Simsbury Troop 175

Civil War in Simsbury

The Simsbury Historical Society has invited internationally recognized scholar Rick Spencer to perform The Boys of the Battlefield: The Civil War as told by its Popular Songwriters.

American songwriters composed many songs about the War, giving their own impressions (some spot-on, others more romantic or melodramatic) of the soldiers’ lives; Mr. Spencer will sing and play the guitar and banjo to give his audience the same images of the War as if they had lived during that time. As a special addition, the concert will also include readings from letters of Simsbury Civil War soldiers.

Sunday, November 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ellsworth Visitor’s Center (10 Phelps Lane) $7 members, $10 non-members; reservations requested – please call 860-658-2500 or email programs@simsburyhistory.org for more info.

Lifesaving Merit Badge

Water safety is paramount when an active troop like Simsbury Boy Scout Troop 175 goes swimming. One of the best ways to be prepared for emergencies is to have a strong understanding of lifesaving skills. One way to demonstrate your understanding of the topic is t earn the Eagle-optional Lifesaving merit badge. 

 

Lifesaving requirements

Before doing requirements 2 through 15 a. Complete Second Class requirements 7a through 7c and First Class requirements 9a through 9c. Second Class requirements 7a through 7c 7.a. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim. 7.b. Demonstrate your ability to jump feetfirst into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place. 7.c. Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects. Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing rescue is possible, and explain why and how a rescue swimmer should avoid contact with the victim. First Class requirements 9a through 9c 9.a. Tell what precautions should be taken for a safe trip afloat. 9.b. Successfully complete the BSA swimmer test. 9.c. With a helper and a practice victim, show a line rescue both as tender and as rescuer. (The practice victim should be approximately 30 feet from shore in deep water). b. Swim continuously for 400 yards using each of the following strokes in a strong manner for at least 50 continuous yards: front crawl, sidestroke, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke. Explain the following: a. Common drowning situations and how to prevent them. b. How to identify persons in the water who need assistance. c. The order of methods in water rescue. d. How rescue techniques vary depending on the setting and the condition of the person needing assistance. e. Situations for which in-water rescues should not be undertaken. Demonstrate "reaching" rescues using various items such as arms, legs, towels, shirts, paddles, and poles. Demonstrate "throwing" rescues using various items such as lines, ring buoys, rescue bags, and free-floating supports. Successfully place at least one such aid within reach of a practice victim 25 feet from shore. Show or explain the use of rowboats, canoes, and other small craft in performing rescues. List various items that can be used as rescue aids in a noncontact swimming rescue. Explain why buoyant aids are preferred. Perform the following equipment-based rescues for a conscious practice subject 30 feet from shore. Use a proper entry and a strong approach stroke. Speak to the subject to determine his condition and to provide instructions and encouragement. a. Present a rescue tube to the subject, release it, and escort the victim to safety. b. Present a rescue tube to the subject and use it to tow the victim to safety. c. Present a buoyant aid other than a rescue tube to the subject, release it, and escort the victim to safety. d. Present a buoyant aid other than a rescue tube to the subject and use it to tow the victim to safety. e. Remove street clothes in 20 seconds or less and use a non-buoyant aid, such as a shirt or towel, to tow the subject to safety. Explain when it is appropriate to remove heavy clothing before attempting a swimming rescue. Explain the importance of avoiding contact with an active victim and describe lead-and-wait tactics. Perform the following nonequipment rescues for a conscious practice subject 30 feet from shore. Begin in the water from a position near the subject. Speak to the subject to determine his condition and to provide instructions and encouragement. a. Provide a swim-along assist for a calm, responsive, tired swimmer moving with a weak forward stroke. b. Perform an armpit tow for a calm responsive, tired swimmer resting with a back float. c. Perform a cross-chest carry for an exhausted, passive victim who does not respond to instructions to aid himself. In deep water, show how to escape from a victim’s grasp on your wrist. Repeat for front and rear holds about the head and shoulders. Perform the following rescues for an unconscious practice subject at or near the surface 30 feet from shore. Use a proper entry and strong approach stroke. Speak to the subject and splash water on him to determine his condition before making contact. Remove the victim from the water, with assistance if needed, and position for CPR. a. Perform an equipment assist using a buoyant aid. b. Perform a front approach and wrist tow. c. Perform a rear approach and armpit tow. Describe how to respond if a victim submerges before being reached by a rescuer, and do the following: a. Recover a 10-pound weight in 8 to 10 feet of water using a feetfirst surface dive. b. Repeat using a headfirst surface dive. Demonstrate knowledge of resuscitation procedures: a. Describe how to recognize the need for rescue breathing and CPR. b. Demonstrate proper CPR technique for at least 3 minutes using a mannequin designed to simulate ventilations and compressions. Demonstrate management of a spinal injury: a. Explain the signs and symptoms of a spinal injury b. Support a face up victim in calm, shallow water. c. Turn a subject from a facedown to a faceup position while maintaining support. Show that you know first aid for other injuries or illnesses that could occur while swimming or boating, including hypothermia, heat reactions, muscle cramps, sunburn, stings, and hyperventilation.

Community Skakeboard Half Pipe Built By Troop 175 Scouts

 

For many years Tommy A. has enjoyed using the towns skate park located at the memorial fields. Over the past couple of years he noticed most people would not know of the existence of the park due to a lack of proper signage. Additionally he noticed a decrease in use of the park because no enhancements have been made over the past several years.

He made it the focus of his Eagle project to build an attractive park sign that would help direct people to the park.

The second component of his project involved purchasing and building a new skateboard ramp. Many of the current features are outdated and this will enhance interest in the park so it should get more use.

Lastly, he also created a youth skatepark committee that will be made up of 5-10 kids ranging from the ages of 12-18 years old. The purpose of this committee is to report back to the town any issues or concerns regarding safety, maintenance, misuse, and potential future enhancements.

Through Tommy's efforts and the $3,819 donated through his fundraising efforts and nearly 300 volunteer hours, the town of Simsbury has an updated community park that provides a safe place for the town's youth to have fun.