For the events you and your Troop have signed up to run, it is paramount that you: (A) Get your materials together as soon as possible; and (B) Practice the event with your own Patrols in order to work out the bugs. This is especially critical for new events (or events that are new to you.) Fair warning - you cannot throw these events together at the last second; it just won't come off.

As previously discussed, you MUST provide the Shadow Adult and Primary Senior Scout for each of your events. If you want to, you can go ahead and provide all the Senior Scouts you need to run your event(s); if you are unable to do so (or would prefer that your Senior Scouts interact with other Senior Scouts running other events), your staffing requirements will be filled from the general Senior Scout "staff pool." This will also help ease the manpower crunch if some of your Senior Scouts suddenly drop out (which, as we all know, can indeed happen.) Your Shadow Adult(s) and Primary Senior Scout(s) for each of your assigned activities MUST come to the April 2^nd meeting in order to discuss staffing and equipment needs, and to receive other pertinent instructions.

If you need financial assistance in preparing your event, please give us a call - we'll do what we can to help. We encourage you to make semi-permanent materials; after all, we intend to run these events for many years to come.

Finally, it's worth repeating - the first three Projectorees were spectacular successes, and were acknowledged by virtually every attendee (both Scouts and Adults) to be by far the best "group camping" event they had ever participated in. Short of horrendous weather conditions, we expect this year's event to be even better. Please keep focused on that promise as things get hectic. And remember, your role in the success of the Projectoree is critical! Yours in Scouting....

- Dr. Bob

With the exception of the Caber Toss and Egg Toss competitions (which are discussed below), all events are based on time - the less time needed to complete the event, the better; the caber and egg tosses are based on distance. All events are "normalized" for age and ability differences in one of two ways: (A) By having graduated difficulty levels, i.e., more difficult for older/larger Scouts (Caber Toss Only); or (B) By dividing the final score (time or, for the egg toss, distance) by the average age of the Patrol. In either case, the resulting scores are then compared to establish overall finishing places - the Top Patrol in the event gets 1 point, Second Place gets 2 points, etc. As previously discussed, all finishing Patrols are always rated over non-finishing Patrols (i.e., regardless of added time penalties), which are in turn rated over disqualified Patrols (if any.) In cases of ties, either in individual events or in the overall competition, the younger average-aged Patrol wins the tie; for those who will scream even about this, note that we've never had a tie yet except when Patrols didn't finish an event (but we still want a by-law in place, just in case.) The overall winners are those Patrols with the lowest number of points at the end of the competitions. We will be awarding First through Fifth Place Patrol Awards.

In addition, we have (as practically as possible) arranged each event to handle disparate Patrol sizes, i.e., the number of Scouts in the Patrol. For most of the events, this will be merely by having enough Scouts in the Patrol run two relays to bring the de facto Patrol size up to 10 Scouts (which is the maximum Patrol size.) The events where this protocol is impractical are the Caber Toss, Egg Toss, Obstacle Course, and Walk the Plank relay, which are therefore handled as follows: In the Caber Toss, the final score is trivially scaled up to 10 Scouts by dividing the aggregate total best distance by the number of Scouts in the Patrol to get the average distance, then multiplying that value by 10 to scale it up to a "full Patrol" value. In this case, the highest resulting score is the winner (and receives 1 point), etc. (note that there is no age normalization for the Caber Toss, since that event is already difficulty handicapped.) The Egg Toss is handled the same as the Caber Toss, except that the average distance is multiplied by five (i.e., the number of throwing teams, not Scouts), and that the final score IS age normalized. In the Obstacle Course, each Scout runs the event once, and the total aggregate time is divided by the number of Scouts, then multiplied by 10 to scale it up to a "full Patrol" value, which is then age normalized. In the Walk the Plank relay, the Patrol time is divided by the number of Scouts in the Patrol, then multiplied by 10 to scale it up to a "full Patrol" value, which is then age normalized.

Average age will be determined based on years only (not months.)

Finally, as in past years, each Patrol will have a (yellow) scoring sheet, plus the Staff at each event will keep a (blue) "backup" sheet for each event (to help encourage honesty and also in case a Patrol Leader someone somehow manages to lose his scorecard.)

Equipment Needed :

1) Four equal sets of logs - 3 each of 2, 4, 7, 11 and 15 pounds
2) Measuring Tape
3) Distance Markers or small stakes, sharpened to points
4) Small hammer to drive in stakes
5) 8 Sets of Gloves
6) 4 Pens for Scoring
7) 1-2 Magic Marker to mark distances on stakes
8) Individual Patrol Scoresheets
9) Calculator

Instructions : This is a straightforward physical fitness competition. Each Scout in the Patrol will throw all three logs (each of equal weight) from one set for distance; the size of the logs used will be based on the height of the Scout, as follows:

Below 4' 8'' - 2 Pound Logs
4' 8'' to Below 5' 2'' - 4 Pound Logs
5' 2'' to Below 5' 6'' - 7 Pound Logs
5' 6'' to Below 6' 0'' - 11 Pound Logs
6' 0'' or Greater - 15 Pound Logs

The heights of the Scouts are listed on their Patrol Scoring Sheet; do as best you can to make sure the Scouts are throwing the proper sized log. Scouts should wear gloves to avoid getting splinters (this has been a problem in the past.) Keep absolute control of the Scouts - Safety is paramount! Do not allow Scouts to wander "downrange," even off to one side; past experience has shown that many Scouts have very poor control of their throws!

Again, each Scout throws all three logs in his designated set. The throws are to be an "underhand flip" (a caber toss) which you should demo to everyone at the start. The logs should do at least one full end-over-end rotation in mid-air before landing. Scouts can either "stand and throw" or "run up and throw," whichever they prefer; however, "run up and throw" Scouts are to be penalized 5 feet if they cross the throwing line before throwing the log (they can cross from momentum afterwards). No overhand throws are allowed ! (too much danger of shoulder and muscle injuries.)

After the Scout has made all three throws, record his best attempt only on the provided special Scoring Sheet (while he and members of his Patrol goes and picks up his logs). Keep it moving, you've only got about 15 minutes total for the entire Patrol! Scouts are only allowed one set of tosses - that is, this event is NOT normalized for smaller Patrol sizes by having 10 Scouts throw. Once all the Scouts in the Patrol have completed their throws, follow the directions on the Patrol Scoring Sheet to determine their final score, and enter it on the Patrol Scoring Sheet (the yellow one the Patrol Leader has) and on the Event Scoring Sheet (the blue one you have). If there's still time left, the Scouts can go ahead and throw again, but only for fun - not for score.

Supervision Needed:: 1 Shadow Adult, 4 Senior Scouts

Clarifications: The distance markers are to help quickly measure throws; using a tape measure for this is extremely slow! Recommend placing 3 sets of markers (between the 4 throwing lanes) at 5 foot increments; use the tape measure to set the markers accurately. Measure best throw to the nearest foot, rounding up to avoid complaints or hard feelings (i.e., be generous.)

We suggest using cut pieces of lumber (2 x 4's, 4 x 4's, or garden timbers, etc.) As "logs." These can be cut to length or screwed/nailed together to achieve proper weights. "Logs" from 1997 may still be available for this year - ask! If not, you'll have to prepare new ones - in this case, be careful to use dry wood when starting your cuts! - if the wood is wet, its weight will be inaccurate when it dries out. Final weights should be marked on each with a large, indelible marker. If you have to buy wood, keep your receipt; you will be reimbursed from Projectoree funds (however, the "logs" all then become the property of the Projectoree for use in future years.)

NOTE!: If you use previously built logs, please check that the weights are still accurate! If not, modify to suit.

Remember to mark all scoresheets before allowing the Patrols to depart! Normalization for age will be done by the Scoring Coordinator.

This sheet is only to help the Senior Scout Monitors keep track of each Patrol's Performance. Use a different sheet for each Patrol! Each Scout makes three throws of his designated set of logs. Record the best throw only for each Scout below. When the Patrol is finished, calculate the score as detailed below, and enter it on the two scoring sheets (the Patrol Sheet and the Event sheet.)

Patrol Name: ____________________________________ and Number: _________

Troop: __________

Record BEST of THREE Throws ONLY!

Scout #
1) ____________ feet
2) ____________ feet
3) ____________ feet
4) ____________ feet
5) ____________ feet
6) ____________ feet
7) ____________ feet
8) ____________ feet
9) ____________ feet
10) ____________ feet

Number of Scouts in the Patrol: ________ Combined Best Throws (in feet): __________ feet

Divided by the Number of Scouts in the Patrol: __________ feet x 10: ___________ feet

(Enter THIS Value!)

Once you have entered the data on the two scoring sheets, you may discard this sheet; please do so properly (i.e., in a trashcan) - Thanks!

Equipment Needed:

1) 100 Eggs (assumes 200 total participants)
2) A 100 foot Measuring Tape
3) 40 - 50 paint mixing sticks, sharpened to points on one end
4) A roll of string
5) Small trash can, with a plastic bag liner
6) 2 - 3 rolls of paper towels
7) 4 pens for scoring
8) Patrol Scoring Sheets
9) Calculator
10) A large bucket of water (for cleanup of hands and clothing)

Instructions:

This is a standard egg-toss game. All the Scouts in the Patrol divide into 2 man teams; odd Scouts can team up with odd Scouts from other Patrols (for fun only, not for score), or wait and do a second relay with one of their own Patrol's Scouts for score if time allows. Each pair is given one (and only one) egg. The 2 man teams stand one step apart on a center line, and the first tosses the egg to the second. If successful, both Scouts take one step back, and the second passes the egg back to the first, and so on until the egg finally breaks during a toss. At that point, the distance between the two Scouts is measured and entered onto the Patrol Scoring Sheet. The Patrol score is calculated from the Patrol Scoring Sheet.

Clarifications:

1) The field is laid out as follows: A piece of string is staked out about 60 feet wide to mark the center line. The Scout teams will be tossing back and forth across this line, and moving step-by-step away from it. In order to easily estimate distance (rather than trying to use the tape measure for each team, which is very slow), several rows of sharpened stakes are inserted into the ground at 10 foot interval distances from the center line (that is, at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 feet away.) The magic marker is used to mark the distance away from the center line on the stakes. 40 stakes is enough for four such rows, giving you a 100 foot span for throwing. It is doubtful whether anyone will approach 100 feet, but who knows?

2) One Senior Scout monitors all the teams in each Patrol. Since the maximum Patrol size is 10 Scouts (5 teams max), he should be able to keep track of everyone. If this is not practical, then the teams can work one at a time. (This will have to be determined by practice!) However, one team at a time may take too much time - watch the clock!!! If the monitor works with all teams, it is recommended that he tell everyone to stop throwing while he enters the value of the team that just broke their egg on the Patrol Scoring Sheet (and gets them out of the way.) Alternately, he can ask each team that breaks their egg to stand in place until everyone is done, then measure all teams' final standings. Whatever works!

3) When the Patrol is finished, the senior Scout will calculate their score, and enter it onto the Patrol and event scoresheets.

4) Paper towels are to be provided to help Scouts clean up themselves and the field before moving on to the next event! Based on previous viewings of games of this type, about half the Scouts will have the eggs break in their hands or against their clothing, while the other half will jump out of the way at the last second and let the egg break on the ground. Things are going to get rather messy! Note that the field will be used for other events later in the day, so the Scouts MUST do some cleanup (as best as they can - no-one is expecting miracles) before leaving.

Penalties: Substitution of a hard-boiled egg or equivalent for a normal egg: Disqualification

Supervision Needed: 1 Shadow Monitor, 4 Senior Scouts

Don't forget to mark the scoresheets before allowing the Patrols to move on to their next event! Normalization for Patrol Age will be done by the Scoring Coordinator.

This sheet is only to help the Senior Scout Monitors keep track of each Patrol's Performance. Use a different sheet for each Patrol! Each team throws until their egg breaks; record the distance for each team below. When the Patrol is finished, calculate the score as detailed below, and enter it on the two scoring sheets (the Patrol Sheet and the Event sheet.)

Patrol Name: ____________________________________ and Number: _________

Troop: __________

Team #
1) ____________ feet
2) ____________ feet
3) ____________ feet
4) ____________ feet
5) ____________ feet

Number of Teams in the Patrol: ________ Combined Best Throws (in feet): __________ feet

Divided by the Number of Scouts in the Patrol: __________ feet x 5: ___________ feet (Enter THIS Value!)

Once you have entered the data on the two scoring sheets, you may discard this sheet; please do so properly (i.e., in a trashcan) - Thanks!

Equipment Needed:

1) Will need to pre-gather sufficient amounts of wood, including tinder, kindling and small sized fuel. The wood will need to be pre-sorted into identical packets for each Patrol, so that no Patrol has an unfair advantage with respect to materials. You need enough for 24 Patrols.
2) A package of strike-anywhere matches.
3) 4 One Gallon Pots (the medium size from the BSA Cook-kits)
4) 2 pounds of thin spaghetti
5) 4 Stopwatches
6) Large Supply (10 - 20 gallons) of water (for boiling and putting out fires)
7) Several safety firebuckets, full!
8) A 1 Quart Measuring Cup
9) 12 Six-Foot Staves (for Tripods)
10) 4 pieces of rope (for tying tripods and hanging pots).
11) 4 standard tarp poles (or equivalent)
12) A first aid kit, emphasizing burn treatment supplies. A supply of ice (and plastic bags) wouldn't be a bad idea, either.
13) A trash can for waste spaghetti.
14) 4 metal trash can lids to build the fires on.
15) 4 Pens for Scoring.

Instructions:

Each Patrol gets its wood supply, a trash-can lid, 2 matches, a One Gallon Pot already containing 2 Quarts of water, a handful of spaghetti and a tarp pole.

The Patrol must be divided into three equal groups (as best as arithmetic will allow). One third of the Scouts must build the fire on the trash can, one third must build the tripod, and one third must suspend the pot, position the tripod over the fire, cook the spaghetti, and dole it out strand by strand to each Patrol member. The Patrol will need to save an appropriate piece of wood from their supply in order to dole out the cooked, HOT! spaghetti strands. No Scout may receive more than one strand at a time. Each Patrol member must tie a single overhand knot with his spaghetti strand around the tarp pole. Patrols must tie 10 knots; Patrols with less than 10 members will have to have sufficient Scouts tie 2 knots. All Scouts must tie one knot, but no Scout should tie more than 2 knots.

If the Patrol lights their fire with just 1 match, a 30 second bonus is taken off their total time. Each extra match past the original two is a 30 second penalty (i.e., added onto their total time.) If a spaghetti strand breaks while attempting to tie the knot, the Scout can retry with what's left or go get another piece. The overall time will be based on the Patrol finishing their 10 knots. This is a long event (two time segments.)

Supervision Needed: 1 Shadow Adult, 4 Senior Scouts

Don't forget to legibly mark scoring sheets before Patrols depart! Scoring is based on the total time needed for the Patrol to tie 10 knots - if they started their fire with one match, 30 seconds is taken OFF of their time; if they needed more than two matches to start their fire, a 30 second penalty is ADDED ONTO their total time for EACH extra match. If they cheated by using a Bic Lighter or some form of firestarter (e.g., lighter fluid) to assist the starting of their fire, the Patrol is disqualified. If they did not complete the event, mark their scoresheet as DNF. Disqualified patrols are scored as DSQ. Normalization by age will be done by the Scoring Coordinator.

Equipment Needed:

1) 44 1 foot x 1 foot blocks of plywood or equivalent.
2) 8 6-foot staves
3) 4 pieces of rope to tie sheer lashings
4) 4 mousetraps
5) 4 pieces of string for tying washers to staves
6) 4 heavy washers (or 12 medium weight washers)
7) 4 stopwatches
8) 4 traffic cones
9) 4 Pens for Scoring

Instructions:

This activity combines Patrol teamwork and basic Scout skills. Each Patrol will get 11 wood blocks (regardless of Patrol size), 2 staves, rope for tying a sheer lashing, a piece of string and a washer. The Patrol will line up behind the start line, each Scout on a block of wood, with all the spare blocks (minimum 1 for Patrols with 10 members) behind the last Scout. The staves, rope, string and washers may be carried by any Scouts. The mousetrap is set up about 40 feet away, with a traffic cone about 10 feet in front of it. At go, the last Scout in line retrieves the free block behind him and passes it to the front of the line, where the first Scout places it in front of him at a reasonable distance (more on this later). At this point, all Scouts may step forward one block towards the mousetrap. Once everyone has stepped forward, the last Scout can again retrieve the last block in line, and the process is repeated. Simultaneously, Scouts in the line should sheer-lash the two staves together, and tie the washer and string onto the end of the resulting lashed pole. As you can guess, the efforts to pass blocks, step forward and tie lashings and knots all at once can cause total pandemonium if not organized properly.

When the line gets to the traffic cone, the Scout in the lead may use the pole extension (which will be just long enough) to lower the washers onto the mousetrap and "snap the trap." If he's having difficulty, he can ask the Scouts to continue passing more blocks to the front of the line in order to move closer to the trap. In this way, even if the Patrol cannot properly tie a sheer lashing, they can still get to the trap (but it will take them longer to do so).

Once the trap has been snapped, the lead Scout makes a U-turn, circling the traffic cone, and returns to the starting line. To repeat, he doesn't just turn around, making the last Scout in line the lead Scout for the return, he stays in the lead. The passing of blocks continues until the mousetrap crosses the starting line. Again, Patrols with properly lashed staves have an advantage, since they can reach across the line with the extension. However, the mousetrap/lashed staves combination cannot be thrown across the line.

"Reasonable distance" between blocks was stressed above. If the lead Scout is large and is making enormous jumps towards the mousetrap (a typical problem in this event), eventually the smaller Scouts behind him will be unable to jump the gaps between blocks, and the Patrol will be stuck in place. This problem is exaggerated by forcing the Patrol to make a U-turn instead of just reversing in place. Therefore, the lead Scout has to be one of the Patrol's three smallest Scouts (Patrol Leader's choice.)

Penalties: "Dumping" the staves and rope: 2 minutes

Scouts stepping off the blocks onto the grass: 30 seconds, each offense
Scouts "throwing" the free block(s) to the front of the line, or passing it across the gap during the U-turn (i.e., bypassing the intermediate Scouts in line): 1 minute, each offense.
Scouts "throwing" the mousetrap across the finish line - disqualification.

Supervision Needed: 1 Shadow Adult, 4 Senior Scouts

Don't forget to mark all scoresheets before the Patrol departs! Scoring is based on the total time needed to complete the course, plus any added penalties. Patrols not finishing the event should be scored as DNF; disqualified Patrols should be marked as DSQ. Normalization for age will be done by the Scoring Coordinator.

Equipment Needed:

(1) A tall extension ladder (capable of extending to at least 20 feet)
(2) 4 Five Foot Logs, at least 6 inches in diameter (alternately - 4 small tires)
(3) 4 Four Foot Staves, sharpened to a point
(4) A sledge hammer, for driving sharpened staves into the ground.
(5) 8 Twelve Foot treated 2 x 2's or 3 inch diameter CVC pipes
(6) Adequate rope to lash all 2 x 2's/pipes to trees
(7) Four 50-foot long ropes, 3/8's inch diameter
(8) Tape measure
(9) Three small stuff sacks, filled with clothing (cook-kit "red bags" are ideal)
(10) 4 stopwatches
(11) 4 pens
(12) Patrol Scoring Sheets

Instructions:

This is a Scout skills and Patrol cooperation event. Three equal set-ups are needed, as follows: At each set-up, 2 x 2's/pipes are lashed horizontally at 10 and 15 feet off the ground. A sharpened stave is also pounded into the ground at a sharp angle away from the lashed 2 x 2's/pipes, about 15 feet away from the lashed 2 x 2's/pipes.

Each Scout in the Patrol participates in this activity. The Patrol is divided into two teams - one team will work with the lower bar, the second team with the upper bar. It is the Patrol Leader's responsibility to properly divide his Scouts into functional teams.

At "GO!," the first team ONLY begins. One designated Scout ties the small stuff sack to the throwing rope with a sheet bend knot. When he's successful, the next Scout coils and throws the bag/rope combination over the lowest bar. The next Scout unties the bag, and ties the rope to the log with a timber-hitch knot (or to the tire with a two half-hitches knot). The next Scout leads the team in hauling the log (or tire) up into the air, and the last Scout ties the rope off onto the stave with a clove-hitch knot. When everything is completed, the team disassembles everything, re-coils the rope and sets it down, and the second team begins. The second team is an exact repeat of the first, except that the HIGHER bar is used.

Scouts are ONLY ALLOWED TO TIE THE SMALL STUFF SACKS TO THE ROPE in order to assist the rope-throw (i.e., no logs or rocks may be used!) The bag must be tied using a sheet-bend knot; penalty for using an incorrect knot is 1 minute (to be checked by the Monitor.) The next Scouts coils and throws the rope over the bar with the bag. Once the rope is over the bar, the next Scout then unties the bag and ties a Timberline Hitch around the log (or two half-hitches around the tire; 1 minute penalty for using an incorrect knot.) The next Scout leads the Patrol in hoisting the log/tire off the ground. The next Scout then runs back and ties a clove hitch around the post in order to hold the log suspended (1 minute penalty for using an incorrect knot.) Once done, the Patrol must untie all knots and give the coiled rope to the next team, or lay it on the ground. Time continues to run from the start of the first Scout `til the finish of the last Scout (that is, when he lays the coiled rope on the ground.)

If a Patrol has less than ten Scouts, the second team can use additional Scouts from the first team. However, no Scout should sit and watch while another Scout performs with both teams, and a Scout who worked on the first team should not do the same task for the second team!

Safety is a constant issue in this event, and should be carefully monitored by the Event Staff. In particular, the Staff should beware of the Scouts dropping the log or tire onto other Scouts when disassembling their work.

Supervision Needed: 4 Senior Scout Monitors and 1 Shadow Adult.

Don't forget to mark the Patrol times on the scoring sheets before allowing the Patrols to depart! Scoring is calculated from the Patrol Scoring Sheets. Patrols who did not finish are scored DNF. Normalization by age will be accomplished by the Scoring Coordinator.

This sheet is only to help the Senior Scout Monitors keep track of each Patrol's Performance. Use a different sheet for each Patrol.

Patrol Name: _____________________________ Patrol No. ________ Troop: __________

Group # 1

1)	Sheet Bend OK?	YES	NO
2)	Timber Hitch/2 4 Hitches OK?	YES	NO
3)	Clove Hitch OK?	YES	NO

Group # 2

1)	Sheet Bend OK?	YES	NO
2)	Timber Hitch/2 4 Hitches OK?	YES	NO
3)	Clove Hitch OK?	YES	NO

Each "No" is a 1 minute penalty!

Actual Time: _____________________ plus all penalty minutes _______________________ = Total Time: _____________________

[Record Total Time on both scoring sheets!]

---

NUCLEAR REACTOR (1998 Version)

Equipment Needed:

1) 8 large, low cut carboard boxes
2) 20 Twenty Foot pieces of 1/4 inch diameter rope
3) Ball of Twine or string
4) Measuring Tape
5) 4 rubber tie-down straps, tied into an "O-Ring" arrangement, with 5 ropes attached in a symmetrical array around the O-ring.
6) 8 "Fuel Containers" - Tubes of about 6 inch diameter and 18 - 24 inches tall
7) 24 Ping-pong balls
8) 4 Small Stakes, sharpened to a point
9) Small Hammer for pounding stakes
10) 4 Stopwatches
11) 4 Pens for Scoring
12) 20 sets of "el-cheapo" gloves (to prevent hand chafing)

Instructions:

This event involves Patrol teamwork. The basic idea is to move "spent nuclear fuel" from a "nuclear reactor," and replace it with fresh fuel. Since nuclear fuel is deadly, this has to be done remotely.

The event is arranged as follows: set up 4 equal arrangements, each being 2 cardboard boxes placed 25 feet from each other. Note that you will need a large area of ground to set up the 4 competitions - or the Patrols will be running into each other while doing their transfers. One fuel container is placed in each box, upright, containing three ping-pong balls at the very top of each (more on this below.) Five Scouts from the Patrol use the O-ring/rope combination to pick up the spent fuel container and move it to the other box without spilling any of the fuel (the ping-pong balls); each ping-pong ball dropped is a 1 minute penalty. Picking up the fuel container is not easy! - the Scouts have to array themselves around the container, evenly pull the O-ring open and drop it over the container, then allow the O-ring to constrict over the container. The Scouts then apply just enough tension to pick up the container - without allowing it to slip out - then walk it over to the other box, and place it in the box without allowing it to tip over or knock the other container (already in the box) over; this is a 3 minute penalty. If they do knock over the container, the Senior Scout Monitor will set it back up. The stopwatch continues to run! At this point, they remove the O-ring arrangement to the side, and the other half of the Patrol takes over. The second group moves the fresh fuel container from the second box back over to the first box in the same manner. Once done, they again walk the O-ring to the side; time is called when they reassemble at the starting point (which is marked by one of the stakes.) Patrols with less than 10 Scouts must use adequate Scouts from the first group to fill out the second group (however, all Scouts must participate in one group or the other - don't let anyone sit off to the side and watch!)

Supervision Needed: 1 Shadow Adult, 4 Senior Scouts

Clarifications: Designing and fabricating the O-ring arrangement and fuel containers will be the only really tricky issue in this event. Note that equipment for this event exists from previous Projectorees - ask! If no longer available (or if you have to make another one), proceed as follows: For the fuel containers, use of standard heating duct pipe (6 inch diameter) or a thick-walled cardboard tube of about the same diameter should work. A base should be put on the tube to make it slightly bottom heavy and increase it's stability when sitting. The tube should be filled with crumpled paper up to within one inch of the top, to provide a base for the ping- pong balls. If you want to be really clever, find and put some radioactive labels on the outside of each container, and paint the fresh fuel container a different color than the spent fuel container.

The O-Ring is trickier; although I suspect that there are large O-rings or the equivalent for sale, I've never seen one myself (then again, I never looked before). It is possible to use one of those black rubber tie down straps or bungee cords and fabricate what we need. In addition, the ropes will have to be arrayed equally around the O- ring and "hard-wired" in place; otherwise, they'll slip around the circle and you'll just pull the O-ring into a long thin strip (which clearly won't work, and will frustrate the Scouts.) I think this "hard-wiring" could be done with just electrical tape, but I suspect that you will also need to somehow pass a thin wire through the O-ring material and the rope in order to fix the rope in place. Having one extra O-ring setup (in case one breaks) may be a prudent idea also. Each rope should be knotted about 3 feet from the end (that is, the far end versus the "O-Ring") in order to give the Scouts a gripping point and prevent them from edging in closer to the fuel container (a common problem in this event.)

Penalties: 1 Minute for each lost ping-pong ball, additional 3 minutes for each container which falls over.

Don't forget to mark the scoresheets before allowing the Patrols to depart! Scoring is based on the total time needed to complete the two transfers, plus any penalties. Patrols not finishing are scored DNF. Normalization by age will be accomplished by the Scoring Coordinator.

NOTE!: This event is often too much for small Scouts to accomplish (they either can't pull hard enough, or get pulled off their feet by larger Scouts on other ropes.) In these cases, the Event Staff has the discretion to allow Patrols to use two small Scouts together on a single rope if, in their judgement, a single Scout cannot handle the rope alone. If necessary, in the worst case scenario, the Staff can allow all 10 Scouts in a "New Scout Patrol" to double up on every rope in order to do the event, if they're all small kids. In this case, the Patrol will have to do the entire operation twice, in order to match what other patrols have to do (i.e., two runs with 5 Scouts.)

---

OBSTACLE COURSE (1998 Version)

Equipment:

1) Obstacle Course Setup (Troop 111 has all course materials)
2) 4 Stopwatches
3) 4 Pens for marking scoresheets
4) Calculator
5) Patrol Scoring Sheets

Instructions:

The course is set up as the coordinating Troop see fit; note that it should be a good compromise between challenge and safety, and should take the average Scout about 2 minutes to run.

Each Scout runs the course one time only; if time permits, Scouts can run the course again, but only for fun, not for score.

In order to make this event do-able for physically challenged Scouts, assistance will be provided at some of the more challenging points, if needed. If assistance is needed, a one minute time penalty will be assessed (one minute total, not for each point of assistance!)

In addition, a one-minute time penalty will be assessed for "skipping" a point of the course (which has been an occasional issue in the past, as Scouts have skipped difficult portions of the course in order to improve their time.) That's one minute for each infraction!

This is a long event.

Don't forget to mark the scoresheets before allowing the Patrols to depart! Scoring is calculated based on the Patrol Scoring Sheet. Patrols not finishing are scored DNF. Normalization by age will be accomplished by the Scoring Coordinator.

---

Obstacle Course Patrol Scoring Sheet

This is only to assist the Staff with Scoring Individual Patrols. Use a fresh copy for each new Patrol! When done, enter the calculated values on both the Patrol and Staff Scoring Sheets, and discard this properly (i.e., in a trashcan.)

Patrol Name: ____________________________ and #: ____________ Troop # ___________

Number of Scouts running the course: ___________

Total Time: ________________ plus any penalties = _____________________

Divided by the number of Scouts = ___________ x 10 = ___________(Enter this value on both scoring sheets.)

---

SCOUTMASTER'S CHARIOT RACE (1998 Version)

Equipment Needed:

(1) 24 Eight-Foot treated 2 x 2's, in excellent condition (no cracks or splits)
(2) 24 Five Foot sections of 3/8 inch rope
(3) 4 Traffic cones

Instructions:

This is an end-of-the-day non-scored "fun event." Each Troop is given 3 staves and sections of rope to set up a tripod chariot to carry their Scoutmaster down a race-course (usually the road leading from the Dining Hall to the main competition field.)

Pre-setup is not allowed. At "GO!," the Troop lays out their staves into a tight triangle, and lashes them together. Once this is done, their Scoutmaster (or other assigned Adult - but not a Scout!) sits on the tripod, which is then raced down the road to the main field. Each Scoutmaster is tasked with ensuring that his chariot is put together well enough to carry him safely - the monitors will not have time to check the quality of the lashings. Note that we have had past problems with the chariots coming to pieces mid-race, so this is not a trivial issue.

In order to avoid the additional past problem of Troops "blocking" the road to prevent other Troops from passing them during the race, we will probably switch this event to the main field (if it's not too badly rutted), and set up a large, circular course around the field. In this case, the traffic cones will be used to mark the corners of the race.

---

SPIDER WEB ESCAPE (1998 Version)

Equipment Needed:

1) 16 Eight foot long staves, each sharpened to a point. (May possibly be able to be substituted for with trees).
2) Large Roll of Binder's twine
3) 4 small bells (Christmas tree ornament type)
4) 10 - 12 short Bungee Cords
5) 4 stopwatches
6) 4 Pens

Instructions:

This is a timed coordination relay race. The Patrol must carefully pass each and every member of the Patrol through a "spider web," an irregular arrangement of ropes wrapped around two trees or two sets of closely spaced staves. A bell is suspended at the tension point of the ropes, and the bungee cords are used to maintain tension throughout the web. Each touch of the ropes which rings the bell is a penalty. To increase the overall difficulty of this event, only two Scouts per Patrol may use the same hole to get through the web.

This event requires brainstorming and coordination. The Patrol usually will pass its smallest members through, then use their help on the opposite side in getting the larger Scouts through. However, they will still end up with the largest Scouts on the wrong side, and they will find it extremely difficult to get through. The strategy is to re-pass several of the smallest Scouts back through the Spider web in order to help the largest Scouts through, then have the large Scouts turn around and physically pick up the small Scouts still on the wrong side and carefully pull them through. It's tricky to do, and requires careful thought to handle properly. The Event Monitors are allowed to assist the first and last Scouts only through the web (this is for Health and Safety purposes, and to help prevent the webs from being trashed.)

Patrols with less than 10 members should pass all their members through, then turn around and re-pass the required number needed to get 10 Scouts back through the web. Patrol time is based on the total time needed to get 10 Scouts through.

Monitors of this event will need to set up identical webs (as close as is practical), and constantly monitor the web tension. Based on past years, it is recommended that extra care be taken to make the lower section of the webs impassable, to prevent entire Patrols from crawling underneath the webs. As noted above, the Monitors should also assist the first and last Scouts through, and act as Safety Monitors throughout the event.

Penalties : Each ringing of the bell: 30 seconds

Intentional destruction of the spider web (by dropping a Scout to wipe out the web): Patrol Disqualification.

Supervision Needed: 1 Shadow Adult, 4 Senior Scouts

Don't forget to mark all scoring sheets before each Patrol departs the event! Scoring is based on the Patrol's total time, plus any penalties. Patrols not finishing are scored DNF. Disqualified Patrols are scored DSQ. Normalization by age will be accomplished by the Scoring Coordinator.

---

SYNCHRONIZED WALK (1998 Version)

Equipment Needed:

1) 8 Eight-Foot 2 x 4's
2) 40 Four-Foot pieces of 3/8 inch rope
3) Measuring Tape
4) 8 Traffic cones or equivalent
5) 4 Stopwatches
6) 4 Pens for Scoring

Instructions:

This event emphasizes Patrol teamwork. The idea is to have five Scouts array themselves on two 2 x 4's, and, holding ropes which are attached to the 2 x 4's, and "walk" the 2 x 4's around a short course. The walking requires proper timing and synchronization of the Scouts, and is not easy to do! The Patrol must walk around the cones, not just turn around and walk back. Once the first group of 5 has completely crossed the finish line, the second group immediately trades places, and repeats the course. If the Patrol has less than 10 members, sufficient Scouts from the first group must be used to bring the second group up to 5 Scouts; however, all Scouts must participate in one group or the other - no-one should sit off to the side and watch. Time is called when the second group completely crosses over the finish line.

Supervision Needed: 1 Shadow Adult, 4 Senior Scouts Clarifications: Equipment for this event may be available from previous Projectorees - ask! If not, the easiest way to set up the ropes in the 2 x 4's is by drilling 3/8 inch holes through the 2 x 4's, countersinking the bottoms in about 1/2 inch (to allow room for the knot), and passing the ropes through. Although you don't have to do it, it will aid the Scouts if you knot the holding ropes about every 4 inches to help the Scouts hold the ropes. Although I've listed 8 foot 2 x 4's, you may find that this is too long, and decide to cut it down to a smaller length for 5 Scouts. Remember, however, the variances in the sizes of the Scouts!

The traffic cones should be set up far apart that the average group takes about 7 - 8 minutes to complete the circle; this way, the two groups should take about 15 minutes. You should determine this distance by practice with your Troop's Scouts (however, do not determine it after your Scouts are well practiced in the event, but rather early on, before they've got it down cold.)

Don't forget to mark the scoresheets before allowing the Patrols to depart! Scoring is based on the Patrol's total time. Patrols not finishing are scored DNF. Normalization by age will be accomplished by the Scoring Coordinator.

---

WALK THE PLANK (1998 Version)

Equipment Needed:

1) Twelve 5 ft x 5 ft pallets, at least 6 inches tall (if pallet boards are too thin to support the weight of a Patrol, you will need to nail thin sheets of plywood over the entire surface in order to buttress its weight supporting ability.) See additional comments below.
2) Four 2 x 12 x 8 ft long planks, preferably quality pressure-treated lumber.
3) Measuring Tape
4) 4 Stopwatches
5) 4 Pens for Scoring
6) Calculator

Instructions:

This event emphasizes Patrol teamwork. The idea is to have the pallets set up as three "islands" in a row, with a five foot gap between each. The Patrol gets on top of the first island and is given an eight foot long plank, and told to get the entire Patrol across to the far island WITHOUT BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN THE ISLANDS WITH THE PLANK, OR ALLOWING THE PLANK TO TOUCH THE GROUND! (That is, they can't just span the gap with the board and walk across. Rather, they have to bridge most of the gap with the board, and use the bulk of the Patrol to weigh down the end on the first pallet, allowing the Scouts to walk most of way, then step across the last "air gap." Some fancy board maneuvering is required to get the last Scouts on the starting pallet over the gap.) Each touch of the ground by the plank is a 30 second penalty, as monitored by the Senior Scout timing the race. Time is called when the entire Patrol is safely on the last pallet.

Clarifications:

1) This event is supposed to use home-made islands standing about 2 foot off the ground; the use of pallets is designed to cut down on the prep time and labor needed to create such islands. A standard 5 x 5 pallet is big enough to handle an entire patrol, but the quality of the boards may be suspect, which is why nailing a thin sheet of plywood across the top would be prudent. [Note - the coordinating Troop may find that a smaller pallet (e.g., 4 x 4) may be sufficient to handle a 10 Scout Patrol; this will make transportation much easier. This will have to be determined by practice.]

2) The 5 foot gap between the islands is a "guestimate;" the Troop running this event will need to practice it in order to determine the optimal gap that the Scouts can step across without having a Health and Safety issue for the smallest Scouts. No Scout should have to jump!

3) This is a "short" event time-wise. It is assumed that completing the three pallet course (i.e., bridging the two gaps) will take about 15 minutes for an inexperienced Patrol. If the Troop running this finds that they are able to accomplish the run easily in less than 10 minutes, then the event should be "doubled" by having each Patrol get to the far pallet, then return back to the original pallet. Obviously, this timing should be determined by experimentation with an inexperienced Patrol, not one that already has it down cold.

Supervision Needed: 1 Shadow Adult, 4 Senior Scouts

Don't forget to mark the scoresheets before allowing the Patrols to depart! Scoring is based on the attached Patrol Scoring Sheet; use a calculator to get it right! Patrols not finishing are scored DNF. Normalization by age will be accomplished by the Scoring Coordinator.

---

Walk the Plank Patrol Scoring Sheet

This is only to assist the Staff with Scoring Individual Patrols. Use a fresh copy for each new Patrol! When done, enter the calculated values on both the Patrol and Staff Scoring Sheets, and discard this properly (i.e., in a trashcan.)

Patrol Name:_________________________________and #: ____________ Troop # ___________

Number of Scouts in the Patrol: ___________

Total Time: ________________ plus any penalties = _____________________

Divided by the number of Scouts = __________ x 10 = ____________ (Enter this value on both scoring sheets.)

---

Home.
24 March 1998