Varsity Scouts Combined YW Ice Skating Activity

Here is the video made from the ice skating activity on January 23, 2013, held at the Seven Peaks Ice Arena in Provo, Utah.

How I Pack My Backpack

American Fork Recreation Outlet Store manager Patrick McCrary, shows how he packs his backpack.

By Heidi Sanders
May 24, 2013

Pfc. Cody Towse, a Life Scout, returns home

Pfc. Cody Towse was a Life Scout. After graduating from Salem High School in 2011, Cody decided to enlist in the U.S. Army instead of serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because of his training. Cody wanted to serve in the military in wartime because he believed he could use his skills as a certified EMT and volunteer firefighter to save lives.

And that is what he did.

On Tuesday, May 13 in Afghanistan, Cody died from the blast of an improvised explosive device (IED) as he was treating another soldier. He will be returning home to his family either Wednesday, May 29 or Thursday, May 30. Cody’s body will arrive at the Provo Municipal Airport but the specific day and time are yet to be determined. Cody was 21 years old.

Friends of the Towse family are requesting as many Scout leaders and Scouts in uniform holding U.S. flags to line the procession route anywhere along the route from the Provo Municipal Airport to I-15, through Spanish Fork, Salem and on to Elk Ridge. Scouters will be joining members of local fire departments, police departments and the Utah Highway Patrol along the procession route. If you are able to help honor this American hero, please contact Julie Blaney for more information at 801-885-1007 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/blaneyjulie.

Article on Cody Towse http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56331642-78/towse

Author: Heidi Sanders | Marketing & PR Director, Utah National Parks Council

This is a very interesting video explaining the current situation with BSA.  It is a good discussion to watch and think about.

Understanding the Risks of Changing Boy Scouts of America's Membership Policies

A discussion of the proposed change in Scouting membership policies, why it has many deeply concerned, and why this change is not in the best interests of Scouting or its higher purposes of teaching, mentoring and building the character of America's youth.

http://youtu.be/rKXawyaqQgA

The Language of Scouting

The Language of Scouting

The Boy Scouts of America offers many positions of responsibility to boys within troops. These positions give boys a chance to learn leadership skills while leading the troop. Similar to political positions, these positions are held for a certain term, such as six months or a year. This gives several different boys the chance throughout their scouting careers to perform different responsibilities. While the descriptions of these positions can vary from troop to troop, there are some general responsibilities all Scout groups require of their leaders.

Senior Patrol Leader

This is the highest position a boy can hold in the troop. This boy presides over troop meetings, events, campouts and more. He works closely with adult scoutmasters to make sure the goals of the troop are being achieved. He stands as an example for the other boys. Generally, this is a position given to an older boy in the troop. Senior Patrol Leaders have demonstrated they live the Scout Oath and Law, and can wisely lead the troop. There is also an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader who assists the Senior Patrol Leader.

Patrol Leader

Boy Scout troops are broken up into patrols or smaller groups of boys. The Senior Patrol Leader is like the President, and the Patrol Leaders are like Senators in Congress. Patrol Leaders preside over the patrol and run patrol meetings. They also work with the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader to lead the troop.

Scribe

The Scribe keeps records of the troop. His task is to keep track of attendance, dues, rank advancements and more. While this position doesn’t carry a leadership role, it is a position of respect similar to Patrol Leaders or Senior Patrol Leaders and it is still an important function. This position is for boys who have a strong attention to detail and who can be counted upon to keep accurate records.

Quartermaster

Boy Scout troops typically have equipment, especially camping equipment.  It is natural for equipment to wear down or break over time. The Quartermaster keeps track of equipment and makes sure everything is in good working order. The Quartermaster also keeps accurate records of the equipment locations and informs the leaders and Scoutmasters if equipment needs to be fixed or replaced.

Historian

Historians keep track of the work and traditions of the troop. They often take photos, assemble scrapbooks and gather souvenirs. These mementos can be displayed at meetings and award ceremonies. Historians help honor the history of the troop by keeping track of the history and sharing it with the other scouts.

Author: Liz Merrell | Utah National Parks Council, Finance Director

2013-June-13 Varsity & Venture Extreme Challenge

 Varsity & Venture Extreme Challenge

Saturday, June 1st, 2013

Location: PG Swimming Pool Pavilion, 570 East 300 South Pleasant Grove, UT

Times: Varsity & Venture Scouts

• 7:15 - 7:45 AM   Sign-in & Late Registration
• 7:45 - 8:00 AM   Mandatory Opening Meeting
• 8:00 AM             Start Time

Cost:  $5.00 Per Boy

List of Events: (subject to change)
Starting line... Pl. Grove Swimming pool pavilion

1. 1.6 Mile Run (Street)
   
2. 100 Sit ups, 100 push ups, 50 Pull-ups
   
3. Bike race 1.9 miles on city streets to Grove Creek Trail Head.
   
4. Archery Shoot at Grove Creek Trail Head parking lot.
   
5. Bike race approx. 4 miles on and off road.
   
6. Short run to the lake
   
7. Canoe race
   
8. Bike race 1.9 miles (Street)
   
9. Cross country run, .3 mile (Off road)
   
10. Rock Climb
    
11. Tomahawk Throw
    
12. .8 mile run on the bike path.
13. Bike race 5.2 mile (Street & off road combination) to Grove Creek Trail Head.
14. Rife shoot at the Grove Creek Trail Head.
15. Bike 1.5 miles.
16. .5 mile run up to the “G.”
17. Signal to Anderson Park with mirror
18. Orienteering at Anderson Park.
19. .3 mile street run
20. First Aid / CPR
21. approx. .5 mile bike race to the PG pool.
22. Swimming 500 yards
23. Short dash to the finish line.

This is a detailed routed description of the Extreme Challenge... 2013

1. 1.6 mile run from the swimming pool parking lot, go east up the high school parking lot to 200 South (Battle Creek Dr). Go east on 200 South to Loader Dr, (940 E) go south on Loader to Orchard Dr. Go west on Orchard to Locust Ave. Go North back to the pavilion at the pool.
2. Sit up etc. at the pavilion.
3. 1.9 mile bike race starting in parking lot go north on to Locust Ave. to 200 South (Battle Creek Dr.). Go east on 200 South to 600 East then go North on 600 East to Center Street. Turn Right or East on Center till the road make a "T"(1850 E). Go Left and continue until the road makes another "T" at 1300 East (Dalton Ave.). Go North on Dalton to 500 North (Grove Creek Dr.). Go East on Grove Creek Drive to the Grove Creek trailhead parking lot.
4. Archery is in the parking lot.
5. Approx. 4 mile off road biking. Go North on the dirt road from the trailhead parking lot. Watch the arrows. This road continues through the foothills to Cedar Hills. This dirt road ends going West at the Highway by the Cedar Hills fire department. Cross the highway, continue West on Cedar Hills Dr. to the traffic light by Lone Peak HS. Continue through the Light going West to the flagpole above the lake at Discovery Park.
6. Short run to the lake going down the paved path either direction around the lake ending at the canoes on the North side of the Lake.
7. Canoe race and short run back to the flagpole continuing the circle around the lake
8. 1.9 mile bike race from the flag pole go North on the bike path to the highway, cross the highway, go north about 200 yrds and get back on the bike path go East up the river bottoms to the highway at the mouth of the canyon. Cross the highway go west to the parking lot of Highland City Irrigation.
9. Cross country run through the gate on the north west corner of the parking lot, follow the dirt path up the hill, following the signs to the rock climb.
10. 1The rock climb straight up the cliff, don't fall. Short run back down the dirt path, cross the highway to Tomahawk Throw..
11. Tomahawk Throw
12. .8 mile run follow the bike path parallel to the canyon road, South from the Tomahawk Throw, to an Extreme Challenge Sign at Bayhill Dr. turn left or East go the church parking lot.  Switch to a bike.
13. 4 mile bike race. Follow Bayhill to the dirt road. Then follow the markings to get back to the Grove Creek trailhead in Pl. Grove.
14. Rifle shoot. Go east up Grove Creek Canyon from the trailhead parking approx. 200 yards to the rifle shoot.
15. Bike, from the parking lot go west on Grove Creek (500 North) to 1300 East (Dalton Ave.) South on 1300 East (Dalton Ave.) to 200 South (Battle Creek Dr.) Go East up Battle Creek to the top ending at Kiwanis Park, parking lot.
16. Run to the "G" from Kiwanis Parking lot, cross the bridge go through the pavilion to the “G” trail. Follow the signs to the signal mirror station at the “G”
17. Signal to Anderson Park.
18. Orienteering at Anderson Park. (approx. 950 East 100 South)
19. .3 mile run leaving Anderson Park going South on 950 East to 200 South (Battle Creek) go West on Battle Creek to Battle Creek Park (watch for the signs). 
20. CPR / First Aid.
21. From Battle Creek Park go West on Battle Creek (200 South) back through the high school parking lot to the pool to Swimming 500 yards at the swimming pool.
22. Back to the parking lot in front of the pavilion to cross the FINISH LINE.

Rules:

1. Only one member of each team will compete at a time. No single scout is expected to compete in all events. Relay as often as you need.
   
2. We do not limit the number of members which can be on a team. We simply require that all members of the team be registered with the same unit. If you have a small team (3 or less) see # 13
   
3. A wrist-band will be handed between competitors in relay fashion. If the competitor isn’t wearing the wrist band, then he isn’t officially competing.
   
4. Only one team member will compete at any one time in each event - except for the Canoe Race. For example, one scout may do as many pull-ups as he can bear, and then hands the wrist band
   to the next competitor who may continue doing pull-ups.
   
5. Helmets must be worn for the biking and rock climbing events.
   
6. Life jackets must be worn for the canoe race.
   
7. All team members must be registered with BSA and belong to the same unit. (It isn’t fair to
   recruit ringers just for this competition.)
   
8. A tour permit is recommended
   
9. Bike riders do not have the right of way We will help to control traffic, but competitors must
   be aware of changing traffic conditions around them.
   
10. Some events require special equipment or have limited bandwidth. For example, the rock climb
    can only accommodate one competitor at a time. Similar constraints exist with the canoe race, the rifle shoot, and the tomahawks throw. Scouts will compete in these events in the order that they arrive (first come, first served). Typically, teams are spread out to the point that bandwidth is not much of a problem on these events. However, if a bottleneck arises, we expect the competitors to show good sportsmanship.
    
11. The competition is timed. Even after the final foot-race is over, we must wait for the last competitors to finish the course so that we can collect the penalty sheets and calculate team rankings.
    
12. Younger scouts may participate in the older bracket, but older scouts cannot compete in the younger bracket. For example, a 12 or 13 year old scout may participate on a Varsity Team, and a Varsity Scout may compete with the Venturers. However, a Venturer may not compete with the Varsity Teams. If this is not possible, the extreme challenge staff will try to put your team together with another small team. But leadership from both teams must be presen
13. ABSOLUTELY no vehicles are allowed on the off road portions of the biking events. If equipment failure is a concern, consider sending two competitors together, so if one has equipment trouble the other may finish to the next event

Penalties:
Penalties: Each Penalty Point equals 1 min.

• Tour Permit:  If you don’t have a tour permit, your team will be assessed 1 penalty point.
• Tomahawk Throw:  One penalty point is assessed for each throw that doesn’t stick.
• Rife Shoot:  One penalty point is assessed for each missed shot. If you hit 2 bulls eyes you can remove 1 penalty point from your teams final score.
• Archery:  One penalty point is assessed for each missed shot. If you hit 2 bulls eyes you can remove 1 penalty point from your teams final score.
• CPR:  Penalty points can be assessed for steps missed. Maximum of 4 points only.
• Orienteering:  Penalty points can be assessed according to exactness of the course. Maximum of 4 points only. If done perfectly, this will remove 1 penalty point from your teams score.

Penalties for additional events will be outlined at check in the day of the CHALLENGE.

Equipment:
You must bring the following equipment in order to compete:

1. Bikes
   
2. Helmets for all biking.
   
3. Tour Permit - This event is spread over multiple cities in Utah County. We recommend
   teams obtain a tour permit, for liability and insurance purposes.
   

You may bring the following: (even though it is already provided)

4. .22 Rifle (please bring in gun case)
   
5. Life jackets,Canoe and Paddles
   
6. Tomahawks
   
7. Signal Mirror
   
8. Climbing Harness (subject to inspection by the station managers)
   
9. Bow and arrows. Basic archery equip.
   
10. Compass 

2013-May-9 Round Table Stake Corner Meeting - Agenda

Click to Download May 9, 2013 Round Table Stake Corner Meeting - Agenda

2012-June-13 Round Table - Dutch Oven Cooking

Click to Download June 2013 Round Table - Dutch Oven Cooking

REAFFIRMING SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR ACTIVITIES

Following are general guidelines for planning activities for members, especially children, youth, and young single adults.  Additional guidelines and policies are found in chapter 13, "Activities," of Handbook 2: Administering the Church and at safety.lds.org.

General Guidelines

1. Plan activities that are safe and have minimal risk of injury or illness.  Activities that pose greater risk, such as a white-water rafting or rock climbing, should not be undertaken unless led by trained or certified guides, or in conjunction with Scout-sponsored camps or High Adventure bases.
2. Activities should be appropriate for the participants' ages, ability, maturity, and health.  Well before the activity, instruct participants in safety practices and minimum fitness requirements unique to the activity, and observe safety precautions at all times during the activity.
3. Be prepared for emergencies that may occur.  Know in advance how to contract law enforcement and emergency services.  Leaders who plan, conduct, and supervise activities should be knowledgeable about Church Activity Medical Assistance (CAMA) and insurance guidelines.  For more details, see Handbook 2 (13.6.9) or visit www.dmba.com/churchactivitywww.dmba.com/churchactivity.
4. Use the parental or Guardian Permission and Medical Release form (33810) and the Activity Plan form (33809) for all out-of-area overnight travel.  These forms are available at safety.lds.org or through Church distribution centers.
5. Activities normally should not require long-distance travel.  However, in the case of approved long-distance travel, use commercial transportation whenever feasible.  Be sure to verify that commercial transportation providers are licensed to operate and are protected by liability insurance (see http://www.fmea.dot.gov/safety-security/PCS/Consumers.aspx for more guidance.)
6. When using private passenger vehicles, instruct drivers in safe driving practices before each outing.  Ensure that each vehicle is in safe operating condition and properly insured and that each person in the vehicle uses a seat belt.  Each driver should be a licensed, responsible adult.
7. Ensure that two or more adult supervisors are present at every activity.  For overnight activities involving young women, two or more Melchizedek Priesthood brethren should be present.  The number of adult supervisors will vary depending on the type of activity and the maturity and number of participants.
8. Notify the bishop and stake president promptly if an accident, illness, or injury occurs on Church property or during a Church-sponsored activity.  If the accident involves a fatality or overnight hospital stay, notify the Risk Management Division at Church headquarters (telephone 1-801-240-4049 or 1-800-453-3860, extension 2-4049).

Guidelines for Scouting Activities

Scouting functions as part of the Church's activity program for boys and young men.  As such, all adult leaders who participate in Scouting activities should be registered with and have completed Youth Protection Training from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) or Scouts Canada through their local councils.

For mor information, see section 8.9 ("Safety") in the Scouting Handbook at scouting.lds.org.  Safety training is also available to Scouting leaders through local Scouting roundtables and other Scout-sponsored meetings.

Canoe Rentals