Simsbury Troop 175

Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?

Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? It’s the question being asked by a new unscripted series from Original Productions (Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers) set to air this fall on the National Geographic Channel.

Those who have been involved with the Boy Scouts of America know how tough Scouts can be. They master hundreds of unique skills, learn what it takes to survive in a variety of circumstances, and focus on teamwork to accomplish goals that otherwise would be insurmountable. Now, as part of Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?, teams of adults from different backgrounds will have an opportunity to test their mettle against some of those Scouts in challenges based on the Boy Scout Handbook.

Maybe they should come looking for the scouts of Troop 175 if they want a real challange!

 

Deadline for Eagle scholarship applications is Jan. 31

Tuesday, Jan. 31, is the deadline for Eagle Scouts who are high school seniors to apply for a 2012 National Eagle Scout Association scholarship.

In all, 153 scholarships, each between $1,000 and $50,000, will be presented to worthy Eagle Scouts based on their Scouting record, school performance, and financial need.

Scholarships, paid directly to the school, cover “tuition, room, board, and books only and are limited for use at a four-year accredited college or university that offers at least a bachelor’s degree upon completion of the course of studies.”

Before applying or sending an application to an Eagle Scout you know, read these requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be an Eagle Scout having passed the board of review on or before January 31, 2012.
• Apply during their senior year of high school.
• Provide a high school grades transcript covering at least six semesters.
• Have an SAT composite score of at least 1200 and/or an ACT composite score of 28.
• Have demonstrated leadership ability in Scouting.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Submit a letter of recommendation from a Scouter.

Click here for the official application (PDF). And good luck!

How to make ice-fishing tip-ups

Now that is starting to get cold, scouts might be interested in giving ice fishing a try.

 

Here is a simple ice fishing set up that you can build from of Boy's Life Magazine.

The Denali Experiment

Senior Patrol Leader Keegan Rice asked us to post this video to the troop website as an inspiration to aspire to challenge yourself.

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.

The Teaching EDGE

Recent changes in rank requirements have added teaching a skill to a new scout using the "EDGE" method. However many scouts still do not know what the EDGE method is and how to use it. Here is a brief overview:

There are four very clear steps to the EDGE method:

• First, you explained how to do the skill.
• Second, you demonstrated how to do the skill.
• Third, you guided others to do the skill, providing ongoing feedback.
• Fourth, you enabled others to use the skill, providing them with the time, materials, and practice to succeed.

Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable… The first letters of those words spell EDGE. This teaching method is called The Teaching EDGE.  

Explaining is important because…

It clarifies the subject for the learner AND for the instructor.    

Demonstrating is important because…

It allows learners to see as well as hear how something is done. They can follow the process from beginning to end.

  Guiding is important because…

It allows learners to learn by doing. It allows the instructor to see how well learners are grasping the skill. 

  Enabling is important because… 

It allows learners to use the skills themselves. It also encourages repetition—an important part of mastering a skill. That’s why you let them do it while just watching and encouraging them and offering tips - but not doing it for them.

 

How to Cook With a Dutch Oven When Camping

A Dutch Oven is a great way to make a meal for many people at the same time when camping. Here is a short article from Trails.com with simple directions on how to do it.

How to Cook With a Dutch Oven When Camping

10 Frivolous Items to Bring Backpacking that are Worth the Weight

Backpacking is a great way to get outside to do some exploring and camping. Backpacking gives you the opportunity to get to places that are a little less used so your camping experience can be enhanced. There is a fine art to taking what you need and what you want and balancing the amount of weight you will carry. Some items are worth packing along because they can add that little bit of extra pleasure you were looking for.

Read more at Trails.com: 10 Frivolous Items to Bring Backpacking that are Worth the Weight.

Simsbury Land Trust "Inspired By Nature" Competition

How does nature inspire you?

To write a poem, paint a picture or take a photograph? Please share your work by entering the Inspired by Nature: Poetry, Painting and Photography contest offered by the Simsbury Land Trust.

ENTER IN ONE OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
• Growth • Seasons • Water • Light

THERE WILL BE THREE AGE GROUPS:
• Grades K – 8

• Adult Category
• High School

Inspired by Nature:
Poetry, Painting and Photography

A CONT E ST SPONSORED BY THE SIMSBURY L AND TRUST
All entries must be labeled on the back with entrant’s name, address, phone and email along
with the age group and category (growth, water, seasons, etc.) you are entering your work in.
Limit of one entry per category, no more than four entries per person.

Winners will be selected by a panel of experts. All entries are the property of the entrant, but
the Simsbury Land Trust reserves the right to use all submissions for promotional materials,
advertising, website, and publicity. Winners will be notified by phone, and a reception will be held in
November (location and date to be determined).

ART
> Oil, Watercolor or acrylic.
> Up to 24 x 36 inches
> All entries must be submitted in a form suitable for display purposes (matted, framed, mounted).

POETRY
> All forms of poetry will be accepted.
> Limited to one page, minimum of 12 point type.

PHOTOGRAPHY
> Black and white, color, computer enhanced are all acceptable.
> Must be submitted in printed format on photo quality paper.
> Minimum of 8 x 10, no larger than 11 x 14.
> If possible, also please include your image on disc.

 

Download Inspired_by_nature_flyer

Tips for Distributing Weight in a Backpack

Proper weight distribution in a backpack is essential for comfort on the trail. Improper load arrangement can place uneven strain on your muscles, resulting in fatigue, strain and potentially serious injury. Check your backpack before you hit the trail to make sure its weight is evenly distributed, and properly adjust all straps and load supports.

Read more at Trails.com: Tips for Distributing Weight in a Backpack

How to Find Water in the Desert

In honor our our Philmont Crew, we thought we would include this artiucle on the troop website. In hindsight, maybe we should have posted it before they left!

While providing an absolutely beautiful natural environment for hiking, camping, mountain biking and other outdoor activities, the desert is one of the most unforgiving atmospheres that you can get caught in.

 

Since our Phillmont Crew will be hiking for 10 days in this enviorment, here is an article from Trails.com on How to Find Water in the Desert

Troop 175 Scouts off to Philmont

Did you ever wonder what Philmont scout ranch was? Philmont Scout Ranch is the largest national Boy Scout reserve and the premier high adventure base with more than 214 miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. It has 34 staffed camps and 55 trail camps. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.

Watch History channel’s “Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy” to see Boy Scouts In Action

Fans of the History Channell on Television are familiar with Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy. A funny look at many interesting aspects of this great country of ours.

On the show, he crosses the country in search of experiences that are uniquely American. So far, he’s visited a gator-infested swamp, checked out the country’s biggest truck stop, joined a gospel choir, and much more.

In an upcoming epsode, Larry spends a day with a Kansas City scout troop and venture crew (I guess we were already booked) and learns many scouting skills.

The episode, which features a 15-minute segment on Troop 201 and Venturing Crew 2085, premieres at 9 p.m. Eastern/ on Tuesday, June 28. Tune in or set the DVR.

 

Source:Bryan on Scouting Blog

 

 

 

Why does silver outrank gold in Scouting awards?

Ever wonder why silver awards are higher than gold awards in boy scouts? I always have. 

Take the Eagle Palms, introduced in 1927, as an example. An Eagle Scout who earns five merit badges beyond the minimum amount (and meets other requirements) will receive a Bronze Palm. He’ll get a Gold Palm for 10 extra merit badges and a Silver Palm for 15.

Here is a blog post from a Scouting Magazine blog that does a great job explaing why we "go for the silver!"

According to the article, BSA recognition is based on the military model where silver is higher than gold, as in a First Lieutenant with a silver bar outranks a Second Lieutenant with a gold bar.

But why did the military choose this order to begin with?

This article from The Institute of Heraldry has the explanation. From the beginning, the Army used silver stars to indicate a general’s grade. The generals wore these stars on gold epaulettes, so the stars were silver for maximum visibility.

As the article explains, epaulettes and insignia evolved over the years, making design and color changes necessary to distinguish ranks.

Since generals already had silver stars, silver was considered established for higher ranks.

The practice of using silver for officer ranks continued until shortly after the start of World War I, when a need arose for metal insignia to represent Second Lieutenants, who rank right below First Lieutenants.

The problem was that the U.S. already used a single silver bar for First Lieutenants, and officials didn’t want the hassle or expense of changing the policy for all officers. So rather than overhauling everything, they chose the single gold bar for Second Lieutenant. At that point, the practice of silver outranking gold was established once and for all.

CT Trails Day Hike on West Mountain Trails

On Sat., June 4 (Raindate: Sunday, June 5, 9:00 a.m.) The Simsbury Land Trust will hold a loop hike of about five miles which traverses property with Hop Brook bottomlands and a historic dam, follows a ridgeline with views of the Farmington Valley and beyond, and then returns through a dramatic and geologically significant valley. Meet and park at the Simsbury Land Trust trailhead at 60 Westledge Road. Hikers should wear suitable shoes, and should consider bringing drinking water, a snack, and insect repellent. Allow 3 hours. RSVP’s are requested to 860-651-8773.

Help Support The Jimmy Fund

On May 8th, Jeff Stickles, uncle of Troop 175 scoout Brian Sennott, left Florida on his bike to overcome a great challenge to raize money for the Jimmy Fund, A cancer organization for the Boston Red Sox, by biking from Florida to Maine. Now in his 40s, this has been his life long dream and to do it for people with cancer is great for him.

His original goal is to raise $10,000 and is going to donate every penny he recieves. Donate to his ride by following this link and clicking "Donate to Jeffs Ride."

International Control Descriptions for Orienteering

Simsbury Troop 175 is learning about orienteering this month. Orienteering is a family of sports that requires navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain, and normally moving at speed. Participants are given a topographical map, usually a specially prepared orienteering map, which they use to find control points.

Control points are placed on features on the map that can be clearly identified on the ground. Control points are marked in the terrain by white and orange "flags". Competitors receive a "control description sheet" or "clue sheet" which gives a precise description of the feature and the location of the kite, e.g., boulder, 5m, north side. For experienced orienteers the descriptions use symbols (pictorial), in accordance with the IOF Control descriptions.

Here is a great resource to see what the symbols are and how they would look both on a map and in real life. Go to Control Descriptions and Map Symbols Explained.

 

Here is a great quiz to see how well you know your control descriptions for orienteering.Go to International Control Descriptions for Orienteering--2010

 

If you are interested in earning the Orienteering MErit Badge, here are the requirements.

Troop 175 Scout Participates in Benefit Concert for Petit Family Foundation

On Friday residents will have a chance to see some of the area’s finest young dancers and musicians doing what they love – performing to bring joy to the community. But this Friday’s performance will not just entertain but also will serve as the group’s first fundraiser to benefit the Petit Family Foundation.

The group is Arts From the Heart, made up of middle school and high school students dancing and performing music as community service. This group includes Troop 175's own Justin F.

The group will perform songs and dances in duets, large ensembles and as solos. In addition, items donated by local stores and restaurants will be raffled off or sold at silent auction during the evening. A bake sale will be held, too, with proceeds from the entire evening going to the Petit Family Foundation.

The event is Friday, May 20 at Irving A. Robbins Middle School. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the bake sale and raffle and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 14, and are available by calling 860-677-2900 or by contacting ellen@ellenhoffman.com.

Sgt. Felix M. Del Greco Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

On April 9, 2004 we lost a Simsbury soldier, an Eagle Scout, a son, a brother, and a friend to many. Sgt. Del Greco was the first Ct. National Guard soldier to be killed in the current conflict in Iraq. The scholarship fund is his legacy.

Through the dedication of family and friends, since 2004, the scholarship was created to benefit college bound children of Ct. National Guard soldiers and scouts from Simsbury BSA Troop 76 where Felix Del Greco Jr. earned his rank of Eagle Scout.

During the month of May, with a min. $10.00 donation to the Sgt. Felix M. Del Greco Memorial Scholarship Fund, to say thank you, your name will be entered for a chance to win one of the following gifts.

• (1) 2010 New York Football Giants – Team Collector’s Football (value $140.00) The ball features the autograph of each 2010 team member as well as Head Coach Tom Coughlin and GM Jerry Reese. Donated by the NY Football Giants.
• (1) NY Yankees autographed Curt Granderson Baseball. (value $75.00) Baseball donated by the New York Yankees.
• (5) Three pack of lawn tickets to the 2011 Summer Series of the Talcott Mountain Music Festival. (value $75.00 per three pack) Tickets donated by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
• (1) Two Autographed CD Collection of the music of LittleHouse plus Songwriting and Songs book (value $50.00) Autographed and donated by J.A. Patrina of LittleHouse
• (1) “Huge & Famous”  Tulmeadow Farm Ice Cream Pie  (various flavors) (value $15.00)  Tulmeadow Farm has been farmed by the Tuller family since 1768.  Ice Cream Pie donated by Tulmeadow Farm.  

Items will be on display during the month of May at Fitzgerald Foods, 710 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury. To enter, us the donation form on the back of this flyer or go to www.troop76.info. Click on the yellow ribbon and then click onto the donation page and then return as instructed.

This event is being arranged by members of Simsbury BSA Troop 76

The drawing will be held on June 16 or sooner.

For more information, email Mark Holowesko at holowesko.mark@comcast.net

Felix was committed to improving the world, whether through military service, or education. With your help he can continue to do so. The Sgt. Felix M. Del Greco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship is his legacy.

      PLEASE SUPPORT THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND, THANK YOU!

Common Sense Hiking Tips From Trails.com

Common Sense Hiking Tips - Courtesy of Trails.com

Build A Camp Chair

 

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Relax around camp by building a comfortable chair. It’s easy if you have the pioneering skills.

Materials

• Three spars about 4 inches in diameter, two 8 feet long and one 12 to 15 feet long
• Four sections of rope, one 30 feet long and three 3 to 4 feet long
• 6-by-8-foot (or slightly bigger) tarp, folded into an isosceles triangle
• Three heavy rocks slightly smaller than baseballs but larger than golf balls

VIDEO: See how to perform a tripod lashing.

Step One: Determine which ends of each spar are the thickest, and designate those as the base of each spar. Lay the two shorter spars together on the ground, parallel to each other, with each base at the same end and even with each other.

Lay the long spar down in the opposite direction, with its base at the opposite end from the bases of the shorter spars, with only about two feet of overlap at the tops. Keep them all parallel.

Use the 30-foot rope to perform a tripod lashing around all three spars.

Step Two: Fold each rock into a corner of the triangle-shaped tarp and twist to create a pocket that will hold the rock. Then tie one of the three shorter ropes around the pocket holding the rock by wrapping a few times and tying off the end with two half hitches.

Be sure to leave 2 to 3 feet of rope available. Repeat for each corner.

Step Three: Attach the tarp to the tripod by wrapping the remaining rope around each spar once or twice and finishing with a taut-line hitch.

The longest spar should act as the back leg of the chair, so attach the rope at higher point on that spar to create the back of the chair.

Step Four: Relax comfortably in your chair.

 Click here for more pioneering projects.

 

Thanks for Boy's Life for this great idea.

Simsbury Volunteer Expo

Do you want to make a difference, but you’re not sure what to do? You know you want to help your
community, but you don’t know how? The Town of Simsbury is hosting the Simsbury Volunteer Expo
on Thursday, April 28th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Eno Memorial Hall. Over 30 groups will be there, and
they want your help! You will be sure to find an organization that interests you – Farmer’s Market,
Ambulance Association, Gifts of Love, the Flower Bridge, and Fidelco are just a few of the groups that
want you for a volunteer. Take the first stop toward making a difference, and attend the Expo!

Everything you always wanted to know about ticks, but were afraid to ask.

Considering all of the outdoor activities in which the Troop participates and some of the Troop members/family experiences, Bob Gilmore suggested that this guide might be of interest.

Tick Management Handbook, An integrated guide for homeowners, pest control operators, and public health offi cials for the prevention of tick-associated disease Prepared by Kirby C. Stafford III, Ph.D., Vice Director, Chief Entomologist Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven.

Download Tick Management Handbook

Spring Camping

Many people think of camping as a summer adventure. While this may be the most comfortable way to enjoy a camping experience, early spring offers a view of nature's beauty that can easily be missed. The following tips will help make your spring camping trip a success.

  1: Choose the right camping tent: The camping tent industry has exploded in recent years, with hundreds of tent styles to choose from. While many camping tents offer the necessary shelter from the elements, only a few are suited for colder weather. Four season camping tents offer the most protection from the cold and are essential for camping in colder climates, while three season tents are usually sufficient for spring camping in most of the lower U.S..  

  2: Select appropriate sleeping gear: Most sleeping bags are rated to a certain degree temperature. These ratings can be confusing if not understood correctly. Normally a sleeping bag that is rated 10 F should be sufficient to keep the cool spring air out. Also a quality mattress pad will help keep the cold from reaching you through the ground.

  3: Bring sufficient clothing: Nothing can spoil your camping trip worse, than having to sit it out in the cold. So remember to bring along an extra jacket and a pair of long underwear. Long underwear are light-weight and can easily be put away if not needed. Finally, bring along  a rainsuit, just in case you get caught in an unexpected spring shower.

  In conclusion, wherever you choose to go camping this spring, take along the right equipment and you'll be sure to have and enjoyable experience to remember.

Source:

http://www.mountainviewcampingsupply.com/campingtips/springcamping

Simsbury Land Trust Activities for April

Here are some outdoor activities fun for the entire family being sponsored by the Simsbury Land Trust. For more information, go to the Simsbury Land Trust Website.

Trail Run Series 

Sat., April 2 • Sat., May 7 • Sat., June 4
These event locations will be based on weather. Please sign up for our trail run list by emailing azeiner@simsburylandtrust.org and we will let you know when details are available.uested by Jan. 19.

 

Wagner Woods Bird Walk

Sat., April 9 • 8:00 a.m. 
Wagner Woods on Great Pond Road
Join local birding expert and property steward Roger Preston on a bird watching walk through Wagner Woods. Dress appropriately for the weather and wet trail conditions. Bring binoculars if you have them. The walk will last for about an hour and a half. Heavy rain will cancel the event. Space is limited, so RSVPs are required by April 4.

Family Hike and Breakfast at Flamig Farm 

Sat., April 30
Flamig Farm Party Room
Join the SLT and Farmer Nevin for breakfast and a family hike. Additional details will be announced later in March. Space will be limited, so RSVPs will be required.