Summer camp test

If you're wondering about the photos, I'm working out updating from my phone so I'll be able to provide updates with photos from summer camp. So forgive my typing.

Today's technology is a wonderful thing. I'm looking forward to utilizing it during summer camp to provide updates.

Memorial Day weekend

GREAT WEEKEND TO SCOUT
The Memorial Day weekend has been great.
First, the Troop boys who camped at Birch with the Pack in order to go hiking and help with the activities, had a great time. The hike which turned out to be nearly 8 miles Saturday morning was lots of fun and tiring - at least for myself and Cubmaster Tom.
Saturday afternoon activities with the Cub Scouts I think was lots of fun and challenging. The food challenge is definitely one that I hope I never experience - good job to those who tackled "the food!"
Both campfires were extremely well done - the Troop boys taking lead with great songs and skits - which led to the Cub Scouts following suit - makes me very proud to see leadership by example.

The Memorial Day parade in town was impressive with lots of people walking in and lots more watching. A good turnout all around. A couple of issues were presented my way, but this is something I can talk about at our next Troop meeting June 1.
I was pleased to see those who showed up.

As for the Zanesfield parking help, I haven't heard anything from that Troop activity.

Again, see you June 1 at the church.

Signup today

E-MAIL ALERTS NOW AN OPTION
I'm excited to let all know that you can now subscribe to my blog via your e-mail. By signing up you can securely register your e-mail account and receive updates from my blog via e-mail. The signup is as easy as the boxed subscriber window to the right.
Thanks again for all you help Troop 94 do!

This Weekend

PARKING CARS IS ON
The Troop's annual parking of the cars is on for this weekend at the Zanesfield festivial. Contact Grampa Dean for details and to signup for a shift. His phone number should be on the emergency prepardness contact sheet.

Boys Life magazine

CAMPOREE FEATURED
Hello fellow Scouters,
I'm interested in reading the May issue of Boy Life magazine because the November camporee we attended is featured in the Boy Scout edition of the magazine. For whatever reason, Connor still received the Cub Scout edition. I believe the Emergency Preparedness is featured on or about Pages 34, 35. If anyone has a copy I can see, I'd greatly appreciate the help. I don't believe any of our Scouts were photographed, as the organizers had pre-arranged Boy Scouts to be pictured.
Thanks!

The Week Ahead

MEMORIAL WEEKEND
To all,
At this point with no word on parking Memorial Day weekend, and the waning interest from the boys, who apparently discussed the issue Monday (at least those in attendance).
I'm emailing because I'd like to see if the Troop can schedule a couple nights camping and not let the weekend go to total waste - but again, adults are needed - especially any "trained" adults to meet BSA regulations.

Summer Camp Update

ASTRONOMY MERIT BADGE
The following has been added to Camp Birch's summer program:

• Astronomy MB - Tuesday evening (with rain-outs on Wed or Thursday)

Sign ups can still take place by letting me know if you're interested in this merit badge.

TOTIN CHIP COMPLETED

Monday's meeting beneficial
I was very pleased with how we did with Monday's meeting.
The completion of the Totin Chip finally arrived and 4 other Scouts began the Bugling merit badge with Mr. Fullerton - which really makes me excited as it will be nice to have a Bugler in our ranks.
Items of note:
1. Bike Rodeo is Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, and the Troop can help by volunteering to help. Contact Ms. Deb if interested. The event is to be at Rutan Park.
2. COURT OF HONOR is set for our next meeting. We'll be awarding some well deserved rank advancements and lots of merit badges - which makes me very happy.
This will not be an Eagle Court of Honor as an event at the high school for our Eagles has them busy this night, but we'll soon be sharing in their Court of Honor on a future night.
As a treat for the Court of Honor the Troop Scouts will be participating in a Cooking Baking Contest.
Rules are simple: 1. bring a plate of cookies (6-12); 2. Scout must be main baker of the cookies, with only help in preparing them from adults - this could be a great time to learn some baking skills at home with mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt or uncle; use this as a learning experience, while preparing some tasty treats.
3. Our Daily Bread is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, from 4:15 to about 6 p.m. The church's Sunday school classes are serving and we can help out with some valuable time helping others.
4. Parking Memorial Day weekend - ??? - sorry only know event is occurring but not if we're able to park cars.
5. Tuesday, May 19, is an honorable night as we'll welcome Bryan W. into the Troop as he crosses over from the Pack to our Troop. Be at the church before 5:45 p.m. in uniform.
6. The camp early-bird special for Summer Camp deadline is May 22, so next meeting will be one of the last times to turn your $200 fee into Mr. Morris. If you're not sure how much you have in your Scout account, contact Mr. Morris. After this deadline the fee is $220. Also be getting medicial forms to Scoutmaster Jim, and remember you don't go to summer camp without this paperwork.

Do a Good Turn

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Here are some opportunities to serve the community. If you're interested see Ms. Deb for details.
Every Saturday from now through October - Downtown Bellefontaine Farmer's Market, 9-12:30pm. Help is needed in carrying patrons purchases to their vehicle as well as setting up a booth where patrons can leave their purchases while they shop downtown. If you have anyone interested please let Mrs. Deb know so I can advise my contact for this event.

Saturday, May 16 - Mary Rutan Park Bike Rodeo, 8:30 - noon. This annual event is to help youth with bike safety. Help is needed in many areas. If you have anyone interested please let me know so I can advise my contact for this event.

Wednesday, June 17 - Oakcrest Campground, noon - 5pm. Set up for Blue Jacket District Twilight Camp. Help is needed to get areas ready for program. Dinning flies will need to be set up as well as getting stations ready for use.
Friday, June 19 - Oakcrest Campground, 8 pm till completion. Tear down of Blue Jacket District Twilight Camp. We need help to tear down because we have program on Saturday at Camp Birch. If you can help please arrive by 8 pm so you can work on tearing down areas during our campfire so that everyone is able to get home at a decent hour. If you or your units are able to help please contact Deb or Tawnya.

May 3, 2009

ANOTHER WEEK CLOSER TO SCOUT CAMP
It's May already and we are moving full tilt toward summer camp and it really will be here before we know it as spring has sprung.
There's only 4 weeks of school remaining and then it will be summer break for (hopefully) all.
With the May 22 early bird deadline approaching, those who haven't turned in camp registration paperwork need to complete this task.
Our Monday meeting is under control. We'll have to begin somewhere other than in Bethany Hall as there is a bowling banquet at 7 p.m. We can use the Fellowship Room and also library. Court of Honor is still in the works for those needing this important step. We'll also attempt to finish the Totin Chip at Monday's meeting.
If anyone has questions, as alway my cell is the best method of reaching me.

Lessons learned

Eagle Scout reflects on N.H. mountain ordeal

By DAVID TIRRELL-WYSOCKI
Associated Press Writer
CONCORD, N.H. — While stranded on New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, Eagle Scout Scott Mason plunged into frigid water, built a rock shelter to protect himself from the mountain’s notorious winds and watched a rescue helicopter fly off as he tried to attract the crew’s attention.
Even with a sprained ankle and “frost-nipped” toes, the cool-headed 17-year-old said things could have been a lot worse after he sank several times into mountain run-off hidden beneath waist-deep snow.
“The run-off was about 21⁄2 feet deep and probably running 30 mph,” he told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “The guides confirmed I could have gotten sucked in if I had fallen all the way in and I would have been gone.”
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. That’s when he ran into rising water and deep snow until searchers spotted him Tuesday morning, headed toward the mountaintop 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 in a telephone interview.
Mason got his ride down the 6,288-foot mountain Tuesday morning, into the waiting arms of his parents, sister and aunt.
During his struggle on the mountain, Mason’s planned emergency route led him into unexpected trouble.
“I had a light sprain coming up, so I decided to take an easier hike down,” he said. 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 soon discovered unseasonably warm weather had prompted dramatic changes.
“When I got down there, the rivers were much more rapid than they should have been,” he said, deciding to cross earlier than at his planned crossing point, and 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, having hiked the area before and knowing the landmarks.
Ironically, Mason said the original 17-mile loop was clear and dry.
Saturday and Sunday nights, Mason crawled beneath snow-covered pine trees and hunkered down on the snow in a bivvy sack, a waterproof sleeping bag shell.
He started fires with a hand sanitizer 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 run-off, Mason decided he had to go back up the mountain.
Monday, above tree line, 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.
Monday night, Mason found a large crevasse in a rock 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.
“I wasn’t in a rush,” he said. “I just didn’t want to trip or anything.”
That’s when he and a search team spotted each other.
Mason thanked rescuers who endured the same 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.”
In his scout troop, Mason teaches younger boys survival and wilderness skills. He said he will review making fires, even in the snow.
And he’ll tell them about hiking alone.
“I would never hike alone again in snow conditions,” he said.