Eagle Scout Board of Review {Joseph Passed}

Troop mates Caleb and Joseph await their Eagle Scout Boards of Review.

On one hand, Joseph's formal interview for Eagle Scout Rank resembled a 'rubber stamp' experience for a job well done and completed exactly according to the prescribed formula.  

On the other hand, Joseph's Eagle Scout Board of Review included escalating levels of anxiety and a drawn out suspense-filled wait in the hallway after the lengthy interview with an unfortunate precedence nagging his memory, "The last time I had to wait this long for an answer, it was 'No.'"

Whatcom District's Eagle Coordinator gives board of review and public speaking pointers.

Joseph's Scouting career includes many highlights, including serving as Senior Patrol Leader as well as two-time patrol leader of his Burning Bullfrog Patrol.  Jettisoning his patrol to earn the prestigious National Honor Patrol (twice), Joseph's leadership and his patrol's eagerness to achieve set the bar high for Troop 3's other patrols.  Improved communication skills and self confidence blossomed from his experience as troop scribe and chaplain's aid, and various other positions of leadership along the way.  Strong bonds of friendship and healthy doses of competitive sports and group games inspired Joseph to keep suiting up and showing up throughout his years in the troop.

The community Eagle board panel passed Joseph; Mrs. Quinn was his troop witness, and Tim the proud papa.

Paddling the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit (twice) and hiking the 50 mile North Cascades trek Cross to Ross, along with many other Scouting adventures, Joseph certainly advanced in his leadership and survival skills in the great outdoors as well as the more mundane indoors.  Advancing in character, faithfully living the Scout Oath and Law, and maturing into a fine young man along the trails and trials, Joseph earned the highest rank in Boy Scouts.  When the official application clears the national level, it will be official and Joseph will be awarded the Rank of Eagle Scout.

Congratulations, Joseph!
Congratulations, Caleb!

Outgoing T3 Senior Patrol Leader {Joseph's Term Ends}

Joseph prepares the troop meeting agenda one final time on election night.

Not one who clamors for the spotlight, Joseph served well as the leader of his Boy Scout troop for the past six months as the Senior Patrol Leader.  He faithfully organized the meetings and coordinated the outings, including several grand outdoor adventures.  Joseph delegated as needed and made sure all the various moving parts were in order during his half year term.  Mentored diligently by his Scoutmaster/dad, Joseph worked hard behind the scenes to make sure the events ran smoothly and the collective goals and individual requirements could be achieved.

Holding a scepter of power, soon to be passed off

Adding a touch of charm to everything, and always ready with a grin, Joseph's leadership skills blossomed during his term as SPL.  Having completing his Eagle Scout Project and rank application, Joseph will soon face the district board of review to complete the path from Life Scout to Eagle Rank.

Joseph and Connor lead the troop ASPL elections, collecting ballots to be counted in secret.

Game on!

Highlights of Joseph's term as Senior Patrol Leader:

• Summer camp
• Cross to Ross 50 miler
• Aviation Merit Badge
• Good meetings
• Submitting Eagle Rank application

Introducing the newly elected troop leaders, Joseph prepares to hand off SPL to Connor.

"It was fun while it lasted and it's good to be done." 

~Joseph, Life Scout & outgoing Senior Patrol Leader

Cross 2 Ross 2103 {Preparations}

 

Twenty four hours before C2R'13 departure, we drove to Glacier to apply for our back country permit.

Who?
Our family of 5 + 3 additional Boy Scouts from Troop 3
or
1 Eagle Scout (Zachary), 3 Life Scouts (Caleb, Joseph, and Judah), 2 Star Scouts (Peter and Enoch), 1 Scoutmaster  (Tim) and 1 Assistant Scoutmaster (me)

Joseph, our crew chief, made sure each crew member's daily intake added up to about 3200 calories.

What?
High Adventure Trek called 'Cross to Ross 2013'  {C2R'13} over three mountain passes

When?
August 18-22, 2013
4 nights + 5 days

Pre-departure equipment checks

Where?
On this 50 mile backpacking adventure, we trekked through the Mount Baker Wilderness, North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area; in the far Northwest of Washington State.

Careful packing and double checking lists helps us "Be Prepared."

Why?
Silly question ~ a better question would be, "Why NOT?"

Weighing packs at departure (primarily for bragging rights)

Stopping to study up on our bear facts before departure

Senior Patrol Leader

Offering a real-life training ground for leadership skills is one of the key features of Boy Scouts.  Our Life Scout, Joseph (15), currently holds the title of senior patrol leader for his troop.  An elected position, the senior patrol leader is the top junior leader of the troop.  Under the direction of the Scoutmaster (who happens to be his dad), Joseph takes charge of troop meetings, the planning meetings (PLCs), and the outings and adventures.

Joseph demonstrates lighting a camp stove before fixing dinner at Eight Mile Campground in the North Cascades.

With the title of senior patrol leader (SPL) comes heightened expectations for setting a good example for all the Scouts in the troop.  Practicing leave no trace on outings, wearing the uniform correctly and living the Scout Oath and Law are responsibilities of the SPL.

Joseph as exhibit A

Joseph's natural comfort zone does not include being on center stage or drawing attention to himself, yet as the senior patrol leader he has the opportunity to stretch his comfort zone a bit.  Not normally known as a morning person, Joseph as SPL holds the responsibility of rallying the troop for camp activities, including an early morning departure for river rafting on a recent camp-out.  Stalking near the tents where Scouts lay sleeping, Joseph clanged the pots and pans as an alarm bell and early warning system.  Prank-like yet necessary, this duty may go down as the highlight of his term!

Joseph on the shores of Icicle Creek

SPL Joseph serves as MC for the flag retirement ceremony at a recent campfire.

Following a script and enlisting assistants for important ceremonies in Scouts, the SPL takes charge.

Holding the key junior leadership position in the troop, Joseph has many opportunities to learn from his successes and from not-so-successful experiences.  Hopefully his six month term will prove to be fun and rewarding as well as challenging and effective.  May Joseph the SPL leave a lasting mark on the troop, as the troop leaves a lasting mark on our Scouts.

Election Results {Joseph Victorious}

In a very close race for senior patrol leader, Joseph emerged victorious after the Boy Scout troop's election last week. Joseph will serve as the assistant senior patrol leader for the next six months, and begin his term as SPL in May 2013. 

Running against three other Scouts (worthy opponents all), and on his third attempt at being elected to this top position in the troop, Joseph carefully wrote and rehearsed his election speech and made sure all his merit badges were sewn onto this sash.   The question and answer session following the speeches gave Joseph an opportunity to practice impromptu speaking and crowd pleasing.

A series of junior leader trainings, or JLT (with sessions led and taught by the Scouts) and a planning meeting will kick off the new leadership terms this week, and a new round of boy leadership will begin again.  I must admit, I am pleased with the election results.  Hopefully this is a sign of good things and sound leadership to come...

On High {Summer Backpacking Trip}

View of Mt. Baker from the steep trail to Yellow Aster Butte

Just when we thought we weren't missing Zachary too terribly, a trip with the Boy Scout troop to one of his favorite local haunts brought home 'wish you were here' feelings, and great memories of our Scouting adventures together.

A break along the hike to Yellow Aster Meadows

Hiking without Zachary in the crew intensified the reality that he's missing, although he's not really missing, since we know right where to find him.  Wonder if he's missing the mountains yet...

Mr. B at dusk

Yellow Aster Butte has been the site of many grand adventures over the years with our BSA troop.  Tales are told of the time when Mr. J hiked the strenuous grade loaded down with a 70 lb. pack, which included fresh potato pancake batter and a gallon of orange juice for breakfast on day 2 {not your average backpacking fare!}.  I remember the night I nearly froze in my tent and pulled out my emergency blanket to cover my sleeping bag in the wee hours.  I awoke to find myself covered in condensation in a soggy sleeping bag, having warmed up so well under the non-permeable layer which simply collected the warmth and let me have it right back, drip by drip.

Three years ago on this trek, Joseph and Tim experienced serious mountain weather, but this year's trip fell in the middle of the longest dry spell on record.  Sunshine and clear skies on day one made for a sweaty hike and allowed for a few brave fellows to take a dip in the glacier fed tarn.  Day two opened with cloud cover, or rather, the campers exited their tents in the morning into the clouds which socked them in.

Their descent provided an opportunity to get to know one of the park rangers a little better, as an anonymous source had complained about the noise level in the Scouts' vicinity.  Threats of a citation, a need for contact information to 'follow up' and a good finger wagging were all on the agenda for the mid-trail mandatory (surprise) meeting with the ranger.  We all know the inherent risks involved with taking a group of teenage boys into the mountains! 

Caleb, Isaac, Nate, Mr. M, Enoch, Peter, Nicholas, Nathan and Connor on the summer snow

Time Flies {Zac's Last Boy Scout Meeting}

Zachary wears his Boy Scout uniform proudly on his final troop meeting night.

His 18th birthday only hours away, Zachary's final Boy Scout meeting found us hiking through the woods, over the tracks and to the rocky shores of Puget Sound for an evening adventure.  Happenings included bouldering, wading, a sand and seaweed burial, wildlife viewing, and molasses cookie eating.  Without a formal opening or closing ceremony or the usual crowd of Scouts in attendance, it was about as low-key as a Scout meeting can get.  It's probably just what Zachary would prefer in any event, a meeting straight out of the Dangerous Book for Boys.


Our drive home along the beautiful, winding, cliff-top Chuckanut Drive, graced with a gorgeous setting sun across the water over the not-too-distant San Juan Islands seemed apropos as a visual reminder of the passing of an era... And the full moon welcomed us home.

Zachary with the younger Scouts, perched atop the rocks at Clayton Beach.

Joseph going up...

Joseph coming down.

Owen going up (with a little help from his dad/Rod)

Peter, Enoch and Nate explore the shore.

Connor, Peter and Cameron put Nate a few feet under.

In his tomb of sand and seaweed, Nate takes a break.

All About the Pier {Camp Parsons}

Camp Parsons' pier leap at low tide falls under the maxim "don't try this at home, kids!"  In fact, it probably falls under the "don't try this at Scout Camp, kids!"  For although our troop had special permission to take the leap during free time one afternoon {coinciding with a lower than normal tide}, the activity was quickly brought to a halt after the camp director arrived on the scene and had a quiet discussion with the aquatics director.

Peter and Joseph jump in tandem

Scrubbing the pier as part of the troops' volunteer service to the camp, they endeared themselves to the aquatics director who told them it had been at least seven years since the pier had been scrubbed.  The guys asked for permission to come back during their free troop-time and take the pier leap.  Permission granted, they arrived in full force and those willing to take the leap lined up at the very end of the legendary pier. Tim opted out of the activity and offered to photograph the event from a rowboat, allowing for these great shots looking from water level up to the launch site.

Peter, Zachary and Joseph warm up after a leap or two.

Pier leaps are a big attraction at Camp Parsons, and careful attention to the tides and water levels below the pier ensure that the activity is safe.  All who participate in any aquatics activities at any Scout camp have to pass a thorough swim test and follow strict buddy rules and check-in, check-out procedures. 

The pier alone would provide a great reason to visit Camp Parsons.  It is a one of a kind experience and one worth repeating, which helps to explain why our Scouts vote time and again to go back to Camp Parsons on the salty waters of Puget Sound.

Triple Hamocks, Thunder & Really Dirty Socks {Camping}

Chuck, Judah, Collin, Joseph and Zac

Moments after the boys' tents were pitched, they hatched a plan to hike up the closest mountain, which they have named after themselves to celebrate a previous (perilous) summit success.   It's directly across the road from the campsite we visit each year for our annual river rafting family camp with the troop.  Judah's dad, Chuck, agreed to hike with the group of four ambitious climbers, and asked us to start a search party if they weren't back in camp by 8PM.  They arrived well before the search party was dispatched, soaking wet and dirty from the scramble over mount A-Wad.

Enoch and Peter along the shores of Icicle Creek

Campfires and plenty of tarps made camping pleasant despite the near constant deluge drenching our three day stay.  That and the wonderful company camping in our group site of course, comprised of a fine collection of Scouts and family members from our troop ranging in age from two-ish up to... adult.  We missed having a few of our super-sized families along this year, but serious health concerns for medically fragile children and newborns can put a damper on travel plans.  Our anchor family missed this year's camp-out as well, due to a family gathering in another state.  Drastic!  We had to call them from town to make sure we knew the right time to assemble for the river ride on Sunday morning.  

Caleb, Isaac, and Zac in triple hammock formation

The river rafters had a blast, despite the dismal weather for the first half of the ride.  Due to high water levels, the rapids were especially exciting this year.  Zachary was one of the first to topple out of a boat, apparently much earlier than he would have preferred, due to his feet slipping in the raft.  Peter's favorite rapids included 'boulder bend' and 'drunkards' drop.'  Passing an abandoned raft, jammed into a bridge support (crash site from the previous day's ride), our riders came face to face with the real dangers and hazards possible while river rafting.  Good news that none of those Saturday rafters from the crash into the bridge were seriously injured.

Tim (orange hat) with Peter (khaki hat) and a group of Scouts and family members ride the Wenatchee River.

One of our top stops when staying in or near Leavenworth: Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church

A Saturday evening Mass in Leavenworth enabled us to keep our Sunday obligation.  With great anticipation we journeyed into town for an annual Mass at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church. We met the new pastor, Father Alex Trejo, and learned that Bishop Tyson had consecrated OLS's new outdoor "Way of the Cross" and worship space only a few days earlier.  After Mass we accepted Father Trejo's invitation to walk the Stations of the Cross as a family, reflecting at each stop on the passion and death of our Lord and the suffering he endured for our salvation.  The project is immense and when complete will provide a wonderful haven for praise, worship, reflection and fellowship.

Joseph leads us on the Way of the Cross, under construction on the sprawling grounds at Our Lady of the Snows.

Sock soup

Laundry, laundry and more laundry have marked the days following our return from the adventures in Central Washington.   The endless loads of wash not only helping us recover from the weekend away, but also preparing us for the next job: packing for Boy Scout summer camp which begins next week.  Looks like the weather will cooperate for that adventure, at least in NW Washington terms.