Whistle Punk Hike

June 30th was the Cubmaster Hike #3 just outside of Carson, WA in the Wind River area.   This was a great 1.5 mile hike in a place that my family has ever been.  It was very flat and easy with no up or down.  I wanted to find the Wind River Crane section, but due to an unmarked section, we did not turn Right, but left and ended back at the car.  Looking at the Map provided at the head of the Trail it showed that we saw everything.

However, looking back at the website now, I realize that a right turn would have been alright. We did not take the right turn since it was not marked.

However, what we did discover is the great choice of trees and plants.  My wife and I pointed out the many different kinds.  We also saw a Nursery Tree.  One that we asked if the kids had ever seen before.  We had during our trip to the Redwoods.

Along the first part of the trail was a good history of how a trees were harvested in this area.  The whole Timber Camp was pointed out that was in this area 100 years ago.

Overall, the hike was wonderful.  It was a good hour of hiking in a forest with a bit out from under it in a couple of clearings.  It is a well maintained area.    There are several sections that had chairs carved out of trees.  Those were fun to sit in.  Benches were also made out of fallen logs.

My two bits of advice.  Bring a lot of water since there are no streams. Which, we did.  Also bring an insect repellant.  We didn’t and there were a lot of bugs.

Dogs need to be leashed, but we did not realize that until we left. The only sign that stated that was as we drove in and it was a tiny one.

This was set-up as a Cubmaster Hike for the Pack, however no one showed up.  Which is fine.  It’s not part of the Summertime Pack Event Schedule.  My goal for these hikes were to get my family OUTSIDE to a new place that we had never gone to.  That goal was achieved 100%!

The one great other bonus was that we went to Skamania Lodge for lunch.  I helped open it in Feb 1993 while I was still in the culinary world.  I was in charge of all the cold food for the entire hotel.  I had only been back a few times and never with my wife.  Which, she duly pointed out as we drove by it.  Suffice to say, the food was good as was the service.  It was however WAY OVER PRICED!  There was a group there demonstrating various birds.  That was totally amazing.  They showed Falcon, Snowy Barn Owl, Kestrel, Black Tail Hawk and the Bald Eagle.  The Hawk flew over the heads of the audience many many times.  Most over Elliot & Rachel.  Only inches.  They loved it.

So, get out.  You never know what you might meet and learn.

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Gone over the Edge 2012

Today (June 29th) was the day for the Cascade Pacific Council’s OVER THE EDGE Event.   At my count via an Excel spreadsheet, there were 50 Edgers that went over.  The total amount raised is about $120,000.  I had 42 people who donated in my name to help make this happen.  You would have not gotten me to the EDGE, and I am very thankful.

When I started this journey, I thought, hey this will be fun and cool.  I told my wife that I signed-up.  She was not happy about the tower was 536ft tall.  She was worried about me falling and getting hurt or dead.  She, however supported me.  I am thankful for that, even more.

I spent about 90 days asking people for donations and talking this up and telling myself it would be fun.  I kept telling myself, that there are professionals that will be there and all is very safe.  It’s the Boy Scouts.  Sweet 16.

As I got on site and checked in, started to see a lot of people who I knew from Wood Badge and so many other Scouting Events, it started to sink in.  It was going to happen.   I realized that I was GOING OVER THE EDGE.   Found Jerry, found my Patrol Mate from the 2009 course, he was my guide up to the roof and started getting suited up.  Checked my gear, put on the Helmet Cam and took photos. I even got my photo a couple of times with a member with Patrol Z.

A common phrase was “Falling with Style” was repeated several times along with many other jokes.  I made a lot of them.

The Roof-top Training was good. familiarized myself with how to rappel, land, ropes, gear and all things going down.  More photos and jokes.  We watched the Chief Scout Exec Matt Devore and his buddy go over.  Wonderful…it’s really happening.

I looked over the edge a few times, cracked a few more jokes and knew that I was next.

Then, it was my turn.  Now, I have to say that I got fellow Beaver, Troop Guide Shack Resident, Scoutmaster Jerry to be on Rope 1 as I was on Rope 2 at the same time.  I figured, it would be a lot of fun to do this with a friend.

As I got up to the rope, turned on the helmet cam and started following my wonderful Rope People, fear set in.  I knew that I was safe.  I knew that I had to just lean back and sit.  I did not look down.  The Rope Lady (didn’t catch her name) was there.  I looked a few times at Jerry and at the rope and at Rope Lady.  My life did not flash before my eyes.  I had it in my mind that I COULD NOT DO THIS.  FEAR. I COULD NOT WALK BACKWARDS.  I only needed 3 feet and I was on my way.

I thought of the 42 people who put me ON THE EDGE, NOT OVER.  I thought of Cubscouts in Pack 221, My Wife, That Lady from Wapiti District, the W1-402-11 SPL and her total fear of heights and how she did it already….

Then there was Jerry.  Jerry was over there first giving me words of encouragement.  I was that Tiger or Tenderfoot Scout. Totally unsure of myself. I had no desire to do what I signed up to do.  I could care less about getting to the bottom via Rope.  I called it off. Waved everyone off.  Rope Lady told me to focus and that it’s OK.  Jerry started nagging at me.  Pushing me to go and that I was holding him up.

And then…….

I sat back and everyone started to whoop and hollar….Rope Lady and Jerry yelling more words of encouragement that I just don’t remember. (I have video, and it will come out soon. Just have to edit out the boring parts.)

There are times in someone’s life that words of encouragement take many forms to get someone over the edge and face a fear.  42 people got me TO the edge.  Rope Lady and Jerry PUSHED ME OVER.  While I knew that I would let many people down including myself, these two PUSHED ME.  They believed in me and knew that I could do it.

They helped me face this fear and push me through it.  It was and is very real to me.  It is a fear that I had to deal with, I could not just step aside.  As I went down the side of the building, I realized several things that occurred…

Helpful, Compassion, Courage and Perseverance…..Yes, a Cubmaster Minute/Pack Meeting was taking place.  I don’t have the answer yet.  But, I was shown all of these and used these to get through my fear and conquer it.

The biggest one is: Perseverance: Sticking with something and not giving up, even if it is difficult. I did not intend for the OVER THE EDGE to teach me about Perseverance.  I was here to have a good time.  But I got a life lesson.

I now have a fresher and better understanding of what real fear is and overcoming it and how it feels to do all of it.  I also know how it felt to get that encouragement and that encouragement really is meant for me and given out of being Helpful & Compassion.

So, thank you Rope Lady.  Thank you Jerry.  Thank you for being there and helping be OVER THE EDGE.  I will use this experience not with just the Scouts, but with those I meet along the journey.  I literally could not have done it without you.  This was not just crossing off a to-do item on a bucket list, this was a life changing event that made me realize that I can do something when faced with utter fear.

I did promise my Mom that I would NEVER do this again.  She was incredibly worried.  So, while I won’t go over, I will volunteer to be on site for 2013.  My Mom asked me not to do it again.  She did give to Over The Edge.

Thank you.  Over the Edge was and is very fun. I am very glad I took part in it.  I will be back in 2013 to help.  Scouting, in any form is good.  The Youth within the Cascade Pacific Council will be better for it.  I am.

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Wilderness First Aid ala Cubmaster

This weekend I tool the Wilderness First Aid class through REI and Wilderness Medicine Institute in Portland, OR.  It was located at the Audubon Society of Portland.

I am still a Cubmaster and Cubscouts don’t go to Philmont or do high adventure.  So, why did I take it?  I took this class since we do not do high adventure.  Well, several reasons.  First, I like to be prepared.   Knowing how to respond is better than NOT knowing.  I took First Aid and CPR in December 2010.  (Need to re-certify).  Outside of these classes, the last real class I took was in 5th Grade, which was 1978.  My Dad was on the Red Lodge Ski Patrol for 10-12 years when I was growing up.  I also believe even earlier too.  I was always the victim during the on-hill trainings.  So, I picked up a few things here and there.

Being a Cubmaster, and being out the Scouts, I am charged with either safety.   Also, in our Pack we have now held two First Aid Pack Meetings.  Once each year.  This helps with next year’s planning.

So, I am not really trained in First Aid and how to respond.  With these trainings, I am now MORE prepared on how to respond and help.    I took away several key items that I know will help me if I am faced with an emergency.

I know how to approach an emergency scene and those injured and not become one.  I know how to do a patient assessment, what to look for, what to ask and how to do it.  The First Aid/CPR class that I took at the Red Cross taught me the basics of what to do for various injuries.  A lot of that came back during the weekend.

However, WFA while focusing on some of these aspects, worked to get me  to realize about Evacuation, Mobilization and Spinal care.   We learned how to move, when to move and why.  We worked in teams of two, 8 and sometimes solo.  We realized that Urban response is minutes to hours.  While Wilderness is hours to days for evacuation and response.

The Instructors showed us that a lot of what we bring into the backcountry with us, is very usable.  Sleeping Bags, Trekking Poles, Tarps and Thermarests.  We talked about the First Aid Kits for Backcountry compared to Urban.

The scenarios that we were put through were very enlightening.   Since this blog is about Scouting, this was classic EDGE Method.   Yes, I sat in class and saw what the Instructors did.  They used us victims to explain/show others what the issue was.  Then we went out and did it.  Afterwards we did a 360/debrief.  Yes, it was just like what Boy Scouts is like.  Cubscouts is a little different since there is a bit more hand holding.  (Lumping Tigers to Webelos II together).  During these scenarios, I realized that I did not remember all of what was taught.  I goofed up a lot, but I was able to stop, refocus and continue.  My partner was there to help as well since we switched off.  It was a learning experience all around.  Made me realize that practice practice practice is a great thing.  It felt really good to be the student learning something that I had no real clue about.

The laceration that is pictured on here has a bandage from OpSite.  There is another brand called Tegaderm.  It is a waterproof, but breathable see-through bandage that can last for seven days.  WMI has a similar package with the strips in there to help close a wound.  It’s a great thing to have since you do not need to undo dressing in some cases to look at it as you would with gauze.

I did go into this class thinking that I was not right for this class and that I needed others before this.  I was wrong.  There were people in there that had no experience and wanted to take a class to those who are Scoutmasters and those who are recertified for the Wilderness First Responder level.  It was a good group.

The real funny part is that I learned that a fellow Beaver was wait listed for this class.  He got on the same weekend at the Red Cross course across town for $100 less.  That is the only downside to this weekend.  From what Jerry wrote and what we talked about after the first day,  each course was staffed with excellent instructors and material covered was great.  Jerry needed the class since he and the Troop are going to Philmont.  Read his account.  I fully agree with what he says as well.  It’s a great 16 hours of instruction that will help you when called upon.

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Beyond Gilwell

The past few days, I have thought about what Wood Badge teaches you.
I am reminded of the tenets of Wood Badge, which I have my Challenge Coin to help.

Bring the Vision to Life.
Leading to make a difference.
Models for success.
Living the Values.
Tools of the Trade.

The goal of Wood Badge, these days as I see it, is to find something you are passionate about that you can apply the SMART method to and get is accomplished.  However, what is important to you?  Is it based upon your current Scouting Position, your home life or within your employment?  It is all of those.

Earning your Beads, is a goal.  It’s not the END GOAL!  I have written about this before.  This is my last year as Cubmaster for Pack 221.  I am now the Pioneer District Training Chair.  What do I want to do going forward.

In the past couple of days and weeks, I have come up against several challenges to what I believe is my personal goal for the Pack, District and myself.   I have been reminded what it is all about.  It’s about the Youth.  It is also about my family and those around me.

What’s the benefit to me?  Is that selfish?  I do not think so.  Scoutmaster Clarke Green recently blogged about it.  I get that sentiment, perfectly.  I know of several Scouter’s recently who have told their Units that they are stepping down.  It was for the right reasons.  I also know several Scouter’s who have stepped down from District positions, again for the right reasons.

To me, it’s Family, Work, Unit, District and then Council that gets my attention.

I have done what Council has asked because it’s what I do.  The same for the District.  The Unit is more important above all.  My family overrules all things.  There are not excuses, but reasons of why I do things.  I try to guide myself by this.

While, I cannot do everything that I want to, I do what I feel will show my family the direction I want them to take.  Scouting allows me that opportunity to make it happen.

So, what is beyond Gilwell?  Do I follow those principles?  We all know the Scout Oath and Law or the Cubscout Promise & Law of the Pack.  Do we live it personally or do we pay it lip service?

It is a constant struggle.  I will leave you with this, that I found on Scoutermom.com.  I found this Cubmaster Minute in my research for the upcoming Pack Meetings.

Make a Difference to One

A man was walking along a beach with a friend. There had been a storm the night before and thousands of starfish were stranded on the beach, unable to get back to the water.

The man began picking up starfish and throwing them back into the ocean.

His friend said, “What are you doing? There are thousands of starfish on the beach. You can’t possibly get them all back in the water. Why waste your time? You won’t make a difference.”

The man looked at his friend, picked up a starfish, and threw it back into the ocean. All he said was, “I made a difference to that one.”

In our lives, we encounter many other people and have many chances to impact their lives. Don’t wait for opportunities to make a huge impact on the world. Do what you can in your own community, and you might make an difference on someone who really needs it.

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Camp is sweet freedom

I got this from a Scouts Canada Facebook Page that I am apart of.  It does not matter that this camp is in Canada, nor the Scouts are Canadian.  It’s CAMP and Scouts!  Pure Awesomeness….

Camp is sweet freedom.

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First Aid @Redcross App Review

I found and downloaded the new First Aid App from the American Red Cross on Thursday.   I am a huge fan of the Red Cross.  I give blood and do Apherisis through them.    I also have my First Aid and CPR certification through their local Chapter in Portland.   This App is available on both the iPhone and Android, which is very smart.

Being in Scouts, I knew that I needed this application as one of my main ones.  It’s a great note and it’s chock full of great information.  This app will help teach you first aid, how to respond, how to find a class, donate blood, buy a kit and volunteer.

Within the app itself, there is a button at the button and even when you launch it asks if you are having an emergency.  With a list of emergencies, you can walk yourself through what you need to do.  That is great since if you’re not a professional, and you forget what to do, help is there.

Within other sections of the app, there are basic trainings that you can take.  Learning how to respond is very valuable.  Even if you get freaked out about blood, knowing how to respond is a vital key to saving lives.  Not knowing how will hamper the rescue.

One of the great things that I like about this app, is that there are tests.  Yes, they are easy.  They are meant to be passed since learning is the key focus here.   The regard system within this app that is very smart is that you can post via Facebook, Twitter or email your accomplishments.  Within the Apple version, it counts on your whole Game Profile.

While I have only had this app for a couple of days, I really like it.  The layout and how it operates is very easy to understand and use. It delivers on being a well made, planned and implemented way to educate the public.  It is now part of my Scouting section on my iPhone.

As for Scouting, I will use it to teach them basic skills in the future.  I also highly suspect that Boy Scouts can use this for the many merit badges as a good reference source.

Also, I am very glad that the American Red Cross made it for FREE. 

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THANK YOU

As of this posting, were are 43 people who donated to Over The Edge fundraiser to allow me to rappel down a large pink bank tower in Portland, OR.  Thank you to all of you.

These people are special in many ways.  I am not going to name them directly, but I will describe them.

Mom, Dad, Sister, Brownie & Webelos II, In-Law, Cousins, Den Leaders, Scouts, Former Girl Friend’s Mom, Scoutmasters,  Saints, Co-worker, Bobwhites from two different councils, Mermaid, Den Mom from Den 8, A real Class A guy, Lamphead, Wood Badgers,  People from the great herd from the west, A Gem of a Guy,  Tiger Mom, Assistant Scoutmasters, Scouter from Beantown,  a Doctor of the year, Grade School Friend, That Tool Guy, Troop Shack Buddies and a Compadre.

I wrote many times on this bog, email, Twitter and Facebook asking for support.  It is something that I know (especially on Facebook) that can get annoying.  So, I do appreciate everyone not defriending or blocking me.

We all have your causes, hobbies and things that we are passionate about.  Scouting is my passion and cause.  It gives me license to do good and help Elliot see what is good is all about and how to act.  Along the way, I get to help other boys do the same.

Thank you for helping me help them.  As the Cubscout Law of the Pack does state: “The Pack helps the Cub Scout grow.“

Once I know the time that I will as a few have stated “Scream like a girl” as I rappel down Big Pink, I will post it.  I would love to have any and all come watch this fun event!

Yours in Scouting

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Philanthropy and Volunteerism

Below is an email that my wife wrote out for me to send to the Parents within the Pack that I am the Cubmaster for.   Since I have the list of emails for the entire Pack, I steadfastly held out on pelting them with requests of donating to what I am doing.   I did not want to abuse that privilege.  I wanted it only to be Pack related information.   My wife and I spoke long and hard about that and what I am doing.    She is the PTA President of our School and spent a summer raising support via Social Media to get a $25,000 Grant to re-surface the playground.  So, I took her advice.  Below is what she wrote.  PS: I have $30 to go as of this writing.

———————————–

Hello Scouting Families of Pack 221!

I’m writing this note on behalf of my husband, Adam Cox – that’s Cubmaster Adam to you.    As you know, Adam has a real heart for scouting.  Over the last several years, he’s become increasingly involved with not only Pack 221, but with advanced training programs, like Wood Badge, and is serving on the District Council as Training Chair.  Adam LOVES scouting.  He LOVES bringing the values and fun of scouting to our boys.

I’m writing you to ask for your support for a guy who gives so much for our scouts.  I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Cubmaster Adam Cox is going off the edge.  Or at least he is hoping to.  Adam has committed to a pledge campaign titled “Over The Edge” in which pledges commit to raising $2,500 for the Cascade-Pacific Council of the BSA.  In return, they get the “honor and privilege” (??) of rappelling over the edge of the US BanCorp tower in downtown Portland on June 29th.

Now I’m not necessarily writing to ask you to give money.  What I see here is an opportunity to open a discussion about philanthropy and volunteerism.  To talk to your family about how the actions of one can impact the lives of many.  We had a discussion like this right here in our kitchen this morning.  We talked about why Adam and I make the decisions we do to volunteer our time and donate our money to causes like scouting, Stephenson Elementary, and more.  I used the example of how Adam goes to these Pack 221 planning meetings every month to make sure that all the scouts and their families in Pack 221 have an excellent adventure in scouting – they plan the themes of the meetings, the go-see-its, the special events and speakers, all in those few hours.  I asked them, “what could he be doing with that time if he wasn’t at the meeting?”.  He could be playing video games on his computer or eating dinner with the family, but instead he uses that time to make a difference for many, and not just himself or our family.  At the end of our talk, we asked the kids if they would be willing to give some of their money (allowances, tooth fairy bucks, birthday gifts) to the BSA fundraising campaign.  We explained that the funds donated would help kids who can’t afford scouting to take part in summer camps or help fund packs in areas that need help.  That the money also helps keep up scout camps so they are fun and safe for kids to enjoy.  Our kids each decided to give $2 each to Dad’s campaign.

I don’t know about you, but Adam and I both feel our kids have SO much, so many blessings, that they can’t easily understand that there are kids out there who don’t.  It’s difficult to find examples that bring philanthropy to their level.  This is a great opportunity to open a dialog.

I’m not asking you to give to Adam’s campaign, but if, in the end, your scouts decide that they want to, here’s a link.  If they want to drop by a donation, we will be around tomorrow as well.  If we aren’t here, they can put it in an envelope under the door mat.

    http://cpcbsa.kintera.org/overtheedge/adamcox

Adam needs to meet his goal of at least $2,500 in pledges by tomorrow, June 15th.  WHEN he meets his pledge goal, he will join others who will rappel over and down the US BanCorp tower downtown Portland on Friday, June 29th – and YOU can come watch him!~

Thanks for your time and see you there!

Debora Cox

The Cascade Pacific Council, BSA, serves more than 33,000 youth in 18 counties of Oregon and southwest Washington through the service and leadership of more than 11,000 volunteers. Scouting is completely funded by the generosity of our local community. Your support of Scouting provides programs, service, professional support, as well as year-round outdoor programs.

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My Girl Scout is a Brownie!

Monday was the graduation of Rachel’s Girl Scouts Troop from Daisy to Brownies.  I am very proud of her.  She really likes Girl Scouts and has a lot of fun.  All her friends are in it. Her Troop Leader is from the UK and was a Girl Guide growing up.  Her son is a brand new Tiger in the Pack as well.

There has been several times that Rachel chimes in that SHE IS A SCOUT TOO! When Elliot excludes her for Scout items.  I love that about her!  She will go far!

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$895 for @cpcbsa #OvertheEdge

I only need $895 to get me to the $2500 Goal so I can go over the edge for Cascade Pacific.  Deadline is this Friday @ 5pm PST!

 

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