"Hessel" International Scout Rally

Beau gets it right

Scouting isn't just an American activity. Scouting began in England and came to the U.S. one-hundred and five years ago. It has since spread internationally - including to Canada. That leads us by circuitous segway to this year's "Hessel" International Scout Rally (held this year near Trout Lake). The rally this year included over 500 Canadians, Girls Scouts, Venture Crews, and Boy Scouts. While the weather looked pretty dismal, it didn't spoil the event, and it wasn't as bad as last year.

Darryl, Carl, and Todd arrived Thursday night to stake out a good location and set up camp. Their efforts paid off. Ours was the first camp past the entrance, and not far from the center of action. We were also able to stake out sites for our local Crews and Troops. Robert arrived late and heated up some shrimp egg rolls to share. The weather overnight was cold, rainy, and windy. That's pretty standard for the rally, and it didn't pose any problems, though Darryl took a few sleeping bags into town to run through a dryer. The rest of the Troop would arrive Friday.

Friday started with an easy morning with French toast and a toasty fire. The day progressed to a steady stream of arrivals. Our Scouts quickly settled in to their established duty roster: cooking, cleanup, and campfire. Through these activities, Scouts are able to check off more promotion requirements. Friday night it rained.

Some years attendance to the International Scout Rally hits over 1,000. This year we saw about half that, and the weather may be to blame - or the change in location, but wherever Scouts gather, there's fun to be had, and the boys had plenty.

On Saturday morning the weather cleared up and the real fun began. The rally's theme was "holidays". Naturally our Troop had settled on Administrative Professional's Day. The boys dressed in professional attire, donned taped glasses, wore pocket protectors, and carried briefcases. Halloween costumes couldn't have been more frightening. Once dressed, the boys raced from campsite to campsite to participate in whatever activity the unit had planned. Prizes went to the Patrols that visited the most campsites. Our boys made it to the bottom of the top ten - a good showing in the face of serious competition. Pete produced an excellent entry for the Dutch oven competition. Though he failed to place, his dish was a big hit with the rest of us.

The activities continued with dinner, prizes, and a dance. Rumors quickly followed that Beau was a hit with the girls, and thus ended the day. I've posted an album for the event if you'd like to experience a bit of it for yourself.

The weather held out for the Sunday morning pack-out, and we put away most of the tents dry. The ride home felt a lot quieter than the ride out - even with all the snoring in the back.

Next year's theme will be "Around the World in Three Days". Already the ideas are bubbling...

Veterans' Fishing Day Picnic

Nick helping clean up

The annual Veterans' Fishing Day picnic rolled around again, and thanks to Amy, the Troop received another invitation to help out.

An invitation you might ask? Yes. These men and women served our country, and it is always an honor to serve them.

The boys made a very good impression last year and aimed to do so again this year, too.

Our Scouts and a volunteer from Crew 356 (yay Molly!) helped the veterans carry their plates and bus tables. The veterans, in turn, asked the volunteers to join them for a really wonderful pig roast. The organizers even let the Scouts take back the returnable cans and bottles.

After cleaning up, the Scouts helped the National Guard load hundreds of folding chairs and scores of tables back into their trailers for the trip back to the armory. After such a great lunch, the exercise felt good, and the weather was absolutely perfect.

You can check out the rest of the event's album online, too!

Memorial Day Ceremonies

Welcome!

The Scouts in Troop 321 did a fine job representing Scouting today. They helped the VFW prepare their hall for the town's Memorial Day ceremonies after the event weathered out, they held the door and greeted veterans and guests, and they participated in the ceremonies with all due decorum.

It's great to for the boys to see the flag ceremony they learned as Cubs performed by combat veterans from both recent and long ago wars.

I regret that I can't tell you exactly how many times the veterans complimented the boys for their good behavior and helpfulness both today and last week decorating the cemetery with American flags, but it's a large number. Our participation means a lot to our city's veterans, and it shows they haven't been forgotten by America's youth.

Our newest media star

Lunch, by the way, was exceptional. Post members and the lady's auxiliary brought in a very nice potluck with a large variety of special treats.

The Troop also owes a special cheer for Danny P who stood before Channel 10's camera and bright lights to represent our Troop in very good form. Nice job!

I've also posted an album with this morning's highlights.

Memorial Day Flag Planting

Scouting helps more than just Scouts

Sometimes we get so caught up in Scout activities, especially service projects, that we forget the impact we have on other people.

Today I saw Scouts in uniform cleaning up litter and planting flags in preparation for Memorial Day ceremonies this coming Monday, and I saw a lot more than that.

I saw a dozen or more grizzled veterans paying their respects. They, too, saw our boys carrying forward the tradition of honoring those who served during the most difficult times.

I also saw younger children following the example set by the Scouts, and I couldn't help but think, "this means something."

I hope that today, this weekend, and Memorial Day, we can catch our breath, look around, and see how our actions bring a a little brightness or a smile to someone don't even know.

Bit by bit, our actions make this world a better place.

Spring Camporee

"The hint is in the name..."

We did it! We pulled off our 2nd Spring Camporee with perfect weather and nary a hitch. We didn't even have any mosquitoes!

Around 90 Scouts and parents from the Pere Marquette area and beyond camped out for the weekend. We had another 60 Cubs and parents join us on Saturday for games, dinner, and campfire fun.

Oh, where to begin?

While setting up the day before the big event, three of our intrepid leaders failed to notice a 1500 pound moose sneaking through the campsite. Who knew a moose could tip-toe?

Throughout the event, Pete cooked up some fantastic meals for the "Parent Patrol". Ladies, if you want breakfast in bed, this is probably your best shot.

The boys didn't do so bad with the, either. Not surprisingly, we had a lot of sausage and pancakes to work through Saturday morning. Hats off to DJ, by the way, for volunteering to help with dishes. That's the spirit!

North Country Trail presentation

Speaking of cooking, Carl & Robert entered the Dutch oven competition for adults, but there were too few entrants to award more than participation ribbons. The judges looked happy with the entries and walked away quite full. I'm pretty sure the other Scouters were just too intimidated to try.

But nevermind all that, the Scouts had a lot of Scouting fun. Events included first aid, single line rope bridge crossing, and a bunch of team building activities culminating in a super-long-pokey-thing.

Our special guest speaker explained our nation's trail systems and introduced the newly created North Country Trail. We'll be hiking ten miles of it on June 6th, by the way. Perhaps one day one of these Scouts will venture forth to hike the whole route. That would be quite an adventure!

Security!

When the Cubs arrived, Chad taught the little guys how to make popcorn in a #10 tin can. Gary hosted a bean bag toss. Other Troops set up a human billiards game, fire making stations, round ball games, and more. This was a really great way to show off our area's Troops to future Boy Scouts and their parents.

As the Troops settled into their dinner chores, the Cubs dug into hotdogs and beans and fruit salad for dinner. There were s'mores, too, right? There are always s'mores!

The Cubs (or parents) who weren't completely knackered by this time stayed for the Scout's campfire - and what a campfire! Songs, skits, and walk-ons galore gave everyone a good laugh. We even had a mystery visitor, but you'll have to visit the photo album to see him for yourself. Any guesses?

We Won!

Thanks Swick!

Every month, Swick Home Services hosts a contest - get the most "clicks" in a month and win $500. Our Troop's treasurer, Amy, entered the Troop, and the Troop, family, and friends did the rest.

Wow! Wouldn't it be great if all fundraisers were this easy?

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

About a Hundred...

"Hey Gary, how many pancakes did you flip?"

"About a hundred..."

Thus went the Troop's pancake breakfast fundraiser. Breakfast included pancakes, sausages, eggs, eggs with cheese, juice, and coffee.

But the Troop served up much more than that. The event included a bake sale, a rummage sale, and a Boy Scout Popcorn sale, too!

Our efforts also benefited the community. Many citizens purchased tickets for donation to the Salvation Army, and we fed quite a few people who needed a good meal.

We're thinking about hosting another pancake breakfast fundraiser on Halloween. Anyone up for green eggs and orange pancakes?

Bell Hospital Raised Flower Boxes

Power Tool - or Automated Screwdriver?

Amy reports:

Julie Solka, volunteer services supervisor at UP Health System, Bell, contacted me in late March to ask if the Scouts would be interested in building four planters for the community garden sometime in April or May.  One of Julie's volunteers donated the materials.  Darryl and Carl cut the lumber, and the boys built the planters with great enthusiasm.  The only "funny story" I saw was the feat of strength and cooperation required to move the four very heavy boxes from the driveway into the garden area.  It was an all-hands-on-deck moment.  :)

Commentary from the Troop Blogger:
Didn't someone mention that maybe the boxes should be built closer to the garden? And didn't someone not listen? Do tell!

I sure wish I could have been there!

Pancake Breakfast Ticket Sales Event

Sweet Sales Success!

Our ticket sales event got off to a great start with 17 Scouts selling 213 tickets. Many buyers donated tickets to St Vinny's and to the Salvation Army. As a result, we'll be feeding a lot of hungry people on May 9th.

All Scouts who participated will split the evening's proceeds evenly. Great work guys! 

After tonight, Scouts are encouraged to continue selling right up until the 9th. The Troop will credit a Scout's scholarship fund $3 for each ticket they sell. These funds can be used for Scout related purchases and for camp tuition. Interested Scouts should also plan ahead for a trip to the National Jamboree next year. 

And don't forget to sell to family, friends, and teachers. Always remember, though - sell safely! Always go with a buddy and an adult, and don't carry large amounts of cash with you. 

Project Feed a Neighbor part 3

Just a small part of Troop 321's overall efforts

Hurrah! This is what Dick Derby sent to the media about our efforts:

"Project Feed A Neighbor" had a very successful food collection, for the sixth annual event.  We were not able to calculate the weight this year, but both the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul said that they had received more food items this year compared to 2014 when we were able to calculate about 9,000 lbs. collected.

"Further, over 2000 food items were collected from the friendly inter school competition between Westwood and Ishpeming High Schools.  This will be taken to the pantries this week.

"There are numerous volunteers and people associated with making Project Feed A Neighbor successful.  They come from churches, schools, service organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, businesses, and it is even important to recognize the critical roll the media plays in helping remind people about contributing to the project.  One estimate determined that between 200 and 300 people have some part to play in Project Feed A Neighbor."

You all should be very proud of the role each of you played in this worthy effort!

Project Feed a Neighbor part 2

Crew & Troop getting it done

Today was the heavy lifting day, the day we distributed collection bags to every single house on our assigned routes - no matter how long the driveway or number of steps up to the door. This week's snow just made it more... interesting. At least it wasn't raining, and the sun was out.

The project included volunteers from high schools, Troops, Packs, and a Crew member, too. Troop 321 made a good showing, and some of the Scouts brought siblings who were also really helpful.

The Troop helped label, rubber band, and count bags earlier in the week. Next Saturday we'll hit the streets and pick up the bags of canned food for our local food banks. This is a really big community project, and it's great to see our Scouts join in.

Project Feed a Neighbor part 1

Young and Old Working Together

"Project Feed a Neighbor" is an annual community event with the aim to restock our local food bank pantries. Dick Derby, our Troop's Charter Organization Representative, heads up this annual initiative and asked for the Troop's help.

The project consists of three parts:

• prepare bags for distribution
• distributing bags throughout the area
• picking up bags

Today the Troop gave our community volunteers a real boost when we showed up to help out with bag preparation. We cut down a task that usually takes three hours to two hours. Dick was very impressed and appreciative. I suggested he keeps are meeting dates and times in mind for future service opportunities. Our boys are enthusiastic volunteers, and we should be very proud of them. 

Hopefully the weather holds out for Saturday's distribution event. The event will run rain or shine (or snow). 

Winter Camping

Digging in for the night

Troop 321 now boasts three new Polar Bears! But that's how the story ends.

The story begins with five adults and a passel of Scouts loading up gear for the drive to Camp Hiawatha. We didn't need the trailer because we'd have to hike a half mile through deep snow to our campsite with only packs and sleds for our load. Our load included all the potable water we'd need. I expected complaints, but there weren't any. What a difference two years makes!

We arrived, we unpacked, we organized the Scouts into work crews with Sebby enthusiastically in charge, and we got to work on dinner. Pete, one of our professional chefs, planned a simple, fool-proof dinner: pizza, fruit, and salad. Over what, you may ask, a fire in the snow? Well, not exactly. We had the run of the camp's staff kitchen, and Pete planned accordingly. We ate well. Very, very well.

Chef Pete

Our evening continued with cards and games and a fire in the fire place. Eventually the boys retired to their cabins. Fortunately, the leaders had their own. We turned in early(ish).

Hungry tummies encouraged the boys to quickly assemble into their work parties the next morning. This brought us our first surprise for the trip. It turns out, Jackson has a super-power no one knew about. Jackson is able to turn out absolutely perfect pancakes - including the very first one. Who knew? So we feasted on bacon, sausages, pancakes, and fruit - a high calorie meal for a high calorie day.

While the cleanup crews polished off the dishes, Darryl set up his tip lines. His new auger made quick work of the ice, but that remained his only lake-related success. One of these days, he's going to catch a fish in Bunting Lake. I just hope I'm still alive to see it.

The Eternal Optimist

The boys spent the remainder of the day getting clobbered with snowballs by a couple of girls too young to join the Scouts even if they could. The girls planned ahead with a mobile stockpile of slush-balls, so the boys really didn't have a chance. 

Between battles, everyone built forts and snow caves for sleeping in. Some caves survived, some didn't. Robbie set up the best cave under a picnic table. He's now one of The Three. Fortunately, the staff kitchen included a staff clothes drier, and so the troops took periodic breaks to dry out and warm up. In spite of everyone's best efforts, we never ran out of hot chocolate or coffee. 

Thus the boys played and made meals and cleaned up and sat by the fire and played some more. And yes, the adults napped while Jennifer snapped photos and gave them away. Harrumph. 

At least one Scouter's favorite lunch

We celebrated Pete and Darryl's birthdays Saturday evening, and then the boys settled in to their snowy nests. Those who didn't last the night (or the evening) tended to suffer from inadequate gear rather than lack of desire. Darryl reported resting poorly, however. I suppose guardian angels seldom rest. He checked on the boys every hour or two throughout the night.   

When morning arrived three Scouts popped out with boyish grins and rosy cheeks. We ate homemade biscuits with sausage and gravy along with Chef Pete's special oatmeal. The trek back to the parking lot seemed a lot easier, and I have no doubt some boys dozed most of the way home - three of them dreaming of their Polar Bear patches.

For more food photos and various snowball shenanigans, check out the trip's album!

Our next campout will be the Spring Camporee. With luck, most of the snow will have melted.

Cub Winter Games

I sure didn't see any slow children

Ishpeming Cubs and Scouts have been instrumental for the past five years or so in making the Cub Winter games a great success, and this year was no different. This year's event also boasted a record number of volunteers from area Troops who set up and ran a variety of activities. The weather held out, with light winds, light snow, and warm(er) temperatures reaching into the upper twenties. Of course, the boys stayed warm racing around and climbing snow mounds between events.

Highlights:

• the best Cub-run flag ceremony ever!
• nine stations
• fourteen groups
• invading Ogre army demolished
• new Cub bowling records set
• possible UP 200 entrants identified
• hot soup and hot chocolate
• the bake sale raised over $290 for Ryan Koski's recovery
• the chili sale raised $110 for Crew 356

Darryl did a great job as the event's master of ceremonies, chief judge, and media spokesperson. He even stayed late to help mop up, though I think he was avoiding the dog house at home. Thanks, also go to the Willey's who ran the obstacle course and to Carolyn and Grace who ran the bake sale - and to all the folks who brought donations. Linda also helped keep the kitchen running (we've honestly never seen a kitchen without pots) and cleaned up afterwards.

Our own Scouts helped run three events and were a credit to the Troop. This is such a change from just a few years ago when they were the ones racing around and rolling in the snow. We're proud of them and our adult volunteers. We turned a dreary winter day into something really memorable for a lot of young boys. 

We've also seen a steady increase in help from the area's Troops - with Troop 372 already volunteering for a bigger role next year. Special thanks go to Chuck Suckow who brought out a very large trebuchet and Paul Salfai who organized behind the scenes and kept registration running smoothly. I wish I could list all the troops that helped out, but I took more photos than notes. 

Speaking of photos, don't forget to check out the event's album. You'll see a lot of boys having a lot of fun. Some are even eating fruits and vegetables. 

Food Drive - Part II

And Bless You!

Great job Scouts! And what a wonderful community response to folks in need.

Over the past two Sundays Troop 321 helped gather over 15 shopping carts full of food and a little over $100 in cash donations for the Salvation Army. They were very thankful again today as we dropped off the donated food. Many families will be helped out by our boys work! ~ Scoutmaster Carl

Just a shout out to the AWESOME boy scouts who went to our local grocery stories and got food donations for our food pantry(two weeks in a row)! A big thank you to Amy Mattson who helped make it all possible!! ~ Liz Nevala, Salvation Army

Be proud!

Scout Ski Day at Marquette Mountain

Grabbing some air

Can winter weather get any better? The sun was out, the temperatures went up to a balmy 26F, and the lunches were  hot. Oh, and the snow, though not powered, was nicely groomed.

Our Troop joined Scouts and Scouters from Troops, Packs and a Crew from across the U.P. to enjoy the slopes, the lifts, and some good company. Four Scouts earned their Snow Sports merit badge, though none from our Troop this year. It's a difficult badge to get because it requires more than just basic skills.

A Tin Turtle lunch gave the boys a break and the energy to blast on throughout the afternoon. Some parents skied, some enjoyed down time in the Alpine lodge, and most enjoyed both. This was a great opportunity to meet Scouters and parents from around the area. No doubt we'll see some again at next week's Cub Winter Games or May's Spring Camporee.

Oh, and as is often the case, don't forget to check out the event's album!

Food Drive

Lending a hand to the Salvation Army

When the Salvation Army's pantry ran bare, Scouts stood ready to lend a hand. Never mind that it was below zero or that the Troop had a full plate of events, an empty food pantry constitutes a community emergency.

In answer to the call, Troop 321 posted Scouts at the Jubilee in Ishpeming and the Super One in Negaunee Sunday afternoon. Together, the boys collected five full shopping carts from a generous community and unloaded them directly at the pantry. 

This food drive really was a great experience. The boys face a lot of rejection when trying to fund raise for the Troop. However, the community responded vary generously today and had many nice things to say to our boys. A lot of credit goes to Jubilee and Super One for giving our Scouts permission and space to make their pitch - and to our communities for pitching in. 

Big hearts & full baskets at the Jubilee

We're going to do this again next Sunday, and we hope for more great results. We'll participate in the community's annual canned food drive in April, too. The boys are a real asset to the community, and they're learning great lessons about service as well. 

Klondike Derby

The boys have come a long way in their fire building skills

Wikipedia describes the Klondike Derby as a winter Scouting event that tests skills and leadership along the theme of the Klondike Gold Rush. However, here in the Pere Marquette area, the derby tested patrols from five area troops along a decidedly more Hobbity theme - specifically Peter Jackson's third movie of his Hobbit trilogy

In addition to carrying staffs and dragging a sled, the boys practiced lashings, compass reading, orienteering, knot tying, shelter building, and, of course, fire building. They also raced against the clock, winched their sled up hill, and defended against invading orc hordes.

The exercise and hot soup kept the boys warm, and a dozen volunteers kept everything else running smoothly. What a great tradition!

And if you've never seen a horde of invading orcs, you'll want to check out the event's photo album.

Court of Honor

Posting the Flag

Troop 321 celebrated new promotions and merit badges this evening after applauding Webelos from Pack 321 who crossed over from Cubs to Scouts. Of course, it all began with a potluck dinner and some wonderful fellowship.

Carl has been hard at work with the boys helping them knock out promotion requirements, and the work has really paid off.

If you've got some down-time, check out your son's Scout Handbook and see if you can help him with any of his requirements. Except in a few cases, you can work on promotion requirements for more than one rank at a time.

Also, keep an eye on AskMarvin.org. Our area's website now has a section on the home page devoted to upcoming Merit Badge opportunities. Some may require a bit of a drive, but that can be fun, too!

The full photo album is also available for viewing.

UP 200

Scouts, mushers, and dogs all having a grand time

The Wild called. It was grateful. Dozens of mushers and over a hundred dogs safely crossed the trail's casino intersection thanks to a little help from Troop 321's Scouts and volunteers. Yes, it was bitter cold. And snowing. And the wind came right off the lake, but that didn't discourage the Troop.

Carl set up a comfort station. Darryl brought pallets to burn. The boys arrived with the enthusiasm of youth. Between halting cars and helping huskies, the boys wolfed down hot dogs and hot chocolate. Never mind the snow and ice, this event looks like fun because it was fun.

The dogs wagged their tongues, the mushers thanked us, and the motorists were patient. What a great UP tradition!

Don't forget to check out the whole photo album, too!

Cardboard Classic!

Number 13. Naturally.

The Cardboard Classic was a smash hit this year! That is to say, we had a 30% increase in participants for the third year running and, of course, most of the sled catchers got caught by surprise at least once.

All the new teams caused significant delays, and the races went on until nearly 4:00. Fortunately, the temperatures were well above last year's, the light snow was simply beautiful, and Marquette Mountain served hot lunches!

The Troop only fielded one one sled against a field of ten, and the sled exploded half way down the course, but the boys were laughing far too much to be called disappointed. And isn't that what it's all about?

We should probably start thinking about sled designs for next year. Or maybe we can do it tomorrow...

The Minion's magnificent malfunction

Oh, and don't forget to check out all the fun times in the race's photo album, too!

Lock-in!

A Boy and his Cookie

It's winter, the kids need to run around, parents need a little quiet time, and Scout leaders, we'll, sometimes they're just not entirely sane - all of which spells "LOCK IN!"

The Troop along with local Webelos and assorted friends converged on Aspen Ridge and attacked chips, pop, pizza, popcorn, and eventually donuts with gusto.

In the end, though, the food, the play, and the late hour wiped out a few. One young fellow (right) fell asleep standing up. But many of the boys made it the whole night - and pitched in with cleanup ta boot.

And I don't think the leaders won a single game of dodgeball no matter how many times we changed the rules.