Manatees-1: Miracles-4

Four Scouts from Troop 720 attended the Manatee game at Space Coast Stadium this evening.  Manatees did pretty well pitching and on defense but just too many double plays against them and not much bats tonight.  It was a beautiful evening for a game at SpaceCoast Stadium.

Carol and I sat with Mr. Reed and ate our hotdogs and watched the game.  There were several large thunderstorms off in the distance but they faded away as the moon rose ove the scoreboard.  Good times were had by all.

Thank you, Mr. Reed

Mr. Reed started his first meeting as Scoutmaster in a new and different meeting place with a few dedicated Scouts.  We hope to see everyone back next Tuesday at Faith-Viera.  There will be a brand new shiny parking lot for us to park in.

Mrs. McAleenan supplied each Scout who was present Tuesday with a list of the Merit Badges that they completed at camp along with all partial Merit Badges they have yet to finish.  To all of you Scouts out there, now is the time to find a MB Counselor and get those partials finished.  Mrs. McAleenan has a list of counselors and she is working to find a couple of more that aren't on the list.

For information about rafting pictures, see Mr. McAleenan.

There is a sleeping bag in a light green stuff sack that was left over from camp.  See Mr. Reed.

Mr. and Mrs. Barnewall and Joe Barnewall and Grant Burkhardt will be on a Faith-Viera Lutheran Church mission trip at Hilton Head Island the week of July 17 to July 23.  We wish them safe travel and pray for their ministry time.

Safe Return From Camp Daniel Boone

Everyone is back home safe from summer camp with a trunk full of memories.  Smokin Pig, Rock Beavers, rafting, slippery trout, rainy mornings, latrine shenanigans, Mast General Store and OC's BBQ, football on the green, "no refunds, no returns", funny people up there at Boonesboro, Hoody's Spicy Hot, kiosk roofs, scoutmaster lounge network wiring, "The Keep", "The Junior Keep", 4am thunder storms, 914David, waiting in line at the dining hall and almost no cell service :-)

It was a great week.  The Scouts of Troop 720 are the best!

Getting ready for Camp Daniel Boone

Summer Camp is almost here.  Scouts should be reviewing their packing list and preparing their duffel bags.

1.  Remember to put a large trash bag INSIDE your duffel bag and fold it over several times after you are finished packing it.  Most duffel bags will be outside all day Saturday in the trucks.
2.  Bring those closed-toed water shoes for the Nantahala Raft Trip.  We're going to have more fun than a barrel of trout!
3.  Take a look at the Merit Badge requirements for the Merit Badges that you signed up for at www.meritbadge.org.

Smokin' Pig here we come.  Yeehaw!

The Webelos are coming! The Webelos are coming!

A Webelos Den is going to visit Troop 720 during the June 7th meeting.  The patrols have volunteered to each teach a Scout Skill.  Check with your Patrol Leader to see what your patrol will be teaching.  There is also a Troop Committee Meeting that evening.

Summer Camp Parents Meeting

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 7:00pm

Sarah Anthony and the committee invite the parents of Troop 720 to a Summer Camp Parents Meeting to review things for camp.  If you have a question about summer camp, this is the place to go.  Sarah has ALL of the answers. If she doesn't know the answer, then ask Joey, the SPL :-)

eGames Night

Today is it.  The Annual 720 eGames Night.  You are actually encouraged by Mr. Anthony to bring your StationPlayer, podThingy, padThingy, DSThingy or WeeeeeThingy to the Scout meeting.  Mr. Anthony is setting up starting at 6:30pm.

Mrs. Geiger will be available for a rousing game of CandyLand or Clue for those so inclined.  Mrs. Anthony, Mrs. Hensley, Mrs. Biggs and Mrs. McAleenan are going to go out and start a fire in Aaron's fire circle and roast marshmallows and eat smores.  Mr. Barnewall, Mr. Burkhardt, Mr. Miller, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Reed and Mr. Stewart will probably hang around outside and talk about how their lawns need mowing and what great cooks Mr. Stewart and Mr. Hensley are, and commiserate about the Love Bugs.  Mr. Geiger is going to Sonny's and drown his sorrows in Sweet Tea.

Love Bug Fest



The Love Bug Fest is over.  I think that everyone that didn't swallow a bunch of Love Bugs had fun :-)  I hope that everyone got home safe.  JR and I got the boats out safely at the boat ramp.  The Hurricane is going to take a few days to recover from the bug bath.  I passed JR and Aidan at Kay's BBQ on the way home.  I was jealous but Carol brought me a big pulled beef brisket sandwich with garlic bread and macaroni and cheese home from Sonny's.  Oh yeah, and a big cup of sweet tea also :-)  Then I wasn't jealous any more.

Dave has quite an inventory of gear that was left on the dock.  Some Scouts need to rethink their packing regime for canoeing and waterfront activities!

I had a great weekend on the water with the Scouts of Troop 720.  Thanks guys.



Indian River Island Campout

The PLC has scheduled a one-night campout on an island in the Indian River.  Boating, canoeing and eating are on the agenda.  Plus some other stuff :-)

Meet at 8:45am Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Rockledge Presbyterian Church.  In Rockledge, go to the east end of Valencia St.  The church's grass parking lot is on the north side of the street, directly across from the river.

Annual Planning Conference

The Annual Planning Conference is where the Scouts of Troop 720 will put together their calendar for August 2011 through July 2012.  This will happen Saturday, May 14 at the Geiger's from 9:00am to noon.  Lunch will be provided.

Scouts will be planning:
1.  Annual Outdoor Program (campouts)
2.  Activity Calendar (Scouting for Food, Camporees, Courts of Honor, Troop Elections, Service Projects, etc)
3.  Summer 2012 High Adventure Trip???
4.  Meeting Themes for the year.

The SPL and the Patrol Leaders should make a special effort to attend.

Events of the week of May 1, 2011

"'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live."

The events of this week leave us sober and contemplative.  We can certainly be glad if the threat of evil against us has been lessened.  We do not, however, celebrate.  Rather we wish that those who chose a path of destruction would choose life.

Scouts of all nations and all walks of life are learning everyday the value of choosing a path and then working to stay on it.  We call that path the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.  We learn through experience how the choices that we make shape and influence our future.

Scouting can teach us discipline and encourage us in service.  Each of these traits can lead us to a life of fulfillment and blessing.

Think of a way to encourage a fellow Scout or adult Leader during your next Troop meeting.  Build on encouragement and life.

Polar Bear

“Are you prepared?”  Did you get a Polar Bear patch?  Being prepared means being ready for the most probable conditions.  We can’t be prepared for everything.  Some times things are just too big.  But most of the time we can be prepared for normal occurrences.

Up north people carry blankets, water, food in their trunk in case they get caught in a blizzard.  A probably hazard in the winter up there.  In Florida people have a little, steel hammer to break their window with in case their car ends up in a lake.  A possible hazard here
in Florida.

What conditions are probable on our outing and what should you normally “Be Prepared” for?

Court of Honor - First Firsts

Troop 720 Spring Court of Honor will be Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 7:00pm in the sanctuary of Faith-Viera Lutheran Church.

The first Scouts from last February's crossovers to attain First Class rank will be recognized this Tuesday.  These Scouts are doing very well in their advancements and are to be congratulated.  They will be attending their second summer camp as First Class Scouts and will be looking to grow into leadership postions in the Troop next August.  Way to go guys!!

Buck Lake April 2011

We had a salubrious siesta Saturday afternoon on the Buck Lake campout.  As you can see, some guys were more into it than others...

It was a good weekend but there were a fair number of mosquitoes.

This is more fun than you can imagine.  Did I just eat a mosquitoe?

Dinner Saturday evening was really great.  Pulled BBQ Pork straight from Barnewall's BBQ and Baked Beans from the Bush's.

Desert Pete

DESERT PETE
The Kingston Trio

I was travellin' West a buckskin on my way to a cattle run
Cross a little cactus desert under a hot blisterin' sun
I was thirsty down to my toenails, stopped to rest me on a stump
But I tell ya I just couldn't believe it when I saw that water pump
I took it to be a mirage at first, it'll fool a thirsty man
Then I saw a note stuck in a bakin' powder can
"This pump is old", the note began, "but she works so give'r a try"
"I put a new sucker washer in 'er, you may find the leather dry"

"You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe"
"You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive"
"Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet"
"Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete"

"Yeah, you'll have to prime the pump, work that handle like there's a fire"
"Under that rock you'll find some water I left in a bitters jar"
"Now there's just enough to prime it with so dontcha go drinkin' first"
"You just pour it in and pump like mad, buddy, you'll quench your thirst"

"You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe"
"You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive"
"Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet"
"Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete"

Well I found that jar and I tell ya nothin' was ever prettier to my eye
And I was tempted strong to drink it, cuz that pump looked mighty dry
But the note went on "have faith my friend, there's water down below"
"You got to give until you get-I'm the one who ought to know"
So I poured in the jar and I started pumpin' and I heard a beautiful sound
Of water bubblin' and splashin' up outta that hole in the ground
I took off my shoes and I drunk my fill of that cool refreshing treat
I thank the Lord and thank the pump and I thank old Desert Pete

"You've got to prime the pump, you must have faith and believe"
"You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive"
"Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet"
"Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete"

"Drink all the water you can hold, wash your face, cool your feet"
"Leave the bottle full for others, Thank You kindly, Desert Pete"

Five years in the wilderness...

About five and a half years ago Troop 720 took it's first steps into the wilderness.  In October of 2005 we went to the Old Timer's Campsite at Buck Lake in Mims, FL.  One of the first things everyone noticed was that unlike Wickham Park and various camporees they had been on, this place had no latrine, no showers, no flushers, no porcelain, not even an outhouse!

It was early Saturday morning.  The troop was assembled.  Time to find an appropriate spot far from camp.  We didn't want to wait too long.  Most of the Scouts knew how to take care of number one in the woods.  A number two might be brewing anytime.  So off goes our merry band and we found just the right spot.  Notice the Scouts following their intrepid leader.  All of the other adult leaders are way off behind the camera man.

Notice the essential Golden Shovel.  Also, not to be neglected is the MIP (Most Important Paper).  These are two of a Scouts most cherished tools in the wilderness.  Don't leave home without them!  Notice the rapt attention as these Scouts study this most basic of Scout skills.  The instructor's stance is confident.  His demeanor full of authority and his words full of wisdom.  Remember, the Golden Shovel only makes contact with the good earth.  It's only for making a hole.

The Golden Shovel is back in it's sturdy storage bag.  Hmmmmmm.  Maybe the storage bag should be reinforced or something.  The intrepid instructor is hugging his MIP tightly to his body.  No time to make an error at this stage of the operation.

The operation is now completed and all implements are now safely stored.  The Golden Shovel was not sullied and only made contact with Mother Earth.  Notice the Scout standing in rapt attention as the instructor makes his last, few authoritative remarks.

The best way to do this is for the boy leaders in the troop to perform this instruction.  That's how it's worked in Troop 720 ever since that first, fateful day in 2005.  In this case, however, the Scoutmaster determined that is was vital that everyone immediately receive this most important instruction.  The SPL and Patrol Leaders now guide their Scouts through Golden Shovel Instruction.  Troop 720 runs a sharp, clean operation.  Leave No Trace!

Scout Meeting Tonight - Buck Lake Prep

Buck Lake October 2005 - Please note the shades!

It's that time of year again when we wander off to the Old-Timers campsite at the Buck Lake property of the St. Johns River Water Management District.  There, I said it :-)

Buck Lake October 2005 - A well fed Scoutmaster is a happy Scoutmaster.

Sometime in late 1999 and early 2000 Justin Ramirez, a Life Scout in Troop 705 on Merritt Island, got in touch with the SJRWMD and inquired whether they had any projects available.  Pete Henn of the district had a particular place on the Buck Lake property in mind for a project.  Pete and Justin got together and coordinated the plans for the Old-Timers campsite.  Justin and a group of Scouts built benches, picnic tables and a food prep table.  They scheduled time with the district and with a group of adult leaders went out to the site and installed the things that Justin built.  They cleaned the site and also installed a fire ring.  That's over a decade ago.  Justin is now a nurse, is married and has one child.  He received his Eagle Scout award on Saturday, August 19, 2000 at Grace United Methodist Church.

Buck Lake October 2005 - Hmmmmmmmmm???

As we camp at Old-Timers, let's remember our Scouting heritage of accomplishment and strive to attain the same level of accomplishment as Justin and the other Eagle Scouts that we know.

Buck Lake October 2005 - A forest walk in Florida.

PLC Meeting - April 6 - 6:00pm

Joe has called a PLC meeting for the Patrol Leaders and other troop leaders.

Meet at Sonny's on Wickham Rd. at 6:00pm

Things to consider:
1.  Buck Lake Campout schedule of events.
2.  Ceremony/Skits/Multimedia/Agenda etc. for the April 19th Court of Honor.
3.  Plans for the annual Scout Show at UCF on April 30th.
4.  Suggestions for the Annual Planning meeting on May 14th.
5.  Canoe practice for the troop.
6.  Meeting plans for April and May.

Swimming - Saturday and Sunday

Second Class and First Class Swimming Requirements

Second Class:  Sunday, April 10 at 1:00pm
Indian Harbor Beach Pool

First Class:  Saturday, April 9 at 1:00pm
Larry Geiger's House

Yes, we did go there...

This is a picture of Larry and Carol on the fan tail of the Louis Cristal with Greek islands behind us.  Pretty cool for a couple of kids from Kansas and Florida.

Good Reports

I have received very favorable reports from everyone about the Camporee.  Way to go Scouts!  From the reports that I have heard, it sounds like your patrols functioned exceptionally well.  Thanks to all of the Patrol Leaders that made it happen.

I'm home

Carol and I returned to Florida Saturday evening.  It's a long flight from Europe but everything went well.  We left one couple in the Atlanta airport, but they got on the next flight to Orlando.  I hope that everyone had a good Camporee.  See you next Tuesday.

Busy Weeders

Troop 720 made the Weed the Wetlands happen this morning.  Thanks to all of the Scouts and parents that came and performed this service for the City of Rockledge.  We made up more than half of the citizens that showed up.

It's too cold!

It's too cold to canoe on Saturday.  Bundle up everyone for Weeding the Wetlands.  It's going to be very chilly and breezy in the morning.  Might want to bring some gloves for working :-)

Carol and the Acropolis

Carol and I went to Athens, Greece three years ago.  While we were there, most of the city, AND the Acropolis were closed due to a blizzard.  First blizzard in 30 years.  Well, who would've thunk it, but the Acropolis was closed.  They locked the gate.  I didn't even know there was a fence around a mountain?

So.  We are going back to Athens, going on a cruise on the Mediterranean Sea, visiting Ephesus in Turkey and then going on to Rome, Italy and then back home.  I sort of wish that I could go to the rodeo and go camping but Carol really wants to climb that hill, so off and up I go.  I hope that everyone has a good couple of weeks and a good spring break!  I will see you in two weeks.

Keys found!!

Thanks everyone!

All-In-One Camp Stove

The Troop Committee bought one new Coleman stove for each patrol.  The stoves are Coleman All-In-One propane stoves.  Each stove comes with a cook top, grilling top, and griddle.  These will be available for the March Camporee at Deseret Ranch.

Use of the stoves will be introduced at the March 8th Scout meeting.
1.  The stove comes with three cook-tops.  Only use ONE cook top at a time.  Never light the stove with multiple cook-tops on the stove.
2.  Cook-tops may be cleaned with soap and water and may be put in the dishwasher at home.
3.  The stoves come with an electric ignitor.  We will discuss the use of these Tuesday evening.
4.  The control knob is on the gas input arm, and not directly on the stove.  This is different from some of the other stoves that you may have used in the past.
5.  Patrols should insure that they always have a full propane bottle and at least one partial bottle.
6.  Wait until the stove is completely cool to stack the cook-tops and close the lid.
7.  Always lock the cook-top during use.  We will demonstrate this Tuesday evening.

Do you know where your matches are?

During his interview with "Survivor Man", Clarke Green, over at the Scoutmaster Blog, asked Les what his most important survival tool is.  He said fire starting!  NOT his knife.  He carries a lighter, matches AND a striker.  Les said that one of the most important elements of survival is heat and the ability to dry your clothes out when you are wet.  Good advice, even here in Florida.

In 1995 three soldiers died during Ranger training in west Florida.  Now this is Ranger training, and not something that Scouts would normally encounter, but they died of hypothermia and exposure to the elements.  Water temps were around 55 degrees and air temperature at 65 degrees.  That doesn't sound too cold, but it's obvious that being wet and cold, even at those temps, is dangerous.

Thus Les's recommendation.  Get high, get dry and stay warm.

March 1, 2011 - Troop Meeting

Good meeting guys.  Pay close attention to those Camp Daniel Boone merit badge sign up sheets.  Mrs. Anthony is looking for your inputs.  It's you camp so choose carefully.

Congratulations to Ryan Miller and Andrew Stewart, the new Troop 720 Patrol Leaders.  Great additions to the Troop 720 Lead, Train and Inspire Team!

Also, Nick McAleenan is taking his next leadership step on the PLC to the Scribe position.

Upcoming events:
Saturday, March 5, 2011:  Strawberry Festival Citizenship in the Community service hours.
Saturday, March 12, 2011:  Weed the Wetlands - at the Rockledge city park on Pluckebaum Rd.
Friday, March 18, 2011:  District Camporee and Rodeo and BBQ.  Deseret Ranch.

Great Troop Leadership Training

The Staff of the Troop 720 Troop Leadership Seminar on Saturday did a great job.  I want to particularly thank Joe Barnewall for presenting, delegating, and leading.  Joe worked hard on a very graphical presentation that was both enlightning and entertaining.  Thank you Joe!

I also want to thank the Scouts who came and participated and joined in the discussions.  It took a little bit to get going but you came up with some great ideas. 

Thanks also to Ken Barnewall, Don Burkhardt, and Mart Stewart who presented.  Thanks also to Mike McAleenan who coordinated the goodies for the day and Dave Reed who supplied the libations.  I also want to thank Mark Stewart for finding and coordinating the venue for the day.  His attention to detail is most appreciated.

Troop 720 Troop Leadership Training

Troop Leadership Training Seminar will be Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 9:00am.

571 Haverty Ct. in Rockledge.

The leaders of Troop 720 will be training the Scouts in Leadership. 

Ocala Forest - Forest Rd 11 to Hopkins Prairie

Ocala Forest Hike
Forest Road 11 to Hopkins Prairie
Hiking northwest to southeast.
Total mileage: 10.2 miles
January 2011
Started Friday evening where the trail crosses FR-11.  Forest Road 11 runs due south below Lake Kerr near Salt Springs.  The trail is marked with a Florida Trail sign.  Park on the east side of FR-88 to unload.  The first mile of the trail goes through Longleaf Pine prairie.  It is very open under the tall pines with knee high grass.  Hike about a half mile (20 minutes) along the trail and find a good spot off of the trail to camp.

We use Hopkins Prairie campsite as our base camp for our hike.  We drive all of the vehicles to the campground and the base campers drive the adult hikers back to the trail head.  In 2011 campsites at Hopkins are $10.00 per night.  The base campers have potable water available for the hikers, but the backpackers carry everything else needed for the weekend.

If you hike in late fall, winter or early spring you will wake up to golden grass bathed in sunlight.  The trail crosses a small dirt road and transitions into scrub about a mile from the trail head.  Most of the trail to the north end of the prairie traverses scrub and small pond prairies.  There is a good rest stop where the trail from Salt Springs intersects the Florida Trail.  There is a bench and a small sign pointing back to Salt Springs.

Continue on past a couple of small ponds to the north end of Hopkins Prairie.  There are several good spots to stop and eat lunch along the trail on the north end of the prairie.  The trail follows the edge of the prairie with views across the flats.  When the water is low it is a large grassy prairie.  When the water is high the trail runs along the shoreline.

You will know that you are at the Hopkins Prairie Campground when you get to the bat house.  There is a large sign next to it describing the bats.  Hikers may want to camp along the edge of the prairie or in one of several clearings just north of the campground.

For our Sunday morning hike we meet at the bat house and hike on out to FR-86.  The trail follows the campground road to the east and south and then skirts a small, deep sinkhole.  You can end your hike at FR-86 or hike about a mile further to Pat's Island on FR-51.  The Hopkins Prairie walke is a good weekend hike or training hike.

Scout Sunday Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, February 6, 2011 is our pancake breakfast.
Adult leaders are cooking - Starts around 6:00am.
Scouts (full uniform) are serving - Starts around 7:00am.

The Osprey Nest

Stuff from Larry.