Monthly Archives: June 2008

Health and Safety in Scouting

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From Scoutmaster Hank Manz:

As I am sure all of you know, four Scouts were killed during an NYLT course at a camp in Iowa.  Last night several news outlet began to spice up their stories by comparing what happened in Iowa to accidents at Scout and non-Scout camps.  One longish piece urged parents to check for camp safety.  Others led off with a rehash of the accident at the last Jamboree involving the erection of a tent too close to a power line.

Checking for camp safety is an excellent idea.  Scouting takes safety seriously and a major reason I like both Camp Bell and Hidden Valley is the emphasis they place on safety.  We are a Scout-led troop, but notice that we also emphasize that adults are there to monitor health and safety.

The news stories comparing the Iowa tragedy to other accidents is incorrect in that this was a tornado.  A totally unpredicted and unexpected tornado.  You have to have seen what a tornado has done to really appreciate the force of one.  A tornado can obliterate an entire town.  The tornado was not an accident somehow caused by inattention or inaction on the part of the Scouts.

The Globe this morning has a better take on what happened.  Note that the Scouts were prepared.  Note that the Scouts participated in their own rescue and recovery efforts.  Note that they took positive action as soon as the storm had passed.

Since links to newspapers grow stale rapidly, I am also pasting in the text of the story below the fold.

http://tinyurl.com/68lcqb
Continue reading →

Permanent orienteering course

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One of the requirements for First Class that’s often hard to get is Orienteering. It’s not so much that it’s very difficult as that it’s often difficult to find a convenient course. One approach is to go to one of the occasional orienteering events in the area. Another is to use this permanent course that’s been set up in Milford, New Hampshire. There’s a link to the site on our Resources page, as well. Just print out the map and take it along.

Bike rack installation for Hastings School

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The bike rack installation last Saturday went very well.  We learned how to mix concrete (like Bisquick one should lean toward dry rather than wet), how to dig conservative postholes, how to deal with big rocks, and how to pour concrete.  The rain squall didn’t slow the crew down at all.

Thanks to all who helped–Cole, Drew, and Harry from the Scouts and Joe, Mike, Andy, and Hank from the adults.  The adults didn’t have to do much–the Scouts did most of the real work.

We have had very nice thank you notes from the organizers and from the principal of the school.

-Hank

A Scoutmaster Minute May 29, 2008

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HASTINGS BIKE RACK PROJECT

The two troops are going to install a serpentine bike rack at Hastings School this Saturday starting at 10:30 AM. There is a chance that rain will wash us out so it may not happen. I don’t have a rain date because Sunday is impossible and next weekend is worse. If you are thinking of coming and can’t figure out if it is raining hard enough to cancel, call my cell at 617-620-5011.

This is not a huge project. We are going to dig two three foot deep postholes and pour a little concrete. Andy Dixon will be the project manager for this one since he knows how to construct footings and how to mix concrete.

Hastings School is off Mass Ave on Crosby Road which is near School Street and the Methodist church. There is parking to the side of the school.

Work gloves and sturdy shoes are ALWAYS a good idea. I will provide safety glasses. I am guessing that it may take until 1:00 PM but it depends on how many large objects we hit while digging.

YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING

Youth protection training consists of a film and then a Q & A session if needed. As I mentioned in the recent parent meeting about YPT, Scouting is different in that it includes the Scouts in the training.

The film will be shown for Scouts next Thursday. Parents are welcome to sit in on the film so that they can monitor what the training consists of. If there are any concerns, please contact me or John Woodhouse, the Troop Committee chair. If you wish to preview the film, please come to the meeting no later than 7 PM.

ADVANCEMENT CRUSH

If you have attended a First Year program at either Bell or Hidden Valley and are not yet First Class, check out the requirements in your handbook and then show up at the meeting early next week. Be sure to read the requirements first so you are ready to do stuff like tie the required knots. There will be at least a couple of leaders there by 6:30 PM.

FLAG DAY

Another Town ceremony is coming up fast. Flag Day will be celebrated on Monday, June 16th starting at 7 PM. It should be over by 7:30 PM. There will be no marching.
Every year the Elks give a new flag to the Town and the changeover is made at this ceremony.

All Scouts and leaders are encouraged to attend. I will need three Scouts, preferably older Scouts, to help fold the old flag. We will also have three from Troop 119 since it takes six Scouts to fold a flag this size. We will have a runthrough at our meeting next Thursday just to make sure we remember how to fold a flag.

Hank Manz