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
Posted on July 21, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
"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
Posted on July 14, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
Originally posted to troop website 12/11/2009.
Posted on July 08, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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:
*Before you begin building the prototype, you must share your design and building plans with your counselor and have your counselor’s approval
Posted on June 29, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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
Posted on June 18, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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,
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.
Posted on June 04, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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.
Posted on June 01, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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.
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.
Posted on May 24, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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.
Posted on April 20, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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.
Posted on April 19, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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.
Posted on April 16, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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
Posted on April 12, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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.
Posted on April 09, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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 30th 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!
Posted on April 06, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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
Posted on April 02, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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
Posted on March 26, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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
Posted on March 26, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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!
Posted on March 24, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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/
Posted on March 23, 2010 in Adventure Race, Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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
Posted on March 08, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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.
Posted on March 01, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
Ultra compact, ultra lightweight and yet very durable, the Be Prepared®
USB+AA Solar Charger from PowerFilm is ideal for everyday use. The
USB+AA Solar Charger charges most USB devices. Proprietary charging
circuitry maximizes charge into the batteries. It provides a full
charge in four hours of full sun. Six grommets are built into the
charger for secure fastening to a pack or to the ground. Direct
integration of the PowerFilm flexible solar panels onto the fabric
allows for easy storage into a pocket.
PowerFilm is giving away up to 50 NEW chargers to 50 lucky
individuals! For a chance to win, submit an essay (750 words max) about
how solar power could make your outdoor experiences better, or how
solar power would have been handy in the past. The most creative,
inspiring story will earn a Be Prepared® USB+AA Solar Charger – for you or your group! Visit http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/beprepared/ for complete details and to enter the contest.
The contest ends April 15th.
Posted on February 25, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
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.
Posted on February 22, 2010 in Interesting News and Ideas | Permalink
