Seven Bridges Campout

June 12 & 13, 2009

Seven Bridges Campout

Located roughly 20 miles southeast from Reedsport and deep within the Elliot State Forest, we made our camp along the tail end of the Seven Bridges Road. We don't often make it to such isolated locations. But with Chet Evans' as our guide we had no difficulties whatsoever. And, of course, it was well worth it. The beauty was serene and camp felt like home. Just down a small hill from our camp ran the West Fork Millicoma River. On the other side of the river jutted a 200+ foot moss covered cliff. After we arrived and pitched our tents the sun began to poke through the morning clouds. Swimming was on everyone's mind. But that would have to wait until after the five mile hike. On the hike we figured that our average step was about 2.5 feet and we were going about 100 steps every minute and ten seconds. In eleven minutes we were walking roughly 1000 steps or 2500 ft. That would make our mile time about 22-25 minutes. We started around 12:30 and arrived back to camp around 2:30 - 3:00 PM. Avery lead the troop to the midpoint of our journey. We couldn't get him to slow down. Derek Kennedy, Preston, and Clay wanted to run some of the way back to camp. How do these guys have so much energy? By the time the last of us finally made it back to camp everyone was already in the river. Derek had suffered the first and only creek-based injury (other than scrapes and bruises) with a small cut to the knee. OUCH!! But he toughed it out and didn't complain--what a stud!! After that he assumed the role of photographer and captured some of Troop 721's most priceless moments on the campout--slippin, slidin, snorklin, and skippin on the river. Dinner time rolled around and out popped the chili and tin foil dinners. Nothin tastes as good as a good ole tin foil dinner in the deep woods. Dessert topped off the evening with dutchoven apple cobbler and smores. Perhaps the highlight of the campout was the flag retirement ceremony led by Ken Lamph. A full size United States flag, which had proudly served its time for over a year at the coast guard station, was presented to the scouts. As Ken and Chet made each of the 13 folds each scout read aloud the meaning of each fold: life, eternal life, veterans, trust in God, tribute to our country, our heart, armed forces, Jesus, womanhood, fatherhood, glory to God, and the last fold reveals the stars representing our nations motto--"In God We Trust". Finally, as the flag is completely folded and tucked in it takes the appearance of a cocked hat--forever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and Captain John Paul Jones, and all of those who followed serving in the United States armed forces who help preserve our rights, privileges and freedoms that we enjoy today. Once folded for the last time Ken and Chet honorably unfolded the flag and presented it for the last time and led us in the pledge of allegiance. For me, the tears swelled from within. At last, Ken and Chet folded the flag in half and placed it on the fire. I hope the boys felt the same way I did as the fire blazed. There seemed to be an entire story being told of all the sacrifices made and honor displayed beneath the colors of our red, white, and blue--all while the flag was majestically burned beneath the starry sky. And with that we retired to our tents with few words being spoken. I hope that this night will also have burned within each one of the scout's heart a love and respect for the country in which we live.

We awoke the following morning with a gentle rainfall allowing everyone to sleep in as long as we preferred. Derek Kennedy spearheaded a morning run which I hope becomes a tradition at each campout hereafter. The route he chose to take was straight up hill. It had all of us (Derek, Preston, Brian Lacouture, and myself) gasping for air. We braved at least five miles (okay, maybe it was only a mile and half--but it seemed like five miles) before turning back and 'rolling' back down the hill. Upon arriving back to camp we had a late breakfast and Chet helped lead some of the boys through a small orienteering course that Zack and Braden had set up the day before. Then we broke down camp, after which the boys were able to try their marksmanship with the single action 22 caliber rifle.

A big thanks to Chet Evans and Ken Lamph for providing their time and support. Without them the campout couldn't have happened as most of the other leaders had to work. Also a big thanks for each one of the well behaved scouts who make me proud to be their scoutmaster. Thanks to Brian and Mark who made a late appearance and to all of the parents for trusting us with their young sons. I hope that the experience was as a pleasure to all as it was to me.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Metal Working

Project: Build a metal tool box.

Step One: Draft the tool box on an actual size template sheet.

After teaching the basics of metal working, Ken Lamph showed the scouts how to transfer an idea onto paper. Every one looks forward to being able to take their drawings to the shop and to create the real thing.

January 2009: Snowshoes and Snowcaves

Destination: West View Shelter off of the Pengra Pass Trail in Willamette Valley.
Objective: Snowshoe into camp. Build a snow cave. Survive the night.

We arrived at the trail head by 11:00 AM. Excited to try out our snowshoes, we set off. West View Shelter is only 3/4 of a mile from the trail head. But I've got to admit, a 3/4 mile hike with snowshoes, a backpack, and pushing an overloaded snow sled seems more like 5 miles. But it didn't take long to arrive at our destination.

The boys played around for a while. Preston must have been excited because he neglected to put on his snow gloves. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. The boys made lunch and then began to build a snow shelter.

There are different ways to build a shelter. One way is to dig a hole into the snow and. . .jump in. We chose the "tarp" method. This method is accomplished by digging into the snow an area large enough to accommodate all members of your crew. This proved to be somewhat of a challenge for five temporarily homeless scouts. Everyone worked hard. Especially Alex. After the pit was dug. The next step was to find enough fallen timber to spread across the top--sturdy enough to withstand 6 inches of snow insulation (R value of -19). Luckily, a tree had recently fallen nearby (not very encouraging for snow cave dwellers). There were plenty of sturdy branches that would fill the bill. With a tarp spread across the snow floor and a tarp covering the timber the shelter was ready to be "insulated". We dumped heaps of snow onto the shelter testing its structural integrity. To everyone's dismay, the shelter collapsed. The center brace had been an old decaying log apparently not measuring up to the snow cave building code. This devastating turn of events raised doubts about sleeping in a snow cave. However, we found a new log--this one much more sturdy, and threw into place. One of the boys walked across it to prove its strength. And. . .with all of our light disappearing by the second, we all joined efforts to reroof the cave. This time it was a success. Strong. Insulating. Large. Warm. Cozy. Okay maybe not warm, and maybe not cozy. But, it was an adventure none the less.




















Chugging chili, sipping hot cocoa, and procrastinating retiring to our caves.

Physical Fitness

Activity description: We met at the middle school field and track area to work on the physical fitness requirement. We recorded how many push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups we could do, as well as how far we could jump and how fast we could run (400 meters or one lap around the track). We had fun cheering each other on and trying to achieve our personal best. We discussed the importance of regular physical activity and set the goal of getting 60 min. of physical activity most days. Note: Avery and Preston attended on June 25; Clay and Jacob attended on Aug. 27.

Tenderfoot Requirement #10: Record your best in the following tests: Push-ups, Pull-ups, Sit-ups, Standing long jump, 1/4-mile walk/run. Record them again 30 days later; show improvement in the activities listed after practicing for 30 days.

Faith in God: Developing Talents. Plan a physical fitness program for yourself that may include learning to play a sport or game. Participate in the program for one month.

Home assignment: Track your physical activity for 30 days (e.g., walking, biking, swimming, yard work, playing a sport or game, etc.). Bring a written record of your physical activity to our next two Scouting activities.

We also challenge the entire family to spend one hour outdoors most days. Unplugging your family from the TV, computer, or video games and replacing that time with a "green hour" will increase your physical activity and build family relationships.

Summer Swimming

Activity description: We met at the indoor pool in Mapleton for a summer evening swim. We discussed safety and demonstrated water rescue methods. We also had the chance to show off our swimming and diving skills. We hit the Dairy Queen afterwords for "refreshment".

Second Class Rank Requirement #7:
a) Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe swim. b) Demonstrate your ability to jump feet first into water over your head in depth, level off and swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming, then return to your starting place. c) Demonstrate water rescue methods by reaching with your arm or leg, by reaching with a suitable object, and by throwing lines and objects. Explain why swimming rescues should not be attempted when a reaching or throwing rescue is possible, and explain why and how a rescue swimmer should avoid contact with the victim.

Maps & Compasses

Activity description: We practiced interpreting a map and reading a compass, then planned a five-mile hike we could complete on our next campout. We also reviewed the story of Lehi receiving the Liahona as a gift from God. We compared the Liahona to the gift of the Holy Ghost, which guides us on our journey through life. When we have faith and are obedient, the Holy Ghost can be our constant companion.

Second Class Rank Requirement #1:
a) Demonstrate how a compass works and how to orient a map. Explain what map symbols mean.
b) Using a compass and a map together, take a five-mile hike (or 10 miles by bike) approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian.

Faith in God: Learning and living the gospel. Mark these verses about the Holy Ghost in your scriptures: John 14:16–17, 2 Nephi 32:5, and Moroni 10:5. Discuss ways the Holy Ghost helps you.

Home assignment: Mark the scriptures listed above. Discuss the verses with a parent or with your family at family home evening. Tell of a time when the Holy Ghost has helped you as a comforter, guide or teacher.

To Be a Pioneer

Activity description: The Scouts met with the entire Primary for a quarterly activity day on Saturday. We started off learning how to do a pioneer's chores. The younger children washed clothes and hung them to dry on a line. Older children (including the Scouts) were to chop and haul firewood. Each person took a turn at "milking the cow" and churning the butter as well.

When the chores were done we gathered around the campfire for some butter and biscuits, pioneer stories, games and songs. Sis. Wherity even brought her fiddle! We then made edible covered wagons and packed a handcart for our journey west. We came to an "icy stream" (wading pool) and cooled ourselves off...which got us in the mood for riding horses. Luckily Sis. Hamill arrived with two of them, and gave each of us a chance to ride!

Second Class Rank Requirement #2: Demonstrate proper care, sharpening, and use of the ax. Use the ax to prepare fuel for a fire.

Faith in God: Learning and living the gospel. Prepare a pedigree chart with your name and your parents’ and grandparents’ names...share a family story.

Home assignment: For family home evening, share stories about your own ancestors. How did they demonstrate the faith, courage and hard work of a pioneer?