troop 575 newslettertroop 575 newsletter february 2003, volume 10, issue 2 boy scout troop 575,...

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Freezoree Campout a success!

Article by Scout Craig F. At 5:30 p.m. on Friday January 24 we left Sacred Heart of Mary on our way to the Air Force Academy for the Freezoree. We arrived around 7:30 p.m. and pitched our tents in the freezing cold. Luckily, it wasn’t too windy so we were able to pitch our tents without too much difficulty.

The next morning we woke up and after a quick meal of eggs in a bag went to our first activity. The first thing we did was the scout trivia challenge. We tied the team we were competing against, but didn’t do exceptionally well. The next thing we did was a relay race, which consisted of tying knots, reciting the scout oath, a three-person carry, three-legged race, and hauling a pole. We came in third out of four. Next we visited the tug-of-war station. We came in first out of the whole Freezoree in that event and later got a ribbon!

Troop 575 Newsletter

February 2003, Volume 10, Issue 2 Boy Scout Troop 575, Louisville, Colorado

Climbing at Galyans Feb 11 Troop Elections Feb 18 Klondike Feb 28-Mar 2 Paradise Rock Gym Climbing Mar 8

Feature Article………1 Regular Features…….4 Scout of the Month/Scout Articles…...5-6 Future Activities and Campouts…..7 Troop Business….....9 Quiz Answers/ Calendar 12-13

Troop 575 Scouts at USAFA Falcon Stadium-January 2003

February 2003 Troop 575 Newsletter

Freezoree (cont)

After that, we competed in a tent setup, where we had a blindfolded person (Sam) and a person who couldn’t talk (Aaron) and a person who couldn’t use his hands (Craig) and one more who was not disabled (Michael). We put up our tent in 1 minute, 25 seconds, which was second best time and we got a ribbon for that too.

In the afternoon there was a show that consisted of the Academy dogs, the Freshman Honor Guard, and trained Falcons. It was really a neat thing to watch.

After that we competed in hot

isotopes, first aid, team challenges, and knot tying. We didn’t get any prizes for those, but we got pretty close in first aid. The team challenges were a lot of fun.

Later we had a dinner of stew and went to bed. On Sunday morning we ate breakfast, packed up, cleaned

up and after our traditional closing song we were on our way. Freezoree was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it. It was a great experience

and I’d love to do it again. I’m sure others feel likewise.

Way to pull Scouts!! Troop 575 won a first place ribbon in the Freezoree Tug of War Competition!

That’s some fire! Flames from the traditional Saturday night bonfire reached 30 feet in height

How fast can you set up a tent? Troop 575 came in second place!

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Albert Einstein


Freezoree (continued)

Don’t anybody fall off! Troop 575 cooperates to pass a piece of wood during the “cross the lava pit” team building activity. Anyone who fell off was “in the hot lava.”

Hold that rope tight! Mark K. crosses on two ropes to rescue ‘Baby Jimmy’ from the hot lava!

Top left: Troop 575 works together to pick up a can in the “hot isotopes” competition. Middle left: Aaron F. relaxes in his tent.


Regular FeaturesAsk the SPL!

Hi! This is your SPL Jordan G. again with an update on some of your questions. The first one this month is:

1. What are your goals in scouting?

One goal that I would like to achieve (and you probably want to achieve too) is earning my Eagle Scout rank. I also would like to earn my Eagle palms as well. Those are the two main goals that I have wanted to achieve throughout my scouting career.

The second question I received was: 2. What are some good reasons to run for a

leadership position? Well, we all want to advance in rank and in order to do that you need to hold a leadership position. But there are a lot of other pluses about holding or even running for “office.” You are really well respected and looked up to by the younger scouts. And one of the coolest reasons for being a leader in our troop is that you get to have a big say in what campouts we go on and what activities we do at meetings.

I think that is about it and remember-you can always come up and talk about any other questions you might have for me.

Jordan G.

Scoutmaster’s Corner As I near the end of my term as Scoutmaster, I cannot help but feel emotional. That is because I feel so strongly about what Scouting can offer to boys. It is especially gratifying to see a young rambunctious boy grow into a young man and earn his Eagle Scout rank. This has happened several times over the last six years and I am truly privileged to have been a part of it. Since this is my last column as Scoutmaster, I have something to say to each of you. First and foremost, we all need to thank and support Steve Kinz in his upcoming role as Scoutmaster. He has an uncanny knack for guiding the boys in making leadership decisions while allowing them to make these decisions on their own. In addition, he has demonstrated an extraordinary amount of patience and good judgment in challenging situations. His organizational and personal skills have been and will continue to be an asset to Troop 575. Steve is committed to our Troop and will take it places not yet seen. To the Scouts, all of you have great potential. We have given you the key, you only need to take it and open the door. I have tried above all else to make Scouting fun while providing each of you the opportunity to lead and be a part of the brotherhood of Scouting. While your ultimate goal should be earning your Eagle badge, just having participated in Scouting has allowed the spirit of Scouting to touch and live within you. To the Scoutmasters and Committee members, you are the backbone of this troop. Your selfless dedication and countless hours spent providing a quality program to the Scouts is truly remarkable. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I am sure that in the years to come, your sons will also thank you and come to realize the monumental effort you have put forth on their behalf. To the parents, you have taken the time to ensure that your sons participate in a program designed to teach them leadership, outdoor skills and good citizenship. These are skills, which will remain with them into adulthood. Finally, to my wife Pam, You started me in the adventure by asking me to help with your Den Leader chores. It has been a long road since then, but I could not have done any of this without your support and love. Thank you. Yours in Scouting, Bill Nelson

Quiz Question #1: Who is this?

Jordan G.

B. Nelson


Scout of the Month Michael C. is a second year Scout who attends Peak to Peak Charter School where he is in the sixth grade. His favorite subject in school is math because he likes to solve problems. At Peak to Peak, Michael also plays saxophone in the concert band. As far as other activities, Michael likes to play football and soccer and enjoys building model airplanes. His favorite other activity is football and he plays full-tackle football. Michael just recently joined Troop 575 when his family moved here from Yosemite National Park in California where Michael belonged to Troop 50. His first Troop 575 campout was the recent Freezoree. Michael says that, “Freezoree was a lot of fun. My favorite part was having the F-16’s fly over. I also liked a lot of the team building activities and the tug of war.” And what does Michael have to say about Troop 575? “The kids are really nice. It’s really fun and everyone treats you with

respect.” Congratulations, Michael, on being the February “Scout of the Month!”

Hint of the Month: Sleeping Warm in the Cold

Sleeping Bag: It is not necessary for a Scout to have an expensive, low-temperature sleeping bag.Current experience has shown that a medium weight bag of synthetic insulation such as hollofil,quallofil, or thermal is preferable to down, and insulates even when wet. When used with liners,bags need not be rated lower than 10 degrees F. This permits a Scout to use the bag throughoutfour seasons, and by merely adding additional insulation internally or externally with low costliners or bag covers, the effective insulating value can be increased to –20 degrees F. If liners arenot used, then bags should be rated for lower temperatures. Be sure the bag can be drawn up as ahood around your head to minimize heat loss. A terrycloth towel or balaclava face mask will keepyour face warm in the coldest weather. Clothing for Sleeping Warm: Wear a wool or polar fleece hat or balaclava, particularly when the cold is intense. Polypropylene “long Johns” will also help greatly. Other possibilities are a hooded polyester sweatshirt or track/jogging suit with hood. Sleeping with nylon hose will also increase warmth and dryness. And put your wool felt boot liners inside your bag at night so they will dry out and be warm the next day!

Michael C. working on the Swimming Merit Badge at MBU

“Freezoree was a lot of fun. My favorite part was having the F-16’s fly over. I also liked a lot of the team building activities and the tug of war.” Michael C.


Scout ArticlesChristmas Tree Pick Up By: Scout Aaron F. This year the troop decided to pick up Christmas trees (as a fundraiser for Sea Base 2004) for people that signed up and gave a five dollar donation.

First we arrived at the drop off place and got in groups to pick up the trees. Then we were given a map that showed which houses we had to go to and had certain ones highlighted. After that, we went to pick up the trees.

There were four groups picking up trees. We had to make about three trips carrying at least six trees. If there was a house that wasn’t on our list but had a tree out front, we would go to the door and ask if they wanted to make a donation and let us pick up their tree. Most of them were friendly and said yes. One time, one of our trees fell off into the road and we had to strap it back on better but overall it was pretty fun. We estimated that day that we probably made about six hundred dollars when we were expecting to make two hundred! Next year I hope that we can make more.

Editor’s Note: The Town of Superior Christmas Tree fundraiser brought in $568. After deducting for expenses, participants made $430 to be used

towards the summer 2004 Florida Sea Base trip. Troop 575 would like to thank Gene & June Peterson for making the Christmas tree pickup fundraiser a lot easier. They lent the troop a large trailer, which cut the time required to pick up all the trees in half. Their business is located on the road behind Super Target. When you are in the area please stop by and say thanks!

Library Update By: Scout Jeremy H., Troop Librarian Check out Library- it will soon have an updated list of the merit badge books and also the latest revision date for each book. If the latest edition of a merit badge book is not in our Library check the website (ussscouts.org/mb/mbbooks.html) for the requirements. The Library box will also have a copy of the list of all the Merit Badge Counselors. Also, if you are finished with a recent merit badge book, please donate it to the library so that everyone can use it in the future.

Quiz Question #2: What emblem is this?

Look at all these trees! Aaron F. helps unload a tree at the Town of Superior tree recycle lot.


Future Activities and Campouts Annual Galyans Wall Climbing By: Ronda Frary On Tuesday, February 11, we will have a special Troop meeting at the climbing wall in the Galyans store at Flatirons Crossing Mall. This was so popular for the past two years that the PLC decided it would fun again this year. We have the wall reserved from 6 – 9 p.m. and the cost is $8/Scout. If you know any Webelos about to graduate from Cub Scouting, be sure to invite them to join us. (A requirement for Arrow of Light is to participate in a Troop event). Permission slips will be provided at a later date. Any questions should be directed to Ronda Frary who is coordinating this event. Are you coming to the Klondike Derby Campout? The Klondike Derby is a two-day winter campout, February 28-March 1, which brings together Scouts, Webelos, and Venturers/Explorers from the entire Arapahoe District. Klondike has a "gold-rush" days flavor and features an all-day sled race between "cities" sporting names such as Ft. Yukon, Fairbanks, Dawson, etc. Each city has a competitive specialty in Scout craft skills such as cooking, pioneering, first aid, teamwork, nature, and others. LOGISTICS: This year’s Klondike is at Reverend’s Ridge Campground at Golden Gate State Park. We will leave from the Kohl’s parking lot at 5:30 pm on Friday the 28th. All Scouts must wear their Class A uniforms Friday. Two permission slips will be available at a later date. Remember that this is a winter campout and be prepared for the full range of Colorado winter weather conditions. A winter camping equipment checklist will be sent out next week. Be sure and ask if you have any questions; no one needs to be cold with proper preparation. We will return late on Saturday night. Unfortunately, this means missing the Klondike closing ceremony but it does mean a warm bed Saturday night. You will be dropped off at home. SLEDS: Our sleds are going to be used again in the Derby. Each patrol will need to have their sled ready for this campout. You should already have your sled or be working on it. Be sure to prepare a repair kit in case you lose a wheel, ski, etc. Also your push bar must not extend more than six inches beyond each side. Finally, each patrol must arrange for transporting their sled to and from the campout. Each sled must have the following:

1) Watch (1 point) 2) Scout Handbook/Field Guidebook (1 point) 3) Notebook and pencil (2 points) 4) Two (2) blankets (should be wool or polar fleece) (2 points)

Is your sled finished? Pine Trees Paul G. and Brian R. work on their Klondike sled.


Klondike (continued)

5) Utensils and firewood for noon meal (2 points) 6) Pot and makings for hot beverage (2 points) 7) Clean-up equipment: dishwashing soap, scrubber, garbage bag (3 points) 8) Small bow saw (1 point) 9) Drinking water personal supply plus one quart per patrol member (includes Webelos) (1 points) 10) Food for lunch (use aluminum foil to double wrap "hobo stew" or equivalent) (1 point)

(**NO raw meat: pre-cook and freeze at home) 11) Compass (NO GPS UNITS ALLOWED!) (1 point) 12) First-aid kit containing 3 sterile dressings, 2 compresses, 8 triangular bandages, materials for splints (note:

Cardboard makes a good, lightweight splint you can pre-cut and shape like a “U (1 point) 13) Fire container and ash bag (2 points) 14) Two (2) - 20' ropes, 1/4" thick hemp or nylon/polypropylene (2 points) 15) Sled repair kit (tools, screws, wire, duct tape, etc.) (1 point) 16) Plastic tarp (1 Point) 17) 10 Essentials

MEALS: Bring a sack dinner for Friday night or eat before we meet. Each Patrol will cook breakfast Saturday morning in camp and is responsible for bringing their breakfast food and drink. Lunch is also prepared by patrol and will be on the trail at one of the cities. You will carry everything you need for lunch in your sled. You will need to start your own fire in a disposable turkey pan, warm your lunch over the fire, and have a liquid to drink. Meat must be precooked for safety. You must also be prepared to carry out your ashes. If you can’t get your fire started, it makes for a cold meal. Think through your fire starters (dryer lint with candle wax, tinder, wood shavings, all can be prepared prior to departure – not a bad idea to bring matches too!). Be sure and ask if you still have any questions about this portion of the Derby.

Don’t Miss Family Climbing and Pizza Night By: Kaye McGimpsey

On Saturday March 8th we will be going to the Paradise Rock Gym for an evening of climbing, pizza and soda! Plan to meet at Sacred Heart of Mary at 5:15 p.m. and leave promptly at 5:30 p.m. Climbing is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. and costs $15 per person (including pizza and soda). Belayers must be 12 years old, but all ages may climb (including siblings and parents). Non-climbers are also welcome and need only pay $5.00 (if they would like to have pizza and soda). So mark your calendars! Money and permission slips will be available at the February meetings and are due back to Kaye McGimpsey by February 25th.

Quiz Question #3: What merit badge is this?


Troop Business Troop 575 Presented with Plaque At this past January’s Court of Honor, Kim Junior, Edward Deborski’s daughter, presented Troop 575 with the Edward Deborski Memorial SPL Plaque. Through a memorial set up in his name, his family made a donation to our troop to help encourage Scouts to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Mr. Deborski, who recently passed away, was Louisville's first Eagle Scout, a former city councilman and a prominent Louisville businessman. The plaque is inscribed with all the names of Troop 575 Senior Patrol Leaders and many of these SPLs were present at the Court of Honor. All future SPLs will have their names engraved on this plaque as an incentive to lead the troop and earn their Eagle badge.

And congratulations to the following Scouts who earned rank advancements at the January Court of Honor: Scout: Bjorn Breckenridge, Calvin Hicks Second Class: Chris Lawrence Star: Jake Bradford, Paul Guidas, Paul Reynolds

Patrol of the Month Congratulations once more to the Pine Trees for earning this month’s Patrol of the Month award. And this is the second time that they have earned it! As a reminder, Patrol of the Month is based on attendance at meetings and campouts, patrol yell, patrol flag, and patrol duty responsibilities. A patrol must be Patrol of the Month for five months and then they get a pizza party. Great job Pine Trees, only three more months left!

Congratulations Troop 575! Kim Junior, daughter of the late Edward Deborski, presents the Edward Deborski Memorial SPL Plaque to current Senior Patrol Leader Jordan G. Many former Troop 575 SPLs are standing in the background.

The Edward Deborski Memorial SPL Plaque held by the former Louisville businessman’s daughter, Kim Junior. Also pictured is Mrs. Deborski as well as her granddaughter.


Troop Elections Troop elections will be held on February 18. In addition, Patrol Elections will be held on Tuesday, March 4. The job descriptions for all Troop leadership positions are at posted on our web site http://www.troop575.org All candidates must notify Mr. Nelson of their intention to run for office by Feb. 11. Additionally each candidate will need to prepare a short speech to present on election night to let the other Scouts know why they should elect you to your chosen leadership position. Don’t forget, if you are elected Senior Patrol Leader, your name will appear on our Edward Deborski Memorial SPL plaque! Because of all the Scouts requiring leadership for advancement, you may choose an alternative position for which to be a candidate. You must still notify Mr. Nelson by Feb. 11 and you must have a speech prepared for the alternate position. No Scout will be allowed to choose an alternate on the day of the election. The following positions will be open for whole Troop elections: Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Librarian, Troop Historian, Troop Quartermaster and Troop Scribe. Other positions available for appointment by the Scoutmaster and Senior Patrol Leader are: Bugler, Chaplain Aide, Troop Guide and Den Chief.

Please Donate to Friends of Scouting

By: Caryn Geiger

Did you know that it costs about $130 per year to support each youth member of the Longs Peak Council? Of this, camp fees, uniform and book sales, United Way, popcorn sales, and investment income account for only three-quarters. The rest comes from people like us, through Friends of Scouting. Thanks if you have already made a FOS donation. If you were not able to attend this past week’s Court of Honor, however, please take the time in the next two weeks (by the February 18 Troop meeting) to write out a check or make a pledge to Friends of Scouting. A donation of $75 per Scout is suggested to insure a continued quality program for all. Thanks in advance for your generosity!

Old Equipment Wanted

Have you purchased a new tent and don’t know what to do with your old one? Perhaps you have an old sleeping bag or pad that you no longer use. Have you outgrown your hiking backpack? If your old equipment is still in good condition, please consider donating it to Troop 575. Each month, Scouts approach the Assistant Scoutmasters and ask if equipment is available from the troop for general use, so we would like to begin building up our own inventory of equipment.

Please see Mr. Nelson or Mr. Kinz if you have equipment that you can donate-and rest assured that it will go to a good cause that is well appreciated by others!

Please be generous and support Scouting-it builds

character!


Who signs my book? By: Marty Frary, Troop Committee Advancement Chair

One of our troop goals is to maintain consistency and accountability in the advancement process. To this end, a new rank requirement sign-off policy is now in effect. All of the requirements for the rank of Scout must be signed-off by the Scoutmaster, if possible, or any Assistant Scoutmaster. Any Scout with a rank of First Class or above may sign-off requirements for the ranks of Tenderfoot and Second Class. Any Scout with the rank of Star or above may sign-off requirements for First Class and lower ranks. All requirements for the ranks of Star and above must be signed-off by any Assistant Scoutmaster, however the leadership requirement for Life and Eagle must be signed by the Scoutmaster. Some new rank requirement sign-off forms are described in the article which follows. Here’s a table to help clarify any questions:

Rank Who Can Sign Preferred Scout Assistant Scoutmaster Scoutmaster

Tenderfoot 1st Class & above N/A 2nd Class 1st Class & above N/A 1st Class Star & above N/A

Star Assistant Scoutmaster N/A Life Assistant Scoutmaster Scoutmaster

Eagle Scoutmaster N/A

Watch Out! We Are Tracking You! By: Marty Frary, Troop Committee Advancement Chair

Troop 575 has recently acquired new troop management software that will help track many of our activities, including advancement. Once the database is current, the troop leadership will be able to identify individual rank or merit badge requirements that many Scouts are missing. This will help the PLC develop plans to help the most Scouts in their advancement. Each Scout must help us collect the data and there are two ways to do it. First, whenever you have a Scoutmaster Conference or Board of Review, remove your Advancement History form from the Advancement Binder in the Troop Closet. Fill out this form using the information in your Scout handbook. Second, before you ask to have an advancement requirement signed, grab a new rank requirement form from the brown envelope marked “BLANK FORMS” attached to our bulletin board. Whoever signs off your requirement will also fill out the form for deposit in the other brown envelope marked “COMPLETED.” While the Scout handbook is still the official record of a Scout’s advancement, the troop record of advancement will help in the planning of programs and activities and may also serve as a back-up copy, in case a Scout’s handbook is lost or destroyed.

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. Mahatma Gandi (1869 - 1948)


Slow Down,-You Move Too Fast!… Or Father Dorino you’ll move past! Father Dorino at Sacred Heart of Mary wants to remind all of us to PLEASE drive slowly while on church grounds. There were several speeders at our most recent Court of Honor. This is one of our busiest nights, usually with visiting Webelos, and we must be especially careful. We are privilege to be able to meet at such a fine facility and we want to respect our hosts and be safe. Please observe the posted speed limit of 10 mph. Thanks!

Volunteer Corner This month’s volunteer spotlight shines on Debbie Kinz. Debbie has two sons in the troop and has helped in the past with Gold C sales as well as Court of Honor refreshments. Over the years, she has also attended family campouts including snowshoeing and hiking. This month, however, Debbie deserves special recognition. Over the past few months, she spent a tremendous amount of time organizing last month’s enormously popular and activity-packed Snow Mountain Ranch family campout near Winter Park! This campout was attended by 44 people from Troop 575 and required a huge amount of time and coordination on Debbie’s part. Debbie not only collected deposits and Troop permission slips over the past few months, but there were also extra permission slips and activity fees required for the climbing, cross-country skiing, etc to collect. In addition, Debbie needed to coordinate with the YMCA personnel, well ahead of time, to reserve cabins as well as to assign each attendee to a cabin and room. She also organized all the meals and purchased the food for each meal (as well as assigning all cooking and clean-up duties). Finally Debbie made sure that she arrived early to consolidate and keep track of all the plates, silverware, etc. from three different cabins in order to allow everyone to eat together in the large cabin. Debbie really did a yeoman’s job of assuring that the Snow Mountain Ranch trip ran smoothly from start to finish. The fact there were no problems is a testament to her thoroughness. Please offer your sincere thanks to Debbie when you next see her and let her know how much you appreciate her efforts! Thanks, again, Debbie, for a job well done!!

Quiz Question Answers

1) Pedro (mascot of Boy’s Life magazine) 2) Second Class 3) Swimming Merit Badge

“There are admirable potentialities in every humanbeing. Believe in yourself and your youth.” André Gide


Troop Calendar

February 2003

Feb 4 Tue 6:45p -8:00p Troop Meeting Flag - Wolverines Skill - Eagles Game - Cyclones Cleanup/Setup - Pine Trees

Feb 8 Sat Scout Sabbath Attend your worship service in uniform

Feb 11 Tue 6:00p -9:00p Climbing Wall @ Galyans .

Feb 17 Mon No School - BVSD .

Feb 18 Tue 6:45p -8:00p Troop Meeting Troop Elections

Flag - Eagles Skill - Wolverines Game - Pine Trees Clean/Setup - Cyclones

Feb 25 Tue 6:45p -8:00p PLC/Scout Business Night .

Feb 28 Fri Klondike .

March 2003

Mar 1 Sat Klondike .

Mar 3 Mon 7:00p -9:00p Committee Meeting .

Mar 4 Tue 6:45p -8:00p Troop Meeting Flags - Pine Trees Skill - Cyclones Game - Eagles Cleanup/Setup - Wolverines

Mar 7 Fri No School - BVSD . 9:00a -3:00p Junior Leader Training . Mar 8 Sat

6:00p -9:00p Climbing Wall & Pizza @ Paradise Rock Gym .

Mar 11 Tue 6:45p -8:00p Patrol Meeting .

Mar 18 Tue 6:45p -8:00p Troop Meeting Flags - Cyclones Skill - Pine Trees Game - Wolverines Cleanup/Setup - Eagles

Mar 24 Mar 28

Mon Spring Break No Meeting this week.

troop 575 newslettertroop 575 newsletter february 2003, volume 10, issue 2 boy scout troop 575,...

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