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

December 2009

Develop your mind, strive to increase your knowledge and make the greatest use of your abilities. Be curious about the world around you. Learn all you can both in class and beyond school. With an open attitude and the willingness to ask questions, you will get the most out of your life.

VARSITY SCOUT PLEDGE 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.

“Program Feature”

Snow Camping Table of contents Subject

Page

Varsity Scout Pledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

Snow Camping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

Fully Trained Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

“So you’re a new Varsity Scout Coach” . . . . . . . .

6

“EGRESS” by Dennis Gillie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Sign Up for E-List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Operation On Target 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Gee Whillicker – Snow Snakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

Pillars of Scouting GPS Travel Bugs . . . . . . . . . . .

10

Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11

Hazardous Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12

Wood Badge 2010 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

Coaches’ bag of Tricks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

INDEX of all Varsity Vision newsletters 2009 . . . .

15

Vol. 12 No. 12

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

other pack for a trek, look after one another in the woods, and watch for symptoms of frostbite, hypothermia, and exhaustion.

SNOW CAMPING

WINTER CLOTHING

Program Feature

When winter camping, dress in layers so you can easily adjust your clothes to regulate body moisture and temperature. Three types of layers are considered normal: a liner layer against your skin (long johns), an insulation layer (fleece), and a water- and wind-proof outer shell. Keep your torso warm so that it can send heat to the extremities.

Every year, hundreds of Varsity Scout boys will go winter camping. Although the threat of danger is always present in a winter camp, planning and knowledge can overcome this. It is very important that your Varsity Scouts come prepared. If a boy feels that at this time winter camping is not for him, then he shouldn’t go. There is always next year and the year after and so on. If a Scout comes to camp and I do not feel that he is prepared, I will have to ask him to stay behind.

Strawberry Peak

In the winter, COTTON KILLS. Cotton loses its insulating qualities when it gets wet, whether from rain or sweat. Cotton also takes a long time to dry out. Wool or synthetic materials are much better suited to winter camping in cold weather conditions. Wool clothing is best but needs wind protection, synthetics are next best. Down is okay as long as it stays dry; cotton is a poor choice. Your boots should have waterproof outer shells such as oiled leather or plastic. Even though fabric and leather boots may have Gore-tex linings, the outer layers will absorb water which will eventually freeze, placing a block of ice next to your foot. It is always best to stay dry when camping in the snow, but you can expect to get wet and should be prepared. Boots or other shoes which are not waterproof will normally start getting the feet wet and cold after less than 15 minutes in the snow (depending on temperature, the colder it is, the longer the feet stay dry). Low top shoes will not keep the snow out of the shoes. Gaiters will keep snow, rain, etc out of your boots and therefore help keep your feet drier and warmer. Gaiters also add another layer of material around your lower legs to help keep them warm. Gaiters can be made from plastic bags and a strong tape like duck tape. Do not cover the bottom of you shoes with plastic, doing so will cause you to lose almost all of your traction and possibly fall.

This Snow Camping program feature information is provided to help you prepare for winter outings. There are dangers inherent in winter outings that must be prepared for. From personal experience, it is necessary to watch the Scouts carefully for signs of hypothermia, the condition of their clothing and gear. They are often so busy having so much fun, that they do not notice they are getting too cold and their clothing is getting wet. Make a checklist of everything you need before you start to pack. Then check each item off as you pack it. This way you will not forget anything. When planning a winter camping trip, especially if snow camping, remember that travel will be much slower than in the summer. Reduce your mileage goal by 50% to 60%. Daylight hours are fewer in the winter, which will also limit your time. Normal activities around camp take longer in cold weather. Always use the buddy system; buddies can help each

2

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

the color of your urine. Urine will be light colored or clear if you are properly hydrated.

Protect against heat loss through your head by wearing a balaclava or a toboggan hat. Over half of your body heat can be lost through your head. One saying goes, "If your feet are cold, put on a hat." A balaclava helps protect your face and neck from cold and wind.

Keep your water bottles from freezing in your pack by putting them in a wool sock or insulated bottle cover. You can make bottle covers by taping closed cell foam around your bottles. Water mixed with something such as Gatorade, lemonade, etc will freeze at a lower temperature than plain water.

Do not wear too many pairs of socks. If the blood flow to your feet becomes constricted, your feet will get cold regardless of how many socks you have on. Tightening your boot laces too tight will constrict the blood flow as well. Be sure to carry plenty of dry socks. Wet socks can be dried overnight in your sleeping bag, preferably by placing them close to your body.

Water filters are not suited to below freezing weather. Water left in the filter matrix can freeze and split the internal seals, destroying the effectiveness of the filter. Chemical water treatments take longer to work in colder water. Give the chemical time to work if you are treating cold water. When melting snow for water, put a small amount of water in the pot first to keep from "scorching" the pot before the snow starts to melt.

Make sure your gloves, especially liners, are not too tight on your hands. If they are too tight, they can constrict the blood flow and keep your hands from warming up. Attach "dummy cords", or security cords to your mittens to prevent losing them in windy or snowy conditions. Carry extra gloves or liners to change into if your first pair gets wet. Gloves can be dried out overnight in your sleeping bag.

An insulated mug will keep hot drinks hot much longer than regular cups. Large insulated mugs can also be used for soups, etc at mealtime. Keep plenty of hot drinks available for the Varsity Scout boys as you sit around camp in the evening. The extra fluids are helpful and the heat is welcome. Snack before you go to bed so that your body will have enough fuel to generate heat during the long winter night.

FOOD and WATER Include plenty of carbohydrates in your diet to provide fuel for hiking and for simply keeping your body warm. EAT A CANDY BAR: This increases your metabolism (moves your blood faster) and it helps keep you warm. Strain one muscle against another to maintain metabolism.

WINTER SHELTER With "mild" winter weather, three-season tents can work fine for winter camping. Select a tent site that is sheltered from the wind if possible. Hanging a tarp between trees can help block the wind from your tent if needed.

One-pot meals for supper are the easiest way to cook in the winter. Food should be easy to fix and tasty enough to be appetizing. Cooking in cold weather will take about twice as long as normal. Always use a lid on any pots that you are cooking in, this will help to hold in the heat and decrease the overall heating time. Make sure you start hot cleaning water before you start cooking. The pots and utensils must still be cleaned. Try to keep your menu to good one-pot meals. Things like stews, chili, and hot beans stick to your ribs, lessen the cleaning time, and provide good sources of energy and fuel for your internal furnace. A good high-calorie snack before bedtime will also keep you warm all night. Stay away from an overabundance of sugar, cheese is a good high-calorie bedtime snack.

One of my Varsity Scouts at Cascade Springs

Try to avoid any vegetation and set your tent up on snow if possible. Snow is the ultimate "No Trace" campsite because all signs of your camp will disappear when the snow melts in the spring. Pack down the snow where you want to set up your tent before you set it up. Otherwise your body will melt a deformation into the loose snow. When that deformation refreezes it will make changing your sleeping position quite uncomfortable.

Drink plenty of water, even though you don't think you are thirsty. Dry winter air will dehydrate you quickly without you noticing until it is too late. Water is necessary for your body to generate heat. A good rule of thumb for checking hydration is

3

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

them as wide as possible when you take them off at night. That will keep them from freezing in a closed position.

When camping on deep snow, you can fill 1 gallon size freezer bags with snow and tie your stake-out cords to them for deadmen anchors instead of using stakes.

Carry a closed cell foam pad to sit on in camp. Frozen ground or a shelter floor will quickly pull body heat out through your rear end. You can also use your sleeping pad to sit on. Standing all day long is uncomfortable, but sitting on snow just gets your highly vascular (big muscle) bottom wet, making you cold in a hurry. Rock may be dry, but it sucks heat even faster. I paid $6 for the cheapest closed-cell foam pad that I could find, and cut it into 2 by 2 foot squares. Everybody carries a square on the outside of the pack, so we can flop down anywhere and sit dry and insulated during breaks on the trail. "Don't leave home without it."

DURING the DAY Remember the word "COLD" Keep your clothing - Clean Avoid ------------------- Overheating Wear clothing --------- Loose Keep it ------------------ Dry Adjust your layers of clothing by adding or removing to prevent heat buildup and sweating. Zippers in the armpits of rain shells or fleece jackets work well to vent heat and moisture. Too much moisture in your clothes will make you cold as it evaporates. If you stop for a long break or at the end of the day, put on your insulation layers before you cool off too much, otherwise your body will have to work harder just to warm you back up.

AT NIGHT Go to the bathroom before bed; this saves you a middle of the night trip in the cold. Always fluff up your sleeping bag before using to create the thickness important in keeping warm. Increase the comfort range of your sleeping bag by putting it inside of a bivy sack. Other options include cloth liners, or doubling up bags. Doubling up bags should only be done if you still have enough room to be comfortable in the bag. I always had my boys use a mummy bag inside a regular bag. The sleeping bag doesn't heat you, you heat it. So use this rule, "Thickness is warmth", to keep this heat. If you're cold, add some more insulation (blankets, clothes, more newspaper).

Instead of stopping for a long lunch, snack on food all during the day at short breaks. This will keep you from cooling down too much and having to adjust your layers of clothing too many times. Carry a small insulated thermos-type bottle full of a hot drink or hot soup. If you get cold or just want a warming

Always use a pad under your sleeping bag in the winter. Many Scouters suggest two pads. Insulating yourself from the ground is just as important as insulating yourself from the cold air above. Sleep with a toboggan cap or balaclava on your head to help hold in your body heat. Cinching up your mummy bag so that only your eyes, nose, and mouth are exposed is another way to hold in heat. Don't breathe inside your sleeping bag at night. Breathe through a stocking cap or bandana instead. Moisture from your breath will wet your sleeping bag and reduce its insulating ability. snack, you will already have something hot prepared. Putting a bottle of warm water in the foot of your Be aware of the signals your body is sending you. Cold fingers or toes indicate you should stop and address the cause of the problem if possible. Cold toes can be caused by boot laces being too tight. Use your head. Keep it covered when you're cold; remove cap as you warm up to avoid sweating.

IN CAMP Put on dry socks as soon as camp is set up. Socks that are wet from hiking will not keep your feet warm for long. To make putting frozen boots on easier the next morning, open

sleeping bag will help keep your feet warm during the night.

4

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

the boy to find the items he needs quickly and prevent him from unpacking everything to find one small item.

Putting a bottle of warm water in your boots will help keep them from freezing overnight. It helps if the boots are then put in a stuff sack instead of being left out in the open. Another way to keep your boots from freezing at night, put them in a stuff sack (you can use your sleeping bag stuff sack) and put them inside your sleeping bag at the foot of the bag. A long sleeping bag is helpful if you do this. You can also put the boots in a sack and place them between your sleeping bag and the pad underneath. Put tomorrow’s clothes under your bag; this heats up clothes for tomorrow's cold morning and also provides more insulation.

Have your Varsity Scout boy tie loops of cord to all of the zipper pulls on their pack and jacket so that they can operate them with gloves or mittens or cold fingers. Chemical heat packs can be used to warm your feet and hands if necessary. Most types usually last several hours. RECOMMENDED CLOTHING FOR TWO DAY WINTER CAMP In addition or in substitution to what you would normally bring to camp, bring:

Do not attempt to dry large articles of clothing such as pants or a sweater in your sleeping bag overnight. Too much moisture in your sleeping bag will wet the bag insulation and make you cold.

• •

Vent your tent as much as possible at night to reduce condensation on the inside of the tent walls. The few degrees of warmth trapped by a sealed up tent are not worth the trouble of wet clothes, sleeping bag, etc that result from the condensation.

• • • • • • • •

IN THE MORNING Stay warm longer in the morning by staying in the sleeping bag as long as possible. Warm up socks, clothes, etc before putting them on in the morning by pulling them into your sleeping bag a few minutes before you get out of the bag. To prevent your feet from getting cold when you put on cold boots in the morning, remove the insoles and warm them up in your sleeping bag or inside your coat before putting your boots on.

•

2 shirts (wool, best, or flannel) 2 pair’s wool or synthetic pants (Strongly recommend against cotton pants like jeans. They absorb moisture like a sponge). Fishnet, thermal or polypropylene underwear Boots (WATERPROOFED) 2 pairs of heavy socks (wool recommended) 2 pairs lighter socks (polypropylene is best) Windbreaker (as is or part of heavier jacket) Balaclava or stocking cap (wool is best) Parka or heavy jacket Mittens, (WOOL, gloves not recommended except as extra pair) Extra shoes

Unless your parents are planning to buy some of the items on this list anyway, do not run out and start spending lots of money on cloths and equipment. If all your pants are jeans, for example, bring three or four pairs and change frequently. Most of this information can be found in the Varsity Scout Program Feature Book and the Fieldbook. If you are going to be doing a lot of outdoor activities, these books are an invaluable source of know-how and advice.

FULLY TRAINED

Winter camp at the Main Canyon Corral

MOST IMPORTANT; Keep all your sleeping gear dry and follow these rules, and winter camp should prove to be a rewarding experience. MISCELLANEOUS On January 1, 2010 the Utah National Parks Council™ will launch a pilot training program. Ron Nyman said the parameters are as follows: 1. The Council/District will conduct an inventory of training for all top leaders (Cub masters, Scoutmasters, Varsity Scout Coaches, and Venturer Crew Advisors).

Have your Varsity Scouts arrange items in their packs, etc where they can be easily found. Items such as snack foods, water, extra gloves, or a headlamp / flashlight should be easy to get out when needed. Stay organized. Know where each item of your gear is stored in your pack. This will enable

5

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

So…How does a new Varsity Coach get started?

2. Make training available on a more consistent and timely basis in the Council and each District. 3. Target those who need training and consistently are unable to attend training sessions and if necessary train them individually.

Varsity Leader Fast Start videos… These videos will give you information on planning and conducting your first meeting, and illustrates how using the program planning process can get Varsity Scouting programs off to a successful start. These videos can provide information about training youth officers. Go to the internet at the following address and follow it to the Fast Start Videos:

A Varsity Team Coach, to be considered fully trained, must have completed the following training courses: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Youth Protection Fast Start This is Scouting Leader Specific Training Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills However, introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (North Star Training), is only required if the Team is engaged in a hiking or camping Program.

http://www.utahscouts.org/ Varsity Scouting/ Resources’ for Varsity Scout Leaders/ • • • •

It is expected that all new unit leaders will be fully trained within six months from the start of their service. To be fully trained these requirement are to be met.

So you’re the

• • •

NEW VARSITY SCOUT COACH

Your time has come… You will be molding the leaders of tomorrow. We realize that as Varsity Scout leaders we need to carry out a program such that every boy wants to stay around to be a part of it. The longer a boy comes in contact with a role model such as you, the better chances of instilling in him the ideals and character traits which lead to happiness and success in his future. We as leaders of our youth need to rise to that challenge.

•

Varsity Team Program Features I Varsity Team Program Features II Varsity Team Program Features III Varsity Leader Fast Start Videos This is a video overview of the Varsity Scout program and how it works. 1. Introduction [3.6 MB] 2. Program Features [1.8 MB] 3. Team Meetings and Roles [3.0 MB] 4. Program Fields of Emphasis [3.6 MB] 5. Personal Development [0.9 MB] 6. Leader Support [3.1 MB] 7. Summary [3.0 MB] Varsity Pins as listed on the National Scouting Page What does Wikipedia, say about Varsity Scouting? Operation On Target Web Page (the National Web Site) Utah National Parks Council™ Web Site is: (www.ontargetunpc.com) LDS Varsity Scouting

Next level of training you will need… “This is Scouting” (formally New Leader Essentials) and Varsity Coach Leader Specific Training are held in your

“I do not believe that Varsity Scouting is on trial. It is my firm belief that…leaders and the advisors of Team Coaches are on trial. The program will work – if they will – and become trained and put into effect the things they have been trained to do.” Vaughn J. Featherstone

Varsity Scouting was developed for the unique characteristics and needs of the 14 and 15 year old boy. Opportunities for leadership abound in the Varsity Scout Program… if it is used to the full extent. The Denali Award and the Varsity Letter are both tools to help develop a “balanced” program, using all the five program fields of emphasis.

District or usually on the last Saturday of every month at the Utah National Parks Council™ Scout Shop in Orem.

6

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

“This Is Scouting”…

However, introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (North Star Training), is only required if the Team is engaged in a hiking or camping Program or if your planning on going to Wood Badge.

This is the initial training for adult leaders serving youth in the Boy Scouts of America. Through a series of lively presentations, the 90-minute training presents an overview of the core elements of Scouting, including the organization's mission, aims, and methods. It also provides new leaders with a look at the resources available to them through the Boy Scouts of America, and a clear understanding of Scouting's expectations of its adult leadership.

This new training course is designed for new adult leaders to learn the outdoor skills they need to teach Scouts through the First Class rank and is required for all Varsity Scout Leaders planning on attending the Wood Badge course. Instructors will help you learn how to set up camp, cook, work with wood tools and rope, first aid, planning campfire programs, map reading, GPS use and compass skills. Also, hiking and packing techniques, nature identification, and Leave No Trace will be taught.

“Varsity Coach Leader Specific Training”… This training consists of three sessions, each 2 to 3 hours long that flow from one to the other and should be conducted in the sequence listed. The training closely follows the Varsity Scout Guidebook that is used as the course workbook. The sessions are as follows:

Each outdoor session will bring to life the pages of the Boy Scout Handbook and Fieldbook to help deliver the promise of Varsity Scouting to yourself and the youth you serve. It will increase your comfort level and give you confidence as a trained leader. The program will also give you the opportunity to work with other Varsity Scout leaders from your area, meet new friends, and reinforce skill techniques with fellow unit leaders.

Part I-Setting Out: The Role of the Varsity Scout Coach This session summarizes the role of the Varsity Scout Coach, Team Organization and Team Meetings. It also discusses how to work with young men of Varsity Scout age and teaches the way to hold a good team meeting.

Part II-Mountain Top Challenges: The Outdoor Program and the Advancement Program This session teaches the outdoor program and the nuts and bolts of putting together a real high adventure. It also gives details about how to plan and conduct a Varsity Scout team's activities. This session gives the steps and methods to using reflections and the way to get the most out of the Advancement Program.

Egress By Dennis Gillie We have found in our life experience that certain actions require follow through (or follow-thru). A quarterback finds his pass falls short without follow-thru. The baseball batter finds his home run hit is only a pop fly without follow-thru. The fisherman at the lake watches his lure stop-and-plop from a cast without follow-thru.

Part III-Pathways to Success: Program Planning and Team Administration This session gives details about Program Planning, Membership, Paperwork, Finances, the Uniform and other training opportunities. The session then summarizes the training presented to this point and gives opportunities for discussion about the program.

Permit me to use a point of reference that I am a little more familiar with: Soccer kicking. Some time ago a man asked me why it is that soccer-style kickers are so often recruited by high school coaches for football. Why do professional football teams favor the soccer kicker for place kickers? I explained to him there are three reasons. Soccer kicking is more accurate than American football kicking (as a whole) due to (1) More surface area used on the ball (2) Longer contact time (3) Follow-thru (from the hip instead of the knee)

Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills… This hands-on program gives adult Varsity Scout leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Varsity Scouts in the out-of-doors. Imagine having hands-on knowledge setting up a campsite, pitching a tent, hiking and outdoor cooking? All the skills necessary to see the outdoor program of your Varsity Scout Team come to life.

7

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009 Now, for you All-America types, who still are stuck on football and baseball, let me explain. Football kicking is done with the toe & lower leg. Soccer kicking is done with the whole foot & whole leg. Use physics to figure out the rest.

marvelous and relatively homogeneous bubble of boys with which to start a new tradition. Working with the leaders of the C.O. at every level, we selected the very best adult role models available to us for our scout leaders. My job as the Scouting Coordinator (now called COR) was to make sure these new leaders received training and caught the vision of what we were about. And with everyone sharing that vision, we moved forward.

Okay, so where I am going with this? What is the application, sir, of this curious beginning? Just this: in life-span perspective, as scout leaders, we are only a kick on the ball in the life of these boys. But, oh, what an exhilarating experience it can be. Do you follow my thinking?

To shorten this story up a bit, 'cause I could share lots of tales from this great new era in scouting for our units, the results were fantastic. Not only did we see twelve of those first thirteen boys become Eagle Scouts, but with this new tradition, we have seen literally dozens more of our youth become Eagles since that time.

When I played some college ball in the 70’s, there was a player from Germany on our team. Hans was very skilled in soccer, having played from early childhood. He was built like a Sherman tank. His neck was as thick as my thigh. Hans was our team's sweeper or defensive stopper. No one ever got by Hans a second time.

We have to credit our good leaders, marvelous leaders. We must credit exceptional advancement record keeping. We must credit good parents. And we must credit the boys, of course. They were all good boys. But all of us - leaders, parents & youth - will openly acknowledge to you that the greatest advantage to our youth and their trail to Eagle experience was junior leader training. The winner, hands down.

One game we were playing rather well. We were ahead. I don't recall whether the other team was bad or we were just really good, whatever. Late in the second half of this soccer blowout, with everyone playing rather loose, a long kick from the opponent's goalie was coming down at the midfield line. Normally, this would indicate a header or a chest trap for the players at the spot of descent. But there was no one there. Enter Hans. Leaping in midair, Hans took a volley kick on that ball like a rocket. Now, admittedly, time has a way of amplifying legend, but this is true stuff. That ball shot straight across the field at head level at the speed of light right into the goal. I mean, we are talking about a 55 yard kick, in the air, and there was no arch to the ball's flight! Zounds! Follow-thru? Whew!

Every year we sent three or four Boy Scouts to the district's junior leader training. And every year we sent four, five, six, even seven Varsity Scouts to the council junior leader training for the older scouts. And they went back and served on staff, some serving every year to age nineteen. (And now, as these young men return to our area at age 21 and 22, they are again serving on junior leader training staff as adult committee members and coach-counselors to young scouts. Talk about role models!) The units of 868 are still following this pattern of success 25 years later.

Mid-stream evaluation: what kind of kicks are we making in our scout assignment, toe or foot? A quick pop on the ball or a long and powerful foot & leg contact? Hmmmm.

Yes, a number of these young men would have turned out just fine without junior leader training. In fact, some would have turned out just fine without scouting. But the tools they now have in their personal tool boxes are the best available. You can say they know which tools to use, when to use them and how to use them effectively. They have experience, they have confidence, and they have determination. And (lump in my throat) they have served their fellow scouts without precedent. More surface area used on the ball. Longer contact time. Follow-thru.

May I now be an advocate for junior leader training? Let me restate that. May I now be an advocate for multiple junior leader training? You see, I believe that sending a young scout, the potential patrol & troop leaders, to junior leader training is one of the best things we can do for a 13 year old. But I also believe, even more so, that sending that boy to junior leader training again the next year or in two years, as a Varsity scout, is even better. Exponentially better. And then, let's go one better. Have the young man, who has now been exposed to leadership skills twice, serve on staff of a junior leader training course. And there is also Kodiak for the Venturers. More surface area used on the ball, longer contact time, follow-thru.

I am a strong advocate of Wood Badge for all adult leaders. (Speaking of which, our LDS ward now has 19 Wood Badge beaders.) However, Wood Badge is theory. Junior leader training is reality. Participating in junior leader training is scouting heaven. One junior leader training experience is good, two is better, three is fantastic. More surface area on the ball. Longer contact time. Follow-thru.

In 1983 my chartered organization (C.O.) had a unique opportunity: thirteen young men turning eleven-years-old in the next twelve months, a bubble of Boy Scouts. (Or is it gaggle of scouts?) Our C.O. had awarded one Eagle Scout each year since it's beginning in 1977. Okay, I guess. But now we had a

Okay, lest I lose some of you non-soccer aficionados, consider this: third down, nine yards to the goal line. The

8

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

out and the # opened. However, there are some e-mail programs that won’t kick-back this last kind of information.

coach has to make a decision: do we punt or go for the score. What?! "Coach, its third down, we still have another down to try." Exactly, if you are not sending your boys to junior leader training you are punting on third down, as I remain your scouting friend,

This Varsity Vision newsletter will always be sent out to everyone signed-up and registered on the e-list. You are invited to participate…

Varsity Jones 10/09/09 This is a piece Dennis Gillie wrote in 1996 for Leader Lore. Some updates and editing has been undertaken to bring the reading current. He gave the Varsity Vision newsletter permission to use it in training promotion and advertising.

Sign up on e-List Dear “On Target” friends and fellow scouters, The Utah National Parks Council™ has developed an e-list program that will provide you information you need and are interested in. In order to accomplish this, they have created a series of subject-specific “e-List” that anyone can subscribe to. Once subscribed to the e-List, you will receive news and information related to that subject as information becomes available. To sign up, go to www.utahscouts.com home page and the e-list icon is on the left side. Click on it and follow the directions.

We continue to have enthusiastic scout leaders register their units for next summer's fantastic On Target event. I wanted you all to know that we had two very excited and adventurous leaders register their units recently for some very difficult peaks. Nathan Harmon of the Battle Creek 8th Ward in the Battle Creek district signed his unit up for Lone Peak! This will be an incredible experience for him and his unit, and I applaud Nathan for this dedication to his team and their development.

1. Create a profile or account. 2. Specify what things you are interested in having sent to you from the check-off list. If you have ever registered online for a training course or a camp, you likely have already created an account. Once you create an account, you can continue to use this account to register for all Council and District newsletters. Date 6/5/09 6/30/09 7/3/09 7/3/09 7/15/09 7/17/09 8/14/09 8/31/09 9/2/06 11/4/09 12/--/09

Item name Varsity Vision newsletter, June 2009 On Target Radio Plan Varsity Vision newsletter, July 2009 On Target Radio Plan On Target – Last Call On Target Radio Plan Varsity Vision newsletter, Aug. 2009 Survival of the Fittest Varsity Vision newsletter, Sept 2009 Varsity Vision newsletter, Nov. 2009 Varsity Vision newsletter, Dec. 2009

Sent 227 451 229 228 239 240 241 251 249 264

Likewise, Matt Staker of the Grandview 10th Ward in the Fort Utah district is going to take his unit to the south summit of Timpanogos. This is a huge undertaking, and I know Matt and his boys will never forget their experience.

Open 90 122 96 87 95 74 113 127 123 119

Those of you, who have yet to register, GET ON BOARD! Go to our new Utah National Parks Council™ On Target website at www.ontargetunpc.com and register. There is a world of information on the website concerning the peaks surrounding our valley. Pick one and get your boys enthused. Don't forget these important dates:

Gary Hutton, who is our Computer Communications Specialist, shared this progress report with us covering the past 6 month’s activity. This list shows the date, item name, # sent

1) Our Kickoff Seminar will be on Saturday, May 22 at the Grandview Stake Center in northwest

9

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

Provo. You will learn how to make On Target mirrors, how to use them, how to hold a great Mountain Top Experience, how to get a ham radio operator to go with you, how to participate in the various Competition Contests, what a Mystery Station is and how to find them, who our GUEST DIGNITARY will be, and much more.

no idea what to tell them so I went looking for answers. I’ve heard so much about them while winter camping.

The Elusive Snow Snake I was told snow snakes were seen slithering in the snow inside Sundance Ski Area on Saturday, th December 5 . Have you ever heard of a “snow snake”? Do you think maybe it’s a unique reptile that survives Utah winters slithering in the snow? Have you ever seen one? Maybe you should watch out for them when “Cow Tipping” or “Snipe Hunting” in the winter. I thought maybe their skin was white and camouflaged so that they are rarely seen when a wintry blanket covers the ground…

2) The actual On Target date is Saturday, July 17. Signaling will commence at 11 am from the Mount Timpanogos Temple, with our dignitary giving an inspirational message to all participants on the mountain peaks over the ham network. There is so much planned for this day that will keep your boys excited and involved. Call me at 801-404-2323 if you have questions. Don't delay. Register this week! Much appreciation,

Well those are some of the thoughts that I had when I first encountered the concept of a Snow Snake. My search of the internet netted me some interesting information. I found that the snow snake is actually the main object in a Native American Indian winter game, wherein a wooden “snake” is sent hurtling down a track in the snow for maximum distance.

Michael Taylor Email address: [email protected] LDS website address: www.ldsfacts.net Operation On Target website: www.ontargetunpc.com Ham radio license: K7BYU

Men and boys played snow snake in long grooves made in the snow. The players would take a short run, then bend and flip the snake so it would race along the top of the ice or snow. Contests were held on whose snake could travel the farthest. The snakes were made of polished hardwood sticks and ranged in size from two to eight feet in length.

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.

VS

We never gave out the $25 out this month but it is still waiting for a lucky Varsity Scout in our council. Have one of your boys submit a story to the Varsity Vision Newsletter next month by the 15th. Send to: [email protected]

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 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.

Pillars of Scouting Celebrating Scouting Values Through Travel Bugs

A few years ago I was asked about the elusive Snow Snake. My Varsity Scouts wanted to know about them. I had

The Boy Scouts of America have launched a major geocaching initiative for our 100th Anniversary celebration of Scouting, it is called: "Get in the Game" and it consists of a

10

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

Celebration will travel the nation. The descriptions of these items on Geocaching.com will celebrate Scouting’s legacy and reaffirm our commitment to inspire and prepare the next generation.

number of nationwide activities that include geocaches, 100th Anniversary trackable Geocoins, custom Trackable and Groundspeak Travel Bugs. The “Get in the Game” program highlights the fun of geocaching for everyone. Each council in the United States has been invited to participate.

devices. teams.

Leadership — Our country will never outgrow the need for thoughtful leadership, and so the values and lessons of Scouting will never go out of style. Service — For a century, Scouting has been helping the youth of America find — in themselves and in the world around them — more than they thought possible.

Put simply, it's a high-tech We Scouts hide treasure hunt. containers, called "caches" or "geocaches," outdoors and then share the coordinates. Then, other Scouts can seek them out using GPS navigation It's fun, challenging, and interesting for Varsity Scout

This Travel Bug with a lizard on it started in Arizona and has made its way to Utah after several stops. It is now out on our west desert waiting for someone to pick it up and take it to a new location.

GPS units work well, and several retailers offer discounts to BSA groups. There are also several geocaching applications for the iPhone, and some other cell phones work too. You'll also need a map and compass. The technology only takes you so far. When you get closer to a cache site, traditional orienteering skills come into play. • To build a cache, all you need is a piece of paper to serve as a log book, Scouting goods like patches and photos, and a plastic container. If you're resourceful, it might not cost you anything at all. The BSA has developed several geocaching activities for the “Get in the Game” Program.

•

Achievement — The Scouting experience is learning valuable skills and achieving meaningful goals. A century of building confidence and character is worth celebrating. Character — The essence of Scouting has been and is family: generations joining hands to build healthy relationships and strengthen communities. Scouting’s lessons last a lifetime. Outdoors — Working, playing, and living Outdoors, and learning to appreciate our world and our place in it remains essential to the Scouting experience.

This Travel Bug with a round globe attached started in Austria and has made its way to the United States & North Carolina, after several more stops it finally got to Moab Utah. My buddy picked it up there and we found it a new temporary home way out on the West Desert of Utah

Letters to the Editor

Cache to Eagle® — BSA districts across America are hiding caches to showcase some of Scouting's great gifts to America, Eagle Scout service project sites. Learn how this program started at Geoscouting.com.

Dear Ken,

Pillars of Scouting — "Travel Bugs®" that go from cache to cache around the nation to highlight core Scouting values.

I was very pleased to see Varsity Scouting still being moved forward in our Council. I went to Wood Badge in 88 with Kip Buckner and served a number of years in VS on a ward and District level in the, what is now, the Buckhorn District. I just took over the Varsity Scout Huddle (Roundtable) in the Cedar Breaks District and I am on fire again after all these years.

Through Travel Bugs® and trackable items like coins, the message of our 100th Anniversary

I am pleased to see Andy Gibbons on staff again. He was the Coach on my Wood Badge course in 88. I would like

Cache in - Trash Out — Partnering with Geocaching.com, a single day of service throughout America.

11

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

Biathlon is already reserved, sorry. The money goes back into improving the gear. My personal wish though is that every Varsity Scout get into the mountains in winter and learns to enjoy this wonderful place our Creator has given us to live in.

both these fellow Scouters emails if you have them. I also have a question. I am told they no longer stock the varsity jacket or tan collared shirt or the Varsity scout hat, Is this true? If there is no jacket it makes it difficult to push the adult letter if they have no place to display it?

Thanks, Curtis E. Anderson [email protected]

Also, is the broken match award available anymore? Thanks, Dennis Cox

Thanks President Anderson for this information, I have just passed it on to our council.

Answer: The Orange Varsity jacket and the tan polo shirt are still available to purchase at the Orem Scout shop. Or you can go to www.scoutstuff.org to purchase Varsity items. You’re right; the Varsity Scout hat is no longer available. I personally have gone to the new Centennial Forest Green Scout cap. You can sew on the Varsity Logo or leave it with the universal Scout emblem on it.

Hazardous Weather Winter Sports Safety

I sent Dennis the requirements for the “Broken Match Award” and if anyone else would like a copy, just let me know.

Beyond camping, a number of cold-weather activities present challenges to the Scout and leader, such as crosscountry skiing, ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. Essential ingredients for fun include skill training and an awareness of the hazards unique to these activities. Snow conditions, hazardous terrain, special clothing needs, and emergency survival are important issues for a safe and successful experience.

**************** Kip, Sorry this has taken so long to get to you but the amount of Varsity Scout Items sold between Jan 2008 and Oct 2009: Varsity Scout Letter 1,588 Denali Award 154 Also, there is not a special patch for the 25th anniversary of Varsity Scouting. Thank You, Scott Jensen [email protected]

Weather conditions — good, bad, and ugly — are an important factor in any outdoor Scouting activity. The BSA has developed an online "Weather Hazard" training for all Scout leaders. Completion of this training is now required for a minimum of one adult for all Scout outings.

*************** Dear Ken. Thanks again for the great job on the "Varsity Vision newsletter." The article on Cross Country Skiing was wonderful. It is one of my great passions. Just so everyone knows Dr. Inouye and I have created a great inventory of Cross Country ski equipment. We have about 40 pairs of skis, poles and boots. Our gear is heavy duty stuff and the boots are boots and not shoes. The skis have scale bottoms and are wider for our Utah powder and best for non-groomed backcountry experiences of which Utah National Parks Council™ is blessed in abundance. With most of the gear you can carve pretty good telemark turns.

1. Weather Planning and Preparation 2. Lighting 3. Cold Weather 4. Hot Weather 5. Hail 6. Flash Floods 7. Tornadoes 8. Windstorms 9. Traditional Weather Signs 10. Hurricanes How you plan and prepare for the weather can make the difference between a great outdoor experience, a miserable or cancelled outing, and even injury or death in hazardous conditions. The Weather Smart training is designed to help you and your Varsity Scout team plan and prepare for hazardous weather—to make you, “Weather Smart.”

We charge only $12.00 per day per set. Some weekends get booked up early. The week-end of the Skyline

Weather Hazards Training

12

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

Wood Badge 2010 “Advanced adult training for all Varsity Scout leaders”

Course Location

Course Director

Registration Link

So you ask “what exactly is Wood Badge?”

April 26 May 1

Mutual Dell

Steve Tolman

W2-591-1-10 Acct #870

Basically it is training in group leadership skills. There are two parts to Wood Badge: the practical part and the application period. The practical is a 6 day experience consisting of living with a group of adult scout leaders in an outdoor/Scouting environment while being exposed to leadership and Scouting skills applicable in the development of both men and youth. Through this living/working experience you develop a knowledge and understanding of leadership skills; what they are, how to use them, when each is appropriate plus an intense personal motivation to apply them in the best way at your Varsity Scout job back home.

April 29May 1 & May 6-8

Heber Valley Camp

Robert Hicken

WE2-591-3-10 Acct #871

May 3-8

Maple Dell

Rick Russell

W2-591-2-10 Acct #934

June 7-12

Bacon Park

Joe Goff

W2-591-4-10 Acct #935

June 21-26

Pine Valley

Don Hinton

W2-591-5-10 Acct #936

August 9-14

TIfie Scout Camp

Janet Rose

W2-591-6-10 Acct #938

August 1621

Scofield Scout Kendall Camp Warburton

W2-591-7-10 Acct #939

September 9-11 & 1618

Maple Dell

Daniel Sanders

WE2-591-8-10 Acct #940

Sept 23-25 & Sept 30Oct 2

Maple Dell

Cliff Ross

WE2-591-9-10 Acct #941

October 4-9

Mutual Dell

Reed Mellor

W2-591-10-10 Acct #942

August 2628 & Sept 2-4

Bacon Park

John Gailey

WE2-591-12-10 Acct #943

Paul Royall

WE2-591-11-10 Acct #944

I felt that the information given, the mode of instruction, and especially the application of that information was invaluable. It has been one of the finest leadership experiences that has been my pleasure to attend.

October 21- Heber Valley 23 & 28-30 Camp

After the practical outdoor experience, a minimum of six months elapse before your final certification. During this period you follow through on the commitment you made in the course of your practical experience and are evaluated on your performance. Throughout this application phase you are assigned a counselor who acts as a resource man, as an evaluator and as your Scouting friend. He determines that you fully understand what you learned from the practical course and that you can apply it to the betterment of your youth job.

Registration is filling up fast. To see how many spaces are left, click here. If the course you see is full, you may be able to get onto a waiting list. However, to guarantee your spot on a course, you may want to consider another course.

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 throughout the world and is distributed 12 times a year through this web site:

The training received during Wood Badge put it all together – how to use Varsity Scouting to help boys live their religious teachings and love God.

www.utahscouts.org/Varsity Scouts/Varsity Vision

Wood Badge 2010 NOTE: Registration for Wood Badge began on November 1, 2009 Comments and suggestions can be e-mailed to me at [email protected]. I would like to hear from you.

13

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

being studied help the boys retain skills. True stories have the greatest impact and are the best teaching tool you have.

Coaches’

“BAG-OF-TRICKS”

Questioning.... When asking questions to stimulate boy-driven learning, questions should be open-ended to encourage discussion. This allows the Varsity Scout boys to construct their own opinions and use like experiences to evaluate and solidify the Coach's points.

The average boy's attention span in a class is just about 20 minutes. This means it is imperative for you to vary your methods of instruction as often as possible - or at least every 15 to 20 minutes.

Role Play.... Dramatizations of situations that relate to the issue under study illustrate applications of a Scout skill. These may be prepared by the Coach or developed by the boys.

Often we Varsity Scout Coaches focus only on the content of training and give little thought to the learning process. The ratio of time spent on these two sides of training should be about 50/50. If the Scouting skill is valid but we only lecture, the Coach Wooley teaching some boys may tune us out. If the Varsity Scouts how to build a flint and steel fire style or method of instruction is exciting but the content irrelevant, the boys may remember the "crazy" Varsity Scout Coach and forget what we were teaching.

Brainstorming.... A rapid-fire sharing of ideas on a given subject, brainstorming encourages each boy to engage in creative problem solving. Games.... Boys love games! They can be used to present or support a boys learning. Games, like group exercises, reinforce the team’s interaction and foster a team atmosphere among the boys. Exercises.... These practices, drills, pencil-and-paper activities, team endeavors, and projects reiterate the concepts under consideration, and demonstrate the effects of the theory and information. This also demands a high level of interaction between the boys and the coach.

As Varsity Scouting specialists, we are faced with the actual task of teaching the skill and making the learning process interesting and creative. Think of the various methods of instruction discussed below as a Coach's "bag of tricks". By varying our effectiveness in the teaching moment we can raise the boy’s retention rate and his excitement about Varsity Scouting.

Lecture.... Presenting information in a formal setting where the Coach talks about a specific Scouting Skill is the easiest way to disseminate information. However, this also means a low level of interaction between the coach and the boys.

TRICKS OF INSTRUCTION Demonstration.... Nothing increases understanding like a hands-on or show-and-tell activity whereby the Coach, a boy, or a team presents a tangible model of a Scouting skill. Problem Solving.... With this method the boy or the team is given a task, and asked to determine the problem and suggest solutions. Problem solving encourages team effort for the solution.

Coach York teaching his Varsity Scouts how to Ice Fish

Each method of instruction has advantages and disadvantages. For example, when teaching material to new Varsity Scouts, it is impossible to expect them to do a demonstration at the beginning of class. As a Varity Scout Coach, you may opt to spend 15 minutes on lecture, interspersed with anecdotes and role playing, followed by a game or exercise that allow the boys to use the new material practically.

Discussion.... Varsity Scout boys often learn by sharing information, ideas, and opinions on a skill. Coach involvement varies from active and energetic to passive. Often the Coach serves as a facilitator, keeping the discussion moving in a clear, purposeful direction.

Remember, one “trick” for instruction is no better than another. Instead, variety for the boy and the Coach enhances performance and the overall learning process.

Anecdotes.... True or fictional stories that illustrate Scouting experiences you have had, applications or aspects of the material

14

VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

December 2009

Varsity Vision Newsletter Index for 2009 January 2009 Bowling Program Feature UNPC District Activities Weather Hazard Training Snowshoeing Best Story Contest Avalanche Safety Centennial Quality Program Emergency Survival Kit Dress for Winter Camping National Scout Jamboree Wood Badge 2009 2009 Achievement Sample Form Achievement Form Instructions Stand Alone Varsity Scouting Word from the Editor

May 2009 Roller Hockey Program Feature for May Denali Summit – A Rendezvous for Varsity Scouters Safety on the Mountain Slopes Philmont “Strictly for Varsity Coaches” “Operation On Target 2009” Roller Hockey Safety Gee Whillickers Story Nuts & Bolts on “On Target” SERVICE – Field of Emphasis The Mountain Top Experience The Magic of Merit Badges “On Target” Radio Plan “Hall of Leadership” Nomination Comments & Suggestions

September 2009 Sailing, the power of the wind Program Features in the Varsity Vision Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge Lightning Safety Reminder Gee Whillickers, Boys story Twin Eagles Coaches’ Quiz, Ice Breaker Help Wanted Disclaimer Answers to the Coaches’ Quiz (above) Letter on Varsity Scouting and the LDS Church Delta “Survival of the Fittest” Eagle Charge (sample) October 2009

June 2009 February 2009 Survival Program Feature Quiz, Test Your Survival Skills Advancement Program Field of Emphasis Online Tour Permits Gee Whillickers “Roger’s Story Don’t Get Lost – But – If You Do Answers to the Quiz HAM Radio Merit Badge Varsity Scouting - Highest Award Pay Attention to Each Boy Survival Kit – Keep it with you at all times Comments and Suggestions Coach’s Corner “Hibernation” Coach’s Corner “Aim High”

March 2009 Backpacking Program Feature Taut-Line Hitch Field of Emphasis – High Adventure ATTENTION… “River Rats Let Your Scouts Lead Gee Whillickers – Story by Berry Backpacking – Do No Harm Operation “On Target” 2009 Let’s Go Backpacking Leave No Trace Master Educator “Touching Their Lives” One Step at a Time (121 Merit Badges) Grand Canyon “Rim-to-Rim” On Belay Training Courses The Vision of Wood Badge District Activities for 2009 Comments and Suggestions

Operation “On Target” 2009 Swimming “Program Feature” How to use this Varsity Vision Newsletter Philmont week for Varsity Scout Coach’s “Put your head down, Kenny” Gee Whillickers story, “Freedom is not Free” Big Event Rendezvous Fold-Up Biggie Signal Mirror How to use your small hand held Signal Mirror Coach’s Corner “The Moth” Jump Start your Varsity Scout Program South Valley Triathlon, “Triathlon Tough” On Belay Camp Disclaimer July 2009

November 2009 “Discovering America” for July Operation “On Target” Commissioner’s Corner “Per-for-mance” Geology Discovering America Varsity Scouting 25th Gee Whillickers Coach’s Corner ECHO Silver Antelope Recipient Small Business Discovering America Special Programs & Events Snake Bite Questions & Answers Climbing Instructor Certification “Nutty Putty” Cave Two Tons of Canaries On Belay Letter to the Editor “On Target” Communications Denali Summit Training HELP WANTED add Disclaimer Per-for-mance Scorecard Utah “On Target” sign-up Map

April 2009 August 2009 Denali Summit Camp & Seminar Service Message Waterskiing Program Feature Operation “ON TARGET” 2009 “I KNOW THAT” Personal Development Field of Emphasis Gee Whillickers, Boy’s Letter to Mom District “ON TARGET” Workshop Half Truths Express Appreciation Spiritual Message Basic Training Triathlon Tough On Belay Camp Desolation Canyon River Run Disclaimer

The Coaches’ Conference Program Features in the Varsity Vision Questions and Answers Gee Whillickers, Boy story On Target 2010 Coaches’ Corner Calendar of District Activities Adult Recognition Sing Your Way to a Strong VS Team All Star Report Disclaimer Help Wanted Diamond Fork-Black Hawk Flyer Coach’s Conference Worksheets Mesa District Huddle Assignments

Team Program “Think Tanks” Operation ON TARGET story ATV use at Scout Camp “NO” Flashback Firesides Gee Whillickers (Boy’s Story) C.P.R. You’re Fish Don’ Give Up Questions & Answers Safety in Black Bear Country Focus Your Attention Utah Historic Trails. Denali Summit “A Rendezvous for Varsity Ldrs.) Letters to the Editor Help Wanted Brain Teaser Disclaimer 2009 ON TARGET letter from Pres. Monson

15

Shooting Sports New Council V.S. Chairman Wild Turkey Shoot Snowshoe & X-Country Skiing Example of a Turkey Shoot Activity Joke Operation “On Target” 2010 Quality Unit Forms Due Cross Country Skiing Coaches’ Corner Gee Whillickers Story Questions & Answers V.S. Turkey Shoot Schedules Letters to the Editor NRA Certification Disclaimer December 2009 Snow Camping Program Feature Fully Trained Program starting Jan 1 2010 “So you’re a new Varsity Scout Coach” “EGRESS” by Dennis Gillie Sign up for E-List Operation on Target 2010 Gee Whillicker – Snow Snakes Pillars of Scouting GPS Travel Bugs Letters to the Editor Hazardous Weather Wood Badge 2010 Schedule Disclaimer Coaches’ Bag of Tricks INDEX of all Varsity Vision newsletters for 2009