tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49885935008281578432024-02-21T01:26:26.835-08:00A Rambling Scouter's BlogGarry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-14577383799547793432010-10-19T06:11:00.000-07:002010-10-19T06:11:58.989-07:00Catching Up on my 100 days 9-21October 6th, Reviewed my be a scout presentation for tomorrow night.<br />
October 7th, Helped with info packets for roundtable, Gave a quick present at roundtable for BeAScout.org, Committed troop to teach knots at our Troopadillo Adventure (Webelos Woods like event).<br />
October 8th, Packed and headed out with a local pack for Family camping at Inks Lake State Park.<br />
October 9th, Helped Webelos I with Fire building and Baked a dutch oven birthday cake. I really wish I had a good picture of it.<br />
October 10th, Came back from Camping, opted to take Hammock nap instead of posting to the blog.<br />
October 11th, Read troop requirements for Journey to Excellence, developed goals for the PLC. Many have a due date of 12/31/2010. To make sure issues get resolved before recruiting starts.<br />
October 12th, PLC occurred before troop meeting. I think they covered about half of the goals. Surprised we have 5 or more boys eligible for NYLT maybe more by June. Council's requirements are 13 and first class having taken part in TLT. This will make who to send a tough decision. I think some really should have gone last year.<br />
October 13th, Purchased a copy of the 1942 Scoutmaster's handbook on Ebay.<br />
October 14th, Drove Son to a local pack meeting, He explained to the Cubmaster that Den Chief training will not happen until January, yet he has read the handbook and is ready to start if that was OK. I picked up Popcorn for a Saturday show and sell.<br />
October 15th, I took the day off. I really should have posted.<br />
October 16th, Supervised the Show and Sell, Picked up the troop trailer from storage, Washed contents of two chuckboxes for 3 hours... Need to talk to boys about why we do KP before it gets dark. Two adults and one youth almost lost our lunches.<br />
October 17th, worked on figuring out why trailer brakes locked up. Found I wired my RV plug backwards while changing from 6 pin to 7 blade RV plug. I discovered 6 pin trailer connections have two possible pinouts. When using the wrong pinout it will lock up the trailer brakes.<br />
October 18th, Took the trailer back to the storage area. Received my 1942 copy of the Scoutmasters handbook, read section on a new scout master in an established troop. I'll be rereading this often.<br />
October 19th, Today, I have my first Committee Meeting as Scoutmaster and the third troop meeting of our cooking theme.Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-24439034811127887632010-10-05T15:07:00.000-07:002010-10-05T15:07:54.544-07:00Days 7 and 8Yesterday, I went to promote powder horn and the troop to a pack. I also picked up the keys to the church. Today I ran to the scout shop and picked up a copy of the TLT syllabus. I grabbed my son a copy of the Den Chief handbook. I'm writing an email to a pack that had written off the troop as possible troop for crossover. And tonight is my first night as the scoutmaster. I'm wondering what to do as my scout master minute. Maybe a game on participation.Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-12541932710854043592010-10-03T18:41:00.000-07:002010-10-03T18:41:53.579-07:00Day 3-6 Of being a New ScoutmasterI spent days 3 - 6 at my second weekend of Powderhorn. I now have many new resources and ideas for the troop. COPE was very challenging. Rappelling didn't hold the glamor for me it had in my youth. although it was cold a couple of nights, cold for South Texas that is. One of our troops young Assistant Scoutmasters attended with me. We were introduced to the Diamond H Scout Ranch in Eastern Oklahoma that invites you to choose your own adventure. Diamond H is a partnership between National and Last Frontier council. I'm exhausted so I'm hitting the rack.Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-65937872635428063212010-09-29T19:14:00.000-07:002010-09-29T19:14:03.431-07:00Day 2 of 100 days as a New Scoutmaster<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So while I prepared yesterday, I ended up writing my thoughts and it evolved into my scoutmaster's vision statement. It will take a while but I hope to get the Scouts to come up with their own vision of our success.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div class="Style-1" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"If I may take just a few moments of your time, I want to share with you my vision for this troop. A vision is a picture of what future success looks like. If we can see it, we can be it. In the best tradition of Scouting, this will be a boy-run troop. My vision of what success looks like comes in parts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Style-1" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As Scoutmaster I see myself fulfilling my responsibility for the safety of everyone and the general direction of the troop’s program. I see the troop operating according to the Scout Oath and Law, and following the guidance of the National Council. We are all here to help one another have the best possible experience. The Scout Oath and Law can guide us in that direction throughout our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Style-1" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I see the adult leaders giving responsibility for leading the troop to the senior patrol leader and the troop’s other youth leaders. We will always be available to coach and mentor them, but as much as possible I see us staying on the sidelines while the senior patrol leader and youth leaders plan and carry out a great program for the troop. We will not hide that coaching and mentoring. In fact, now and then we will ask you to watch us doing it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Style-1" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Troop will offer boys the opportunity to explore the outdoors and experience new adventures. The troop will continue to expand the outdoor program. It will be the boys' responsibility to research and discuss new and exciting locations for future outings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Style-1" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Advancement is a very important part of any Scouting program. Troop 745 is committed to providing boys the experiences and resources necessary for rank advancement. It is the responsibility of the individual scout to set his goals and put into action a plan to achieve those goals. The troop will provide all the necessary support: Troop Guides, Merit Badge counselors, etc. The troop will be a resource for advancement while upholding the integrity of the rank.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Style-1" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A quality troop also must reflect service to others and duty to God. Troop 745 will expand its efforts in community service. We will also continue to do our Duty to God by our renewed commitment to the Scouts Own Program. At this time we have an active Troop Chaplain and Chaplain's Aide. We will work together to start holding Sunday services at all campouts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Style-1" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My vision of success includes everyone, both youth and adult, seeing himself as here to help each of you learn as much as you can. It is my desire for all the boys to feel this is “Their Troop” and that they have pride in what it stands for. All members are to be treated with respect and dignity. I want all boys to develop a concern for each other's welfare. We are here for you. I see us doing all we can to make it possible for you to enjoy the fellowship of other Scouts."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="Style-2" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-71085213637326484072010-09-28T06:27:00.000-07:002010-09-28T06:27:40.542-07:001 of 100 days as the new Scoutmaster.In my last post, I laid out that I'm going to become Scoutmaster tonight. I have had a couple of weeks to plan for this, but I really haven't done much to prepare for tonight. The current Scoutmaster hasn't said a word about this to me, that has me a bit on edge. The Committee chair has assured me that the change will happen and the current Scoutmaster is planning a changing of the guard ceremony. I should put together a few words for tonight.<br />
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I have done a bit more to plan for my First 100 days. Although I have gone through all the required training, Am I really prepared to mentor the scouts? Did Wood Badge prepare me for this? I'm not sure. While this won't help me in my first 100 days, I have volunteered to help with our council's NYLT course. Locally, we call it Cedar Badge. This should help fine tune my ability to mentor the youth leaders. After watching our last two SPL's, being able to mentor them is a huge concern for me. Both have had to fall into the realm of a dictator or the big boss role too many times. That's the first bit of our culture I feel I have to change.<br />
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I have read and reread a series of blogs from <a href="http://www.thescoutmasterminute.ne/">www.thescoutmasterminute.ne</a>t on "If you build it they will come". Many thanks to Jerry Schleining for writing that blog. I see the value of planning. I have felt the need for and asked the PLC via the scoutmaster for an annual plan for the last year. Jerry's series of posts and a list of questions I found on a Webelos to Scout transition paper have helped me start to wrap my head around a series of goals for my first 100 days. These goals will be goals for me, for the PLC, and for the Troop Committee.<br />
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Since everything starts with the PLC. Let me speak a bit about the PLC that will take office with me. The SPL is an experienced Eagle Scout. Before the elections I spoke with him briefly, he stated he came back to SPL because he doesn't like the way the troop is heading. I really appreciate him taking up the role. His ASPL is a Life Scout that recently transferred into the troop. He has had some challenges in his life and scouting. I think he has turned his recent challenges around and will be a great leader in the future. One of the PL's will be in his second term. He is a Star Scout looking to turn 13 soon. The other PL is Second Class Scout in his first term. One of them is going to try and balance Jr. League football in a championship team with his position. I see that being a big challenge for him. I am looking forward to working with themGarry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-37271081747043591832010-09-27T08:16:00.000-07:002010-09-27T08:16:21.232-07:00Wow was it really May?Was it really may the last time I posted? So much has happened in the last few months. I have worked my self out of my real job. The company decide to use me to move their servers to Rackspace managed hosting, a local company from San Antonio. I've been working on starting my own business. That's pretty much it on the personal side.<br />
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On the scout side, I went to summer camp with the troop at Bear Creek Scout Ranch. (<a href="http://alamoarea-boyscouts.org/Bear%20Creek/bear%20creek.html">http://alamoarea-boyscouts.org/Bear%20Creek/bear%20creek.html</a>) My son went through the 1st year scout program called the Ranger Program. With his troop experiences, that carried him from Scout to Second Class. Another campout and he managed to get First Class in 11 months. Many people in Texas say that Bear Creek have the best new scout program in the state, followed by Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch (BTSR). I'm not prejudiced though, it is our council camp. At the end of the summer the Troop committee leadership came to me and asked that I take over as Scoutmaster. Two weeks ago I started in the Alamo area council's high adventure resource training for troops and crews known as Powder Horn.<br />
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I grabbed some interesting facts about Powder Horn in my council. The first course was held in 2003. I am in the 5th course. Our course's normally have a waiting list. The teaching methodology is based on a Venturing Crew. If you not familiar with Powder Horn, you are probably asking what is Powder Horn? For me, Powder horn so far has been Leave No Trace, COPE, Center-fire, rim-fire, black-powder, shotguns, clay, gear, SCUBA,Fishing, flies, awesome food, Canoeing, kayaking, Rafting, communications, gear, physical fitness, Climbing, rappelling, Treks, rivers, lakes and scout's own. I still have a weekend left to go.<br />
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Back to the troop and the committee though, I have accepted their offer to become Scoutmaster and tomorrow's Court of Honor is to be my installation as Scoutmaster. The last couple of weeks I've been working on and looking at how to set my tone, my culture for that I'll bring to the troop as the troop's chief mentor and guide. Back at the beginning of the year, I followed a group of bloggers that were writing about 100 days of Scouting. My goal for this blog is now to write about my first 100 days as Scoutmaster. I don't expect to do this daily, but I'll try to do this at least weekly. I started by blocking out time to do that on my calendar.Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-23011441397365721932010-05-21T14:29:00.000-07:002010-05-21T14:29:26.384-07:00(Survival and New foods) Which cacti are the most edible and nutritious?<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">While this doesn't really answer the question... It does help you to figure out how to harvest and prepare the fruit of our beloved Prickly Pear. Just don't go hugging any of them.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">From </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 8px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 8px; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Survival Guru Tony Nester</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.) is the most common cactus found throughout not only the desert but much of the U.S. It is my favorite cactus to harvest, and I usually gather up the red, golf-ball sized fruits in August or September, depending on the elevation.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The surface of the fruit has tiny hairs called glochids which can get into your skin (or tongue!) and cause irritation. When gathering the fruit with my kids, I always bring along Elmer's Glue, which can be poured onto the hairs impaled in the fingertips or skin and later peeled off to remove the glochids. Tongs can be most helpful for picking fruit, but it always seems like you end up with a few hairs in your fingertips.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After obtaining the fruit, we then place them over a grill on the fire for 1-2 minutes to singe off the glochids. They can then be eaten raw or cut in half to dry in the sun to make cactus fruit leather. Like most cacti fruit, prickly pear is 80-percent seed on the inside, and it takes quite a bit to make a meal. Your lips and hands also will be stained purple for the next few days.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As with any edible plant or cacti, make sure you know what you are putting in your mouth as some can be toxic and downright deadly. Take a class at a desert botanical center or with a reputable instructor. One such course that focuses on desert edible and medicinal plants is taught in Arizona by Mike Masek (</span></span><a href="http://theforagerspath.com/" style="color: #0066cc;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">theforagerspath.com</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">) and provides a hands-on approach to learning how to gather your own wild foods.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Other than prickly pear, there are many desert succulents (another name for cacti and their relatives) that can provide fruit, such as the Saguaro, barrel cactus, and cholla. Some are protected, so you will have to look into state laws whe</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">n gathering.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An excellent book to get started is </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plants-Sonoran-Desert-Wendy-Hodgson/dp/0816520607/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274384232&sr=8-1" style="color: #0066cc;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Food Plants of the Sonoran Desert</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, by Wendy C. Hodgson.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here's a list of nutrients you find in the paddle.</span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cactus pads contain beta carotene, iron, some B vitamins, and are good sources of both vitamin C and calcium.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There has been medical interest in the Prickly Pear plant. Some studies have shown that the pectin contained in the Prickly Pear pulp lowers levels of "bad" cholesterol while leaving "good" cholesterol levels unchanged. Another study found that the fibrous pectin in the fruit may lowers diabetics' need for insulin. Both fruits and pads of the prickly pear cactus are rich in slowly absorbed soluble fibers that help keep blood </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sugar</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> stable. There are on going studies and at this point there are no proven results on humans. You can make your own study and see if works for you, which is the only test that really counts.</span></span></span></span></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here's a recipe for a tasty, spicy dish:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">CACTUS CREOLE</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 cups of diced cactus</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 pound of hamburger (cooked and drained)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6 ounces of tomato paste</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 cup of water</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 diced jalapeño pepper</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6-1/2 ounces of canned shrimp (drained)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">salt and pepper to taste</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mix all the ingredients together in a pan and cook them over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the cactus turns a deep green. Serve hot over noodles, rice, or potatoes . . . or in pita bread or a folded tortilla. It's delicious!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cactus also tastes great with fish. Here's a recipe for </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">pescado</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, desert-style:</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">CACTUS OVER FISH</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup of cooking oil</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 clove of garlic (chopped)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon of chili powder</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 cup of flour</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 pound of filleted fish</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 cup of diced and boiled cactus</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup of water (from the boiled cactus)</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 hard-boiled egg, sliced</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 teaspoons of lemon juice</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">salt to taste</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Heat the oil in a frying pan, sauté the garlic until light brown, and then remove the garlic pieces with a slotted spatula or spoon. Combine the chili powder and flour in a bowl and roll the fish in the mixture. Fry the coated fillets until they're golden brown . . . add the water (be careful to prevent spattering </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">—</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> pour in just a bit at a time). . . reduce the heat . . . and cook the fish for a few minutes longer. When the fish flakes easily, remove it from the pan and serve it smothered in cactus and topped with sliced egg, lemon juice, and salt.</span></span></span></div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-13134943228614950582010-03-25T15:16:00.000-07:002010-03-25T15:16:30.193-07:00It was election time.This week started out with a call that a fellow scouter had died suddenly. He will never know how much he inspired me to be a trainer. He really focused on getting us trained on the trained patch level. Mr. Barrentine, you will be missed.<br />
Next up were elections for my sons troop. The elections went surprisingly well considering the boys elected the SPL and both PL's before the Scoutmaster announced that the new boys would be in a new boy patrol. I still have many questions about the elections and how they were carried out. But I am very proud my son was elected PL of the new boy patrol. The scouts had unknowingly elected a new boy, an experienced boy and a solid candidate for SPL. The Troop committee adoted a training policy so that ASM's get trained within 6 months of joining the troop. This vote was a lot less debated than the healthcare vote. Everyone seemed to be ok with the results.<br />
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The pack is doing something interesting tonight, They are having Den meetings for 45 minutes then 45 minutes of Pack meeting. I'm not the Cubmaster and I'm not sure I 'd do it this way.<br />
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Saturday, I'm bailing on the troop campout to train some webelos leader's and my son opted for his school's spring carnival. But we have a solid show for the campout. 5 adults and 8 or 9 scouts. This is a backpacking trip in to a primitive camp site, so it should shake the new scouts down. They are all looking forward to it.Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-63908936535616893322010-03-19T14:20:00.000-07:002010-03-19T14:20:39.597-07:00Storing My camping gear I told @scoutdude that My storage arrangements for camping gear was a blog post so here goes. It all lives in my garage. We also have a pop-up, but I prefer to grab the tents and go as I can decide to go camping on the way home on Friday.<br />
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Car Camping gear:<br />
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Section one the dutch oven stack: On the bottom is a Sportsman's Warehouse Fire Pan Similar to <a href="http://store.ceedubs.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CDDOACCSL&Category_Code=FP">this</a>. Next is a Camp Chef Dutch oven <a href="http://www.campchef.com/store/item/59/CT32LW_camp_table_with_legs_32.html">Table</a>. My 14" Lodge Dutch Oven, My two Sportsman Warehouse 12" dutch Ovens, and 2 Cheap footless dutch ovens. In a bag similar to a USGI mechanics bag I have a DO tool set. gloves/ <a href="http://www.mairdutchovenlifter.com/">Mair Lid Lifters</a>, tin spoons, spatulas, and several tongs. I almost forgot the Chimney Starter.<br />
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Another pile / Section 2 is the Folding aluminum Tables, Camp Chairs, and Our 10 x 10 Canopy.<br />
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Section 3 is the cheap sleeping bags There are 5 of us so that takes up a shelf on an 18x 36 shelf unit.<br />
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The shelf above that has an army shelter half tent, 3 Coleman 4 man tents ( our normal tents), a Sears 3 room tent, and a two man hiking tent from Academy Sports. and finally on top of that is an Eagles nest outfitters Hammock, strap, and tarp setup.<br />
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Contico Footlocker 1: Coleman stove and Propane canisters, Bowls, Car Camp mess kits, flashlights, emergency ponchos, misc...<br />
Contico Footlocker 2: Dry goods for car camping.<br />
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Hiking Gear:<br />
The packs are leaning against the wall near the car camping gear. Most of the little things stay in the pack while the big items come out to get proper care.<br />
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(This is both My son's and My Gear) Pads and Sleeping bags unstuffed / unrolled and laid over top of Shelving unit.<br />
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Kelty Super Tioga: Dad's bathroom ditty bag, Jetboil, Brunton Raptor stove , Xbowl and X cup, MSR folding spork, powedered drink ditty bag, Frog Toggs, Led light for tent, Stuff sacks for clothing, drop cloth for tent/ tarp. Personal first aid kit, Camp axe, Firestarter. camp towel. Camp cord.<br />
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Jansport scout: Son's Bathroom ditty, Coleman exponent stove, GSI Outdoors group pot set, Camp towel, Rain gear, Personal First Aid kit, Stuff sacks for clothing.Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-33835294184839898622010-03-16T12:38:00.000-07:002010-03-16T12:38:20.895-07:00The Googling Commissioner ServiceAbout mid February, I registered a URL for my district UC service and a toy for me. I wanted to see how google apps and sites tied together and how best to use it. You can get an awesome front end view from the Scouting units that have come to use Google apps. <br />
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I was just handed a couple of necessary but annoying forms that needed to be completed and turned in. So I went and created google apps forms to replace the paper forms. So for now We don't have a Commissioner's website, just a commissioner's tools website. Hopefully it has the tools we need to be more successful as Commissioners.<br />
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The best part of this was I shared it with my District Commissioner, who in turn spoke about it at a Council commissioners meeting. The other districts' commisioners were all like, "I want those tools too!" While the tools aren't exactly what I'd want to go public on they are a far site better than we have available otherwise.<br />
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What tools did I create? Unit Self assessments, District monthly awards nomination form and Unit contact information submittal.Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-24337740862128995262010-02-26T13:25:00.000-08:002010-02-26T13:25:40.512-08:00Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm off to the new Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills. It isn't really a new course as far as I know It's just the first time my council has offered it since it became a requirement for Webelos Leaders. This meant that council had to make a new flyer for the Class. It will be akin to spending 28 hours camping in my backyard. WOO HOO! Our training / cub scout campground is surrounded by city. All around you here the sounds of cars and freeways and sleep under the light of the near by fast food joints. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I'm a gear nut, I decided to celebrate by spending lunch at Whole Earth Provisions. Why there and not our other trusty sporting goods store Academy. WEP has the Therm-a-rest Neo Air. It is supposed to be the best Camp pad since self inflating pads. They had 3 sizes in stock. Fortunately for my pocketbook I was not yet prepared to part ways with $170. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did however pickup an Xbowl and Xmug from Sea to Summit (</span><a href="http://www.seatosummit.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.seatosummit.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">). Together they are smaller and flatter than my current mess set. I also picked up a folding spork from MSR. (</span><a href="http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/cookware/cookware-accessories/folding-eating-utensils/product"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/cookware/cookware-accessories/folding-eating-utensils/product</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) the spork is longer than my current set of Light My Fire Sporks. The current ones are just a bit short reaching into a Jetboil pot.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last but not least I grabbed the wrong book, but hope it will pay off in the end. The Best in Tent Camping: Texas (</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Tent-Camping-Concrete-Portable/dp/0897326849"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.amazon.com/Best-Tent-Camping-Concrete-Portable/dp/0897326849</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">). Why did I say Grabbed the wrong book Because I didn't see the subtitle any where. "A Guide for Car Campers Who Hate RVs, Concrete Slabs, and Loud Portable Stereos" I do fall into the category of disliking Concrete Slabs, and Loud Portable Stereos. Occasionally I like the comfort of a RV in the form of a pop-up camper. Yet I was hoping for the top 50 tent camping sites in Texas no matter who else may show up. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll let you know how things turn out. I almost forgot because I was so busy. My son finally had his Crossover ceremony last Sunday. I rechartered with the pack as Committee Chair because we had two few stand up. </span>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-79404089045625106772010-02-10T12:28:00.000-08:002010-02-10T13:35:42.326-08:00Girl Scout CookiesMy wife is fully engrossed in that American tradition called Girl Scout Cookies. I haven't seen her most of the week. Now that is partly because I haven't been home much, but neither has she.<div><br /></div><div>She is at booth sales and delivering cookies. </div><div><br /></div><div>If your council uses Trails-end the popcorn money is pretty easy to follow. But no-one could really tell me where all the money from the Girl Scout cookies went, until now.</div><div><a href="http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/06/girl-scout-cookies-by-the-numbers-just-where-do-all-those-dolla/">http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/06/girl-scout-cookies-by-the-numbers-just-where-do-all-those-dolla/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>$0.85 Bakery</div><div>$0.50 Troop</div><div>$0.08 Patches</div><div>$2.07 Local Council</div><div>For a total of $3.50</div><div><br /></div><div> So let's scale this up to the $9.00 tub o' popcorn the Boy Scouts sell.</div><div><br /></div><div>So for the $9.00 you'd get 39 cookies from the GSUSA or 8.5 oz of Carmel popcorn from the BSA.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><table><tbody><tr><td>GSUSA</td><td>BSA</td></tr><br /><tr><td>$2.25 or 25% to the Bakery</td><td>$2.25 or 25% to Trails-end</td></tr><br /><tr><td>$0.18 or 2% to prize patches</td><td>$0.45 or 5% to Prizes</td></tr><br /><tr><td>$5.31 or 59% to the Local Council</td><td>$3.15 or 35% to the Local Council</td></tr><br /><tr><td>$1.26 or 14% to the Troop</td><td>$3.15 or 35% to the Unit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /></div><div>I'm not so angry at the baker's anymore. I know the BSA has FOS, United Way, and other fundraising going on throughout the year. I wonder what other funds the GSUSA raises during the year. It seems the girl scouts put more of the council's financial burden on the girls. My daughters goals were to sell 150 boxes each for a total of $73 in the troop coffers. But nearly double the total sales of my pack for nearly the same commission per scout.</div><div><br /></div><div>To me it would seem the Local GSUSA council could give a bit more back to the scouts.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-45500907734993990562010-02-09T14:45:00.000-08:002010-02-09T15:19:14.211-08:00AB100 meets the wild west in San Antone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmhAntHev49-lxqsbFe8X-ILWue3mkxLIoehfsl_1F1PSIUehCGU8obz2TCLh7RYDIuvtq-8TxxghHB9otHeHmqluwbkr21Gv42CvkqcU6B5azn4fyHDhnLB9oCTqEMAcPawFOQP1BZ0/s1600-h/ab100patch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmhAntHev49-lxqsbFe8X-ILWue3mkxLIoehfsl_1F1PSIUehCGU8obz2TCLh7RYDIuvtq-8TxxghHB9otHeHmqluwbkr21Gv42CvkqcU6B5azn4fyHDhnLB9oCTqEMAcPawFOQP1BZ0/s320/ab100patch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436378802943943970" /></a>Life is what you make make it. That pretty much sums up my Adventure Base 100 experience. I'll talk about that portion later or not at all.<div><br /></div><div>AB100 was not a standalone event for the Alamo city. Yet they managed to place the AB100 in an area of the rodeo grounds that received little to no traffic. I think they could have found a better place for us.</div><div><br /></div><div>The patch above is the only thing that is exclusive to AB100. Our store staff said they had trouble getting the patches. The Adventure base showed up Thursday the 4th, but the patches showed up late in the afternoon on the 6th. So we had the patches for 1 day of the Bases four day stay. If you register for an AB100 passport you get $5.00 of a souvenir book. so for $20 you get a book and the patch.</div><div><br /></div><div>The museum was cool. I thought some councils could have put more in their time capsule. Heck it would have been nice if my council had submitted a time capsule. Some of the items were a CD-Rom, a belt buckle, a custom coin, and some OA flaps. I rocked the early morning evironmental Pinewood race with a score of 390. </div><div><br /></div><div>When you get in the go scouting dome go in front of the table and lay down on your back. The show displays up past the top of the dome. In side you feel kinda like your in an igloo and at a forest campsite. It was a nice 5 minute show.</div><div> </div><div>Many scouters took advantage of the green screen. Your white water rafting or rock climbing. I think I saw one dad getting carried up the rock face by his Webelos scout. What I could do there with a little more time and imagination.</div><div><br /></div><div>The penny press breaks at the drop of a hat. I really wish they had more than one press traveling with the show. </div><div><br /></div><div>The ropes course was awesome as an attention getter. Can I order one for my council? Ok for the walk through... once harnessed up you walk up the ramp around and over some teeter totter blocks. Around the next corner is swing steps. The next challenge is Swinging across the vines to the cargo net. Once you side step across the cargo net you jump off a box and "zip line" down to where you harnessed up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since most places haven't had this yet. I'll let you know that you need about 20 volunteers minimum to help run the AB100. Please make sure your council has somebody that is good at scheduling people to run this. Nothing worse in my opinion than to have 15 Explorers show up and have nothing for them to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would like to give special recognition to SAPD Chief William McManus. Prior to Chief McManus, SAPD had Explorers, but nothing like they do now. San Antonio has 180 police explorers in part due to the Chief's mandate that every substation or precinct have an explorer post. I have no doubt that these explorers will turn out to be fine officers in one of the nations law enforcement agencies. More importantly to me, it is just another way that the SAPD shows a compassionate face to San Antonio.</div><div><br /></div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-81445628119570270572010-02-08T15:31:00.000-08:002010-02-08T15:43:21.324-08:00A time to face the Facts.Well it all started about 6 months ago I had to take a break from blogging and finish some things up. You know little things like Wood Badge, Finding someone to get my back, getting trained for a new position. <div><br /></div><div>I'm going to run out of chairman stuff to talk about. Although it appears with my various hats I have today that a new blog title was due. I find myself rambling through scouting. Taking different positions and trying different things as I help my son through his scouting career. </div><div><br /></div><div>So my posts will take on more the idea of sketches of where my son, his unit, my units, and myself are today.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'MS Trebuchet', Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#424242;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:11px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-6202607836048046942010-02-08T14:29:00.000-08:002010-02-08T15:07:55.730-08:00The difference between IN and OFToday is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. <div><br /></div><div>Today I have ran across some that are incorrectly saying it is the Anniversary of the Boy Scout Movement IN America. </div><div><br /></div><div>Troop 1 in Pawhuska Oklahoma has the honor of being the First Boy scout troop in America. They were founded in 1909 roughly 9 months prior to the incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America by W.D. Boyce. Troop1 was founded under an English charter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Too many the argument about the use of the word IN and OF is like like arguing whether the new millennium started January 1, 2000 or January 1, 2001. It could also be said I was arguing use of the Metric system versus the Imperial System.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I may be arguing over small verbiage, yet I would believe that the scouts in Pawhuska, Oklahoma were not the only scouts that were practicing Lord Baden-Powell's methods in the United States before 19010. </div><div><br /></div><div>So let's Celebrate the anniversary of the Boy Scouts <i>of</i> America and remember there were at least 18 Boy Scouts <i>in</i> America before then.</div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-81121971813597128702009-06-08T13:02:00.000-07:002009-06-08T14:42:35.779-07:00Scouting as a ContiuumHeresy, I say, It is heresy. Scouting in the US is not a contiuum but 4- 6 seperate programs that should not be mixed. I love making input where I think I can change things that can be changed. <div><br /></div><div>Some of you may ask why I said 4-6 programs. Well, lets look at continuum theory first. </div><div><br /></div><div>Continuum (theory), anything that goes through a gradual transition from one condition, to a different condition, without any abrupt changes or "discontinuities".</div><div><br /></div><div>Traditional non LDS scouting does not operate as a continuum. We have a lions pilot, who will have to reregister/transfer next fall to participate as Tiger Cubs. You have Cub Scouts in 1st through 3rd grade. Webelos are regulated by the pack and participate in pack activites, but operate somewhere between Cubs and Boy scouts. Many will argue the break or discontiuity bewtween cubs and Webelos. There is a very hard break between Webelos and Boys scouts, as you must fill out a new registration form to move from pack 458 to troop 458. Then there are hard breaks between Boys scouts, and Venturing. Varsity unfortunately seems out in left feild unless your in the LDS church.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not a member of the LDS church but from the rules I see looking into their program there is a a smoother transition from program to program. The LDS packs are geared at age level boys not grade level. A tiger is a tiger from 7 years to 7 years and 364 days. Bang bang bang right up the ranks into Boy scouting. Where the program structure changes right into the patrol method. The LDS scouters, I talk to say the boys know exactly what happens after they get their Arrow of Light and turn 11. They go right into the church's boy scout program. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am in a pack and have always been in packs outside of the contiuum. My pack has no default scout troop, but we have 7 troops in a 4mile radius of our meeting place. Our boys don't see the next step in scouting. We are always trying to get a Den cheif and show the boys the rest of scouting. A den cheif to recruit our boys to his unit. Yet, all they see is their parents as the leaders. Our webelos leave and the boys never see them again. Its not very continuous.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hear RUMORS that national is tweaking the requirements for Arrow of Light. Possibbly making them more equivalet to scout or even tenderfoot. The purpose being Webelos retention for the scouting continuum. Our pupose doesn't stop, and our program doesn't either. It is continuous from first grade to 20Yrs old. As a Parent, I would like to see my son leave scouting with Arrow of Light, Eagle Scout and The Venturing Silver Award having conitued throughout the whole program.</div><div><br /></div><div>So before National releases a new Webelos book and tweaks the program for next years webelos. How do the requirements for AOL and scout or tenderfoot stack up?</div><div><br /></div><div>To be continued. (How the requirements stack up today.)</div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-48228747441889138442009-06-05T11:25:00.000-07:002009-06-05T12:27:46.740-07:00Good Ideas @ BSA<div><div><div>It's been a while since my last post. I need to get back into it, for me. It helps my mediocre typing skills.</div><div><br /></div><div>I find it ironic this week that the BSA Innovation Engine email comes from Good Ideas @ BSA. They had some ideas that I' don't know where they came from. Sometimes it is a good thing they don't let scouters post up our comments about the ideas there. So here are some of the past weeks ideas.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Guide to Safe Scouting.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">How about an update that includes a policy on Airsoft guns?</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Um, how about this as a policy that addresses Airsoft Guns.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Pointing any type of </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">firearm or simulated firearm</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"> at any individual is unauthorized. Scout units may plan or participate in paintball, laser tag or similar events where participants shoot at targets that are neither living nor human representations. Units with Council approval may participate in formally organized historical reenactment events, where firearms are used and intentionally aimed over the heads of the reenactment participants. The use of paintball guns, laser guns or similar devices may be utilized in target shooting events with Council approval and following the Sweet 16 of BSA safety. Council approval means the approval of the Scout Executive or his designee on a tour permit specifically outlining details of the event.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">(However, law enforcement departments and agencies using firearms in standard officer/agent training may use their training agenda when accompanied with appropriate safety equipment in the Law Enforcement Exploring program.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></div><div>Not to rant, Ok I want to rant, but this is already in the G2SS.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Internet Advancement Reporting</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">When the Troops and Packs do not have any advancement, they are supposed to send a NULL report to council saying they had no advancement. IA does not have a way of doing a submission. It would be really easy for them to have a PDF file print out an advancement form with a statement saying No Advancement for this time frame.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>How about we save both the volunteers and staff time by changing the default to only turning in a form when there is an advancement?</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Training Completed/Training Not Completed Reports</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Training Completed Reports and Training Not Completed Reports currently provide the unit, position, name, address and telephone number of the volunteers. If the email addresses were provided on these reports, the District Training Chairs could easily sort the reports for specific training that is needed for each individual needing training and then send them emails regarding any upcoming scheduled trainings.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Why isn't this done already? Today, the best way to catch and involve volunteers and voluntolds is to send an email. They could even poll the people missing training why they haven't attended, bad day, bad time, no babysitting, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Internet Advancement and Cub Scout Packs Advancement Reporting</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">I think it would be very helpful for the Internet Advancements to include any and all awards that Cub Scout packs provide such as Sports and Academics Belt Loops and Pins, etc., since it would a selling point for the Cub Scout Pack Advancement Chairs to use because many of them do not want to do Internet Advancement now because they cannot create a complete "shopping list" because many awards they routinely report are not available to report on Internet Advancement.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></div><div>I like this idea. Not so much for the shopping cart feature but the fact that the council would a a full and complete record of offical BSA Awards and Achievements. Still won't get me to use the Internet advancement. Even if I turn in the advancements of the internet, I still have to provide the Scout shop a hard copy to buy the advancements. Pack master generates the form for me.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">ncorporating Mental Health issues into Boy Scouting</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">The H&S Support Committee would like to see mental health issues addressed within the program. They are requesting feedback on the proposal. Their desire is to weave it into the advancement process. SME's are available to support this effort. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">While scouting incorporates a good many aspects of physical health maintenance and injury/crisis management in its advancement process, aspects of mental health are not. Yet there are a number of aspects of mental health and illness that could be articulated and incorporated in the scouting education and advancement program.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">A colleague talked about this matter with his nephew, who was an active scout. When asked about a scouting program to assess competencies in mental health, that scout suggested it would be a ?great idea? to include this in the content of a merit badge. Indeed, he thought that Boy Scouts should be asked to have the following mental health competencies:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">1. Have the ability to recognize signs! of good and poor mental health in oneself and others</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">2. Know strategies for helping others with mental health problems</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">3. Be able to provide first aid for acute stress (?psychological first aid?)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">4. Be familiar with different types of mental disorder</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">5. Recognize drug and alcohol abuse and their complications</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">This scout agreed that knowledge of drug and alcohol abuse and prevention are important, but he thought that material presently is covered fairly well. He suggested that material about mental health could be learned through a combination of reading and meetings with a mental health professional. He thinks that competency could be demonstrated through the combination of a written test and discussion or demonstration (i.e. role playing).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></div><div>I love the H&S Support committee, this one well detailed idea. I don't think it should be it own merit badge. Yet I think recognizing the pyschological issues is or can be taught as part of first aid. If a person has pyschological issue, you will need to treat them differently while rending first aid.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, the most rant worthy idea I have seen posted on the Innovation engine</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Massage Therapy </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">I know we are all working much harder in the New BSA and it would be absolute heaven if we had either someone come in once or twice a month, or have someone on staff that we could go to for a massage. Even just upper body would help alot. This is a great stress reliever and would give us all a better perspective on the days we really need it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><br /></span></div><div>I love the idea. You need to tell me when to be at the scout office so I can sneak into the line. This would be so beneficial after a rough night at scout camp. This idea was promtly closed.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think the Innovation engine is a great idea, but let the volunteers and voluntolds at it. Remember the volunteers are the ones that run and deliver the promise, message, and program of scouting. I think the volunteers will be the start of real innovation for the BSA. </div><div><br /></div><div>Definition of a voluntold: Someone who is in a volunteer position after being told by a child, spouse, boss, government, etc. that they are going to volunteer for such position.</div></div><div><how about="" we="" make="" things="" easier="" for="" the="" scouters="" and="" change="" standard="" so="" that="" default="" is="" no="" advancements="" unless="" an="" advancement="" report="" turned="" this="" saves="" time="" from="" having="" to="" turn="" in="" a="" form="" one="" needs="" staff="" wade="" through="" thousands="" of="" blank=""></how></div><div><br /></div></div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-9005819136609084502009-06-01T13:48:00.000-07:002009-06-01T13:50:08.729-07:00Update to Scouting.Org and the Scouting Community<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; "><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; "><div><div style="font-size: 0.9em; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;">I've seen tweets from people having trouble with the updated Scouting Community. I'm posting Here so they can see what's been reported.</span></div><div style="font-size: 0.9em; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 0.9em; font-weight: bold; "><strong><a href="http://community.scouting.org/groups/crash_test_dummies/forum/p/4071/12348.aspx#12348" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); ">Issues Since Upgrade on May 31</a></strong></div><div style="font-size: 0.65em; ">By Maria Manzella<br /></div></div></div><p></p><div style="font-size: 0.9em; "><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; "><span style="font-size: x-small; color: rgb(0, 0, 128); font-family: Arial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 128); font-family: Arial; "></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; ">Please report issues that have occurred since the upgrade on May 31.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; "></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; ">Issues reported so far:</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; "></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; "></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; ">Missing avatars</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; "></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; ">Can’t access the Requests to Review page to check friend requests. Instead it keeps popping back to the profile page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; "></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Dan Kurtenbach (and others possibly) have no member profile. Dan’s posts are being attributed to Richard Shaw.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; ">Server error when uploading an avatar.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; "></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; ">Many hyperlinks are not working and simply redirect you to your profile page.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; "></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; ">When viewing a friend’s post from the profile page, get the message User Not Found.</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; "></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">All members show joined on 6/1/09.</span></span></p></div></span>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-55850495942078769692009-05-13T09:46:00.000-07:002009-05-13T12:06:04.475-07:00Continuous planning<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family:'Times New Roman';"><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><div><div>My planning agenda seems almost continuous right now. Last month we wrapped up the SummerPlanning. I've planned out a fishing derby for this weekend and a skit for our may graduation ceremony in the past month. Now to move on to the Rest of next year. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love google calendars for planning the cub year. In the past couple of weeks I went to my local school district web site and transferred all of the Holidays, early release days, and any other important date to a Google Calendar I set up for my pack. Then I pulled out my council calendar and copied every district and council training date, Cub event, camp, Etc. </div><div><br /></div><div>Basically we have a list of events that we as a pack want to do and our normal months to do them. All that's left for the Pack Committee to work out is when. </div><div><br /></div><div>We started our annual list last year, by sitting down and saying we always do a blue and gold and that has to be done in February. We always have a Pinewood derby. We give the cars as gifts at the Christmas party so it has to be after December. Then the space derby comes out. we want to camp X number of times. ( We're currently up to 3 trips per year. ) We need to sprinkle some service projects in as well. Suddenly you have a packed schedule.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those that want to see the calendar (<a href="http://bit.ly/15gR2W">http://bit.ly/15gR2W</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Next you'll need to set up a meeting with your Treasurer and see how much you spend on each type of event, how much you want to spend, where your going to hold various events, etc. to build your rough budget. You can give the total to your popcorn chair for them to set your popcorn goals. </div><div><br /></div><div>And that should be the last of major planning until fall. During the summer it's just the details for summer events.</div><div> </div><div>Keep on moving forward.</div></div></div></span></span></div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-44528388601261844642009-04-20T09:06:00.000-07:002009-04-20T09:33:30.521-07:00When a requirement becomes tradition and leaves the boys behind.<div>Last April, Our pack went family camping and had a fishing derby. The Webelos Leader at the time, had asked that the pack buy groceries for a Pancake, egg and bacon breakfast. It was approved and was a hit. What has been lost in the short time since April 2008 and this past weekend is the requirement and the boys.</div><div><br /></div><div>Webelos Outdoorsman Activity badge has a requirement for outdoor cooking.</div><div><br /></div><div>8. With your accompanying adult on a campout or outdoor activity, assist in preparing, cooking, and cleanup for one of your</div><div>den's meals.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sitting on the bottom of the what matters pryamid, I am amazed at how quickly this evolved. It took three Family camping events to go from where it should have been to doing it because we did it before.</div><div><br /></div><div>From what I can gather here's how it broke down. April 08: The 3 or 4 Webelos made breakfast, probablly with some adult intervention and supervision. October 08: The 7-10 Webelos started making breakfast and the parents started intervening to get breakfast moving. April 09: the leaders and parents did everything.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am pretty confident I need to fix this because it needs to be about the boys. After all it was boys fulfilling a requirement that started this. Yet how do I fix this? I don't want to outright stop this, if it is wanted or needed. It has been Sunday Breakfast when we are all packing out. Maybe moving the requiement to only the Webelos. It was appreciated that they initially fed the whole pack but not required. Or changing the meal maybe having the boys make Saturday lunch rather than breakfast. We can deal with an abligatory mac&chesse with hotdogs or hamburgers lunch. Then again the boys only need to do this once a year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Along with Webelos Outdoorsman requirement 8, Bears could participate with requirement 9g, or Wolves in requirement 8e.</div><div><br /></div><div>The thing is we need to make sure a den fulfilling a requirement does not become a senseless tradition that puts extra load on the parents and leaders. Let's Keep it fun.</div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-38336787383139073952009-04-13T10:26:00.000-07:002009-04-13T10:27:06.152-07:00Training Variations<p class="MsoNormal">I was in a chat room and the topic of training came up, it wasn’t the normal every boy deserves a trained leader vs untrained leader vs how to get people trained.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The discussion was how can we afford to get trained? This took me back a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It appears that I have a very inexpensive council to train in.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As a Cub Scouter you have access to YPT, Fast Start, and “This is Scouting” for nearly free.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You can do this even before you have a BSA ID number.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You only need access to a internet connected computer for an hour or so for each course.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I say worst case scenario would be having to buy time at a FedEx/Kinko’s store for<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>$12 or $24 an hour in my community.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oddly enough I hear some councils do not have broadband services to their offices, but that may be a resource to you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first course that requires in classroom effort would be the Position Specific courses.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Where I’m at I believe the cost is $2 council wide for about 2 dozen doughnuts and copies.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On occasion at the council sponsored courses they have given out Cub Scout leader book and the how-to book if you get trained<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>in a certain window. If your council or district makes it a practice to provide the Leader book and the How-To book, $20 would be a fair cost in my opinion. If your district or council has to rent facilities for the training expect that cost to also come out of your pocket. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think you should be able to find a church or another community organization that would be willing to give you the space for free.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The course that really threw me was some people were asked for $50 for Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have taken the course twice and taught it once. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I paid $7.00<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>for each<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>time I attended.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The first time I took the course, Outdoor Leader skills for Webelos Leaders wasn’t included. The<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>courses are very similar<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>and my council has opted to provide both courses at the same time. The trainers I have had<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>and I were very particular in stating this applies to Pack Overnighters and this applies to Den Camping. We had about 20 pages of handouts. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have two meal plans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>that our BALOO uses; Foil Packs and Wraps.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both plans keep lunch under $5 a person. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The one exception to my cheap training experience has been<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wood Badge. I paid $160<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>about 1 year ago. We paid extra for WB activity uniform shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All the participants were issued hats, though not BSA Supply hats.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I heard people say they paid over $200 but not over $300.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I moved on from being <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>just <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>a Cub scouter to also being a Commissioner this year. My Commissioner basic training was free.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I also attended our University of Commissioner Science for the paltry sum of $5.00. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At either of my Commissioners training sessions I was entitled to the Field book of Commissioner’s Service.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One person said their Commissioners University was $150. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Am I bragging about how cheap my training is? Yes. Do you have to pay the fees your council charges? No.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Does my council give some things up, because of the cheap training? I believe we do.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We do not have a Pow Wow or University of Scouting. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both things that give you training in areas not generally covered in most scouting training.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have four councils near me that I also look at for training.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are 90, 163 or 210 miles away. Some of them a geographically large enough that it is actually closer for some of them to use my district.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have seen people from all four of the other councils at our training sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The council that is 90 miles from my home is the one I watch most often for training opportunities as the trip only adds $20 to the cost.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you think the cost of your training is to high offer to help the district or council to be thrifty and help them find locations that you don’t need to pay for. Help them find local companies that will allow them to run off copies at cheaper rates.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Only run off copies that are useful to the training.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Above all offer to help give the training once you’re trained.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tell them you’ll pack a lunch rather than get a catered lunch. If you look there are probably a lot of ways that you can lower the cost of training for all or volunteer to help in the offices to reduce your costs. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>May be you could set out a roundtable and babysit other leader’s kids for donations to send you to training. Just remember to support those that support you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have a long story about how roads today are all based on the size of a Roman Hoarse’s posterior.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It all boils down to<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>that’s how we’ve always done it, even though there is new technology. Don’t accept that<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>training costs what it costs, maybe there is something you’re overlooking.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rather than hand out <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>$10 of copies<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>why not<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>scan and email them out or burn them to a $.30 CD. </p>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-47735436800412375102009-04-10T09:00:00.000-07:002009-04-10T09:26:45.606-07:00Time to dust off the planning hat.Ok is everyone up on their Chairman duties for this time of year. You should have recharter done or wrapping up. You should have moved on to planning the summer. We want to wrap this up soon. You should have the summer shcedule ready for the April Pack meeting. <div><br /></div><div>We had to wait until this last round table to get the information on one of our normal summer events a tented sleep over on the local texas league ball field. I have a hard time getting behind the local team. I grew up in the radio broadcast area of both the Omaha Royals and the Kansas City Royals. I was able to go see the guys in Omaha and then listen and often watch them when they moved up to the big leagues in Kansas City. Our local team as I mentioned is Texas league which is a third string farm team for the Padres. Who are the Padres? Within 6 hours driving time we have the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. Why is our team farmed by the Padres. Any way it's a great family time. I took my son to both events last year and had a blast though we didn't camp on the field. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last year we had a summer fun night at a local soccer field. we had waterballoon games and learned how to play Ultimate Frisbee <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">bee </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">bee .</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> The committee decide we want to stretch this out this year and instead of just 2 hours we're going to try a whole day. then we are also going to do another two hour session later in the summer. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least our raingutter pool party. What better place than a pool to have a raingutter regatta? We use this to cap off our summer. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This is all to try and get our summertime pack award. Now is also the time to start planning the next years program. Group campsites in stateparks fill up fast, You may already be too late for a fall campout. Why do you need to start all this planning so soon? Districts are looking for Popcorn Kernals. Trails-end will be visit you areas soon. You need to have a plan to create a budget. You need a budget to set popcorn goals, and boy do we have a steep goal this year! we had a record year last year. Now we have to try and beat that.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Get out there and plan so you can take a summer break too.</div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-84319982136480909712009-04-01T14:47:00.000-07:002009-04-01T15:13:12.023-07:00Marketing the Scouting CommunityI have been very lax in blogging recently. I am trying to wrap up my Wood Badge ticket.<div><br /></div><div>I have been relatively active on the scouting community. I recently had a request for my address from the Project manager Linda Flemming. A few days later I recieved a large padded envelope in the mail. It had a Letter from the Chief Scout Executive, another sheet explaining the item was a Beta, and a beta scouting community button.</div><div><br /></div><div>I truly appreciate the button and letter. I will wear it proudly. I was however concerned that they sent this all in such a large envelope. I will tuck the letter away, but it is not going to be framed so having it uncreased was a bit of overkill. I agree with Mike Rowe that "green" is not the right color for the enviromental conscienousness movement. Should it be brown? I couldn't tell you. Scouting has espoused the Leave No Trace or minimum impact theory for a long time. I hope that National Council will leave less of a trace when shipping items, in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leave No Trace is not just habits of outdoor behavior, but a way of living and being responsible for the use of our natural resources at all times. It's turning off the computer. It's recycling the envelopes. It's living "Leave No Trace" not just preaching it.</div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-30025941627205281062009-03-02T06:11:00.000-08:002009-03-02T06:15:02.115-08:00Lost Generation<div>I try not to repost many things but this was very good. I viewed this in the Leave No Trace blog.</div><div>It is an advertisement from AARP on prespective.</div><div> </div><div>Lost Generation - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Leave No Trace Blog - <a href="http://leavenotracecommunity.blogspot.com">http://leavenotracecommunity.blogspot.com</a> <br /></div><div><br /></div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988593500828157843.post-47593182964658743372009-02-10T09:43:00.000-08:002009-02-13T13:06:26.610-08:00Scouting and "That Guy"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I love the Die Hard movies. I'm a big fan of Bruce Willis. I recently watched "Live Free or Die Hard. " (Yes, it was like the eleventh time.) In the movie there is a bit of dialogue and being the Hero or "That Guy". I see a lot of "That Guy" in scouting today. To the female readership "That Guy" also means "That Gal."</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here is the Quote from John McClane:<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Trust me kid, nobody wants to be that guy. [I do this] because there is nobody else to do it right now. Believe me if there was somebody else to do it, I would let them do it. There's not, so [I'm] doing it. That's what makes you that guy."</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Trust me if your a scouter, you are a hero to someone. You are "that guy." Probablly a dozen or more someone's in many cases. I doubt any of us set out to be "That Guy." It just happened. I know I wasn't going to be "That Guy." I was going to be what I thought was a typical scout parent. Drop the boys off at the meeting, help him with his achievements, go to pack meetings. A typical scout parent from 1980 is what I had planned. But the Chief Scout in Heaven had something different in mind for me. Now those that know me, know that I'm enjoying being "that guy". It is interesting though that some of the young boys that only see Scout leader's during meetings or scout events think that we get paid for scouting. The fact that we do this for free makes us "that guy" even more. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you look back in history at the mean and Women that we now consider to be "That Guy" or "That Gal", they are us and we are them. Ordinary people put in extraordinary circumstances and they performed as Scouts and Scouters do. Just like we learned, just as we are trained, and Just like "That Guy".</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So to all the scouters out there, Thanks for all you do.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Reply: (shrugs) "What was I going to do?"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That's what makes you "that guy."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Reply: (smiling) "Yeah."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div></div>Garry K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14211065441667922605noreply@blogger.com0