Carbon Footprint and Scouting

I got this from Clarke Green’s website.  In this article he talks about Disposable Propane Cylinders.
Again, as always, Clarke hits the nail on the head.  Also, while I knew about the Solo Stove, I really liked his article about it.  Clarke also blogs/talks about many other Scout related subjects.

If you do not know anything about Clarke Green’s website or Podcast (also on iTunes) and your in Scouting (no matter what part of the Global) it’s a good read and listen.

Scouting’s Leave No Trace program does help teach youth and adults about how to reduce your carbon footprint.  We just need to keep it going so others can enjoy nature.

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Cubmaster Hike & JOTA

October 20th (today) was another Cubmaster Hike.  It was slated for Powell Butte in Portland, Oregon.  These hikes are geared to get people out of the house, on the trail and in a place they have never been.   All of that was accomplished.  We had one Wolf, two Bears and two Webelos II.  Along with a total of six parents.

I had promised the Scouts that we would hike on a Volcano and see many others.  Of which, I did.  The only bad part was it rained and was very cloudy.  As we got to the park, the entrance was closed due to construction, so that delayed people.  But we enjoyed about a 5-7 minute downpour as we did.  If it’s not raining on a Scout outing, then it’s not an Outing.

This hike was geared to satisfy the Hike Beltloop, parts of Leave No Trace and rank requirements.  All of which we did.  we talked about being ready as one Scout didn’t bring a jacket.  I lent him one that I had in my backpack.  I talked about what to bring on a hike and the basic’s of Leave No Trace as it pertains to the Cubscout Front Country LNT.

While we did not promptly got lost, we took a wrong turn that took us into the construction site.  After a 10 min backtracking, we got on the right trail and made our way up the volcano.  We talked about erosion a lot because of the construction, but also the small river of water on the trail.  Also about why they are planting so many trees around the area.  I talked about how we do a Tree Plant in the spring and what it does.   During the hike, I kept asking why the river of water is doing this, why we plant trees, what would happen if, and so on.  The Scouts were very responsive and had good comments and ideas.

It had been awhile since I had last been to the top, but when we did, I realized the area we were going to had been vandalized.  There was supposed to be a set of logs in the ground that pointed to all the peaks and Mts.  Most were there, but  many signs were not.  So we had to point the Mountains out. (I am thinking of an Eagle Project for this site is in order!)

With most of the Hiking complete and the basic’s of LNT done as well, I turned to Jamboree on the Air.  This weekend is the 55th JOTA.  I had started out on the hike talking about it and showed one of my Ham Radio’s to the Scouts.  I explained what it was and that this was way before any iPhone/Android or any smartphone.  We talked about communication and how you would use it.

So, I pulled out my Yeasu 817 HF Rig and tuned it to the 20m Frequency and started to listen.   I did explain the ins and outs of what it takes to be a Ham Radio Operator, my radio name (K7RUB) and how to talk.  We listened and heard Scouts from Morro Bay, CA , Utah and also somewhere in Oregon.  We were not able to make a connection since no one heard us.  But, we listened for 20 minutes to everyone talk.

The Scouts had a good time in trying to communicate, and did find it fun to hear Scouts trying to talk to others.  It was their first time with Ham Radio.  Which, for me is a great accomplishment since I have tried to incorporate Ham Radio into the Pack and do JOTA.  I have used my Ham Radio a couple of time within the Tigers Den.  But that was using 2m/70cm and Repeaters.  This was the first time on HF on 20m.

So, five Scouts got out for a hike on a volcano, earned the Hiking Beltloop, worked on requirements for rank and Leave No Trace and got introduced to Ham Radio.  Plus, as part of going on the Cubmaster’s Hike, got a segment that I picked up at the Seattle Scout Shop.  Which means, no one in the Pack has it!  Bonus!

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Cubmaster Hike #1

Saturday afternoon (April 21st) was our first Cubmaster Hike.  I selected the Wood Memorial Park as our hike for several reasons.  First, it’s very close to the school.  It is actually right next to the SW Community Center & Gabriel Park.  Secondly, it’s an easy hike.  Nothing like climbing Mt Hood or Everest.  My goal was to get everyone out for awhile into  a place that they have not been to before.

I had eight Scouts show up five other siblings and seven parents. not counting myself.  Awesome!

With any Scout outing we needed to go over a few things.  I went over the Cubscout Leave No Trace items, asking the Scouts what they are.  They are slightly different from the normal LNT.   I wanted them to think about LNT and being out in nature.  We did talk about what Respect meant.  Knowing that they would be loud and running as boys normally do.

I also talked about some of the trees and plants that were there.  Mind you I am not an expert, but I did.  I pointed out the Pine tree, Red Cedar Tree and the English Ivy and a bunch of ferns.  We talked what an Invasive Species is and what we can do.  We had a couple of Girl Scouts with us as well, and they were very helpful.

There were several fallen logs over a stream and even over our heads.  We talked about what might be living in them. Why they fell, how they fell and if no one was in the forest did it make a noise?

While at the Stream area, we talked about the trail work that was being done and why.  We talked about erosion and what it really is.  I explained that the fences that were up were really for the people to keep out of the area so plants would grow.  Some Scouts thought it was to keep the plants off the trail.

As we hiked towards the end, there was a fork in the road.  All the Scouts took it immediatly.  I asked why are they taking it?  They said because it’s there and it goes back to the cars.  I asked if they knew that.  They did not.  I said, that it looks like the other way does.  So we continued.

As we went the other way and up a nice size hill, I reminded them that they needed to make sure that everyone was with us.  We stopped at the top and looked where we were..  That is when I pulled out my iPhone and looked at the Map that I had downloaded.  I asked the Scouts if they knew where we were.  They said that they were close to the cars cause they could see the houses.  Which, actually we were on the complete opposite side of the park.

I showed them the map and explained where we were.  Explained that we needed to go back to the fork in the road and take it! (I remember a Yogi saying that once!)

As we got to the Fork and took, it we got to the road that we needed  to take to the cars.  It looked very similar to where we all parked.  It confused the Scouts.  They said that there was still a lot to walk since they realized it was not the same area.

Good, they thinking about where they were.  They had the idea of Planning Ahead.

Overall, it was a great day.  70 degrees and warm.  The day before was RAIN and Cold!

This hike served several purposes.  We got out and connected to Nature.  We thought about Leave No Trace, thought about planning, learned about erosion and learned about an area that we had not been to yet.

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Two birds with one stone style of advancement

  In the world of Cubscout advancement it’s led by the Adult Scouters and not so much the Scouts.  Yes, the Scouts can tell you what they want to work on, but generally it’s the Adult Scouters that do all the planning.

The big idea that I work to get across to my Den Leaders and Committee is that Advancement can happen with any event and multiple achievements can happen at once.    So, here is my real world example that is happening right now within the Pack and the Tree Scout Den (Webelos I).

First up, the Tree Scouts.  The Webelos Den Leader (WDL) is planning a lot of outings and working hard to plan everything to get the boys their Webelos Badges by March.  I really like what he is up too.

The other week six out of nine Tree Scouts went to the Ape Caves and got a few items completed for the Geologist Activity Pin. In my estimation Elliot earned #6 & #8.  The latter was a visit to a Geological site.  Some boys earned the Geology Pin at Camp.  Elliot did not want to.  #8 also works for  #4 of the Naturalist Pin as well.  Elliot knocked that out on the first Pack Hike along with several other Webelos.  But, let’s look at both.  #8 of Geologist will work for #4 of Naturalist.  But it won’t work the other way around.  Reason being, the first is Geological and Naturist is not geared towards Geology.  It’s all in the wording is what I am getting at.  So, this means that the three boys that did not go to the Pack Hike or the Geological Hike will be able to get the Naturalist #4 when we go to the Forestry Center in Portland.  Now, it won’t count for the Geological Pin since again, no rocks.

The good thing is the Forester & Naturalist do count for the Webelos level World Conservation Badge.  With two Activity Pins complete soon, they will only need the Outdoorsman Activity Badge and do a Den/Pack conservation project.  Which, the boys did at the Ape Caves.  We practice Leave No Trace all the time, so every Scout and Scouter will get that done each outing.  It’s just the way that is.

Elliot and another Tree Scout have already earned the WCB as Wolves.  But we will note that if the others in the Den accomplish it.  You cannot earn it twice in Cubscouts.  They can re-earn it as Boy Scouts.

Getting the hang of it?  Ok, now for the Pack Event.

As a Pack we are going Christmas Caroling.  Since I drive a lot a collegue and I talk a lot on the phone.  He is in Colorado Springs and his son is a Tiger.  Apparently their Pack does the same thing at several retirement homes and the Adults love it.  So, I suggested that for a service project.  The Committee loved it.

So, for those boys who want to do it, they will learn several songs and then perform it.  We were asked by the place we were going if the Boys would like to have a dessert with the Veterans Group.  Of Course!  They will get the dessert, but also get to hang out with guys who have served and hopefully it will rub off.

So, what will the Scouts earn for for this?

First, it’s a Service project. That counts for everyone.  Second, they will earn the Music Beltloop.  For the Webelos it will work for the Showman Activity Pin #15.  For both the Tiger and Wolf, this might work for attending a play/musical event.  Use your best judgement on that. It really should be going to see a play/musical instead of being in one.    The Bears, if gifted with how to play an instrument could create a Cubscout band and perform that.  Overall all the Scouts will earn the Beltloop.

Within our Council, there is a segment program so there are a few segments that would work for this event.  This would be the Living Service Segment and or Civic Service.  It should not be both.

So, with a bit of planning, the Scouts will earn achivements and other requirements for their rank.  Yes, there should and needs to be a limit of how many things one event can cover.  You do not want to award 10 things for one event.  That’s not correct.  The Scouts need to do the work.  But the Adults need to understand that doing everything for each requirement is really not needed.  It also allows for Scouts who miss out for no fault of their own to get credit for something for attending a different function.  Which really means the Adults need to be on their toes at record keeping for the Scouts.

Yours in Scouting.

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1st Pack Hike 2011

Saturday was our first Pack Hike of the 2011-2012 season.  We have done this for the past three years to get us out of the Gym as soon as possible and also to use it as a get to know you for all the new scouts.  While our numbers are trending to 19 new Scouts we only had four new scouts and four old scouts and my daughter show up.  This included a few parents that I was able to talk too.  One nice thing is that we had a Scout return for Webelos II after one year as a Wolf.  We met at Tryon State Park.   Here is the Friends of Tryon and the State Park websites.  Both are chock full of great info.

Our Pack has at lest for the four years that I have been with them, gone to there to use it to talk about all the different requirements for all ranks. Last year the Tigers used it to earn the Leave No Trace award.  I made this a Wood Badge Ticket item back in 2009 that 50-75% of the Pack would earn the LNT.  Which, we did.

While the hike was there as a mixer, the boys did fulfill several requirements toward their rank and other awards.

Webelos I & II covered:
Naturalist Activity Pin #4

Bears covered:
#5 D
#12 C, D

Tigers:
#5G (Hike with Den)

Wolves:
#10 C

All Completed:
Wildlife Conservation Academic Pin: #1,7,8

Leave No Trace Award:
#1 Discuss LNT with Parent/Leader
#2 (went on one outing)
#5 Can complete if boys agree to sign Pledge.

  What I found really very cool, is that the Ranger that our Events Chair had scheduled to give a talk had a trick up her sleeve that I didn’t see coming.  She was incredibly passionate about Scouting.  She herself is a Girl Scout and also pointed out that her brother was in Scouts as well.  She also mentioned that many Eagle Scouts come to the park to find and complete Eagle Projects.  However, the most impressive part of the talk was when she took out all the animal pelts and asked the boys to figure out what is what.  There was a: Skunk, Mole, Fox, Beavers, Coyote, Mink, River Otter, Rabbit, Squirrel and Raccoon.  They all squeeled when she brought them out, but had a great time with the identification.

Overall, it was a great first Outing for the Pack.  I got to talk to many of the parents, explain a bit of the program and get interest in helping out the Dens and Committee going forward.

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Random LXII of C of #100daysofScouting

I spent Sunday afternoon working on how to make a Turks Head Woogle.  This is one that I made and had my son model for me.  I realized that it’s a tad big.  Need to be smaller.  Also the cord is not really want I want.  All and all, a good start.  My plan is to make about 75 of them between now and the beginning of the Fall Cubsout 2011-2012 season.
I am going to give them to all the returning boys and induct the new tigers with them.   While having slides is fine, I think that giving something to the boys, explaining what a woggle is and it’s meaning will have them learn what tradition and ownership is all about.

Leave No Trace.  I was in REI the other day looking for presents for my Patrol during this Wood Badge.   While there I saw these.  It’s “key” that will release the pressure from unspent gas and take out the nub where the fuel comes out.  This will allow the can to be recycled.  I really like this idea.  I use the Jet Boil system.  If you use Jet Boil, you should get this key “Crunch-it“.  It is also sold seperately for $6.

Finally (again), today I am in Redding, CA on business.  As I do normally, I seek out different councils.  Today, I find myself at the Golden Empire Council.  I spent about 20 minutes there talking to the District Exec and Admin staff.  The Admin gave me this patch just for coming over.  I promised to send her a patch from Cascade Pacific.  Apparently this is a renegade patch.  I have one that is similar from CPC.  It’s a Cubscout CSP.

I find it amazing that an English General in 1907 thought it would be cool to have people learn Scouting.  Because of him, this happened.  All because we are Scouts.

Finally, in watching my Twitter feed, I am seeing the people who have come back from the 2nd  weekend of Wood Badge.  They are popping with eagerness and excitement to start working their tickets.  Again, an English General figured that Training was needed to continue Scouting.

What can you do to continue something you beleive in?

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Hornaday XVI of C for #100daysofscouting

Today, I got confirmation and introduced to our Hornaday Advisor!  I am very excited.  Been working on this for awhile.  Hoping to meet with him soon and get the ball rolling.  I am the idea guy and love to make things happen.  Hopefully, I can get our Den Chief’s involed as well.  I know the rules about having the Pack participate at 60% to earn the Certificate.  However, it just might inspire a Boyscout to go for a Hornaday award too!

Here is my blog post about Hornaday.

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The last day…..

Today wraps up the 100th year of Celebration of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America‘s founding.  It all started with an act of kindness.  Be sure and do your Daily Good Turn.  Do not Drink and Drive!  Be Prepared to step in and help someone home.  The life you save could be your own.

I will be spending my New Years Eve with my family at another families house.  It’s a Lock-in.   So, we are not driving anywhere except there.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in 2011.

Yours in Scouting…..

 

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Guy Miller Tree Plant 2010

Today was the Guy Miller Tree Planting day for the pack.  A few boys showed up and participated.  There were 400 trees and a bunch of grasses to plant.    This activity to me helps show the boys that it’s good to give back to the earth and community.  It is the beginning of showing them that we must look at our surroundings and make them better.

This event also qualified the boys for Leave No Trace and the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity award.  Which is really good since one of the boys joined in January and he is really working hard to catch-up with the Wolf Den to get his badge!   This is one major reason to have an active pack.  If there are things that you are doing as a pack, then boys will want to join and do things.  Everyone can join the Couch Potato Pack, Troop or Crew.  Joining a group of people that actually does something is more exciting.

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My WoodBadge Experince

Walking into Woodbadge I have no idea what I was getting myself into.  I knew that I would learn a lot.  I only attained Wolf in Cubscouts in my whole Scouting career before rejoining in 2008.  I did not know the culture and what to do.  I had limited experince as a Tiger Den Leader.  I just had the desire to learn more about Scouting.

The session Thursday to Saturday is all book learning and coming together.  We learn how to become a team.  Forming, Norming and Storming!  We also learn how to listen and commuicate.

The bonds we formed in this session were and are strong.   The second session is where we put it all together, put on skits, make food for our patrol and guests and give a presentation.  We also did a Leave No Trace/Project at the Camp Gilwell (Camp Cooper).

In the end, I had to create a ticket consisting of five projects that would benefit my Pack directly.  It also had to include a diversity (religious) item.

1. Completion of Celebrating 100 Years – A Year of Celebration
2. Improve Cub Master Program within Pack 221.  (I went to POW-WOW and took seven classes)
3. Have Pack earn Leave No Trace.  (Since this is becoming a BSA item, it just made sense.)
4. Create awareness within the Pack of Native American Traditions.  (This was accomplished at Arrow of Light Ceremony.  My Troop Guide and friend did a Native American Flute Ceremony and presentation.)
5. Create a training and tracking opportunities within the Pack for Leaders and Cubs.  (I had the pack buy Packmaster/Pack Ledger so we can track all accomplishments.  I also promoted all training sessions at the council and district level and online.)

Currently I have only the Leave No Trace section to go and I will be getting beaded.  This should be completed in March with beading on March 29th.

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