Simsbury Troop 175

How to sharpen a knife

Poisonous Plants

Poisonous plants have always been part of daily life. In the nineteenth century, poisonings due to plants reached near-epidemic levels as people often foraged for sources of food from natural plantings. Today, potentially dangerous plants can still be found all around us. Poisonous plants are frequently part of interiorscapes in homes as well as in landscape plantings outdoors. This fact sheet discusses why plants are poisonous, the importance of plant identification in cases of plant poisoning, and provides suggestions for prevention of plant poisonings.

All types of native and introduced plants can be poisonous including ferns, herbaceous plants, woody shrubs, and trees. Identifying plants that are poisonous is difficult since poisonous plants do not appear distinctly different from their nontoxic relatives or counterparts. Many poisonous plants have such unpleasant tastes that most adults don’t chew them for very long before spitting them out. However, some poisonous plants are not distasteful and can even be sweet and, if eaten in large quantity, can cause serious problems.

The most important thing: DO NOT PANIC, just act quickly.

• Remove any plant parts from the person’s mouth.

• Give the person a small amount of water to drink.

• Immediately CALL CONNECTICUT POISON CONTROL CENTER (1-800-222-1222), your local hospital, or your local police department (911).

• Try to IDENTIFY the plant that was eaten.

• OBTAIN A SAMPLE of the plant; this should be as complete a sample as possible. This includes all of the parts of the plant that are available at the time: flowers, fruits or berries, leaves, and twigs.

• FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS FROM POISON CONTROL.

• BRING THE PLANT SAMPLE with you when taking the victim for medical treatment.

Source: Poisonous Plants, By Dr. Sharon M. Douglas, Department of Plant Pathology and Ecology The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

The Principles of "Leave No Trace"

"Leave No Trace" is a nationally recognized outdoor skills and ethics education program. The Boy Scouts of Troop 175 are committed to this program. The principles of Leave No Trace are not rules; they are guidelines to follow at all times.

The Leave No Trace principles might not seem important at first glance, but their value is apparent when considering the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire is of little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone's responsibility.

Here are the Leave No Trace Guidelines.

Reposted from September, 2008

History of The Boy Scouts of America on YouTube

Here is an excellent video history of the Boy Scouts in America that has been broken down into four parts on YouTube.This would be very helpful for those scouts interested in earning the new Scouting Heritage merit badge.

Originally posted to troop website 12/11/2009.

New Inventing Merit Badge Announced

One of those merit badges from the BSA's 100-year history was named Invention merit badge. The badge was discontinued in 1915 after only 10 boys had earned it. The reason for its low popularity? The main requirement told boys to "Invent and patent some useful article." Receiving a product patent is not an easy feat in any generation.

As of June 17, 2010, Scouts can now earn the Inventing Merit Badge. Here are the requirements:

Requirements:

1. In your own words, define inventing. Then do the following:
   1. Explain to your merit badge councilor the role of inventors and their inventions in the economic development of the United States.
   2. List three inventions and how they have helped humankind.
2. Do ONE of the following:
   1. Identify and interview with a buddy (and with your parent’s permission and merit badge counselor’s approval) an individual in your community who has invented a useful item. Report what you learned to your counselor.
   2. Read about three inventors. Select the one you find most interesting and tell your counselor what you learned.
3. Do EACH of the following:
   1. Define the term intellectual property. Explain which government agency oversees the protection of intellectual property, the types of intellectual property that can be protected, how such property is protected, and why protection is necessary.
   2. Explain the components of a patent and the different types of patents available.
   3. Examine your Scouting gear and find a patent number on a camp item you have used. With your parent’s permission, use the Internet to find out more about that patent. Compare the finished item with the claims and drawings in the patent. Report what you learned to your counselor.
   4. Explain the term patent infringement.
4. Discuss with your counselor the types of inventions that are appropriate to share with others without protecting and explain why. Tell your counselor about one nonpatented or noncopyrighted invention and its impact on society.
5. Choose a commercially available product that you have used on an overnight camping trip with your troop. Make recommendations for improving the product, make a sketch that shows your recommendations, and discuss your recommendations with your counselor.
6. Think of an item you would like to invent that would solve a problem for your family, troop, chartered organization, community, or a special-interest group. Then do EACH of the following, while keeping a notebook to record your progress:
   1. Talk to potential users of your invention and determine their needs. Then, based on what you have learned, write a proposal about the invention and how it would help solve a problem. This proposal should include a detailed sketch of the invention.
   2. Create a model of the item using clay, cardboard, or any other readily available material. List the materials necessary to build a prototype of the item.
   3. Share the idea and model with your counselor and potential users of your invention. Record their feedback in your notebook.
7. Build a working prototype of the item you invented for requirement 6*, then test and evaluate the invention. Among the aspects to consider in your evaluation are cost, usefulness, marketability, appearance, and function. Describe how your initial vision and expectations for your idea and the final product are similar or dissimilar. Have your counselor evaluate and critique your prototype.
8. Do ONE of the following:
   1. Participate in an invention, science, engineering, or robotics club or team that builds a useful item. Share your experience with your counselor.
   2. Visit a museum or exhibit dedicated to an inventor or invention, and create a presentation of your visit to share with a group such as your troop or patrol.
9. Discuss with your counselor the diverse skills, education, training, and experience it takes to be an inventor. Discuss how you can prepare yourself to be creative and inventive to solve problems at home, in school, and in your community. Discuss three career fields that might utilize the skills of an inventor.

*Before you begin building the prototype, you must share your design and building plans with your counselor and have your counselor’s approval

Adventure Base 100

  Experience Scouting like never before with Adventure Base 100! Created specifically for the 100th Anniversary Celebration, Adventure Base 100 will be traveling the country to give people an exciting, hands-on view of the history and future of the Boy Scouts of America. This 10,000 square foot campus features immersive Scouting experiences including a ropes course and zip line, interactive digital exhibits, a multi-sensory IMAX-like dome, and more! It will also house a traveling museum that will showcase artifacts from the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas.


This exciting experience will be in East Hartford CT on June 27th.

Originally posted to Troop 175 Website  11/6/2009 and 5/3/2010

BSA 100th Anniversary Award Boy Scouts Requirements

For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has created a strong foundation of leadership, service, and community for millions of America's youth. Through A Year of Celebration, A Century of Making a Difference, the BSA will demonstrate the incredible impact of a century of living the Scout Law.

Program participants will earn recognition for making a difference in their communities due to their dedication to five of Scouting's core values: Leadership, Character, Community Service, Achievement, and the Outdoors. Through that commitment, participants can earn each of five award ribbons to display from our 100th Anniversary commemorative patch.

A Year of Celebration will take place from September 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. The program is open to all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, adult leaders, and Scouting alumni.

Here are the requirements for scouts:

LEADERSHIP

Scouting has a proud tradition of producing great leaders. Self-determination, teamwork, and preparedness are synonymous with Scouts everywhere. For Scouting’s 1OOth Anniversary, let’s celebrate this tradition of developing youth leaders.

The Year of Celebration Leadership Award encourages Scouts to explore and reflect upon the qualities of a good leader. The award recipients will work on leadership skills. The Leadership Award rewards participants for reflecting upon and sharing leadership lessons and skills. Scouts earning this award will look to role models, lead groups, and participate in leadership-building activities. Adults and alumni will build their unit leadership skills by emphasizing membership growth, volunteering, and providing role models.

Complete three of the five requirements in each category to earn that award.

Boy Scouts

1. Identify someone from your Scouting experience you think is a good leader. Ask them what makes them an effective leader and then talk to your parent or Scoutmaster about what makes a good leader. Write 200 words on the leader you chose and share with your troop leader.

2. Teach a Scout a rank requirement and help them to a successful completion.

3. Serve in a troop or team leadership position for three months.

4. Serve as a youth staff member for a unit, district, or council event or camp.

5. Serve as a den chief for a Cub Scout or Webelos den for three months.

ACHIEVEMENT

Achievement in Scouting builds self-esteem and fosters collaboration with others. With every rank advanced and award earned, Scouts develop pride in themselves and their units. More than just getting a patch, Scouting’s myriad of awards challenge Scouts to excel, have fun, and grow into healthy, prepared adults. In addition to advancement, the award recipient makes an active effort to reflect on personal achievements and those of other Scouts.

The Year of Celebration Achievement Award highlights the possibilities for personal achievement. Scouts will pursue rank advancements, religious emblems, as well as engage adults and alumni in conversation about their own achievements in Scouting.

Complete three of the five requirements in each category to earn that award.

Boy Scouts

1. Talk to a family member or family friend who used to be in Scouting or a Scout leader and ask about their favorite Scouting achievements. Write 200 words and share with your troop leader or parent OR fill out your family’s Scouting Family Tree at www.Scouting.org/100years.

2. Advance to Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, or Eagle rank, or earn two merit badges.

3. Earn the religious emblem for your faith.

4. Attend 90 percent of your troop or team meetings for three consecutive months.

5. Earn one of the following awards: BSA Lifeguard, Mile Swim, BSA Emergency Preparedness Award, or BSA Physical Fitness Award.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Scouting’s contribution to society is most visible in the movement’s commitment to community service. Service is interwoven into many of Scouting’s honors and is mandatory for earning the higher rank advancements. Through service, Scouts demonstrate that they provide an essential function to their communities.

The Year of Celebration Community Service Award rewards recipients for providing time and resources at no charge for the good of their local community. More than just engage in service, the award recipient must also share their thoughts about why service is crucial to our society and how Scouts today fulfill a 100-year-old legacy of serving communities.

Over the years, the Boys Scouts of America has partnered with several national organizations to accomplish some great service projects. If you are looking for service project ideas, consider the following options: Nothing But Nets Scouting For Food, Habitat for Humanity Our National Parks, American Red Cross Arbor Day Foundation, Take Pride in America, The Salvation Army, Cell Phones for Soldiers Preserve Our Waterways, 2010 US Census.

Complete three of the five requirements in each category to earn that award. * Make sure that all service hours are recorded online for ―Good Turn For America.‖

Boy Scouts

1. Participate in Scouting for Food or another food drive by spending at least one hour placing bags, collecting bags, distributing food, or spreading the word about food collection.

2. Volunteer to plant trees or landscape an area around a church, synagogue, or other place of worship or a not-for-profit organization that is not the Boy Scouts of America.

3. Provide two hours of service in a group community service project approved by your Scout leader.

4. Recruit one new boy or adult leader into Boy Scouts or Varsity Scouts.

5. Provide two hours of volunteer service at a hospital, senior citizen or veteran’s facility, or another facility approved by your Scout leader. 

CHARACTER

Scouting is a character-building enterprise. Youth learn that personal responsibility and integrity are essential to accomplishing one’s goals. They learn to do good turns without expectation of reward. They learn to be brave when challenged to do the right thing.

The Year of Celebration Character Award rewards recipients for engaging in an active conversation about living by the Scout Law. The award involves elements of citizenship, family life, and personal fitness. Scouts will reflect on their own character and values. Adults and alumni will rediscover the impact Scouting makes on their own character.

Complete three of the five requirements in each category to earn that award.

Boy Scouts

1. Participate in a flag ceremony, in uniform, for a non-Scouts organization.

2. Earn one of the Citizenship merit badges.

3. Present a written record of your daily Good Turns for a period of 30 consecutive days, verified by your parent, guardian, or Scout leader.

4. Provide two hours of assistance at an activity conducted by a Cub Scout pack, another troop or team, or other youth-serving organization approved by your Scout leader.

5. Conduct a family project (such as the examples found in the Family Life merit badge pamphlet) approved by your Scout leader.

Original Posted to website Sept 24 2009.

SLT To Offer Connecticut Trails Day Hike

Connecticut Trails Day Hike
West Mountain Trails

Saturday, June 5
9:00 a.m. • 60 Westledge Road

The hike begins at Simsbury Land Trust's trailhead at 60 Westledge Road, where there is off-street parking. It will traverse the 60 Westledge property with its Hop Brook bottomlands and historic dam. It will follow the red trail from there, up to and along a ridgeline affording splendid views of the Farmington Valley and beyond. A fairly steep descent will lead to the white trail through the saddle, which connects to the blue trail. The blue trail returns to the starting point through a dramatic and geologically significant valley. The loop totals about five miles, much of it steep and with somewhat difficult footing. This is a strenuous hike suitable only for those who are fit. It is not recommended for small children.

Wear suitable shoes or boots. Bring drinking water, a snack if you wish, insect repellent and perhaps a hiking stick. The hike will last about three hours The leaders will be Sally and Don Rieger. Participants should register in advance with the land trust at 860-651-8773.

Geocaching

There are 1,028,352 active caches and an estimated 3-4 million geocachers worldwide. In the last 30 days, there have been 3,660,927 new logs submitted.

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.

Easy Steps to Geocaching

1. Register for a free Basic Membership on Geocaching.com. (ask your parents permission first)
2. Click "Hide & Seek a Cache."
3. Enter your postal code and click "search."
4. Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name.
5. Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS Device.
6. Use your GPS device to assist you in finding the hidden geocache.
7. Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location.
8. Share your geocaching stories and photos online.

There are different types of cache and its best to be familiar with some of the terms before you begin.

Check out the requirements for the new Geocashing Merit Badge for scouts.

Leave No Trace

Scouts are the largest organized users of U.S. public lands. Here's how you can minimize your impact through the ideals of Leave No Trace camping.

Here are the seven principles of Leave No Trace that everyone should try to follow.

Plan ahead and prepare

Avoid the high season on popular trails; you won’t have to compete with hundreds of other people for campsites.

Or hike in less-popular national forests instead of popular national parks.

Consider seasonal issues: In Northern states, hiking in “mud season” (after the snow has melted but before the ground has dried) is as unpleasant as it sounds — and it increases trail erosion.

Once you’ve chosen a destination, check safety concerns such as extreme weather, seasonal issues (snow, high water, lack of water), and hazards. Check regulations, especially regarding group size.

Beyond regulations, use your judgment: Two groups of six are better than one group of 12. Consider dividing into subgroups and going off in different directions.

Travel, camp on durable surfaces

Some surfaces are more vulnerable to damage than others. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, pine duff, or snow. Surfaces that are less durable include muddy trails, riparian areas, arctic-alpine vegetation (especially in the blooming season), and meadows.

In popular locations, try to use areas that already show signs of impact. This means existing trails and campsites. Walk single-file in the middle of the trail, even if it’s wet or muddy — and resist the temptation to cut switchbacks or take shortcuts. Keep campsites small and limit high-impact group activities such as sports to places where vegetation is absent.

In pristine areas without trails, your group should spread out while hiking to avoid creating new trails that might then be used by others. In camp, avoid sites that are just beginning to show signs of use, and instead camp where others aren’t likely to find or choose the same spot. Leave the site as pristine and unmarked as when you found it.

In all areas, choose campsites at least 200 feet from water sources.

Dispose of waste properly

“Pack it in, pack it out.” That means candy wrappers, orange peels, plastic ziplock bags, freeze-dried food packaging, tissue paper, leftover food — anything that wasn’t there when you arrived. Packing out trash left by others is also greatly appreciated.

Deposit solid human waste in 6- to 8-inch-deep cat holes, located at least 200 feet from water, campsites, and trails. When you’re finished, fill in the hole and camouflage it with duff, pine needles, or downed wood.

To bathe, carry a bag of water at least 200 feet from streams or lakes and use biodegradable soap.

The same goes for washing dishes. Scatter strained dishwater and pack out any food scraps.

Leave what you find

“Take only pictures; leave only footprints.” This includes rocks, plants, and other natural objects. It also includes cultural and historic artifacts such as potsherds and arrowheads.

Make sure to thoroughly clean your gear between trips to different regions, countries, or continents.

Otherwise, you can transport seeds and spores that stick to boots and tent stakes to new environments, where, as nonnative species, they can overgrow and do enormous damage.

Minimize campfire effects

Stripped of downed wood, overused campsites have a bare, desolate look — as if you arrived late for yesterday’s party. There’s an impact on animals, too, which use downed branches as shelter and hiding places.

Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires and keep the fires small, using wood small enough to break by hand.

Metal fire pans contain the fire and keep it off the ground; mound fires are built on a 3- to 5-inch mound of loose soil or sand that protects the ground under the fire and gets dispersed after it burns.

Never establish a new fire ring. Before you leave a campfire, make sure all wood and coals have burned to ash. Once the ashes are cool to the touch, scatter them.

Better yet, refrain from making a fire and instead use a lightweight stove for cooking. A candle lantern can provide evening light.

Respect wildlife

Don’t feed the animals — no matter how cute, friendly, or tame they seem. Feeding them can damage their health, alter their natural feeding patterns, make them dependent on human food, and expose them to predators.

Animals that become accustomed to humans can be dangerous. Even a docile-looking deer — not to mention a bear — can severely injure humans by aggressively seeking handouts.

The no-feeding rule includes accidental feeding: Store food in animal-proof containers.

Hang it out of reach or follow local regulations and suggestions for keeping human food and trash away from wild animals.

Avoid disrupting animals: Don’t follow or approach them too closely, especially in mating season, nesting season, or winter when they’re vulnerable.

Control your pets: Leash your dogs, and don’t permit them to chase or harass wildlife. Avoid camping near or on animal trails, especially in dry areas where animals may depend on a small amount of water resources.

Be considerate of other visitors

The wrong people moving into a campsite next door can shatter the peace and quiet we cherish in the backcountry. Don’t be those people.

The larger your group, the farther you should camp from others. Avoid loud and raucous games, especially when camped within sight or earshot of others.

On hikes, you should yield to other users when possible — stand to the side and let others pass — especially when you’re part of a large group.

If you encounter pack animals, step to the downhill side and stand quietly as a matter of safety for both humans and animals. When you stop for a break, move away from the trail to allow others to enjoy their solitude as they pass by.

In addition to observing the BSA’s Outdoor Code, Hiser says youths and leaders have a further obligation to follow the principles of Leave No Trace.

“As the largest organized user of our public lands, Scouting can have a tremendous positive influence by training our youth to think and act ethically in the outdoors. In this way, we encourage the next generation to assume stewardship of our lands and the environment.”

Source: Do No Harm by Karen Berger in Scounting Magazine.

Simsbury Volunteerism Expo

The town of Simsbury will hold it's second annual Volunteer Expo on April 28th from 6pm to 8 pm at Eno Hall.

This event brings together Simsbury residents and youth with a desire to give of their time to help others.  We have over 30 non-profit groups who need volunteers and they will be able to assist you in
finding the opportunity that best interests you.  Such groups include McLeans, Gifts of Love, Fidelo, Theatre Guild, and many others.  This is a resource for our residents and our youth looking for
an outlet for their volunteer energies. We need participation to assist these non-profits in their endeavors.  The event is free and pre-regisration is not required. 

For more information, please contact Deputy First Selectman John Hampton at jhampton@simsbury-ct.gov or at 860-508-4896 or Pat Carbone at 860-658-0819 or Patcarbone@webtv.net.

Scouts working on their Citizenship in the Community merit badge that have not chosen an organization to work with might want to attend to find a worth volunteer opportunity.

EMS Club Day Sale

If you are looking for some really nice outdoor camping and hiking equipment at Eastern Mountain Sports in Simsbury, the time to shop is April 23-24 with their bi-annual "Club Day Sale".

As a member of the Boy Scouts, you will receive 20% off the quality gear at EMS. Simply wear your uniform or bring a rank advancement card and you and your family qualify for the discount.

BSA 100th Anniversary Award

A Century of Making a Difference is an awards program specially developed for the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America for all Scouts, adult volunteers and Scouting alumni.

The award consists of a main patch, which is patterned after the official 100th Anniversary emblem, with five additional awards represented by 2″ ribbons from the patch. Program participants will earn recognition for making a difference in their communities due to their dedication to five of Scouting’s core values: Leadership, Character, Community Service, Achievement, and the Outdoors. Individuals will be able to display all earned awards at the same time on their uniforms by attaching award markers to the patch.

Awards may be earned as of September 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.

There are five requirements for each age group. All you have to do is accomplish at least three of the five requirements to earn the award. You may want to do all five requirements, but three is all that you’ll need to qualify for the award.

You can download the requirements here.

Download Patch_Requirements_for_Boy_Scouts

Download Patch_Requirements_for_Leaders

Reposted from September, 2009

Help birds build a love nest

The Hartford Courant had an excellent article by Barbara Mahany entitled Help birds build a love nest. it covers how to help your feathered friends make homes for their new families.

Building a nesting box or bird feeder is a fun activity and can help bring nature right into your back yard.

Vote For Camp Tadma - Help Earn a $50,000 Grant

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Anthony DiNicola credits the staff’s dedication at Camp Tadma, a Cub Scout Camp in Bozrah Connecticut with helping him cope and eventually improve and now he has launched a campaign to help this camp through the Pepsi Refresh contest. Currently ranked 68 out of 1,143, the project must be one of the top 10 vote getters by April 30^th at to earn the $50,000 grant. Anyone over 12 can vote once a day for the project at http://www.refresheverything.com/savecamptadma.

Many of our scouts have visited Camp Tadma as cubs. Please take a moment of your time and voted for this worthy effort - and tell your friends to vote too!

Connecticut Rivers Council Golf Classic - June 14

Take an afternoon to play golf at the private Hop Meadow Country Club in Simsbury and support the Connecticut Rivers Council at the same time. 

The format is a four person scramble.  There will be driving range and putting contests included.  After the flight there will be a reception and the awarding of tournament prizes.  Full details will be available as the date draws nearer. 

Hop Meadow is a Championship, 18 hole, Par 72, 6,912 yard course designed by Geoffrey Cornish.  Golf.com describes the course as "very challenging and well maintained."  View an online tour of the course by clicking here.

Sponsorships for foursomes-on-up are available.  Contact Judy Casey by e-mail or by calling 860-913-2721

Did you know....

One out of every three of West Point cadets was involved in Boy Scouting as a youth, and 14 percent are Eagle Scouts.

Nearly one-third of Air Force Academy cadets were involved in Boy Scouting, and 14 percent are Eagle Scouts.

The most often earned merit badges include: First aid, Swimming, Camping, Cooking, and Citizenship in the Community.

If the 109,829,417 merit badges earned through the end of 2005 were lined up end-to-end would make a straight line that would stretch from Chicago to Los Angeles— over 2,500 miles.

Source: CT Rivers Scouter newsletter

Ultralight Dutch Oven

Backpacker Magazine is a great source for ideas to make camping more enjoyable. Here is an article from the Trail Chef on how to wake up to freshly baked muffins with a DIY Dutch oven, built from two trail pans and a handful of gravel.  

Is there anything better than fresh-baked muffins on the trail? That question is rhetorical because there isn’t anything better. Although it’s not practical to huff your Dutch oven along the John Muir Trail, you can get the same results from the trail pans you already carry. Forego your usual cold Gu and oatmeal offerings, and impress your friends with this fluffy delicacy.

1. To assemble the oven, fill the bottom of a 3-quart pan with small rocks or gravel. Rocks or gravel should be about 1-inch deep throughout the pan. Next place the 2-quart pan inside the 3-quart (on top of the rocks). The rocks will evenly spread the fire’s heat to all sides of the 2-quart pan.

2. Fill the bottom of the 2-quart pan with Jiffy Muffin Mix (net weight 8.5 oz.), and mix with water according to package instructions.

3. Depending on the shape of your pans, you can either put lids on both pans (or use tinfoil for the 2-quart one and the lid for the 3-quart), or just put the lid on the 2-quart pan and leave the 3-quart pan uncovered (since the inner pan might stick up too far to fit the 3-quart lid). You can also put coals atop the lid, to spread heat downward.

4. (Optional) Search your surroundings for fresh wild edibles like huckleberries, and add them to the mix.

5. Build a reasonable fire, season permitting, or use a trail stove. If cooking on a stove, medium heat works best. If cooking atop coals, place the pan directly on top of the coals at the edge of the fire (away from the strongest heat). The key is to make sure the pan is not over the coals or stove at such a hot temperature that the bottom and sides burn before the middle has a chance to cook. Cooking time varies according to the heat level, but anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes. The muffins are done when you can stick a knife in and the consistency is the same throughout.

Serve warm, and enjoy! The final product may not look as pretty as those from a real Dutch oven, but don’t tell that to the muffins.

—Trail Chef

Get Your Scout Photo Published

The Boy Scouts of America is asking for your help to show others what Scouting means through photographs. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. We need your photos to describe this time tested organization. Share your Scouting photos, your Scouting memories, and your “image” of what this century old organization means to you.

Dust off your camera, dig out your zoom lens and get to work capturing your adventure. Upload your photo and be entered for your chance to be selected as one of the winning photographs to be featured and printed in a photo history book “Boy Scouts of America: Today.”

Photos will be judged based half on Creativity and half on Photo Quality. Submit your photos under one of twelve categories corresponding with the 12 Points of Scout Law. Those categories are; Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. Photos must be Scouting related.

There is no limit on the number of photos that may be entered. Please read the Official Contest Rules before submitting photographs.

The deadline is March 31st, so get your photos submitted today!

Troop 175 Adventure Race Featured in April Boy's Life Magazine

Each Month Boy's Life Magazine is read by more than 3.6 million scouts in the US. This month they will all be reading about the Simsbury Adventure Race started by Troop 175 several years ago.

The article is entitled "AMAZING RACE" and talks about how scouts compete in a high-adventure competition that tests not only their physical skills but their mental makeup, too.

The article quotes several scouts and has photos of even more participating in Last year's race.

The 2010 Adventure Race is currently schedule for June 20th. So start planning on what it will take to make you successful in this year's competition!

For complete rules and course description on last year's race, go to http://www.simsburytroop175.org/adventure_race/

Download Boys Life Article Here (PDF)

Boy Scout Insignia

To help the new scouts just joining Simsbury Boy Scout Troop 175, Here is a graphic from the Boy Scouts of America that shows the location of the insignia and patches on your uniforms.

 

Boy Scouts on Jeopardy!

The venerable quiz show "Jeopardy!" paid tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America last week with a special category about Scouting.

The "Jeopardy!" Clue Crew took a special field trip to California's Camp Winton for footage to complement the category. And even though the contestants saved the category for last (none of them were Scouts, apparently), the group got each question right.

Were you watching? If not, here's a chance to test your knowledge with the answers and questions from the show. You'll find the five answers below. Write down the questions on a piece of paper, and then check your work by following the jump below.

$200: In 1940 this composer gave the Boy and Girl Scouts all future royalties from the song "God Bless America."

$400: To be a First Class Scout, you have to able to find directions. One way is to place a stick in the ground and wait for the afternoon shadow, which will point this way.

$600: A popular Scouting activity is the throwing of this type of hatchet or axe native to North America.

$800: A traditional skill in Scouting is knowing how to build a fire; one good method is named for this Native American shelter.

$1,000: The first Boy Scout to go on to be the president was this man who, in a youthful letter to his father Joe, asked for a bigger allowance to buy canteens and other Scout supplies.

Follow the jump below to check your work. Good luck!

QUESTIONS:

$200: Who is Irving Berlin?

$400: What is east?

$600: What is a tomahawk?

$800: What is a tepee?

$1,000: Who is John F. Kennedy?

Source: BSA Cracker Barrel

Boy, the Scout Handbook Keeps Changing

The Wall Street Journal is the most widely read newspaper in the United States. Last week it ran a very interesting opinion piece entitled Boy, the Scout Handbook Keeps Changing, by Tony Woodlief.

The article discusses some of the changes the BSA have endured over the past century as well as some of the issues it has faced. It is a very interesting read.

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25 Still Even More Things You Didn’t Know About Scouting

76. Dr. E. Urner Goodman, the founder of the BSA’s national honor society, the Order of the Arrow, was once a volunteer Scoutmaster of Troop 1 in Philadelphia.

77. Early Scouting leaders James E. West, Daniel Carter Beard, and Ernest Thompson Seton sat on first Eagle Scout Arthur Eldred’s Eagle board of review.

78. The Kansas City Area Council has had an exceptionally productive advancement program and won the distinction of “Most Eagle Scouts” from 1912 to 1969, totaling 13,943. The council still ranks in the top 10 today.

79. Edward VIII, former Prince of Wales, is the only person who received the BSA Silver Buffalo Award (1929) and later became a king. The Silver Buffalo Award is awarded for distinguished service to youth.

80. On September 10, 1910, S. F. Lester of Troy, New York, became the first person to hold the Scouting leadership position of Scoutmaster (commissioned by the BSA).

81. Today, approximately 100,000 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers with disabilities are registered with the Boy Scouts of America in more than 4,000 units chartered to community organizations.

82. In 1912, five of the 23 Eagle Scouts came from West Shokam, New York.

83. Chess legend Bobby Fischer was the author of a chess column called “Checkmate” in Boys’ Life from 1966 until 1969.

84. Eagle Scouts who served as Chief Scout Executive include Joseph Brunton Jr. (1960–1966), Alden Barber (1967–1976), Harvey Price (1976-1979), James Tarr (1979–1984), Jere Ratcliffe (1993–2000), and current Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca.

85. Charles Scruggs of Cuero, Texas, was reportedly the first recipient of the Honor Medal for lifesaving in 1911.

86. Ernest Lawrence was the first Boy Scout to have a chemical element named in his honor: lawrencium. He was also the first former Scout to win the Nobel Prize for Physics, in 1939.

87. In June 1942, Time magazine dubbed the BSA “Public Scavenger Service #1” for its outstanding wartime collection drives.

88. It is believed that Robert Baden-Powell and W. D. Boyce never met.

89. Raymond Cobb was 25 when he reportedly became the first “Complete Scout,” completing all merit badges and earning Eagle, Ace, Ranger, Silver, and Quartermaster Awards.

90. The seven Mercury Project astronauts designed the original requirements for the Space Exploration merit badge.

91. Mickey Mouse, who was created in 1928, was the authorized name of a patrol in the 1930 Bronx Council Troop 246.

92. “Uncle Dan” Beard wrote that his greatest honor was having a mountain named after him—Mount Beard, which adjoins Mount McKinley.

93. During the Depression, the BSA employed special railroad executives who started and supported Scout troops in some 300 rural communities along railroad lines.

94. Ralph Bunche was the first Boy Scout to earn the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1950. (Robert Baden-Powell was nominated in 1939 but did not win.)

95. In 1952, the World Book children’s encyclopedia published a special book on each of the merit badge subjects.

96. The BSA was the first youth-serving organization to have a U.S. combat vessel, the USS Esteem, dedicated in its honor. It launched in December 1952.

97. During World War II, Scouts collected 7,000 tons of clothes for people in Europe and Asia.

98. In 1964, 41 Scouts were the first to earn merit badges for Oceanography, presented to them by Rear Adm. Denys W. Knoll.

99. The pages of Boys’ Life have been home to noteworthy writers such as Alex Haley, Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Van Wyck Brooks, Ernest Thompson Seton, Bobby Fischer, Catherine Drinker Bowen, Robert A. Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur B. Reeve, and John Knowles.

100. Presidents John F. Kennedy, Gerald R. Ford, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama were Scouts as youth, and Jimmy Carter was a Scoutmaster. President Kennedy was the first Scout to become president; Gerald Ford was the first (and to date, only) Eagle Scout president.

Thank you to the BSA for putting together the 100 Things You Didn’t Know About Scouting from which these posts were taken from.