Camp Loll - Summer Camp 2011

Last summer camp for scoutmaster Sorensen. We made a good run at Camp Loll, 3 out of 4 years. Missed the 50th anniversary year, but got to have a wonderful time and the boys got to go to a fantastic camp they'll remember all of their lives.

Service Project - Finally

We figured out a service project for the troop this week. We spent an hour sweeping up the sidewalk on South Weber Drive. Runners, walkers and people on bikes will be safer now with the loose gravel removed from the sidewalk. We had about 10 scouts and had an enjoyable time giving service. A scoutmaster minute was discussed about giving service without reward or praise.

Multi-District Spring Scout Show, Barnes Park

Well, we supported our local council and district by attending the spring camp out at Barnes Park in Kaysville. We met at 4:15 at the church and arrived by 5:00. We set up our tents in one of the 4 baseball fields. The boys cooked spaghetti for supper and I made a dutch oven desert. We listened to the battle of the bands for the evening, which pretty much spoiled the solitude of the beautiful night. The boys played games with frisbees and other things and generally had a good time. The trains woke me during the night and I was up by 5:30 getting my display area set up. I had many people stop by to see my collections and talked with a number of people. It was really a good time. It was fun being an ambassador for scouting.

Great Salt Lake BSA Council Scout-O-Rama

Well, I went to my first real show at the South Towne Expo Center and displayed my books and a few uniforms. It was a wonderful experience and I had the opportunity to talk to a number of people about scouting, books and uniforms. Most of the family stopped by to see me. Zach wore a vintage uniform for a while. Matt helped me pack things up at the end. Kathi Robertson had the most amazing display of memorabilia I have ever seen.

Wood Badge Finally

After years of 'putting off' Wood Badge training, I finally worked it into my schedule. Two weekends in February/March at Camp Kiesel was a great experience. We had 8 patrols and I was a member of the Antelope Patrol. We slept in the cabins the first weekend and slept in tents the second weekend. We had great instruction and our staff were absolutely amazing. We made friendships and acquired great knowledge on various leadership skills as well as scouting and how it fits in the lives of young boys. Standing in Gilwell Field and singing Back To Gilwell has left me with wonderful memories of knowing I've been part of a tradition of scouting that dates back to the very beginnings. If you are going to be a scouter, go to Wood Badge. It is fun, good food, good friends, good entertainment and well worth the time and effort. I'll be working my ticket and hope to earn my beads before the end of the year.

Klondike Derby - January 28-29, 2011

Well, we had a very successful Klondike Derby for the 4th year in a row. Temperatures were cold but not unbearable, at 15 degrees in the morning. Boys were pretty prepared while a couple brought one sleeping bag. Thank goodness I brought a couple extra as well as the other leaders who brought some extra. We had chili and cocoa for supper, scrambled eggs, bacon, pancake and more cocoa for breakfast and our famous submarine sandwiches for lunch. The boys participated in the four 1/2 events in the morning and then took 1ST PLACE for their age in the Klondike Derby running the RED SLED through the course!

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