Category Archives: Scoutmaster’s Page

Citizenship in the Community – First Class January 12

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I have heard from many people about the class.  I waited until vacation was over because I knew there would be some last-minute signups.  The last one arrived just minutes ago.

The vast majority voted for Monday.  But I will make every effort to work with the two who could not make it that day.  Let’s get the Monday class off the ground first.  Unfortunately, there are a few problems with that day as there are with all days.

Let us plan to meet the first time on the 12th of January starting at 3:45 PM in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room on the second floor of the Town Office Building.  That is the building at 1625 Mass Ave very close to the Post Office.

The next week is Martin Luther King Day so there will be no meeting.  Then we will have a meeting on January 26th, but then will miss another week because it looks like I have to be in Seattle that Monday.

But let’s get this thing off the ground.  Come to the first meeting and let’s discuss some options to perhaps shorten the class and not have to meet every other Monday.  Be prepared to discuss some alternatives such as meeting that second week on Tuesday instead of Monday.  I know–this scheduling stuff gets complicated.  And be prepared to tell me if we can meet at least a few minutes earlier than 3:45 PM.

Adults are welcome, by the way.  And needed, I might add, because we will need to form a Board of Selectmen for the last class which will be a Town Meeting to debate and vote on an article.

-Hank Manz

Winter camping

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(NOTE:  For more information on equipment and checklists and winter camping, check this part of the Troop website — The Webmaster.)

I have noticed a dropoff in those going on winter camping trips.  That is a concern since Scouting Is Outing.

If you are considering going on a winter trip, but are afraid that your equipment may not stand up to the elements, please talk to me at the next meeting.  The troop has available a couple of good quality down bags and a couple of fiberfill bags as well.  We have four backpacks which will work quite nicely to boot.

You can rent gear from REI at very attractive prices and you can reserve it ahead of time.  If you are not a member, join.

Although we like to brag just a bit about how tough we are and how close to nature we are on these trips, keep in mind that you can be warm and comfortable, even without spending several hundred dollars on the latest and greatest gear.  After all, the early conquests of Everest and the many polar expeditions were done long before fleece and polypro garments were invented.

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Lighting the bandstand

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From Scoutmaster Hank Manz:

Thanks to the energetic crew of Scouts and adults who showed up, the bandstand is now lighted.  I stopped by tonight–it looks good!  The tree needs a little work.  It is supposed to have larger lights and it will eventually have them, but an unfortunate accident caused the loss of the lights for that string so we will have to wait for replacements.  I expect them by next weekend.

The estimate of the number of strings needed was pretty close.  We said 29.  In fact, it took 27 which is why we had extra strings to temporarily use on the tree.

Thanks also to the generous donors who made it possible to do it this year so we didn’t have to wait a year.

One thing I forgot to do was to make a list of the volunteers who were there today.  So if you were there, send me a quick list of those you know were there.  Just send it to me–there is no need to send it to the whole list.  Send it to me by email.

And thanks again for the work today!

-Hank
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A Scoutmaster Minute 10/2

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This will not be my only message on this subject, nor should it be the last time you all think about it.  Rather, I hope this will be the start of a new emphasis on an important issue.

As I am sure you are aware, Scout troops should be led by Scouts rather than by adults.  Troop 160 embraces that concept wholeheartedly.  But I also realize that we cannot expect our youth leaders to have to carry unrealistic burdens as leaders.

Out of our summer camp experience, combined with our experiences over the past couple of years, I decided to talk with the older Scouts in the troop.  Something emerged from those talks and that is respect or, rather, sometimes a lack of it.

As I thought of ways to get this point across and to impress upon Scouts the need for a supportive environment within the troop, I came up with several ideas, all of which I rejected except for one.  Scouts are judged by, and judge themselves by, how well they live up to the Scout Oath and Law.  We have been doing it for nearly one hundred years.  We all repeat it at every meeting.  It cannot be something we simply say and forget.

Scouts elect their own leaders–the SPL, their Patrol Leaders.  But once elected, I need those leaders and all of the other youth leaders to be able to operate in a supportive environment.  Keep in mind, that during the year, all Scouts will lead at some point.  They will be quartermasters or scribes or grubmasters, or any one of a number of things which make a Scout-led troop work.

For every rank I have to sign off on something called Scout Spirit.  From this point on, the most important thing I will be looking for is an indication that a Scout has displayed respect.  Respect for your youth leaders.  Respect for your troop.  Respect for the program.  Ultimately, respect for yourselves as Scouts.

Things will not always go perfectly.  At times there will be chaos.  There will be failures.  But we must all share equally in both the good and the not so good.  And we all have to pitch in when needed to make things better instead of sitting back and complaining.

There will be more on this at the meeting tonight.  As a start, let’s fully support the SPL and the patrol leaders.  When the sign goes up, there should be quiet.  When there is work to be done we will ALL join in willingly.  If a leader needs assistance, then let’s give him the assistance he needs while keeping criticism to ourselves.

See you all tonight!

-Hank Manz