel with burning it. After that the patrols had to either demonstrate that each could use a signaling mirror, make a accurate and quick signal from natural materials on the beach, and create smoke signal from the fire they started earlier. After that they were given a first aid scenario. Then the patrols went off to lunch with their units. In my unit both patrols had the option of choosing between hard and soft tacos. After lunch there was a orienteering event and then we a a 3 way tug-o-war competition. Finally after discussing the scores with the other judges we decided that the Kiss Patrol from the Seward Troop came in first and the Cavemen patrol from my unit in Soldotna won second. Later in the evening the host Troop which is Troop 55 invited our Troop to come over for a flag retirement ceremony. Instead of just watching the ceremony like I expected, the Troop ended up getting involved in the ceremony. After that our numbers for our unit dropped significantly for staying over the second night.

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

Hapy Mother's Day

I just wanted to wish my mother and all the mothers of the world a Happy Mothers Day.

Hopefully this does of humor will brighten your day.

The Scouter's Wife and the Scout's Mother
(In memory of Nancy Plitt and Judy Simpson, and in honor of all others)

If your laundry routine includes inspecting for red shoulder tabs ... you might be a Scouter's wife or a Scout's mother.

If a dab of Coleman fuel behind each ear is more alluring to your husband than Chanel No. 5 ... you might be a Scouter's wife.

If your laundry routine includes inspecting for blue cards in shirt pockets .. you might be a Scout's mother.

If a Thursday night family dinner consists of Whoppers in the car in the church parking lot .. you might be a Scouter's wife and a Scout's mother.

If you cook a nice pot roast for supper for the Scoutmaster because he came straight from work to a PLC meeting at your house, and then heat up the leftovers for your husband when he gets home, ... you might be a Scouter's wife.

If your only real vacation in 5 years involves driving from Maryland to Philmont with a carload of boys ... you might be a Scouter's wife.

If your husband plans a "night out with the boys", and you know that it will be a night _outdoors_ with boys ... you might be a Scouter's wife.

If your most memorable vacation with your husband was being the only woman in a crew of nine men and boys on the Allagash River in Maine .. you might be a Scouter's wife.

If you spend your honeymoon wearing green shorts and knee socks ... you might be a new Scouter's wife.

If your husband mutters in his sleep about a ticket, and you know we hasn't just caught speeding .. you might be a Scouter's wife.

If you've converted your dining room into an office, and your garage looks like L.L. Bean's attic .. you might be a Scouter's wife.

If your husband's tan line starts just above his knees, and ends three inches below his knees ... you might be a Scouter's wife.

If you have shelves of coffee mugs, and you don't drink coffee ... you might be a Scouter's wife.

If your best china cup has a 1865 Camporee logo on it .. you might be a Scouter's wife.

If your husband has disappeared, and you know you can always find him at Price Club trying to get a deal on #10 cans of peaches for cobbler ... you might be a Scouter's wife.

If you tell your husband you are expecting to hear the pitter-patter of little feet, and he thinks the PLC meeting is at your house tonight ... you might be a Scouter's wife.

If your husband brings home three rolls of red-white-and-blue ribbon to be sewn into Mothers' ribbons, and says "Don't worry, the Court of Honor isn't until tomorrow night and we only need 15 made" .. . and you don't have a sewing machine ... and you get it done ... you might be a Scouter's wife.

If you just _know_ that the sun room will be finished, right after the next Goshen Bears workend ... you might be a Scouter's wife.

If your family car seats 8, even though there are only 4 in your family ... you might be a Scouter's wife.

If the money collected for your memorial is used to but an air compressor for Scout Camp, and everyone thinks that is just right ... you were a Scouter's wife.

If you keep your Mother's ribbon, with the Eagle pin, with you _forever_, .. you were a Scouter's mother.

Copywrite: Chuck & Nancy May, June 1996.

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

2 Upcoming Jamborees

The BSA International Division has just released information that it will be sending a BSA to two different international jamborees. The first Jamboree is the Panamerican Jamboree in 2009. The details for this Jamboree is as follows:

Panamerican Jamboree 2009
Have you ever wanted to head south for the holidays? Perhaps to Mexico? The upcoming Panamerican Jamboree – JamPan – will be held during the Christmas holiday period, beginning the afternoon of 26 December 2009, near Toluca, Mexico. Councils are welcome to organize contingents. However, these contingents must be coordinated through the BSA’s International Committee. An individual contingent must be coordinated through a national contingent scheme. Keep International Committee member Bari Saunders (international@scouting.org) informed of your plans, and he will coordinate the logistics with the host country. Bari is serving as the BSA’s contingent leader for JamPan.

New information just released: A troop will be formed to represent the BSA’s International Commissioner. Participants (36 Scouts and four leaders) will be selected from nominations made by IRs. Time is short as this selection process will begin shortly. To make a nomination, please refer to the special mailing being sent to IRs in the near future.

Here is the Information for the 2009 Asia-Pacific Jamboree which is the second event I am talking about:

Asia‐Pacific Jamboree 2009
The international leadership of the BSA recently announced that it will send a patrol to represent it at the upcoming Asia‐Pacific Jamboree beginning 28 December 2009. The eight Scouts and two leaders will be selected from nominations currently on file from IRs. This jamboree is being hosted in the Philippines at well‐known Camp Malachi, which is a full‐service Scout camp that is owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP). The cost to participate has been set at $800 per person. The fee includes airfare, patrol camping equipment, contingent luggage, and the jamboree fee. Participants will first meet in the Dallas area before their planned flight to Manila. Kent Clayburn, who serves as chairman of the BSA’s International Committee, stated, “This will be an exciting opportunity for some very lucky members of the BSA. Our Scouts will have an incredible time interacting with Scouts from Asia and around the world. This event will literally be a mini world jamboree.” Note to IRs: The International Committee retains nominations made by you until those nominated ask to be removed or they become too old for a youth position in our exchange programs. New nominations for the files are welcome at any time.

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

WSJ 2011 Update 2

Here is some more information regarding the 2011 World Scout Jamboree that is going to be held in Sweden. This update is from the almost monthly BSA International Division Newsletter. This newsletter can be subscribed to by e-mailing the request to International@scouting.org. So here is the update:

World Scout Jamboree 2011
International Commissioner Wayne Perry recently announced that promotional materials for the 2011 World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) will be released during the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA’s) National Annual Meeting in May. This will include the official launch of the BSA’s 2011 WSJ Web site and online registration materials. There will be a special elective held at the National Annual Meeting for International Representatives (IRs). The session will include a presentation about the jamboree site by the jamboree director, special guest Göran Hägerdal. A live demonstration of how to register online will be included in this elective session. All applicants – youth, leaders, and staff (International Service Team members) – will be required to register online. Join us for a jumpstart on this registration process.
National Annual Meeting
Elective at the National Annual Meeting: Sweden in 2011. This elective, presented by BSA’s International Committee, will focus primarily on promotional plans for the 2011 WSJ in Sweden. Meet the BSA’s promotional team and members of the Swedish Scout Association, who will share the most up‐to‐date information regarding site and program preparations. In addition to jamboree plans, learn about other international travel opportunities available for members of your local council.

I just have to include the National Annual Meeting as part of the update because if you are going to the meeting and have the time to slip in the Sweden in 2011 Elective then I would highly suggest that you do so.

I hope to see some of you in Sweden in 2011. I just submitted my Adult Contingent Leader Application for the event and am hoping that Western Region will approve it so I can participate.

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

WWSW Answer

The Answer to the WWSW question is that it stands for "World Wide Scouting Web"

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

WWSW

Many of you are probably going to ask what WWSW. Let me first give you some clues to this subject:

1. We have 28 million brothers and sisters all over the world
2. We have more than 200 organizations in this single organization
3. We all share a common oath and law but at the same time it varies from place to place
4. Our headquarters is in Geneava.
   

That is all the clues I am going to give for now. Tomorrow I will give out the answer. Hopefully someone will guess correctly. It probably can't be found on the internet so it is going to require some logic and brain power to solve.

Hope someone gets it, until then good luck.

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

Arrowmen in Action

Arrowman In Action: City Councilman and Scout

Jeremy Yamaguchi can juggle. He doesn’t work for the circus, and he probably doesn’t spend much time entertaining kids. But at the age of twenty, Jeremy juggles school, Scouts and his position on the Placentia City Council. “Balancing school, OA and the City Council is a challenge,” he says. “I’ve missed school for the city and the city for Scouts and vice versa.”

But no matter how much is on his plate, Jeremy seems determined to give back to the program that he says helped shape him to be the leader he is today. He currently serves as the Section Chief for W4-S and is an assistant scoutmaster with his local troop in Orange County. “I can attribute the reasons for my success from the character development, life skills and outstanding leadership opportunities that the Scouting program has given me,” says Jeremy.

And it was that character development that led him to run for the Placentia City Council. “The main reason I ran was so that I could give back to my community.” Although Jeremy has caught quite a bit of attention as the youngest elected official in Southern California, he says it’s important to stay humble. “It’s important to remember where you came from,” he says. When it comes to his priorities, he looks to former President Ronald Reagan for advice: “faith, family, hard work and freedom,” is the order he lists them in.

What advice does he have for Scouts looking to go into elected office? “Be humble and stay true to who you are and to your ideals.” Jeremy uses the Power of One to give back to his community. How will you use it?

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

Lost Eagle Scout Hiker

Scout Skills Help Lost Hiker Survive
By DAVID TIRRELL-WYSOCKI,


Scott Mason, of Halifax, Mass., headed up the popular mountain for a long day hike on Saturday, but decided to take a shortcut down after spraining his ankle. He chose a route he had discussed with the staff at the Appalachian Mountain Club lodge where he began his hike. "They had information that it was clear at the time," he said in a telephone interview Wednesday. But that emergency route led him into unexpected trouble: rising water and deep snow caused by unseasonably warm weather. "When I got down there, the rivers were much more rapid than should have been," he said. He decided instead to cross earlier than he had planned, putting him in an area of no trails. Wearing plastic bags inside his boots to keep his feet dry, he began trying to find a way out. Mason said even though he was stranded, he wasn't lost because he had hiked the area before and recognized the landmarks. He sank several times into mountain runoff that was hidden beneath waist-deep snow. "The runoff was about 2 1/2 feet deep and probably running 30 mph," he said. "The guides confirmed I could have gotten sucked in if I had fallen all the way in, and I would have been gone." Saturday and Sunday nights, Mason crawled beneath snow-covered pine trees and hunkered down in a bivvy sack, a waterproof sleeping bag shell. To keep warm, he started fires with a hand sanitzer gel. "You can put it right on what you are burning, and even on the snow you can make a fire," he said. "I was able to make a fire just because I ripped down some big evergreen branches." By Sunday afternoon, his snow-covered route down still blocked by raging runoff, Mason decided he had to go back up the mountain. On Monday, he tried signaling a helicopter, waving his hiking poles and reflective bivvy sack. But the crew was focused below his level, more concerned that he might have tried to take a trail across a river and been swept away. "It was a little disappointing," he said. He found a large crevice in a rock that night that was partially protected from the wind, built a higher windscreen with rocks and slept until well after daylight Tuesday, when he resumed his slow trek toward the summit to reach the weather observatory. "I was going to hike to the observatory and kind of knock on their door and try to get some hot cocoa and a ride down," he said. That's when he and a search team spotted each other. The rescuers give him a ride down the 6,288-foot mountain Tuesday morning into the waiting arms of his parents, sister and aunt. Mason thanked rescuers who endured the treacherous conditions to look for him. "Anyone can go through the ice into an underground stream," he said. "They were risking their lives to try to save me."

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

Distingushed Eagle Scout Award

Distinguished Eagle Scout Award Recipient Urges Juniors to Mentor Others

Story Number: NNS090429-15
Release Date: 4/29/2009 8:41:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Thomas J. Miller GREAT LAKES (NNS) --


The commander of Navy Region Midwest was awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award by the Boy Scouts of America April 28.

The award was presented to Rear Adm. Douglas T. Biesel by his former Scoutmaster Thom Helmacy of Coudersbort, Pa., during the 2009 Northeastern Illinois Council Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner at Naval Station Great Lakes.

The award is granted to Eagle Scouts who, after 25 years, have distinguished themselves in their life work and who have shared their talents with their communities on a voluntary basis.

"I challenge you to think about integrity as you are faced with challenges; do not compromise your integrity because it's rare if at all possible to get it back," Biesel told the new Eagle Scouts. "Without integrity all other attributes are nothing."

Biesel, who earned his Eagle Scout in 1972 in has distinguished himself throughout his career as a naval officer.

"We are so pleased and honored to learn of the selection of Admiral Biesel by our National Boy Scouts of America organization for the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award," said John H. Mosby, chief executive officer, Northeast Illinois Council, Boy Scouts of America.

"In studying the history of the award since its inception in 1969, only the highest quality of individuals have been selected for this distinct and rare award, and Admiral Biesel most certainly fits that mold."

The National Eagle Scout Association Committee selects the award recipients. The members of the selection committee are all recipients of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

"Admiral Biesel's leadership by example and personal ethical and moral values reflects the same standards we apply in scouting, and so it is a natural choice for him to have been selected for this honor," Mosby said.

"The relationship between the Navy and the Boy Scouts has been long-standing, especially here locally. Admiral Biesel has been a key part in continuing that strong relationship since arriving here earlier this year."

In addressing this year's Eagle Scouts, Biesel challenged them to lead by example.

"Lead by example; mentor others, and congratulations to all the new Eagle Scouts. God bless you, your families and the Navy and the finest country on the earth," Biesel said. "I am really, really honored. Thank you for this distinguished Eagle Scout award. It has been a great pleasure serving this great nation as a naval officer."

The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award was implemented in 1969 and since that time approximately 1,793 nominations have been approved. Only the local council of the Eagle Scout's principal residence may nominate. Nominations may not be made for posthumous awards.

"I am really, really honored. Thank you for this distinguished Eagle Scout award," Biesel said. "It has been a great pleasure serving this great nation as a naval officer."

Distinguished Eagle Scouts include former President Gerald R. Ford, former Chiefs of Naval Operations Adm. Jay L. Johnson, Adm. Carlisle Trost and Adm. Elmo Zumwalt, Jr.; astronauts and naval aviators Neil Armstrong and Capt. James Lovell and Secretaries of Defense Robert Gates and Donald Rumsfeld.

Biesel enlisted in the Navy in 1975 and attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, R.I. Following NAPS, he graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 1980 with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and was designated a naval submarine warfare officer in 1983.

Following nuclear power training, he completed sea assignments aboard USS Lapon (SSN 661), USS Michigan (SSBN 727-Blue), USS Annapolis (SSN 760) and a command tour aboard USS Philadelphia (SSN 690). He has also served on numerous staffs and as commander of Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Wash. Prior to assuming command at Navy Region Midwest, he served on the staff of the chief of naval operations in programming and budgeting.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Midwest/Naval Station Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/local/midwest/.
Yours in Scouting Service
Mark W
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 1616
Great Alaska COuncil
Eagle Scout OA Brotherhood Member
NSJ '05 WSJ '07 Philmont AA '08

Meeting Review

April 27, 2009 Meeting
After Meeting Review

I really am now going to start writing meeting reviews on a weekly basis because I believe that me writing this information down helps do the following:

1. Helps me see what I need to work on. Specifically what skills do I need to develop and what skills do I need to teach others in order to do their job successfully.
2. Helps outside units see how things are run in various units. Let me stress this again, we as a unit do not do everything perfectly or exactly how the scouting method intended but we are always striving to create a program in which we follow the method as closely as possible
3. Helps other leaders within the unit see a perspective on how the meeting went and what we could change.

So lets talk about yesterday's meeting. First off I really did not sit in on the meeting like normal because I was helping conduct a BOR and sat through Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Leader Training. These two items tied up most of the night for me. So lets start at the very beginning, first off we need to crack down and start at exactly 7 o'clock pm instead of waiting around a few minutes for more people to show up. If we start on time consistently more and more scouts will get the message that it is important to show up on time. I did not show up as early as I should have because I got into the meeting room at about 7:05 luckily we had not started the meeting so I did not interrupt anything. By the way I informed the Scoutmaster who gave me permission to show up late like I did, as a adult leader that is what I am expected to do, if a youth leader is going to show up late he should contact the SPL. Finally if it is a youth member then that scout should contact his patrol leader. Okay after that announcements went good and were fairly clear, the SPL as along as he writes down the announcements before hand he will get the information out that he needs to get out. After announcements I went into a training session for the course I stated above and did not directly witness the meal planning. In my opinion the group did fairly well with completing the task but the amount of time it took to complete the task in my personal opinion probably was not up to the standard it should have been, it took the group over 40 minutes to plan the menu. This task should not take more than 20 minutes. This 20 minute timeline works much better because it allows the group to get more stuff done, have more fun, and be able to complete something else other than a boring required logistics item which no one in the Troop likes to do. After that the Troop went outside for a game but I was unable to get out for the game because I had to help conduct a BOR. The BOR occurred for a Scout that was going for his Second Class. He of course passed his BOR and during this time I learned several very interesting things about the kid and about what sort of activities the boy likes. I have always found that the BOR experience is more about getting to know the person on a personal level and connect with that scout in the short amount of time allotted.

That is all I have for this meeting. My overall impression for this Troop Meeting is that it went really good once we got the meeting going. the Beginning of the meeting was a little slow but that was because the SPL did not totally prepare or get help with preparing a Troop meeting. I am making a personal goal to make writing or typing out a meeting agenda 2nd nature to the boy who is currently in the SPL.

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

WSJ 2011 Staff Registration Information

When, Who, Cost & Refund for Staff:

What is a World Jamboree?
A great outdoor adventure conducted by a host member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Thousands of youth and leaders from around the world camp together and participate in many exciting activities. World Scout Jamborees are held once every four years.

Where and when will it be held?
The 22nd World Scout Jamboree will be held in Sweden. The dates of the actual jamboree are July 27-August 7, 2011. The dates for each individual participating will vary slightly depending on travel.

Who can attend?
Staff members in the age category of 18 – 25 years old must be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America and have been born between July 27, 1985 and July 24, 1993.

Staff members in the age category of over 26 years old must be registered members of the Boy Scouts of America and have been born on or before July 26, 1985.

How much will it cost?
Cost of the basic package plan for staff in the age category 18 – 25 years old $1,750 (plus a non-refundable application fee of $10). The basic package includes all meals, accident and sickness insurance and regional and national office administrative/program support. The cost does not include airfare.

Cost of the basic package plan for staff in the age category of over 26 years old is $1,950 (plus a non-refundable application fee of $10). The basic package includes all meals, accident and sickness insurance and regional and national office administrative/program support. The cost does not include airfare.

The basic package also does not cover the cost of ticketing due to early or late departure from the jamboree site due to medical emergencies, family emergencies, and/or problems based on our code of conduct.

Refund Policy
If you should have to cancel your participation in the jamboree, there are monies that cannot be refunded, including a $100 cancellation fee and all payments made on your behalf to the jamboree host country. Once such fees have been deducted, you may be eligible for a refund of any remaining monies you paid.

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

WSJ 2011 Adult Registration Information

When, Who, Cost & Refund for Adult Participants

What is a World Jamboree?
A great outdoor adventure conducted by a host member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Thousands of youth and leaders from around the world camp together and participate in many exciting activities. World Scout Jamborees are held once every four years. Where and when will it be held? The 22nd World Scout Jamboree will be held in Sweden. The dates of the actual jamboree are July 27-August 7, 2011. The dates for each individual participating will vary slightly depending on travel.

Who can attend?

These are the positions for adult leaders in the BSA contingent:

Scoutmaster
Be at least 21 years of age by July 24, 2011.
Serve as a Scoutmaster for at least one year during the three-year period prior to July 1, 2011.
Complete basic Scoutmaster and Assistant Leadership Specific Training.
Complete Wood Badge for the 21st Century.
Be able to serve as a role model of physical fitness.
File a Jamboree Personal Health and Medical Record with the jamboree committee.
Complete Youth Protection Training within two years of your arrival date at the 2011 World Scout Jamboree site.
Be approved by the local council and appropriate region.
Scouter’s Key is a desirable qualification although not required.

First Assistant Scoutmaster
Same qualifications as Scoutmaster.

Second Assistant Scoutmaster
Be at least 21 years of age by July 24, 2011.
Complete the appropriate leader-specific training.
Serve actively in an adult troop leadership position for at least one year during the three-year period prior to July 1, 2011.
Be able to serve as a role model of physical fitness.
File a Jamboree Personal Health and Medical Record with the jamboree committee.
Complete Youth Protection Training within two years of your arrival date at the 2011 World Scout Jamboree site.
Be approved by the local council and appropriate region.

Third Assistant Scoutmaster
Be at least 18 years of age (but not yet 21) by July 24, 2011.
Serve actively in a unit leadership position.
Complete the appropriate leader-specific training.
Be able to serve as a role model of physical fitness.
File a Jamboree Personal Health and Medical Record with the jamboree committee.
Complete Youth Protection Training within two years of your arrival date at the 2011 World Scout Jamboree site.
Be approved by the local council and appropriate region.


How much will it cost?
Cost of the basic package plan is $3,525 (plus a non-refundable application fee of $10). The basic package includes travel (from the assigned gateway city), all meals, unit and patrol equipment, accident and sickness insurance, regional and national office administrative/program support, and buses for ground transportation to/from the jamboree site. Cost does not include travel to or from the gateway city.

The basic package does not cover the cost of ticketing due to early or late departure from the jamboree site due to medical emergencies, family emergencies, and/or problems based on our code of conduct.

Refund Policy
If you should have to cancel your participation in the jamboree, there are monies that cannot be refunded, including a $100 cancellation fee, all payments made on your behalf to the jamboree host country, airlines (actual ticket and/or deposits), and troop/patrol equipment. Once such fees have been deducted, you may be eligible for a refund of any remaining monies you paid.

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

Italian Scouts to the Rescue

here is a story about Scouts from the Federation of Italian Scouting which shows how Italian Scouts responded to the huge earthquake that occurred recently there. The story made the International News link for the World Organization of the Scouting Movement website. So here is the story:

Italian Scouts commit to the rescue efforts after the terrible earthquake

On the night of 6 April an earthquake has shaken a central region of Italy called Abruzzo. It was a real catastrophe: more than 250 people were killed, 1000 injured and about 25000 are now without a home. AGESCI and CNGEI (the two NSAs in Italy part of FIS - Federazione Italiana dello Scautismo) after the official request of the Italian Civil Protection are already on the spot to offer help and support to the people affected by the shock.

The response of Italian Scouts to the catastrophe that hit Abruzzo has been well-timed and generous. About 200 volunteers from CNGEI and AGESCI have already arrived on the spot of the earthquake and they are supporting the Civil Protection in the rescue. In particular, at the moment they are engaged in setting up camps for the evacuees and supporting those people affected emotionally.

The Scouts come from all around Italy and most of them have travelled all through the night to offer support as soon as possible because the situation is still grave.

One city, L’Aquila, and some villages in Abruzzo have been almost completely destroyed and the need for help will surely continue in the coming months. For this reason AGESCI and CNGEI are preparing shifts in order to guarantee a constant presence of Scouts in the affected area: more than 300 Scouts are ready to go.

In the past, with similar events that unfortunately happen quite often in Italy, the commitment of Scouts was always recognized as very important and also in these tragic circumstances, they are doing their best to be near and support the huge number of affected people.

WOSM-European Region has already sent a message to Federazione Italiana dello Scautismo to demonstrate its solidarity with our brother and sister Scouts and the whole Italian nation. We know that many other associations have sent similar messages.

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

WSJ 2011 Update One

BSA National Council has just recently released some new information regarding the 2011 World Scout Jamboree which is going to be held in Sweden. The recently just put a registration system up for the Jamboree. The registration system is similar to the online system used for the 2010 National Jamboree. The Fee for youth staff members in $1,750 but that does not include airfare. Youth staff are between the ages of 18 and 25. Adult staff are 26 years old and older. The adult staff fee which also does not include airfare is 1,950. Also the staff fee does not include a touring package. This is standard procedure for WSJ staff. The participant fee is going to be 3,525 it may change slightly but that price is definitely cheaper than the participant fee for the 2007 WSJ. This participant fee applies to adult leaders who attend as Troop leaders and to all youth going as part of a scouting unit.

Another thing is that the BSA will be releasing more information about this event during its May 2009 National ANnual Meeting. Also sometime in May the BSA should have a WSJ 2011 jamboree website up and running.

Until more information is known that is all I have for the first update. Hope to see you in Sweden.

I am also looking for Scouts and Scouters from around the World to share stories regarding there previous jamboree experience. This will be used to promote what a World Scout Jamboree is really about.

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

NSJ 2010 Trivia

Here is another pie e of trivia information that is related to the 2010 National Scout Jamboree:

Jamboree Trivia
Each night at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, 11 semi trucks will roll into Fort A.P. Hill to restock the many commissaries that supply the Jamboree. What Napoleon said about an army travelling on its stomach apparently applies to the Boy Scouts of America as well!

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

NSJ 2010 Bulletin

April-May 2009 Bulletin

Council Checklist: Where Do You Stand?

Should Be Done:

• Start monthly committee meetings
• Complete selection of troop leaders (include in monthly committee meetings)
• Transportation and tour arrangements confirmed
• District jamboree promotion rallies (jamboree troop leaders promote and conduct)

In Progress:

• Promote jamboree at all council events
• Promote jamboree at all district events including Scout Roundtable
• Promote jamboree at troop meetings
• Individual calls to Scouts that indicate an interest in attending
• Monthly committee meetings
• Develop promotion for summer camp
• Design council shoulder insignia
• Follow up on Scouts not adhering to council’s fee schedule

Jamboree Staff Opportunities

There are still several staff opportunities available for our 100th Anniversary jamboree. Our Retail Group has the best record so far with 88.1 percent recruited. However, there are opportunities in almost all of our groups. There are 208 service groups recruiting within the major jamboree groups: Administrative Group, Enterprise Risk Management Group, Food Service Group, Media & Corporate Alliances Group, Retail Group, and the Program & Regional Support Group. During the staff application process online, the entire list of group jobs is listed. All of the major groups still have staffing opportunities.

Some of the opportunities are: security and parking, retail food service, Good Turn for America, sub camp staff, the action centers, and the Order of the Arrow events. For a complete list, check the online list at the staff registration site. We encourage all troop leaders and registered staff members to assist us in identifying other Scouters who may have not applied for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Council Shoulder Insignia

It is time to design and order your council jamboree shoulder insignia. These can be ordered directly from the Supply Division on its new Web site. Here are the instructions:

BSAcustompatches.com Instructions

The following information can be used as a reference tool when obtaining quotes on the bsacustompatches.com Web site. Also included are instructions detailing the process of creating orders from quotes received via www.bsacustompatches.com. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the specified individuals below:

• Questions about bsacustompatches.com quotes, deliveries, etc.: AB Emblem Service Team, 888-438-4071, bsateam@abemblem.com
• Questions about a bsacustompatches.com order, order status, etc: AB Emblem Service Team, 888-438-4071, bsateam@abemblem.com
• Requests for a custom emblem or patch not listed on bsacustompatches.com: Mike Clifton, 800-323-0732 (ext. 461), mclifton@netbsa.org
• Changes to your established account or to set up a new account: Mike Clifton, 800-323-0732 (ext. 461), mclifton@netbsa.org
• Questions about billing or payments for bsacustompatches.com orders: Mike Clifton, 800-323-0732 (ext. 461), mclifton@netbsa.org

What’s Going to be New at the Jamboree?

There has been a lot of discussion about what will be new at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, our 100th Anniversary jamboree. The jamboree gets bigger and better each time, and this one will be no exception.

For the first time, there will be swimming. Two new pools have been purchased for this jamboree. This is in addition to the four pools that will be in use for the scuba programs. Speaking of getting wet, the Order of the Arrow’s Mysterium Compass will give participants a chance to cool off at the end of their trek through the Compass.

Also, for the first time there will be a sporting clays event using world-class shotguns at the new Camp Thunder.

The staff coordinating the Merit Badge Midway tells us there is a huge effort being made to find a way for all 121 merit badges to be represented. Experts in all merit badge fields are being recruited to assist Scouts at the midway.

A new, enhanced visitor plan will ensure a better jamboree experience for guests. Booths with information and refreshments will be available near the visitor parking lot. There will be an optional visitor packet with a map, a patch, and other items.

Food! There will be more refreshments stands with drinks, water, and lots of ice cream. There will also be a value added card that can be used like a debit card at trading posts and concession stands throughout the jamboree.

The opening and closing arena shows of the jamboree will be unforgettable. The closing will be all about the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary. This show is in development and will be produced by a professional entertainment company. You won’t want to miss it! In addition, there will be a show the night before the Scouts arrive to thank staff members for their great work in developing and staffing the jamboree.

The 2010 National Scout Jamboree will have lots of new things, but also the wonderful traditions of the past. Don’t miss this one. Sign up today!

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

19 YO Eagle Scout Speech

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

Interamerican Rgion WOSM News

Scouts of Peru in the time of the Planet

Brought together about 500 people, a group of scouts from the Peruvian city of Lima held the "March of the Light", a day that I seek to draw attention from neighbors and businesses about the importance of saving energy for the good of the planet and fair use of natural resources, thus supporting the actions of "Blackout World" for the environment.

Cubs, Scouts, hikers and Parent Group Lima 114, made a working ant, touching doors, delivering leaflets and inviting institutions such as St. Pio X Parish, Fire Bomb, Serenazgo, police and nearby businesses, Scouts drew attention its 10,000 residents and more than 300 businesses nearby to extinguish all lights and be part of the global initiative.

Also, the scouts took their camp lamp, flags and banners specially prepared, plus get a band musicians so that together with the hundreds of neighbors and friends begin the "Walk of Light" and the party Peru effective action that generates a good awareness of conservation and energy saving.

This unique project was a success, as well as in Cuzco, Peru Scouts worked with the planet.

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

SPL SOP Update Two

Okay I know that I said that I would have had this document about how a SPL should do his job completed but unfortunately due to life and how everything is going I have not had the time to finish the document. Okay I admit I have gotten involved in other activities and put it on the back burner but I am still most definitely thinking about finishing it.

Also another reason why I have fallen behind schedule is because I have hit a stumbling block. This stumbling block is caused because I am not sure how to go about writing a general planning procedure for campouts or special day events that are hosted by the Troop. This part is really hard to write because I have to account for so many different variables. So I am asking for your input about what I should do. Specifically I am looking for advice in the following areas:

• Which jobs are assigned to the SPL when planning a campout
• Which jobs are assigned to adults when planning a campout
• Who should have to put together this plan the SPL or the PLC group.

Those are my three questions. I am also looking for input in regards to just general ideas and methods for the SPL planning and leading campouts and other Troop special events.

Thanks in advance for your help and all you do for scouting.

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