We have received many excellent questions and requests for clarification on a number of issues facing us in Lewis and Clark District as we enter a new Scouting Year. The next district meeting is coming up on Tuesday September 2 at the Great Falls East StakeCenter. It was noted that the district calendar has the meeting at 7pm, which would be a change from tradition. If there are no major objections let’s try an even earlier time of 6:30 pm on September 2. We’ll discuss a proposal to make this a “permanent” change at the meeting itself to make sure it works for folks in the long term.
Next, I had a more in-depth conversation with council leadership about their feelings on Medicine River Scout Center. There is not a hearty appetite at this time on the council level for development of such a facility in any context or location. The council has been focused lately on orchestrating major improvements to our Montana Council Scout Camps. Improving our existing Scout Camp assets is a worthy goal from any perspective, and one that we on the district level should heartily support. I suggested that, taking advantage of coincidence, now is a great time to pursue something like MRSC, as well. The program benefits of a facility with the potential of Medicine River, it’s proximity and size, are hard to underestimate for our district. In the short period that we have occupied the site, it has served us well on a number of levels. The list of possible uses ranges from a permanent home for Cub Day Camp to episodic use for camporees, trainings, Courts of Honor, Crossover ceremonies. Even a council camporee is not out of the realm of possibility for this site. Long story short, I do believe if we can demonstrate that Lewis and Clark District, the home of the council headquarters, can promote, develop and utilize this site as a integral part of an excellent Scouting program, we’ll earn their blessing. That said, there is a great deal of work left to be done and we’ll need commitments from volunteers at every level to succeed. What this effort looks like will emerge from conversation amongst ourselves at District Meetings, Roundtables, Unit Meetings, Campouts etc. We’ll resume the discussion at the District Meeting on September 2, 6:30 pm.
Lastly, there were further questions about the year’s calendar and inaccurate or missing dates on the website calendar. We will flesh those dates out in the coming month, and hopefully arrive at something that resembles life as it happens, or die trying.
I’m looking forward to seeing a huge crowd of fired-up Scouters at the District Meeting. It’s going to be an exciting year – I promise.
Yours in Scouting,
Peter Jennings Chairman Lewis and Clark District Committee
Please note that in order to do the events that we wanted to do at Klondike we had to have a close in site. We will be doing a first ever YETI hunt at night instead of skits this year. We will teach you Curling and bring back Human Bowling with better sleds. We have scenarios for a brown or white Klondike so be prepared for both. We will be having prizes that will be awarded to patrols instead of individuals. We WILL make sure you will love this campout as we put a lot of thought into it.
Camping Committee Chairman
Forrest C LaBelle
—
Theme: This Camporee will be focused on endurance and coordination skills
Registration – fees – tour permits: Registration is $10 per person, payable in Scout office by 1/10/2014 at 4:00pm. We need the name of one adult from your troop to help with the judging. Remember you need to get a “Local Tour Permit” from the Scout Office. The “Tour Permits” will be checked when you arrive at the Camporee. You will not be allowed to camp or compete without a “Tour Permit”. This also means you must have at least “Two Deep Leadership” and at least one leader trained in “Youth Protection”. You should also have a copy of the “Medical Form” for each scout and each leader, in addition to “Parent Permission Slips” and a copy of “Guide to Safe Scouting”. Registration deadline is Jan. 10, 2014 ….WE NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY PRIZES TO BUY.
Check in: All troops need to check in with the camping committee when they arrive in camp. The camping committee needs to know the final numbers so that they may prepare for the contests AND PRIZES. The camping committee will also show/tell you where you can set up camp and where to park your vehicles. Campsites are generally assigned on a first come basis. Please check with the camping committee before parking, so that we may maximize the use of this area for all.
Check out: All troops need to check out with the camping committee before they leave camp. Failure to do so may result in loss of patches. Make sure your camp area is clean – “Leave no Trace”.
Patrol size: You should have a minimum of 3-4 scouts in a patrol and a maximum of 8-10 scouts. Small troops with small patrols may be added together so that the patrol may compete in events. In the scoring of the points for completion of an event, scores will be adjusted mathematically so that small or large patrols are not handicapped or given an unfair advantage.
Camping Committee Philosophy:
Adults are welcome to watch their boys compete.
The boys should have learned some skills prior to the contests.
The boys are to do the work, the adults just watch.
Troops/Patrols are not to be assisted by adult leaders.
The boys are to work together as a team; they start together and finish together.
The Senior Patrol Leader is the person leading their troop, and the Patrol Leader is the person leading his patrol.
A Scout will be a living example of the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Motto and Scout Slogan, and the will camp following the Outdoor Code.
The contests will be announced and explained as much as possible and as early as possible before the event.
Some contests by their very nature will not be announced or explained until right before the contest starts.
Contests & Competition:
Check In – 100 points
The “Tour Permit” is current and appropriate.
Medical Forms (adult and youth) are on site and available.
Parental Permission/Consent slips are on site and available.
2. Camp Site Setup, Organization – 100 points
The campsite shall be well laid out, neat & orderly, this includes inside the tents, too. Typical areas to include are: cut and uncut wood area/pile, ax yard, cooking area, camp kitchen, and wash area, etc.
Does your camp have the First Aid kit present and obvious? Are there water buckets/barrels available for fire? Is the fire place of approved design? Are tents correctly and neatly set up? Is there a spade/shovel available? Are extra rope/line and camp materials neatly stored? Has the original ground cover been removed? Is there a designated hand washing area? Is an approved ax yard neatly set up? Is there a proper dish washing area? Is food properly stored & is the area neat and clean? Are trash bags available & in use? Is the water stored to prevent leaking? Is the meal preparation area neat and clean, and are the meals served in a cleanly manner?
3. Flags – American, Troop – 100 points
50 points for the American flag
50 points for the Troop flag
4. Scout Patrol Name Competition….points vary
Each Patrol will be named after the KLONDIKE THEME. Most original name will be awarded additional points from a panel of expert Klondike judges. So in a sense you will rename your patrol’s for this event only, be creative and win additional points.
5. Klondike Sled Materials……200 pts
Each sled should have the following items…
Three poles 8 to 10 feet long
100 ft of rope
A tarp 8×10
A burlap bag
Three gallon jugs of water frozen
A #10 can…..( 1 gallon)
Three brooms….used
Fire building material including wood
A GPS device
A yardstick
Two shovels one big one small
Yeti bait
Yeti repellant
Survival kit
First aid kit
Survival food
1 water bottle per scout
Any extra items to build a brown scenario shelter
Lots of flashlights
6. Milk Jug Curling…..300 pts
Each patrol will Curl for points on an ice rink…..kind of like shuffleboard on ice…..You will need three frozen water jugs( one Gallon size) and two brooms
7. Water Machine….200 pts
Each patrol will construct a water making machine that will melt snow over a fire into a can that will have to be full….a # 10 one gallon can….you can look on line for ideas how to construct this device
This station will require each patrol to answer 10 survival questions and estimate a height and a distance…..timed event
9. Sled Balance…..100 pts
Each patrol must balance their sled over a round log……….timed event
10. Stump people pile….100 pts
Each patrol will see how many boys you can get on a stump …..you may have to borrow some people……I recommend you visit this station with your Troop to get extra people…You will be scored on how many you get on the stump.
11. Snowman or Sculpture Competition…..100 pts
Each patrol will build a Snowman or sculpture with snow if we get any….be sure to pack any items you want to use to build this
11b…Shelter Building…..200 pts
Patrols will build either a brown or white scenario shelter with items from their sled….can be done with the snow sculpture also can be done at your campsite….this is not a station event …this will be done after lunch during free time events
12. Foil Lunch Competition…..300 pts
At lunchtime we will provide a large fire pit to cook a foil pouch lunch. You will need to make an additional lunch for the Judges the pit for the judges is only for judges. ….scout meals will be cooked at your camp
Scored on
Originality
Presentation
Difficulty
Taste…………….and weather its fully cooked
13. Adult Coffee Competition…….scouts Cocoa Competition……Bragging rights and a mug!
Each Troop will concoct the very best coffee and cocoa to be judged by their peers…..contest will be on all day Saturday
FREE TIME EVENTS……….
Human Bowling
Curling
Hockey Shot
Gps Treasure Hunt……………..each patrol will get their own treasure to hunt
After lunch you will be allowed to do each of these
Time schedule will be given at Cracker barrel
Evening Yeti Hunt………….
Track the wily Yeti to his lair and bring him back to camp. Yes there will be blood and hair and carcasses to follow to his lair. Use your best tracking skills to find the Yeti
General Rules
Camping sites will be done on a first come basis.
One of the most important parts of a Klondike is to keep warm and dry. Each Scout must know what to wear. Winter weather is very changeable, requiring preparedness for any condition. A nice day can turn into a very cold night.
Your best protection is common sense. Dress in layers. Avoid working up a sweat, and stay comfortable by removing or adding layers. Cotton clothing is not good. Wool is.
Waterproof boots are essential. Wear good wicking socks.
A good wool or thermal hat is needed; it must be able to cover your ears. You can also wear it in your sleeping bag. A scarf is also important, to cover your neck.
Good gloves and a backup pair for each boy. The best for back-up is mittens in wool.
Scouts are more vulnerable to cold at meals, because they do not move around as much. Adults need to ask each boy if he is dry and not sweaty. If needed have them change clothes.
Clothing inspection…Unit leaders should visually inspect each boy before he hits the trail.
If the Camping Committee sees a boy unfit to task he mays be pulled from events.
Webelos – There will be no Webelo events at Klondike
NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE LODGE WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION.
Campfires are limited to rings or above ground unless restricted by USDA Forest Service. There will be minimal wood available so bring some and you are welcome to burn any trash wood you scavenge. Shovels and 5 gallons of water needs to be by each fire, and adult supervision at all times.
RV’s will be permitted only by adult leadership or for medical reasons.
No pets.
Pack in, pack out. Leave no trace.
There are two Porta Potties and no water so bring your own….You will also need fire wood
The Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America is pleased to offer the following summer camping opportunities. Each youth participant must be a registered Cub Scout, Webelos, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturer, Sea Scout or Explorer Scout. The registration fee to become a Boy Scout is $12 and is available at the Boy Scout Service Center, 820 17th Ave. South, Great Falls, MT., 761-6000 or www.montanabsa.org. Camp scholarships are available.
CAMP NAME: Lewis and Clark District’s Cub Scout Day Camp
DESCRIPTION, ACTIVITIES: With a theme of “Space Cowboys,” Cub Scouts (boys going into grades 1st-5th in the Fall) will have fun with games, nature crafts, Scout skills, first aid, skits, archery and BB gun shooting.
PUT ON BY: Lewis and Clark District, Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America
SESSIONS: June 12-14
WHERE: Medicine River Scout Center, Central Ave. West, Great Falls, MT
COST: $50 includes T-shirt and patch; $20 for Tiger Cubs (Tiger Cubs are boys who will be1st graders in the fall. Tiger Cubs attend camp Thursday, June 14th only and must have an adult accompany the Tiger Cub.)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Late registrations may be accepted if the camp has openings. Contact Camp Director Catherine Korona, (406) 788-1016, mikencat2211@yahoo.com.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: lcmtbsa.org. Scout leaders and Cub Scouts’ parents, are encouraged to serve as volunteer counselors. Camp Aides ages 14-17 are also needed. Day Camp volunteers’ children (potty trained -11 years) may participate in free Tot Lot. Contact Director for details.
CAMP NAME: Webelos Scout Rendezvous
DESCRIPTION, ACTIVITIES: Boys going into 4th and 5th grades experience camping activities, participate in archery, shoot BB guns, and learn pioneering and map & compass skills.
PUT ON BY: Boy Scout Troop 4, Great Falls
SESSION: June 8, 9, and 10th
WHERE: Medicine River Scout Center, Central Ave. West, Great Falls, MT
COST: $15
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Contact the Boy Scout Office, 761-6000 for details.
DESCRIPTION, ACTIVITIES: Webelos Resident Camp is an adventuresome 4 days and 3 nights camping experience for Cub Scouts entering the 4th and 5th grades this fall. Scouts will enjoy campfires, hikes and working on Activity pin requirements. Highlights include swimming, canoeing, and other water events at our lake. Webelos may participate in BB gun shooting, archery, crafts, and games. Meals are provided in the dining hall.
PUT ON BY: Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America
SESSIONS: July 29-August 1; August1-4th
WHERE: K- M Scout Ranch, in the north Moccasin Mountains near Lewistown.
COST: Youth: $95
Adults: $55
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Until sessions are full. Early registration is recommended.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: A Webelos Scout and their adult partner may attend by themselves or with their Cub Scout Pack.
Boy Scout Camps for Boy Scouts entering 6th-12th grades this fall:
K-M Boy Scout Camp
DESCRIPTION, ACTIVITIES: K-M Scout Ranch is a 640 acre property located in the Moccasin Mountains, approximately 20 miles north of Lewistown. Facilities include program areas complete with archery, rifle, shotgun and black powder ranges; a small lake with a wide range of aquatic activities, including swimming, canoeing, rowing, lifesaving, Mile Swim, snorkeling, and fishing; a Nature Hut; a new 35-foot Climbing wall, for climbing and rappelling; and a Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (COPE) course. Support facilities include the Flaming Arrow dining hall providing full food service, the Garrison fire-bowl, Harrison Lodge, trading post, first aid lodge, restrooms, and showers. An optional evening hike and campout to the ghost town of Kendall provides lasting memories.
PUT ON BY: Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America
Dates: July 9-15; July 15-21; July 22-28.
WHERE: K- M Scout Ranch, near Lewistown, MT.
COST: $215 for Scout, $75 for Adults. Fees include all dining hall meals.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Until sessions are full, but early registration is highly recommended.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Michelle Ferguson, Montana BSA Camp Registrar, 761-6000, mimalin@bsamail.org.
Kendall ghost camp again will be offered with a special ghost patch only for those that attend the overnighter. Spend the evening in Kendall and have a dusk hike to the cemetery.
The C.O.P.E. Course is composed of group initiative games, trust events, low elements (12 feet and under), and high elements (30 feet). Participants work on leadership, problem solving, communication, self confidence, trust, decision-making, and teamwork. Each element is carefully spotted or belayed to maximize safety while challenging the Scouts.
Camp Director Mike Carney is returning for his eighth year as K-M director.
CAMP NAME: Missouri River Trek
DESCRIPTION, ACTIVITIES: This high-adventure program is a 50-110 mile canoe trek through the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. Campers will paddle through the Missouri River Breaks National Monument, which includes segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Chief Joseph National Historic Trail and the Missouri Breaks National Backcountry Byway. Scouts may earn the Historic Trails and 50 miler patches, as well as the canoeing, fishing, and camping merit badges. Youth may attend individually, or with their Troop or Crew.
PUT ON BY: Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America
SESSIONS: July 9-15; July 15-21; July 22-28
WHERE: K- M Scout Ranch, in the north Moccasin Mountains near Lewistown.
COST: $350
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Spaces on the River Trek are limited, so early reservations are recommended.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: www.montanabsa.org. Low Impact Camping, Safe Swim Defense, and Safety Afloat are emphasized.
CAMP NAME: Melita Island
Melita Island Boy Scout Camp is a 64acre island with about2 miles of shoreline in Flathead Lake Traditional summer camp programs are offered, includingTrail to First Class, Scoutcraft, Nature and Field Sports. The major focus of Melita is its unique aquatics program, which includes swimming, canoeing, rowing, fishing, small boat sailing, lifesaving, water skiing, motor boating, mile swim, snorkeling, sail boarding, and BSA Lifeguard. Meals are served in the beautiful, historical Lodge. Other facilities include an amphitheatre, trading post, and showers. Older scouts 14-17 years old are challenged with the Advanced Campers Program featuring water sports, sailboarding, and snorkeling as well as a day’s excursion to Wild Horse Island.
Sponsored by: Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America
SESSIONS: July 8-14; July 15-21; July 22-28; July 29-August 4th.
WHERE: Melita Island, on Flathead Lake
COST: Scouts: $250. Fees include all dining hall meals.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Call 761-6000 to make a reservation for next summer.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: BSA Lifeguard Week is June 25-July 1st and costs $220.
CAMP NAME: Takachsin 2012
Throughout the six-day National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course, the Takachsin participants will be taught the concept of what a leader must be, what he must know, and what he must do. These concepts will be taught in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. The National Youth Leadership Training syllabus integrates the best of modern leadership theory with the traditional strengths of Scouting. Through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and audio/visual training, the NYLT participants will engage in a unified approach to leadership that gives them the skills and confidence to lead. Participants must be at least 13 years old, completed the 7th grade, and be a First Class Scout.
SESSIONS: June 24 – 30th
WHERE: Camp Arcola, next to the Pintler Wilderness, about 20 miles southwest of Anaconda, MT.
COST: Fee is $250 This includes all food, camping equipment (except tents), program and training materials.
Subject: Tower debris cleanup at MRSC March 25, 2012
Weather permitting, I’d like to have a 4 hour blitzkrieg at MRSC Sunday March 25 to cut up the towers and load into a dumpster. I need at least 6 men with circ saws, chain saws, sledge hammers, pry bars and the appropriate safety gear to get this handled. RSVP ASAP. If there are enough people planning to attend, I’ll come up with a chipper to run the giant brush pile through. Safety gear = gloves, eye protection, ear muffs, boots with nail resistant soles. Thanks Peter P.S. Unit leaders, DEs, DCs, etc please forward this to those you know.
Dear committee members, unit leaders, scouts and scouters,
I’d like to take another shot at getting a group of scouts and scouters out to the Medicine River Scout Center at Wadsworth Park to get some work done.
At this point, the priority is still to remove as much old, in-the-way junk and hazards as possible. We have two skeet towers on the ground that need to be broken apart. There are a couple dozen t-posts sticking up throughout our parade ground. If there is enough help on hand, we will clean junk out of the addition (kitchen, bathroom) part of the main building. I hope to have the garage cleaned out and ready for storage by the time we have our work day. There is likely some good salvageable material and a lot of junk. In either case we’ll make organized piles and some will go to the dump, while others will be recycled into something else – Adirondack shelters, patrol boxes, bird houses, heck, even rockers for granny if you have the motivation.
After looking at the district calendar, there emerge two weekends in October that seem to have some promise Oct. 8,9 and Oct 29,30. Unit leaders, please get this message to your scouts and parents. If unit leaders could please respond so I can get an idea of what weekend works for more people, we’ll schedule something within 2 weeks. We’ll need people to bring tools of all kinds – hammers, saws, prybars, screwguns – anything that you think might be useful for working on a scout center, i.e. anything! This will be a great opportunity to brainstorm about how we want to set up this facility – it’s in our hands now.
Wow, what a busy couple of weeks! For those of you that attended the Council Camporee, I am sure that you agree that it was an incredible event and an example of what a Scouting event can be with lots of great planning and enthusiasm.
This week brings us Cub Day Camp and a visit from our national Chief Scout Bob Mazzuca. Next week brings us the Independence Day Parade, as a number of units begin to leave for Summer Camp and City Commission action on our lease for the Medicine River Scout Center. Continue reading “Busy Scouting Weeks Ahead!”→
Over the past year, the Lewis and Clark District has been attempting to negotiate a lease with the City for use of the old skeet club at Wadsworth Park. This facility will be re-christened the “Medicine River Scout Center.”
Our District’s lease for the property with the City of Great Falls will be discussed as part of the City Commission consent agenda at 7 p.m. at the Great Falls Civic Center. A public hearing on the lease is scheduled for July 5 at the regular City Commission meeting — it would be great to have uniformed Scouts and Scouters representing the District at both meetings!
The theme this year is “MEDICINE RIVER POW-WOW”. There are just a few reminders to help make camp a rewarding experience for them. If your boy has special needs or anxiety problems, please let us know as early as possible so we can plan accordingly.
Drop-off is between 8:15 – 8:30 am. Pickup is at 5 pm. Friday will be the day Tigers can join us with a parent.
Campfire followed by a BBQ is on Friday. The Campfire starts at 4:30 pm and involves all of the boys. The BBQ will be after the Campfire. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.
Your son is in Den#___________ and will be given a __________________color camp T-shirt.
He will wear it every day. Please wash it every night so he is ready for the next day.
Do send a healthy packed lunch. Each Den will have a cooler to put the lunches in.
Don’t send pop. Send water.
Don’t let your son wear sandals. A good pair of Tennis shoes is the perfect attire.
Don’t send your son in shorts. Pants are required this year.
Do send your son in a Hat.
Do send a backpack.
Do send Sunscreen and Bug Spray.
Do send 20 pony beads and a 29 oz. empty can.
Don’t send a pocket knife to camp with your son.
Do Send a note if he is leaving early or being dropped off or picked up by anyone but you. If there is no signed note, we will not release him with anyone else until we have confirmation from you.
Don’t let your son bring any electronics or phones.
Scouters,
Get the word out to whomever you know that there will be a work day at the Medicine River Scout Center June 11 from 10:00 until we decide to quit. There will be tractors, dump trucks, big dumpsters and hopefully lots of people out there to get things whipped into shape. Load up the kids and granny too. Bring your own food and drink. Call Peter Jennings 868-3574 with questions. Thanks Peter
