End of Centennial Merit badge program

Well, it's December 19th and the year is quickly coming to an end. Did you know that until 1952, scout leaders could earn their Eagle scout award, after that you had to earn it before your 18th birthday. Man, I wish they would have held off a little longer, now that I'm beginning to see the beauty of the scout program, I think I could get my Eagle without my parents pushing (that I didn't get). Now to the point:

We've been working on the Carpentry and Pathfinding merit badges for the last couple months. Most of the boys have paid for their birdhouse parts and supplies. Most parents have printed the merit badge books from the 1920's for their sons to read. All we have to do now is have your sons really learn the things they have been 'introduced' to and show they are deserving of the merit badge. To accomplish this, they need to schedule an appointment with me to pass off the requirements. I will be setting aside personal time to meet with them so they can 'show' me their stuff. I would suggest fathers (or mothers), work with their sons on the requirements and make sure they are able to explain, do, show, or whatever the requirements are for these merit badges, and have them give me a call to set up a time. I will meet with them anytime during the next 10 days if my schedule works out. I will schedule Wednesday, December 29th, for the last night that they can earn these merit badges. If they come that night unprepared, they will not have an opportunity to pass them off before the end of the year. So, please work with your son to prepare and pass off these two merit badges. Don't let him not get these easy merit badges.

* Learn the skills as shown in the merit badge books - minimum is to read the book.
* Do the things in the requirements and demonstrate you know and did these things.
* Pay for your birdhouse supplies.
* Make appointment with me to show your stuff.

We'll be working on new merit badges the first of January. Some required merit badges like First Aid and Communications are on the list.

On another note, did you know that the Eagle rank wasn't created until one year after the scout program started in 1910 and that all you had to be was a 1st Class scout and earn 21 merit badges. That year they created the Life, Star and Eagle ranks and the first 12 Eagle scouts didn't have to earn the Life and Star ranks, just the 1st class. Life was so much easier back then.

Happy scouting

December 8th, 2010 Troop meeting

Wow, we had 100% boys in uniforms tonight and a couple were wearing scout pants as well. That really helps us play the game the right way. We worked on the Pathfinding merit badge and discussed the various roads around the area, like Mountain Road, Highway 193, 89, Hillfield Road, I-84, South Weber Drive, 475, etc. The boys didn't know these roads had names or they didn't really know where they were. This is good stuff for the boys and they really are learning something.

Just a reminder, I would stronger encourage the boys to get a copy of the Carpentry and Pathfinding merit badge books. I sent this PDF link to everyone this past Sunday. If you want your son to really be prepared to pass this badge off in the next couple weeks, then having this book and having read it, would be an A+ type adventure. We're trying to create an opportunity for the boys to excel in something that is a little foreign to them. Help them along with these two merit badges. This will set a foundation for future achievements in your son's life.

Plan - next week we'll be covering the history of South Weber for Pathfinding, as well as nailing boards together with nails. If your son missed a meeting, then they may have missed something we discussed on these merit badges. He will have to figure it out on his own and using the merit badge books will certainly help. We can only do so much, but when it comes time to 'passing off' the merit badge, the scout will have to do exactly what the requirements say. Rather than pass the boys off on the merit badges as a group, our goal is for the boys to pass the requirements off at the counselors house prior to the end of the year. I would challenge each boy to quickly gain the knowledge and skills and take the initiative to set up that appointment with myself.

Thanks Sister Williams for showing up before our meeting with treats. What a life-saver. It would have been a real disappointment to not have treats for the boys on the night that we had 100% in uniform.

Also, we were missing a number of scouts tonight. Seven scouts was great, but we welcome every young man in the Deacon's quorum to our activity night. They are making great memories and doing it in a positive environment.

100th Anniversary Trapper Trails Year End Extravaganza

The scoutmaster volunteered to display his collection of scout books at this last event for the 100th anniversary. Many people were found viewing the books. A couple weeks before, the scoutmaster made another trek to the top of Mt. Ogden with his son, a former scout, who had hiked as a youth to the top when he was 12/13.

Court of Honor - September 2010

The Cedar Bench Ward scout groups had a combined court of honor, hosted by the Boy Scout Troop. Awards were given out after a slide show of the activities for the 100th year of BSA was shown. We had 3 displays of scout books, songs and a couple dutch ovens.

Fall Encampment 2010 - 100th Anniversary Event

This weekend our troop took the opportunity to participate with the Trapper Trails Council as one of hundreds of troops celebrating the 100th annivesary year of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America by camping at North Fork. What a beautiful time of year and the temperature was very comfortable for this time of year. We arrived about 4:30 and was the first troop to arrive, so we had our pick of the campgrounds. We had a great spot with a couple tables for eating, water and a restroom. Six scouts made it to the campout; Eric McEntire SPL, Michael Williams ASPL, Ethan Willden, Nate Mitchel, Harrison Tanner and Stetson Sweatfield and his dad Cory. The scouts brought up their evening meals. Some hoping to cook potatoes in the fire (45 minutes in the over, 5 minutes in a microwave, forever in a campfire!), bacon/tomatoe sandwiches, as well as ravioli, fried zuchinni and packaged soup. Each person did their own thing. Our scout master did a fantastic cobbler that was emptied by the scouts - a combo of cherry, peach and apple pie fillings, 1 1/2 boxes of yellow cake mix, 1 can sprite and sprinkled heavily with cinnamon. It was topped by whip cream in a can. Our troop did a skit, with Michael Williams the star of the night, bringing large laughs and claps from all. The Walmart shovel skit was a natural for Michael. Saturday morning brought scrambled eggs and sausage mixed together, along with pancakes and hot chocolate. Flag ceremony and 7 stations of games and events rounded out the morning. Scouts participate in orienteering, fire building, Order of the Arrow introductions and hatchet throwing. We ended the day with sub sandwiches, all of which was coordinated by Eric McEntire, who was working on his First Class rank.

Beus Canyon Hike - July 10th

The troop met at 6:30 for a hike up Beus Canyon. Six scouts plus a friend came - not sure where the other eight scouts are this trip. We had some scouts who didn't make the Malen's peak hike, so this was a challenging hike. We had two dads come with us, Bret Olsen and Bentley McEntyre, along with Dave Tyler, our scouting representative. We started hiking at 7:10 and brother Tyler and McEntyre, along with Erik were out ahead heading for the top. The other six scouts made it about 2 - 2 1/2 miles up and then headed back. I was ahead of the middle group, trying to motivate them to come ahead, but they couldn't do it. They saw the leaders way up above on the trail and it was just too hard looking, so they turned around. I decided to hike on and go to the summit. I arrived at the summit just as the first group was heading down. We spoke for a moment and they were off. I struggled up the last few hundred feet to get to the top, almost fainting as I climbed. I reached the top and took in the view. I visited with another hiker, who was the son of Mr. Allred, who usedto teach at South Weber Elementary. Off the top, I found a shady place on the cut road and made my submarine sandwich, with chips and drink. Then I headed down about 1:30. I ran out of water near the headwaters of Birch Creek, so I filled up my Camelback and had enough for the hike down. It was hot and I would have struggled without the water. I should have had my water pump or some fresh pills for disinfecting. We'll see if I got my water from a pure source or not. I arrived home around 5 pm. I suspect all the others made it home, in that none of them were waiting for this old scoutmaster. No rattlesnakes on the trail, just wildflowers. The breeze was blowing and it kept things a little cool but it was a hot hike down. Later I found out the Mike Woolsey would have loved to have hiked to the summit. I should have stayed with the scouts and let him go ahead. We need to discuss who wants to absolutely go and who doesn't mind hanging back. Lessons learned. Also, two camelbacks is not too much on this long hike in July. Earlier in the year may be easier on the water usage. A pump would solve a lot of problems.

Malen's Peak Hike

We had a great group of scouts head to Malen's Peak on a beautiful Spring day. We passed a Mr. Peterson on the way up - the man who hikes Malen's every day. He's hiked to the peak 3-4 thousand times in his life. He lives in Pleasant View, so it is a drive everyday to the foot of the hill. Our boys did great. Some had no problem getting to the top while others had to be pushed and pulled. But we made it and many experienced something that many in the valley never will.

May combined activity

Well, the scouts participated with the rest of the young men and women this past Wednesday with competition and treats. The boys have fun as you can see.

Centennial Jamborall - Trappers Trails Council

Well, the entire troop participated in the council Jamborall on May 14-15. We had 8 scouts and 7 leaders/dads. We met at the church at 3:30 and arrived at the jamborall around 4:15 where we set up camp on the nice lawn at the north end of the race track. Scouts prepared their own light meals. That evening we attended a magic show, while a few leaders stayed for a music group, which was made up of 5/6 Eagle Scouts. It was actually a real good show but the boys left because they were bored waiting for the setup. After that, they had fireworks. After a good night sleep, in spite of the trains, we awoke for another light meal of muffins and chocolate milk. Then off to the opening ceremony which had sky-divers who brought in the American Flag, followed by a couple hours at the events. Unfortunately, most of the boys and leaders were back in camp by 11:30, ready to go. As far as the scoutmaster, I had a great time in the two buildings looking at different scout booths and collections. Most of the scouts spent their time waiting in lines for climbing walls, etc., so they didn't take the time to see the things in the booths in the buildings. I was told there were 15,000 there and I was separated from everyone and didn't really have a clue that they didn't get to see all the things I did because of the long lines. We were on the road by 1 pm, while the event closed at 3 pm. We'll try it again next time, having the leaders in touch with phones and getting the scouts to enjoy everything rather than stand in line for a few things.

100th Anniversary Service Day

Well, the troop participated in a service project in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of BSA Saturday. The scouts met at the church and put together sack lunches which were delivered to homeless people in Ogden. A quick drive to Ogden Municipal grounds found a couple people in need, while a drive to Lester Park, where frequent homeless people go to the library, found several people in need. After passing out 10 lunch sacks, the scouts only wished they had more.

Playing up to your opponents level

I've often heard NBA teams as playing up to the level of their opponents. So, when the Los Angeles Lakers come to town, the Utah Jazz really try hard, but when the New Jersey Nets come, they don't put out so much. That's kind of what happens in scouting. You get all excited and energized to help these young boys be great scouts, so you prepare, getting excited and make the best effort. But then you show up to scouts, and only a couple have uniforms, most without patches, you wonder why their parents aren't expecting more out of their sons. You work on merit badges and give kids assignments and let parents know what we're doing and the kids never move forward. Then you wonder on your next project whether it's worth getting up and giving your best effort, knowing that the team your playing really isn't going to take advantage of your efforts.

This is the battle of an old guy without a son in scouting. But I continue to move forward believing in the scouting program. I know what it did for my own son and still have hope for the young boys I get the opportunity to associate with. Rank advancement, uniforms and merit badges aren't the end purpose of scouting, but they are the building blocks that build self-esteem. Self-esteem is something you get from accomplishing something. If these boys don't accomplish something like rank advancements and merit badges, then they'll have to get other accomplishments so they will have self-esteem.

I hope the parents of our scouts can really understand the importance of all the programs. Scouting is more than camping, certainly. It is the framework of friendship, learning, belonging and accomplishments.

Delose Connor - Speaks

We had the rare opportunity today to hear Delose Connor speak at church. Delose has been a summer camp director for many, many years. What an amazing meeting for lovers of scouting and our youth. He said so much, but one thing I gleaned from this man was a poem he shared with us about Opportunity. It hit home with the short-comings I find my self equipped with. All of us who feel all we have to contribute to the cause is a blunt, short sword, may feel the strength this poem portrays:

Opportunity

by Edward Rowland Sill

This I beheld, or dreamed it in a dream: —
There spread a cloud of dust along a plain;
And underneath the cloud, or in it, raged
A furious battle, and men yelled, and swords
Shocked upon swords and shields. A prince’s banner
Wavered, then staggered backward, hemmed by foes.

A craven hung along the battle’s edge,
And thought, “Had I a sword of keener steel —
That blue blade that the king’s son bears, — but this
Blunt thing!” — he snapt and flung it from his hand,
And lowering crept away and left the field.

Then came the king’s son, wounded, sore bestead,
And weaponless, and saw the broken sword,
Hilt-buried in the dry and trodden sand,
And ran and snatched it, and with battle-shout
Lifted afresh, he hewed his enemy down,
And saved a great cause that heroic day.

Scouting For Food - One Million Pounds of Service

The troop had the opportunity to participate with the ward members in a service project this weekend. Thanks to all those who helped serve those who are less fortunate at this time in their lives.

Summer Camp Parents Meeting

The troop will be having a summer camp meeting, 4 months before summer camp. The meeting will be at 8 p.m. at the church.

Troop Committee reorganized

Julie Young - committee chair
Leisa Williams - secretary (email minutes, newsletter)
Robin Harris - Outdoors/Activities/Equipment (Tour Permits, inventory equipment)
Norm Young - Advancements (Courts of Honor, Boards of Review)
John & Tracey Tanner - Training (Fast Start, New Training Online, BSA Youth Protection) for all scout leaders
Jennifer Dickson - Membership/New Scouts (Welcoming and Registration of all scouts & leaders, Rechartering)
Susan Banner - Librarian (books to check out, current merit badge list)

2010 Annual Calendar

This year we'll be focusing on the 100th Aniversary Award for the Trapper Trails Council as well as the BSA Centenial Award. Here are some of the highlights:

Centennial Award Requirements - Troop 933 will complete the following requirements to earn the council award for the 100^th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Our troop meetings and activities will focus on achieving these goals. Scouts will have to, as individuals, see that they participate and complete the requirements, in that the achievements will not be automatic. (Y-Youth, A-Adults)

Leadership: (1 Required, 2 Electives)

R – Be registered as a scout (Y/A)

E – Participate in a Troop Leadership Training Course provided by troop (Y/A)

E – Serve for 6 months in a leadership position (Y)

E – Complete all necessary online training courses (A)

Character: (1 Required, 2 Electives)

R – Write two specific goals and record your progress in a journal for 3 months (Y/A)

E – Wear uniform to at least 60% of activities for 6 months (Y/A)

E – Participate in the 2010 Jamborall (Y/A)

Service: (1 Required, 2 Electives)

R – Participate in Making a Difference service project (Y/A)

E – Provide 5 hours of service to your church, community, school or non-profit org. (Y/A)

E – Earn a Citizenship merit badge (Y)

E – Do a good turn daily for 3 months and record results (A)

Achievement: (1 Required, 1 Elective)

R – Fulfill the Centennial Patch req. for Leadership, Character, Service and Outdoors. (Y/A)

E – Earn a rank advancement (Y)

E – Complete 6 months of requirements for leaders key/training award (A)

Outdoors: (1 Required, 2 Electives)

R – Attend the 2010 100 Year Fall Camporee or another district, council event (Y/A)

E – Participate in at least 2 other outdoor activities (Y/A)

E – Repeat from memory the BSA Outdoor Code (Y/A)

Legacy:

R – Submit history of unit’s activities during 2010 to your district (A)

E – Fill out the 2010 Centennial Quality Unit Goal Sheet (A)

E – Plan and carry out a 100 year celebration event with your chartered organization (A)

Troop meetings - will focus on at least 6 required merit badges this year, following by 6 next year.

2010 - Citizenship in the Community, the Nation, the World, Family Life, Physical Fitness, Hiking, Cycling, Camping, First Aid

2011 - Swimming, Life Saving, Personal Management, Communication, Environmental Science, Emergency Preparedness.

Additionally, our troop meeting will focus on other optional merit badges such as gardening, space exploration, model building, painting, etc.

Klondike - February 19-20, 2010

Citizenship in the Community - 3 earned tonight

Well, glory be! We had three scouts earn and pass off their Citizenship in the Community merit badge tonight. Congratulations to Erik McEntyer, Ethan Willden and Derek Williams. They're one step closer to earning their 100th anniversary patch as well as closer to the rank of Eagle.

Citizenship in the Community

Well, over the last three months, we have been discussing the Citizenship in the Community merit badge. This is a required merit badge for the Eagle rank as well as a requirement for the 100th anniversary of the BSA. This coming Wednesday night I will be taking appointments from your son to have him present his knowledge and show he has completed the requirements. If you are interested in your son earning this merit badge, I would suggest you review the requirements and have him prepared to meet with me, his merit badge counselor. We will be moving on to other merit badges beginning next week and we would appreciate your desire to have your son earn this badge after the work we have put in as leaders. This will require you review and prepare your son for his visit with the 'merit badge counselor' this Wednesday. We offered scouts a blue merit badge card at church this Sunday, which they will need to complete prior to their meeting with me on Wednesday. If you have any questions concerning your son fulfilling the requirements, please let me know. For your information, your son, if he has been active in his priesthood calling has completed 8 hours of community service for a charitable organization by serving the members of the ward in Sacrament meetings and Fast Offering collections, as well as cleaning the building on a Saturday. Hopefully he was able to attend the court we attended in South Ogden and was able to discuss various things with the judge that day. Your son will just have to do exactly what the merit badge requirements are with the counselor this Wednesday. My phone number is 479-1725 and will be anticipating your son's phone call to complete these requirements.

http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Citizenship_in_the_Community

How to earn a merit badge: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badges

Thanks.