The Scoutmaster

You know what they say about old dogs and new tricks. Following unrelenting pressure from our committee chair Dick Barnes, I have successfully logged on and blogged! Or is it Bloged? Isn’t everyone twittering now? I can not keep up. At any rate, it is nice to finally post some thoughts on the website.

Summer camp was a BLAST this year. We Scouters were amazed how well behaved the scouts were and how well they got along. Everyone seemed to have a great time. I can say, it was one of the best summer camp experiences I have had (and I am not just saying that because we won the horseshoe competition and Bruce and I won the cooking contest!). If you have not done so already, check out Dick Barnes’s video clips.

Well, we all know what comes next…God Bless America, My home sweet home!

Troop 11 High Adventure is shifting gears from the 2007 Philmont Trek to the 2008 Florida Sea Base Live Aboard Diving Experience and it made me think of the lyrics to God Bless America. From the mountains of Philmont to the oceans at Sea Base…That was going to be the subject of my blog but a funny thing happened along the way.

I’m ashamed to admit it but I actually “googled” God Bless America to ensure that I had the lyrics correct, I know…I know…I’m a Scoutmaster, well I’m also hitting 50 this year so give me a break.  Anyway, I was amazed to find that the second entry on my google search sent me to www.scoutsongs.com.  I got to wondering…why??  So I was curious to find out if there was any connection with Irving Berlin and Scouting.  You guessed it, I googled “Irving Berlin and The Boy Scouts of America” and was amazed at what came up.  If you don’t know, get ready for one of those “Well, I’ll be!” moments, cause here’s the scoop.

In 1940, the song’s writer, Irving Berlin, gave all the royalties from the song God Bless America to a fund, the God Bless America Fund, he set up ”for the benefit of the youth of America.” He named the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts his favored youth organizations. In the decades since, the fund’s trustees have given scouting organizations in New York, Berlin’s adopted city, more than $6 million. The fund’s trustees say that in recent years virtually all the money has gone to scouting groups in New York City.

The burst of new popularity for the old standard that has followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks means that every public performance of ”God Bless America” will add up to more money for the Scouts of New York City. A trustee of the God Bless America Fund, Victoria G. Traube, said the royalties had been more than $200,000 a year and might triple this year because the song was being sung so often in so many places.

Irving Berlin died in 1989 at the age of 101. Last week one of his daughters, Linda Emmet, said it would seem right to her father that the song would be a way for people to help the children of New York City.

”He would have said that the children are the future of the country,” Mrs. Emmet said.

The New York scouting groups said they had used the money in the past to expand scouting to the city’s poorest neighborhoods and to provide programs for troubled and disabled children. On field trips, ”it’s learning about nature, taking hikes, doing cookouts,” said Charles E. Rogers, an assistant director of the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America.

Both of the New York scouting groups say they are working on plans to use money flowing from ”God Bless America” to help scouts and other children cope after the attacks. The Boy Scouts group says it knows of at least nine troop leaders from the city who were lost on Sept. 11.

In an era when scouting was synonymous with American values, Berlin was enthusiastic about it. He was on the board of the Boy Scouts; his wife was on the board of the Girl Scouts.

But people connected both with the Scouts and the fund said in recent days that the true measure of Berlin’s commitment to the Scouts was that he turned over the royalties of the song that he knew would endure.

Well now I’m thinking about Paul Harvey because you now know the “Rest of the Story”. 

God Bless America!

Mr. H 

For fellow Philmonter’s, you recognize the title as the Philmont Grace.  For 2007 Philmont Expedition 725-N, we now have a full understanding of its meaning.  We lived it for 12 glorious days in Cimarron, New Mexico!

For two of us it was a second trip through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Philmont Scout Ranch but this time we did Trek 24, a full cross section from the Southeast to the Northwest corners of the ranch.  With side hikes we estimate around 100 total miles hiked.  Three male adults, one female adult (FYI, Cassie’s got game), and 7 youth, ages 16-19, made the trip.  It was quite an adventure, one that will remain in our hearts and minds forever.

We began in Albuquerque where we chowed down at Lot-a-burger, toured the Atomic Museum, Old Town, went up to Sandia Peak via Tramway and finshed the night off with a fine New Mexican dinner at Sadie’s before setting up urban camp at the Marriott.  Pretty rough so far…hunh? 

The next day we were off on a 3.5 hour bus ride to “The Ranch”.  Arriving at Philmont is quite a sight…a sea of canvas tents, home bound and trail bound campers alike with packs in tow scurrying about, a myriad of admin buildings and staff housing, the Tooth of Time trading post, the mountains as a back drop…THIS is a base camp!

After an easy Day 1 on the trail to Rayado River and Ranger Training, early morning Day 2 took us to Abreu to milk a few goats and add Cantina Root Beer to our trail breakfast before being humbled by a “Welcome to Philmont” climb of 2400 vertical feet up to Lookout Meadow.  After recovering, we all agreed that the view was worth it.

Day 3, no more Ranger Josh (affectionately known as ”J-Dog”), we were on our own and proceeded to Lookout Peak then down to Fish Camp where we learned to tie flies and then off to Phillips Junction (PJ) for re-supply then Beubien for a Chuck Wagon Dinner and evening campfire.  Day 4 at Beubien we got showers, had a few items branded, were introduced to “mini-bear” abatement measures (gotta ask) then headed off to Black Mountain for lunch and a little blacksmithing.  We then opted to take the “rain forest” trail AROUND Black Mountain rather than take the 12 hour “up and over” hike to our destination, Shaefers Pass.   

Day 5 was our longest mileage day.  Up early for a ”side hike” (Yeah right!) to the Tooth of Time (Elevation – 9003 feet) overlooking Base Camp.  From there we could see where we were headed for the next four days…Mount Baldy.  For some it was enlightening…for others, well the words “what was I thinking” come to mind!  After taking in the breathtaking view it was back down to break camp and on to Cimarroncito where it was up, up, up to our campsite completing a 14 plus mile day!       

Day 6 began with a 3 hour Meadow Encroachment Conservation Project (Timberrrrrrrrr!), followed by showers, climbing / rappelling then off to Ute Gulch for re-supply before huffing it up, then down to the Cimarron River.  We stopped for dinner along the way and ended with a NIGHT hike to the Rivah!  (Got a sidebar regarding our “ego” scouts, so if interested in the story please inquire within!)

Day 7 took us through Santa Claus Camp (don’t ask) where we had lunch and then were off to the Head of Dean (HOD).  This campsite actually had this pipe coming up out of the ground with this twisty thing on the end and when you turned it, clear, clean potable water came out.  Wow, very cool!  Very cool indeed!!!

Day 8 the boys were treated to low COPE at HOD and a peek along the way at a pair of mating rattlesnakes.  Then it was off to Miranda for some Black Powder shooting and Tomahawk throwing before heading UP to Black Horse Camp for a TWO NIGHT stay!

Day 9 was Baldy Day!  No not my birthday, it was the day we climbed Baldy Mountain (Elevation - 12,441 feet).  The climb to the summit rises abruptly with 3,640 feet of vertical relief in just 3 miles.  Remember the movie “Dead Man Walking”?  Well on this day, Mr. H was the star!  Slow and steady didn’t win the race but it did keep air evac at base camp for the day!  It wasn’t long before clouds rolled in so we headed on down as a few days earlier a group of scouts were literally introduced to the shocking power of mother nature.  Some of our crew went to pan for gold at Fort Henry while others visited Baldy Town where we met up for re-supply and showers.

Day 10?  Oh yeah…Burro day!  We picked up our burro at Miranda and then were off to Pueblano (Continental Tie and Lumber) via the Baldy Skyline Trail for a little logger ball, one of the best campfires and perhaps THE best staff at Philmont!  The next day we rose early to climb spar poles and then on to Ponil to drop off the burro and snag a little more Root Beer prior to heading back to Base Camp. 

Congrats to Tim, Tony and Cassie, my fellow Adult Advisors, for surviving and thanks to Pete, Andrew, Tim, Chris, Ethan, John and Erik for not harassing us too much along the way!  All of you made this adventure one for the memory books!            

Words simply cannot do the trip justice, the photos get you a bit closer but as you might expect, nothing can take the place of the experience!  Random selection permitting, we hope to go again in 2009.  If you are age 14 by January 1, 2009 OR have completed the 8th grade and are at least 13 prior to participation, you can join us!  So in the immortal words of the 2007 crew, “zip up that ‘man suit’ (Sorry Cassie!) and come along for the adventure of a lifetime!”

Silver on the sage, starlit skies above

Aspen covered hills, country that I love.

Philmont here’s to thee, Scouting paradise

Out in God’s country tonight.

Wind in whispering pines, Eagle soaring high

Purple mountains rise against an azure sky.

Philmont here’s to thee, Scouting paradise

Out in God’s country tonight.

YIS,

Mr. H

Well it has been quite a while since my last blog post but thanks to Mr. Barnes, Troop 11 ”going’s on” have been accurately recorded.  My business demanded an inordinate amount of my time and effort over the last few months but thanks to Mr. Bunn, other fellow adult leaders and of course our youth leadership, the Troop continued to thrive.

During my relative “leave of absence”, successful events included our annual Mulch fundraiser, the New Guy Campout at Sherando Lake which included a Philmont pre-hike up Torry Ridge and the Council-wide Camporee at Bayport Scout Reservation (the Philmont Crew attended our Colonial Faire high adventure fundraiser at Endview Plantation).  I also missed out on our Philmont pre-hike at Dundo, Beach Camping at Fort Story and all but the first and last days of Summer Camp. 

I did manage to make it out for the “crab feast” at the Rivah Base at Bayport on the last day of Summer Camp.  Talk about an exercise in futility!  Want a great diet plan?  Try the Chesapeake Blue Crab diet.  The calories consumed trying to find a micro mini-ounce of meat far out weighs any caloric intake once meat is finally found.  That’s assuming you don’t eat the “green stuff”!  Than all bets are off!  I’m here to tell you, Colon Cleanse has nothing on “the green stuff”!  I’m not saying the feast wasn’t fun as the fellowship and summer camp stories were great, just stick with the chicken! 

Anyway, many thanks to all the leaders, parents and youth of Troop 11 for keeping the T11 Train moving on down the road!

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. H

Back in Texas, early March was known for strong gusty winds which seemed to always calm by month’s end as Spring approached.  Dad always used to say “March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb!”  Well, in a Troop 11, March the Lion comes in and STAYS!  Perhaps “March Madness” is a better term, but whatever the term… trust me, we are all grateful to have such an active troop!

Three Ridges 

The Philmont Crew started it off with a trip to Three Ridges on the AT.  What an awesome prep hike it was.  We knew right away that the weekend was going to be interesting, as underneath the near full moon we hit ice about a quarter of a mile up to our first camp.  Ohhh… that’s what those clamp-on things are for?  Guess I’ll add those to the list.

We all eventually made it to camp with the only casualty being a few sore back sides and a lost water bottle which eventually made it back to us via fellow AT hikers.  The next day we went up and over and up and over and up and… well you get the idea.  Once at the top, after a great gourmet trail lunch including partially hydrogenated chicken and pork parts packed in some kind of clear gel all on a cracker topped with cheese whiz (UMMM! UMMM!), we made it down and down and down to a veritable paradise of a base camp right next to a raging stream.

After a dinner buffet of re-hydrated beef strogonoff and pudding (hungry yet?), and a little fellowship with fellow AT hikers, it was lights out for our crew.  Many thanks to trail guide Mr. Bridger for his excellent leadership, and congrats to the crew for a great overall experience.

Crossover  

The Council Fire was ablaze once again as Akela and his Braves welcomed in eight young Webelos who were awarded their Arrow of Light prior to bridging over to our troop.  Congratulations to those young boys for attaining Cub Scouts’ highest honor and welcome to Troop 11.  Now the adventure begins!

Massanutten Ski Snowboard Trip

Some here in Virginia refer to Massanutten as “Mass of Nothing,” but I’m here to tell you our boys had a great time and have decided to urge the PLC to make this a bi-annual event in December and March. 

I was very impressed as most of the boys had never even been on a snowboard before arrival, but by 4:30 in the afternoon we couldn’t get them off of them.  Yeah, we had some falls, some ditch dwellers and a few ” uh oh, what do I do now’s,” but you could see confidence growing with each trip up the ski lift.  Dudes… Great Job!

The DC Trip 

“Urban” Camping has arrived at Troop 11.  What a fun time we had despite the low temps, high winds and inflated fast food prices.  The museums, metro rides, dinner at the Union Station Food Court (“YOU TRY!”) and the HOTEL made up for it!

After a morning of museum hopping, we headed over to the Boy Scout Memorial (near the Ellipse behind the White House) where I posed for the boys showing them where the artist obviously received his inspiration for the male leader (Yeah right!).  Well on the way to Union Station we came across another statue of a soldier on his steed.  Some found a much closer resemblance of me on the south end of the north bound steed.  Oh what a perceptive group we have!

The next day we found new adventure at Great Falls, MD at the C&O canal.  Pretty amazing to experience the power and majesty of nature so close to our Nation’s Capital.  We will definitely drop in on the C&O again as a weekend adventure.

Three Eagles 

Last but certainly not least were the Eagle Boards for three of Troop 11’s finest.  Funny how things work out, as last year we had three Eagles in the same month.  This time we had three Eagles in two days.  Not sure how we will top that!

At any rate, congratulations to Marcus Z., David Z. and Steven T. for their perseverence and example by earning their Eagle at age 17+++, or is it 18 – - – ?  Guess it really doesn’t matter now, does it? Loren, get the name plates made!

Congrats Guys!!!

Many thanks, as always, to all of the leaders and parents who made March a great month through your attendance and participation.  Without you the boys would be stuck at home trying to reach the next level on Rainbow Six or Halo 2.  YOU make all the difference!  Thanks again for making March Madness possible at Troop 11!!!!

Mr. H

Here at Troop 11, we just finished up Junior Leader Training (JLT) with a work weekend at our new Council Camp, Bayport Scout Reservation.  The boys separated mattresses and cleaned up work areas, while a few of us lucky adults built a Yurt.  Many may be asking “What is a Yurt?”  Well trust me on this, find out BEFORE you volunteer to help build one.  I am told it is a Mongolian Hut, in our case it is a Junior Staff Lounge area, a rather LARGE, round, tall lounge area.  Perhaps they said “mongrel-ian” hut??  At any rate, it is up so drop by the Staff Village sometime and impress your friends by saying, “That’s a Yurt!”

For the three weeks leading up to this weekend we held JLT classes following the “new and improved” JLT syllabus along with the addition of “The Eleven Key Essentials of Leadership” as well as several group dynamic exercises.  It all made for a very interesting and informative JLT thanks to ASM’s Bunn and Keneipp, JASM Eagle Scout Tim and SPL Ethan. 

One new activity in JLT is “The Vision of Success” where the Scoutmaster and SPL prepare and present their personal Vision of Troop Success. SPL Ethan did a great job incorporating his vision of a boy-led troop planning great program and providing leadership and guidance to fellow scouts.  I chose to prepare my vision in the form of an affirmation statement and thought it appropriate to share my vision on the blog. So, here it is. 

“Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.  Two.  Troop at ease.  You may be seated.”

As I look across the room I see boys, some young men actually, smartly dressed in their Class A’s all listening attentively to the announcements given by their Senior Patrol Leader.  Tonight is Rank Advancement Night and the monthly Patrol Leaders’ Council meeting and they will soon disburse into separate groups.  Adults Leaders are present but are primarily for support and for of course the occasional announcement regarding an upcoming event.

This is Troop 11 this is a “scout” troop.

As the PLC heads off to discuss past and future program and the needs of the troop and its members, the others get ready for Rank Advancement Night.  The Patrol Leaders’ know “who needs what” in their patrol and have given assignments to their Adult Advisors and Eagle Guides.  They are confident that while in PLC, their fellow patrol members are receiving necessary guidance in order to advance in rank.  Some boys are assisting in the process while others are meeting with merit badge counselors to complete partial merit badges.

This is Troop 11 this is a “scout” troop.

Fast Forward to the Klondike.  Over the past month, permission slips and payments have been submitted.  In their respective Patrol Meetings, menus have been planned and duty rosters are set.  Troop Meeting program has been focusing on Winter Camping and Klondike Events and Prep.  The Troop and Patrol Quartermasters have ensured that everything needed is on the trailer, in proper working order and inventory has been taken.  Grubmasters have purchased and packed the food. 

The boys are excited about the new chuck boxes, stoves, lanterns and cook sets as well as the new look of the trailer.  Still waiting on the spinners, but the new graphics are awesome.  As we head out, the boys are prepared to excel in the competitions and above all have a great time!  There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that at the Saturday night awards campfire, everyone will know that Troop 11 rules!

Upon arrival everyone knows exactly what to do.  Up with the 10 X 20 and the Patrol EZ Ups.  Out with the chuck boxes and Patrol gear then onto personal gear and in no time camp is set up.  The adults, as is now customary, just stand back and with great pride are shown what a boy-led troop is all about.  After the weekend is done and the ribbons have been placed on the Troop flag, packing up is just as efficient:  another successful outing for the boys of Troop 11.

This is Troop 11 this is a “scout” troop.

And so it goes with this group of young boys growing into men with each passing day.  From the Annual Planning Meeting to Troop Elections, through Webelos Transition to Summer Camp and on to High Adventure.  They continually show us their best, have grown from their experiences and are having the time of their life. Regardless of their final rank, each and every one of them knows that they were part of something great.  They each leave the troop with a lifetime of memories and friendships.  They have each touched lives and strive to make the world a better place.

As they mature they will realize what this time in scouting really meant to them and to their future lives. Many will become scout leaders themselves and have scouts of their own. One day, many will dust off an old cardboard box in their parent’s attic labeled “Scout Stuff”.  As they open it the smells of an open campfire will return, the sounds of laughter will return and each merit badge on that faded and folded olive drab sash will remind them of great days and grand times.  As they look back into what once was, perhaps a tear or two may sneak its way down their cheek as they remember.

That was Troop 11 that was a “scout ” troop.

With 2006 Scout Bucks “Line of Credit” cards firmly grasped in their hands, T11 scouts intently watched as each “cool stuff” item was pulled out of Scoutmaster Santa’s red pack, duffle and well…unloaded off of the over-burdened, and reportedly, grossly under-paid elf (aka ASM Bunn).

They then, with no scout sign required, intently listened to each item descripton.  The “Ooohs” and “Ahhhs” began, then with eyes widened, brainwaves began firing as their young minds processed the internal relative value of each item to be auctioned. Decisions were made, strategies were formed, as they set their minds on that ONE item that was going to be THEIRS by the end of the night.

For some it was the backpack or perhaps the cyclops camp light.  For others the Indiglo watch and still others the camp chair or perhaps the Leatherman multi-tool.  First up, a 1GB MP3 player with a 1.2″ color display & FM tuner.  The bidding started at 50,000 Scout Bucks (SB’s) setting the tone for the First Annual T11 Scout Bucks Auction.  By the end of the night, an insulated lunch bag…I mean an “all purpose thermo-protected trail hike sustenance storage device” went for around 200,000 SB’s. All elf labor laws aside, oh what a night!

A fitting end to an evening of scout fellowship including a pot-luck feast and Court of Honor celebrating a great year of change, growth, activity and advancement at Troop 11. 

For those who were along for the ride in 2006, it was great having you with us.

For those helping to lead the way…Thank You! 

Now hold on tight and get ready for 2007!  It will be another great one!

Yours in Scouting,

Mr. H

How Y’all Are?  Last weekend we held the 2nd Annual Troop 11 Iron Chef Competiton / Webeloree.  Now, with two of these great events under our belt, I officially declare this event a T11 “First Weekend in December ” Tradition.  What a great time we had!

We ended up with three patrols for the competition and a hoard of adults showing up, especially around supper time…funny how that works.  For those who don’t know how this weekend flows, allow me to enlighten you.

During the day there are several program areas including fire building, the making of box ovens, firestarters, buddy burners and vagabond stoves, Dutch oven cooking, food prep and handling, menu planning, duty rosters, food pricing and oh yeah, outdoor stoves; that’s where Pyro Joe comes in.  Note to self…when a boy volunteers WAY too quickly to lead a program area, somethings up!  Such was the case with Pyro Joe.

Add a MSR Simmerlite Stove which has a “priming” flare up and Pyro Joe and you have a match (no pun intended) made in heaven.  Especially when you can take the white gas bottle off and knock it over onto a flaming buddy burner.  Ahhhh, the Assistant Scoutmaster meeting was getting WAY too boring anyway, thanks for the exciting intermission Joe, and congratualtions on earning the first ever “oval” firem’n chit…no corners to tear off from the git go!

Oh, well truth be told, I lit the whole corner of the wooden picnic table up earlier with the same stove, so MSR stove training needed all around lest the Philmont Crew gets blown off of Mt. Baldy next year.  Gonna have to break down and read the directions, I guess.

I DO, however, know my way around a Dutch Oven and after the adults wake up from their post meal nap, they will tell you…we had a FINE dinner!  This year I had a lot of help from my friends.  I delegated dinner (imagine that?) and had Calico Chicken and Byron’s Potatoes going on in one corner, in the other corner Barbecue Corn-on-the-Cob and my specialty for the night a Spicy Cajun Chicken and Sausage served over a bed of white rice with that green stuff in it AND in the middle we had the making of Jalapeno Corn Bread and that Cream Cheese Icing for my “Death by Insulin Shock Strawberry Pecan Cake!  OOH LA LA, dem sum gooood stuff there…I Garontee!!!  Afterwards, I whipped up a couple of Lemon Raspberry Tarts just for good measure.  I’m telling you, eat’in with Troop 11 is a veritable culinary delight!

Now on to the competition.  The boys (T11 scouts teamed up with Webleos II) did fine in their own right.  They must use the cooking techniques taught earlier in the program areas, they all have the same ingredients, plus “community” spices, sauces, etc. and their task is to ”wow” a panel of judges (aka – adults who don’t know any better) with a plate of their specially prepared fix’ins.  I am pleased to announce that all three judges are in stable condition and can now receive visitors between the hours of…just kidding!  We had a winner, and I think the key ingredient was grease with a hint of chicken and potato!  Congrats to all for a FINE job!

The highlight of the evening however was a Flag Retirement Ceremony for several worn and tattered “Symbols of Freedom” given to us by Langley Air Force Base.  Always a touching moment for sure.  It’s amazing how hot ”those” flames can get, there has got to be a reason for that!  God Bless America and those who defend our freedom!!

Well, another event for the Troop Historian to archive.  All’s well that ends well, they say.  Y’all come join us next year…hear??    

Every year October to November is packed with adventure at Troop 11.  First comes our District Camporee, then usually an OA Fall Fellowship Weekend (this year an Ordeal was substituted), we added a Philmont Crew fundraiser / campout at Smith’s Fort Plantation in Surry this year then were off to the annual Blackstone Fellowship (kind of a mini Jamboree of sorts) the first weekend of November.  This, my friends, is Camptober and I’m proud to say, we made it through it in fine fashion.  No moss growing on a T11 Scout, maybe on the “dragging part” of the Scoutmaster but definitely “none” on the scouts!

Mr. Barnes and I both have already penned our Fall Camporee thoughts and while he was covering the Ordeal, I was assisting with the ”Whigs and Rebel Deli” at Smith’s Fort Plantation.  This was another opportunity for the Philmont Crew to earn funds for the trek next year.  The younger boys help out with parking duty and we also help out the craftsmen and the promoter when and where needed.  Cheerful service for sure, but with an all you can eat buffet.  Just don’t eat ALL the profits!   

This time we went all out with not one, not two but three 10×20’s put together to make a kitchen and dining room complete with a tarp floor, propane heaters, light strings, a Christmas tree and a boom box with Christmas tunes a play’in.  Still two 10×10 pop-ups in the trailer?  Get ‘em out here, we can use them in the front and the back.  What else we got?  Oh yeah, the three rack pizza oven display thingy the pizza guy let us borrow, the microwave, the seven or so crock pots, the gas grill, the 60 cup coffee maker and the “piesta resistance”…electricity via generators provided by Mr. Eastwood, aka Eastwood Power & Light.

Talk about a “WOW” moment, one of our scouts who had been inactive for a while told me “this is the most luxurious campout I have ever been on!”.  Kind of makes you think though, a fundraiser for a high adventure backpacking adventure requiring three trailers full of gear.  Oh well, we impressed the crowd.  That is until Sunday afternoon when a massive gust of wind converted our enclosed dining room to open air seating.  Hey you gotta go with the flow so to speak!  At least we got packed up earlier.

I slipped out Saturday night to attend the Ordeal Ceremony at Bayport and to break bread and “pork” with Mr. Barnes, Mr. Zehr and share the moment with my son Shelby as T11’s newest Arrowman!  While older brother and fellow OA Candidate Ethan was distracted raising money for his 2007 Philmont Trek, Shelby seized the moment to get his sash first.  I think it may cost us a new scout shirt though as his chest size suddenly increased a few inches due to the success of his plan.  Congratulations to Shelby and an FYI to Mom; even as a hungry, post-ordeal Arrowman, he still didn’t eat his green beans!      

Then there was Blackstone.  The boys did a fine job and really impressed one of our new dad’s with their task organization skills.  On Friday night they had camp set up and the fire going in no time.  Then up Saturday morning to Merit Badge classes and a few trips to ”Tasty Critters” during the day for a few mountain man meal morsels…and what is this again?  Oh…tastes like chicken!  Yep, don’t ask…just eat!  On Sunday the boys got up, ate, went to chapel, packed up and we were on the road by 10:15am or so.  Another great outing for Troop 11.  And by the way, we had two scouts advance in rank and twenty-two (22) merit badges earned.  Great job guys!!!

Next up is the Iron Chef but that’s three weeks down the road.  I’m sleeping in a bed ’til then.  Check back in December!

Mr. H 

…get a bunch of scouts off in the woods and they WILL have FUN!”  And boy did we ever at this years Fall Camporee where the theme was ”Adventures in Hollywoods”. 

Out in the woods of a 700 acre plot of land in Surry County, each event area was tied to a movie theme such as Tomb Raider, Blazing Saddles, The China Syndrome, Castaway, Anaconda and oh yeah…Forrest Gump!  And you’ll never guess who was Forrest!  Yep, complete with riding lawn mower, park bench, suitcase, a box of chocolates and simpleton mentality, some say I was the perfect choice.  Momma would have been proud!

And Momma really would have been proud of T11’s best good friends and special guests for the weekend…the Weblelos II from Pack 11.  Do you know they won just about every event there was?  They won the Spirit Award AND First Place Overall!!  In the words of one of their leaders “Wow, did we have a great time!”  Well…I guess???  You took home all the ribbons!  Great job Pack 11!  

Our T11 boys did a fine job themselves, busy assisting the award winning P11 Webelos and managing to take home a ribbon of their own for winning the Blazing Saddles event.  Go figure, our boys winning an “eating beans around the campfire” contest.  Enough said! 

Thanks to the leadership of ASM’s Bunn and Foster and JASM Eagle Scout Tim, I was free to well just “Gump” around all day.  I hosted Gump-ardy, kind of like that TV gameshow, you know the one where the questions are answers and the answers are questions… I never understood that part but we had a great time!  Gump-ardy is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get cause if you pick “Knots for $100″… you might get a First Aid question and if you pick “Scout History for $200″… you might get a Scout Skills question. 

And boy some of the answers I got!  One question was about lashings and when I asked the Webelos if they knew what a lashing was one said “Yeah, its when someone hits you on the back with the end of a rope!”.  Well, so much for Youth Protection, that is ONE TOUGH PACK, I’ll tell you for sure!   

One Pack even made up a cheer for me.  It went “We’re Pack 77 and we like Gump, it must really hurt to get shot in the rump!”.  Well, I would have given them about 2 buzillion points for spirit if I could have.  Another Webelos group wanted to know what other movies I had been in and of course I had to tell them that “Wilson” in Castaway was one of my best good friends, which led to the question if I really was Tom Hanks.

Oh yeah, I remember the Cubmaster years!  Last weekend for me was just what the doctor ordered.  Thank God for Scouts…the little ones and the big ones!

Well that’s about all I have to say about that!

Mr. H, aka Forrest