SCOUTERS' TRAIL

North America bid for WJ'19

2009-11-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

Canada, the US and Mexico are currently promoting a joint venture to have the 24th World Scouting Jamboree held in North America in 2019 (check out this link for more info). If approved, this would be the first ever tri-lateral Jamboree.

The location would be in the US, being central to all three countries. It is interesting to note that the United States have not held a World Jamboree since 1969.

The decision will come in January 2011 at the World Scouting Conferance in Brazil.

A Facebook page has been set up to provide more info to the public and to drum up support for the bid.

YIS...L

2009-04-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

It has been announced that Sears Canada is doing their part in helping the environment by teaming up with Scouts Canada and Scoutrees.

During Sears' biggest sales event of the year, customers can contribute to Scoutrees in two ways. At the point of sale, customers can either round up their bill to the next dollar amount with donations going to Scouts Canada to buy trees or customers can redeem Sears Club points which will see one tree planted for each 500-points redeemed.

And local Scout groups across Canada, during Sears Days, on either Saturday, April 18 or Saturday, May 2., will be participating. Customers will have the opportunity to join youth and leaders as they participate in environmental activities, songs and games.

For more information, you can go HERE and learn more!

YIS...LE

New Scout Social Media Site

2009-04-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Scouts Canada has launched a new Social Media website.

Looks good! What I like about it is that it helps people understand the different media programs that are available to Scouters. Whether it is Twitter, Blogs or YouTube, this site will be of use.

Also, look here for three Scout blogs that are available for all to read as well as a new Canadian forum to talk Scouting.

Click HERE to check it out!

YIS...LE

Earth Hour

2009-03-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 28th, 2009 at 8:30 pm local time Earth Hour arrives.

But what is Earth Hour? How is it different from Earth Day?

While Earth Day is about general environmental awareness, Earth Hour’s purpose is to inspire people to take action on climate change. It shows that by turning off non-essential lighting we can reduce electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy saved during Earth Hour 2008 was estimated from 2%-10% depending on sources (the equivalent of taking about 50,000 cars off the road for an hour). However, the event is not so much about direct energy savings as education and change. It’s a way to make people think about climate change and how they can make a difference.

Earth Hour started March 31st, 2007 in Sydney, Australia, when over two million people and two thousand businesses turned their lights off for one hour.

It went international in 2008 in over 400 cities worldwide. The 35 flagship cities included Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. Every Canadian province and territory participated.

Earth Hour 2009

Earth Hour 2009 will be a half hour later to be more in line with astronomical twilight and daylight savings in North America. It’s hoped that more than one billion people around the world will turn their lights out. Participants will get the chance to see truly dark skies and better appreciate the impact of light pollution. Amateur astronomers will set up telescopes to show people the wonders of our night skies as they were meant to be seen. Find out more from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC at www.rasc.org) and local newspapers.

How Can You Join In?

Once you’ve made the decision to participate in Earth Hour, your choice of what to do will depend on where you are. Will you be at camp? Get outside and go for a night hike; gather around a campfire to sing songs and tell stories.Will you be at your meeting place, providing a place for the community to come together? Do some advancepromotion before the date.Write to your local newspaper and tell them what you’re doing. Invite community leaders, parents, your sponsors. Make tin can lanterns to light the area, or beeswax candles to give away. With appropriate permission, fire up the barbecue for hot chocolate, tea and coffee. Organize an astronomy/stargazing event with your youth to take advantage of the darker skies.

Visit the Earth Hour web site (http://www.earthhour.org/) to register and receive more information.

YIS..LE

This article by David Gamey previously appeared in Scouting Life Magazine.

"You Know You're a Cub Scout Leader When..."

2009-03-14T08:09:00.002-07:00

"You Know You're a Cub Scout Leader When..."

- You spend more time at the craft store than the sporting goods store.
- You can’t throw or give anything away because you might use it for a meeting one day.
- You pack your car with meeting supplies so full that there’s not enough room for your son.
- You meal-plan for your next campout as soon as you get home from a campout.
- You can’t wait for the next Leader’s magazine to be published.
- You enjoy wearing cotton/polyester blends.
- Your biggest wardrobe decision lately: group or gilwell kerchief.
- You always have one or two songs ready to go at all times.
- You just don’t understand why people aren’t as into Scouting as you are.
- Your morning ritual: read the newspaper and read Scouting blogs.
- Your garage and/or home office are filled with Scouting stuff.
- Not only do you know your knots, you can tie them backwards while teaching them.
- You know how many degrees a charcoal burns.
- You NEVER do Scouting things at work.
- You or someone you know owns a drill press and/or a band saw.
- You get more Scouting-related e-mail than personal e-mail or spam.
- Give you some felt, pipe cleaners, and a glue gun and you are MacGyver.- You collect scouting books.
- You need more space on your computer for clip art.
- You count cubs to go to bed at night.
- You sit and wait for your wife to say ‘thank you’ before you will give her a kitchen knife.
- You have a box of junk that the last leader gave you that you cannot throw away in case the feather, book, leather string, fishing line, 8 year old tape, and faded ribbons actually come in handy.
- At birthday parties, class volunteering, and other events where large amounts of kids are present, you have to restrain yourself from making the Scout Sign to try to get the kids to settle and listen.

Very funny stuff!

Check out..."The Trainer's Corner Blog" with Scouter Jeff for more great Scouting ideas and thoughts!

YIS...Lyndon

Scouter's Minute - Sand And Stone

2009-03-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey, they had an argument; and one friend slapped the other in the face.
The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand:
"Today my best friend slapped me in the face."

They kept walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but his friend saved him.
After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:
"Today, my best friend saved my life."

The friend who had slapped and then saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand, and now, you write on a stone. Why?"
The friend replied, "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand, where winds of forgiveness can erase it away.
"But when someone does good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."
Learn to write your hurts in the sand and to carve your benefits in stone.

-Author Unknown - from 'The Leader Magazine' May'07

YIS...Scouter Lyndon

Backpacking Links

2009-03-08T07:55:00.001-07:00

There are so many great websites when it comes to backpacking, camping and hiking. Far too many to get into discussion about here (I have bookmarked so many I have lost count!)

There are a few that I make regular visits to that I would like to share. I am sure that all of these sites will be of benefit to you. Check 'em out!

1. Gear Talk with Jason Klass - Great videos, Backpacking gear and DIS gear.
2. Mungo says Bah - I know, unusual title but great DIS site. Check out the Coke Can Stove!
3. Backpacking Lite
4. The Backpacker - Informative for beginner to novice
5. Lightweight Backpacking 101
6. The Backpacker Magazine
7. The Pulse Blog by Steve Howe
8. Explre Canada Magazine

If you know of some sites that a person can't live without, send me an email. In the meantime, enjoy the outdoors!

YIS..LE

New Watch for Outdoor Activities from Timex!

2009-03-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

For all those outdoor enthusiasts, along comes a new "smartwatch" from Timex.
Many watches are being made with the outdoors in mind (such as Tissot's 'T-Touch' or Suunto's 'Core' or 'Vector' or Swiss Army Victorinox 'ST-5000'), but as most are well aware, price has always been a concern (Tissot approx. $400-600, Suunto around $300+ and Victorinox at $500-600).
Now, with a release date in May 2009, Timex is introducing the new 'Expedition WS4" priced around $200. Not bad!

Available in 6 colours, the WS4 has all the features you would need...altimeter, barameter, digital compass, alarm settings, thermometer, chronograph, timer, etc...etc...

Designed the perform under extreme conditions, this watch from Timex has features to navigate any type of terrain that you may encounter.
Only one question remains...where is the MP3 player?

YIS...LE

New Canadian Blogs!

2009-03-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

Recently announced were two new blogs that can be accessed through Scouts Canada.

The 1st one is for Jessica Page, the chair of the National Youth Network and the Deputy Executive Commissioner-Youth.
The 2nd one is for Steve Kent, Scouts Canada's new Chief Commissioner.

Both are fairly new so please check them out to see what is happening regarding Scouting in Canada!

YIS...LE

Popcorn Winners 2008!

2009-03-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

Greetings to All!

The Canadian Scout Popcorn prize winners have been announced for 2008!

You can go here to check it out.

Also, as part of the Scouts Popcorn program, there was a photo contest put on by Trail's End Popcorn, the suppliers of Scout Popcorn. I just received word today that my son Josiah won for the Cascadia Council with his photo submission! (Good job, Son!)

If you would like to check out all the photos, including Josiah's, go to BestPopcornPix.

Wonderful news!

Congrats to all the winners across Canada!

YIS...LE

World Scout Environment Program

2008-12-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

In July 2008, the World Scout Environment Badge, was adopted by the 38th World Scout Conference in Korea. By participating in activities based on five aims, scouts from around the world can earn this badge. The five aims are: air and water, habitats and native species, harmful substances, environmental practices, environmental hazards and natural disasters. Based on their experiences they then take action with a project, which contributes to the local and global environment.

Scouts participated in a wide range of activities that included exploring their local environment, looking at the local air quality and water quality, analyzing environmental issues in their country then engaging in debates and discussions, learning about natural disasters that could happen to their community, creating natural art pieces, tree planting, clean up activities, looking at their own carbon footprint and much more.

And so, during the first few months of 2008, Scout groups from nine countries (Algeria, Bolivia, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, Palestinian Authority, South Africa and the United Kingdom), tested the content and curriculum of this new program and in the end 550 Scouts were awarded this special badge.

YIS...LE

112 Year Old Scout!

2008-11-25T21:34:00.000-08:00

Henry Allingham of East Sussex County in England is the oldest Boy Scout alive at 112 years of age after rejoining the scouts after 100 years.

Scout Association member Simon Carter said while Allingham's designation has not been confirmed, he feels there is little chance any Boy Scout alive is older.

"He is the oldest living Scout in Europe and probably the world," Carter said.

The organization asked Allingham to resume his Boy Scout role 100 years after he first was a scout as part of the 6th Brighton Scouts' 30th birthday celebration.

While 12-year-old scout Chris Denham may be a century younger than Allingham, he said it was an honour to meet the world's oldest scout and present him with a certificate honouring his Boy Scout involvement.

"It was great to meet Henry," Denham said. "It's cool that he's exactly 100 years older than I am and I'm really proud to have met him."

YIS...LE

Source: United Press International

Canadian Cubs Recognized

2008-11-18T22:23:00.000-08:00

Braden Gendron and Matthew Nutter were recognized for persevering despite their disabilities and inspiring others during the annual New Brunswick Chief Scout/Queen's Venturer Awards and Scouts Canada Awards ceremony held in Fredericton on the weekend.

Braden, 10, is a Cub with the 6th Hampton Cub Pack and received the Scouts Canada Award for Fortitude because of the obstacles he has overcome as a sufferer of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). PH is a rare disorder whereby the small vessels supplying blood to the lungs constrict and their walls thicken, making them unable to carry as much blood and oxygen.

The lack of oxygen causes sufferers to become tired, dizzy and short of breath.

But none of that stops the quiet Braden from participating whole-heartedly in Scouts, particularly his favourite activity, the annual cub car rallies for which he has had the fastest car before.

"I think I was given the award because I keep working against my illness," the third-year Cub explained. "Not many people get it, so I am excited."

Matthew, 11, is a Cub with the 1st Kingston Peninsula Cub Pack who received the prestigious Jack Cornwall Award - the highest Scouts Canada decoration awarded to youths for displaying a high level of character or courage.

Despite having both legs amputated below the knee, Matthew rarely misses a beat when it involves Scouting activities. Not only does he participate in all his pack's events, including camping adventures, he is also a spokesperson for the War Amps and their Play Safe program.

"When he found out he was getting the award he was really nervous, and because how he does things is so normal to him, he kept saying he didn't think he deserved the award, he doesn't think he's doing anything special" his Mom said.

Both youths received their awards from Lt.-Gov. Herménégilde Chiasson in the legislature on Saturday and enjoyed a reception with their families afterwards at Government House.

YIS...LE

Source: Telegraph Journal

Remembrance Day

2008-11-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

Driving rain and mournful skies created a solemn backdrop for Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Armstrong Cenotaph in the City Park. Many gathered to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended WWI, and to show our appreciation to Canada’s war veterans at home and abroad.

1st Armstrong Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, who are sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion, have been involved for many years with the Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Our group was able to participate by placing many wreaths at the Cenotaph in remembrance of those who have serve our country, and those who continue to serve and protect peace and freedom in the world.

It was best said by The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence for Canada

“We come together on Remembrance Day to honour Canada's proud military legacy, one courageously earned at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, at Juno Beach and Ortona, in the Kapyong Valley and in the Balkans. Our ongoing operations in Afghanistan and the Arabian Sea, in the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East, carry on this noble tradition.
Our Canadian Forces have again and again answered the call in times of crises to stand up for our shared values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. Whether at home or abroad, the Canadian Forces never stop working towards building a better world.
“On this Remembrance Day, I would like to reflect upon the sacrifices that have been made in defence of Canada and Canadians. This is a time when we remember those who have fought and those who have been killed and injured defending the rights and freedoms that we enjoy today. Let us honour their sacrifice and remember their legacy.”

Lest we forget....

YIS...Lyndon

New Scouts Canada Emergency Prepareness Badge!

2008-10-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

Scouts Canada has just confirmed details regarding a new badge that Cubs and Scouts can earn, a badge that helps prepare anyone for emergencies that might arise.

The new Emergency Preparedness Program is now online including the badge requirements for both Cubs and Scouts.

As the Scouts Canada website states…”a good Scout would not be caught unprepared in an emergency. How many of you have a kit at home that provides food and drinking water for 72 hours? Have you considered what you would do with your pets in the event of an emergency? What skills that we learn in Scouting may be useful to your neighbours and immediate community during times of emergency? These are all reasons Scouts Canada believes having an Emergency Preparedness badge is important.”

Working with Emergency Management Ontario, Scouts Canada developed this new program. Just in time for the new Scouting year, this looks like a great badge for the youth to work towards.

For kids in Cubs, go here.
For kids in Scouts, go here.

For Emergency Preparedness links, go here or visit Scouts Canada today!

YIS…LE

S'More's Fun!

2008-10-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular things that Cubs and Scouts think about during camping trips is a marshmallow on a stick, burnt to a crisp over a campfire. Sandwich the warm marshmallow between graham crackers and chocolate bars, and you have the famous S’more!

As the temperatures take a dip into fall, this campfire favorite makes a sweet, warm treat. And it’s one of the easiest things to make. A box of graham crackers, a package of large marshmallows and some chocolate bars and you’re good to go.

Don’t have a campfire? They even make table-top s’mores cookers for indoor and outdoor use. Some people even use a microwave to warm their marshmallows.

Here are a few more links:

All About S'Mores

Solar S'Mores

S'Mores Song and Video

Hershey's S'Mores Bar

S'Mores Games

Did you know?

- “S’more” originated from the combination of the words “some more.” - The first printed record of a s’mores recipe appeared in a Girl Scout handbook in 1927.

- Americans buy 90 million pounds of marshmallows each year, and during the summer months, 50 percent of them are toasted over a campfire.

- The Hershey Company makes more than 373 million Hershey’s milk chocolate bars a year. That’s enough to make 746 million s’mores.

- S’mores even have a day — Aug. 10 is National S’mores Day.

Source: The Hershey Company

Neckers!

2008-09-25T11:46:00.001-07:00

Of all the parts of the original uniform, the one item that has stood more the test of time and is the most recognizable around the world is the Necker.

When B.-P. introduced the Necker to the Scout uniform, it was it fact, a green square Necker folded into a triangle. It later became cut as a triangle during the Second World War, due to clothing rationing (since all neckers were sent from England, the Necker was cut in half to reduce material).
Neckers or Scarves of this nature have been used for many years prior to the Scouting movement. Most known were perhaps the American Cowboys. Aside from using them as a sling or patching tears in clothes, they were used as a dust-mask, keeping the sun off ones neck or filtering coffee grounds.

The following are some websites that have to do with Neckers that will be of interest. Check them out!

Pine Tree Web - Great website with extensive history of the Necker
Scout Docs - How to make a Necker
Scout Neckers - Collection and History ( also 101 uses fo a Necker)

YIS...LE

Scouts...Donald Duck Style!

2008-09-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Anything is Possible with Popcorn!

2008-09-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

In an annual rite of fall, Scouting boys and girls all over Canada will start to go door-to-door selling Trail's End popcorn to fund their Scouting activities.

From selling popcorn, 60 percent of the sales goes to support local groups.

Beginning in September, look for Scouts coming around your neighborhood to take orders. Many Packs and Troops rely on this annual sale to support their activities throughout the year. As well, all Scouts, Cubs and Beavers are given incentives to sell popcorn by offering special items that they can choose from based on their individual sales including camping equipment, watches, gift certificates, ipods and school scholarships (the list goes on...).

For more information check out the Scouts Canada website.

YIS...LE

Scouts Honoured

2008-09-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

Three months after a tornado went through the Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch in Iowa, a special ceremony was held on September 12th to honour the scouts and the ones who survived.

123 scouts were presented with special awards and medals, including special "Spirit of the Eagle" awards which went to the four scouts who died that night.

Follow this link for news video of this special presentation.

YIS...LE

No-Trace and Low-Impact Camping

2008-09-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

Many people and groups practice the Leave-No-Trace principles that have been

in use for many years. But there are also some backpackers and campers that have no knowledge of the wonderful ideas that makes this program make so much sense.

The following websites offer great ideas and information on how to put into practice the No-Trace program.

1. Leave No Trace Canada

2. Scouts Canada

3. Parks Canada

4. BC Parks

5. Centre for Outdoor Ethics

6. Teaching No-Trace

7. US Bureau of Land Management

8. Boy Scouts of America

9. Backpacking.net

10. Chris Conway

By following these ideas, this will ensure that future generations will be able to continue to use the great outdoors for many years to come.

****

On a lighter note, I came across this device in my local Valhalla Pure Outdoor Store and thought that I would mention it because it helps support the Leave No Trace ethic of minimizing your backpacking impact.

The iPood is a great device and kinda funny at the same time! Neat thing is that this "iPood Shovel" does not appear to need any upgrades!

YIS...LE

Scouter's Minute - The Carpenter

2008-09-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire.

He told his employer of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he would build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work, and the builder came to inspect the house, his employer handed the front-door key to the carpenter.

“This is your house,” he said, “my gift to you for many years of faithful service!”
What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.

So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up with less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized that we would have done it differently.

Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely.

It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. Your life today is the result of your choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your choices you make today.

Buffalo Eagle
Taken from: "The Lonestar Scouter"

Another Scout Hero!

2008-09-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

I love to read the wonderful stories that involve Scouts being heros! Follow this link to read about the wonderful actions of 12-year-old US Boy Scout Fletcher Haggard in Northern California.

YIS...LE

New Requirements for Canadian Scouters!

2008-09-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

First off, I am happy to be back posting on this blog! I know it has been a while. My life has been very hectic for some time, and now I think I will be able to continue providing content to this blog. I will most likely cut back on the amount of blogs published but I am determined to continue with new content as it pertains to our world of Scouting and especially Canada.

So to begin a new chapter, I want to bring up an issue facing all Scouting leaders here is Canada. If any leaders from Canada are reading this blog, I am sure you will know by now that the big news in Canadian Scouting is the requirements for training have changed. It has now become manditory for all new leaders to obtain their Woodbadge I within the first year of Scouting.

There is a possible exemption available for leaders that have been registered for more than two years, but this does not help the men and women that were planning to join in the fall.

The way I see it, this new legislation is both positive and negative for new leaders. Good to see Scouts Canada wanting to provide the youth in Scouting with the best qualified leaders. I have been through Woodbadge I and II and know first hand the value of this and other training that is available. It truely is an awesome way to further your personal developement and become a better leader to all the youth you are involved with. I can understand this completely.

But this decision can also be a negative for the many volunteers who have recently began with Scouts or the men and women that are thinking of joining this fall. Due to varied reasons, many can not take the courses required for training. Alot of personal time is required and I am afraid only a dedicated few will be able to do what Scouts Canada is asking.

It will be interesting to see if there is a substantial drop in leader enrollment this fall.
Without the leaders, many groups will have to limit the youth participating, and this will be unfortunate.

Woodbadge Training Completed!

2008-05-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Well I have officially completed my Woodbadge training Part II! My hat is off to Stephanie, Nav, Colleen and Kevin! Way to go Blue Six!
As I had mentioned before (see Blog March 10 for more information about Woodbadge), I have been in the process of completing my Wood badge training for some time now, and on April 20th, I was officially awarded my Gilwell certificate, beads and necker!
What a wonderful weekend it was indeed!

I was part of a great Six group that pulled together and created a wonderful camp and made it most memorable. It was our responsibility to plan, organize and run a complete cub scout camp (including earning my Tawny Star!)
It was a little cold the first night, but with all that was going on, it was of little concern. From start to finish, the program was well run with great trainers.

We all came away from that weekend further equipped and energized to be able to be better leaders with our respective packs.

I am proud to be a member of Gilwell Troop 1!

YIS...LE

BP's Final Address to Scouts

2008-05-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

I came across this last speech the other day that BP gave to the Scouts of his time. This transcript is taken from a recording that was made at the time.

It still amazes me how people of his time talked and wrote things.

Dear Scouts,
If you have ever seen the play "Peter Pan" you will remember how the pirate chief was always making his dying speech because he was afraid that possibly when the time came for him to die he might not have time to get it off his chest. It is much the same with me, and so, although I am not at this moment dying I shall be doing so one of these days, and I want to send you a parting word of goodbye.
Remember, it is the last you will ever hear from me, so think it over.
I have had a most happy life and I want each of you to have as happy a life, too.
I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness doesn't come from being rich, nor merely from being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy, so that you can be useful and so can enjoy life when you are a man.
Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be contented with what you have got and make the best of it. Look on the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one.
But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. "Be prepared" in this way, to live happy and to die happy-stick to your Scout Promise always-even after you have ceased to be a boy-and God help you to do it.

Your friend, Baden-Powell of Gilwell.

Source: For more speeches, both written and audio visit The Scouting Pages

Before Tintin, there was Totor...

2008-04-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

Blistering barnacles!
Here is an interesting story you may not have heard of !

The creator of Tintin, a man by the name of Herge (his real name was Georges Remi), created and published his first comic strip in 1926 that tells the story of a Boy Scout called Totor on his adventures with the Maybug Patrol. This character was based on his own Scouting experiences would go on to later become the inspiration for the famous Tintin, which to date, has sold more than 200 million copies and has been translated into more than 50 languages.

It is interesting to note that recently, an extensive mural which Herge painted as a 15-year-old Scout – six years before he was to create Tintin, has been discovered almost a century later. In an unused corridor of his old school in Brussels, someone decided to redecorate, and by chance came across his mural that showed knights in armour, Indians and Scouts.

Interesting story!

YIS...LE

Scout Trees

2008-04-06T15:33:00.001-07:00

It was Scout Tree Day!

On Saturday April 5, many local Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from Armstrong, Vernon, and Salmon Arm, came together to plant trees at our local Fintry Provincial Park, located along the beautiful Okanagan Lake.
The turn out was great, with the Fintry Park offering free family camping for anyone involved in planting. We were able to plant around 10 seedlings and 5 rose bushes at each campsite, to not only beautify the park, but to provide future shade for campers as well.
Topping off the planting, we all joined together for a great lunch.

ScouTrees is first and foremost an environmental program, to help reforest Canada, but has always helped raise funds for Scouting as well. Through sponsors and donors ScouTrees income helps fund local Scouting activities.
Some sections/groups may find that they have sufficient income from Popcorn sales and prefer to take part in ScouTrees as an environmental project, without fundraising. In this case, children and adults come out and plant trees to perhaps replace trees lost in a fire, or to beautify certain areas such as parks.

Since 1973, Canadian Scouting members have planted more than 60 million tree seedlings as part of the ScouTrees for Canada program. To understand how many trees that is, if they'd planted all of these 60 million trees along the Trans-Canada Highway's 7,699 km length, you would find a tree every 15 cm coast to coast and almost back again.

Thanks to all that made this possible, especially P.R.T for supplying the seedlings.

YIS…LE

Scouter's Minute - The Starfish Thrower

2008-04-06T06:45:00.000-07:00

I was walking on a beach one evening. In the distance I saw a man approaching who was constantly bending over, picking something up and tossing it into the sea. As he got closer I saw that he was picking up Starfish that had washed up on the shore and was throwing them back.

In this particular area it was a daily occurance that the tide would wash up thousands of Starfish on the sand that would soon die if they didn't get back in the water. I asked him why he was doing this? It was surely an effort in futility and what difference would it make?

His answer made me stop and think. He said, as he tossed another Starfish into the water, "It made a difference to him!"

So when you think that a task might be overwhelming and you won't make a difference just think of the man who made a difference to that Starfish!!

YIS...LE

Source: Tom Fletcher and Scoutorama.com

Scouter's Minute - The $20 Dollar Bill

2008-03-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill.
In the room of 200, he asked, who would like this $20 bill?
Hands started going up.
He said, I am going to give this to one of you, but first, let me do this.
He proceeded to crumple the bill up. He then asked, who still wants it?
Still the hands were up in the air.
Well, he replied, what if I do this? He dropped it on the ground, and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.

Now, who still wants it?
Still hands went into the air.
My friends, you all have learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it, because, it did not decrease in value. It was still worth 20 dollars.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.

We feel that we are worthless, but, no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you.

The worth of our lives come not in what we do, or who we know, but, by who we are.
You are special, don't ever forget it!

YIS...LE

Become a Scout Leader

2008-03-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

50 Good Reasons For Becoming a Scout Leader.

As a Scout Leader you will......

1. Stay young by serving the young

2. Share fun times with your son or daughter

3. Meet other great leaders

4. Make and eat s'mores

5. Expand your own skills and talents

6. Create memories

7. Promote positive values in youth

8. March in parades

9. Get to know your son or daughter's friends

10. Encourage boys and girls to "Do Their Best"

11. Get lots of help

12. Make a difference in others

13. Dabble in a wide variety of subjects

14. Sleep in museums

15. Develop positive self esteem in boys and girls

16. Extend the brotherhood of Scouting to all

17. Grow by trying new things

18. Make new friends

19. Go horseback riding

20. Help boys and girls become well-rounded individuals

21. Model leadership and initiative

22. Get to know your son's and daughter's friends' parents

23. Make a contribution to your community

24. Improve your resume

25. Go beyond your own limitations

26. Build wonderful memories

27. Learn about other cultures

28. Offer boys and girls a haven away from the stress' and demands of every day life

29. Try new things and go new places at a discount

30. Network with other adults with similar interests

31. Guide boys and girls into adulthood in a positive manner

32. Learn new skills

33. Live life to the fullest

34. Become known in your school as an active parent

35. Experience the joy of a child's admiration

36. Let your son or daughter see you in a new light

37. Brush up on your organizational skills

38. Teach boys and girls life skills such as goal setting and budgeting

39. Never miss out on scout popcorn

40. Enjoy the adventure of seeing a boy or girl try something new

41. Get to know your son's or daughter's better

42. Teach boys and girls good values that will stay with them the rest of their lives

43. Contribute to the well being of the boys and girls in your neighborhood

44. Sing around a campfire

45. Give back to scouting what was given to you as a girl/boy scout

46. Offer opportunities to the boys and girls that they might not otherwise have

47. Help boys and girls become self sufficient

48. Explore and encourage diversity in your community

49. Make an impact on other's lives

50. HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I encourage every leader to take the time to print this list and keep it handy. Post it on the fridge, pin to your display board, tape it to your computer. Just keep it available to you as a reminder of why we are doing what we are doing.

Source: The Guide Zone I took the liberty to modify the original list to suit Scouting as opposed to Girl Guides. The valuse are the same.

YIS...LE

Scouter's Minute - The Golden Rule

2008-03-23T13:27:00.001-07:00

Every religion has some variation of the "Golden Rule" or principle.

I thought today that I would include some examples of what they are, from Christianity and Muslim to Sikhism and Buddhism.

********************************************

Blessed are those who prefer others before themselves. -- Baha'i Faith
Hurt not others in ways that you would you yourself would find hurtful. -- Buddhism
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. --Christianity
This is the sum of all duty: treat others as you yourself would be treated. -- Hinduism
No one of you is a believer until you desire for another that which you desire for yourself. -- Islam
In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, regard all creatures as you would regard your own self. -- Jainism
What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. -- Judaism
Be not estranged from another for God dwells in every heart. -- Sikhism
Human nature is good only when it does not do unto another whatever is not good for its own self. -- Zoroastrianism

********************************************

Happy Easter to all!

YIS...LE

Dedication in Leadership

2008-03-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

"There are three reasons why the Scout movement has been so successful over these last 100 years: First, Scouts teach youth valuable life lessons which include the benefit of active living; secondly, fulfillment of achieving goals; and third, how to be a good citizen by volunteering and through community service.''

Great words that ring true from a man that has spent more than 50 years involved with the scout movement.
Francis Martens-Poole, a Scouts Canada Commemorative Centennial Medal recipient, was honoured Saturday at a special medal presentation by Lt.-Gov. Gordon Barnhart at Government House in Saskatchewan.

During his more than 50 years in the Scouting movement, Martens-Poole moved up the ranks from Cub to leader sharing the life-long skills he learned along the way.
"Since then I have done all sorts of things from District Commissioner to Assistant District Commissioner, to Cub leader and Rover adviser, troubleshooter and working on the training team.''

His dad was also a scout leader.

"I really enjoy seeing the boys or girls that I work with progressing and turning out the way they do, because some of them have accomplished an awful lot. This is what I get out of it.''

An amazing accomplishment for a dedicated leader. This is what scouting is all about.

YIS...LE

Top Popcorn Sales!

2008-03-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

There is a Cub Scout in Bakersfield, Calif., that has sold an amazing $39,000 in scouts popcorn and other goddies, setting a Cub Scout national record in the US.

His name is Lucas Pauliukonis, and he is only 9 years old!

Organizers say that Lucas is truly setting an example to other scouts and troop leaders to not only set goals, but to do their best to exceed their expectations.

As an added bonus, Lucas and his family get to go on a trip to Washington or New England.

Way to go Lucas!

(Source: Kero 23 News Bakersfield)

Scouter's Minute - The Wolves Within

2008-03-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

"The Wolves Within"

An old Grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a
schoolmate who had done him an injustice, said, "Let me tell you a
story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so
much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does
not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy
would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued,
"It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and
does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take
offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is
right to do so, and in the right way."

"But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will
set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no
reason.
He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is hard to live
with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my
spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eye and asked, "Which one
wins, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather solemnly said, "The one I feed."

Source "The Netwoods Virtual Campsite."

Have a wonderful Sunday!

YIS...LE

Gilwell Bound..by way of Camp McLean!

2008-03-10T23:30:00.000-07:00

Half-way there!

It is hard to believe that I am soon going to be completing my Wood Badge II training!

This past weekend, Part 1 of 2 3-day weekend training sessions was completed at Camp McLean in Langley, BC by about 65 people involved in Beaver, Cub, Scout, Venture and Rover groups. Not wanting to go into detail (you will have to take the course :-) to learn more ), it was an incredible weekend of learning combined with loads of fun.

Course trainers were excellant, the food was great, the information was outstanding, and all of us future "Gilwellians" are exausted...but amazingly content.

What more can one ask for?

Do you know what Wood Badge Training is?

In a nut shell, Wood Badge is a Scouting Leadership program for adult leaders in the programs of Scout associations around the world. Wood Badge courses aim to make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond and commitment to the Scout movement. Courses generally have a combined classroom and practical outdoors-based phase.

The first Wood Badge training was organized by Francis "Skipper" Gidney and lectured at by Robert Baden-Powell and others at Gilwell Park (United Kingdom) in September 1919. Wood Badge training has since spread across the world with international variations.

On completion of the course, participants are awarded the Wood Badge beads to recognize significant achievement in leadership and direct service to young people. The pair of small wooden beads, one on each end of a leather thong (string), is worn around the neck as part of the Scout uniform. The beads are presented together with a taupe neckerchief bearing a tartan patch of the Maclaren clan, honoring William De Bois Maclaren, who donated the funding to purchase Gilwell Park in 1919. The neckerchief with the braided leather woggle (neckerchief slide) denotes the membership of the 1st Gilwell Scout Group or Gilwell Troop 1. Recipients of the Wood Badge are known as Wood Badgers or Gilwellians.

To learn more about Wood Badge, the significance of the Beads, the necker and the woggle, check out the following links!

Wikipedia
Wood Badge .org
Pinetree Web
Wood Badge Store
Boy Scouts of America
Scouts Canada
Manhin's

I will share more upon my completion of Wood Badge training in April!
YIS...LE

Did You Know?

2008-03-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

Interesting "Factoids" regarding Scouting in Canada.

- The Movement was incorporated as "The Boy Scout Association" throughout the Commonwealth in 1912.
- Scouting groups are believed to have started up in Canada in 1907.
- The Canadian General Council of the Boy Scout Association was incorporated by an act of the Canadian Parliament on June 12, 1914.
- Governor General serves as Chief Scout of Canada.
- Co-ed scouting became policy in Canada in 1998.
- Scouts Canada programs are available for various cultural and religious groups, including Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist.
- In 2007 The Boy Scouts of Canada legally changed its name to Scouts Canada.
- 75,000 in Scouts Canada's programs across the country.

YIS...LE

World Religion Badge

2008-03-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

On March 4th, we had the opportunity to have a visit from the Muslim community, in the way of two special guests from Vancouver, BC.

Our pack has been currently working on their World Religion Badge and requests for a religious group to come visit with us went forth. One of the requirements is to meet with a knowledgeable adult who belongs to a religion ohter than their own and discover how that person puts their faith into practise.

It was an interesting night as the children learned about how God is worshiped by people of a culture that we don't often see in our area.

According to the World Scouting Organization, "...Scouting creates an atmosphere that is conducive to the search for inner peace and truth. In so doing, Scouting seeks to contribute to the development of young people who are strong in their convictions yet who are open and tolerant, firm in their faith while respectful of the faiths of others..."

"All members of the Scout Movement are required to adhere to a Scout (Cub) Promise and a Law reflecting, in language appropriate to the culture and civilization of each National Scout Organization and approved by the World Organization, which includes the principles of Duty to God."

YIS...LE

The Jungle Book

2008-03-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

The founder of our movement, Lord Baden-Powell, needed a concept around which to build the scouting program for Cub Scouts. He decided to base the program of Cub Scout training on the story of Mowgli, the little boy, from the Rudyard Kipling story "The Jungle Book", written in 1894.
(If you would like to download your own copy of the Jungle Book for free, go to the Guttenberg Project for more information.)

The use of this book is wonderful because it uses animals to give/teach moral lessons to children. The verses of the Law of the Jungle, as an example, lay down rules for the safety of individuals and families. What a great way to relate life lessons to children.

The following is a short exerpt from "The Jungle Book".

THE WOLF CUB WAY
A Trip to the Jungles

I want you to come with me on a long journey to a distant land, so hold tight, shut your eyes, and let me do the rest. …
That’s right. We have arrived already and can take stock of the surroundings. We are in India, in the heart of the Seeonee Jungles, not so many miles away from the ancient city of Jubbulpore. Night has fallen, and no sound is to be heard save the rushing of a mighty river, the Waingunga.

Presently the moon rises, and floods with its light the clearing in which we are standing. It shows us a bare hill-top, littered with stones and boulders, fringed on all sides by thick jungle, all alive with lurking shadows. Suddenly, from somewhere among the trees there comes the howl of a wolf; than another, and another, and another, till the whole jungle is full of the nerve-shattering noise. If you are wise in the ways of the Jungle Folk you will be able to understand what they are singing. Listen! It is the Night Song of the Jungle:

"Now Chil the Kite brings home the night

That Mang the Bat sets free –

The herds are shut in byre and hut

For loosed till dawn are we.

This is the hour of pride and power,

Talon and tusk and claw,

Oh, hear the call ‘Good Hunting allnbsp;

That keep the Jungle Law!’ "

The song comes nearer and nearer; a number of shadowy forms steal out of the trees and take their places quietly round the great flat rock that crowns the hill-top. They are wolves of the Seeonee Pack, young and old, male and female, assembling for the Pack Council which meets once a month, at full moon.

There is very little talking; a number of young cubs tumble into the circle, overawed by the importance of the occasion, but drinking it all in with great enjoyment non the less. They have been brought in order that the other wolves might inspect them. Then they are admitted into the Pack and are free to run where they please, and, until they have killed their first buck, no excuse is accepted if a grown wolf kills one of them.

While we have been whispering among ourselves the great flat rock has become occupied. Aklea, the old grey wolf who leads the Pack by his strength and cunning, lies there stretched at full length; but so quietly has he come that we had not noticed his arrival. The rest of the Pack throw their noses up towards the moon and howl out a greeting, first squatting on their haunches and then leaping a full bound into the air. When they have ended, Akela lifts his head and cries, “Ye know the Law — ye know the Law. Look well, O Wolves!” and the rest of the Pack take up the call, “Look well — Look well, O Wolves!” One by one the cubs are pushed forward, and each wolf has a careful look at him.

There is an interruption. Instead of a young cub, one of the mothers pushes into the circle a little naked Indian child — Mowgli the Frog. Akela’s cry goes on just the same, but from the other side of the clearing comes the snarl of an angry tiger, “The cub is mine. Give him to me. What have the free people to do with a man’s cub?” At this there is an uproar among the Pack: some take one side, some the other. The matter is not settled till two other animals speak for the man’s cub, as the Law requires. These are Baloo, the wise old brown bear who teaches the wolf cubs the Law of the Jungle, and Bagheera, the Black Panther, the best hunter in all of the Jungle. He is allowed to buy the life of Mowgli at the price of a newly killed bull.

Shere Khan the Tiger goes away disappointed of his dinner, roaring with anger, so that all the Jungle knows he has been defied by the wolves. Thus Mowgli became a full member of the Seeonee Pack.

Scouters Minute - Prayer Time

2008-03-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

This weeks Scouters Minute comes to you in the way of a prayer. It is from an American blog called The Scout Master Minute. I thought it to be an inspiration, especially if you are a leader.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help to keep my honor bright and teach me that integrity of character is my most priceless possession. Grant that I may do my best today, and strive to do even better tommorrow.

Teach me that duty is a friend and not an enemy, and help me face even the most disagreeable task cheerfully. Give me the faith to understand my purpose and life, open my mind to the truth and fill my heart with love.

I am thankful for all the blessings you have bestowed upon my country. Help me to do my duty to my country and to know that a good nation must be made from good men. Help me to remember my obligation to obey the Scout Law, and give me understanding, so that it is more than mere words.

May I never tire of the joy of helping other people or look the other way when someone is in need. You have given me the gift of a body, make me wise enough to keep it healthy, that I might serve better. You are the source of all wisdom, help me to have an alert mind, teach me to think, and help me to learn discipline.

In all that I do and in every challenge I face, help me to know the difference between right and wrong, and lead me in obedience on a straight path to a worthy goal.

Amen

By Michael F. Bowman

Have a wonderful day.
YIS...LE

Podcasting

2008-02-29T06:16:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Podcasting?

A podcast is a collection of digital media files distributed over the internet, often using syndication feeds, for playback on portable media players and personal computers.
The great thing about podcasts is that they can be listened to at the user's convenience, whether commuting to work, out for a walk, or relaxing at a coffee shop.
Podcasts come in two formats: Audio or video. If your mp3 player supports video, things can be really cool, especially podcasts such as news sources, where you can get a daily video of the news and watch at your leisure.

You can find most podcasts on iTunes.com or other directories such as Podcasting Station, Videocasting Station, PodCast411, Podcasting News, or Podcast Directory. There are many more...just Google "Podcasting".

In the scouting world there are not a whole lot of podcasts to choose from. The list below is not complete but will give you a sampling of what is out there.

Enjoy a whole new word of media!

YIS...LE

Akela’s Adventure
http://akelasadventure.com/

An Hour A Week?
http://www.cubmasterchris.com/

The Leaders Campfire
http://www.leaderscampfire.com/

The Pack Podcast
http://www.thepackpodcast.com/

A Cub Scouting Adventure
http://acsadventure.blogspot.com/

Cubcast
http://www.scouting.org/cubscouts/podcast/

Boy Scout Podcast
http://wgrasse.libsyn.com/

PTC Media Collection
http://ptcmedia.net/

Melrose Scouting Productions
http://www.ptcmedia.net/category/melrose-scouting-productions/

1st Armstrong Kub Kar Rally Spins Up Fun!

2008-02-26T21:42:00.000-08:00

What a great time had by all!

Tonight was our annual Kub Kar and Scout Truck races. The event is held every year to encourage Mom's and Dad's to do more things with their sons and daughters. It’s an opportunity for them to spend some time together.

The Cubs received a car kit from their leaders (the Scouts receive trucks), which includes a block of pine wood that is cut and carved to make a small car for racing. Wheels are added and in many cases a vibrant paint job and the boys and girls are off to the races (check out my post on Jan. 26 to learn more about kubkar racing).

The winning cars and trucks go on to the finals in a couple weeks where they will race against other groups in our area.

Alex, who had the fastest car, actually won all the heats he was in! Way to go Alex!

New Logo Chosen for BSA

2008-02-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

Boy Scouts of America are turning 100 years old in 2010. And to celebrate the event, the BSA have recently wrapped up a contest to design a new logo to be used on all things Scouting, including promotional materials, patches, cups, clothing...etc. similar to what we did here in Canada for our 100th Anniverary in 2007.

The final design was chosen from over 4000 entries. Each Scout submitted an essay with their design outlining how their unique creation reflected the spirit of Scouting, and the 100th Anniversary theme of “Celebrating the Adventure, Continuing the Journey.”

Philip Goolkasian, a 17 year old Eagle Scout from Fresno, Calif. was picked the winner.

Philip is active not only in Scouts, but in his school and community too. His leadership is evident beyond the 34 merit badges and bronze and gold palms he has earned. Philip’s awards and activities have included: Pioneer Hiker award, Junior Leader Training Course, National Youth Leadership Training Staff, National Junior Leadership Instructor Camp, National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience, and Order of the Arrow. Additionally, he has held a variety of leadership positions in Troop 223 including Senior Patrol Leader, Champlain’s Aide, Troop Guide, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster — just to name a few!

The logo itself features "BSA" in bold letters with an eagle in full flight. The date 2010 appears in smaller type, with a fleur-de-lis superimposed over the first zero.

Goolkasian said he was honored to play a role in the anniversary celebration. He credits Scouting with teaching him to work with others and honing his leadership skills.

YIS...LE

Scouters Minute - Life's Choices

2008-02-24T14:23:00.000-08:00

Life isn't about keeping score.
It's not about how many friends you have or how accepted you are.
It's not about if you have plans this weekend or not.
It isn't about who your family is or how much money they have or what kind of car you drive or where you go to school.
It's not about how handsome or ugly you are, the clothes you wear, the shoes you wear, or what kind of music you listen to.
It's not about if your hair is blonde, red, black, or brown or if your skin is too light or too dark.
It's not about how smart you are, how smart everybody else thinks you are.
It's not about what clubs you're in or how good you are at "your" sport.

Life just isn't about those things.

Life is about choices.

It's about who you make happy. It's about kindness and generosity. It's about holding and sharing trust. It's about friendship. It's about faith, integrity, and character.
Most of all, it's about using your life to touch other people's hearts in such a way that could have never occurred alone.
Only you can choose the way those hearts are affected, and those choices make up what your life is all about.

Dan Boschert

Britian's Oldest Surviving Scout

2008-02-24T07:27:00.000-08:00

In Britian this week a man celebrated his 105th birthday and became Britian's oldest surviving Boy Scout.

Harry Hunt joined the Scouts as a cub in 1910. He was seven years old. From there he went on to be a scout leader as well.
His secret to his long life? Roast beef.
He said: "The secret is the best meal in the world - roast beef and Yorkshire pudding." He added, "I also believe in taking every day as it comes."

Harry spent most of his life as an engineer and had met King George VI in his early years.

My scout hat is off to Harry Hunt!

YIS...LE

Baden-Powell Week

2008-02-18T06:13:00.000-08:00

This week the world is celebrating B-P week, a week in which we celebrate the life of our Scouting founder, Robert Baden-Powell.

The anniversary is celebrated by nearly 28 million Scouts across the world as 'Founder's Day' and will be marked by parties, events and activities. Our group is having a pot-luck banquet Tuesday night which should be a lot of fun.

(It is interesting to note that Baden-Powell shared his birthday with his wife, Olave, who later became World Chief Guide. The UK celebrates the same day as 'Thinking Day.' )
The events are an opportunity to give thanks for all that B-P has done in his life and to celebrate diversity in culture, colour and creed. Through these activies we can promote the message of everyday adventure, life skills, and spirituality.

Make sure you check out the following video on B-P's life.

Happy B-P week to all!
YIS...LE

Scouters Minute - The Mustard Seed

2008-02-10T06:30:00.000-08:00

Since this is Sunday, I thought that I would take a minute and share a wonderful Scouters Minute that I found from the University of Notre Dame website recently.

A noted brain surgeon, Dr. Bronson Ray, was taking a stroll when he saw a boy on a scooter smash headfirst into a tree. Realizing that the boy was seriously injured, the doctor told a bystander to call an ambulance. As he proceeded to administer first aid, a boy not much older than the injured one nudged through the crowd that had gathered and said to Dr. Ray, “I’d better take over now, sir. I’m a Boy Scout and I know first aid.”

That Boy Scout reminds us of the mustard seed in the parable told by Jesus—small but ever so mighty in potential. Did you know that the mustard seed is a plant of tremendous growth? Though it appears the smallest of all seeds, its destiny is greatness. This seed will grow up to 15 feet tall! In the parable the sower knew exactly where to toss the seed so its life could fully develop. In the divine scheme of things, the mustard seed would flourish for a particular purpose – to serve. It’s very common for birds to seek its treelike bush for shelter and companionship.

Do you ever doubt your potential to lead an extraordinary life? Ever feel a bit insignificant? Remember who sowed you; he knew exactly which gifts you needed – and did not need – to build his kingdom. Today guard against comparing yourself to others. You cannot control if someone is more intelligent, better looking, wealthier, more athletic, etc. You can, however, control doing your best. Keep the faith. The mustard seed is destined for greatness. Someone needs you to keep on growing!

“It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”. (Mark 4:30-33)

YIS...LE

Baden-Powell Video

2008-02-09T21:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a great video that I came across the other day.

It is the story of the life of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, for an American Cub Scout ceremony (Arrow of Light). This video has some great historical footage, including the funeral of Baden-Powell.

Enjoy the video!

YIS...LE

Another Centenary

2008-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Baden-Powell Fellows from the UK Chapter met at Baden-Powell House in London to celebrate the centenary of the publication of "Scouting for Boys" on 15 January 1908.

The present Lord Baden-Powell signed copies of his grandfather's book.

The book remains a best seller and has been translated into 87 languages.

It is hard to believe that BP's original book is celebrating 100 years! What an amazing movement one book and one man has created for our world!

YIS...LE

The Ultimate Pocket Knife!

2008-02-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

OK. So you lost your knife camping last weekend. You need a new one?
How about the Wenger Giant Knife 2007?

It should have all the functions that you require. Who couldn't use a cigar cutter and a laser pointer at the same time?

Last year, Wenger produced this special "pocket knife", not to win a Guinness World Record, but to see if they were capable of achieving this technical feat. After one was built, another was produced, then another, etc... Soon people were getting wind of this knife. So more were produced, each one put together by hand one at a time.

It contains no fewer than 87 tools offering 141 functions. And of course the price? It retails here in Canada for $1500.

There are many Swiss Army companies that make knives, but from my experience there are only two that are worth talking about: Victorinox and Wenger.

I am personally a big fan of Victorinox knives, having owned 4. I always carry one in my pocket, and one on my belt. My last purchase was several years ago in the way of a SwissTool. My Multi-Tool has become very useful on a daily basis and I rarely leave home without it.
I would strongly suggest a Multi-Tool of some sort if you were looking for a perfect all-around tool. It covers all bases.

Leatherman makes some dandy multi-tools as well, but I have not had any experience with them. Though I have heard good things about their Wave multi-tool, they have now released a new model called Skeletool CX (voted "Gear of the Year" award by National Geographic Adventure Mag. for 2008).

I have checked with Scouts Canada regarding knives to see what is allowed with the kids. Knives are restricted with the Beaver level for safety reasons. In Cub Scouts, boys and girls are allowed to carry folding blade type knives including multi-tools, but only during age-appropriate activities such as camping. Only Scouts, Ventures and Rovers are allowed to carry sheath knives, but again, only during age-appropriate activies.

I also would strongly suggest that the kids take time with their leaders and learn the proper use of knives before using one. There are also several areas in their handbooks that can be marked off towards merit badges in regards to proper knife use, including the Tawny Star and Camping Badge.

Knives can be very useful in Scouting. But make sure whatever you choose that it is approriate for your childs age.

YIS...LE

James Calderwood-Super Scout!

2008-02-01T14:44:00.000-08:00

James Calderwood has accomplished something that not many Scouts have done...in January he earned all 122 merit badges that are available in the Boy Scouts of America program!

"I never really planned on earning all the merit badges," Calderwood said, "I sort of started following my different passions and hobbies; and found merit badges a great way to learn about new things."

Earning merit badges is no easy task. A scout must prove he is proficient at the task and is then quizzed by a professional in the field before he gets to sew that badge on his sash. It took Calderwood six years to earn all of the badges, earning the last one (bugling) two days before his 18th birthday, the Boy Scout cutoff.

And speaking of sashes, Calderwood had to create his own sash by sewing three together to hold all of the badges.

It took him six years to earn all of the badges.

What a wonderful accomplishment!

YIS....LE

Souris A La Creme

2008-01-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

I came across a recipe 25 years ago by Canadian author and conservationist Farley Mowat, that I would like to share with you. But first, a little about the author.

As a biologist, Farley Mowat spent many years of service with the Canadian government in the Arctic. He has written numerous books about wildlife and has become kind of an authority on many subjects Canadian.

The book topics vary greatly. Topics such as the military (The Regiment), teenagers lost in the artic (Lost In The Barrens), childhood stories (Owls In The Family and The Dog Who Wouldn't Be), to the destruction of animal life in the North Atlantic (Sea of Slaughter). He also wrote two books about Dian Fossey, an American ethologist who studies gorillas. To date, some 38 books have been penned by him, all on an old typewriter.

One of the books he wrote that intrigued me as a student in school was one he wrote in 1963 called Never Cry Wolf, which was later made into a movie.
At the time, the government was concerned that the size of caribou herds was shrinking, and they suspected that wolves were eating the caribou, so the best way to protect the caribou would be to kill wolves.
Flying into the heart of the wilderness on a small plane, Farley set up an observation camp near a local wolf population. After months of observation, Mowat concluded that, contrary to the ranchers' claims, the wolves mainly ate field mice and only ate old or sick caribou — by killing off the weakest of the caribou, wolves actually strengthened the caribou herd.
The trappers in the area were, according to Mowat, using the wolves as scapegoats for the decline of the animals, for which they themselves were responsible; one Inuit trapper, who helped Mowat in his observations, estimated that he personally killed three hundred caribou per year to feed his dogs and himself.
Never Cry Wolf, the book he wrote which was widely read around the world, was one of the major reasons the Soviet Union banned the killing of wolves.

Now to the reason of this post. In the book, Mowat came up with a recipe that I wanted to share with you, especially if you cook at all. The subject is mice, and so without further adu, here it is:

Souris A' La Creme

One dozen fat mice
One cup white flour
One piece of sowbelly (fat salt pork or bacon)
Salt and pepper
Cloves
Ethyl alcohol

Skin, gut and wash some fat mice without removing their heads. Cover them in a pot with ethyl alcohol and marinate 2 hours. Cut a piece of salt pork or sowbelly into small dice and cook it slowly to extract the fat. Drain the mice, dredge them thoroughly in a mixture of flour, pepper, and salt, and fry slowly in the rendered fat for about 5 minutes. Add a cup of alcohol and 6 to 8 cloves, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Prepare a cream sauce, transfer the sautéed mice to it, and warm them in it for about 10 minutes before serving.

Cool!

Not one to experiment myself, I believe that I will save this adventure for a time when I may be lost in the arctic with no chance of rescue for two years.

Farley Mowat is considered a "natural" storyteller; he is also a brilliant stylist. No matter what the context, his narratives and anecdotes are fast-paced and compelling; his tone is graceful, personal, and conversational.

Pick up a copy of Never Cry Wolf or any other titles today. You will be pleasantly suprised.

YIS...LE

Kub Kars!

2008-01-26T18:46:00.000-08:00

The time of year has come to create those wonderful Kub Kars (or Pinewood cars as they are called in the US). Many packs have already run their Derbys, but some (including mine) are still to come.

Here is what Kub Kars are all about.

Each Kar is cut out of a solid block of wood by the Cub Scouts with their Mom or Dad helping out. Then they are sanded smooth, painted and fitted with plastic wheels. Once completed, they are raced against each other for trophies and plaques.
The Kub Kars have to follow certain specs such as length and width to make them consistant among the boys and girls.

Here are the general rules in Canada:

1. The Kub Kar is to be made from an official Scouts Canada Regulation Kub Kar Kit, using the original components as supplied.
2. Overall width including wheels is not to exceed 7 centimeters. The minimum distance between wheels is 4.5 centimeters.
3. Overall length is not to exceed 17.8 centimeters.
4. Weight is not to exceed 142 grams or 5 ounces.
5. Clearance between the chassis and the track should be .95 centimeters or 3/8ths of an inch.
6. Wheel bearings, washers and bushings are prohibited.
7. The Kar shall not ride on any type of springs or have any propulsion devices.
8. Details may be added as long as they do not exceed the weight or size restrictions above.
9. Details must be secured to the Kar, as not to fall off, any items that fall off during a race will remain off.

Although Kub Kars are meant for fun, there is a competitive undertone to it in which some families (Dad's) go overboard. Some entries look like race cars, and some cars look like futuristic space shuttles, some are sanded flat to give "compact car" a new meaning. There are so many ways to design Kub Kars it is almost mind-boggling.

For more information and tips go to the following websites:

Mohawk Wolf Cub KubKar Design - Canada

The Ultimate Pinewood Derby Site

Pope's Pinewood Pages Portal

Shape N Race

Photos of Unusal Derby Cars

Huge List of Links

Enjoy the Kub Kar season...and take lots of photos!

YIS...LE

Boy Scout Handbook 1934

2008-01-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

I came across a Washington newspaper article that listed some things taken from a 1934 Boy Scout manual. It was quite interesting to read what was listed in the manual.

Here are a few...

"Use your own legs: Don't hop trucks, street-cars or other vehicles on city streets. You may be able to jump and hold on safely, but when it comes to dropping off, you are likely to find yourself in the path of an approaching automobile which can not stop quickly enough to avoid you."

"Swimming safety: Never call "Help" unless you really need it. Don't splash about wildly, pretending that you are drowning. Come out when you first begin to shiver. It is nature's signal that enough is enough."

"Business laws: A contract made with a lunatic is void. Contracts made on Sundays cannot be enforced. Signatures made with lead pencil are good in law."

"Fire safety: Don't light matches in closets where light dresses are hung. Don't light them near lace curtains. Fire extinguishers should have contents stirred at least once a year."

"Earn your own money: Make birdhouses, beat rugs, carry out ashes, deliver telegrams, collect scrap iron."

"Grow your own money: Save a penny a day, in 10 years you'll have $36.50. Save $25 per week, have $1,300 in a year. With interest, these figures would be very much more."

Great advice...changed a little today!

Check out the Troop97 website in Colorado to learn more about Scout handbooks from the past.

YIS...LE

Highest Awards in Scouting

2008-01-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what the award is for the highest level that can be achieved in any countries Scouting program?

Each country has their own award. Some countries have an award for both Cubs, Scouts, Ventures and Rovers (like Singapore). Some don't (including Canada).

Follow this link to find out more. It is pretty cool to see what other countries are up to. Also, if you click on their country link, you can learn more about their Scouting program as well.

YIS...LE

2008-01-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

OK. Once again a blog entry that has nothing to do with Scouting. But, it has to do with one of my other favorite things to do...drinking coffee at Starbucks.

A question asked recently goes like this: What would you do if you were given a voucher redeemable for any Starbucks drink?

A fellow in Manhatten came up with the following.
13 shot venti soy hazelnut vanilla cinnamon white mocha with extra white mocha and caramel.
Total Cost: $13.76 (with tax).

What about the amount of caffeine in this drink? An espresso shot is 75mg, so 13×75mg = 975mg. That's probably enough to cause some serious reactions for most people! (The average Venti contains 450mg).

If you want to know more about the amount of caffeine in drinks, check out Caffeine Database.

Enjoy your coffee! YIS...LE

An Olympian Visit!

2008-01-19T22:05:00.000-08:00

Sonja Gaudet, an Olympic Gold Medalist from Vernon, BC was an honoured speaker at our recent Cub Pack meeting.
Looking towards earning their badge for Disability Awareness, the Cubs listened intently as Sonja spoke about her life before the Olympics, the road to the Olympics and what it means to work hard and be rewarded by reaching your goals.

Having become a paraplegic from a horseback riding accident, Sonja persurvered to become an Paralympic Gold Medalist for Canada in the Wheelchair Curling event at the 2006 Paralympic Games in Torino.

It was truly an honour to have her speak to the kids and especially to be able to have her share what she has gone through.

The questions came fast and furious as the children seemed to pick up on all she said.

The visit ended with a slide show and video showing us the Olympic games in Torino and a sneak peek at the games coming to Vancouver/Whistler 2010.

Thank you Sonja!

YIS...LE

Scouts confront Bullies

2008-01-19T07:20:00.000-08:00

For the first time in the 97-year history of the Boy Scouts of America, newcomers must show that they have learned Scout-approved ways to avoid being pushed around and called names, if they want to advance through the ranks.

The 2008 handbook has taken on all bullies.

Jim Terry, assistant chief executive of the Boy Scouts says, "We've always emphasized bullying -- how to recognize it, how to prevent it. This is just a reinforcement of those principles."

The 472-page Boy Scouts Handbook devotes a half-page to bullies, and Scouts are required to discuss the material with a troop leader to reach the beginner rank of Tenderfoot.

Terry said the measures help reinforce personal safety lessons the Boy Scouts have taught all along. Bullying long has been the subject of informal troop leader talks, and the Boy Scouts have published a comic book about the subject. The handbook also covers cyberbullying. Aspiring Scouts must demonstrate they know how to show restraint when taunted online.

(story taken from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

U.K. Scouts' New Badges

2008-01-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

The Boy Scouts across Britain have entered the 21st Century by adding new merit badges. While fitness and outdoor skills are still on the agenda, look to today’s Scouts to add merit badges for public relations and healthy eating to the list. The UK Scouting Association is calling this the largest ever revamp of its activity program, adding 40 new badges (Pictured is Chief Scout Peter Duncan).

The UK Scout Association often updates and adds new skills to keep the movement relevant.

An example is the new Public Relations badge. Among the requirements is for the child to contact a local media outlet and pitch a positive news story about scouting or writing a report about the movement and getting it published in, for example, a local paper.

Other new badges include a "healthy eating" badge (in response to the increasing rates of childhood obesity), space exploration, paragliding, and "street sports" — including skateboarding, stunt bike riding, and roller or inline skating.

It is great to see our Scouting movement is keeping in touch with what is going on in the world and responding positively. Keeping the badges relevant will ensure that boys and girls will continue to find Scouting exiting and fun. For more information click here.

In keeping up with the 21st century, maybe here in Canada we should add merit badges for Facebooking and MySpacing? (just kidding!)

Way to go Britian!

YIS...LE

Hug-a-Tree!

2008-01-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the Hug-A-Tree program?

This program teaches children ages 5-12 basic survival skills if they get lost in the woods.

This proactive, preventative program originated in San Diego, CA., and has now, in Canada, become a search and rescue initiative. Training is available through Adventure Smart, the RCMP, and Scouts Canada.

Written for a child to understand, the following will give you an idea what Hug-A-Tree teaches children:

1. TELL YOUR PARENTS WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU EXPECT TO RETURN. This will help searchers find you if you become lost.

2. STAY ON WELL MARKED TRAILS AND ALWAYS HIKE WITH A BUDDY. This will help prevent you getting lost in the first place. If you do get lost you and your buddy can help each other.

3. WEAR BRIGHTLY COLOURED, WARM CLOTHING AND BRING A HAT. A bright colour like orange or red will help you to be seen if you get lost. Weather can change quickly so always carry some warm clothes with you.

4. ALWAYS CARRY A GARBAGE BAG AND WHISTLE on a picnic, hike or camping trip. An orange garbage bag is best. Make a hole in the bag for your face (so you can breathe!). Put the bag on over your head to keep you dry and warm. Carry a whistle. It requires less energy than yelling and can be heard further than your voice.

5. CARRY A NON-PERISHABLE SNACK and something to drink. You can't always rely on clean water if you get lost.Keep your snack, drink, garbage bag and whistle in a baggie pinned to the inside of your jacket.
If You Get Lost HUG A TREE as soon as you think you are lost. A tree can be your friend while people are looking for you. It will shelter you and help you feel better. Hugging your tree will keep you in one place so you can be found.

6. HELP PEOPLE FIND YOU. If you get lost, your parents will get a search team to find you. Don't hide if you see someone looking for you. It is probably a person from a search team or someone else who can help you.

7. STAY CALM! You will be safest if you stay calm and stay in one place. If you hear a noise that frightens you, yell out your name. Animals are usually more afraid of you than you are of them.

8. MAKE YOURSELF BIG. If you are lost, try to pick a tree near a clearing so you can be easily seen. Lie down in the clearing by your tree when you hear a helicopter fly over.

If you work with kids, in Scouting or not, look into this great program.
For more information make sure you visit the Canada Hug a Tree and Survive website.

Til next time...YIS

Scout Saves President

2008-01-10T05:36:00.000-08:00

Here is a wonderful story showing how quick acting Scouts can be.

Boy Scout foils Maldives assassination bid
SIMON GARDNER
Reuters
January 8, 2008 at 6:21 AM EST

COLOMBO — A 15-year-old Boy Scout intervened to stop a man from stabbing Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom with a kitchen knife on Tuesday, a move the leader's spokesman said saved him from assassination.
Mr. Gayoom, who was unharmed in the incident, paid tribute to teenager Mohamed Jaisham, who was wearing the characteristic green Scout uniform at the time and foiled the attack by wrestling with the man and grabbing the blade.
“I have been saved thanks to Mohamed Jaisham and Allah,” Mr. Gayoom said in a national radio address after the incident.
In a twist of fate, Mr. Gayoom holds the honorary title of Chief Scout of the Maldives.
“He was saved by a boy who moved in the way and tried to grab the knife and suffered a serious injury to his hand,” he added. “The President was not hurt, but the knife did catch his shirt. It was definitely an assassination attempt on his life.”

Some would perhaps argue that this was not the smartest move to take but given the circumstances I believe most likely we would all be in that boys shoes.

YIS...LE

Survivorman

2008-01-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe New Years Eve/Day!

As you may have noticed, I have had a link to Survivorman on this blog.
Les Stroud is best known as the star of the highly-acclaimed hit TV series Survivorman (seen on OLN Canada, The Science Channel US, Discovery Channel International).
To give you a better idea who Les Stroud is, the following is taken from his website...

"Les Stroud continues to forge new pathways as a prolific, creative force. In the year 2000 Stroud took a few small cameras out into the wilderness of Northern Ontario, Canada and spent a week surviving alone without food, water, equipment or camera crew. He single-handedly created, produced, wrote, filmed, hosted, edited and wrote the theme music for these first two original, one-hour pilots for what would eventually become the series Survivorman."

"He remains the only producer in the history of television to produce an internationally broadcast series entirely written, videotaped and hosted alone. Survivorman has gone on to become the highest rated show in the history of both OLN Canada and the Science Channel US and is quickly becoming one of the most popular shows on the Discovery Channel US along with becoming hugely popular worldwide.

Survivorman Productions Inc. was listed as one of the 'Global Top 100' on the coveted list for Realscreen magazine. The show was also the number one pick of Wired Magazine's 'Top Ten' list for February 2007, and Stroud made the 2007 'Top 100 People We Love To Watch' list for Entertainment Weekly magazine."

I started to take note of Les only last year and have become hooked on what he does and accomplishes with his endeavors, whether it is Survivorman or his other programs.

With more than 20 years experience as a naturalist and outdoor adventurer and instructor in survival, white water paddling, sea kayaking, hiking, dog sledding and winter travel, all of us in the Scouting world could all learn a thing or two from Les and his experiences. Make sure you check out his Website and Blog.

Also, if you live in Canada you can catch Les on The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos, January 8, 2008 at 11pm (Pacific) on CBC Television.

Yours in Scouting...LE

Dog Sledding!

2008-01-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

What an amazing weekend!

My daughter Micaela, who is 12, had the opportunity to experience dogsledding this past weekend, locally here at Sovereign Lake on Silver Star Mountain in Vernon.

And what an experience it was!

Working with the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and the Nordic Ski Assist Dog Assoc., two Retreiver dogs named Balu and Jasper, were hooked up to a modifed sled, and led around the "Half Sovereign" trail. The sled was led by Randy, the dogs owner.

As the official website states..."This is probably the most unique, and exciting, adaptive x-country program of it's kind. (They) use specially trained assist dogs that answer to voice commands issued by our disabled adults who have minimal arm and leg use...It is a ride like no other with the wind in your face and the feeling of independence and exhilaration from commanding (the) dogs along the beautiful trails of Sovereign Lake, BC."

I am so proud of her...not only of who she is and what she has had to endure, but of her desire to experience something different-to step away from her comfort zone.

What an experience for such an amazing young lady!

Happy New Year to all!!!!

Yours in scouting...LE

Early Baden-Powell Video

2007-12-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

I came across an early video showing Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the World Scouting Movement, addressing parents about what Scouts are all about. I am not sure the date that this was filmed, but it appears to be perhaps in the thirties. A very important piece of history.
Enjoy!
LE

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T09:12:00.001-08:00

From our family, Merry Christmas to all!

Religion in Life Badge

2007-12-17T21:20:00.000-08:00

Wow! What an incredible weekend! After some hard work, my son Josiah has earned his Religion in Life badge/award!

On hand for the presentation was our Group Commisioner Scouter Joel, our Beaver Leader Scouter Lisa, several Cub Scouts from our pack, Pastor Don, myself and my family.

Not many youth work on the requirements that are needed to be completed for this award. In fact, this badge is one of the more difficult to aquire. Josiah has been involved with church programs since he was very young. So, using his knowledge of his christian faith, he was able to work on his requirements and fulfill them in a timely manner.

I am very proud of him!

The purpose of this program is to provide Cubs and Scouts with the opportunity to explore their faith, to make it a basic part of their personal life, and to share it with others.

In Scouts Canada, the Religion in Life requirements differ in each faith and denomination and are prepared nationally by the church or religious bodies to suit their particular needs.

This award is open to all girls and boys involved with Scouting for an important part of the program is to assist in the spiritual growth of each girl and boy in their own religious community.

The Religion in Life program is in four progressive stages, colour-coded and adapted to the age groups concerned (Cub Scouts start at Stage 1 and earn the Yellow Border badge).

For more information check out the following Religion in Life link.

Way to go Josiah!!

yours in Scouting...LE

Badge Wheel

2007-12-13T22:21:00.000-08:00

I found this great "Badge Wheel" showing all the badges and awards that can be earned by Canadian Cub Scouts. Once earned, they are sewn onto a sash (in an approved placement order) and worn across the front of their shirt. It is interesting in-so-far as showing other countries what is available for Cub Scouts in Canada. I haven't closely followed other countries to see what their badge programs or requirements are like compared to ours. Also, I have not heard of any Cub Scout earning all of these badges (I don't believe that it is possible to do so). The Cub Scout program runs three years, ages 8 to 10. Then they move onto Scouts. Plenty of time to earn plenty of badges.

To have a closer look at how all the badges and awards relate to each other, click on the wheel picture.

yours in Scouting... LE

Snow Globe Boy!

2007-12-12T22:39:00.000-08:00

Snow Globe Boy?
OK, this has nothing to do with Scouting and perhaps a little ridicules, but it is intriguing just the same...
LE

Merit Badges

2007-12-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

We are done now for the holiday season regarding pack meetings. We've had a successful start to the scouting year with many merit badges earned by the cubs.
One first year cub received his first badge recently and it was so fulfilling to see him in front of his pack buddies being awarded with a Collector badge! He was so happy, beaming a grin from cheek to cheek! I know that it has been written somewhere that boys and girls that have a parent involved directly with the pack as a leader are more likely to be successful in earning badges. It is unfortunate but likely the truth.
My son is probably a solid example of this.
Josiah now has 8 merit badges plus one on the way and shortly will be adding his Religion In Life badge to his sash (more about the R.I.L. badge another day). That's ten earned badges in less than ten pack meetings!
Call him an over-acheiver, but I do wonder how many he would have if I sat at home and was not involved directly in his pack?
Perhaps I shouldn't be so involved- let him take more of a lead. I'm not sure. But he really enjoys being a cubscout. When we sit down to work on his badge requirements, he is so gung-ho. He seems to really want to work hard at what needs to be done so I don't want to take a step back yet.
As far as the other cubs, I am not so sure what to do to motivate them at home. I guess I need to accept the fact that I am powerless in regards to helping them in their homelife badge work. That is still ultimately the parents responsiblilty.
But what we are doing during our pack meetings is where I believe that us leaders can have some influence. Here's why.
Our Akela, with input from other leaders, has put together a program whereby all of the cubscouts, if they attend regular meetings, will automatically receive two Stars each year in rotation, based on work that is accomplished during their regular meetings. Along with this, the cubs will be working towards certain merit badges as well (if meetings are missed they will need to catch up on some requirements on their own before they can receive any stars/badges).
So, even if no work is done at the home level, they should still be able to aquire some badges to a certain degree.
I think this is probably the best that we can hope for.

yours in Scouting... LE

Walking Staffs Part 2

2007-12-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting drawing made by someone in 1992. Sorry, but I am not sure where I got this from so I can not link to it...I think it was sent to me by email.

Enjoy! LE

Walking Staffs

2007-12-05T08:50:00.001-08:00

Why have a Hiking Staff?

It will help you...
-Cross creeks, streams and rivers
-Measure the depth of water before crossing
-Traversing hillsides
-Carry heavy loads
-Rest En Route
-Cross downed trees over trails
-Break or prevent a fall
-Reduce stress on back, knees, legs, and feet (up to 25%)
-Provide extra power & balance going uphill
-Reduce shock on knees going downhill
-Take pressure off back & hips (mainly uphill)
There are other uses as well, like...
-Center or side pole for a tarp
-Proping up your pack
-Lean on when resting
-Pushing aside spider webs & brush
-Self defense ?

They can be fancy or homemade.

I would strongly suggest homemade. My son and I had a blast making ours. All we did was find some relatively straight sticks from a recent hike and googled online for ideas. After sanding, varnishing and customizing, we made what we feel are perfect for our treks.
Check out the Pope's Cub Scout Corner to see where we got our ideas...

Whatever you decide to do, have fun doing it!

...yours in Scouting! LE

Party Time!

2007-12-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

We had a super time last night at our annual Christmas wrap up party at Camp Arrowhead!
A wonderful turnout resulted in a great social time...including lots of food, gifts from Santa for the children, a weiner roast, hot chocolate and hot apple cider.
Having a low-key event provides the opportunity for the children to interact and build friendships between the sections (beavers and cubs with scouts). The beavers look up to the cubs, and the cubs look up to the scouts.
The scouts had done a super job of decorating with lights, creating a feeling of Christmas in the air. And having snow on the ground added to that feeling.
There were alot of wet clothing by nights end and lots of new memories as well!

...yours in Scouting! LE

One Hundred Years of Scouting-One World, One Promise, One Good Turn

2007-12-03T06:22:00.000-08:00

Great video! What a great video showcasing what the scouting movement is all about!
Hope you enjoy it!

...yours in Scouting, LE

Start from the Beginning!

2007-12-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

The time has come for my first blog so I think I better introduce myself.
I am an assistant Cub leader (Chil) with the 1st Armstrong Pack.
My son began Cubs this fall for the first time and so I decided to return to scouting after a 20+ year absence.
Yes, 20+ years ago, I was an Assistant Cub leader (Baloo) with 1st Enderby. Wow! Hard to believe it was that long ago. I am thrilled to be with Scouts Canada again!
I now realize how much I missed being involved.
I have plans of pursuing any training that is available, including the completion of Woodbadge II (more about that another time).
Cubs started in September and since then there has been many things that have happened within our group including two overnight camps, a community service project, several hikes, a Rememberance Day service, and regular pack meetings. Also Scout Popcorn sales, sandbag fundraising...the list goes on...
My son Josiah is havin so much fun! Cubs and scouting in general is so perfect for the youth of today. My son is learning soooo much through scouting and I believe he will be a better man for it...
...and I will most definitely be a better father for it!!

til next time, yours in Scouting! LE