Troop 1 Blog

John Belski, meterologist for Louisville TV station WAVE (channel 3), announced his unexpected retirement last evening.  Much too young to retire, John’s departure will leave a big void in our community. 

There are many things that I appreciate about John. One was his kindness and consideration toward the Troop when we arranged a visit to the television station through him. It ended up being much more than we had expected when not only did we learn about weather but we were allowed to view the evening news from within the studio – just a few feet off screen from the anchors.  More than that, he spent the next hour and a half leading the group on a tour of the station and talking about weather including allowing each boy use the “green screen.”  He really had a knack of  relating with the Scouts.

I have been impressed with John in many other ways. I am admittedly a weather geek and have found his regular blog to be insightful and informative. John is an excellent teacher whose passion for his profession shows.

I am personally grateful to him for his consideration.

I was shocked to receive a telephone call from him one afternoon stating that he was going to mention my book on The Cyclone of 1917 and an upcoming book signing on the evening weather – which he did.

I have been equally impressed with him during the annual Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. As a member of the Clarksville Rotary Club, our club competes with the clubs in New Albany and Jeffersonville in a good natured competition to see which club can raise the most dollars per member toward the Angel Tree. John has always hosted the live telecast where the winner is announced.

John, thanks for helping to make this community a better place in which to live. Best wishes in your future endeavors.

Here it is – mid August, school is getting ready to begin. And it’s already time to start thinking about the troop’s plans for the summer of 2011. I am going to leave some thoughts on the forum and the blog and try to get your ideas. This is an open discussion, so join in.

Here are some options. There are many more:

(1) Return to Crooked Creek – handy (45 minute drive), easy to switch leaders out; scholarships are available. Downside – we have been there for the past five years. The older Scouts would like more of a variety. Cost around $225.

(2) Ransburg – near Bloomington, Indiana on Lake Monroe. Two hour drive. Traditional summer camp with some enhancements including horseback riding, possibility of pontoon boating, Firecrafter program. Could include the entire troop. Cost around $225.

(3) Texas High Adventure Camp near Dallas. Traditional summer camp for younger boys; high adventure for older Scouts. Both groups can participate in some themed areas like Area 51 or F-16 simulators. Older Scouts can pontoon boat from camp to camp – choose 5 different themes such as Civil War, US Rangers, Vikings, etc. In watersports for the after – wake-boarding, blob, swimming, etc. Estimated cost – $400 to $550 (depending on program selection).  2 days drive both ways.

(4) Salida, Colorado. Return trip by the troop. Spectacular Rockies. Can go to the local camps (San Isabel or Packard High Adventure) or do our own thing. The troop has done it both ways in the past. Activities include Pike’s Peak drive, GArden of the Gods, US Air Force Academy, Royal Gorge, white-water rafting on the Arkansas River, hike to the top of Mt. Elbert – highest peak in the lower 48 states at 14,300 feet; mountain biking. Estimated cost $550 to $650 depending on the options. requires strong preparation. Can be structure as an older boys’ activity or if we have enough leadership, we can structure for 2nd year and older Scouts.

(5) Boundary Waters near Ely Minnesota. Pristine wilderness. The troop has done two trips there in the past. Fantastic peak experience. You may hear wolves howl at night; lots of bear and moose. Outstanding fishing. Crystal clear night skies. We could count the satellites and see the Milky Way Cluster and the Northern Lights. Requires strong preparation. For older (13+ youth who meet minimal requirements).

What are your thoughts? What sounds good to you. Leave a comment.

It was an early start for the troop as we met at 6am for breakfast. Once again, the crew at the Hilton Garden Inn in Richmond did a fantastic job of  treating us like family as they hustled to prepare pancakes, french toast and omelets. It is both amazing and frightening to see how much teenage boys can consume.  We were thankful that the cost of the breakfast was included in the price of the rooms.

We were on the road heading for the National Jamboree by 7:00AM. It was a surprizingly easy drive in light to moderate traffic as we headed north to Fort A.P. Hill. The signage marking the route was excellent, leading us step by step. We stopped near the gates for a last minute restroom stop. It was obvious that we were not the only ones. A hand written sign on the door of the gas station/mini- grocery stated that the restrooms were only for paying customers. So everyone headed back out to the van with a drink in hand – kind of defeating the purpose of the sotp. Oh well, we were hydrated I suppose.

A line of police cars and military vehicles marked the entrance to the military base. Then it was a drive back a couple of miles into the base where we were directed to park in a large field. A ten dollar per person “donation” was requested at the entry. Doing some quick math – 200,000 visitors times $10 = ?  We did get a small patch for our “donation.” 

We arrived before the official opening time but were quickly ushered through a very efficient parking process into the Jamboree itself.  The entire scene takes some time to process. It is akin to watching rush hour traffic as hundreds of boys and adults stream down the roadway – perhaps ten across; one after another. We had been told that there were perhaps 40,000 or more Scouts and leaders present at the site on the day we visited. We made the decision to turn left at the entrance and head toward the Southern region subcamp where our council contingent was based in hopes of seeing some friends.

It didn’t take long to determine that the likelihood of reaching the far section of the site was very remote.  The Jamboree complex is huge stretching over hundreds of acres. There are all kinds of attractions along the outer road. The first display area was the military section. The U.S. military has an enormous presence at the National Jamboree. All branches of the military were well represented, many with very elaborate displays and giveaways. We were loaded up with patches and shirts

.

The scouts were especially taken by the “beer googles” and the presentation on the dangers of intoxication given by the military police. Many of the Scouts staggered across a course, barely keeping from falling. The other area that had the Scouts undivided attention was the overhead ropes course. Scouts travelled across a zip line to one side of a roadway and then walked a monkey bridge back across to the other side. For many Scouts it was a real challenge with some of them slipping while crossing the monkey bridge and landing on the suspended rope in, such we say, a very awkward position. Ouch!

By the time we left the military area, it was already noon and it was on to look for the trading post and for lunch. The lines at both locations stretched back perhaps a half to a full block. We found ourselves wishing that we had packed lunches for the Scouts. There were bargains to be had at the trading post as prices had been slashed down on the next to last day of the event.

FInally, we moved on almost an hour and a half later. As we walked down the road, we passed groups of Scouts with patches spread out on blankets, eager to trade. There is a real art to patch trading. It is serious business for many collectors.  Along the road was a collection of personalities and activities. A young man played his guitar for passer-byers. Scouts and leaders dressed in all manners of clothing including historical replicas, passed by us. It was easy to spot the foreigh Scouts who represented many different nations. Most of them were in the official uniform of their home country. Almost all of the American Scouts were dressed in their Class B uniforms. We saw climbing towers, pools for SCUBA diving and pioneering displays. It was a whirlwind of activity everywhere that made you appreciative of the tremendous amount of planning required to make an event of this size and scope possible. Many of the activities were limited to the paying participants only.  Nevertheless, we only had time to sample a small portion fo the areas open to visitors.

The Scouts admire a display board featuring patches from across the nation.

It was onto the conservation area. This was an outstanding collection of displays, many of them provided by national conservation organizations and federal agencies. This was an excellent group of interactive displays and programs provided by skilled professionals who obviously enjoyed working with the Scouts. One of the most fascinating areas was the Antartica display which was manned by a gentleman who was the last Scout to be selected as the representative to live at the research station.

By the time we finished touring the conservation area, the time was nearing 5:00 PM, the time at which displays closed and the Jamboree was officially closed to visitors. We made the long trek back to the parking area, realizing that we had experienced only a fraction of what the Jamboree had to offer. But we had experienced part of the 100th Anniversary Jamboree. It is a humbling experience that makes you feel good about the future of Scouting.

Day Two of our East Coast trip found us stepping backwards into time into a period when the fate of a new nation was being determined. The troop spent much of the time visiting Colonial Williamsburg. This is a fantastic reconstruction and restoration of the capital of the Virginia territory. Virginia was at the heart of the American revolution and we had the opportunity to relive a recreated experience. Our group heard passioned pleas and calls to action from both Benedict Arnold and George Washington. We had the experience of standing in the very spots where names from our history books once stood – Washington, Adams, Jefferson and many others. It was a humbling experience that makes you appreciate the sacrifices that our ancestors made to pursue their dream of liberty.

Even though the furnishings and the decor of the Governor’s Palace and the colonial Capital are awe-inspiring, it is perhaps the protrayal of everyday life in the Virginia colony that Historic Williamsburg does best. Our Scouts visited the pharmacy where they saw the marvels of 18th Century medicine; we watched a blacksmith laboring over the fires of his hearth, sweat beading up on his brow as he hammered a piece of glowing iron. A riflesmith showed us the intricate work of his trade (I think that one of our Scouts is perhaps almost as knowledgeable).

We benefited from the interpreting skills of Al Loveless, a middle school English teacher, who guides groups during the summer. His love for teaching really shined through. He was superb in helping us to understand the workings of Colonial Virginia whether it was in a shop or a courtroom. The pages from our history books indeed seemed to come to life as we experienced the sights, sounds and smells of that period. What a remarkable day.

It was onto Chicago Uno Pizza where the manager and staff welcomed us like long lost cousins. I have to admit that all of us ate more than we should but it was good and we were hungry. It has really been fun working with this group – there is a chemistry that bonds the group very well. Tomorrow it’s onto the National Jamboree.

A young revolutionary era band performs.

The troop enjoyed a great tour in Beckly, West Virginia.

Day 1 of our East Coast trip is rapidly coming to a close. We assembled at the church at 5:30am – far too early for sensible folk. We were heading eastward before 6am – enroute to our first stop as we headed toward Virginia and the National Scout Jamboree celebrating 100 years of Boy Scouting in America.

We made excellent time on a lightly travelled I-64 despite a light rain that accompanied us much of the day all the way deep into Virginia. Each of our Scouts gets to select one of the places that we eat. We had what is sure to be our controversial pick of the week when our youngest Scout chose Long John Silver’s much to the dismay of many of the adults. Oh well, Tums works wonders. The Scouts seem to have an immunity to the fried food.

We made a truly great stop in Beckley, West Virginia where we toured the exhibition coal mine and mining village.  A mining town based around 1910 has been recreated complete with a church, school, homes and other features. It was a fascinating look into a truly unique community life style which few of us can fully grasp today. The life of the entire community was centered in all aspect around the “Company” which provided housing, food, shelter, schools and even church. It is hard to imagine the back-breaking and very dangerous labor that went into coal mining.

We accompanied a retired miner deep underground into an old coal mine. Sonny did a superb job of interpreting life in the mine. He brought the daily struggles to life and helped us to understand the evolution of coal mining. The mine itself wound miles under the West Virginia hillside.  He spent lots of time with us and answered many questions. This truly was interpretative history at its very best.

Afterwards the Scouts went to experience life in the Company School. Unfortunately, several misbehaved and ended up in the corner, wearing a dunce’s hat, and received licks with the teacher’s paddle that could be heard across the valley.

After survived not only lunch but a journey under ground and the classroom, we continued through the mountains of West Virginia. It is beautiful, awe inspiring nature. We postponed our drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway due to  low hanging clouds which would have blocked the views from the mountain tops. We will try the route upon our return trip.

We reached Virginia a little after 7pm and enjoyed dinner at Picidilly’s – a treat after lunch. Thanks Skyler for the choice!

The troop settled into almost elegant rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn by the Richmond airport. Spacious rooms with flat screen TVs, lots of work space, tons of pillows and a fridge and micro-wave. Of course the cookies at the front desk waiting for us were a great hit too. As was the pool.

We are wrapping up from a very long day as the clock approaches 11:00pm. The group will sleep in until our 8am breakfast and then following our church service, it is onto Colonial Williamsburg for a guided tour.

Thanks to every one who helped to make this possible and who is supporting us and praying for our safe eturn. We wish you were here to experience this trip with us.

We are posting photos on Facebook during this trip and hope to continue this blog. In fact, I hope to turn it over to the scouts themselves for the remainder of the trip so that you can hear directly from them.

The 2010 summer camp is now history. What we have left are memories, awards earned, photos and videos. And Scouts who are changed. This is an intense dose of Scouting and living together. Scouts return with a little more confidence, more skills and a better understanding of Scouting. They often learn to be more independent and to work as part of a team.  It is quite the experience for our youngest Scouts. Often this is the longest that they have been away from family members in their entire life.

I am very pleased to see that the group did an outstanding job. even though the temperatures were near a sweltering record high, the group did very well together. This is probably the most problem free week of camp that we have had, at least in my memory.

Camp was very crowded with chairs touching each other in the dining hall. Most classes were near capacity. Despite this,  the Scouts got a lot out of the camping experience. The staff, for the most part, take their jobs very seriously and work to ensure an enjoyable and productive experience for the boys. There were improvements in the camp itself with some new programs and additional flush toilets added since last year (yea).  We were looking forward to using the new Scoutmaster’s building but unfortunately it was not quite done by the new scout lounge and trading post shelter area was open.

The new Scouts did an exceptional job this year and Matt, Brent and Jonathan provided a lot of leadership. We really appreciated Kyle visiting several evenings.

Once again the campfire skit was very unique and done with a lot of energy.  There was a definite Australian theme for us at camp this year and the skit was no exception. Several of the boys went all out in their preparation and sported new hair dos for the event.

Well, by this time, all of us should be catching up on our rest and our pile of dirty laundry. Thanks to everyone who worked to make this year’s program such a great success.

Scouts before the closing campfire skit.

Jonathan proudly displays his Duct Tape Merit Badge project.

It’s camp Thursday. Most of the boys have made great progress in their classes this week and are having a good time. Supper last night was very good – fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, excellent rolls and pudding. Several of the boys made their own fishing poles and went fishing but did not have a whole lot of luck. The heat continues its grip on us but the boys are adjusting. Last night the boys were in the mood for ghost stories – they crave them. Funny, this is what they seem to remember the most years later. I did an evening camp program on the history of Scouting in the area. Those are always fun for me. I hope to post the first videos on Facebook later this morning.l A reminder that the parents night is on Friday. The boys have really been working hard on their skits. We are hoping to dodge the thunderstorms later today but would appreciate some relief from the heat. This group of boys really gets along well together. There is a great chemistry among them. Thanks to Annette and Steve for their leadership at camp. We are rotating our adults through this year and it has really worked out well. It has helped to reduce the fatigue that accompanies camp. I hope to have some of them post blogs later today.

Blog Post, June 24, 2010

I went down to camp on Tuesday afternoon and stayed until yesterday evening.
One word can sum up camp…HOT! There is just no way to sugar coat it. But,
with the shade and a breeze here and there, its somewhat tolerable. The heat
sort of builds on the boys as the week goes by, so they will come home and
appreciate their bed, air conditioning and home cooked food! They stay busy all day, stay up fairly late (for me anyway) with activities and winding down and get up early. They will be VERY tired when they come home, but I think they are all having a great time.

Camp is not all play, it becomes work after awhile, hiking up hills, up steps (a  LOT of steps) and going back and forth to classes. However, I think every boy is having a good time and getting a lot out of it. Moms out there, every boy is doing really well. No one seems too home sick, everyone is getting along well and watching out for each other. They are even taking turns to be “waiters” at meals, setting out glasses, napkins and forks. They have to clean up after also, so there is a possible new job for them at home….sorry boys. They have also had to take a turn cleaning the latrine. Wow, there is a job in the summer, but they all do it with very minimal complaining. They are all terrific boys.

I walked around to most of their classes, and they do well. I was able to
participate in shotgun and on my second try was able to hit 3 of 5 skeet.
That is much harder than it looks. Shotgun class guys may come home with a
sore shoulder from all the shooting. They wear ear and eye protection. The
camp staff are VERY picky about rules and make sure all the scouts follow
them.

If you can, come on up on Friday night. The skit is apt to be very good again
this year. It was great last year and its fun to see all the troops together.
I’m sure the boys will be glad to see you. Yes, I’m sure they missed their
parents and even siblings. Camp is a great opportunity for your boys, and I’m glad they got to go. it will be a memory they will look back on for the rest
of their lives.

Annette….aka Super Mom!

Each summer camp has its own personality and its own unique memories. Already after the first three days you have a sense of the personality of the 2010 camp.  A major theme will be the near record heat. Temperatures are predicted to approach 100 degrees later today before we get some relief tomorrow in the form of thunderstorms.

The boys have handled the heat well so far. All of the camp areas are doing lots of mandatory water breaks. The access to the shower facilities for the boys has been greatly expanded as adult areas have been closed in the evening and turned into youth only areas.

This has been a laid back camp. The chemistry among the boys has been very good. The five new Scouts have been a great addition to the troop. Several of the older boys have stepped up to be friends and mentors to the younger guys. It has been impressive to watch.

For the first time, many of the older boys have a very limited merit badge class schedule. In part because several of them have reached Eagle or are at the pinnacle of Eagle. They are enjoying camp and each other’s companionship.

The camp is very crowded but it shows primarily in the dining hall where we are really packed in to the point of discomfort.  It looks like the camp has perhaps 500 to 600 staff and campers this week. Nevertheless, it is quite a site to behold when all the campers assemble in the morning and again in the evening. It really helps the Scouts to understand that they and their troop are part of a much larger organization.

The Scouts are video-taping messages that we will probably post on the website and facebook pages later next week.  I hope that we can do some more blogging later in tghe week. It depends on our time. This has been a very busy week.

Once again, summer camp has arrived.  There probably is no other single event that leaves as deep of an impression upon the Scouts as their week of camp.  We had originally planned not to attend summer camp this year since we are heading to the East Coast later this summer. However, a last minute arrival of several new Scouts as well as a core group of older Scouts who wanted to return lead us to put together a last minute camp.

This is one of my favorite times of the year.  The day lillies are in bloom along the roadways here in southern Indiana. The days have stretched out to their longest possible length as we approach the summer solstice.  Once again, the heat and the humidity have returned, this time with a vengence. We will likely set an all time record for the hottest June here. Humidity has rushed in from the Gulf of Mexico and the heat indices will climb over 100 degrees this week.

Camp will definitely slow down as we work to make sure that the Scouts drink lots of fluids, take extra showers and take many breaks.  Most of the Scouts have fairly laid back schedules this year, so that will help. We are all anxious to see what adventure awaits us this year at camp.

Once again we plan to get this blog updated and add photographs to our web page and Facebook as time permits.

We are rotating our adult leadership in during the week since many of us are trying to cover two major events this summer with limited vacation time. Thanks to the patience and support of our families. I want to say a special thanks to my wife, for I leave on our 23rd anniversary as well as Father’s Day. Understanding spouses truly help to make this Scouting program possible. Even more so as they help sons and husbands get last minute packing done and help to manage the pike of dirty laundry that we return with. Thanks Jan.