Will Rockin' the Guitar

Day 3 @ Entrada

View Arches Hike in a larger map

Since we were so close to Arches we couldn't miss the opportunity to view wonders of the world that so many travel such distances to behold.  In addition to the arches we viewed on this quick hike, we also drove down to the viewing area for delicate arch.  Delicate arch is on one of the Utah license plates.  By 11:00am PST we were on the road headed back to LV.  In all, it was a spectacular trip and with perfect weather to boot.

Day 2 @ Entrada:

View River Run in a larger map

Day 2 we left camp @ 6:30am and drove to our river guide's location. They transported us up the river by bus. The above map shows what part of the river we ran.

We got back down into Moab after 2:00pm and decided on a quick shake @ Milt's. From there we went up to our camp @ Entrada. We took the mountain bikes out and looked for geocaches. The weather was sunny and perfect all day.

Dave and Devin have all the photos.  They'll pass those photos along this next week and I'll post them.

Day 1 @ Entrada High Adventure Camp (Moab, Ut)

View Entrada: Mountain Biking & Gemini Bridges in a larger map

We started out @ 7:00am Thursday with mountain biking.  The above map shows where we went and the different things we saw.

 

View Millcreek Hike in a larger map

Then after lunch we went out to powerhouse dam and hiked Mill creek to a swimming hole.  The boys were able to climb a small ledge that lead to a 10 ft and 25 ft jumping off point into the water.  We spent an hour or so there before hiking back down and then back to camp for the evening.

Equipment Checklist for Moab

Equipment List
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Biodegradable soap
Towel
Comb
Flashlight
Batteries
Sunglasses
Chap stick
Sunscreen (waterproof)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Tarp
Tent
Swimming suit (shorts)
Small first-aid kit
Insect repellant
Day-pack or fanny pack
Canteen or water bottles (min 2 quarts)
Matches
Good hiking boots/shoes
Foot wear for river rafting
Brimmed hat
Personal eating utensils
Multiple changes of clothing and socks

Optional Items
Camera
Eye drops
Journal
Pen/Pencil
Scriptures
Snacks
Spending money

Fletcher Canyon Overnight Camp

We made it out of the Vegas heat Friday night and Saturday morning. We camped up near Mt. Charleston in Fletcher Canyon. Our camp spot is marked below. We arrived around 6 and setup camp. We ate dinner and decided on a game of capture the flag.

To Dave's utter joy, he had cell reception and alerted us every 3 minutes on the Lakers domination of the Nuggets in game 6. It lightly sprinkled on us during the night, but alas we survived. I think all had a good time.



View Larger Map


High Adventure Summer Camp - June 17th-20th

The dates are set; June 17th -20th.  This year we'll be going to Moab, UT with the Priests to the high adventure camp Entrada.  

View the camp website here

Here are all the activities we'll have to choose from.  

Climbing and Rappelling – Climb or Rappel one of the following areas.

• 40 ft. food sandstone cliff for climbing/rappelling and instruction on base
• 120 ft. rappelling sandstone cliff for the ultimate rush.
• Sandstone climbing near Potash on the Colorado River for more experienced climbers.

 Biking – Bike one of these seven trails.

• 14 mile metal masher jeep trail, begin and end at camp, scenic route
• 23 mile Gemini Bridges jeep trail, begin in camp, end at Moab, downhill ride
• 6-10 mile Gemini Bridged slick rock mogul trail, short, simple, and good for beginners
• 20 mile Longs Canyon jeep trail, downhill excitement to the Colorado River!
• Famous Slick Rock bike trail – for experienced bikers, the practice loop is also available
• Klondyke Bluffs – off the beaten path north of Moab about 15 miles.
• La Sals – ride in the high country for a cooler experience

 Whitewater – day-long trip down the Colorado, beginning at Castle Valley. More exclusive trips that offer more thrills are also available for an extra cost.

Shooting Sports – A day of shotguns, black powder, and action archery at base camp

Sightseeing – Hikes around the area to famous Arches, Canyon-lands, Dead Horse Point, etc.

Backpacking – Hike and backpack the upper rim of the La Sal Mountains in this guided overnight two-day experience.

Evening Programs – Games, shooting, campfires, night hikes all after dinner.

If you're still wondering.  The photo above has to be from about 1995 when my Priest's group went to Moab.  

Update: Here's a link to another troop's trip last year to Entrada.

Court of Honor - 3/25/09 - 6:15pm

Our boys have a number of rank advancements and merit badges to be awarded this week. We're looking forward to recognizing the boys on all their hard work. Please be on time and have your boys wear their scout uniforms.

At 7:00pm we'll start Kyle and Steve Simmons Eagle Court of Honor. We're proud of their accomplishment and look forward to celebrating that achievement with them.

Handcart Assembly

Handcart Creation

We'll be meeting with the Priests this week to work on the assembly of our handcart for the Trek in April. Meet at Bro. Jenning's home at 6:30 this Wednesday. If you didn't get your medical form filled out please do so and bring it with you. We'll try and have some extras if you don't already have one.

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.