Troop 12 Framingham: Scoutmasters "Words"

Friday, October 7, 2011

Scoutmasters "Words"

Please remember that we will have a meeting next Monday night. We will continue with our Bear Safety theme and other backpacking themes.

I also wanted to remind you that the backpacking trip next weekend, October 15th and 16th is intended for older Scouts, meaning those that have been in the troop for more than 9 months and have attended summer camp. We will be hiking approximately 8 miles, but it should not be too strenuous. We will hike 1.5 miles on the first day and 6.5 on the second day. We will carry our personal gear on our backs, along with a fair share of the common or patrol gear. This is intended to be an introduction to backpacking for those that have not done any or for those that have not done any recently. We will practice water treatment techniques, use liquid fuel stoves, eat freeze dried meals, hang bear bags, treat blisters, light fires, treat more blisters and generally live like wild men for a couple of days. We should have fun. The lean-to is situated next to the junction of two brooks, so we should plenty of water. There is also a latrine that has an air freshener, hot water, a cleaning service and good music system. There is a fire ring in front of the shelter.

We will be heading out to the western part of our state. I did a major part of this hike this past summer with my wife, so I am confident strong young men like you should be able to do it as well. Hopefully the lean-to will be available, but we won't know until we get to the parking lots.

We will go over the final details at Monday night's meeting. Please bring along the shoes/boots, rain gear, sleeping bags and backpacks that you are thinking about using on this trip. It is important that the equipment is adequate for the task at hand. I might be able to borrow or acquire some backpacks for this trip. I also have some old sleeping bags that would be suitable for this trip.

Please make a serious effort to attend this trip. It is not often that we try to do a trip just for the older scouts.

Thanks,

Dick Clarke

Scoutmaster, Troop 12

p.s. I was lying about the latrine. A latrine is a latrine so get used to the idea. It is still better than sitting on a log and aiming for a hole in the ground.

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Scoutmaster Message!

Eagle Scouts – we have a number of older Scouts that are pursuing the Rank of Eagle Scout. This is the pinnacle of Scouting and it requires a lot of work and perseverance. Please be prepared to help out when they need assistance.

That was a lot of information to put into one newsletter. The intent was to show that Troop 12 is a very active troop. Adventure, however, requires adult supervision, so I am urging parents to play an active role in the troop. We always need adults to help out on trips and activities. Who knows, you might even have fun? My philosophy is that Scouting teaches your sons valuable skills and ideals that will be used long after they graduate from Scouting. I also believe that learning outdoor skills at a young age encourages them to appreciate our natural surroundings and resources and to participate in family outings and camping trips. I have many fond boyhood memories of my time in Scouting. Times might have changed and technology has affected the way that our modern youth amuse themselves. However, we must never let physical activity, respect for country and others, and a love of the outdoors go out of fashion. We can make a difference in the lives of our young people. We can also have fun doing it.

God Bless America – Please remember the victims of the September 11^th attacks on our country and their surviving families and friends. This was an attack on the values of all civilized nations. People from many countries lost their lives as a result of those attacks. Scouting is a true worldwide organization that pledges respect for all others, no matter your country or religion. Scouting organizations in every country share a common mission. Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting over 100 years ago, once said that he thought that Scouting would end the need for wars. Speaking as a man who spent most of his adult life in the military and fought in many battles, this might appear to be somewhat naïve and inconsistent with his military experience. He put a high emphasis on self-respect, self-reliance and respect for others, which are timeless values that should never be allowed to go out of favor. He tried to do his best daily. We should do the same. Perhaps the world would be a lot better place if more people followed his example and the ideals of Scouting.