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Since word is out that our Troop is doing a 10 day backpacking trip this summer as our summer camp, there has been some concern as to how we are going to incorporate all of the "Scouting Methods" that normally come with the summer camp experience.
Well, I would first of all suggest that our Scouts will have more of the Scouting methods during our 10 day adventure than most Troops will have during your typical Summer camp experience, namely in the area of cooking.
Most summer camps offer a dining hall with cafeteria or family style dining. This is great and takes a lot of pressure off of the Scouts during the day.
Our Scouts this summer will be using the Philmont cooking methods for our meals. This will ensure that the patrols or crews will eat together, share responsibility, and eat the appropriate amount of calories that will be required on the trail.
I visited the Philmont web site and recalled a video we shared with our Crews before we went to Philmont. This video basically sums up how we will be doing our cooking this summer while we trek through the Olympic National Forest.
Our Scouts will be eating on the go for breakfast and lunch, much like the Philmont experience. We downloaded the Philmont menus plans for breakfast, lunch and dinner, to get a good feel for our planning. It looks like we will pretty much stick to their plan. Why reinvent the wheel?
Patrol or Crew cooking in this fashion will be a great experience for our Troop. We are going to start using this method with our next camp out and continue to practice this through summer camp. This means each camp out till July will incorporate our meal plan and methods for preparing, cooking, and cleaning while on the trail. This should be real fun at Camporee this year.
I'd love to know how you all cook on the trail or in camp. Leave a comment.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Backpack cooking- Patrol Method
Since word is out that our Troop is doing a 10 day backpacking trip this summer as our summer camp, there has been some concern as to how we are going to incorporate all of the "Scouting Methods" that normally come with the summer camp experience.
My Fire kit
It is a requirement for all Scouts to build their own First Aid kit. This gets them in tuned with what they need, have, and how to use it all. Being a backpacking Troop, building the personal first aid kit is an important task and requires a little more thinking than just band aids and mole skin. The nature of backpacking takes you away from the cars and so the Scout needs to develop a kit that is compact, light, and serves his first aid needs.
In our Troop we also require the Scouts to build a fire building kit. It should be compact, light, and serve the Scouts need to make fire. Simple requirements right?
The ability to make fire is an important skill. Fire is a motivator, cooking option, and method of warmth and cheer. I was asked once what 'survival' skills we teach our Scouts. I answered none. We teach them to be prepared. With a kit designated to build fire there is no need to rub sticks together or wait for lightning to strike. The Scout reaches into his pack and makes a fire.
I carry my fire kit with me every time I enter the woods. On a day hike or a 50 miler, the fire kit is as much a part of my pack as my first aid kit.
My kit is simple, light, and works 100% of the time to start fire.
I am not a fan of flint and steel or primitive methods of making fire. I do not pretend to be a bush crafter and am not fascinated with that whole life style.
I use what works and that is it. Again, I need not know how to 'survive' I will survive because I am prepared.
Here is a short video on my Fire Kit.
Question or comments? Please leave them here at the blog.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
**NOTE- my batteries died twice in the camera and a part of the video I thought I was shooting was lost. The SOL Tinders somehow got cut out.
The Little Stuff
One of the big misconceptions in leadership is that the leader needs to worry about the big stuff. Yes, the leader has to know or have vision and that requires a look from the 1000 foot view, but when it really comes down to leading, it is the little stuff that matters. The little things that make all of the big things happen or lead to big success.
Lets go back to our example we have used here of "The Tent".
When we set up our tent there is but one correct way to set it up. As a leader to ensure that the tent is set up correctly a look at the details, the little stuff, is important.
Is the footprint extended beyond the flap of the tent? If so, it's wrong.
Are the stakes in so that it will actually hold the tent down? Stakes improperly placed will allow for the tent to be unstable, not tight, and ultimately not serve their purpose.
Is the vestibule staked out properly? Are the vents open or closed dependent on the conditions? Is the tent located in a good position to leave no trace? Out of the elements? In low ground?
Are the guy lines being used properly?
Are the storage bags put away or just blowing all over the camp site?
Is the rain fly on correctly or inside out?
Is the door facing away from the wind?
Is there food in the tent?
Is the gear stored properly (not in the tent)?
You see there are a list of little things that go into setting up a tent. Multiply that by the number of guys in the Patrol and how many tents are set up and you have a lot of little things to look at. When all of those little things are done right, everything tends to fall into place.
This habit of doing all the little things right will lead one to doing everything right. Once the standard has been set, it is something that becomes routine. Leaders check and recheck and inspect what they expect to see.
They first teach the skill, the task, or the method and then hold those that they are leading accountable. Doing it over is an option. Not correcting something that is wrong is not. That to is perceived as a little thing.
I have heard over and over that "well.. that really doesn't matter", "they are just kids", "give it a break, it's only a weekend"… It all matters to leaders. There are standards for every task and when they are done right, all of the big things are right also. All of the little things matter to make the big things work.
There is no room for lowering the standard, when that happens it to become habit and that is when things go wrong.
This example works for every task our Scouts are asked to do.
There is a reason we have our Scouts earn their Totin' Chip before they are allowed to use a Knife, Saw, and Ax. The Totin' Chip program introduces the standard. The consequence for not performing to that standard is the inability to participate using a knife, saw, or ax.
When we allow the little things to slide we set our selves and those we lead up to be unsuccessful. Mainly because they will tend to do more and more wrong. Once the idea that everything is expected to be done right is accepted, and the leader makes sure that the little things are constantly being checked, you will see success in the big things.
So how do we make that happen? Training and accountability.
This last weekend we conducted Junior leader training with all of the older Scouts in the Troop. Since we have been having some issues with leadership lately, I decided it was time to get back to basics. The Senior Patrol Leader had the Troop pack up everything on Saturday morning. The days activities started with the Troop splitting up, the younger guys went to shoot shot guns and the older guys began their training. We began with a discussion on packing a backpack the right way. We demonstrated what right looks like and then made sure that every pack looked that way. It was a lesson on attention to detail and not taking the easy way out.
Then we went on a little hike. When we reached our first destination, the leaders were given the task to set up camp using leave no trace principles. They set off to get camp set up. I instructed the Scouts that when they were finished to come and stand by me. Once they all were there, we talked about the little things and making sure all of the little things were right leading to the big thing (camp set up) being correct. Each Scout had to go to a tent that was not his and stand. Then one by one they instructed the group as to what was wrong with that set up. Each and every tent had something that needed to be improved. Corrections were made and then a second walk through happened. This time everything was right and the Scouts could see the big picture.
After a quick reflection and discussion of the process, they were instructed to pack and move to a second location and do it again. The same process happened the second time, this time with fewer mistakes. Again corrections were made, this time including the use of the EDGE ™ method of teaching [Explain, Demonstrate. Guide, and Enable]. And pack it up again. This time with a pause to inspect the packs to make sure they were packed right. If it was not correct, do it again. Reinforcing the idea that there is only one right way to do it and we will not settle for it being done wrong.
When the younger Scouts got back from shooting their Troop guide did this process with the new Scouts. Packing and unpacking, setting up and taking down. He made it a game having the Scouts race each other and in the process made it fun. The new guys picked up on it right away. I overheard the Troop guide explain to them that doing it right the first time will save them time and energy down the road. There is only one right way of doing things right.
The focus is on the little stuff and making the little stuff matter. Little things done right make the big things right.
When it comes to older Scouts and adults, modeling the expected behavior while doing the little things right and making sure that the little things are always done right will set you up to being an effective leader and leading a high performance team.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Going Camping
Heading out into the woods this weekend with the Troop. New Scout Patrol will be stepping off on the Trail to First Class, but not until after a fun morning on the range shooting Shot Guns. Then the older guys will get to shoot all afternoon, but not until they develop some leadership skills in camp. Modeling the Expected Behavior will be their theme for the weekend.
Weather calls for sun tomorrow.. we hope for the best.
So, I will let you all know how it goes on Sunday!
What are you up to this weekend?
Please share!
Have a Great Scouting Day!
The STEM Push
The other night I held a couple Scoutmaster Conferences, both for Scouts earning the Star Rank and both of the Scouts good young men. During our discussion the subject of merit badges came up as you need them for the Star, Life, and Eagle ranks.
One of the young men asked me why certain merit badges were Eagle required, while others were not. We looked at the merit badges that were on the Eagle required list and I explained to him that these are important merit badges that support the goals of Scouting.
Citizenship in the Community, Nation, and World focus not on teaching you about citizenship, but what your obligations are as a Citizen.
First Aid, Camping, Life Saving, Hiking, Emergency Preparedness, Swimming, Cycling, Personal Fitness and Cooking all focus on the Scout being fit and self-reliant. Communication, Family life and Personal Management focus on how he acts in the world. These are important.
Finger printing, art, music, basketry, and astronomy are just cool things that spark interest in the Scout.
I have noticed that there is a big push on the STEM programs in Scouting. As if Scouting was becoming a vocational arm of the education system. Now before I get hate mail, I am all for the Science and technology stuff, I am fascinated by what engineers can do. But this is Scouting dang it. I don't want to take my Scouts to Summer camp and have them sit in class all day learning about how to split an atom. I want them out there enjoying the outdoors. The go to School from September to June… July and August are times for them to be boys!
The STEM push has taken over and I want it to back off a bit. Even in our Council STEM is all over the place. We have great STEM partners in our areas that are assisting young men in cranking out merit badges. But are they learning anything? My guess is no.
I asked this young man in our conference which merit badges he had earned (looking at his history I knew the answer). He had really not got much out of the "filler badges". He did talk about First Aid and the Citizenship badges though.
I am not against the STEM Program, but I personally do not want Scouting to become the math club. Scouts get enough School. They join Scouts to get adventure and that is what we need to give them.
Sit a Scout down for an hour and teach them about anything.. they want to get up and run.. give them an adventure and in the process teach them life skills and appreciation for the outdoors and you have captured them for life long Scouting.
STEM is not going away.. this is the world we live in, but let's do more Scouting!
Just my opinion and thoughts.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Firm Bound in Brotherhood…
This weekend was spent rekindling the fire of the Order of the Arrow in me. I attended our Lodges annual gathering called Rendezvous. Our Lodge hosts three major events each year. The Native American Arts and Ceremonies Seminar, The Rendezvous of the Order, and The Leadership Development Conference. We also participate in the Section Conclave and many service projects throughout the year as well and four Ordeal weekends and a Vigil Induction annually. So, needless to say we have an active Lodge with ample opportunities to be an active member of the Order of the Arrow.
This weekend, I have to be honest, I was not entirely looking forward to. I did not attend last years Rendezvous because I am finding it harder and harder to tolerate some of the behavior that we have seen at some, not all, OA events. I suppose that I have an expectation that "honor society" means something and clearly that is not the case to some Scouts and their leaders.
Being elected into the Order of the Arrow is supposed to have some special meaning. Our Lodge Advisor said it best last night at the Banquet dinner when he summed up membership in the Order of the Arrow as a Journey, much like the journey Dorthy took in the Wizard of Oz. They (the principle parts of the the Wizard of Oz) sought a Brain, Courage and a Heart. We too in the Order of the Arrow seek Wisdom in the Scout Oath and Law, We strive to be Courageous in doing the right thing, and a Heart for service. And Dorthy.. she is the model of a Servant Leader, putting the other three needs above her own desire to go home. It is a Journey to constantly seek the path that leads us to be bound in that brotherhood that cheerfully serves.
And here is the problem I have been having and I guess this is a universal issue within me that expects more out of those that we trust are "worthy". Whether that is a Scout that has earned his Eagle Award or a Scout that has been elected into the Order of the Arrow. I expect them to live that code that we promise. In addition to the Scout Oath and Law, the Obligation of the Order of the Arrow are tremendous guides for our lives. It is that yellow brick road that leads us to a life that is worthy of being called good.
I understand the need for membership and so I understand that there will be Scouts that will take time to mature into young men that we can trust to live the obligation. I get that. But where is the coaching and mentoring that get them on the path to doing right? This is my issue. When I see Scouts that are disrespectful, unkind, selfish, and run from service, I wonder how and why they are members of the OA. Or better yet, who is teaching them or not teaching them the expected behaviors that come with being a Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow.
This weekend I attended for a few reasons. First I was asked to do some service. We cleaned out and sorted, repacked and labeled the bins in the Wood Badge trailer. Since I was the last Assistant Scoutmaster for support and physical arrangements I had a great interest in helping out those future staffers, making their jobs a bit easier. Second, I was asked to attend the Banquet Saturday night as I was "officially" being called to the Vigil Honor along with the rest of this years Vigil Candidates. I'll get right back to that.
The third reason was that we are trying to get the OA members of our Troop fired up again about the OA and rekindle their fire in ceremonies. So I talked it up to the members in my Troop and a group of them decided to attend. Being a good example, I knew that I needed to be there also to demonstrate that I care about the OA and their membership in it.
And finally, I knew that a bunch of my Scouter friends from around the Council would be there and to be honest, I wanted to hang out with them. It's always a great time sharing stories and catching up.
Back to number two. The Vigil Call out.
Throughout the day on Saturday many of my friends and other members of the Lodge approached me with congratulations on being elected to the Vigil Honor. Folks that I have not seen in ages and some that at other times have never given me the time of day, but the thing that mattered was their genuine attitude about what the Vigil Honor means to them. They all shared a little something about what the honor has meant in their lives, not sharing anything about the induction, but what that simple little triangle of arrows on their sash has meant as they apply living what I gathered as the gifts they received from membership in this organization. I kept thinking last night about this trip down the yellow brick road and that, even though I don't know what is to come in the Vigil induction, I feel like it is that point in the journey when you finally meet the great and powerful Oz and much is reveled . This journey from Ordeal member to Brotherhood has taken me on a trip to find the arrow. That spirit of Cheerful service and living the Oath and Law fully in our daily lives… above and beyond that of just being a Scout. To truly understand being selfless and applying that attitude every day. One does not need the Order of the Arrow for this, but in the context of Scouting is a great life lesson that when demonstrated by those that have been selected to the highest Honor brings great credit to Scouting, this organization that we believe in and love.
I was looking through some of my collection of Scouting literature and found a small booklet that was distributed back in 1968 to new members of the Order of the Arrow. It is a basic run down of what the OA is, gives the Legend of the Lenni Lenape and discusses the membership Honors of the Order. There is a sentence in the paragraph about the Vigil Honor that I feel sums up my attitude about those Scouts that fail to live up to the expectation of membership. The converse I suppose can be found in this statement, "…members of our Order who give outstanding or distinguished service, or who by unusual devotion to Scouting…" Unusual devotion to Scouting, maybe that is why I don't get some of the behavior or attitudes. I have an unusual devotion to Scouting. Yep… I love Scouting that is a fact and I constantly try to tell Scouting's Story. The Vigil Honor is calling me to do just that… I think.
I'm going to go with that for now anyway.
I am firm bound in Brotherhood.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Teaching Winter camping Skills- Revisited
As most of the country is still experiencing Winter conditions and here in the Northwest, the Winter Camping season is really in full bloom, as late as it is, there are still Troops and Crews that are venturing into the woods for some good winter camping. I thought I would revisit our teaching or winter skills, just as a reminder that even though it's March, we need to stay focused on how we camp in the winter. Most of these skills transfer well all year round anyway. I will take a page out of the Safe swim defense and Safety Afloat program. Supervision and Discipline are a Must.
So here are a few rules that we maintain whenever we are talking about High adventure and Cold weather camping.
Remember anytime you engage in a high risk activity… you increase your preparation, supervision, and discipline.
The first rule is take it serious. Cold Weather camping can be one of the most enjoyable activities with challenges and memories that your scouts will cherish. But at the same time Cold weather camping can be Extremely dangerous when not taken seriously.
I use a three strike rule when dealing with the issue. Three strikes and you are not going on the event. Period.
A scout that does not want to pay attention or is goofing off too much will not get the information that is being presented. This can lead to dangerous consequences in the field.
Before we do any Winter camping adventure we have a couple mandatory meetings.
During these meetings we teach Cold Weather first aid.
Understanding and knowing the symptoms of cold weather conditions such as frost bite and hypothermia. Knowing what to look for on your buddy for those signs and then how to treat them.
We teach techniques for setting camp, preparing meals, setting up gear to best meet the conditions of Cold weather camping. Simple stuff like zipper pulls and tent anchors. Issues like meal preparation and how to better prepare meals at home for ease in the camp site.
These meetings we feel are important to set the tone for the High adventure activity.
We do the same thing for Rock climbing activities. Mandatory meetings get the scout into the mind-set that this is so important that they are "Making" me be there … or I do not go.
Enforcement of the mandatory meeting is just as important. If you make it a must for one that they get all the information, then make it a must to all.
If need be…have a make up meeting for scouts that absolutely can not make a mandatory meeting… give them opportunities to participate, but ensure they get the skills, training, and information that are needed for a successful outing.
The next rule that is non negotiable is using the buddy system. Now I know that the buddy system is part of Scouting anyway, but in cold weather environments it is a must.
Buddies need to be established early in the process of planning, training, and preparing for the camp out.
Getting these buddies to learn the first Aid skills together, planning of meals together, and in camp routines will lead to skilled buddy teams that understand the importance of one another in the process.
When they train in first aid, it no longer is a routine activity, they understand, that if I do not check you and you don't check me.. we can get hurt. If I am not aware of what creamy colored skin means…then you may be getting frost bite on your nose or fingers.
Enforcing buddy teams is a must and hard fast rule. In camp use the Patrol leaders to monitor buddy teams and ensure that they are maintaining discipline as a team.
One issue that may or may not come up, it has with in my unit, is when you are tent camping in the snow and most of the Scouts have single person tents maintaining the buddy concept.
The fix here is that they, unlike when camping during the summer, cluster the tents. Have buddy teams set up their single person tents right next to one another. This way they can still communicate throughout the night. One technique that our boys have used is setting up their tents for the doors face each other, and they put them real close. Almost to the point where they can share vestibules. I have seen them actually tie their vestibules together creating a tarp like set up. It makes a little cooking area and allows them to sit and talk while in their sleeping bags. Now this is all dependant on what their tents are like, but the point here is that sometimes they need to think out side of the box to overcome obstacles. But they need to be aware that the buddy system is extremely important in the cold. And because it is important, they need to do things that allow them to watch each other, and communicate with each other.
So rule number 2 is the buddy system, do not over look this, it is way to important.
Rule number 3 is TIME AND PLACE.
There is a time and place for everything. There is a time and place to screw around and have fun, there is a time and place to be serious. The sooner your Scouts know this.. the better. Enough said.
I try not to get bogged down with a bunch of rules, after all we have the Scout Oath and law and that is pretty much all we need, but when it comes to high risk activities, it is important to establish importance in the seriousness of Cold Weather camping.
So now we have established it is important… so when teaching these Scouts about cold weather camping what are some things that need to be taught.
I guess if I had to narrow my list down to the top things to teach Scouts about Cold weather camping the list would include.
First. Cold weather injuries and how to prevent them and treat them.
Second. Gear.
Third. In camp routines
Fourth. Planning a preparation.
And fifth. Getting around in the snow, including moving and orienteering.
So lets quickly talk a little about these 5 items.
First Aid. Or better yet understanding the risks of Cold weather injuries and how to prevent them. The idea is that you do not want to get into treatment. You won't have to if they prevent the injury to start with.
Hypothermia, frost bite, Frost nip or chill blains, immersion foot, sun burn and snow blindness are the biggies.
Show pictures of frost bite, that is enough to get the attention of your scouts. The Scouts need to be able to tell you what they are looking for on their buddy.
Do they recognize the disorientation, nausea, and the fact that their buddy is no longer shivering means that he is probably slipping quickly into Hypothermia.
One of the biggest issues regarding the treatment of some cold weather injuries is getting the Scouts over the idea that they may be put in what they feel is an uncomfortable position. Getting into a sleeping bag with another Scout is not normal, but it may be that which saves his buddies life. Again, it's all about prevention. How do you prevent getting into that position?
Well that leads me to the next topic…gear.
Clothing and equipment are important in the cold. First know that when talking about clothing… Cotton kills.
Do not allow your Scouts to wear lots of cotton. Underwear bottoms are ok, but any clothing on the body that can get moist due to perspiration needs not to be cotton. I'm talking primarily about T-shirts and socks.
Poly propylene underwear, long johns and sock liners are fantastic items to put against the body. It reduces the chances of sweat staying on the skin and eventually leads to freezing.
Teach them about layering. Talk about Base layers, Mid layers that insulate, and a shell layer that protects. Handing out flyers that discuss the layering system are a great idea so that mom and dad understand what you expect.
When teaching about gear, talk about the difference between gear they use the rest of the year, also show them how they can use their gear all year round, with modifications.
Using a three season tent as a four season tent for example. Simply by adding guy lines and anchors. Tents do add warmth to the scout, they protect against the elements. Snow and wind are the two elements you are concerned about. Guy lines and tie downs will keep your tent steady in the wind. Digging into the snow and setting your tent up sheltered by a snow wall will combat against the wind. The tighter the guy lines, the better also for keeping snow from collecting and damaging your poles. Reinforcing your poles by wrapping them with duct tape is a way to strengthen them. The tape can be removed in the spring. Making sure the Scouts know to constantly keep the tent clear of snow during the day and clearing it off before they turn in for the night will reduce the strain the tent poles feel.
Your Scouts need to understand that cold air settles in low ground. Digging a trench outside of their tent by the door will move cold air away from their sleeping platform, just like in a snow cave. It also allows for a place to sit up right when dressing.
Boots, lets talk about boots.
First, make sure that your scouts have good boots suitable for wear in the snow and cold.
Then make sure they keep them dry. Boots when worn should be protected by wearing gaiters. This protects the laces and upper portion of the boot. They also keep snow from entering the boot, keeping them dry.
When boots are not being worn, they need to be INSIDE the tent, use an old stuff sack or even garbage bag to put the boots in. Put them under or in your sleeping bag to keep them warm. Boil up some water and fill a water bottle before you get in your tent. Put the water bottle in your boots. It will keep them warm and you will have water in the morning that is not frozen. In the morning if your scouts can boil up some water and fill that bottle up and put it in the boots for about 15 minutes.. they will step into nice cozy boots that will ready them for the day.
Backpacks should be packed with stuff sacks, ditty bags, and need to be kept organized and accessible.
Adding zipper pulls or tabs to zippers will make it easier to get in and out of pockets, this goes for their jackets too.
Gloves and or mittens. Check the gloves your Scouts bring. They need to be water-resistant and warm. Do not allow just any glove. They need to provide insulation and protection. I had a Scout show up once with gardening gloves. Not acceptable in the cold weather environment. As a leader, take extra gloves with you. I have found that gloves come up missing or get wet, I carry a stuff sack with a few extra pair of gloves to throw on chilly hands when needed.
Outer wear. Protective shells that keep the Scout dry and out of the wind.
You will know what right looks like, they do not need to run out and buy North face $300 jackets, although it would go a longer way in protecting them, to stay warm and dry.
Have a shake down of gear the week before the camp out. This will allow you and your Patrol leaders the opportunity to look at all the gear and a week for the Scout to make corrections.
In camp routines. These need to be discussed prior to the camp out, but practiced in camp.
Things like setting up camp quickly, getting shelter up, gathering fire wood, cooking and cleaning up, settling down for the night, staying dry, and fun things to do while in camp.
Establishing good in camp routines, just like in the summer is an important part of winter camping. Gear gets lost in the snow, part of good in camp routines is storing gear and staying organized.
Planning and preparing for the winter camp out is probably the most important thing to getting the most out of your winter camping experience. This includes training, planning, and readying your gear for the trip.
You need to know where you are going, how long you are going to be there, how you are getting there and how you are getting into the area you are camping in. And then what you are going to do once you get there.
Preparation is so key to a successful Cold Weather camp out. The Scouts need to be prepared and properly instructed. Like I tell the boys, we are not planning to treat cold weather injuries, we are preparing to prevent them.
Taking that approach with you cold weather camping preparation will lead to success.
You as the adult leader, or even for those Junior leaders that listen, need to become experts in the skills needed to camp in the cold.
Preparing the Scouts of your troop starts with some clear goals for the experience.
In your first year of camping in the cold weather, you may want to limit your overnight stays to a single night and progressively move to longer stays.
You may want to start by taking day hikes and excursions into the cold. Set up camp and work on skills such as shelters, building fires, and staying dry. Then retire to the comfort of a lodge for the night.
In your planning you need to figure out what your objectives are. Going into the woods and setting up camp, eating and hitting the rack is not enough to keep scouts interested in camping in the cold. What are you going to do once you get into camp? Navigation is a great skill to practice in the snow. Folks get disoriented easily in a snow filled forest.
How about winter relay's, snow shoe hikes, igloo building or snow caving, Cross country skiing, or just plain winter skills. There are many things that you can do that lead up to the cold weather camp out. Make gear like snow shoes, then test them out when you get to camp. There is a great Scouting resource available at your Scout Shop. The book Okpik: Cold Weather Camping #34040 shows you how to make gear, as well as activities and know how on camping in the winter.
Use other resources too, one of my favorite books on Camping in the cold is Winter Hiking and Camping, by Michael Lanza a book put out by Backpacker Magazine.
In planning and preparing, get you hands on as much material as possible and become familiar, almost to the point that you are an expert. You need to be, those boys depend on you.
Finally, getting around in the snow. I alluded to snow shoeing and cross-country skiing earlier. These are super fun activities that the Scouts really have a great time with. If you are going to snow shoe or ski, it is a good idea to get out there prior to the camp out and get a feel for it. If time is an issue, when you get to your drop off point, leave the packs in the car and take a little hike to get used to the snow shoes or skis, it is better to establish balance and some skill before you throw your pack on.
If you get a lot of snow, I would recommend show shoeing for your first time winter campers. It is a skill that is easy to pick up and provides the most stable mode of on foot movement in the snow. Trying to walk in deep snow with a pack on can be frustrating as the scouts post hole their way into camp. Taking along snow shoes provides not only ease of movement, but a fun activity to do once you get camp set up.
Most winter sports outlets rent snow shoes and we have gotten real good Weekend rates when you mention you are taking a group of Boy Scouts out for a snow shoeing adventure.
Let me leave you with this.
The best tool you have in the winter camping environment is your brain. It will know when things are good and when things get bad. Listen to it. Adult leaders need to be upbeat and positive throughout the winter camping process. A positive attitude is infectious and the boys of the unit must keep a great attitude when camping in the cold.
Seeing an adult with a negative attitude, complaining about the cold, or showing frustration at gear, not being able to accomplish tasks, and generally not having a good time will surely infect the rest of the Troop. Keep a level head, have a great time, acquire the necessary skills, and have a positive attitude and your winter camping adventure will be a fantastic memorable experience. Oh and take lots of pictures.
Get out there and camp in the cold.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Star, Life, and Eagle- Service
Once a Scout has completed all of the requirements and has achieved the rank of First Class, he can be expected to know all of those skills that make a good Scout. Camping, First Aid, Citizenship, and living the Scout Oath and Law. And so as the Scout continues his growth to becoming and Eagle Scout, the ranks of Star, Life, and ultimately Eagle require of the Scout to develop leadership and service and in doing so complete the continuum of become an Eagle Scout.
Summed up as being a Servant Leader.
Aside from earning those few merit badges that assist in the growth of the Scout, the young man should focus on that which is required but mainly on being a servant leader. A merit badge sash filled from top to bottom means less than being a good leader. A leader that is willing to serve.
Last night after our Troop meeting, I sat with a young man for a Scoutmaster conference for the rank of Star. Consequently, this young man also became a Troop Guide for the new Scout patrol last night and began his skills instruction by assisting in their meal planning for the up coming camping trip.
During our discussion, which focused on future plans and leadership I shared with him the proven principle of Servant Leadership and the fact that if a Leader is not willing to first be the servant, the leader will never be able to lead effectively.
What is the purpose of leadership? To get somewhere with a group. To realize a vision. To complete a task or mission, achieve a goal. And to build up those that follow you making them leaders.
There are many ways and examples that we could debate, discuss, and define when it comes to leadership, and certainly every leader has his own style or method of leading. But the constant is service. All good and effective leaders understand that they are serving. So it all starts with learning to serve.
This young man who became a Troop Guide is going to learn how to serve and I would argue that as of last night, he embarked on a learning journey that will make him a great leader. His role in our Troop right now is more significant in its service than perhaps any other and as we discussed will have a greater impact long-term. And so it goes with every servant leadership opportunity. He has all of the skills and the right attitude, now it is time to build that in others and serve them on the way to meeting their goals.
The Senior Patrol leader is in the same boat in that he is serving the Troop. He understands the vision of the Troop and maintains his focus on meeting the goals of the Troop while building up the rest of the Scouts, the Patrol leaders in particular.
In talking with our newest Eagle Scout on Sunday, I asked him if he could define his Scouting experience. Was it the 34 merit badges he earned? The interpreter strip? The nights of camping, climbing, and canoeing? No he said, it was becoming a leader and knowing how to lead by knowing that everyone has value. He became a servant leader.
One Scout, our newest Eagle taking his leadership development into the real world, and another Scout, our newest Troop Guide stepping into the great unknown with a willingness to learn and a spirit of being a servant first.
I think that when we boil all of this down to its parts, the thing that always bubbles to the top are good leaders. And right behind them are those that follow, that will one day be leaders also.
We want our leaders to model expected behaviors. They never stop hearing that. We adult leaders model servant leadership every day. That is the way we will grow and develop great young leaders.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Yesterday I was listening to some talk radio and over the course of the day the recurring theme of child raising came up. I heard a fantastic quote on one of the programs that I thought needed to be shared here.
"We are not raising our children to be good children, we are raising them to be good adults."
Yes, we are. I think that much too often we focus on keeping our kids children and not looking to the future and what kind of adults they are going to be.
There is a balance there. A balance between keeping our kids in a safety bubble and letting them run wild. Finding the middle ground and ensuring we teach them the right skills to negotiate life is where we will develop them to be those good adults that we wish them to be.
It is for this reason that we focus on Citizenship, Character, and Fitness in Scouting and not cranking out Eagle Scouts. While there are certain rewards for earning the rank of Eagle Scout is far more important that we see in our Scouts that development of Character. An Eagle Scout without Character does himself and Scouting a disservice.
I am not sure when things went wrong and I certainly do not want to sound like those folks did when we were growing up, you know… walking to School in the snow up hill.. both ways… Life was not rough when I grew up, and life is no rougher now. The difference was in our parents then I think. We stayed out till the street lights came on, we played outside all the time, bumps and bruises were part of life. Now we did have a lot less distractions then. We did not have 700 channels on TV, there was no such thing as the internet or cell phones, and once you mastered Pong on the Atari it was time to get back outside.
Our parents may have worried about us, but knew that we would be home when it was time to come home, or when we got hungry.. which ever came first.
I think our parents understood balance. They understood that we needed to have quiet time and we needed to have loud time. We did not sit in time out… we got spanked and it was over. We learned lessons and moved on.
Fighting and making up was a part of being friends. No drama, just growing up.
Our bikes were made of parts and I don't think you could find two of the same color. We made tree forts and fell out of them more times than I can count. But my mom did not put me in a bubble and make every bad thing in the world disappear.
Balance. We can place our sons in a bubble and protect them, or we can let them learn about the world by living in it. I prefer living, knowing boundaries, and getting out there in life's great adventure. That is how we raised our kids and they all turned out to be good adults.
We are not raising children to be children, we have enough adults in the world that act that way. This is why we have adults in the world that still wait for a hand out. That is why we have adults that are immature and live for the drama of a teenager. Just look at Facebook at what adults do on it.
We need to raise our young men to be men.
Finding a good balance and watching them develop.
Have a Great Scouting Day!
Obstacles to Objectives
In an effort to "fix lazy" it dawned on me that one of the problems is that our young men, and I am not just talking about Scouts here, tend to get caught up in the obstacles rather than focusing on the objectives. This bogs them down and they feel defeated. They fail themselves in the mind before they can feel the success of completing a task.
In the last post I listed a few "rathers".. they would rather freeze then change clothing, they would rather be cold and miserable than apply the training they have learned. This is lazy and it is an attitude that someone will come to my aid.
This is also an inability to get past the obstacle and get to the objective.
The objective is the skill or the task or goal. Lets take for example setting up a tent. The tent does not change. It is the same tent that they have set up many times, but insert an obstacle like snow and cold and now it is a whole new tent. NO, it's still the same tent. The challenge is to get it set up.. the goal is to get the tent set up to get out of the elements, but in their mind they can't do it because it is cold. I was talking with one Scout about what they would have done had we hiked in at night. Something we do 11 times a year.. but none the less. He asked what we would have done, so I told him that we would have set up camp… just like we always do. I asked him if he knew how to set up his tent, he said yes. Then I told him that it's no different setting it up in the dark than it is setting it up in the day light. The tent is the tent. Same poles, same grommets, same rain fly, same guy tie outs, same everything. If you can set it up in your living room, you can set it up in the woods, the snow, the rain, and the dark. He immediately found the obstacle rather than the objective.
I am finding this more and more with the Scouts that we have these days. The look for the obstacles rather than focusing on the objectives. This is the wrong way to think.
If we focus on the objective, we will negotiate the obstacles to get there. The obstacles become the fun challenge that it takes to get the reward or success.
We have been talking about our up coming backpacking trip this summer. The younger guys are doing a 50 miler, while the more experienced guys are going to do about 80. When the PLC announced this immediately they thought about 50 miles of backpacking and not the adventure. They failed to hear the part about 10 days of hiking, breaking up the mileage into reasonable chunks, that anyone with a pair of legs could do. They did not think about 10 days of being out with their buddies in the Olympics.. nope.. just the obstacles that would make it hard.
This we need to work on.. but it is the first part of fixing lazy.
What are your thoughts on this? I'd love to know.
Have a Great Scouting Day!


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California gas prices break new record
Refinery troubles resolved, but prices rise to $5.00 or more
POSTED: 05:42 PM PDT Oct 06, 2012 UPDATED: 05:42 PM PDT Oct 06, 2012
Analysts expect gas prices in California to sail past a record set in 2008 before pain at the pump ebbs.
Triple A says prices eked out a record Saturday by a fraction of a cent, with the average high reaching $4.61. But GasBuddy.com senior petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan predicts the average price could peak as high as $4.85.
A temporary reduction in supply triggered a price spike that saw fuming motorists after a paying $5 or more per gallon in some locations and station owners shutting down pumps in others.
Saturday's price is the highest in the nation, with the Golden State leapfrogging Hawaii this week as the state with the most expensive fuel.
The national average Saturday was about $3.81 a gallon, the highest ever for this time of year.


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All Articles Tagged "Tracy Morgan"
Jimmy Mack's Family Upset With Tracy Morgan Over Perceived Emmys Snub
Tracy Morgan's emotional Emmys speech received a standing ovation, but relatives of the comedian's deceased mentor, James "Jimmy Mack" McNair, were not impressed.
McNair, 62, died in the tragic June 2014 New Jersey Turnpike crash that nearly killed the "30 Rock" star. And relatives of the crash victim believe that Morgan could be doing more to acknowledge the role that McNair played in his life—including an honorable mention in his Emmys speech.
"I understand it's been a great ordeal for Tracy over the last 15 months. I just feel in some form or fashion, he should have acknowledged my brother – his mentor – because he lost his life," the comic's sister, Pamela McNair, told the New York Daily News.
"Emotionally, we're still devastated and healing. It's a tragic loss of a great human. My brother was just an awesome individual," McNair continued. "I know there's a healing process, mentally and emotionally. I'm sure being in that limo and seeing certain things; it was highly traumatic for him. But just take a minute along the way to acknowledge my brother. He has children, siblings, a big family all bearing that same pain."
The late comedian's son, Jamel McNair, also had a few choice words for Morgan, whom he insists has not reached out to his family.
"You take the Emmy stage and give a speech and tell jokes in front of thousands of people. But you don't show up to celebrate the life of your best friend 'Uncle Jimmy Mack' at his (June 12) Honor, send a smoke signal, give a call, text, send a damn pigeon," McNair wrote on Facebook Tuesday. "There's no excuse for this type of behavior. My sister and I have yet to hear from Tracy Morgan and that's real!"
What's interesting about their comments is that Morgan has publicly acknowledged his mentor's untimely passing—including during his teary interview with "Today" last spring.
"The case is settled, but the pain will always be there for Jimmy Mac, a close friend of mine, a comrade in comedy. He was a loving man, and he was a warm man. He was a good man, and it just hurts me to see that he's gone," said Morgan at the time.
He went then went on to discuss the trauma that came with learning of his friend's death when he came out of a coma two weeks after the accident.
"[I found out he died] two weeks later when I came out the coma. My lady told me, 'We put Jimmy to rest.' I didn't feel anything. I just came out of a coma. Then, when I got home, it really hit me. Every day I would just watch the accident on YouTube and one day I came across his funeral on YouTube. I just lost it for about a week."
The actor has yet to respond to the McNair family's comments. Hopefully, they can settle these issues behind closed doors, but it seems a bit unfair for them to publicly attack him in this manner.
That's Not Funny: 10 Comedians Whose Offensive Jokes Crossed The Line
There are hardly any comedians who have never offended anyone with their jokes.
Comedy is an art form that praises those who dance on the thin line between hilarious and hurtful. Comedians like Joan Rivers, Louis CK and Chris Rock have created lucrative careers from being the most hilariously offensive. But the one thing these funny people have in common is that they have managed to stay on the right side of that line and they've created comedy that comments on disparaging social and racial injustice.
Oh, that thin line. Just beyond it—you know, when you've gone too far—is sexism, racism and all the other –isms that rip us apart. While there are some comedians who know how to stay on the right side of that line, there's still a few who boldly jump over it.
Tags:Amy Poehler, comedy, rebel wilson, Tracy Morgan
Tracy Morgan Weds Longtime Fiancée Megan Wollover
It's a great time to be Tracy Morgan.
Over the weekend, the comedian married his fiancée, Megan Wollover, during what's said to have been an emotional wedding ceremony in New Jersey. The nuptials came just 14 months after Morgan survived a tragic car accident that left him fighting for his life.
"After almost losing Tracy last year, I am so grateful to finally be married to the love of my life," Wollover, 28, told People. "We have been through so much, and our love is stronger for it."
Congratulations to our good friends @RealTracyMorgan and Megan Wollover on tying the knot! (photo via PEOPLE) pic.twitter.com/wUbIqlHPMZ
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 24, 2015
While recovering from the accident, Morgan, 46, expressed that he desired to walk his bride down the aisle without the assistance of a cane or a wheelchair.
"I don't want to walk my wife down the aisle with a cane or in a wheelchair," he said just two months before the wedding. "So I had to go hard with the therapy … I had to get better. There was no ifs, ands or buts about it."
All of his hard work paid off. The actor was able to greet his bride at the altar without a wheelchair or crutch in sight.
Morgan and Wollover are the proud parents of 2-year-old Maven. Morgan is also father to Tracy Jr., Malcolm, and Gitrid.
Follow Jazmine on Twitter @JazmineDenise
Tracy Morgan Breaks Silence After Last Year's Tragic Car Accident In Emotional Interview
For the first time since the 2014 car accident that killed fellow comedian and longtime friend James McNair, Tracy Morgan is speaking out. In an interview with NBC's Matt Lauer, the actor got emotional while discussing the traumatic incident.
On how he's been doing since the accident:
"I've been down. I have my family. I have my wife, Megan, we're about to be married and my daughter and son. They keep my spirits up."
On losing friend James "Jimmy Mac" McNair in the crash:
"The case is settled, but the pain will always be there for Jimmy Mac, a close friend of mine, a comrade in comedy. He was a loving man and he was a warm man. He was a good man and it just hurts me to see that he's gone."
On learning of Jimmy's death after spending two weeks in a coma:
"I just remember that when I came through Megan was right there. Mark was right there and that's basically what I remember."
"[I found out he died] two weeks later when I came out the coma. My lady told me, 'We put Jimmy to rest.' I didn't feel anything. I just came out of a coma. Then, when I got home, it really hit me. Every day I would just watch the accident on YouTube and one day I came across his funeral on YouTube. I just lost it for about a week."
On why he went to YouTube:
"I had to know what happened to my friend. I had to know and I had to pay my respects and that was my way."
On the extent of his injuries:
"There are times where I have my good day and my bad days, where I forget things. There are times where I get the headaches, and the nose bleeds. I won't even let my lady know because I don't want her to be worried about it."
On telling his family to stay home the day of the accident:
"My daughter was teething so I told Megan, 'You and the baby stay home. I'm going to go to Delaware and I'll be right back.' When I look at that accident, I don't think…my daughter was 10 months old…I don't think she would've made it. That's really the thing that tears me up."
On his will to return to comedy:
"I love comedy. I'll never stop loving her. I love comedy and I can't wait to get back to her, but right now my goal is just to heal and get better because I'm not 100 percent yet, I'm not. And when I'm there, you'll know it. I'll get back to making you laugh. I promise you."
Follow Jazmine on Twitter @JazmineDenise
Tracy Morgan Reaches Settlement With Wal-Mart Over Fatal Crash
Comedian Tracy Morgan has had a long road to recovery since being involved in a fatal traffic accident on the New Jersey Turnpike that left him in a coma for days and killed another comedian, James McNair. The van Morgan and McNair was in was struck from behind by a Wal-Mart truck last June.
Morgan has reached a settlement with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. The family of McNair settled with Wal-Mart in January. While the terms of Morgan's settlement weren't disclosed, his lawyer, Benedict Morelli, confirmed it.
"Wal-Mart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families," Morgan said in the statement. "I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably."
The Wal-Mart driver, Kevin Roper, had gone at least 24 hours without sleep before the accident. He was later charged with vehicular homicide and assault by auto and he pleaded not guilty, reports Bloomberg.
In January, Wal-Mart reached a confidential settlement with McNair's two children, who hadn't sued.
Wal-Mart U.S. president Greg Foran apologized in the statement, saying, "We are deeply sorry that one of our trucks was involved."
Tags:Tracy Morgan, Wal-Mart
Family Of Tracy Morgan's Friend James McNair Who Died In Deadly Crash Settles With Walmart
The New York Daily News reports that the family of Tracy Morgan's friend, comedian James McNair, has settled their case with Walmart. McNair was killed in the June car crash that severely injured Morgan.
The settlement was made out-of-court between the company and the estate of McNair. It is the first settlement to come from the June 7th accident during which a speeding Walmart truck crashed into a limo van carrying Morgan and others home from a performance in Delaware.
The settlement was reached without the family filing a formal lawsuit. The details of the settlement were not revealed, according to the family's lawyer, Daryl Zaslow.
"Whenever you have a situation like this, you always have mixed emotions, but the family could not be happier to have this piece done and try to move on with their lives," he said.McNair, 62, was the only fatality of the accident. However, Morgan and his friends Jeffrey Millea and Ardley Fuqua were seriously hurt. Meanwhile, the Walmart truck driver Kevin Roper, who prosecutors claim hadn't slept for 24 hours before the crash, was charged with death by automobile and assault by automobile.
Morgan, a former Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock star, had been friends with McNair for 20 years. They met while performing at the Uptown Comedy Club in Manhattan.
McNair left behind two children, Jamel, 26, and Danita, 19, who are the executors of his estate.
Reaching a settlement wasn't easy, says Zaslow who released negotiations with Walmart were sometimes "very contentious," but "ultimately we were able to get to a number that was more than fair."
"Under the terms of the deal, the superstore chain did not admit liability for the crash, but Zaslow said "they stepped up to the plate" for McNair's family," reports the News.
"We know there is nothing we can do to change what happened to Mr. McNair, but Walmart and his family have worked closely together to reach an agreement. Walmart will continue to work to conclude all of the remaining issues and we're committed to doing what's right," said Walmart spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan in a statement.
Morelli did sue the company and that case is still pending in New Jersey federal court.
Morgan has also sued. Morgan, 45, suffered broken ribs, a broken nose and a broken leg. He spent two weeks in critical condition at the hospital. He is still recuperating, according to his camp.
Tracy Morgan May Never Perform Again Due To Brain Injury, Says Attorney
Back in June, Tracy Morgan suffered devastating injuries after a horrific six-vehicle collision involving a Walmart truck. Though he has since been released from the hospital and has made some progress, apparently, a long road to recovery still lies ahead. According to Page Six, the 45-year-old comedian is still undergoing rehab, which consists of "daily speech, cognitive, vocational and physical therapies." Sadly, his attorney, Benedict Morelli, says that it's unclear if the actor will ever be able to perform again.
"The jury's still out," Benedict said. "The doctors don't know the answer. I don't know the answer," he added.
Tracy recently made headlines after Walmart expressed in court documents that the "30 Rock" star is partially to blame for the injuries he sustained in the crash because he wasn't wearing his seatbelt.
"Plaintiff's injuries, if any, were caused … by plaintiff's failure to properly wear an appropriate available seatbelt restraint device," the company said in court papers in response to Tracy's lawsuit. "By failing to exercise ordinary care in making use of available seatbelts … plaintiff acted unreasonably and in disregard of [their] own interests."
Tracy's attorney, of course, isn't going buying that explanation.
"They're good blame shifters. I guess that's how they make $783 billion a year, shifting the blame," he said. "These people are despicable. They knew that they changed these people's lives forever and killed somebody."
Tracy also spoke out against Walmart when he learned of their response to his lawsuit.
"After I heard what Walmart said in court I felt I had to speak out," he said in a statement. "I can't believe Walmart is blaming me for an accident that they caused."
"My friends and I were doing nothing wrong," he continued. "I want to thank my fans for sticking with me during this difficult time."
We continue to send our prayers to the victims and their families whose lives have been forever changed by this terrible accident.
"I'm Ok" Tracy Morgan Leaves His Home Looking Pretty Good
It looks like Tracy Morgan is on the right track with his road to recovery. The actor and comedian was released from rehab last Friday and was recently spotted by the paparazzi leaving his New Jersey home.
Morgan, who broke his nose, ribs, leg and femur during the devastating and fatal car crash, was using a walker to get to his car but seemed to be in good spirits. He smiled at the photographers and threw up a peace sign before getting into the car.
And then as he was being driven away, he rolled down the window and told the well-wishing media, "I'm ok. I love you very much. Thank you. I appreciate everything."
As we reported yesterday, the 45 year old is in the middle of a lawsuit with WalMart, saying the company should have known that their driver had been on the road for too long and hadn't slept.
Take a look at Tracy, looking a lot like his old self, in the video below.
Tracy Morgan Released From Hospital Following Horrific Car Accident
Great news! Tracy Morgan was recently released from the hospital following his horrific June 7 car accident, the Los Angeles Times reports. The comedian has since been transferred to a rehabilitation facility where he will recover from his injuries.
"Tracy has been transferred to an undisclosed rehab center, where he is expected to remain for the next few weeks," said Tracy's rep Lewis Kay said in a statement Friday. "While he is continuing to show signs of improvement, he still has a long way to go."
Lewis went on to say that both Tracy and his fiancée, Megan Wollover, are very grateful "for the unbelievable care and attention" that he was provided at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey. The "30 Rock" actor suffered multiple injuries including broken ribs, legs and a broken nose in the wreck. Fellow comedian James "Jimmy Mack" McNair died in the accident. Megan took to Twitter last night to thank fans for their prayers and support.
"All your prayers helped- moving forward- stable & fair condition, but the journey continues… #faith," she tweeted.
On my mind heavy… #mytwobabies #myheart #Oneofmyfavs (Miss Maven & @RealTracyMorgan pic.twitter.com/S9PQz30ZrL
— Megan Wollover (@MeganWollover) June 17, 2014
Earlier this week, we told you that Tracy was upgraded to fair condition.
"Happy to pass along that Tracy has been upgraded to fair condition, which is a great improvement. His personality is certainly starting to come back as well," Lewis said in a released statement.
We're glad to hear that he's doing better.
Follow Jazmine on Twitter @JazmineDenise
15 Celebrities Who've Been Involved In Serious Car Accidents
Early this month, Tracy Morgan was involved in highway crash in New Jersey, which killed one of his friends (comedian Jimmy Mack) and severely injured him and other colleagues riding in the Mercedes Sprinter bus. Since then, Morgan's reps say that he has gone from critical to fair condition and showing signs of improvement. We're rooting for the comedian, and wish him a happy and speedy recovery.
There are numerous celebrities who've been involved in serious car accidents over the years. Some didn't make it, some survived, and some hurt others when the accidents happened. Here are 15 celebrities who've been involved in scary collisions.
Almost six years ago, Freeman was in a terrible crash. His car flipped multiple times on a Mississippi highway. As a result he was seriously injured, suffering nerve damage and paralyzing his left hand. To this day he still wears a compression glove from time to time to help with his hand.


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Can we just please NOT do the predictable thing this time? Can we please polarize ourselves on any level except race? This is not that same rogue cop scenario that we've seen over and over. We should IN NO WAY be divided this time.
Christians (churched & unchurched) can we come together as the foremost group that was targeted here? Do we as Christians really live our claims to be "no longer Jew, nor Greek" or is that just talk? As a 55 year old white Christian from South Carolina pastoring a church in East Africa, my heart immediately finds its place to hurt and question … and righteously seethe along with my brothers and sisters at the Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston. So, please let me in. THIS is MY PEOPLE TOO!
We Christ followers proclaim that following Christ and His teachings places us on a higher spiritual plane? A plane that is theoretically supposed to eliminate all social barriers. Then, let's take the reins on this and absolutely refuse to allow anyone to hijack this opportunity to love and support one another? At such a time as this – just brothers and sisters!
Of course, it is a young white man who is the monster, and he should face the full extent of the law, and yes he is no doubt as racist as can be. But he killed my brothers and sisters too.
Let there be social and political analysis freely given and lessons learned. Lord knows we need it. But, let's keep the focus that this enemy (whatever form he took this time) intentionally declared his own battle with THE CHURCH (because he hates African Americans – but also because, in his deranged mind, maybe he stereotypically figured that the best place to find a large group of Southern, African Americans might be at the church for prayer meeting on a Wednesday night).
There is no question that we will see different groups voice their disgust before the cameras, as they should. There is no doubt that we will see leaders stand before the crowds and move the crowds to focus on our differences, accentuating the obvious – culture against culture, generation against generation, race against race.
Can we overwhelm the world together this time with our one voice? This is obviously an onion to be peeled through, but the heart of this is simple – evil against the proclamation to be "in the light". This 20 year old overtaken by selfish, ignorant evil more than likely did not have "a following" of any kind, nor a cause greater than himself. He is not the leader of a terrorist group, more likely a loner with very few friends.
If we're going to flood the streets this time, may it be with hundreds or thousands of multi-colored, multi-aged, multi-cultured Christians intent on NOTHING BUT peace and prayer for OUR cause so that it dwarfs any other agenda. Let the schisms be pushed back and impressed with OUR unity as brothers and sisters in Christ. Can we just be humanity this time – humanity that stands broadly for right and opposes evil – TOGETHER?
There is much positive that can be done, but not if it is swallowed up by the same divisive spirit that fuels the evil in the first place. Romans 12 – 9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10 Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes. 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.
Can the CHURCH say AMEN (and so be it!)?


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Honors Student for a Day
Wondering what it's like to be a UND Honors Student?
It's one thing for us to tell you about the exciting learning community that will challenge you to be the next generation of creative and critical thinkers. It's another for you to experience it firsthand.
Come and be an Honors Student for a Day, where you'll:
- Take part in an Honors class
- Meet Honors faculty and students
- Learn about Honors travel abroad opportunities
- Tour the residence halls dedicated to the Honors Living & Learning Community
- Get a tour of the UND campus with a current UND student
- Enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch
By the end of the day, you'll see why the UND Honors Program is an exclusive educational experience that prepares the best and brightest students to graduate with the knowledge, skills and commitment to positively impact the world around them.
Space for these exclusive events is extremely limited. Register now to reserve your spot before the session you're interested in closes!
Event Details
Exceptional high school students and their families
Friday, October 7 (RSVP by September 30)
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gorecki Alumni Center


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Children's Education
From nature explorations and pioneer experiences to hands-on activities in your classroom, TBG's Children's Education Department has it all. Our talented educators work hard to provide programs that are unique, purposeful, and fun. We know money is tight for schools and families and that free time in the school day is as rare as a hothouse orchid. Therefore, we have created an overall education program that is dynamic and effective enough to meet standards and help achieve measured results in students while still being engaging and fun. Please take the time to explore our Children's Education Programs and feel free to contact us at (419) 536.5589 or email@example.com.
Adult Classes
Our Hands-On Studio offers art & fine craft workshops for adults in glass, clay, fibers, paper, wood, metal, & more! Beginner friendly! We can also customize classes for your next group outing! For additional info, contact Kelly Savino at (419) 902.6800 or email@example.com.
Horticulture Education
TBG is proud to offer a robust catalog of horticulture educational and hands-on activities for the 2016 GROWing season. Learn from area experts as well as TBG staff, enjoy community building opportunities, social engagement, and have fun in the dirt!
Demonstration Bee Hive
In June, come to Toledo Lucas County Public Library to discover the secret life of bees with a close up look inside a mobile beehive. Meet the queen, try the waggle dance, and taste foods pollinated by honeybees! Educators from Toledo Botanical Garden will bring a demonstration beehive (completely enclosed – no worries about flying guests) for all to see the inner-workings of a hive.
Looking for great books and movies to learn more? The Toledo Lucas County Public Library has you covered!


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BOVINA - Guillermo "Willie" Rodriguez, 78, died Thursday, June 10, 2004.
Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. today in St. Ann's Catholic Church. Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday in the church. Burial will be in Bovina Cemetery by Blackwell Funeral Home of Friona.
Mr. Rodriguez was a longtime resident of Bovina. He was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church.
Survivors include three daughters, Nancy Pena of Bovina, Norma Ramirez of Dumas and Ernestina Rodriguez of Lubbock; two sons, Joe Rodriguez of Laredo and Johnny Rodriguez of Clovis, N.M.; a brother, Daniel Rodriguez of Bovina; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Amarillo Globe-News, June 13, 2004
© 2016. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us


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Check divelogs worldwide. Weatherconditions, water temperature, logreports and more! Almost in realtime! See what's going on right now in your region or holiday destination. Go to Settings and fitler regions like Bonaire, Egypt or Malta. And... don't forget to submit your own logreport after your dive.
Also check our Premium Content in our app and website: Thistlegorm (Egypt), Thousend Steps (Bonaire), Le Serpent (The Netherlands). Purchase your premium code right now! Download our free free app.


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The fundamental part of the graphic interface is icon and image displayed on it shows its usability. They can be accessed easily through mouse, fingers and even voice commands in some advanced systems. On the whole, the icon is the representative and gateway of any software from which you are able to execute it. As the generation of various types of new programs is continues process hence the fresh icon formation is the demand of the day.
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Upgrading my Laptop Drive, Help Needed
I'm looking to upgrade laptops harddrive from the 5400rpm to 7200rpm. Anyone done this before? Any noticeable gains in performance on a Celeron 1.6M? I already got a quote from www.rescuetechusa.com that they will do it for $130.
Re: Upgrading my Laptop Drive, Help Needed
upgrading from 5400 to 7200rmp means a faster HDD. but let me remind you that faster rpm means more power. if u are always on mobile, anticipate a lesser battery life. noisier system would also be experience since ur HDD will be operating at faster speed.
Re: Upgrading my Laptop Drive, Help Needed
yea, and depending on ur SATA drive conncection they could b configured for a smaller power supply.....which would prohibit ur new drive from running at full capacity
Re: Upgrading my Laptop Drive, Help Needed
U r battery power will get down soon. Wat sort of applications u use?. Why u wanna upgrade to 7200 rpm.?
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Maria and Ligia are THE best most giving and sweetest hosts ever. Although we had made a very big booking mistake Maria was so forgiving and accommodating ! The organic breakfast in the morning was plentiful, nourishing and included quiches and casseroles. The house was charming! We had the big room with a King bed and two twin trundle beds. Everything was clean as a whistle and we feel we really made friends. They went above and beyond of what could possible be hoped for !
We had three nights at the Bluecrest. Excellent location with easy walk to the river, falls views and all the tourist services. The street was quiet and the evenings cool so we slept with the windows open. It was fun listening to the falls. Be hungry for breakfast. Susan cooks up enough for football players.
We recently stayed at the Acacia Bed & Breakfast for two nights, a quick weekend getaway. Great location and service. The Covington room (where we stayed) is on the second floor and has a large, updated balcony that faces the street and the falls. You can walk everywhere from the B&B, so just park your car and enjoy! The owner, Sarah, was extremely gracious and accommodating. Will book again and highly recommend this B&B.
The weekend in Niagara Falls was crazy with way too many tourists due to the holiday on Monday. But the Bluecrest B & B was peaceful and quiet and still convenient. The TV malfunctioned but the hostess worked hard at a solution that was acceptable for all. I would recommend it.
We had a wonderful stay while we were at the Bluecrest Bed and Breakfast. The hostess was very helpful and explained to us how to navigate through the area and the best sights to see. Our room was large and very comfortable with a king sized bed and large ensuite bath with a huge jetted two-person tub! The large beautiful breakfast room was lovely to enjoy a hearty home-baked breakfast in. Very very lovely stay. The location was outstanding and it the absolute closest B&B to the Falls!
Traveling thru Canada from eastern New York to western Michigan, we opted to stop one night in Niagara Falls, Ontario at the Park Place B&B. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time: highlites were the turreted house and the hosts. We loved the architecture of the historic house; the porch off our room on the second floor was delightful. The hosts were super: friendly, efficient, and anxious to please. Gary and Carolyn suggested an Italian restaurant, and we followed that with an hour admiring the Falls downtown. Breakfast in the morning could not have been better. Sincere thanks to our Canadian hosts!
Maria and her mother were great hosts and we had great breakfasts during our 2 day stay at the Redwood Bed and Breakfast a must stay place when you visit Niagara Falls area.
Thoroughly enjoyed Yvette as our hostess and her homemade yogurt was awesome. Location was great and house was exceptional...very unique and quaint. We will definitely be staying here again. Looking forward to it. Thanks again, Julie and Joe
Great room, great service and an all round brilliant time. I'll go back there again in a heartbeat.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Maria and her mother whom we took to calling Mamma were most hospitable hosts. The breakfast was outstanding particularly the freshly made muffins and the scrambled eggs. Maria was very helpful with suggestions on local attractions. The rooms were clean and very comfortable. The location is very convenient to the Falls and transportation. The two day pass with transportation worked out perfectly. Thank you Maria and Mamma.
My wife and I visited Niagara Falls July 14th-17th. We wanted to stay somewhere other than in the normal hotel routine and decided on a bed and breakfast. We had never stayed at a B&B before and thought it would be special. My wife discovered Acacia early in our search and we were impressed. After searching through literally dozens of B&Bs I kept coming back to Acacia. Every time I thought I found something good I felt Acacia was just a little better so we booked. We had a wonderful stay! Gordon and Chaesun are fabulous hosts! We chose the Covington Room with its private balcony on the second floor. The room was cozy but still had plenty of space and comfort. The sitting room was warm and comfortable and the en-suite bathroom was great. The balcony was what really made our stay over the top. It was cool and quiet. Coffee on the balcony in the morning and a cigar in the afternoon/evening were so relaxing and peaceful. The entire property was spotless and the food was wonderful. Chaesun's omelets are the best! The location couldn't be better. We were within walking distance of the falls and just a couple of blocks from downtown but still far enough away to have perfect peace and quiet. Conversations with our hosts and other guests were always pleasant and interesting. My wife said when we left that it was like staying with family. If you are going to Niagara Falls and want a warm, friendly, and peaceful place to stay the Acacia Bed and Breakfast is the place. Oh yes, when you stay, be sure to have some of Gordon's on site grown raspberries!
I am originally from Western NY, and recall eating at The Asa Ransom House some 30 years ago.We decided to over-night here on our way to the Finger Lakes. The dinner we had met all of our 30 year old expectations, the room was charming, and the breakfast was exceptional.
We very much enjoyed our stay at Bluecrest. The location is convenient to all the attractions. Breakfast was abundant and delicious. Suzan was a delightful and gracious hostess. The room was perfect for our family of three. Thank you for a lovely visit to Canada!
This place was perfect. The room, bathroom, and common area was just as clean as any hotel. The king-size bed was wonderfully comfortable, and the jacuzzi was such a treat. And the B&B is literally a 5-min walk from the downtown area. Sure, you don't have a window overlooking the falls, but you don't get a room like that even in one of the expensive hotels unless you pay a LOT more. The generous breakfast (eggs, bacon, pancakes/waffles, yogurt, fresh fruit, fresh coffee, OJ) was delicious and will keep you full until the middle of the afternoon. It was also nice that breakfast was served 9-10 -- some B&Bs serve breakfast so early that you have to set an alarm to make it in time. Suzan, the innkeeper, was just wonderful, too. She is so nice and friendly, available to chat and answer questions, but never detained us when we wanted to be on our way. We are SO glad that we stayed here. Not one single complaint.
Walking distance to the Falls so that was great. Breakfast was basic, but good and plentiful. Susan was very helpful and friendly. We'd stay here again.
Maria and her mother were wonderful hosts. The room was beautiful the house was well kept. Breakfast was delicious and the dining room, comfortable. I have already told several people that they should plan a trip and they should stay at Redwood. I just can't say enough good about Maria, she was so sweet and such a conversationalist. My wife and I had a wonderful time and we are definitely planning on staying again.
The stay was great, clean, the room was the right size for two people and the food was great. Suzan was a great host, e-mail her about a late arrival and she had a hand written note with all the info and her cell phone number if there was a problem. Walking distance to Falls and Casino. Would stay here again.
We were only there one night, but our stay was everything we could have hoped for. Kind hostesses, plenty of local information, a cheery, clean room, and a delicious breakfast. We would definitely go back.
This place is very beautiful and private. I stayed in the Manchester room and it was so beautiful. My girlfriend and I had a great time, the staff was so friendly and helpful and as a bonus the falls are just a five minute walk away. I'm considering making this a yearly trip.
We enjoyed our stay. Good location & great service.
The room was great. We stayed in the Windsor suite. I loved the fireplace, the fruit, cheese and cracker tray in the fridge and the cotton robes. The shower could have had more pressure and a few of the jets in the tub didn't work. An updated tv would be good too but we never turned it on anyway. Bed was very comfortable for both of us. I thought breakfast was amazing. We had the crab omelette and creme brûlée French toast one day and Pancakes Napoleon, yogurt parfait and breakfast skillet the next. Service was great. They made us feel welcome and didn't rush us out as we sat there planning our day. I want to go back in the spring for sure and I want to have either lunch or dinner there. The menu sounded so good.
We had a wonderful stay a the Red Coach Inn. We stayed in the Brighton Room which was excellent. The view was great. We could even watch the fireworks right from our room. We would recommend this hotel to anyone.
I booked a suite and the romance package for 2 nights for my son and his new bride. Everything was perfect! In their words, "We were treated like royalty!" The staff is very accomodating. Great place for a romantic getaway!
Location excellent, room very good, dining and dining service was excellent, housekeeping was a little below my expectations, had to ask for towels, room not cleaned (coffee pot and cups not replaced, floors not cleaned during our stay)
Dear Anne-Marie, we stayed at your place about the 5. or 6. of september 2014 - you know, we travelled around so we´re not shure about the exact date. We promised to write you and we do this now. First, it was very nice in `victorian charm`, the room was lovely, just right for an old romantic couple, second the falls were near and third, the best was you and your breakfast. We admired you and do it still, what yo u´re doing in and with your life and wish all the best in future. We are happy, that we could meet you. / After a flight of nearly eight hours, we landed in Stuttgart and came good to our home in Schorndorf (you know, Gottlieb Daimlers birth place - `Mercedes Benz`). Thank so much you for all and keep staying like you are, it´s fine, Uschi u. Werner from Germany
Our positive interaction with Susie began the moment we booked the Pearl Room in her B&B. She quickly replied to our inquiry and confirmed our reservation right away. On the day of our getaway, we had a personal issue to deal with back home and we almost didn't make the trip to Niagara Falls. But it all worked out and Susie was accommodating and understanding, even when we checked in after 7pm. My first impression of her home was a great one; the grounds were well kept, completed with a beautiful and inviting front porch. Upon arriving to the front door, we were greeted by Susie. She is a lovely woman; kind, genuine, and welcoming. The house is beautiful, filled with character, clean, and efficiently laid out. The Pearl Room was everything we needed. It was clean and inviting, especially the fireplace which kept me warm at night. Breakfast was delicious. Susie continued to impress me by making me a delicious vegetarian omelette, as per request. My partner had overeasy eggs and bacon, which he enjoyed. Our breakfast came with a side of conversation with Susie, as we were fortunate enough to have her join us during our meal. Overall, our visit to Ace of Hearts B&B was memorable and provided us with everything we needed. Thanks so much, Susie, for your kindness and for letting us stay in your home! Fleur and Mike
My husband and I spent a night at the Red Coach Inn for our first anniversary. We stayed in the Manchester room. We both loved it! It was quaint and provided a very comfortable bed. We would def recommend it. The location was also the best in the area!
Me and my husband spent a short weekend at the falls and we could not have picked a better bed and breakfast. This was our first b&b experience and we would do it all over again. Scott was so helpful from the time of booking to our departure home. He is very knowledgeable of the surrounding areas and can answer any questions you have on the "must visit" list. Place is very clean and cozy. oh and you cant forget about the breakfasts, PHENOMENAL! Best breakfasts we have ever had staying anywhere. You will not go wrong if you choose Ambiance as your getaway spot.
Beautiful. Quaint. Cozy. Immaculate. Charming. Quiet. Beds are soooooo comfortable. Friendly service. Easy to find and get to. The cheese and crackers in the fridge was a welcome treat. We LOVED it! Will be definitely be back.
Our stay was delightful. Our only regret was we could not stay longer. Definitely would return if opportunity arose.
Presso Niagara Falls, in Canada, vi aspettano bed and breakfast che vi faranno sentire come a casa tua.
Niagara Falls è una città canadese che si affaccia sul fiume Niagara nella provincia dell'Ontario. E' una delle destinazioni turistiche preferite in tutto il mondo in quanto ospita le note Cascate del Niagara, che si trovano a cavallo fra Canada e Stati Uniti. Il turismo è una risorsa fondamentale per l'economia della città e grazie ad un'ampia scelta di alloggi, Niagara Falls offre B&B per tutti i portafogli.
Cose da fare in vacanza a Niagara Falls, Canada.
Non mancando di certo attrazioni a Niagara Falls. Le Cascate Horseshoe, nella parte canadese del confine, e le American Falls, possono essere esplorate grazie a tour in elicottero o con il battello "Maid of the Mist". Se non avete intenzione di avvicinarti così tanto alle cascate, potrete fare una passeggiata lungo il percorso ben conservato, che vi regalerà una vista spettacolare sulle cascate. Le cascate non sono però l'unico luogo da apprezzare durante le vostre vacanze a Niagara Falls. Per quanto riguarda il divertimento Niagara Falls vi offre il vibrante Falls View Casino, per non parlare del Bird Kingdom, che è la più grande voliera al coperto del mondo. Un'altra attrazione immancabile durante una vacanza a Niagara Falls è sicuramente il Niagara Parks Butterfly conservatory. Un luogo fantastico dove portare i bambini è senz'altro il Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum. Qui potranno fare mani di cera e vivere l'esperienza del Cinema 4D in Movimento. Il Niagara River Recreational Trail è un modo fantastico per esplorare l'area circostante. Si tratta di un sentiero pavimentato di 56 chilometri che si estende attraverso parchi, luoghi d'interesse storico e pittoresche aziende vinicole.
Una breve vacanza a Niagara Falls non sarebbe completa senza una visita al "Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show". Si tratta di un'imperdibile celebrazione musicale per tutta la famiglia.
Luoghi da visitare in vacanza a Niagara Falls, Canada.
Se siete alla ricerca di un luogo adatto ad una fuga rilassante, il modo migliore per trascorrere alcune ore riposanti, lontano dal vostro B&B a Niagara Falls, è guidare per 15 minuti fuori dalla città e raggiungere la regione dei vini del Niagara, dove potrete scoprire il miglior vino che possa offrirvi l'Ontario. Ci sono anche festival dedicati al vino durante l'anno così come il Niagara Wine Festival in autunno, il Niagara Icewine Festival a gennaio, ed il Niagara New Vintage Festival in estate.
Gli appassionati di storia non potranno perdersi una visita a Fort Erie, un ex guarnigione britannica dove le guide, vestite con costumi autentici del 1812, ricreeranno per voi le scene del tempo che fu.
Clima a Niagara Falls, Canada Niagara Falls è caratterizzata da un clima umido, continentale, con un'ampia variazione delle temperature durante le stagioni. Gli inverni sono freddi e fanno registrare nevicate in quest'area. La stagione piovosa è in estate, periodo nel quale le giornate risultano essere calde ed umide.
Come raggiungere Niagara Falls, Canada
L'Aeroporto Internazionale di Hamilton (YHM) è l'aeroporto più vicino a Niagara Falls, sul territorio canadese, ed è raggiungibile con voli diretti dall'aeroporto di Heathrow, Londra. L'Aeroporto Internazionale di Buffalo (BUF) e il Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG), sono invece gli aeroporti più vicini, sul territorio americano. L'Aeroporto Internazionale di Toronto-Pearson (YYZ) risulta essere più lontano ma è servito dalla maggior parte delle compagnie aeree principali. Dall'aeroporto i visitatori possono servirsi di bus, taxi o auto a noleggio per raggiungere la loro sistemazione a Niagara Falls.


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Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Eddie Royal impresses his new coach.
My take: Royal has the goods. I think new Denver coach Josh McDaniels is going to have a lot of fun designing plays for Royal. He could have a Wes Welker-like impact in Denver's offense. Welker thrived under McDaniels in New England. Royal is one of new Denver quarterback Kyle Orton's best chances for success.
Kansas City
Clancy Pendergast is taking control of the Chiefs' defense.
My take: Pendergast is one of the most innovative, creative defensive coordinators in the league. And he'll need to be. The Chiefs' defense is young in key places and has no proven pass rush. There are some intriguing pieces to this unit, but Pendergast has a tough job ahead of him.
There is competition at right cornerback.
My take: Stanford Routt is pushing Chris Johnson at the position. Johnson did well after the Raiders cut DeAngelo Hall last season. If Routt can finally become a major player in this defense, it will only help the team. I could see a situation where both Johnson and Routt get significant playing time.
San Diego
Jacques Cesaire is enjoying his new role.
My take: The Chargers thinks Cesaire, who has been a productive role player, will excel in a starting role. He will take over for Igor Olshansky, who departed to Dallas as a free agent. Cesaire will likely get some help in the rotation, but expect him to play well.


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Saturday's District 10 softball highlights, May 17: Warren's Ishman hits 3 homers
- Warren 6, Iroquois 1: At Iroquois, Kaitlin Ishman had a huge day as she hit three solo home runs to help the Dragons (15-1) warm up for the District 10 softball playoffs with a non-region win over Iroquois (10-6) on Saturday.
Warren catcher Paige Wilson also hit a solo shot for. Dragons pitcher Alexa Bupp struck out 15 and threw a two-hitter.
Rachel Prather took the loss on the mound for the Braves (10-6).
Warren (Class AAA) and Iroquois (Class A) play in District 10 playoff games at Penn State Behrend on Tuesday.
- General McLane 6, Fairview 4: At Gannon, the Lancers (14-1, 13-1) scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning to post a come-from-behind win in a Region 4 game.
Kyra Piotrowski and Morgan Farley each went 3-for-4, and Erica Suprynowicz hit a triple and drove in a pair of runs for the region champs.
Suprynowicz earned the win on the mound, giving up seven hits and striking out seven without yielding a walk.
The Tigers (8-9, 7-7) held a 4-3 lead after a four-run fifth inning.
Aubriatta Martin went 2-for-3 and Michaela Bann drove in two runs for Fairview.
The Lancers face Lakeview in the District 10 Class AA quarterfinals Tuesday at Penn State Behrend.
- Harbor Creek 7, Strong Vincent 3: At Harborcreek, the Huskies (12-6) defeated the Colonels (6-11) in a non-region game. Kirsten Reilly went 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI. She also got the win on the mound with a complete-game performance, giving up three earned runs on 11 hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
Abigail Sallot helped out the cause with a 2-for-3 performance that included a double, one run and an RBI.
The Huskies will face Titusville in the District 10 Class AA quarterfinals Tuesday at Allegheny College.
-- from staff reports