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)