Our New District - “Big Cypress”

As of July first the Rising Star District will be no more. Apparently we grew so large that our Council SHAC divided us into three new districts.

I found out at the district meeting, our first, that I have the job as the Boy Scout Round Table Chairman or comminisher, something to that effect. Needless to say my wife was thrilled at the news, sarcasm intended. They said it was the easiest of the district jobs and it is once a month. I did volunteer to do the Scoutmaster training, which I did my first one at camp last week. I hope I can live up to the expectations they have entrusted in me.

Our new district is off to a good start with allot of great leaders and I look foreword to it’s growth and serving all our Scouts in the area.

Wearing the Uniform

I have more visits per day about the new Scout uniform than any other post. Apparently allot of people are wondering which uniform to wear after August, and families in our troop seem in a panic. The new centennial uniform is to celebrate 100 years of Scouting. I’ll most likely get one to wear for outdoor use. The current one has been very uncomfortable for outdoor activities. I have seen other troops go climbing in them, that is their choice.

What allot of Scouters may not know is that any uniform from the early 1900’s to the current one coming soon, can be worn at any time at any scouting event. For example if you happen to have a uniform from, lets say 1957, it can be worn at any Scouting event, meeting, camp, COH, etc.

I have talked to my local scout store and they tell me that the new uniforms may not be in until around December any way. It’s defiantly a time for a change in uniforms, but it is not time to panic about buying the new one and mothballing the old one. The change is for Boy Scouts only at this time and not for the Cubs, Webelo, Venture or Sea Scouts.

That’s my opinion. What’s yours?

 

Anti Monkey Butt

I guess the name says it all. The company claims “for all those butt busting activities”. This is an anti friction powder that is good for biking, hiking driving etc. It is suppose to remove moisture and reduse friction, well you get the point. I guess if you do not want to end up with monkey butt, try it out. If it works add it to your gear list.

We Are Bridge Builders

The Bridge Builder

 An old man, going down a lone highway
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm vast and wide and steep,
With waters rolling cold and deep.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fears for him.
But he turned when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.

“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near,
“You are wasting your strength with building here.
Your journey will end with the ending day,
You never again will pass this way.
You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build you this bridge at eventide?”
The builder lifted his old gray head.

“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“There followed after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
The chasm that was as naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be;
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim –
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.”

–Will Allen Dromgoole

I heard this poem last night at our District meeting, so I thought I would share it with all of you who volunteer your time to Scouting.

 

 

Picture of the Week

Summer Camp at CIMA is Over

Summer Camp at CIMA’s River Camp is over. All the boys had a great time and we couldn’t have asked for better weather even though it was HOT. We did have a few boys go home early due to injuries at Camp Patch-em Up, but everyone stayed hydrated. They say a picture says a thousand words so check out the set of pics in flickr from camp.

 

Marshall’s Eagle COH

This morning Marshall had his Eagle Court of Honor at the fire station where he did his project. Scouts, Leaders, friends and family attended this great event. Marshalls Mom and Grand parents were very proud and filled with much emotion as this young man was awarded his Eagle Scout award. Some of us leaders took the opportunity to reflect on our memories of Marshall being a part of Troop 483 these last eight years and tell our favorite stories.

Congratulations Marshall on becoming an Eagle Scout.

On The Road Again

Tomorrow morning Troop 483 leaves for summer camp  at El Rancho Cima in the Devils Backbone. We will be at the river camp with 32 Boy Scouts and 8 leaders. It should be a good week at camp. For at least 16 boys this will be their first long term camp, but I’m not worried about the scouts, it’s the parents sending their sons off for the first time to camp, well I’m not worried about them either.

We’ll have an update in about a week and I’m sure hundreds of pictures.

Iowa Tragedy

From the BSA National Office

 

 

Statement Regarding the Tragedy in Western Iowa

Robert “Bob” J. Mazzuca

Chief Scout Executive, National Council, Boy Scouts of America

John Gottschalk

President, National Council, Boy Scouts of America

We are deeply saddened by the horrific impact of the devastating storms that tore through western Iowa yesterday. To the families of those who were affected, we extend our deepest sympathies and concern. To the leaders, Scouts, and emergency personnel who responded so quickly and effectively, we extend our sincerest gratitude.

The National Council has pledged any and all resources available to offer help and support to the stricken area. At the same time, we are moved by and proud of the leadership of our local Scouting team. There is no question that this tragedy would have been worse if it were not for the heroic efforts of the Scouts who were on the ground when the tornado hit. Council Scout executive, Lloyd Roitstein and the staff and volunteers with the Mid-America Council have done an outstanding job of responding to this crisis. Together, they epitomize the very best about being a Scout.

This tragedy has hit us all very personally. For BSA President John Gottschalk, it is particularly difficult because the Mid-America Council is his home council. Having been active in the council for many years and serving as its president, and as a resident of Omaha, Nebraska, John has close personal ties to this Scouting community. His heart goes out to his friends and colleagues.

We continue to keep all of those affected by this terrible storm in our thoughts and prayers. God bless our Scouts

 

 

 

 

 

Reports of injuries as tornado strikes Boy Scout camp

4 dead, 40 hurt as tornado hits Boy Scout camp

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A spokeswoman for Iowa Homeland Security says at least four people were killed and 40 injured when a tornado struck a western Iowa Boy Scout camp.

Iowa Homeland Security spokeswoman Julie Tack says a search and rescue team has been deployed to the camp near Little Sioux in Harrison County. She says the camp is covered with debris and downed trees after the tornado hit about 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Tack says there were 93 campers and 25 staff members at the camp. The campers were between 13 and 18 years old and were attending a leadership training camp.

“They were considered some of the best in the area,” Tack said.

At least 40 people who were injured in the storm were being taken to area hospitals.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

DES MOINES, Iowa - The National Weather Service has received reports of injuries and possibly fatalities from an apparent tornado that struck a Boy Scout camp in western Iowa.

Meteorologist Jim Meyer says law enforcement officials had called the weather service Wednesday evening and reported injuries and damage at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch.

Meyer said: “We believe there were some fatalities and injuries.”

A dispatcher with the Harrison County sheriff’s department in Iowa says first responders are at the camp and more are en route. She isn’t confirming reports of injuries.

 

Let’s keep our fellow Scouts and Scouters in our prayers