Welcome to our May 7th, 2012 Monday Memo

Safe Hiking Tips

Hiking and camping can be fun, but it also can be dangerous, especially in our arid environment.  If you are going to take your unit into the desert, mountains, or other arid locations, make sure you KNOW what you are doing.  Recognize that a major concern is campers straying from the group.

Summer, winter, on foot, in vehicles, high desert, low desert, . .  trips are too varied to review all possible subjects here, but the following are some of the things to consider:

First, the safety rule of four: No fewer than four individuals (always with the minimum of two adults) go on any backcountry expedition or campout. If an accident occurs, one person stays with the injured, and two go for help. Additional adult leadership requirements must reflect an awareness of such factors as size and skill level of the group, anticipated environmental conditions, and overall degree of challenge. If an accident occurs or a Scout becomes injured or ill, canceling the trip and returning home is always the first and best option.

Second, review the Sweet 16 of BSA Safety. Key elements include qualified supervision, planning, communications and first-aid resources. In addition:

• Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return
• Take maps
• Check out your vehicle and take plenty of gas and other potential needs
• Adequate water – know the quantity needed for the weather you will experience – and extra for an emergency
• Know about hypothermia, hyperthermia, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke
• Emergency blanket
• Sun glasses, sun screen and lip protection
• Proper clothing, headwear and footwear
• Fire starting materials
• Compass, signal mirror, whistle, cellular phone
• GPS
• Pocketknife
• Insect repellent
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Be aware of flash flood potential and conscious of flash flooding when selecting a camp site

Proper planning will make camping a great experience for your Scouts. Additional Resources include the Boy Scout Handbook, The Field Book and the Guide to Safe Scouting.

Eagle Scout Ceremony

I wanted to share with you the recent ceremony honoring 3 new Eagle Scouts from Troop 131 in Palm Desert.  The Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held on Sunday, April 22nd at the St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert.  The boys receiving this honor were Oliver Maize, 15 of La Quinta, Gregory Friscia, 16 of Rancho Mirage and Nicholas Richardson, 16 of Rancho Mirage.  Assemblyman Brian Nestande of the 64th District was on hand to deliver certificates to each of the new Eagle Scouts.

The order of the scouts in the pictures, from left to right, are Oliver M., Gregory F. and Nicholas R.  In the 2nd photos Assemblyman Brian Nestande is in the rear.  In the 3rd photo Troop leaders Robin Lund is on the left and Dr. Mike Sanford is on the right.

Bruce Maize, Treasurer- Troop 131

Free Entrance for Scouts to RTMC Astronomy Expo

The 44th annual RTMC Astronomy Expo will take place from Wednesday, May 23 through Monday, May 28.  It will be held at YMCA Camp Oakes, five miles southeast of Big Bear City, California on State Route 38 at Lake Williams Road between mileposts 44 and 45.  This location is about 50 miles northeast of Riverside in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Throughout the 44 years of the Expo, RTMC has offered free admission to scouting groups.  Scouting groups interested in attending the Expo, please contact Harold Johnson at RTMCHarold@gmail.com for an entrance pass.  Please send a contact address, the approximate number of scouts and the number of accompanying adults attending.  The troop must wear scouting uniforms and arrive as a group.  Since telescope viewing occurs after dark, we encourage camping overnight.  Should your group decide to visit and remain overnight, Camp Oaks has plenty of space for outdoor camping.

There are on the order of 1,000 attendees at the EXPO each year who participate in nightly telescope viewings.  In addition to the family activities and amenities available at the camp, there are food and equipment vendors; and astronomy-related talks for beginners and intermediates held all day Saturday and Sunday.

The Riverside Telescope Makers Conference was founded by Clifford W. Holmes and the Riverside Astronomical Society in 1969.  After having Astronomy Expo events at Riverside Community College and in Idyllwild, the Expo found a permanent home at its present location of Camp Oakes near Big Bear in the San Bernardino Mountains.  Camp Oakes is conveniently located within driving distance of all of Southern California and within a day's drive of most of the Western United States.  For more information about the RTMC Astronomy Expo, visit www.rtmcastronomyexpo.org.

Harold Johnson, Communication Facilitator RTMC Astronomy Expo

Save the Date for the Helendade Service to Camp Day!

Plan now to come up to Camp Helendade on Saturday, June 9th for a Service to Camp Day. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, leaders and parents are invited to attend.

We can use your help to provide some needed service to camp. The primary work for the day are the annual fire mitigation projects which include weed abatement and raking up pine needles around each of the buildings. We'll even provide you lunch!

After signing up, we'll contact you with any special equipment you may need to bring beyond work gloves.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate any overnight camping. The water system will not be in operation so we'll ask that you bring drinking water with you.

If you have any questions, please email Program Director Kevin Gustafson    REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE!
 

A Gathering of Eagles Fifteen of the 60 Eagles from Troop 148 Tahquitz District in Temecula gathered for a picture after celebrating the Eagle Court of Honor on Sunday for the three Scouts in the front row.  L to R Eric M., Eagle number 56, Nick M., Eagle number 54, and Dominic W., Eagle 57.

Lowe's National Eagle Scout Project Impact Grant

Home improvement retailer Lowe's has teamed with the Boy Scouts of America to provide the Lowe's National Eagle Scout Project Impact grant for candidates working on their Eagle Scout project.

About the Grant
A generous contribution from the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has made it possible for the council to present selected Eagle Scout candidates with a $100 prepaid gift card to be used toward their service projects. Life Scouts who are planning a construction-based project may apply. The council Eagle project review board will determine which projects qualify for a Lowe's grant. A total of 68 grants will be awarded. After the project review is completed, the council will distribute the $100 prepaid gift cards to recipients. Cards must be used to purchase building materials and equipment for the Eagle candidate's service project. The gift card may be used at any Lowe's location or any place that it is accepted.

Qualifications
To qualify for a Lowe's National Eagle Scout Project Impact grant, the individual must

• Be a registered Life Scout.
• Complete and submit the Lowe's grant application
• Be sure the Eagle Scout service project has all approvals before the work begins. Submit copies of pages 6 through 10 of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, No. 512-927 with the grant application.
• Use the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook to document the results of the service project. Make photographs and all documentation available to the BSA for sharing with Lowe's.

Things You Should Know

• If you plan to spend your gift card at a Lowe's location, you should consider speaking with the local store manager when you arrive. This will help Lowe's track how well the program is being received.
• Document your project with "before" and "after" photographs. Be sure photographs show how the materials and equipment purchased with the gift card were used for your service project.

Our Thanks to Lowe's
The Boy Scouts of America thanks the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation for its generous support of Scouting across the country. Through this unique program, thousands of Life Scouts who are hard at work on their Eagle Scout service project will benefit from the contribution. Communities and organizations will benefit, too.

For additional information, email Program Director Kevin Gustafson. Grant applications are to be sent to:

California Inland Empire Council
Lowe's Project Grant
PO Box 8910
Redlands, CA 92375

Mt. Rubidoux District Scout-O-Rama

Mt. Rubidoux had a good old fashion Scout-O-Rama this last weekend in conjunction with the Show-and-Go Car Show in downtown Riverside. Many of the district’s packs, troops, and venture crews showed off their scouting skills to the public during this fun event. The district also held its pinewood derby finals at the Scout-O-Rama, drawing a large crowd of spectators. The scouts also opened the car show’s grand marshall parade with a flag ceremony and also participated in other volunteer opportunities. It was a great day of scouting!

Matt Barth, Mt. Rubidoux District Activities Chair

Arrowhead District Camporee

Last week, units from Arrowhead District went up to Camp Emerson and back in time to participate in a Frontier themed Camporee.  Over 200 scouts participated in activities ranging from lanyard making to 22 shooting.  They were tossing cow chips, catapulting raccoons, launching rockets and building fires.  Competition was heated this year with all the troops trying to break out of District Troop 2000’s (a.k.a. T2K) three time run at the coveted Spirit Award.  Although the meadow echoed all day with cheers from all the vying troops, the sound of T2K trumped them all and earned the award for a 4th consecutive year.  They were not the only winners this year.  Webelos from Pack 24 took the Pack Spirit Award, Troop 110 took the Campsite Inspection, Troop 251 had the best overall rocket with Troop 45’s going the highest by far.  Kyle Gonering and his team did a fabulous job planning and running an enjoyable Camporee for all.

Eric Herchenroeder, Webmaster Arrowhead District

Camp Wiley @ Boseker Scout Reservation

Camp Wiley is an exciting 4-day, 3-night program for Wolf, Bear & Webelos Scouts in the cool summer breezes of the Boseker Scout Reservation in Idyllwild, California. Be a part of the Memorial Day session and get a special holiday barbecue! Stake your claim by registering your pack to attend and participate in fun activities like: Swimming, boating, BB guns, hiking, archery, fun crafts and so much more!

Click Here to register or for more information!

How to measure a Scout’s participation for BSA requirements

By Mark Ray, From the March-April 2012 issue of Scouting magazine

To earn each of Boy Scouting’s top three ranks—Star, Life, Eagle—a Scout must “be active” in his troop and patrol for a specified number of months and “serve actively” in a position of responsibility such as patrol leader or quartermaster. So what exactly does “active” mean and how can troop leaders measure participation? Read on to find out.

WHY IS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IMPORTANT? Scouts best achieve the aims of Scouting (character development, citizenship training, and personal and mental fitness) when they participate in meetings, outings, and service projects, and hold positions of responsibility.

WHAT CONSTITUTES ACTIVE PARTICIPATION? To meet the requirement of active participation, a Scout must be registered in the unit and be in good standing, meaning he hasn’t been dismissed for disciplinary reasons. In addition, he’s expected to meet the unit’s “reasonable expectations.”

CAN A TROOP SET A STANDARD SUCH AS ATTENDANCE AT 50 PERCENT OF MEETINGS AND OUTINGS? Yes, so long as the standard is reasonable and recognizes the many worthwhile opportunities beyond Scouting. A Scout who falls short of the unit’s expectations must be given the chance to offer an acceptable explanation. Certainly there are medical, educational, family, and other issues that may prevent higher levels of participation. If the Scout would have been more active if he could have been, then he is deemed active. A board of review must also provide the Scout an opportunity to demonstrate how non-Scouting activities have contributed to his growth. (However, this option is only available if the board of review members can agree that the young man has already exhibited Scouting values.) For example, he might have missed a campout to attend a church youth retreat. Remember, the advancement program isn’t about what a Scout has done; it’s about what he’s able to do and how he has grown.

CAN STANDARDS GO BEYOND PARTICIPATION? No. Expectations such as uniform compliance, payment of dues, and parental involvement can’t be considered when evaluating the “active” requirement.

DO MONTHS OF ACTIVE PARTICIPATION HAVE TO BE CONTINUOUS? No. A Scout may piece together any periods he has been active and still qualify. And his active months don’t expire if they are followed by inactive months.

CAN A TROOP SET PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY? Yes, so long as they are established up front. It’s a disservice to the Scout and the unit to reward work that hasn’t been done. Holding a position and doing nothing is unacceptable.

WHAT IF A JUNIOR LEADER IS NOT MEETING EXPECTATIONS? The Scout’s leaders should offer him direction, coaching, and support. If nothing will improve his performance, it’s acceptable to remove him from his position. However, it’s unfair to surprise him by telling him at the end of his term that his performance has been unsatisfactory and doesn’t count.

HOW DO YOU EVALUATE A SCOUT WHEN THE UNIT HAS NO ESTABLISHED EXPECTATIONS? If there are no clearly established expectations, then an adult leader or the Scout—or both—should work out the responsibilities to fulfill. BSA literature such as the Patrol Leader Handbook can provide the basis for this effort. If it’s left to the Scout to determine the responsibilities, and he makes a reasonable effort to act accordingly, then he passes the requirement. He cannot be held to unestablished expectations.

CAN MORE THAN ONE POSITION COUNT TOWARD A SINGLE RANK? Yes. The Scout may hold any number of positions. However, holding positions simultaneously doesn’t reduce the number of months required. And service in positions of responsibility doesn’t have to be continuous.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? The best source is the Guide to Advancement 2011 (No. 33088), which is available at Scout Shops and online at scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf.
 

Pack 280 (Victoria Grove Community Lake Mathews) Bike Rodeo

Pack 280 held a Bike Rodeo on April 21, 2012.  It was chaired by John Hulett.  We like to thank the California Highway Patrol and Cyclery USA of Riverside for all its help.  And, all the parents and leaders who helped make this event  a success.

International Scouting Committee News

I have just learned from National BSA and the International Exhibit Staff Coordinator for the 2013 Jamboree that Joaquin Ancona is being offered a position on the International Scouting Exhibit staff.  Joaquin is a member of the California Inland Empire Council International Scouting Committee (CIEC ISC).

Congratulations ... Joaquin.

Mike Goldware, IR & Chair, CIEC International Scouting Committee

Totin' Chip & Fireman Chit

On Monday April 23, 2012 Troop 251 in Corona had a visit from Mr. Adam Rodriguez. Adam gave an excellent Totin' Chip and Fireman Chit presentation to our scouts.

Adam brought  several props to help make his presentation come alive. Adults and scouts alike were mesmerized by the variety of knives, axes, and bladed tools presented as Adam described the proper uses and potential misuses of each. The scouts were taught that safe handling is not a choice but a responsibility that comes with the Totin Chip certification.

Adam finished off his presentation outdoors with fire building and fire safety. The troop was broken into teams of three and challenged to safely and properly start a campfire. The competition focused the scouts on learning that there is a method to building a fire and the conditions under which a fire can and cannot be built. The tenants of the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace were highlighted and emphasized.

Thank You, Rex Russell

Mark Your Calendars for a Month of Saving at Your Local Scout Shops

Our Council has two stores to fill your needs. 

News & Tidbits

• New Member Recruitment Events! Check out our new Membership Recruitment Events packet online, Click Here.
• Check the BSA’s tool-use guidelines before your next service project. When it comes to service projects, nobody does it better — or safer — than the Boy Scouts. But before you gather equipment for your next Good Turn, ask yourself some questions: Read More....

Camp Emerson Availability

Friends Of Scouting Report

Positive Quote
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"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

   ~ Mark Twain

Joe Daniszewski Scout Executive/CEO California Inland Empire Council, BSA PO Box 8910 1230 Indiana Court Redlands, CA 92374 909.793.2463, Ext. 120 877.732.1450 909.793.0306 Fax

Monday Memo is from Scout Executive Joe Daniszewski and contains his reflection on what is happening within the Council. The purpose of Monday Memo is to communicate information about the week ahead, to acknowledge the good things happening around the Council and to address specific issues that the Scout Executive wants to bring to your attention. Joe welcomes any comments, suggestions or recommendations on how to make this memo as helpful as possible. If you have something you want publicized in the Monday Memo, please send it to his attention c/o Monday Memo: Joseph.Daniszewski@scouting.org for Monday Memo Archives Click Here