Varsity Vision Newsletter Mar 09

“Backpacking” Program Feature for March

The

VARSITY VISION Newsletter

FOR VARSITY SCOUT LEADERS UTAH NATIONAL PARKS COUNCIL™ BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA®

www.utahscouts.org/varsity scouting/varsity vision news letters

March 2009 “See things from the boys point of view” Baden Powell Vol. 12 No. 3

VARSITY SCOUT PLEDGE

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As a Varsity Scout I will: live by the Scout Oath, Law, motto

and slogan; Honor the dignity and worth of all

persons; Promote the cause of freedom;

and do my best to be a good team member.

Table of contents Subject Page Varsity Scout Pledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Backpacking Program Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Taut-Line Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Field of Emphasis – High Adventure . . . . . . . . . . 5

ATTENTION… “River Rats” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Let Your Scouts Lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Gee Whillickers – Story by Berry. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Backpacking – Do No Harm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Operation “On Target” 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Let’s Go Backpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Leave No Trace Master Educator . . . . . . . . . . . 12

“Touching Their Lives” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

One Step at a Time (121 Merit Badges) . . . . . . 13

Grand Canyon “Rim-to-Rim” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

On Belay Training Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

The Vision of Wood Badge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

District Activities for 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Comments and Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

March 2009 VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

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BACKPACKING Program Feature

Backpacking is an integral part of Varsity Scouting. In fact, some of your boys may have already earned the Backpacking merit badge. Through this Backpacking Program Feature, you can expand on those skills you have already learned, and prepare for your ultimate adventure.

This Program Feature is designed to give you a challenging experience. There will be a series of skills and techniques to learn in preparation for the ultimate adventure, where you might spend as much as a week on a backpacking trek. It is important to make Backpacking fun for every team member. Here are some hiking tips that will make it happen:

1. How fast should the hike be paced? Not faster than the slowest team member.

2. Keep some space between hikers; 6 to 10 feet is about right. Space will allow safety (no stepping on heels or catching flying limbs in the face); it also allows for sudden stops and a good view of the surrounding environment.

3. A steady, even pace results in fewer rest stops, and less chance that Varsity Scout team members will overheat.

4. Foot problems? Foot care is essential. Instruct your boys to speak up when they start having a hot spot develop on their foot. Blisters, foreign objects in their boot – all can cause misery for everybody if not taken care of immediately.

5. Rest stops? They’re important especially if some of the Varsity Scouts are having a problem keeping up. Also, if the scenery warrants a special gaze. Too frequent rest stops signal a too-rapid speed of hiking is taking place.

Hiking with a pack is much different from walking without one. A pack on your shoulders alters your sense of balance. Its weight puts extra strain on you feet, ankles, and knees, especially when you’re pounding downhill. Take it easy at first until you become accustomed to the sensation of carrying a pack, and rest whenever you begin to tire.

Team hiking to “Emerald Lake” Setting a good pace will enable every boy in your team to enjoy the trek. Help ensure the comfort of the slowest member by positioning them near the front of the group where they can more easily maintain a steady stride. Backpacking is a group activity, and everyone must pitch in to do whatever is necessary so everyone can have a good experience. Begin each day’s walk slowly, allowing plenty of time for your muscles to warm up and your packs to settle into place. Take brief rest breaks to refresh yourselves and adjust your clothing to meet changing weather conditions. Never hike to the point of exhaustion; you may need those reserves of energy to meet unexpected situations. On a trek it is crucial to every Varsity Scouts well-being to adopt and put into practice proper trail procedures. Every member of the team should be aware of these procedures before you depart for a trek:

1. Always keep together 2. Use the buddy system 3. Anyone may call a halt

Keeping the Varsity Scout team together is essential in preventing anyone from becoming lost, but it is frequently neglected unless the team captain insists on it and each team member is committed to doing his part to ensure success. Every trek should be a team effort. Stronger Varsity Scouts should be expected to help those who are less able. Faster hikers should walk near the end of the line of hikers and give positive encouragement to the slower ones in front. The entire Varsity Scout team should hike within hearing of one another.


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The buddy system works well in any outdoor situation, not just aquatics. Before the trek, make sure everyone has at least one buddy; buddies can also tent together. When hiking or backpacking on the trail, every Varsity Scout has a right and even a duty to call a halt to the entire team when necessary. Every boy should be encouraged to call a stop to check a hot spot, adjust a pack, adjust layers of clothing, eat a snack for energy, drink some water, or any other reason. DIVIDE GROUP GEAR In addition to safety, one of the greatest advantages of traveling in a Varsity Scout team is that your pack will be lighter than if you were alone. Of course, each boy must tote personal gear; clothing, eating utensils, etc. But tents, cook kits, stoves,

food, stove fuel, and the like can be divided evenly among all the team members. As you gear up, set aside those items that will be used by more than one Varsity Scout, and then divide them up in such a

way that everyone has a pack that is light enough to be carried comfortably. To avoid confusion in camp, keep a complete list of your team’s gear and note the pack in which each item is being carried. Backpacking Shelters… Desert backpackers need open, airy shelters that shade them from the sun. Long-distance hikers need tents that are light in weight and yet appropriate for many variations in weather. Fortunately, there are shelters that will satisfy every outdoor Varsity Scout. Dome Tent… Contemporary designs and fabrics have made possible a variety of dome-shaped tents. Their configurations help them stand up to wind, rain, and snow, and the spaciousness of their interiors makes them great for two to four Varsity Scout boys. A dome tent can be flipped upside down in the morning to quickly dry the bottom of the tent floor. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED Anything can happen in the wild outdoors and often does. You should take measures designed to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring. Consider all reasonably foreseeable problems and then devise a plan to minimize the risk to manage a crisis. Backpacking safety is a matter of foresight and good judgment. When you’ve planned your trek well, included responsible people in your group, and left a trip plan with someone, you can

embark on an adventure confident you are prepared to handle any situation.

Hike down through the “Hole in the Rock” An injury that doesn’t happen needs no treatment. An emergency that doesn’t occur requires no response. An illness that doesn’t develop demands no remedy. Obviously, the best way to stay safe in the outdoors is not to get into trouble in the first place. That requires planning, leadership, and good judgment. As long as you keep your wits about you and clearly consider the consequences of your actions, you’ll be able to enjoy even the most remote wilderness areas safely. The preparations you make before a trek can do a lot to ensure your Varsity Scouts with safety in the backcountry. Thorough planning means you’ll have your Scouts with the clothing, camping equipment, provisions, and survival gear they’ll need. You will have thought through the route you intend to follow, checked weather forecasts, practiced any special skills the outing will demand, and left a complete trip plan with responsible people who will search for you and your team if you are overdue in returning home. Since your chances of getting into difficulties are greatly reduced when you travel with others, you should have at least four Scouters (2 adults and 2 youth) in your group. In short, you’ll have done everything you can to foresee and avoid problems before they can occur. LIGHTNING The summits of mountains, crest of ridges, slopes above timberline, and large meadows are extremely hazardous places to be during lightning storms. If you are caught in such an exposed place, quickly descend to a lower elevation, away from the direction of the approaching storm, and squat down or kneel down on a pad, keeping your head low. A dense forest located in a depression provides the best protection. Avoid taking shelter under isolated trees or trees much taller than adjacent trees. Stay away from water, metal fences, and other objects that will conduct electricity long distances. By squatting or kneeling on a sleeping pad with your feet close together, you have minimal contact with the ground, thus reducing danger from ground currents. If the threat of lightning strikes is great, your team should not huddle together, but spread out at least 15 feet apart. If one member is jolted,


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the rest of you can give assistance. Whenever lightning is nearby, take off backpacks with either external or internal metal frames. In tents, stay at least a few inches from metal tent poles.

Wood Badge pioneering project at Thunder Ridge, 1983

FLASH FLOODS Threadlike streams can become raging rivers in a few minutes or even seconds. It is important to be alert to the possibility of flash floods and take steps to avoid a dangerous encounter. Pitch your tents on higher ground. During and after periods of rain, stay away from natural drainage areas. Always know where you are and how to get to higher ground. Watch for indicators of flash flooding, such as an increase in the speed or volume of stream flow. Stay out of flooded areas. ALTITUDE SICKNESS Since altitude sickness is caused in part by a too-rapid rise in elevation, acclimate yourself gradually to the high country. Spend a layover day part way up to give your body time to adjust. Take antacid tablets. Get enough rest and drink plenty of liquids. The victim may develop a headache, feel a lack of energy, lose his appetite, and sometimes become nauseated. If antacid tablet and increased liquid intake are not effective, descend to a lower elevation. The symptoms will soon disappear. BLISTERS Blisters occur when skin is irritated, usually by heat or by friction. For backpackers, blisters on the feet are the most common and the most troublesome problem encountered.

Keep your feet clean and dry. Wear boots that fit properly and are well broken-in. Change your socks frequently. Toughen your feet with short hikes before embarking on an extended trek.

A “hot spot” on your foot signals the beginning of a blister. Stop immediately and reinforce the tender area with moleskin. Put on dry socks. If a blister does develop you may need to drain it. Clean your foot with soap and water then prick

the edge of the blister with a sterilized needle. Protect the wound by cutting a hole the size of the blister in a piece of moleskin, and use it to encircle the blister. Several layers may be necessary to take the pressure of the boot off the tender skin. AVOIDABLE ACCIDENTS Most avoidable accidents occur when horseplay is involved, late in the day in camp and not on the trail. Fatigue, mild dehydration, and altitude effects may impair a member’s performance and judgment. Rock throwing, improper use of equipment, foolishness in hanging the bear bags, climbing steep rocky ridges, running through campsite, climbing trees, and carelessness around firelays frequently cause accidents. To avoid them, individual and group discipline should be maintained. PURIFY ALL DRINKING WATER All water from all sources – including springs, streams, and well – must be purified. This rule must be strictly enforced. Your own well-being is at stake. The most certain treatment to purify water is to bring it to a boil or boil it for a couple of minutes at higher elevations. Water purification tablets or iodine crystals will effectively kill most water-borne bacteria and viruses that cause disease. To treat cold water, you’ll need to double the contact time to destroy giardia that may be present. This means that you must let a quart of water stand for at least 30 minutes after adding a tablet or two, or 2 to 4 capfuls of iodine solution, before drinking it.

Taut-line Hitch This is the knot we use to adjust tension in a tent’s tie down rope. It works best with cord that is at least ¼-inch thick. 1) Wrap the rope around a secure object such as a tent stake. Bring the leading end under the standing rope and wrap the end around the standing part two times.

2) Finish by bringing the leading rope above the two loops and finish with a half hitch; pull tight.


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FIELD OF EMPHASIS

“HIGH ADVENTURE”

START PLANNING EARLY… A year ahead is not too early. Conduct at least one super High Adventure activity per year and in addition have other less extensive High Adventure activities quarterly. The challenges and possible range of activities are as varied as the ingenuity and resourcefulness of your Varsity Scouts.

High Adventure is a term that automatically excites the imagination of a young man. Your boys should have an active role and significant input on selection of the High Adventure activity as well as in its planning and management.

Determine how many High Adventure activities you would like to have. This includes activity nights, overnighters, Saturdays; 2-6 day adventures and then get them calendared in the team schedule. Planning, Preparation & Participation (the 3 P's) for a High Adventure experience is essential for the program to work. Work out the details; consider related activities that will enhance the High Adventure activity.

FOR EXAMPLE: You may prepare for a 5-day backpacking trip into the High Uintas by scheduling team meetings to work on fishing, survival, fly tying, etc.

The following is a list of ideas that your team can

BRAINSTORM through for a customized calendar: SUPER HIGH ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES (5 DAYS) 1. "Entrada" Biking, Rafting & Climbing 2. Horse Trek from Granite Ranch 3. Beaver High Adventure base camp 4. Philmont Scout Ranch 5. Rainbow Canyon trip:

Kolob Arch hike Zion's Narrows hike

6. Grand Canyon hike (rim-to-rim) 7. Zion West Rim hike 8. Lake Powell (hole-in-the-Rock) 9. Intercultural exchange visits 10. National and world jamborees 11. Father and son high-adventure is

effective 12. Go with the Mutual on a super

activity 13. Attend youth conference 14. White water river run 15. Float the Green

River through Labyrinth Canyon

16. Visit Utah's national parks

17. Grand Canyon, Havasupai Indian village

18. Go to a national park or monument

19. Canoe Sevier River from Yuba Dam to Lyndall 20. Hike Paria Canyon from Highway 89 to Lee's Ferry 21. Hike any part of Escalante Canyon 22. Run the Desolation Canyon from Ouray to Green River, UT. 23. River run through Cataract Canyon 24. Backpack Canyon lands or 4-wheel drive it 25. Nine Mile Canyon (Petroglyphs) 26. Teton Canoe Base 27. National High Adventure Base 28. Etc.

QUARTERLY TYPE OVERNIGHT ACTIVITIES 1. Operation "ON TARGET" 2. Rock climbing and rappelling 3. Camping, hiking and fishing 4. Winter campout

5. Mountain Man Rendezvous 6. Climb Mt. Timpanogos 7. Go boating 8. Survival at Topaz Mountain 9. Look for arrowheads 10. Back pack to Silver Lake overnight 11. Go rock hunting 12. Bike ride overnight campout 13. Go camping and pan for gold


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14. Go to the Sand dunes 15. Go to a ghost town(Opher) 16. Go canoeing on the Jordan river 17. Overnight hike with Dads 18. Ranch trip and ride horses 19. Cross country skiing or snowshoe 20. Go rafting on the Provo River 21. Visit the Lehman caves 22. Go to the Timpanogas cave 23. Gather pine nuts in September 24. Climb to the top of Lone Peak 25. Spelunking - Nutty Putty 26. Bicycle touring 27. Camp and Golf 28. Night in mountain cabin & share "meaningful exp." 29. Go ice fishing and camp out on the ice

30. Snowmobile trip to Yellowstone Park 31. Dinosaur Nat. Monument and Museums 32. Goblin Valley state Reserve 33. Golden Spike Historical Monument 34. Breakfast Hike 35. Orienteering course 36. Learn to build a snow shelter Etc.

The Great Salt Lake Council offers three camping and High Adventure programs for all Varsity Scouts throughout Utah. Any one of these programs will capture all the thrill, excitement and adventure you are looking for in a High Adventure Activity. Teton High Adventure Located south of Jackson, Wyoming at Hoback Junction, the Teton High Adventure Base is a premier High Adventure opportunity for your team. This base features whitewater canoeing and rafting as well as backpacking, mountain biking, Yellowstone National Park trips, scenic float trips through the Grand Teton National Park and a great C.O.P.E. course that will challenge and bring your team together as a group. Come build memories, create bonds and life long friendships with your boys and leaders. Bear Lake Aquatics The Bear Lake Aquatics Base is situated on the east Shore of Bear Lake with a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The Aquatic Base offers a variety of high Adventure activities for your Varsity Scouts: aviation, catamarans, Life Guard courses, SCUBA, water skiing and a climbing and rappelling tower are among the many program features offered at this facility. Whether you love the water or the land, there are many fun and rewarding activities here for you.

Uinta High Adventure Our newest high adventure opportunity is found at the East Fork of the Bear Scout Reservation on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains. Unlike our other bases, here you get the beauty of the high mountain atmosphere where your team can participate in backpacking, shotgun shooting, climbing and rappelling, fly tying and fishing on the East Fork of the Bear River. Kayak instruction is also available on one of our beautiful lakes. This camp program can be geared to the skill level of all your young men.

Attention

RIVER “RATS” (River rafters and canoeing Scouts)

Our Utah National Parks Council has succeeded in landing some new high adventure opportunities on the Colorado and Green Rivers—a 3-4 day float trip in Desolation Canyon, a 4-5 day float trip in Cataract Canyon and a 3-day canoe trip from Green River to Mineral Springs (which takes out below our own Entrada, meaning canoeing, biking and climbing for a week for those who want to do the whole adventure package)

This is great news to have this opportunity again to participate through Desolation Canyon and Cataract Canyon on rafts. The canoe trip through Labyrinth Canyon down from Green River can be an exciting trip when coupled with the Entrada. I took my Varsity Team down

Desolation Canyon in 1982 when Reen Leuthy was our Scouting Guide. That was a trip we never forgot. He made it so much fun with all the water-fight trickery he used on us. We had an article about rafting and canoeing down Labyrinth Canyon in the July 2008 issue of this Varsity Vision newsletter written by Dennis Crawford. He took his Varsity Scout team on that run in 1996. There must be a lot of Huck Fin in all us boys because we love to be in and on the water so much. I didn’t have all the specific information at press time for these activities. Dates and cost will be determined, for your latest information contact Jeff Peery or Randy Keys at the Orem Scout Shop.


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Let Your Varsity Scouts Lead

Want to achieve a Varsity Scout youth led Team? Find the balancing point between helping them succeed

and letting them struggle.

What’s the mark of a good Varsity Scout Coach? As I look at my good friend Paul, its experience and the love of his Varsity Scout boys. As a Varsity Coach, Paul spends much of his time asking his Team Captain questions. Although his Captain is good at running meetings and organizing outings, you still need the Varsity Coach saying, “Did you think this through?” and “What about this?” Teenagers don’t tend to go micro on the details. Recently, Paul’s Team Leaders at TLM have been planning a major backpacking trip into the Mt. Nebo Wilderness area next summer. They know they want to have a trip, and they know they want to have a good time, Paul says. They don’t know how to promote their vision. Through the skillful use of questions, Paul helps them understand their vision for the trip and develop a practical plan. With adults, on the other hand, Paul is much more direct. You’ve got to pull them aside and say, “Let the boys do it. Unless you see a Varsity Scout in imminent danger, you let them figure it out,” he says. Paul’s two-pronged approach — supporting Varsity Scout youth leaders while redirecting adults — is the key to achieving a truly Varsity Scout-led team. When adults step in too much, youth leaders can’t practice leadership. When adults step back too far, they doom youth leaders to failure. The trick is finding the balance between helping Varsity Scouts succeed and letting them srruggle. As the Varsity Scout boys aged, Paul and the other adults handed off more and more responsibility until the team was completely boy-led. The balancing point can also change from one month to the next. Paul is now working with his seventh Varsity Scout Captain, and he has noticed a consistent pattern. He said “the first few meetings the boys do real well, then they’re left more on their own, and it gets shaky. People wonder if this is the right thing. But in every instance, the Captains and Program Managers have improved by the end of their calling.” His Varity Scout youth leaders have all improved is a testament to Paul’s intensive coaching. He estimated that he spends 50 percent of his time as a Coach working with the Captain and 40 percent working with other Varsity Scout Program Managers. That leaves him 10 percent to explain this stuff to parents.

Gee Whillickers We want to hear from your 14 -15 year old boys. We have been authorized to award $25.00 each month to the writer of the best Varsity Scout story submitted to this newsletter. All Varsity Scouts from our Utah National Parks Council are eligible and invited to participate. Tell us about a special Scouting experiences or adventure. Articles should be between 300 and 800 words and written by the boy himself. Pictures can be used to help tell the story. The winning boy is eligible to win once every 12 months. Coaches, have your boys send in your high adventure stories. This is an e-mail story I received from Berry,

My first camping trip with our Varsity Scouts was last summer when I was made a Teacher. We went to Gunlock State Park. We were going to have a great time and learn new stuff. So, we went swimming in a lake, tried (with no luck) to catch our dinner, then we tried to catch a squirrel. Me and my buddy Joe propped a box up on a forked twig, tied a string to the twig and put some peanuts underneath. Then we snuck back into the tent and waited for our squirrel to come. Finally we heard a noise! There was something eating our peanuts! We pulled the string, crossing our finger that our plan had actually worked. And then we crept up on the box, I gently raised the lid, and got sprayed by a skunk. After that moment, the only things I remember is bathing in the lake several times and have my buddies tease me for smelling so bad. My buddy Joe never got touched. Brother Parker was shocked that I smelled so bad, and even more shocked that my parents agreed to let me go camping again with the Varsity Scouts after the bad experience on my first trip. But although it had a pretty stinky ending, my trip was definitely fun.

Berry Thanks Berry for this “stinky” story, I can still see the spray flying out of the box. What a great story, thank you. We sent Berry $25 for his story. There will be another Twenty five dollars to the Varsity Scout with the best story submitted to the Varsity Vision Newsletter next month.

send to: [email protected]

VSVS


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BACKPACKING “Do No Harm”

The Boy Scouts of America partnered with the Leave No Trace program to educate Scouts and leaders about what they can do to preserve and protect the environment. The principles of Leave No Trace provide useful, ethical guidelines to assist in minimizing our impact on the outdoors, preserving it for future generations.

Seven principles of Leave No Trace that everyone should follow

Plan ahead and prepare for backpacking… Avoid backpacking during the high season on popular trails; you won’t have to compete with other hikers for campsites. Backpack in less-popular national forests instead of popular national parks. Consider seasonal issues in the Utah Mountains; hiking in “mud season” (after the snow has melted but before the ground has dried) is as unpleasant as it sounds — and it increases trail erosion. Once your Varsity Scout team has chosen a destination, check safety concerns such as extreme weather, seasonal issues (snow, high water, lack of water), and hazards. Check regulations, especially regarding group size. Backpack & camp on durable surfaces…

Some surfaces are more vulnerable to damage than others. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, pine duff, or snow. Surfaces that are less durable include muddy trails, riparian areas, arctic-alpine vegetation (especially in the blooming season), and meadows. In popular locations, try to use areas that already show signs of impact. This means existing trails and campsites. Backpack single-file in the middle of the trail,

even if it’s wet or muddy — and resist the temptation to cut switchbacks or take shortcuts. Keep campsites small and limit high-impact group activities such as sports to places where vegetation is absent. In pristine areas without trails, your group should spread out while hiking to avoid creating new trails that might then be used by others.

In camp, avoid sites that are just beginning to show signs of use, and instead camp where others aren’t likely to find or choose the same spot. Leave the site as pristine and unmarked as when you found it. In all areas, choose campsites at least 200 feet from water sources. Dispose of waste properly… “Pack it in, pack it out.” That means candy wrappers, orange peels, plastic Ziploc bags, freeze-dried food packaging, tissue paper, and leftover food— anything that wasn’t there when you arrived. Packing out trash left by others is also a great service project your Varsity Scouts can take on. Deposit solid human waste in 6- to 8-inch-deep cat holes, located at least 200 feet from water, campsites, and trails. When you’re finished, fill in the hole and camouflage it with duff, pine needles, or downed wood. The same goes for washing dishes. Scatter strained dishwater and pack out any food scraps. Leave what you find while backpacking… “Take only pictures; leave only footprints.” This includes rocks, plants, and other natural objects. It also includes cultural and historic artifacts such as pottery fragments and arrowheads. Make sure to thoroughly clean your backpacking gear between trips to different regions of our state. Otherwise, you can transport seeds and spores that stick to boots and tent stakes to new environments, where, as nonnative variety, they can overgrow and do damage. Backpacking campfire effects… Stripped of downed wood, overused campsites have a bare, desolate look — as if you arrived late for yesterdays camp. There’s an impact on animals, too, which use downed branches as shelter and hiding places.

Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires and keep the fires small, using wood small enough to break by hand. Metal fire pans contain the fire


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and keep it off the ground; mound fires are built on a 3- to 5-inch mound of loose soil or sand that protects the ground under the fire and gets dispersed after it burns. Never establish a new fire ring. Before you leave a campfire, make sure all wood and coals have burned to ash. Once the ashes are cool to the touch, scatter them. Better yet, refrain from making a fire and instead use a lightweight stove for cooking. A candle lantern can provide evening light. Respect wildlife while backpacking… Don’t feed the animals — no matter how cute, friendly, or tame they seem. Feeding them can damage their health, alter their natural feeding patterns, make them dependent on human food, and expose them to predators.

Animals that become accustomed to humans can be dangerous. Even a docile-looking deer — not to mention a bear — can severely injure you by aggressively seeking handouts. The no-feeding rule

includes accidental feeding: Store food in animal-proof containers. Hang it up and out of reach or follow local regulations and suggestions for keeping your food and trash away from wild animals. Avoid disrupting animals: Don’t follow or approach them too closely, especially in mating season, nesting season, or winter when they’re vulnerable. Avoid camping near or on animal trails, especially in dry areas where animals may depend on a small amount of water resources. Be considerate of others while backpacking… The larger your Varsity Scout team is, the farther you should camp from others. Avoid loud and raucous games, especially when camped within sight or earshot of others. While backpacking, you should yield to other users when possible — stand to the side and let others pass — especially when you’re part of a large group. If you encounter pack animals, step to the downhill side and stand quietly as a matter of safety for both humans and animals. When you stop for a break, move away from the trail to allow others to enjoy their solitude as they pass by. In addition to observing the BSA’s Outdoor Code, we encourage Varsity Scouts and leaders to follow the principles of Leave No Trace.

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Why did the Varsity Scout tiptoe past his tent? He didn't want to wake up the sleeping bags.

OPERATION “ON TARGET” July 18th 2009

Operation “On Target” 2009 will be a great mountain-top experience for your Varsity Scout boys. It centers on hiking to a mountain summit and signaling to other Varsity Scout units with special “On Target” signal mirrors that the boys have made themselves. Go to www.ontargetbsa.org for a full description. This year we are going to start the Operation “On Target” 2009 mirror flash on July 18

th at 10:00am from the top of

the Church Of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints Office Building in Salt Lake City and send it to surrounding mountain peaks. I don’t know just who will be sending that first signal but I hear rumors it could be somebody very special? The On Target signal flash will then be relayed on to other mountain peaks all up and down the Wasatch Range. Also, “On Target” flashes will be relayed back down to LDS Temples where parents and family members can participate by sending the “On Target” signal flash back to their sons on nearby mountain peaks. Several years ago we were on Lake Mountain just west of Utah Lake and we received and sent “On Target” signals to the Provo Temple and the Timpanogos Temple. We were also linked up with 8 mountain peaks around Utah Valley. It was really neat to make that connection and also get the parents of the boys involved. It is important for your District to call a person to be the Operation “On Target” 2009 Chairman to coordinate this program. This person can schedule Varsity Teams for mountain peaks around your district to link them up with surrounding districts. Our goal here in the Utah National Parks Council is to take this “On Target” signal flash and send it down to the St George Temple. We also would like to see the “On Target” signal flash spread east throughout the Council to the Vernal Temple, the Manti temple and on over to the Monticello Temple. It is important for every district in between to pick-up and relay the signal on its way. There are many merit badges which could be included in your Operation “On Target” 2009 experience, including Astronomy, Backpacking, Camping, Communications, Cooking, Geology, Hiking, Indian Lore, Nature, Photography, Radio, and Signaling. The only limit to the fun and adventure of Operation “On Target” is your own imagination. Afterwards, a Flash-back Roundtable can be held at which prizes are awarded for outstanding performance during Operation “On Target” 2009. We will be talking more about this activity in the coming months. There are so many positive things that can happen from participating in this mountain peak activity. The national web site for Operating “On Target” can be found at www.ontargetbsa.org


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Let’s Go BackpackingLet’s Go BackpackingLet’s Go BackpackingLet’s Go Backpacking After hiking and backpacking in the Utah Mountains and deserts for more than 60+ years, you eventually learn a thing or two. Here are some tips I have learned over these years, some I have learned the hard way. I always check with the Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for advice and discuss my plan. These are the folks that will be responsible for saving lives if things get bad. Let them in on your plan and strategy for dealing with unforeseen events. Ask them for their advice; they are the professionals, not you.

It’s best to start your backpacking hike early in the day, to enable flexibility in strategies dictated by weather changes and/or unpredicted terrain demands. Usually weather changes take place in the afternoon in the high country.

I have found that most accidents are avoidable and when they do happen it involves the boy’s horse playing around. To avoid accidents, individual and group discipline should be maintained. Wear worn-in hiking boots. Several years ago one of my Varsity Scout boys showed up wearing new hiking boots. Luckily he also carried along his everyday sneakers. About 2 hours into the hike he got a couple of nasty blisters, which leads us to another great tip. Bring lots of moleskin. A thorough first aid kit is necessary, but about the only thing I have ever used out of my first aid kit is moleskin for blisters. Always have your survival kit with you at all times. This is an unwritten rule and should just be automatic when heading out into the back country. I have found that “baby-wipes” works as a great substitute for toilet paper. It is comfortable, lightweight and clean and reduces the chance for developing a rash. “Handy wipes” also work great for giving your-self a sponge bath. Plan your route to your Varsity Scout skills and condition. I don't care how physically fit they are, never hike more than three miles on your first day. It takes at least 24 hours to adjust to the altitude. A day adjusting to your backpack

is also helpful. Keep their backpacks under 30 pounds. It makes for a much better trip. One backpacking hike a boy brought along a Global Positioning System (GPS), which I have no problem with. GPS are excellent devices that enhance the fun and safety of your trip. However, this young man did not program the GPS before he brought it on the trail. In fact, he hadn’t even taken it out of the box, and he brought along the instruction manual. I couldn’t help him because I didn’t know a thing about the GPS he was using. So he had about 5 pounds of worthless weight he carried up and down the mountains. Insure you have an excellent topographic map of the area you are traveling in. Have your Varsity Scouts keep track of where they are on the map. Remember that a mile on a trail seems a lot more like three miles on the streets. Have a good compass with you. I always carry a good quality Scout compass so I can take azimuths when available to pin point my location.

Keep in mind, the main purpose of the compass is to orient the map. Limited visibility will hamper attempts at locating land marks and will only be useful on overlooks or on high ground where other terrain

features might be visible. Become familiar with map reading and the process of azimuths and back azimuth techniques. This is a great reason to take and to learn how to use a GPS. I only need three satellites to pin-point my exact location. I use a Garmin 60CSx GPS for all my traveling and camping needs now. You need to coordinate with other team member you are hiking with when packing equipment. For instance you normally only need one water filtering device for every four scouts. You only need one bottle of sunscreen, one bottle of insect repellant and one bottle of soap for your entire team; avoid duplication. Keep the weight of your total pack below one fifth of your body weight but no more than 30 pounds. Packing food is the toughest item for me to gauge especially with boys. You don’t want to run out of food, but food is also the heaviest item in your pack. Stick to serving sizes and don’t bring too many extra snacks for just in case. I have been guilty of this every time I go backpacking and I always bring home extra snacks or give them away to the boys on our way back. Dennis Gillie told me he always has a cooler jug of water and cups, along with some snacks and fruit, stored in his vehicle at the trailhead for their return when they have completed the trek. “This serves two purposes: (1) we know we can drink all our water and eat all our food on the trail knowing there is a supply waiting for us when we finish, and (2) if there is an emergency, we have a source at the trailhead and not have to go into town. This has been very well received by all our hikers.” Do not carry cans of food, no matter how much you like them. The weight of can goods far exceeds their desirability. More wholesome food is available in dry form and considerably


11

lighter. Warm food is a necessity and will go a long way to lift the spirits. Always have a minimum of one source for heating food besides an open fire. Also, lighters and matches should be packed in waterproof baggies or containers. You must have proper rain gear, it is essential for having a good time. Not only can a sturdy, lightweight rain suit protect you from the elements, but it also acts as an extra layer of clothing. Ponchos are okay but a rain suit works best overall I think.

One word: Lightning You won’t soon forget the sight of a lighting bolt splitting the mountain sky, or the sound of thunder bouncing off canyon walls. My up-close and personal experience with lightning was at a camp on top of Mt. Timpanogos when my Varsity Scout team was on an Operation “On Target” hike. We were camped in the saddle which leads to the highest peak (a big mistake). Without warning dark clouds came up over the mountain from the other side and engulfed us in rain and darkness. We shielded ourselves against a cliff with a plastic tarp over us.

When that first lightning bolt hit it sounded like a bomb exploding next to us. It shook the ground and we could feel electrical tingling up through our bodies. The hair on the back of my neck stood out

and the smell of ozone was thick in the air. Several more lightning bolts struck but not nearly as close as the first one. This experience is what I call “a good example of a bad example.” I always keep an eye on the clouds now and try to know when a thunderstorm is rolling in. When lightning crackles overhead, seek shelter indoors or in a low area away from solitary trees, rock formations, wire fences, telephone, electric lines, large open fields, and lakes and especially high mountain ridges. Give wild animals enough space so they’ll not feel threatened by your presence, and they’ll seldom present a threat to your safety. Another “good example of a bad example” is when I attempted to give this wild mountain goat an apple; he turned on me and clawed his front hoofs in the ground. When wild animals feel threatened or trapped, it may fight. A small shelter for two boys is better than a large one for multiple Scouts. In the warmer periods of the year, a plastic fly or lean-to will do. A poncho will serve the purpose nicely. A

good sleeping bag is the most important item carried. If you become sick, it is your best way to maintain body temperature. Do not be optimistic about the temperature at night. If caught in rain, nothing works better than an individual rain suit to keep you dry. An individual poncho is not necessary. Combined with a hooded sweatshirt, the rain top protects against wind and rain while the sweatshirt maintains body heat. Wet equipment weighs twice as much as dry equipment. A big black plastic bag over your pack works great to keep the water out. If you can’t keep water out of your pack, make sure it has drain holes from which the water can escape. Put everything into plastic zip lockable baggies to insure they keep dry in the rain. Be sure you have a fully charged cell phone, in a plastic waterproof zip lock baggie, in the OFF position. In an emergency, you can get on high ground to find a signal. I always have a signal mirror with me. One of the AOL advertisement cd’s which come free from grocery stores or cereal boxes works great and even has a sight hole in the middle. Also, every Varsity Scout and leader should have a whistle around their neck and all times, day and night. If available, a mobile walkie-talky on a frequency monitored by the Forest Service is highly advisable. I have a HAM handheld radio and it works even better for reaching others. Remember to take extra batteries and keep both in a waterproof zip-lock baggie. I always carry several large plastic garbage bags to carry out garbage. Simply tie it to the outside of your pack.

I never try to carry all my water with me. It is nearly impossible to carry enough water for an extended trek. Spend the money for a water purifying device. It will be money well spent in keeping you healthy and feeling good.

The Pope, and a Varsity Scout, and another passenger

were on a transcontinental flight. Suddenly, the pilot burst into the cabin. The plane is going to crash. Grab a parachute and jump. With that he took one of the three parachutes and jumped out of the plane.

The other passenger said to the Pope and the Boy

Scout. "I'm the world’s smartest man and I’m on the verge of developing a cure for cancer. I have a plan for world peace. I'm too important to die." He reached into the closet, slipped his arms into the straps and jumped.

The Pope said to the Varsity Scout, "I've lived a long life

my son. You take the final parachute." "Don't worry your holiness," the Varsity Scout said. "There are still two parachutes left. When the world’s smartest man jumped, he took my backpack."


12

BSA Announces 2009

Leave No Trace Master Educator Courses

Ethical principles guide a Varsity Scout’s behavior in every area of his life. They also influence his behavior outdoors, whether he’s biking on Moab’s slick rock trails, taking a week camping trip to Beaver High Adventure Base Camp, or just enjoying a backyard barbecue some evening with the Varsity Scout team. Why? Because following the BSA’s guidelines for Leave No Trace enjoyment of wide-open spaces not only builds appreciation and respect for the environment, it also helps reduce the impact humans can have on the Earth’s natural resources and protect them for future generations. Be mindful where you backpack, for example. Wayward footsteps can damage surface vegetation beyond rejuvenation. And the sight of trash and litter on trails spoils the experience for others. Those common-sense ideas aren’t merely a set of rigorous rules. They represent a conscious way of thinking that leads to an awareness of what makes the great outdoors “great.” And for that reason, the BSA actively seeks Leave No Trace Master Educators for every Scout council and Leave No Trace Trainers for every district. Description: Leave No Trace Trainer Course Start Date/Time: 5/8/2009 5:00:00 PM End Date/Time: 5/9/2009 6:00:00 PM Contact E-mail: [email protected] Cost: $12.50 Registration Ends: 5/6/2009 This course is for people who would like to become trained as a Leave No Trace Trainer. It will be held at Camp Maple Dell in Payson. Participants must complete all 16 hours of training to graduate from this course. Upon successful completion of the LNT Trainer course, you will be equipped to:

• Understand, demonstrate, and teach minimum impact techniques to friends, family, their sponsoring organization, and other community groups.

• Lead a discussion on outdoor ethics and help others explore their own personal outdoor ethic.

“TOUCHING THEIR LIVES”

The LDS Scouting Handbook places an increased responsibility on Church leaders, both stake and ward, to train LDS Scout leaders in the Varsity Scouting program. This means that stake and ward leaders need to know the Varsity Scouting program and must be trained themselves. In September 2005, President Dahlquist wrote, “Just because this is God’s work, why do we think that we do not need to be trained in that program which the Church has espoused for nearly 100 years as the ‘activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood’? And the reason why Scouting training is vital is that, by and large, we do a very poor job in training the leaders we call to Aaronic Priesthood/Young Men callings—and yet expect them to work miracles in the lives of their young men.” President Dahlquist went on to say, “One of the great blessings of our association with Scouting is the marvelous training that is provided. The call is for every leader (including stake presidency members working with youth, high councilors, stake Young Men presidents, bishoprics, ward Young Men leaders, and Scouting leaders) to be trained.” The Boy Scouts of America offers basic training (New Leader Essentials and the appropriate leader-specific courses) for each Scouting position, as well as other courses such as Wood Badge, to help leaders learn Scouting methods and skills. Taking training should help the Varsity Scout leaders properly understand the program so that it meets the intended results of both the BSA and the Church. Varsity Scout leaders may enroll in these courses to supplement training from local priesthood leaders.

In the February 2007 LDS Relationships Newsletter, President Dahlquist emphasized the importance of Wood Badge training: “If we are really intent in touching the lives of our young men—in building, as Elder Ballard has challenged, ‘the greatest generation of missionaries this world has ever seen’—then we will do whatever is necessary to help us to accomplish


13

that, including getting trained. For most of us, Wood Badge is life-changing because it has to do more with vision and understanding this great tool for strengthening young men of the Aaronic Priesthood than anything else.”

“One Step at a Time”

Perseverance and hard work paid off for Garrett Weeks, 16, who recently earned the last of the 121 merit badges offered by the Boy Scouts of America. Only a handful of Scouts have ever accomplished such a goal. "Now when I face hard times and challenges, I know I can handle them because I've had the experience of other challenging things," Garrett said. "By setting goals and taking things a step at a time, I have been able to achieve many things." Just to earn the Bugling merit badge was a feat in itself. Garrett began on his own but found it challenging since he had never played a brass instrument. Then he had to find a bugling counselor and someone to teach him how to play the instrument. After going through a stack of papers at the local Scout office, Garrett and his mother came across a bugling counselor who fortunately lived close by. She gave him lessons and guidance, and after several months of hour-long, weekly lessons, Garrett finished the requirements. To pass the merit badge off, a Scout must play a list of songs on the bugle and play the bugle for three months. He learned similar lessons in archery and waterskiing. "I had leaders who helped me all summer to master these skills," Garrett said. "I was successful because my parents helped me a lot and because of all the merit badge counselors who were willing to give their time." "He had good leaders who took him on activities and spent several summers helping him pass off requirements in water sports, for example," said Garrett's mother. "I really appreciate all the counselors who volunteered their time. We are really grateful and indebted to them." David Pack, director of LDS Relationships with Boy Scouts of America, spoke at Garrett's award ceremony. "The

great thing about earning merit badges is the opportunities it gives these boys for learning new skills and for leadership, which will be especially important for their missions," Pack said. "Missions aren't easy, but Scouting helps these boys prepare for that." His favorite merit badge was Space Exploration, one he completed at a space camp in Huntsville, Ala. The hardest ones -- and the last ones he completed -- included White-Water Canoeing, where he had to pull himself into the canoe after capsizing. "I like Scouting. It has taught me good morals," Garrett said. "It's lots of fun, and it's educational. If I'm ever in a situation where I need to recall this information, I'll be glad for Scouts. There are things I've learned that I would have never known about if it wasn't for Scouts. This has really helped me know what I want to be when I grow up." Garrett and his younger brothers have earned a total of 231 merit badges. "I've seen -- just as the Scouting handbook says -- that Scouting gives these boys valuable guidelines for life," Garrett’s Dad said. "It gives them direction and a strong foundation to build honest, meaningful lives. Really the most important recognition they receive is what they gain internally -- confidence in new skills and participating in challenging adventures." Garrett earned his Eagle rank at 14 and has since earned 9 palms as well as the Denali award for Varsity scouting. He hopes other boys will be motivated to do the same as he has. He was personally motivated to continue in his quest after reading about Parker Duncan of Bountiful, who earned all 121 merit badges in August 2007.

GRAND CANYON

Backpack Rim-to-Rim This 18.9-mile route starts at the North Kaibab trailhead on the Grand Canyon's North Rim and immediately descends into the belly of the Grand Canyon.

This backpack trek attracts thousands of hikers a year from around the world. In the alpine like environment of the North Rim, you can take in the grandeur of its expansive meadows and vibrant wildflowers, before beginning your


14

descent down the North Kaibab Trail. You can stop at Roaring Springs, the source of the Bright Angel Creek, before continuing on to Cottonwood Campground for your first evening camp. The next day you can continue to follow the North Kaibab, stopping to admire Ribbon Falls, hiking through a box canyon, or maybe doing a little fly fishing before your arrival at Bright Angel Campground for your next night of camping. This is a great place to take a swim, fish, inspect ancient ruins, or just relax.

The next day you will leave Bright Angel and use a suspension bridge to cross the Colorado River, followed by a steep climb up Devils Corkscrew to Garden Creek, and on through some beautiful sandstone narrows

before reaching Indian Gardens Campground and camp the third night. Here in this desert oasis you can take time to hike to Plateau Point, one of the most amazing inner canyon views. After Indian Gardens, you can hike up Jacob’s ladder, past stunning vistas, and ancient pictographs (rock art) to the end of your journey.

Plan to spend at least 4 days and 3 nights completing your rim-to-rim hike. DO NOT attempt to do a rim-to-rim hike in a single day. Keep in mind that you must obtain a backcountry permit to stay overnight in the Grand Canyon. The most pleasant times for a rim-to-rim hike are late-May to mid-June, and late-September through mid-November. The cooler temperatures typical of these months will make your hike a much more pleasant and safer experience. A surprising majority of victims rescued from Grand Canyon are young, healthy males between the ages of 18 and 40 attempting to hike to the river and back in one day. No matter what your age or health status, here are some tips to help you enjoy the Grand Canyon by hiking smart.

• stay hydrated (drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks)

• avoid hiking in the heat of the day (10am to 4pm)

• eat often (carbohydrates & salty foods)

• rest often (sit in the shade)

• get wet (wet your shirt, hat, & wear a wet bandana around your neck)

• DO NOT attempt to hike down to the river & back in one day

“ON BELAY” (Youth & Adult Training)

July 13-18, Skyline Course

July 13-18, Beaver Course

This is an opportunity for you and your boys to take part in an enjoyable outdoor learning experience and discover what Varsity Scouting is all about! This course is for all youth and adults connected with the Varsity Scout program: Coaches, Assistant Coaches and all your boys.

On Belay presents "hands on" training for planning and conducting successful Varsity Scout programs and outdoor activities. It reinforces — but does not duplicate — adult Wood Badge training. This is a full week of fun and learning. On Belay will focus on the Aims and Methods of Varsity Scouting. Scouts will be very busy planning activities, while the adult participants will share in making them happen. Daytime activities will include initiative games, rappelling and climbing, shooting sports, and more. There will be opportunities for cooking, service, advancement, and team participation in fun competitions. Evening campfires will be entertaining for all Scouts and leaders. Boys learn that working with adults can be rewarding and fun. They will learn how to manage a program that they have developed while using the Varsity Coach and his committee to provide the necessary support. Leaders will get an understanding of the program and their responsibilities, in order to have a positive influence on the boys in their team. While learning the necessary skills and available resources, leaders will gain the confidence to carry out their roles.

You’ve got to help me doc! I keep having the same

dream over and over again, and I can't get rid of it."

"Tell me about your dream," the psychiatrist

inquired. The Varsity Coach responded, "The first night I dreamt

I was a wigwam. The next night I dreamt I was a teepee. Then I

was a wigwam. Then I was a teepee, then...."

"Wait a minute," the psychiatrist interrupted. "I

think I know what your problem is. You're just two tents."


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Wood Badge

“Vision of Leadership Skills”

Have you ever wondered if Wood Badge, the advanced BSA

leadership training course, is for you?

Your Wood Badge Experience

If you signed up for Baden-Powell's first Wood Badge course in the fall of 1919 at Gilwell Park outside of London, you could have learned animal tracking, art, useful knots, and how to cook. And while learning those skills, you would have learned something else. Baden-Powell would have probably helped you to catch your own vision of how to lead Scouts. Catching the vision of how you can be a great Varsity Scout Coach is still one of the purposes of Wood Badge. Though the course has refined somewhat over the years-art, tracking, knots, and cooking are taught elsewhere-and the course has shortened from the original 12 days to six-advanced Scout leadership training is still the heart and purpose of Wood Badge. And the reward of sharing in this hands-on-experience is catching your own Vision of how you can help boys feel the spirit of Varsity Scouting and become great leaders.

Careful Now, It May Change Your Life

While a Wood Badge course teaches you state-of-the-art leadership principles, I believe the genius behind Wood Badge is that you learn by doing in a Team setting. You'll acquire leadership tools and practice some models of success, and along the way you'll probably feel something you would like your boys to feel-the spirit of Varsity Scouting. And it may change your life.

Others Will See You've Caught the

Spirit of Varsity Scouting

When you come home from Wood Badge, watch and see whether others notice something different about you. My good friend shared his family's impression of him after returning to the second half of his weekend Wood Badge course. He wrote, "I just want to say how much this experience means to me. My life is changed for the better. During the break between weekends, my family noticed something had changed. My 4-year-old daughter asked my wife, "What happened to Daddy?" Even my wife asked how many times I could go to Wood Badge so I could keep improving. Thanks so much!" Judging by the experience of others, Wood Badge will help you become a better Varsity Scout leader. It's also likely that along the way you'll find ways to become a better person. Sign up soon for your Wood Badge experience. Do your best to serve others by improving your leadership skills. If you do, you'll help fulfill Baden-Powell's vision that Scouting can bring

about God's Kingdom on earth. And by going to Wood Badge, that vision can also become yours.

Wood Badge Courses for 2009

Course

Dates

Course

Location

Course

Director

Registration

Link

Map

Links

Apr 9-11 & 16-18

Maple Dell Bruce Harper

WE7-591-1-09 Acct #934

Google Camp Page

Apr 23-25 & Apr 30-May 2

Mutual Dell Steve Allred WE7-591-2-09 Acct #935

Google

Apr 30-May 2 & 7-9

Heber Valley Camp

Dirk VanWagoner

WE7-591-3-09 Acct #938

Google

May 18-23

Maple Dell Ray Hoschouer

W7-591-4-09 Acct #939

Google Camp Page

June 1-6 Scofield Scout Camp

Brent Barker W7-591-5-09 Acct #940

Google Camp Page

Jun 22-27

Pine Valley Mark Bocanegra

W7-591-6-09 Acct #941

Google

Aug 10-15

Tifie Scout Camp

George Hyde

W7-591-7-09 Acct #942

Google Camp Page

Aug 13-15 & 20-22

Thunder Ridge

Lance King WE7-591-8-09 Acct #943

Google Camp Page

Aug 27-29 & Sept 3-5

Bacon Park Grant Hansen

WE7-591-12-09 Acct #871

Google

Sep 10-12 & 17-19

Heber Valley Camp

Robert McDonald

WE7-591-10-09 Acct #944

Google

Oct 8-10 & 15-17

Mutual Dell Dave Harding

W7-591-11-09 Acct #870

Google


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MARCH 2009 21st Ice Fishing Derby (Sanpete District) 28th Snow Canyon Spring Turkey Shoot (Snow Canyon District) APRIL 2009 4

TH

LDS Conference 11

TH

Varsity Frontiersman, Doug Page (Uintah District) 18

TH

Varsity Rendezvous (Cedar Breaks District) VS/Ven Rendezvous (Fish Lake District) 25

TH

Varsity Thunder Run (Silver Lake District) Varsity Iron Horse Rally (Mt Nebo District) Cascade District Varsity Climb (Cascade District) MAY 2009 2

ND

Varsity Frontiersman (King's Peak District) JUNE 2009 6

TH

Varsity / Venture Extreme Challenge (Battle Creek District) 13

TH

Mountain Man (San Juan District) Varsity Rendezvous (Carbon District) 20

TH

Tri-Council Big Event Rendezvous (UNP Council) JULY 2009 4

TH

Independence Day 18

TH

Tri-Council Big Event Rendezvous (UNP Council) Varsity Scout On Target (Virgin River District) District Varsity On Target Event (Timpanogos District) Varsity On Target (Palmyra District) Operation “On Target” (Utah National Parks Council) AUGUST 2009 SEPTEMBER 2009 19

TH

Varsity Mountain Man Rendezvous (Silver Lake District)

Varsity On Target (Virgin River District) Survival of the Fittest (Deseret District) OCTOBER 2009 3

RD

LDS Conference 24

th

Cascade District Varsity/Venture Turkey Shoot NOVEMBER 2009 7

TH

Varsity Turkey Shoot (Silver Lake District) Varsity and Venturing Turkey Shoot (Mt Nebo District) 14

TH

Turkey Shoot (Squaw Peak District) Varsity Turkey Shoot (Virgin River District) 21

ST

Varsity Turkey Shoot (Palmyra District) Turkey Shoot (Fort Pearce District) Turkey Shoot (Carbon District) DECEMBER 2009

Utah National Parks Council

2009 Calendar of District Activities

Varsity Scout teams are invited and encouraged to participate in each other’s District events. The only criteria are to preregister to the event with their activity Chairman. Let them know you’re coming. For example: Doug Page out in the Uinta district has invited all Varsity Scout teams from our council to preregister for their Frontiersman Rendezvous on April 10

th and 11

th. Of

course numbers will be limited so sign up early for one of the very best Frontiersman Rendezvous in the state. Other Districts in the Utah National Parks Council are making the same offer so look over the following list of dates, activities and district. Your boys may find something that will interest them. All these dates below, I have sorted out of our Council calendar. Some Districts have not submitted their activity dates to be scheduled so this list is not complete.

The Varsity Vision Newsletter provides Scouting

leadership motivation and inspiration as well as a dialogue on needs, direction and policies in the Utah National Parks Council. The newsletter Staff assembles and distributes useful new ideas, practical tips, enthusiasm and the VISION of Stand-Alone Varsity Scouting.

Opinions and ideas expressed herein are those of the

editors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect official BSA policy. The Varsity Vision Newsletter is non-profit service publication to promote Scouting leadership excellence through-out the council and is distributed 12 times a year through the UNPC web site at:

www.utahscouts.org/Varsity Scouts/Varsity Vision

Comments and suggestions can be e-mailed to me

at [email protected]. I would like to hear from you.

Varsity Vision Newsletter Mar 09

Documents

Transcript of Varsity Vision Newsletter Mar 09