First Aid MB

Last week we started First Aid.  This is a eagle req'd MB which the majority of our boys need.  This week is combined activity so we'll finish up the following week.  Check the online calendar.  It's an extension of my personal calendar so I keep it up to date.  Also, please check the resource center (look right) to see what your boy needs to move on to his next rank.  The link to the Path to Eagle document contains all the info you need.   Of course you can email or call me as well.

January Madness

We will be playing basketball all month on Thursdays.  The first game is slated for tomorrow, the 8th.  We play at 7:30pm but need to make sure we're there at least 15 minutes early.  

The schedule for Thursday, January 8th, is as follows:

 

6:00...Willows will play Spring Valley

6:45...Spanish Hills will play Palmyra

7:30...Peccole Ranch will play Lakes

8:15...Rainbow will play Desert Breeze

 

TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES

 

#1...We will have two 16 minute halves with a running clock except in the case of a close game.  We will stop the clock the last two minutes and pressing will be allowed during that two minutes.

 

#2...Fouls will be assessed, therefore, we need a referee and a scorekeeper from each ward playing.  This is a must to keep things under control.

 

#3...Recruiting to win is strongly discouraged.  Nonmembers who play must do so with the approval of the Bishop and the President of the Young Men, and he must be attending church or taking the missionary discussions.  Most problems in church ball are the result of recruiting to win.  This tournament is designed for our faithful young men who like to play and have a good time.  Due to the fact that we do allow our deacons to play, it is not good sense to put a twelve year old up against a big bruiser who isn't sensitive to our intent as a stake to put on a safe, enjoyable program for our young men.

 

#4...Young men who play must be 14-18.  Any young man who is 18 and graduated from high school will not be allowed to play.  Deacons are allowed to play in order to field a team.

 

#5...We will allow a game to start and finish with four players.  If a team has less than four players, they will forfeit the game but can recruit from another ward to play the game.

Secret Santa

We've got a couple boys that can't make it for the First Aid MB tonight.  They are dutifully spreading holiday cheer this evening to others.  So that they don't miss out on an Eagle required MB we're going to move this merit badge into January.  Instead, we're going to take the opportunity to make someone else's holiday a little brighter.  We'll still meet at my home on Lumina at 7:00 pm.

2 New Life Scouts in Troop 377

Our troop has 2 new life scouts putting our total life count at 4.  Congratulations to William C. and Brycen D.  They worked diligently to attain this level and both are well on their way to Eagle.  Given their past performance, we should have 2 more Eagle scouts in 6 months.  

Woodwork MB - Wednesday 11/19/08

This Wednesday we'll be working with our hands.  Dave Jennings, the master woodworker, is going to help the boys finish up where we left off when we did Bro. Huish's turtle box.  The requirements can be found here.  Also, the boys just finished their Citizenship in Community MB.  The Cit in Comm MB is an eagle required MB.

Kyle Simmons - Eagle Scout

Good news travels fast so I imagine most already know that Kyle Simmons had his board of review a week ago to the day.  He represented himself, his family and his crew admirably.  He was awarded his Eagle as of the 11th of November.  Our crew is very proud to have him as a member and pleased be able to consider him our friend.  Congratulations Kyle!

The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the BSA program.  Read the history here.

 

As an Eagle Scout, Kyle joins a distinguished and accomplished crew.  Follow the links below to see a list of a few of the accomplished individuals that share this distinction.  

Wikipedia List

BSA List (thru '06)

Congress and Scouting

Scout Service Project - Tonight

Tonight we've got our service project for Citizenship in the Community.  Plan to meet at Bro. Hampton's house at 6:00pm.  We'll be working with the scouts on this project and divide up accordingly.  

Online Calendar

Just another reminder on the calendar.  I do keep it up to date and it includes our meeting times and activities.  Of course you can call or email me anytime for additional details.  I always have my blackberry with me so I'm generally quick to respond via email.  

Double Header

This week we have two activities.  Stake volleyball is still slated for Thursday and our games begin at 6:00pm at the stake center.  Also, we have baptisms at the Temple on Wednesday.  We'll meet at the clubhouse at 4:15pm and carpool from there.  

Volleyball Rules - We start next week (Oct 9th)

Brethren,

 Here is the schedule for our volleyball activity on October 9th, 23rd, and 30th.

October 9th

6:00 pm...Lakes vs Willows & Spanish Hills vs Spring Valley

6:45 pm...Spanish Hills vs Willows & Spring Valley vs Lakes

7:30 pm...Desert Breeze vs Rainbow & Peccole Ranch vs Palmyra

8:15 pm...Peccole Ranch vs Rainbow & Palmyra vs Desert Breeze 

October 23rd

6:00 pm...Lakes vs Peccole Ranch & Willows vs Rainbow

6:45 pm...Rainbow vs Lakes & Willows vs Peccole Ranch

7:30 pm...Spring Valley vs Desert Breeze & Spanish Hills vs Palmyra

8:15 pm...Desert Breeze vs Spanish Hills & Spring Valley vs Palmyra

October 30th   

6:00 pm...Desert Breeze vs Peccole Ranch & Palmyra vs Willows

6:45 pm...Peccole Ranch vs Palmyra & Willows vs Desert Breeze

7:30 pm...Spring Valley vs Rainbow & Lakes vs Spanish Hills

8:15 pm...Rainbow vs Lakes & Spanish Hills vs Spring Valley

 

Rules and Leader involvement:

 #1...YM 14-18 (deacons allowed if needed to field a team)

#2...Adult leaders to referee, keep score, and call lines

#3...Rally scoring...Games 1 and 2 will be to 25, and game 3 will be to 15.

#4...Ball can hit the net and remain in play, but players cannot touch the net

#5...Players allowed 3 contacts

#6...Players cannot go under the net

#7...Back wall is the line or out of bounds

#8...Blocked shots do not count as a hit (players still have 3 hits after the block)

 Please be on time so we can get the YM home as close to nine as possible.

 Thanks,

 Stake YM

Tuesday Activity - XBOX 360

We'll be playing XBOX tomorrow at Bro. Jennings house.  Truthfully there is a purpose behind this seemingly spiritual-less activity.  We start at 7:00pm.

VOTE HERE!!!

Advancement

Parents,

   Now that school is back in and because school is back in I wanted to touch base and give a gentle remind for Scouting.  I continually speak with your boys about where they are within the Scouting program and what they need.  I just updated the Path to Eagle list that sits on the right column of this blog.  You can always take a moment and refresh your memories as to where your boy is with regards to merit badges, rank advancement, etc. and what his next steps need to be.

 

   Since we are Varsity Scouts we don't focus wholly on merit badges like the 12-13 year olds do.  We don't have a week long merit badge camp to help the boys progress so it falls back to mutual nights and time at home which requires more diligence.  We are finishing up Citizenship in the Community which is a eagle required merit badge and one all the boys need.  Bro Goodsell has been spectacular to herd the cats on this one.  

   I know there are already 10 other things to remind your sons about but if possible please take a moment each week to help them make progress on whatever they need to work on.  

 

   If you ever want to clarify something or ask me a question please don't hesitate.  I welcome any chance to help your boys.  They are great young men.  

Basketball this week & V-Ball next month

We played stake basketball on the 28th and went 1 & 1.  This week, the 11th, we'll be at it again hopefully striking gold twice.  We'll start again at 6:30pm at the stake center.  I haven't received our schedule yet but have been promised it's forthcoming.

Check the calendar for volleyball.  The stake is organizing a volleyball tournament Oct 9th, 23rd and 30th.  We'll get details later in the month on that.

Online Calendar & Citizenship in Community MB

I just realized that the online calendar hasn't been working. Sorry about that. It now does. If anyone runs across an error such as that just leave a comment on one of the postings. What's great about the calendar is I religiously keep it up to date.

Next, we do have a quick movie for the boys to watch this evening at Bro. Olsen's home. This will be one of the last requirements the boys need to accomplish for their Citizenship in the Community MB. We talked about it on Sunday so the boys should be aware and we're doing it with the scouts (12-13 year old boys) so it should be fun.

Thursday, Not Tuesday

The stake just finalized B-Ball for this Thursday the 28th and Sept 11th at 6:30pm at the Stake Center.  This will be combined between priests and teachers.  We'll be playing the Lakes ward first in a double elimination tourney.  We won't have our planned swim party and DTG night on Tuesday.  We'll move that to the following Tuesday.  Anyone that wants to order prints of the above Peccole Ranch Dream Team photo can email me.  They are $15 for just the photo and $35 for the calendar.

It wasn't a great hair day for Dave Jennings so please don't bring it up.  He's a little sensitive.  The highlights just didn't turn out how he was hoping.

Braydin Whitlock

We moved the Whitlocks out this morning and though we're excited for them it was bitter sweet as well since we'll be losing them from our neighborhood, ward and troop.  We wish them the best of luck!   I threw together a few braydin moments.  

Duty to God

Parents,

   Dave Jennings has put together a Duty to God sheet for all the boys that includes all the requirements and those accomplished by each boy.  We've met with some of you and still others are on the list.  Between scouts and DTG we know it's a lot.  We want to make sure any time you want to see where you boy is that you can.  Please let us know as you mark things off with your boys and we'll do the same when we accomplish things on mutual/scout night.  You can find the DTG chart on the right hand side under RESOURCES.

Huish's Turtle Box

Post & Photos by troop Historian, Will Crumpacker

Last tuesday we went to brother Jennings house to make a new box for brothers Huish's turtles. Everyone worked very hard and earned two hours of service.

Change of Schedule

Hopefully your sons have already received the notice that we're changing Scouts from tonight at 6:30 to tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6:30 at Dave Jennings house. We'll be working on a service project for Bro Huish and our woodworking merit badge. See you then.

To infinite and beyond...Water Rockets

I think there is a dispute as to who had the highest rocket which only means they all went much higher than we had expected. We launched from Piggott Elementary at 19:00 hours last 

Tuesday.  The boys pumped their rockets up to 150PSI and then sent them 300-400 ft up into the air.

Position Badges

As if this wasn't already known; Phil De La Mare is a stud! I'm sure he gets sick of my constant requests and lack of knowledge about Scouting but he does it for the boys. Phil is our Scout Committee Chair (I think that's what the position is called). Anyway, Phil got me position badges for all the boys. I'm going to pass them out at church today. If you don't know where the badge goes on the uniform I've attached something else that Phil gave me. It shows where on the left sleeve it should be placed along with everything else. You'll also find it in the Scouting Resources for future reference.

Path to Eagle

Boys and Parents,

I know were all busy so I've put together a simple one page "dashboard" that tells me and you where each of you are on your Path to Eagle.  There is so much swirling around in life that it's hard to remember where you are when it comes to different tasks.  I'm going to post this in the Scouting Resources section and keep it up to date.  

The area of this dashboard that I use the most is right at the top highlighted in yellow, below each boys name (FYI, I did this on a Mac and I know that colors change on a PC).  It's crammed into a rather tight space but it tells you exactly what needs to happen for each boy to move on to the next rank.  I'll give an example.  We'll use Ben Williams.  In the yellow area it says that Ben's next advancement is Eagle.  It says he needs 1 month more under Life, 1 month more in his current responsibility, 3 more req'd MBs, 2 more elective MBs and an eagle project.  That's his Path to Eagle.  The rest of the information needs to be available for reference but the yellow highlighted area tells parents, boys and leaders what we need to be working on.  

The only other area I want to point out is highlighted in light blue.  The area highlighted in light blue under your boy's name holds the more detailed requirements that he has or needs to complete.  

As always, if you have any questions please give me a holler by phone or email (I'll even take comments here on the blog).  Remember to take a look. 

Del Webb with Photos

Your boys are doing great and having a good time. Hiking with backpacks has come with mixed reviews from the boys but they are hiking well. I had to leave Thursday afternoon but in that I am able to provide some photos and updates. Bryce Duckworth was with me until Wed and the Bishop and Bro Williams arrived early Thursday morning. Alex Whitlock passed me just outside the camp as I was leaving.

Included below is a link to photos I took of the boys. Bro Duckworth had a much better camera and I'll get those pictures from him soon and post them as well. Until then here's an update through photos. They are all doing so well even given the rain we've experienced. Take a look at Kyle Simmon's creative approach to wet shoes.

Del Webb Photos (Update w/ Photos from Bro Williams, Duckworth and myself)

Day 2: Middle Camp to Kolob Res (Click for more trail details)

Day 3: Crystal Falls | One Way (Click for more trail details & double number)

Day 4: Thorley to Mountain Man (Click for more trail details)

Emergency Contact @ Del Webb

Parents, 

   Hopefully this isn't needed but if you need to contact a son or spouse at Del Webb because of an emergency please contact Donna at the BSA office (702-968-8138).  Donna has contact info for the only "boosted cell phone" that works at camp.  

Final Roll Call - 6 Days and Counting...

I'm in to lists lately and especially since Del Webb is 3.5 hours away.  I don't want to forget anything and I guess anyone:)  Here is the latest.

1. Please make sure to have your Class 3 Medical form complete for both Scout and any participating father.  No Exceptions!  Bring this on Friday.
2. I need every boy to bring his pack over Friday night between 6:30-7:30pm.  If we find something is missing you'll have Saturday to pick it up and drop it off.  I will have each boy pull everything out of his pack and we'll double check that each pack is complete.
3. We will be leaving Monday morning at 6:00am.  Please have your boy to my house no later than 5:45am having already ate breakfast.  We won't have lunch until approx. 1:00pm MST.
4. Here is the final Fathers' Camp Schedule.  Thank you to each father/leader that is participating for taking vacation days and reshuffling your busy schedules.  
5. If anyone hasn't made the $50 payment for Scout camp please do so ASAP.  If there are any circumstances that need to be taken into consideration please speak with Bishop Cram, Bryce Duckworth or Dave Williams.  
6. Here are driving instructions for fathers traveling to us later in the week and a map to Del Webb. (To be posted 7/8/08)
7. Each boy needs to bring their Duty to God Book.  We'll be working on various Duty to God activities.
8. Lastly, I will be going to Del Webb with the boys.  Rachel had our 2nd child last Wednesday so I've been given the green light.  We also have a troop Historian, Will Crumpacker, and he will be documenting the whole journey.  Look forward to gazillons of photos.

Class 3 Medical Form for Del Webb - REQUIRED

Bro. Williams has been kind enough to volunteer his time and expertise this coming Sunday afternoon (07/06/2008).  For those that have not seen their doctor with regards to the Class 3 Medical form for Del Webb; Bro Williams will be available this coming Sunday at 4:00 pm.  I will coordinate with the boys on Sunday for a time slot at 4:00 or 4:30 pm.  Please remember that this form is a MUST for Del Webb for both Leaders/Fathers and Boys.  Please fill out those areas marked for parental input beforehand.  I dropped off forms to everyone.  If you need another copy please see the right side of this blog under Resource for Del Webb.  THANK YOU DAVE!

Mt. Charleston Conquered

First and foremost thank you to the fathers and leaders that took time out of their weekend to support the wonderful young men we have in troop 377. Here are some shots from the weekend. I know Dave Williams and the Bishop have additional photos that I'll post at a later date.

Ready for launch. We left around 2:30 pm Friday

We started the hike around 4:00pm friday. We just started and Brycen's already tired.

Colton, Ben and Kyle eatin' the mountain up!

Ben, Colton Kyle and Brycen posin' for their glamour shots

There was a slight slope to the area where the Whitlocks slept. Alex said it wasn't a problem because Braydin was on the downside and quite comfortable as a pillow

Saturday morning. We camped just below the ridge line.

Saturday morning around 8:15 am. This was just above the switchbacks at the ridge line. One direction led to Griffith Peak and the other to Mt. Charleston.

Everyone at the top. 11,918 ft above sea level and almost 4300 ft higher than from where we started.

There was a geocache on the top of the mountain that the boys found.

Mr. Cool.

Now there were a couple quotatious moments that must live on forever.

First place goes to Brycen Duckworth.

Braydin pulls out his dinner which happens to be a raw hamburger paddy.

Brycen: What's the red stuff (liquid)

Braydin: Blood

Brycen: From what?

Braydin: The cow!

Brycen: The cow?

Second place goes to Braydin Whitlock.

We've just found the geocache which is an ammo box that holds a logbook, pen and other trinkets. The rule is that if you take something you've got to leave something. So the boys are pulling everything out and they find an item that has moved from Sydney, Australia throughout the world and is now in this box on Mt. Charleston. It's in the shape of a whale and it's a whistle. Fast forward a couple minutes.

Alex Whitlock: I think this whale is a whistle. I want to try it.

We all, including Alex, make the comment that we'd never put our mouth on it without cleaning it because it's been in so many mouths and hands.

Alex pulls out a wet wipe and cleans everything.

Alex Whitlock: I really think this is a whistle. I'm going to give it a try.

Braydin Whitlock: Yeah, it's a whistle. I tried it already. (Mind you, Alex just cleaned it!)

Then Braydin goes bright red. Don't worry Braydin. We won't tell the girls.

Del Webb - Fathers' Camp Schedule

Here are the commitments I currently have from fathers for Del Webb.  If I have you incorrectly placed, if you would like to add yourself to the list and/or take more time don't hesitate to call, email, text, send up smoke signals or ham radio me your additions.  If on the other hand you want to reduce your time commitment, etc. please note that I will not be available through any means of communication and will persistently ignore you at all Sunday mtgs and ward functions.  (Alright, so your first thought is where is the downside to that threat:)  

Fathers' Camp Schedule as of 07.01.08

Add'l Information on Del Webb: < 4 weeks

Parents,

5 items for Camp Del Webb:

First, thank you to all the fathers (& moms) for your help and patience as I've been working to secure leadership and oversight for your sons while they are at camp.  This will be such a great opportunity for your young men.  There are so many wonderful, dedicated people working to making this camp happen from the Las Vegas Boy Scout Council to the stake leadership.  I'm very sad that this camp falls on the week my wife's delivering our second child.  I'd like to participate along side this great group of boys.  

Second, I still need father participation.  I know that many of you have told me it's an extremely difficult time to get away.  I MUST have 2 deep leadership or the boys cannot attend Camp Del Webb.  I will take anything you can offer.  Right now, I only have 2 of the 6 days covered with 2 fathers deep and that is Thursday and Friday.  I will be asking in Priesthood opening exercises this week if there are men that can participate even though they haven't children in the program or this age group.  Let me know immediately if you can swing any time that week.

Third, please don't forget to make your $50.00 payment to the ward for camp.  Through fundraising and the ward budget all but $50.00 of this year's camp expense ($255 per boy) is covered.  The bishop has requested that these payments be made before the end of June.  

Fourth, I will be "bothering" you once more this week.  I'll give the information here but to make sure it's received I'll be stopping by to confirm. 

• Each boy, participating father, and leader MUST have a class 3 medical form signed by his/her(in the case of Dave Jennings) doctor that's no more than 12 months old as of the date of camp.  There will be NO exceptions to the rule and anyone that arrives at camp without one will be prohibited from participating.  This form will be in a packet that I will be bringing around this week.  In case you need another you may download one using the link to the right under "Resource for Del Webb"
• Height to Weight Ratio.  These are the recommended height to weight ratios for boys, fathers, and leaders.  If anyone falls outside these parameters please contact me directly.

Click here for larger view

• Equipment List.  I will include in packet (You received this along with other resources about camp in April when I visited each home).  Also under "Resources for Del Webb".  I will use this Tuesday's hike prep to go over this again with the boys.  Please ask them about it.  A couple things in particular that the boys learned from our last hike:
• Sunscreen and hat are a must.  Ask Braydin Whitlock
• No heavy flashlights.  A lantern flash light vs. a small pocket flashlight is a prime example of unnecessary weight.  I personally have a flashlight that I wear on my head like spelunkers.
• Inadequate water.  Also, no need to freeze water.
• Trail mix or quick energy foods such as dried fruit.  Something your boy can keep in a pocket and access while hiking
• Proper colder weather clothing.  It will be 100+ in LV this weekend but only a high of 74 at the BASE of Mt. Charleston.  We will be camping near the summit.  Make sure you young man has pants and a sweater.  A rain jacket is also a MUST regardless of the forecast.
• A carb filled dinner and breakfast.  A granola bar is insufficient for a young man's breakfast.  In all, we'll hike over 16 miles this weekend.
• Pack weight.  Eliminate unnecessary weight such as hatchets, large tarps, full-size pillows, camp chairs, large flashlights, unnecessary clothing, and the dining room table.  

Fifth, please know that both Dave Jennings and I absolutely love to work with your sons.  They are great individuals whom we learn so much from.  If there is ever anything we can help with, please don't hesitate.  We are truly blessed for the opportunity to work with your boys and welcome any input you have or help we can render.