A Soldier's Silent Night

As we enter this Holy Holiday Season, take a moment to think of those who serve to protect us.

This is a poem originally titled "Merry Christmas, My Friend" and written by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1987. The audio recording was done by Father Ted Berndt and his daughter Ellen Stout in one take. Father Berndt has since passed away (3/19/2004), but his life's mission lives on - "to touch lives and make a difference."

At Christmastime while you are enjoying your time with family and friends, remember the soldiers spending Christmas away from their families and their country.

When you hit your knees tonight - say a prayer of thanks.

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
and to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, net even a tree.
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
a sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
not how I pictured a United States Soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
my life is my God, my Country, My Corps."
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still
and we both shivered from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
The the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "carry on Santa, it's Christmas day, all is secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.

Sequoia Council Klondike February 18-20

The Klondike Snow Adventure is quickly approaching. The Klondike Snow Camporee transforms Camp Chawanakee into the Great White north of the "Klondike."

There will be Scout Skills competitions such as Fire Building, Spike Driving, Log Lifts, and a Snow Canon event. Scouts will need to vote at an upcoming meeting on whether or not to camp. If the troop does camp there is a Mandatory training for Scout Leadership. The Training is Saturday January 15 in Fresno.

Due to travel time and the short days If we camp, We would stay Saturday Night and return on Sunday.

Scouts come from all over the state to attend the Sequoia Council Klondike. We are pretty lucky to have a council that puts together such a great event for us.

Download the Sequoia Council Information Packet Here

Civics Day February 9th, 2011

The annual Madera Boy Scouts Civis Day is scheduled for Wednesday February 9th. This is a wonderful opportunity for Scouts from all over Madera to meet City and County Government Officials. All Boy Scouts are encouraged to attend.

If you are interested in attending please let Scoutmaster Mark Chadwick know.

The Day begins with Lunch at the Madera United Methodist Church and then tours of various government facilities.

The Madera Civics day was written up in 2001 in Boys Life and Scouting Magazines.



http://scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0101/a-civc.html

http://media.boyslife.org/archive/viewer.html?id=y_wDAAAAMBAJ&pg=37&query=civics+day+madera+california

Trap Shooting trip a little bit wet

Plan for rain on Saturday when we go up to Coarsegold for our Trap Shooting adventure. So plan accordingly and bring your rain jacket hat and proper footwear. It is a short drive up the mountain to Coarsegold so we will make a day of it and challenge the trap course between rain showers or in the rain.

Due to weather prediction I strongly suggest waterproof boots for this trip.

You can find directions to the range here: http://sunmountaingunclub.com/content.php?pg=location

Don't feed the Bears?

This is an awesome commercial. Almost brings a tear to the eye...

Cobb Cornfield Maze a tribute to Boy Scouts

The Cobb Ranch Corn field maze has been very popular over the years here in the Central San Joaquin Valley. This year in 2010 they are dedicating the maze to the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. you can visit their webpage here.

They are offering free admission to all Boy Scouts dressed in Full Uniform! That is a $10 saving folks! WOW!!!

Here is a PDF file of their Flyer

Happy Halloween!

November Shotgun Outing

The troop will be visiting the Sun Mountain Gun Club to experience the sport of Trap shooting. This outing requires a couple of permission slips to be turned in to the troop by November 8 so that the troop can have a proper headcount and buy the proper amount of ammunition for the day.

The troop Permission slip can be downloaded here

The Sun Mountain Gun Club permission slip can be downloaded here

Both forms and the activity fee must be turned in by November 8, 2010

Our goal for this outing is to give all of the scouts of Troop 116 an opportunity to learn how to properly handle a shotgun and try the sport of trap shooting.

The Gun Club has a snack bar on site and will have lunch available for purchase. Scouts may also bring their own lunch to eat on the premises. The activity fee for this outing is $30 per attendee. This will cover the costs of the range fee and ammo for 2 rounds of traps.

Mr Nishimoto has prepared a FAQ for the outing it can be downloaded here

For any other questions please contact Mister Nishimoto.

Tenderfoot through First Class Videos Now Online

Scouting.org now has training videos for new scouts needing to work on their rank advancements. Follow the following link to the Videos. Quicktime is required to view videos online. THis is a great tool to early Rank Advancement. Watch the videos and talk to your Scout Leader about the rank advancement requirements you have met.

Find Videos here on Scouting.org

Backpack Group Buy

The Bridge Store has offered to sell backpacks at a great price to the troop. The Backpacks available are manufactured by Everest Trading Company, Model numbers 8045DLX and 8045D. The 8045DLX is a Semi-external frame pack and the 8045D is a frameless pack. Bridge Store is making these packs available to the troop for $35 for the frame pack and $25 for the frameless pack.

Both Packs are available in BLACK, NAVY, FOREST GREEN, RED, AND ROYAL BLUE.

You can see the packs at the manufacturer's website here: EverestBags_8045DLX or Everestbags_8045D

I would describe these packs as economy or Value Packs. They are well made but do not have all of the bells and whistles of the Big Name or Big Dollar packs. Everest Bags does place a lifetime warranty on the materials and workmanship of the bags and can say that they are very well made, the material appears to be of high grade and the stitching seems strong. But for $35 the frame pack is well worth the money. The 8045DLX has a main compartment divider that utilizes a drawstring rather than a zipper. The divider can be opened completely so that the full pack area can be accessed through the top or the bottom access. There are tie down straps available everywhere on this pack. The Pack's total volume is approximately 2700 Cubic Inches or 44 Liters.

The only negative points I see with the pack are that Hip Straps are difficult to quickly adjust, and that some of the tie down straps are sewn so that they can not come apart. The Side compression straps also pinch down on the side pockets. The Hip strap issue maybe solved by setting it once and then leaving it in that position.

Mr Nishimoto will bring sample backpacks to the next few meetings so that scouts and parents can view and try on the backpacks. A group order sign-up sheet will be available for orders. Payment can be made to the Troop. The Order will be submitted after the meeting on Monday, September 13, 2010. The packs should arrive within one week.

Cora Lakes Backpacking Trip Report

The long hike is finally over but I bet a lot of scouts are still feeling sore from it. On Friday, August 13, we left for Strawberry Tungsten Mine from the Madera United Methodist Church. The mine was unavailable at the time so we changed our base camp location to Granite Creek Campground.

We found parts of the 5 mile uphill trail to be quite challenging. It was well worth it with the nice scenery and the cool lake, where Mr. Chadwick caught a 12 inch Rainbow Trout. All in all, it was a great first time experience for most of us. Scouts that attended were: Samuel, Tommy, Joshua, Jordan, Ethan, Jesus, Dalice, Jared, Elijah, Clayton, Juan, Ricky, Aaron, Zack, Taylor, Brandon.

Also big thanks to our adult leaders who also attended: Mr. Chadwick, Mr. Allen, Mr. Gong, Mr. Govett, Mr. Haney, Mr. Nishimoto, Mr. Sharp, Mr. Thelander, and Mr. J. Thornton.

Submitted by: Tommy

Philmont Bear Protocol

The following is from the Philmont Boy Scout Bear Protocol and Policy - Upon arriving in camp, place all "smellables" that are not immediately needed under the dining fly and place all dishes near the sump. If you are not looking at it, hang it! Smellable items are suspended away from people -- don't forget spilled food on clothes. The following are bear bag items:

1. All foods and trash
2. Medicine (place in boot if needed at night)
3. Soaps (including Camp-Suds) and shampoo
4. Foot powder
5. Chapstick
6. Sump Frisbee & condiment bag with all spices
7. Water bottles
8. Feminine hygiene products
9. Extra batteries/film/disposable cameras
10. Toothpaste/toothbrush
11. Sunscreen
12. Clothes that have spilled food or drink on them or you hiked in
13. Unwashed dishes
14. Tobacco
15. Deodorant/anti-perspirant
16. First Aid kits
17. Insect repellant
18. ALWAYS HANG ANYTHING THAT YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT

It is also suggested to not apply bug spray less than 2 hours before sleeping. It maybe inconvenient but better to be safe than sorry. All snacks and food will be consumed in the food area. NO FOOD IN CAMP AREA.

Water from the Sierras Is it Safe?

There has been much talk about Water for the upcoming backpacking trip into the Ansel Adams Wilderness. For optimal hydration every person should consume 100 oz. per day. So for this trip we are requiring every scout to carry at least 2 liters of water during the hike. We will replenish at selected sites during the trip.

So where do we get Safe water when on a backpacking trip? The Sierras have numerous streams and lakes that are considered safe for consumption and we will have filters available. In doing research I am finding that the Streams and lakes of the High Sierras 8000ft and higher are considered safe to drink. So each scout and adult will have to analyze the data for himself and make the decision to drink straight or treat the water. BTW, BSA recommends that all water should be treated.

How do we treat water? Water can be filtered with a backpack filter. You can treat the water with chemical tablets or Iodine. You can Boil Water. Boiling is also a topic of question because how long do you need to boil water? My answer is 1 minute at FULL BOIL and then allow the water to cool. This full cycle of heat will kill most if not all of the harmful critters. Why 1 minute? because that takes the altitude adjustment out of the equation.

Robert Rockwell, PhD. author of the article "Giardia Lamblia with Special Attention to the Sierra Nevada" states that as long as the backpacker drinks smart he should be safe. Backpackers need to pay attention to the condition of the water source and the overall area. Dr. Rockwell has found that a majority of the water from the Sierra Nevada is safe as the San Francisco Municipal Water Supply.

Read the Original Article Here

How To Do #2 Outdoors

Often wondered and rarely talked about. How exactly do you do #2 when in the woods?

First you must know where to relieve yourself. The number most often given is 200ft. You should only defecate 200ft from sources of water or established trails. Once your spot is selected you will then dig a cat hole. A cat hole is called this because that is what a cat does. A cat hole is 6 - 8 inches deep. Why only 6 - 8 inches? because that is where the organic organisms hang out and deep enough to protect it from small critters. These organisms are what break down the "poo" aka. fecal mater. Any deeper and the "poo" may be lying there for a long time.

When digging your cat hole remember to break out a clean top cap so it can be replaced over the hole. To dig you can use a digging stick or a small shovel.

Now how to actually do the "Doo Doo." Select a spot where you can either lean against a tree when in the squat position. Or find a tree that you can hang on to so you do not fall backwards. Or just squat down and do it. Here is a great internet article on just these facts.

OK what about the wiping part? Well... If you use paper, then you should use it, bag i,t and hike it out when you go home and find a trash can. Some campers like to use natural vegetation AKA good quality leaves. This requires a bit of plant identification because some plants irritate your skin and you don't want that down there.

This method follows the basics of Leave No Trace. Soon we may need to start packing the whole load out. If this becomes a requirement we would resort to using Climber's Poop Tubes. That will be a future article.

The website with the article is outdoor survival website and has some great articles on multple subjects.

Hikers Guide to Cora Lakes

I am posting a link to a guide on Cora Lakes. This is written as a day hike from the beginning of the trail head above Clover Meadows. We will be starting from Strawberry Mine which is about a 1/4 of a mile above the trail head.

Mr Slenders the current owner of Strawberry Mine tells me that the Mosquitoes have been voracious at Cora lakes. So bring your bug spray and Be Prepared. We have to Camp over 200 feet away from the lake to protect the environment so we may camp a bit further to protect ourselves.

The fishing should be OK at the lakes so bring your fishing pole and fishing license if you need one.

The Guide refers to parts of the hike as a Gentle Stroll. Of course the writer is probably in shape and without a pack since he did it as a day hike. We will be taking our time so we are not on a schedule.

Download guide here.

Coleman Dual Fuel Camp Stove Manual

The Coleman Backpacking Stoves we have are the older Coleman Peak 1 Dual Fuel Single Burner Model 440. Most of the Coleman liquid fuel stoves all operate pretty similarly So I am Posting the manual for a similar model operation and precautions are identical. You can view the PDF file Here. When dealing with Coleman Liquid fuel stoves, never over fill the stove. Only fill the stove to the bottom of the filler neck as stove sits flat, do not tilt stove to add more fuel. Follow instructions printed on stove for lighting instructions. Allow generator tube to reach full temperature before cooking on stove. Do not pump stove while cooking utensils are on stove. If flame appears weak, Pump up the stove.

When storing stove after cooking is complete, Turn off Stove, wait for 1-2 minutes as stove may continue to burn as fuel in generator tube burns off. After Stove has cooled off, open filler cap to vent off pressure, and then RESEAL cap tightly. Ensure stove is turned off and then bag stove in storage bag, and secure to the outside of your pack. Keep Stove on the outside of your pack to prevent fuel from spilling on your pack contents.

Download Stove Instructions NOW

Scouts vs Backpacker Readers

Backpacker magazine had a competition between some East Coast Scouts and some of their Readers in Backpack and Camping skills. Skills test came right out of the Boy Scout Handbook. The results are surprising... Read the Article Here. Practice and study those skills!

Backpacking food Primer

Here is some information on backpack Foods. It is a Powerpoint presentation prepared by a troop in North Carolina. Things to remember as you plan out your meals you should try to consume 2000+ calories per day. A balanced diet of 50% carbs, 25% fats and 25% proteins will make you feel better through the trip. Remember each camp buddy team is responsible for their own food. Aim to limit waste by repackaging food when possible. Example Use a Noodle brick and mix rather than the Cup O Noodles.

Time to Prepare for our Next Trek!

We have a Backpacking Trip on the Calendar for the weekend August 13 -15, 2010. As this is our first Backpacking trip we are doing some preparation work over the next few weeks at our regular meetings. To get us started Here is a link for a Weekend Backpacking trip. Remember packing lists are just a starting point you may need less gear or more gear. Just remember the Scout Motto, Be Prepared. http://www.scoutlists.com/Summer/Mountains/Male/Weekend-Backpacking-Trip.aspx

Time to Plan for Chawanakee

With our annual visit to Camp Chawanakee right around the corner it is time think up some new camp projects. Part of the fun of Camp Chawanakee is to build up pioneering projects from rope and poles.

All scouts are asked to google and search the internet for possible camp projects. Find ones you like and present them to the troop.

Here is one site : http://www.pioneeringmadeeasy.co.uk/

Have fun!

Facebook Group

There has been some confusion on the Facebook group page. The facebook group is a group page where our members can communicate to each other. Scouts, Alumni and Parents can join the group. we have the group closed to public so admission must be requested. Mr. Chadwick and Mr. Nishimoto are administrators.

On the group page you can post pictures and make comments about our activities. We can also use the discussion capabilities of the group to plan outings and other activities.

There is also now a link to the Facebook Group in our link section. You can also go to our group page by clicking this link: Go to our Facebook Group

Be on STAFF at Camp AroLi

The application for Camp AroLi is available on the Sequoia Council Website. Fill in the camp application and check off the box for Den Chief. All Scouts with the rank of Tenderfoot or higher can be on Staff at Camp AroLi. It is a wonderful opportunity to get some service time in helping Cub Scouts learn skills for advancement. Camp AroLi serves 80 - 110 Cub Scouts every year. The Application packet can be found here: http://seqbsa.org/PDFS/Events/2010_day_camp_packet.pdf

April 12 - Meeting Agenda - Uniform Inspection

A uniform inspection is scheduled for Monday, April 12. All Scouts are to wear full Class A Uniforms. A copy of the Inspection Sheet is available here http://seqbsa.org/PDFS/Forms/troop%20uniform%20sheet.pdf

Troop 117 and Troop 115 are visiting to plan the Thunderbird Camporee in Ahwahnee.

Patrols are also planning meals for the Sequoia Council Camporall. At the Camporall there will be Rock Wall available for use by Scouts, however each scout must have a special permission slip in hand to climb the wall. The Rock Wall Permission Slip is available from Mr. Chadwick.

Troop Election Results

Senior Patrol Leader: Samuel C.
Assistant Senior Patrol Leader: Cody M.
Viking Patrol Leader: Ricky N.
Dragon Patrol Leader: Conner M.
Frontiersman Patrol Leader: Armando R.
Troop Guide: Dalice G. & Patrick R.
Junior Assistant Scout Master: Nick F.
Quarter Master: Taylor A.
Historian: Joshua T.
Scribe: Tommy N.
Librarian: Jordan M.
Chaplains Aid: Dominic H.
Bugular: Jared T.
Den Chief 112: Zack L.
Webelos Den Chief 115: Samuel C.
Webelos Den Chief 112: Tommy N.

Respectfully Submitted by: Tommy N.

Troop Calendar updated

I know Updates have been slow ...

But such is life of a Scout Website. To much stuff going on all of the time. To stay on top of Troop Happenings. Attend all of your Troop Meetings.

The Calendar is now Up To Date!!!

Yea!!!