BSA Troop 373 Smoke Signals

SCOUTMASTER’S MINUTE

by Bill Neidt

Troop 373 Report Card--a "B" Average On August 19th, we held our second adult-leader retreat to evaluate the six "Legacy 2001" goals established a year ago to improve Troop 373. The next day, the newly elected Patrol Leader Council also rated these goals. Here are the mid-term grades for this two-year plan:

1. Improve our effectiveness in meeting the needs of younger, middle and older Scouts. GRADE = B

2. Vary our outings more so that they are fresh and challenging for all Scouts. GRADE = B+

3. Add spice and variety to our evening troop meetings by balancing the programs with speakers, demonstrations, hands-on activities, patrol meetings, advancement activities and games. GRADE = C

4. Continuously focus on achievement by providing opportunities for rank advancement, merit badges, mentoring, special awards and Eagle counseling. GRADE = B

5. Maintain the delicate balance between boy leadership and adult support. GRADE = B

6. Focus more on the patrol method by improving patrol structure, meetings and pride. GRADE = B

Of course, a "B" average is a good rating, one which reflects lots of work and planning by Scouts and adults. Still, we need to strive toward raising this average to an "A" by August, 2001 if we want to be all that we can be. If each of us pledges "On my honor I will do my best" to achieve these goals, then I'm sure we will be successful It's still a wonderful troop--with a wonderful past and a wonderful future.

Philmont! What an experience! Of all the summer trips to go on, this one definitely stands out. This summer about 22,000 Scouts from across the United States came to Philmont Scout Ranch in Northern New Mexico. At Philmont, you do all sorts of things like horseback riding, black-powder rifles, burro racing, rock climbing--and one of my personal favorites--shotgun shooting. The two treks that Troop 373 selected were very long and strenuous. Both included about 60 to 70 miles of hiking over all kinds of terrain. We had two crews, one with 11 people and the other with 12 (8 adults and 15 Scouts). When you're at Philmont, your pack becomes your "house" and your life. It often weighs between 40 and 50 pounds, so you need to be in great physical condition to carry it on your back. From 6:00 am to about 2:00 pm, you're backpacking non-stop, with the exceptions of lunch, water and "nature" breaks. Some days you hike until supper before arriving at your destination. All in all, Philmont is a wonderful and exciting experience. Don't miss it while you are in Scouts!

The two treks started off by arriving at Philmont together, then we got separated into 2 different crews, or trekking groups. The other group included the Kelley’s, the Loftis’s, the Neiber’s (and their cousin Ryan), the Swalm’s, and the Maack’s. I was in a group with my mom, my brother (Sean), the Ledger’s, the Dickman’s, the Neidt’s, and 3 friends from a different troop (637); their names are Adam Brindle, Josh Khotz, and Ian Biggs. We were assigned a Ranger, named Alan, he had a gigantic beard. He was to spend the first 2 days with us and show us what to do.

On the first day we hiked to Vaca camp where we spent our first night. The next day we hiked the long distance (less than a mile) to Harlan camp where we got to make and shoot our own shotgun shells. Then at night we got to burro race, that was a lot of fun. We hiked to Ute Springs the next day. The days in between went by so fast and were so much fun that to tell you it all would take four pages, so I will just summarize them. We hiked up MT. Phillips, we fired black powder rifles, we rode horses, and the next I knew we were on the last day on the trail and even though we had our fair share of difficulties and problems along the way I felt that we all had fun. The most rewarding part of the trip was to see how my brother and my friends got along with the rest of the trek. Josh was the crew leader and an outstanding one at that. I knew that I would never forget the experience.

Our two treks were joined again on the last day. They also had a great time. We went to the closing together. I can’t tell you about the closing campfire, you will just have to go see it for your self.

The trek started with car camping at Turquoise Lake by Leadville, then we dropped cars at the end point and went to bed. The next morning we shuttled the packs and crew to the trailhead. The group included the Kelley’s, the Loftis’s, the Neiber’s, the Maack’s, the Dickman’s, Kris Khohtz, my mom, dad, my brother Kyle and I. The first day we hiked to Mt. Massive. That night we cooked and put up bear bags. The next day we hiked from Mt. Massive to Mt. Elbert. A few of the kids played hide and go seek. Then we went to bed early so that we could climb Mt. Elbert the next day. When we woke up it was raining and freezing cold. So we decided not to climb Mt. Elbert and go home. It was a great Philmont preparatory trip going 22 miles in 2 and half days. Everyone had fun.

Sea Base was the adventure of a lifetime. It is truly one of the most enjoyable high adventure camps. However, it requires the least amount of work! From the day we arrived at Sea Base, the counselors made us all feel at home. Their hospitality was unbelievable! The view was incredible as well. The ships were all lined up in the harbor gently bobbing on the light ripples. At sunset, this made for an exceptional photo opportunity. The next day, after the swim test, we met our captain and loaded our gear and limitless supply of food on to the Antares, our 40 foot sailing boat. We sailed out into the ocean with a Scout crew member at the helm, which we all got our chance to man. On the first two days, the wind was horrible and a couple of scouts became seasick. Due to the lack of wind on the next four days, we did not get to do much sailing but used the motor instead, which cruised along at an average of six or seven knots. About three times a day, the captain would find a particularly nice snorkeling area on one of the numerous reefs. There was such an amazing variety of coral and sea creatures of all kinds. To say the underwater scenery was incredible would be an understatement. Hundreds of sparkling fish would swim just a few inches from our faces. Unfortunately, that variety of fish and sea creatures also included barracudas, a diver's worst nightmare. The mere glimpse of one of these underwater predators was enough to send everyone in a different direction. We also saw several fascinating sharks. During the trip, our crew spent two nights in Key West. We strolled around town the entire day. The seafood was fresh and delicious. At night there were street performers in the town square. One juggled flames while riding a ten foot unicycle. In addition to snorkeling and Key West, the crew did some fishing as well. I actually caught a barracuda on a trolling rod. It put up a great fight. After six nights on the boat, we sailed back to the base were we participated in a wonderful luau. All the crews performed skits. Sea Base has truly been my best outing as a Boy Scout. Not only was it a time to have fun with friends, but we all learned how to live on and navigate a sailing boat. Some of the responsibilities included steering the vessel, raising the sails, cooking, and cleaning it thoroughly. I would recommend this adventure for any Scout.

If you would like to receive up-to-the-minute updates on Troop activities, please send your email address to: jlloftis@earthlink.net

You will receive the Calendar, Smoke Signals, and occasional notices of events and schedule changes. Please include your name in your message, particularly if it is not obvious from the address!