AK-Eagle

mk9750 Could the word you are looking for be Resolved? Looking in my thesaurus that seems to be the best fit Actually Lord Baden Powell only had 10 points to the scout law. BSA added Clean and Reverent. BP liked the additions but stuck to his orginal law. Countries like the UK and Australia you'll see the orginal 10.

Just add my two cents. I'm intertested to hear how Los Angeles Area Council's scout reservation outside Lake Arrowhead is doing. I worked for a couple of summers at Camp Pepperdine. YIS Phillip Martin aka AK-Eagle

If you are looking for information on a great place for Jamboree On The Internet (JOTI) go to www.scoutlink.net This is a worldwide network of volunteers who work together to provide a safe place for scouts, guides, and their leaders to come together and chat. The servers are online 24/7/365. We will have extra servers online for the JOTI weekend. The network is Internet Relay Chat (IRC) based and you will need a IRC client. more information is on the website. In past years I have chatted with folks from every continent execpt antartica and chats with some scouters in Australia eventually lead to a trip to the 2001 Australian Scout Jamboree If you have more questions on scoutlink please email me ak_eagle@hotmail.com Phillip Martin aka AK-Eagle Scoutmaster Troop 21, Juneau, Alaska Country Coordinator USA www.scoutlink.net

I have a Garmin Etrex Legend. It works great execpt in the heaviest of cover where a map would be useless anyhow. Like some GPS models the Legend can be connected to a computer to allow the upload/download of maps, waypoints, and routes. I also have the Expert GPS program. With it I can plan a hike upload that into my GPS and print out a topo map of just the area we are hiking. When we get back I can download from my GPS back into my computer and see what we actually did then once again print out a map and show the scouts the difference between what was planned and what actually happened. Of course you need good map and compass skills to make the most of a GPS unit. Phil Martin AK-Eagle

I got some jalapeno flavored sesame sticks for my trail mix thinking the scouts would stay out of it.....Durn critters ate even more of it As far as hot sauce I (and the scouts) like Tiger Sauce not so much heat but a great flavor works on anything that needs a kick AK-Eagle

Trail Pounder You'll find the shoreline on the shelf next to the prop wash. ;-) Phillip Martin SM Troop 21 Juneau, Alaska

Well with all that nutritious foods y'all are eating I suppose it's time to counteract that with something decadent. I've done this in camp twice now successfully. Prep and cook time is about 45 minutes Chocolate Fondue 8, 1oz Hershey Bars (normal size) 1/2 Cup mini-marsh mellows. (Approx) small bag 1/4 Cup whipping cream (Approx) I bring a 8oz carton and use the leftovers for coffee For dipping; Fresh strawberries, grapes, orange segments, canned or fresh pineapple, mini-marsh mellows (finish off that bag), Shortcake slices, blueberries or huckleberries fresh off the vine, Use your imagination Tools 2 Quart cooking Pot Stainless steel bowl for double boiler* Slotted spoon Skewers or clean mess kit forks *My stainless steel bowl has a lip that rests on rim of cooking pot leaving about at least an inch between the bottom of the bowl and the pot and space around the sides. Set up the double boiler; light the stove work for a medium boil Before unwrapping Hershey bars give them a couple of wacks on the camp table or a handy rock. Unwrap and put the pieces into the bowl. Pour in marsh mallows and whipping cream. Stir gently occasionally as they melt together. Fondue is ready when it is an even chocolate color. If a thinner fondue is desired add cream, thicker add marsh mellows. As you wait for the melt, prepare the dipping ingredients, more than likely you can find a willing assistant to help you. Grapes work well when left in bunches of 3-4, slice the shortcake into cubes for fork dipping or sticks for tool free dipping. Use a skewer or fork for the mini-marsh mellows. You may want to experiment at home with this one before trying it in the field Happy Eating AK-Eagle AKA Phillip Martin Scoutmaster Troop 21 Keet Juneau, Alaska

Summer of 1988 working on Lake Arrowhead Scout reservation (Los Angeles Area Council) Camp Pepperdine. We were hosting some inner-city after-school scouts in camp that week. After a full Sunday afternoon of swim checks, campsite check in's, dinner, and the opening campfire we finally got the troops to their campsites. After taps as a matter of habit I "walked the hill" to make sure the campsites were settled down before heading to my own tent. As I was making my way across the parade ground I noticed two scouts sitting on a stump. I approached to ask if they needed help finding their campsite One replied "No we're okay. I just wanted to see the sky. Can you tell me which are stars and which are planets?" There was no moon that night the star field was especially good. I asked if they knew any stars or planets at all, his reply was he sometimes got to see the moon through the smogged, streetlighted L.A. sky. That was the first time in that 13 year old scout's lifetime he had ever seen the night sky unobstructed. After a gulp, I started out by showing Ursa Major (Big Dipper), then Polaris (North Star), Ursa Minor (Little Dipper), Draco, we got treated to a few satelites and some high flying aircraft. I continued through what I knew until midnight when I told them it was way past time for them to be in their campsite. Escorting them back to their camp, they asked if a few of their friends could come the next night. The following night I had that entire troop out on the parade ground. And people ask me why I keep playing B.P.'s game

Thanks for the link FOG I got it bookmarked for future ref. Here is a link to the Navy/Coast Guard version We call it NTP 13 http://www.uscg.mil/hq/tcpet/tpf/mrnsms/Support%20Files/ntp13b.pdf Scoutmaster Ron 1. Honor guard 2. Troop flag 3. State flag Stadium/Audience 4. US Flag 5. Honor Guard (caller) FOG is correct, the US Flag is the right most flag then your state flag then your troop flag. In military color details the Honor guards are called Riflemen but since BSA is not a military organization and will not carry rifles we called them Honor Guards. Hope this hasn't confused the issue. Phil

Scoutmaster Ron, Yep you got it here's a pic that shows what I had in mind. Of course the scouts will not be carrying rifles. http://www.mclwestchester.org/PhotoGallery/viewpic.asp?PIC=83 FOG that detail you show is one I'd use for flag raising/lowering not for marching with flags on poles. Phil

If the Color Guard is facing you the order should be USA,State,Troop The senior-most flag goes to the right of the color guard. The scout furthest to the right is the caller. The scout furthest to the left is the honor guard the scouts carrying flags are, wait for it..... flag bearers. Also as they march the US Flag (Colors)should never "retreat" or go backwards. Make sure to practice calls,marching, and turns before getting to the field so it feels more natural then if possible once or twice on "Game Day" before showtime. To look and sound better the calls should be as soft as possible heard by the color guard but not by the everyone else. When the National Anthem is played the State and Troop flags should dip, the Colors hold steady. Clear as mud? Phillip Martin AK-Eagle akpmartin@hotmail.com

Eisely, I share your concerns with the rocking throwing vs. rock skipping. However on my very first camporee as a brand new scout I "caught" a skipped rock when it slipped out of the hand of the thrower a bit early. Got a nice gooseegg bump on my forehead, a few splatters of blood on my uniform, and the respect of my fellow scouts when I tried to shrug it off and keep skipping. Accidents happen. Good call SMT376. Perhaps the only thing I'd try different is to attempt to contact the scouts parents via cell and have them meet you at the trailhead. But that is just my Tuesday afternoon in a nice warm dry office opinion.

There was a line used widely in WWII "I was just following orders" There is a fine line between being following the rules and common sense. I woudn't go after the leader that gave the scout a ride but look hard at the leader and unit who left that scout behind without supervision. They are the ones who put you into the situation. We can monday morning quarterback this to death. The outcome of this was good FOG I very nearly took you serious on your response.. must be too late on this sunday evening :-) Phillip Martin AK-Eagle Scoutmaster Troop 21 Juneau, Alaska

Zandhana, Your right them clovehitches do have a habit of working loose every now and then. I found a trick for that. As you make the knot make sure you have plenty of runner left over and use that to add a half hitch to the standing part... It may take the prettiness out of the clovehitch but won't let it back off. I seem to recall that being called a Locked clovehitch.

A favored home cooked meal or take out for dinner is a great way to welcome home the (hopefully) happy camper! But if he seems tired there is always the next day. A bit of advice for whoever gets laundry duty... If the camp is known for poison ivy, oak, sumac, etc wear heavy duty dish washing or medical exam gloves when handling that pile of clothing as you sort, throw into the washing machine, do not mix with other family members stuff. Run it through twice, then run the washing machine one more time empty hot water, no soap. Dry separately also. This should wash out those active oils that cause reactions. My grandmother used to get poison oak from my grandfathers clothing when she did the wash and sometimes there was cross contamination with other family members clothing. That should also take care of any ticks that may of hitched a ride. Oh yes pitch those gloves afterwards and wash finger tips to elbows with soap and water! I'm glad to see mom survived the week ;-) Take notes as you go to be ready for next year.

150' of army surplus repelling rope. Though I do not use it for climbing/repelling activities it serves well to set up a bear bag, run a safety line across a stream or along icy/slick slope, if necessary to create a stretcher. Extra mantles for the lantern. In bear season a set of cow bells (bear alarm) to let the bears know there are campers around and to let the campers know there are bears around. 10 minute highway flare... (nearly) scout proof way to get a campfire started in even the wettest, coldest weather.

Mark, Yep I've heard that one as well... Use it in Wilderness Survival mb training as well as good dose of Murphy's Law. If it can go wrong it will go wrong at the worst possible time.

KG, First congrats to you and your scout. This may not fall under the terms of eating right but it will help his and your morale during his time on staff... a "care" package prehaps timed to arrive on hump week with cookies, and/or his favored treats, make sure to pack plenty as he will become suddenly more popular when the contents are known. bear in mind chocolate most likely won't make a good choice unless shipped in a insulated box. Other stuff to pack in it is toiletries i.e. shampoo, soap, perfume, etc if you choose to pack stuff you know will embrass him well that is up to you ;-)

The Seven Steps to Survival These steps were developed in Alaska by fishermen, the Coast Guard, and the Alaska state troopers. They have been proven to work and they are used in current survival training. They may be designed in Alaska but the steps should work well in any climate. 1. Recognition, The very first thing you must do is come to the idea that all is not well and not likely to improve on their own. "Houston, we have a problem" A line from one of the greatest survival stories ever. "Don't tempt fate when she has already indicated she is in a bad mood." Not so famous but it drives the point well. 2. Inventory, What do you have and how can you use it? Keep a open mind. Remember Apollo 13 when they had to make a oxygen scrubber from the command module fit into the lunar module and they took what they had at hand to make it work? In the movie step one was to use the cover from the SOP ;-) 3. Shelter, This can be as simple as good clothing or as complex as creating an emergency shelter. Shelter's made from scratch take longer to build than most people think. 4. Signals, Again they can be simple or complex. But the best signals stand out from the background. You want your signals to visually scream LOOK AT ME!!! Did you notice the plural? The searchers will. 5.Water, Most of you know the need. 1 quart per day at a bare minimum, more in hot weather. 6.Food, Without good water food is just about useless. Your body requires water to process the food you eat. 7.Play, Surprised to see the word play here? Many people are. The idea is to keep your mind busy, nothing in a survival situation is worse than sitting around worrying. Improve your shelter, signals, get more water, food, or break out that deck of cards. With our troop we try to dedicate at least one hour per campout to some part of survival training.

Condolences and best wishes from the leaders and scouts of Troop 21 Juneau, Alaska Phillip Martin Scoutmaster Troop 21 "Keet" Juneau, Alaska

I too am looking for a out of council woodbadge course. Due to the costs of flying out of Juneau ($400 r/t just to Seattle or Anchorage) I'd much rather get a week long course. The August course outside of Seattle Council looks good..... maybe this time (fingers crossed)

We've allready done our winter high adventure for 2003. We camped with Candian Scouts in northern B.C. March 23-25. we had 12-20 feet of snow into which we dug snowcaves. The 23rd was spent digging the snow caves and setting up the rest of the camping area. the 24th was for competitive events and the snowcave judging. Temps stayed mostly in the low to high 20's with occasional light snow, the afternoon of the 24th the skies cleared off and we were treated to a night of temps that dropped to single digits and a star field that mere words cannot describe

Actually what I meant to say was the annual change here in Juneau is a 13'E(minutes East) The "newest" USCGS topo maps here are from the mid 80's with more than a few still in print from the 70's! That is where my 5 degree change from the map came from. Hydrographic (Ship) charts (maps) are printed more often and have the compass rose with the updated rate of change. They and Aeronautical charts also have information about Local Magnetic Disturbance area's. Got a few I know of that swing the needle of cruise ship navigation magnetic compasses up to 20 degrees out. They make for interesting looks on the faces of scouts trying to follow a bearing ;-)

You can try this website as well http://www.geolab.nrcan.gc.ca/geomag/mirp_e.shtml the declination in your area change year to year a topographic map here in Alaska can be 5 degrees or more out of date.