Home.1 October 2000
Greetings to All. This is the first of several belated Scoutmaster's Minutes. As noted in the last set of weekly notes, they will be shorter than my usual treatises. This one, however, does have some sections that are "normal length," because I or Ted G. wrote them last May (I just never finished it.) Anyway, enjoy.
Did you know that the Troop is highly unusual in giving out colored First Class, Star, and Life rank patches? We give these as a reward for passing the First Class Practical Exam. Note that these more brightly colored rank patches were added in the 1972 revision of the Scout Advancement Program, but were phased out in the 1990 revision. The primary complaint at that time was that too many American Boy Scouts looked like "Christmas trees" with all the brightly colored patches on their uniforms - this was especially noticeable and commented on (in a negative way) at the 1985 and 1989 National Jamborees. So, BSA National "drabbed down" the rank and position patches, using markedly dull colors on khaki twill; the current Scout, Tenderfoot, and Second Class rank patches that we use are examples of these "drabbed down" patches. Scouts in the Troop in 1990-91 voted to continue using the pre-1990 versions for First Class, Star, and Life - so we have, ever since (and no Scouts have complained!) [PS - In case you're wondering, BSA regs allow use of any prior insignia previously utilized in the program, all the way back to 1910!]
The Troop's perennial Spring expansion continues. Andrew F., a Scout briefly with Troop 895 in Falls Church, transferred into 111 in early April and was inducted with our seven other New Scouts (Michael C., Patrick D., Andrew F., Brad G., Ryan K., Anthony M. and Jimmy S.) at our last Court of Honor. Andrew has already been involved in three activities since joining - some competition for Matt G.! Welcome!
Starting off May's Advancement news was John J. Arthurs, the Troop's 67th Eagle Scout (5/9/00). John is the fourth Arthurs Eagle - older brother Michael, father Tim, and grandfather Marvin. His Honor role:
John's Eagle Project was finding, cleaning and/or polishing, categorizing and displaying or storing all of Yorktown H.S. athletic trophies, over 250 in all. A badly needed project, taking about 120 man-hours.
John is attending Wheeling Jesuit University.
Thanks to the Board of Review members Carl Doughman, John Manning, Gordon Pennington, and Jane Tuck.
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"Down on the farm," advancements at the May 21st Board of Review included:
Colin A. (TF)
Chris B. (1st)
Luke B. (1st)
John B. (2nd)
Jeffrey C. (1st)
Thomas S. (1st)
Neil S. (1st)
All New Scouts (Michael C., Patrick D., Andrew F., Brad G., Jimmy S., Ryan K., Anthony M., and Jimmy S.) earned Scout Rank
Congratulations to Each the above Scouts!
Finishing out April, we had three different activities on the last weekend. May was equally busy. Read On!
On Friday and Saturday, April 28th and 29th, Charles B. and Matt McE. became the two latest Troop 111 Scouts to pass their O/A Ordeal (at a non-BSA Camp near Fredericksburg), joining Brad J. and Stefan N. as the Troop's small but growing O/A contingent. Congrats to both!
On Sunday, April 30th, the combined Philmont Crews did an excellent job on their 50-Miler Award Service Project, planting approximately 175 seedling trees at the King St. East cloverleaf and Shirlington exits off of I-395 South. This supplemented two Troop 111 Eagle Scout projects from several years ago(Matt Berra and John Tuck), and replaced about 70 dead trees and augmented the more barren "interior" sections of both sites. Took nearly 7 1/2 hours start to finish, so far more than needed to pre-qualify for the 50-Miler Award for all participating trekkers. Troop 111 participants included: Charles B., Matt G., Daniel H., Dan H., Neal K., Matt McE., Stefan N., John P., Michael R., Steven S., and Chris W., and Eric W.
On April 30th, ten Scouts from Troop 111 went sailing on the Potomac River courtesy of GUST--the Georgetown University Sailing Team. The GUST sailors took the Scouts out in eight "FJs", small jib- and mainsail rigged racers. The day was bright, warm, and windy. The students, most of whom teach sailing as their summer jobs, went over safety rules and showed the Scouts the key parts of the sailboats. Then they paired up with Scouts to rig individual boats. After rigging on land, the Scouts wheeled the boats to the water and launched.
Windy conditions prevailed, so GUST used two motor launches to monitor the outing. They warned the Scouts that they capsize regularly in practice, as the boats are rigged for maximum speed, not stability. As it turned out, two launches were a good idea!
The boats sailed a "bow-tie" course in the shallow bay between National Airport and the Washington Sailing Marina. After some practice, GUST organized a few fun races--the Scouts got to see that sailboats try to charge up to the starting line just as the whistle sounds, turning what looks like chaos into a race.
Most of the Scouts capsized at one time or another (Steve S. capsizing first and most often!). The water was cold, but fortunately the sun was warm. The Scouts got to "hike out" over the water and learn how to handle a jib, work the tiller, tack, come about, run before the wind, and bail, Bail, BAIL!!! After the sailboats were pulled from the water, sails washed, and gear stowed, the Scouts and GUST sailors had sandwiches and snacks. GUST offered a repeat performance in the fall!
Scouts participating were Chris B., Andrew F., Todd G., Matt G., Will K., Jack O., Casey S., Steve S., Chris W., and Eric W., with adults ASMGlenn McGregor, Ted G., and Terry O. in tow. Hats off to Mike Callahan, the GUST head coach for offering the Troop this great opportunity, and to GUST sailors Pat Donegan, Peter Franze, Alec Barker (an Eagle Scout from Pennsylvania!), Liz Sampson, Lyndsey Bello, Shelly Wentworth, By Lamonte, Meredith Levey, Brent Stackhouse, and Scott Driskel!
Well, last year it was hail and a cold fog - this year it was incredible heat (93 degrees, under a blazing sun) and humidity! Nevertheless, Projectoree 2000 was a great affair for Troop 111, as 5 Patrols joined and competed against 17 fellow Patrols from throughout Arlington and McLean. Events included the Bangalore Torpedo, Caber Toss, Cave Rescue, Egg Toss, Firebuilding Race, Hot Lava Rescue Relay, Kim's Game Race, Nuclear Reactor, Obstacle Course, and Radioactive Basketballs. Coming in First Place was Troop 111's World Famous Scooters Patrol, with 45 points - an amazing 13 points better than the second place Patrol, Troop 638's Supersonic Flying Squirrels. But we weren't done yet, as the Burning Pants placed Third with 77 points, and the Stonecutters grabbed the last ribbon for Eighth Place with 109 points. The Ungrateful Dead/Savage Horde (combined) and Spectre Patrols placed 15th and 18th, respectively. All in all, a great showing for 111.
After the competitions, we also won the Scoutmaster's Chariot Race by over 2 minutes (and I lived through it, too!) The closing campfire featured Ryan K. retiring one of the worn-out American Flags, and a great set of skits and songs (our best ever.) Other than the oppressive conditions (equal to the worst weekend of this past summer), our best Projectoree yet.
Participants included: Chris B., Luke B., Charles B., John B., Tom C., Matt C., Michael C., Patrick D., Drew DeL., Ray DiN., Max D., Kenny E., Andrew F., Sam F., David G., Todd G., Matt G., Dan H., Will K., Ryan K., William L., Daniel M., Anthony M., Matt McE., Stefan N., Jack O., Jay P., Patrick P., John P., Dale R., Michael R., Thomas S., Casey S., Carl S., Jimmy S., Charlie S., Neil S., Steven S., Dan T., Nick T., JJ T., and Tom W.
Heading deeper into May, we held our first Philmont Shakedown on Saturday, May 20th, on the C&O Canal, from Point of Rocks south. The first shakedown emphasizes training in equipment setup and use, and was particularly important this year since so many of the Scouts going to Philmont had minimal backpacking experience. In deference to the unusually cold and drizzly weather - what a contrast to the Projectoree Weekend just 2 weeks earlier!!! - we did our initial gear review in the Parish Center Hall - taking almost 2 hours to do so, but better than being miserable for an even longer lecture in the drizzle at Point of Rocks. Then off for Point of Rocks.
Backpacking "south" on the C&O Canal went fairly easily, and we proceeded according to plan, doing our camp entry protocol, tent, tarp, stove and bear-bag review at Noland's Ferry. Assisting an injured biker offered a brief interlude, as did some salient comments from a Philmont experienced Scoutmaster from Pittsburg who stopped by (he recognized what we were doing immediately.) However, things went downhill from there. We were told that a biking group (about 7 people) was already camped at our planned campsite (Indian Flats), with "5 to 10" more bikers expected to arrive later. After some debate, we decided to return to our lunchtime campsite (Calico Rocks), which is a considerably poorer site, but (therefore) rarely used. So, back 3 miles, only to find the site fully occupied by a Cub Scout group that had canoed in via the Potomac! The secondary campsite area (closer to the river) was soaking wet and clearly deer tick heaven with lush, waist high grass and vegetation - no thanks! We asked the Scouts if they preferred to try and cram in next to the cubs, or head on home and make up the lost night during Shakedown #2. After a 5 minute debate, they unanimously agreed to Plan B, so we were back on the trail, then home by 8 (with a Mickey D's in Leesburg for dinner.) About 8 miles backpacking in all. It was 51 degrees and drizzling out when we finished the hike. Incredible.
Troop 111 Scout participants included: Charles B., Matt G., Daniel Ho., Dan Hu., Neal K., Matt McE., Stefan N., John P., Michael R., Steven S., and Chris W., and Eric W.
On Saturday May 20th, six of Troop 111's new scouts and four new dads headed down to Pohick Bay for a one-night new Scout campout. Recent Eagle John Arthurs checked out the Scouts on their camping gear and packing, giving them many helpful tips from his years of camping experience. With Dr. Bob and the three Philmont crews out on the C&O Canal for a training hike, we caravaned down in two station wagons and a Honda, proving that if you pack it right, you can fit in a lot of stuff! The weather was cool and cloudy, and the campground was very wet from the previous day's rain, but the threatened rain didn't materialize until nighttime.
We picked campsites in the small loop at the far end of the family campground, away from most of the RVs and monster trucks that populate drive-in campgrounds these days. The Scouts first pitched tents under John's supervision, then tackled erecting a tarp over one of the picnic tables and hooking up the propane stove and lantern. After camp was set up, we headed over for a round of Frisbee golf. The cool and threatening weather meant that we had the entire course to ourselves, and we took full advantage! After the golf, we returned to the campsite for cleanup and dinner. Ryan K. had bought and prepared the food, and Anthony M. and Andrew F. sauteed chicken and sausage, cooked rice and veggies, and put together a delicious chicken casserole, accompanied by big french rolls and gatorade drink. Very few leftovers, indeed!
Knowing that the campground wood would be wet, we took dry kindling on the trip. The Scouts started a fine tepee fire that dried out the local campground firewood and resulted in a very successful campfire. After a abortive attempt at doing JiffyPop popcorn over the open fire, the Scouts made four batches of popcorn on the stove and put away plenty of cookies in between roasting marshmallows! We also checked out the neighbors, including one amazing setup where Mom and the kids were watching a video in a three-room tent while Dad sat by a roaring fire, listening to WMZQ on the van stereo. Yep, this is roughing it, American style!
After a late turn-in, the rain settled in, but stopped by morning. After breakfast of cereal, juice, milk, and donuts we headed down a trail to the water. The campground sits on a bluff on the southern shore of Pohick Bay, and the trail runs right along the top of the bluff, descending to the boat launch area at the park. There were many recently fallen trees of spectacular size along the route, and the steady course of erosion into the bay was evident along the bluff--so we got to see both the sudden destruction of a powerful storm and the patient, slow work of water over time. We returned and packed up wet tents and tarps and headed back to St. Agnes, arriving around 10:15am for a quick cleanup of the gear. A very successful new Scout trip!
Participants were: Mike C., Patrick D., Andrew F., Ryan K., Anthony M., and Jimmy S. New dads in tow with Ted G. were Ed C., Merle F., Mike R., and Mark M. Many thanks again to John Arthurs for starting these new Scouts off on the right foot!
The Spring Court was a huge affair, with over 200 people in attendance (perhaps as many as 250.) Highlights included Father Gould's last invocation as St. Agnes' Pastor, the induction of 8 new Scouts, the awarding of Senior Scout orange tabs to 6 new First Class Scouts, the awarding of several 50 Miler Awards, five 50/20 Alonzo Stagg medals, a bunch of 25/10 certificates, several Community Service Awards, and (last but certainly not least) the inductions of Eagle Scouts Brendan Macdonald (#66) and John Arthurs (#67). A great evening!
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- Dr. Bob
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