This year we will be attending a special Scout Camp at the Grand Canyon, and we are really excited about it! The Scouts are doing a fundraiser for this weeklong event by selling shirts. These shirts are awesome! Please check them out at our Online Ordering Site.
If you would like your shirt purchase to go toward a certain Scout's Personal Goal, please put that Scout's name in the "Special Instructions to Merchant" field when you are about to checkout.
We are a very active Troop, so please help us get to Scout Camp! Thank You for your support!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Red Riders hit the Crossroads
The Scouts needed to do a little fundraising for Scout Camp this year, so we got together with Bro. Stine and Arizona Cap Company, put a couple of new Scout shirts together for this year, and decided to head down to the Crossroads Gun Show in Phoenix. Five Scouts were able to attend and run the booth, and what a fun time they had! Bro. Stine is the Counselor for the Salesmanship Merit Badge, and on the way to Phoenix he covered most of the material for the badge, and the Scouts were able to do the rest throughout the day as they learned selling and advertising techniques. The Scouts did a hard day's work and at the end had a lot to show for it - we raised a good amount of money for Scout Camp, they earned the Salesmanship Merit Badge, and a lot of them walked away with a souvenir of some sort from their time at the gun show.
Congratulations to Tanner who was our top salesman of the day - way to go! In the linked album below you'll find the shirt designs that the Scouts were mainly selling, which includes our two new designs. In addition if they sold anything from Bro. Stine's booth they got the money for that, and he was displaying shirts and hats from his Conservative Shirts.com operation. Our Troop will be selling these and many more shirts as part of our continued fundraising efforts. The info sheet is being designed now, as well as an online checkout system, so look for that information to be posted soon!
Congratulations to Tanner who was our top salesman of the day - way to go! In the linked album below you'll find the shirt designs that the Scouts were mainly selling, which includes our two new designs. In addition if they sold anything from Bro. Stine's booth they got the money for that, and he was displaying shirts and hats from his Conservative Shirts.com operation. Our Troop will be selling these and many more shirts as part of our continued fundraising efforts. The info sheet is being designed now, as well as an online checkout system, so look for that information to be posted soon!
Monday, April 19, 2010
A 20 mile hike with a dash of helicopter
Troop 95 has been working on the Hiking Merit Badge, and for the culminating event we needed a 20 mile hike. Back in December we had headed down to the Superstition Mountains and approached Weaver's Needle from the south side, but we wanted to see what it looked like from the north side. What a great opportunity for a 20 mile hike!
It's a long drive from Prescott Valley to the Superstition Mountains, so by the time we got to the trailhead and got going it was almost 8pm. There was no moon so the only light we had was from our headlamps. The trails are pretty well maintained and clearly marked, and we were able to keep our feet heading in the right direction, even when we had to climb Bull Pass - which makes for a pretty good hike at midnight! As soon as we got back to level ground we called it good for the night, even though we were only at the 6 mile mark. The Scouts sacked out right away, but 6:30 came quickly and it was rise and shine and back on the trail.
We left our packs and took a small 2 mile detour into La Barge Canyon, where the wildflowers covered the hillsides and the water flowed clear and plentiful. Once we got back to the campsite we rucked up and got back into the hiking groove - we still had another 12 miles to go! As we headed for the very tough climb to the Weaver's Needle north base and then an even tougher climb that would be cross country through canyons and thick brush to another trail, one of our newer Scouts and his father decided it would be best if they headed back to the vehicles due to some fatigue and comfort issues. It was a 6 mile walk back for them, and we gave them a map and bid them farewell for now.
The next 6 miles were a real treat! We got to the northern side of Weaver's Needle and had lunch, but then rocky terrain, steep canyons, thick brush, and thorny bushes of every description awaited us as we cut cross country in order to reach a trail on the other side. Once we finally got there, we discovered that the trail was rarely used and almost unrecognizable as a trail, so we hiked out through a dry river bed. The temperature all day had been warm but comfortable, but nonetheless we were starting to run low on water and were eager to get back on the trail, which was comparably easier than cross country hiking in this terrain! Once we got back to the main trailhead we still had 6 miles to go in order to reach the cars, so we buckled down, sucked it up, and pushed on. At times it seemed as if someone was taking the trail from behind us and putting it in front of us, but we finally made it back to the vehicles. Much to our dismay the father and son that had left us earlier were nowhere to be found, and after a couple hours of waiting and sending Scouts back to the main trailheads to search around, we had some dayhikers come out and tell us that they had seen the father and son, but they were on the wrong trail. Once again the Scouts headed out to look for them, but to no avail. Finally a county Deputy came by and informed us that the father had been able to get out on his phone and make a call to the 911 dispatcher. A helicopter was on its way and would have to locate them and then extract them. It took a couple more hours for this to happen, but in the end everyone came out okay. A wrong turn at a trail signpost and then misunderstood directions from the dayhikers had sent the father and son headed in the opposite direction from the vehicles, and finally with fading sunlight and limited resources they decided to call 911. As we climbed in our vehicles we were relieved to be heading back home together, despite a minor setback. This just goes to show that even a small error in navigation can be compounded if you are unfamiliar with the area, and helped to remind us that we always need to be prepared and trained for the possibility of getting lost.
The four Scouts that made the whole 20+ mile loop will be getting the Hiking merit badge, as well as another Scout that wasn't able to make it but had already completed a 25 mile hike in the Grand Canyon earlier this year. Good job boys - we're proud of you!
It's a long drive from Prescott Valley to the Superstition Mountains, so by the time we got to the trailhead and got going it was almost 8pm. There was no moon so the only light we had was from our headlamps. The trails are pretty well maintained and clearly marked, and we were able to keep our feet heading in the right direction, even when we had to climb Bull Pass - which makes for a pretty good hike at midnight! As soon as we got back to level ground we called it good for the night, even though we were only at the 6 mile mark. The Scouts sacked out right away, but 6:30 came quickly and it was rise and shine and back on the trail.
We left our packs and took a small 2 mile detour into La Barge Canyon, where the wildflowers covered the hillsides and the water flowed clear and plentiful. Once we got back to the campsite we rucked up and got back into the hiking groove - we still had another 12 miles to go! As we headed for the very tough climb to the Weaver's Needle north base and then an even tougher climb that would be cross country through canyons and thick brush to another trail, one of our newer Scouts and his father decided it would be best if they headed back to the vehicles due to some fatigue and comfort issues. It was a 6 mile walk back for them, and we gave them a map and bid them farewell for now.
The next 6 miles were a real treat! We got to the northern side of Weaver's Needle and had lunch, but then rocky terrain, steep canyons, thick brush, and thorny bushes of every description awaited us as we cut cross country in order to reach a trail on the other side. Once we finally got there, we discovered that the trail was rarely used and almost unrecognizable as a trail, so we hiked out through a dry river bed. The temperature all day had been warm but comfortable, but nonetheless we were starting to run low on water and were eager to get back on the trail, which was comparably easier than cross country hiking in this terrain! Once we got back to the main trailhead we still had 6 miles to go in order to reach the cars, so we buckled down, sucked it up, and pushed on. At times it seemed as if someone was taking the trail from behind us and putting it in front of us, but we finally made it back to the vehicles. Much to our dismay the father and son that had left us earlier were nowhere to be found, and after a couple hours of waiting and sending Scouts back to the main trailheads to search around, we had some dayhikers come out and tell us that they had seen the father and son, but they were on the wrong trail. Once again the Scouts headed out to look for them, but to no avail. Finally a county Deputy came by and informed us that the father had been able to get out on his phone and make a call to the 911 dispatcher. A helicopter was on its way and would have to locate them and then extract them. It took a couple more hours for this to happen, but in the end everyone came out okay. A wrong turn at a trail signpost and then misunderstood directions from the dayhikers had sent the father and son headed in the opposite direction from the vehicles, and finally with fading sunlight and limited resources they decided to call 911. As we climbed in our vehicles we were relieved to be heading back home together, despite a minor setback. This just goes to show that even a small error in navigation can be compounded if you are unfamiliar with the area, and helped to remind us that we always need to be prepared and trained for the possibility of getting lost.
The four Scouts that made the whole 20+ mile loop will be getting the Hiking merit badge, as well as another Scout that wasn't able to make it but had already completed a 25 mile hike in the Grand Canyon earlier this year. Good job boys - we're proud of you!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Luke AFB Tour and Ben Avery Shooting Range
Since it's Spring Break we really wanted to take the boys to do something really great since we could have an all-day outing. Luckily I have a friend in the Air Force who was able to set up an AWESOME tour for us at Luke Air Force Base. Thank you so much, Corey - you outdid yourself on this one!
First of all we were able to secure an Air Force van so that we wouldn't have to use our personal vehicles, or rent a van. Our first stop was at CATM, or Combat Arms Training and Maintenance. The airmen there were able to take us into the armory, where the Scouts got to see and handle some of the various weapons, such as the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, the M240B machine gun, M203 grenade launcher, and even the longe range M82 .50 cal rifle. We weren't allowed to take any pictures here, but I'm sure the Scouts will have a good lasting impression of it.
Next up was the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or EOD teams. We got to head into their training room and see just about every type of rocket, mine, grenade, or detonator you could think up. But the best part was when they took us outside and showed us all of the high-tech gear they use for identifying and possibly disarming explosives. Most of these airmen had been deployed overseas, so we got to hear some great first-hand stories. They demonstrated their x-ray equipment which they use to identify a possible bomb, and they also showed us the robots that they deploy in the field when they need to get close to something that might be dangerous - a shotgun can even be mounted on the larger robot just in case they need to destroy an explosives case or breach a door! These robots cost over $150k, but the Air Force guys were more than willing to turn them over to our Scouts, who all got a chance to remotely operate the robots around the parking lot - picking up hats, leaves, and anything else they could find! The final piece of gear they showed us was their bomb suit, which is what they wear when they have to go in themselves and disarm an explosive device. This suit weighs 78 pounds, but has lots of armor, lights, radio equipment, and even built-in fans to keep the EOD tech cool. A few of the Scouts got to try it on - it turned out to be pretty heavy for them!
After we thanked the EOD techs, we moved onto the softball fields where we were able to watch the K-9 team go to work. "Crash" was the K-9 of the day as he simulated hostile takedowns, prisoner escorts, and even how he could be at his handler's side in an instant, ready to defend his handler's life with his own. It's important to realize that these dogs are not aggressive in nature - they are friendly animals that love to play and be petted just like any other dog. The difference is their breeding and training - they respond only to certain commands, but make no mistake that they respond instantly and to great effect. This was an especially exciting part of the trip for Bro. Stilson (the older one), since he was in the K-9 Veterinary Corp during his time in the Army, and worked closely with the dog handlers and trainers while deployed to Vietnam. The K-9 team is made up of some great guys, and we really enjoyed our time with them.
The EOR, or End of Runway, was our next destination. Here was another spot where we weren't able to take any photos due to our close proximity to the planes while they were on the ground, but again - memories like this don't need photos! Our group was able to be as close as safely possible to the jets while they took off and landed. Luke Air Force Base is a training facility for F-16 pilots, so in addition to the single-seat F-16s, which are the standard combat variety, we were also able to see the two-seat F-16 which can also carry an Instructor Pilot. Over 20 planes took off or landed as we watched, and when an F-16 takes off when you're that close, not only can you see the engine glow but you can feel it in your chest! During all this Corey was able to give us great information on Luke AFB history as well as information on the F-16 and how rigorous pilot training is. Did you know it takes over 6 years for someone to become a fighter pilot in the Air Force?
One more stop before lunch: the static displays. Not every plane that has ever flown at Luke AFB has a static display at the Air Park, but most of them are there, and the Scouts could get as close as they wanted to these jets. At every jet there was a bronze plaque describing the jet, it's capabilites, and when it was at Luke. There is also a memorial in the center of the park for every Air Force serviceman who has earned the Medal of Honor.
Our last stop at Luke AFB was chow! We went over to Club Five Six for their excellent buffet. This club serves enlisted men and women as well as officers, retired military personnel, and base family members. It also serves hungry Boy Scouts! With our bellies full, we bid farewell to all the fine men and women serving at Luke AFB, and headed north. But not back home - we were destined for the Ben Avery Shooting Facility.
Once we got to Ben Avery and got checked in, we had a quick safety briefing and I am glad to say that it worked! We had no safety violations the entire time we were there. We setup with basic targets at 25 yards, and the Scouts opened fire with their .22s. We kept our focus on tight shot groups and accurate shooting, and the boys who were already qualified with Rifle Shooting got even better. We had three Scouts that had not yet qualified and I am happy to report that all three of them qualified quickly and were able to move onto some of the shooting games. Our Luke AFB guide Corey was even able to join us for a little while! Everyone got lots of trigger time as the Scouts shot up almost 1500 rounds of .22 ammo. When we were all done, the Scouts did a fine job of cleaning up the range and securing their own shooting lanes. Then we jumped in the cars and headed back home - tired but happy.
Troop 95 wants to thank Corey and all the servicemen and women serving our Country at Luke Air Force Base and around the world. We owe you our freedom, and you have our gratitude.
(make sure to check back soon, as there will be more pictures from different cameras uploaded)
First of all we were able to secure an Air Force van so that we wouldn't have to use our personal vehicles, or rent a van. Our first stop was at CATM, or Combat Arms Training and Maintenance. The airmen there were able to take us into the armory, where the Scouts got to see and handle some of the various weapons, such as the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, the M240B machine gun, M203 grenade launcher, and even the longe range M82 .50 cal rifle. We weren't allowed to take any pictures here, but I'm sure the Scouts will have a good lasting impression of it.
Next up was the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or EOD teams. We got to head into their training room and see just about every type of rocket, mine, grenade, or detonator you could think up. But the best part was when they took us outside and showed us all of the high-tech gear they use for identifying and possibly disarming explosives. Most of these airmen had been deployed overseas, so we got to hear some great first-hand stories. They demonstrated their x-ray equipment which they use to identify a possible bomb, and they also showed us the robots that they deploy in the field when they need to get close to something that might be dangerous - a shotgun can even be mounted on the larger robot just in case they need to destroy an explosives case or breach a door! These robots cost over $150k, but the Air Force guys were more than willing to turn them over to our Scouts, who all got a chance to remotely operate the robots around the parking lot - picking up hats, leaves, and anything else they could find! The final piece of gear they showed us was their bomb suit, which is what they wear when they have to go in themselves and disarm an explosive device. This suit weighs 78 pounds, but has lots of armor, lights, radio equipment, and even built-in fans to keep the EOD tech cool. A few of the Scouts got to try it on - it turned out to be pretty heavy for them!
After we thanked the EOD techs, we moved onto the softball fields where we were able to watch the K-9 team go to work. "Crash" was the K-9 of the day as he simulated hostile takedowns, prisoner escorts, and even how he could be at his handler's side in an instant, ready to defend his handler's life with his own. It's important to realize that these dogs are not aggressive in nature - they are friendly animals that love to play and be petted just like any other dog. The difference is their breeding and training - they respond only to certain commands, but make no mistake that they respond instantly and to great effect. This was an especially exciting part of the trip for Bro. Stilson (the older one), since he was in the K-9 Veterinary Corp during his time in the Army, and worked closely with the dog handlers and trainers while deployed to Vietnam. The K-9 team is made up of some great guys, and we really enjoyed our time with them.
The EOR, or End of Runway, was our next destination. Here was another spot where we weren't able to take any photos due to our close proximity to the planes while they were on the ground, but again - memories like this don't need photos! Our group was able to be as close as safely possible to the jets while they took off and landed. Luke Air Force Base is a training facility for F-16 pilots, so in addition to the single-seat F-16s, which are the standard combat variety, we were also able to see the two-seat F-16 which can also carry an Instructor Pilot. Over 20 planes took off or landed as we watched, and when an F-16 takes off when you're that close, not only can you see the engine glow but you can feel it in your chest! During all this Corey was able to give us great information on Luke AFB history as well as information on the F-16 and how rigorous pilot training is. Did you know it takes over 6 years for someone to become a fighter pilot in the Air Force?
One more stop before lunch: the static displays. Not every plane that has ever flown at Luke AFB has a static display at the Air Park, but most of them are there, and the Scouts could get as close as they wanted to these jets. At every jet there was a bronze plaque describing the jet, it's capabilites, and when it was at Luke. There is also a memorial in the center of the park for every Air Force serviceman who has earned the Medal of Honor.
Our last stop at Luke AFB was chow! We went over to Club Five Six for their excellent buffet. This club serves enlisted men and women as well as officers, retired military personnel, and base family members. It also serves hungry Boy Scouts! With our bellies full, we bid farewell to all the fine men and women serving at Luke AFB, and headed north. But not back home - we were destined for the Ben Avery Shooting Facility.
Once we got to Ben Avery and got checked in, we had a quick safety briefing and I am glad to say that it worked! We had no safety violations the entire time we were there. We setup with basic targets at 25 yards, and the Scouts opened fire with their .22s. We kept our focus on tight shot groups and accurate shooting, and the boys who were already qualified with Rifle Shooting got even better. We had three Scouts that had not yet qualified and I am happy to report that all three of them qualified quickly and were able to move onto some of the shooting games. Our Luke AFB guide Corey was even able to join us for a little while! Everyone got lots of trigger time as the Scouts shot up almost 1500 rounds of .22 ammo. When we were all done, the Scouts did a fine job of cleaning up the range and securing their own shooting lanes. Then we jumped in the cars and headed back home - tired but happy.
Troop 95 wants to thank Corey and all the servicemen and women serving our Country at Luke Air Force Base and around the world. We owe you our freedom, and you have our gratitude.
(make sure to check back soon, as there will be more pictures from different cameras uploaded)
Movie Night
It's not often that the Scouts get an easy trip for their monthly campout, but with a Church trip early on Saturday we needed to stay close. And what better way to car camp than with a blow-up movie screen, a projector, and some hot dogs and hamburgers! We headed out to the Stine's backyard, setup our movie gear, and watched "Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail". Throw in some grilled hot dogs and hamburgers and you've got a fun night for Scouts. Of course when it's about 20 degrees outside, you'll also need some warm blankets and sleeping bags.
We had to get up pretty early on Saturday to make it in time for the Church trip, but the Scouts were up and squared away before the leaders were! And thanks to the Glassford Hill Troop for coming and hanging out with us.
We had to get up pretty early on Saturday to make it in time for the Church trip, but the Scouts were up and squared away before the leaders were! And thanks to the Glassford Hill Troop for coming and hanging out with us.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Shotgun Shooting Merit Badge
It was brought to my attention by one of our Scouts that I hadn't done a write-up on the Shotgun Shooting merit badge that the Troop completed in November of 2009, so here it is!
After our August campout which included qualifications for the Rifle Shooting and Shotgun Shooting merit badges, all of our Scouts had qualified for rifle but not all had completely qualified for shotgun. We headed back to the range in November to make sure all of them got a chance, and of course Troop 95 got it done! Every Scout that went back to the range got qualified for their Shotgun Shooting merit badge, and then everyone had a great time shooting the .22 rifles at distant targets, as well as playing various shooting games and competitions. The night we spent at the range included a very up close and personal visit from some coyotes in camp, but that experience, a beautiful starlit night, and the opportunity to gather together and shoot firearms to our heart's content helped to remind us all how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful and free Country.
After our August campout which included qualifications for the Rifle Shooting and Shotgun Shooting merit badges, all of our Scouts had qualified for rifle but not all had completely qualified for shotgun. We headed back to the range in November to make sure all of them got a chance, and of course Troop 95 got it done! Every Scout that went back to the range got qualified for their Shotgun Shooting merit badge, and then everyone had a great time shooting the .22 rifles at distant targets, as well as playing various shooting games and competitions. The night we spent at the range included a very up close and personal visit from some coyotes in camp, but that experience, a beautiful starlit night, and the opportunity to gather together and shoot firearms to our heart's content helped to remind us all how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful and free Country.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Yucca Camp 2010
Snow camp this year brought some challenges that we hadn't encountered before - hidden yucca! There were a lot of these nasty plants just below the surface in the deeper snow, and one of the Scouts had a couple of bad run-ins with them, one of our leaders buried a number of yucca thorns into his leg, and we all spent a lot of time avoiding them while running around during snowball fights! Due to the effect these plants had on our campout, we decided to re-name 'Snow Camp' to 'Yucca Camp'!
We headed up onto Mingus mountain where the snow was still very plentiful. After a short mile hike in from where we parked, we set up camp in a nice clearing and had a great evening filled with a nice big fire, lots of yucca, a beautiful clear night with no moon, and temperatures in the low teens. Throw in an exhausting snowball fight and burying Scouts in the snow, and we were all ready to turn in to our beds, even if they were covered in frost.
The next morning we woke up early, ate breakfast, and got right to the business of a snow ball fight! Too soon it was time to go, so we packed up and headed out. We reached the trucks with no problems, but as we headed down the road we discovered that someone had come in after us the day before, but had gotten their truck stuck sideways in the road, effectively blocking us in. The snow was deep on the side of the road, over 3 feet in most places, so we knew we'd have to dig a road. We got right to work but just about the time we were done the owner of the truck showed up and was able to get pulled out. This sure made it easier for us! We headed off the mountain with more great memories and another adventure for the books.
A big thanks to Bro. Colby and his scouts for coming with us, we really enjoyed having them around.
We headed up onto Mingus mountain where the snow was still very plentiful. After a short mile hike in from where we parked, we set up camp in a nice clearing and had a great evening filled with a nice big fire, lots of yucca, a beautiful clear night with no moon, and temperatures in the low teens. Throw in an exhausting snowball fight and burying Scouts in the snow, and we were all ready to turn in to our beds, even if they were covered in frost.
The next morning we woke up early, ate breakfast, and got right to the business of a snow ball fight! Too soon it was time to go, so we packed up and headed out. We reached the trucks with no problems, but as we headed down the road we discovered that someone had come in after us the day before, but had gotten their truck stuck sideways in the road, effectively blocking us in. The snow was deep on the side of the road, over 3 feet in most places, so we knew we'd have to dig a road. We got right to work but just about the time we were done the owner of the truck showed up and was able to get pulled out. This sure made it easier for us! We headed off the mountain with more great memories and another adventure for the books.
A big thanks to Bro. Colby and his scouts for coming with us, we really enjoyed having them around.
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