The
VARSITY VISION Newsletter FOR VARSITY SCOUT LEADERS UTAH NATIONAL PARKS COUNCIL™
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA®
www.utahscouts.org/varsity visionScout news letters The Varsity Scout reaffirms his adherence to scouting/varsity the traditional Oath, Law, motto, and slogan. May 2014
Life will be exactly what you make it.
Vol. 17 No. 5
Scout Oath or Promise:
Scout Law:
On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
A Scout is... Trustworthy Helpful Courteous Obedient Thrifty Clean
Loyal Friendly Kind Cheerful Brave Reverent
Kickoff Training for “ON TARGET” Learning Leadership by Participating
Table of contents All 27 Program Features can be seen at the following internet site
http://www.scouting.org /scoutsource/boyscouts /resources/varistyprogr am.aspx
Subject
Page
Scout Oath or Promise and Scout Law . . . . . . . . Kickoff Training for On Target 2014 . . . . . . . . . Hike to your On Target Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “WAHOO” has been CANCELLED . . . . . . . . . . . Learning Leadership by Participation . . . . . . . . . Coach’s Corner “Light of Freedom” . . . . . . . . . . . Hiking Merit Badge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pick Your ON TARGET Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smartphone’s in Varsity Scouting . . . . . . . . . . . Varsity Scout “Play Book” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Global Position System GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letter to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER
May 2014
teach “On Target” to the other boys in the team, construct mirrors, and make preparations for the activity. Learn about HAM and FRS radio communications, build a time capsule, learn about GPS and map reading. Pick up a copy of President Erying’s “ON TARGET” letter for your mountain peak fireside. The official signaling time on the day of “On Target” is from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, but signaling can and will probably occur both before and after this time block.
“ON TARGET”
KICKOFF Traditionally, Operation "On Target!" is held on the third Saturday in July every year. Our Utah National Parks Council (UNPC) will hold our “On Target” Kickoff Workshop on May 24th at 10:00am at the Orem Service Center, 748 North 1340 West. This is roughly 8 weeks before the event and will give Varsity Scouts and their leader’s sufficient time to construct signal mirrors and learn how to use them.
It is suggested that Dave Gates (Orange jacket) teaching Varsity Scout teams make this an overnight Boys to aim their signal mirrors with pin point accuracy. camp by hiking part way up the mountain on Friday afternoon and evening, and then continuing on up to the summit on Saturday morning for the signaling event.
Attendance at the workshop is crucial. At the workshop, adult and youth leaders can learn about every aspect of Operation Everyone learns and builds "On Target!" and how to make it their own signal mirror. a marvelous experience for their teams. Everything from signal mirror-making to mountaintop experiences can be covered. Doug Hickman at
[email protected] is in charge of the activity this year. Doug has a 1” diameter metal On Target “pin” and a 3 ¼ inch diameter fabric “patch” for this activity. Both these items can be purchased at the kickoff workshop for $6.00. Contact Doug with any questions you may have. On Target Kickoff Workshop Saturday, May 24th, 2014 starting at 10:00am The address is the Orem Service Center 748 North 1340 West * * * Day of Operation "On Target!" Saturday, July 19, 2014 from 11:00am to 1:00pm Meet at the mountain peak of your choice The purpose of the Kickoff Workshop is to teach the Varsity Scout Coach, Varsity Scout Captain and Special Programs and Events Manager and/or High Adventure Program Manager about On Target and specifically how to make and use the signal mirror. They will in turn go back and
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May 2014
Scout team and I became very aware that the sky was so orange and yellow that everything around us on the mountain side reflected that strange color.
“ON TARGET” Overnight Hike to your Peak
Hike to your mountain peak,
Hiking provides satisfaction to your Varsity Scout team for the many opportunities associated with the Operation ON TARGET experience. It is a multi-faceted activity; it can be many different things to different teams. For some it is about climbing a mountain. For others it is about communication and meeting other scouts. Ultimately “On Target” can be all of this and much more.
Picture taken from the top of Cascade Mountainan on my first Varsity Scout Operation ON TARGET hike.
As we looked up, the scene all but exploded over our heads in the most brilliant sky I had ever seen – even to this day. I couldn’t help but to just stop short, lean against a rock and look up. The entire sky was filled from horizon to horizon with those vibrant colors in swirls mixed with reds, blues and even violets. I said, “WOW, just look at that sky!” The boys stopped and looked up with me, opened their mouths like me and stared upward. One young man kidded me about looking like a baby magpie waiting for a worm.
When selecting your peak keep in mind that this is not just a mountain climb or a morning hike. When you add the signaling challenge and relative time constraints you want to make sure your peak will lend it to a positive experience and not be a point of frustration. Backpacking to a remote peak or taking the challenge of a technical climb to reach your summit will add more adventure and take more time. Be sure to plan accordingly. President Erying in his Operation ON TARGET letter to the Varsity Scouts this year (2014) wrote about his pleasant memories as a young man climbing to the tops of mountains with his father. He said together they climbed to the summit of Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks, Mount Nebo, Henry B. Eyring Mount Timpanogos and Kings Peak the highest peak in Utah. There’s something about climbing to a mountain summit which gives us not only wonderful memories but also encourages us to keep moving upward, even as we encounter hardships along the way.
That experience impacted me and several of my boys to this day. The real joy that we felt was to be part of this beautiful world and the Operation ON TARGET experience. So don’t get so wrapped up in your own hurried little worlds that you totally miss the free light show. A few minutes of observation could brighten your whole team with a wonderful experience that will give them some great memories. Allow nature to work its magic on you and your Varsity Scout team. The scenery of the mountain peaks has highs and lows, but ON TARGET has true ‘high points’ that are not just topographical.
You and I can help our young men who are stumbling along rough pathways in the journey. President Erying promises each of us, as we follow inspired direction in this “ON TARGET” activity we can be delivered safely to our ultimate goals. Never will I forget an experience one evening, many years ago, when we sat around our evening camp fire. My Varsity
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May 2014
“Wahoo”
By hiking you are able to go to destinations that are remote or hard to get to, making your hiking trip an adventure that won't easily be forgotten by your boys. Research the mountain peak you are planning to hike. Find out the best route to take, where the trail head is, how long the hike will take and camping availability near the summit.
Beaver Rendezvous has been
CANCELLED
Since you are hiking, it will be necessary to carry everything needed for you’re overnight ON TARGET adventure. This will mean that the things that you take will be limited. Some of the things that you can't do Our hike to the top without are good quality of Cascade Mountain hiking gear such as boots and layered clothing to provide warmth and protection from the elements as needed. A plastic ground cover and sleeping bag will be necessary since you are camping out. These things will provide you with some of the necessities while hiking: • Navigation (GPS and compass) • Fire (matches or lighters) • Signaling Device (whistle and ON TARGET mirror) • Sun Protection (sunglasses and sun block) • Insulation (extra clothing, knit cap, jacket) • Nutrition (food*) • Hydration (water) • Illumination (flashlight/headlamp) • Personal First Aid Kit (Band-aids, aspirin, disinfectant) • Shelter (sleep under the stars if possible) • All purpose pocket knife • Poncho * Suggest food items for your overnight camp trip: Gorp (nuts, seeds, dried fruit, m&ms), Apple Hard Cheese, Jerky (beef/turkey), Cookies Power Bars , Gatorade, Raw fruit / vegetables Dried fruit (raisins, apples, pears, peaches, bananas)
Due to the lack of adult Staff participation (We should be ashamed of ourselves)
Learning Leadership by Participation Written by: Ken Cluff
Each of the five “Fields of Emphasis” has a young man as the “Program Manager” and he is completely responsible for that activity. The Varsity Scout Team Committee is typically comprised, in part, of five adult “Program Advisors”, each having a youth as their counterpart relating to the assigned specific Field of Emphasis: High Adventure/Sports Service Personal Development Advancement Special Programs and Events At their teams’ annual planning meeting, the team leadership will split the team activities into the five “Fields of Emphasis”. Your Program Manager should be entirely responsible for the planning and follow through of his particular “Field of Emphasis” activity. The adult advisor is the resource person to help him with workable ideas and suggestions to solve his bigger-than-boy problems such as: Transportation Equipment Contacts, etc.
Don't forget to take your cell phone & camera so that, once you return home, you can share your adventures with friends and parents. You will also have a long-term memento of the beauties of the countryside and of the mountain peak from your ON TARGET experience. Through this Operation ON TARGET experience you can help your young men receive inspiration, feel the Lords spirit, and strengthen their lives”.
The Varsity Scout Coach assures both will follow-through by encouragement, assistance, and letting the boy understand that the rest of the team is counting on him. Adult Program Advisors do not do the tasks for the boy; these are
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May 2014
most LDS Church Stakes run a basketball league for young men. Use this as part of the Varsity Scout Program. Get a basketball coach, teach the Varsity Scouts basketball skills, rules, plays, and strategies; play in the league games, and maybe challenge other Varsity Teams to a game. This would make a great program during the winter months. There are many other sports that can be programmed in the same manner according to the young mens’ interest: volley ball, softball or baseball, soccer, street hockey, racquet ball, tennis, bowling, and golf. There are outdoor sports: cycling, mountain biking, skating (ice or in-line), hiking, mountain climbing and rappelling, climbing wall, Varsity Scout Leader Orientation, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, sailing, rowing, water skiing, snow skiing, and snow boarding. Most boys enjoy shooting sports: shot gun and skeet, rifle marksmanship, black powder rifles, and archery; and there is fishing. Merit badges can also be earned in most of these sports.
opportunities for the Varsity Scout to learn the leadership skills necessary to complete the task. High Adventure Field of Emphasis... This is one of the key program areas of Varsity Scouting. Teacher-age young men need greater challenges and new adventure. The High Adventure program consists of quarterly adventures of shorter duration of 2 to 4 days (e.g. ON TARGET hike), and an annual High Adventure in the summer of a longer duration, 5 nights or more in length. The quarterly adventures are generally of the Team’s own making. The annual summer High Adventure is generally from Monday to Saturday within a manageable travel distance. The summer High Adventure can be of longer duration and at distant locations based on the needs of the quorum/team members and the approval of their priesthood leaders. There are Rafting on the Green River at Entrada excellent programs at BSA National High Adventure Bases: Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Minnesota, and Florida Sea Base. Other great adventures can be found at BSA facilities closer to home such as Entrada High Adventure Base near Moab Utah, Beaver High Adventure Base, or the Teton High Adventure Base in Wyoming. Your Team might even consider attending an All Stars Course or a 50 mile hike and camp in the High Uinta Mountains or in the Canyon lands of southern Utah. Your adventure is limited only by the imagination and ambition of your team members. A necessary resource for planning High Adventure is the BSA book, “Passport to High Adventure.”
A second aspect of Sports is for the Varsity Team to support its members who play a sport at school or on a community league. The Varsity Team can go to one of their games and cheer the member on. Short reports can be made in Varsity Team and quorum meetings on the members’ participation in the sport. The Varsity Team member can teach the other Team members about his sport. A third aspect of Sports is for the Varsity Team to go to a sports game or meet. Many sports offer free or much reduced tickets on occasions to Scouts. Service Field of Emphasis... This program area is self-explanatory and very important to the growth of young men. There should be a service project at least quarterly. This will meet the needs of both the Teachers Quorum and Varsity Team for service. Priesthood service and Varsity Team service can be synonymous in many Eagle Scout project working on the cases, with the Great Western Trail exception of Priesthood ordinances and Home Teaching. This service will also meet the needs for Scout rank advancement and for the Aaronic Priesthood “Duty to God” award. Another area of service is the Eagle Scout service project. There is also Ward or Stake service projects. All these service opportunities need to be correlated so that the Varsity Scouts have adequate service experiences but so that the number of service events do not become overbearing.
Sports Field of Emphasis (second half of High Adventure) Most Teacher-age young men love sports. Varsity Scouting capitalizes on this interest. Sports means more than just playing pickup basketball on Mutual nights or shooting baskets, it means having a program to learn, practice, and compete in the sport. Basketball is an easy 3 on 3 Basketball game at our one because most young District Varsity games. men like to play it and
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VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER
May 2014 Service should be balanced with the other fields of emphasis in Varsity Scouting.
and “how to” do various aspects of leadership: planning agenda, event planning, backward planning, working with volunteers, meeting management, traits of a leader, great leaders, etc. An Important part of personal development is learning to set goals and achieve them, give service and practice leadership, Also there is The Team Leaders’ Training Seminar, pp.164-176, Varsity Scout Guidebook.
Personal Development Field of Emphasis...
Citizenship is contributing service and showing responsibility to local, state, and national communities. Varsity Scouts develop good citizenship when they learn about respecting the flag and providing service to the community. Advancement Field of Emphasis...
Wielding pots and pans, red-aproned Scouts sing duringa segment celebrating 100 years of LDS Scouting.
One of the five fields of emphasis for Varsity Scouting is Advancement. Varsity Scouts should be encouraged to advance and provided opportunity to advance in Scouting rank and to earn the Eagle Scout Badge. This is a good part of a young man’s personal development to set goals and achieve them, give service, practice leadership, and provide the positive incentives of immediate recognition. However, it is understood that not all members of the Varsity Team may be interested in advancement.
This program area of emphasis is typically divided into four parts: Spiritual, Social/Cultural, Leadership and citizenship.
Spiritual area in the Church is usually meet by giving talks in church, participating in priesthood ordinances, home teaching, quorum instruction, firesides, the Bishop’s Sunday Evening Discussions, Temple baptism trips, and Youth Conferences. Another part of spiritual development is to also have devotionals and appropriate spiritual instruction on Varsity Team High Adventure or camping type events. A Personal Development Varsity Team Program Manager can be responsible for oversight of the Varsity Team’s participation in these spiritual development events under the supervision of the Quorum President/Team Captain. He can help plan, be on the committee for, publicize, report on, and conduct these events as appropriate.
The Eagle Scout badge is not for everyone, only those who are interested in getting it and willing to put in the work to get it. The Varsity Scout Team should not be an Eagle factory. If it is, those young men who are not interested in merit badges will stop coming to Varsity Team meetings.
Social & Cultural development usually means joint and The best way to do advancement and meet all the needs of all the Varsity Team members is to do the interesting and fun parts of a merit badge topic in Varsity Team meetings and activities and then direct those members who want to pursue the merit badge to a merit badge counselor to complete the requirements.
combined activities with the Young Women and Stake Dances. It can also mean Brotherhood events for the Varsity Team members such as getting together to watch a good video with food and conversation, or a board game night with food and conversation, or a sleep out (or in) with food and conversation, or a Father and Sons camp out or cook out with food, games, and conversation. (Notice: for a Teachers-age Varsity Scout a good part of social development involves food and conversation.)
For example, if the Aviation Merit Badge is going to be taught, the Team is told that they will be doing some fun and interesting things in aviation, it is not stated that. “We are going to do the Aviation Merit Badge”. It is stated that those Fly in a Flight Simulator that wish to earn the merit badge can use the fun and interesting things that the Team is going to do to complete many of the requirements for the
Leadership development can use Team developing and problem solving games and events to teach and practice leadership and followership. Attend the new “Varsity Vision Training” leadership course which recognizes the importance of mentored planning as perhaps the most important element of the Varsity Scout program. Another valuable assist is to teach about
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VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER
May 2014 merit badge. Then you proceed to do the fun and interesting things like going flying in a plane, go to an air show, visit an Air Force base or airport control tower, have a pilot come to a meeting and talk about learning to fly, fly in an air plane simulator, go to a radio control model airplane show, or go to the Air and Space Museum at Hill Air Force Base. This way all the Varsity Team members have a great time and those that want to get the merit badge can go on to do so. In this manner, advancement opportunities can be provided almost every month. For those on the Eagle Trail, their advancement needs to be monitored and they need help to earn the required badges, properly conduct an Eagle Scout Service Project, and to properly complete an Eagle Scout Application. This is the duty of the Varsity Team Advancement committee member, the Advancement Program Manager and the Team Coach.
Hiking Merit Badge Preliminary preparation for your big Operation ON TARGET can fill most of the requirements for your boys Hiking Merit Badge. Take five hikes, each on a different day, and each of at least ten continuous miles, (requirement No. 5). Hiking Merit Badge requirement No. 6 could be the main hike to your ON TARGET peak.
Special Programs and Events Field of Emphasis... These programs and events involve other groups (other teams or Scout units, young women, etc.) in a combined activity. This Field of Emphasis can also be used when an activity does not fit the other Fields of Emphasis; Scouting Expo, Ward or Branch Halloween Party, etc. You may have one team member assigned as the Special Programs and
Learn the points of good hiking practices
Utah has many tall mountains that are excellent to signal from. Working and playing at high elevations can be very taxing. Be sure your Varsity Scout team and yourself are in good enough physical condition to reach your summit. Preparation for On Target starts long before the activity day on July 19th 2014. Don't let physical limitations stop you from participating.
Mountain peak mirror signaling while participating in Operation ON TARGET
Events Program Manager or you may assign specific events to team members to be program manager for that event.
Hiking is a terrific way to keep your body and mind in top shape, both now and for a lifetime. Walking packs power into your legs and makes your heart and lungs healthy and strong. Exploring the outdoors challenges you with discoveries and new ideas. Your senses will improve as you use your eyes and ears to gather information along the way.
Another consideration for Special Programs and Events is a Varsity Team Order of the Arrow Representative (TOAR). The TOAR keeps the team in communication with the District and Council Order of the Arrow to help with service projects, camp promotion, OA fellowships, and OA elections.
Requirements Learning leadership by participation rather than by lecture moves leadership training closer to the action-centered methods used by Baden-Powell in the early days. The Varsity Scout program itself is designed to serve the needs and values of the young men and the LDS sponsoring organization.
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Do the following: a. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while hiking, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER
May 2014 b. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while hiking, including hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, frostbite, dehydration, sunburn, sprained ankle, insect stings, tick bites, snakebite, blisters, hyperventilation, and altitude sickness. 2. Explain and, where possible, show the points of good hiking practices. Including the principles of Leave No Trace, hiking safety in the daytime and at night, courtesy to others, choice of footwear, and proper care of feet and footwear. 3. Explain how hiking is an aerobic activity. Develop a plan for conditioning yourself for 10-mile hikes, and describe how you will increase your fitness for longer hikes. 4. Make a written plan for a 10-mile hike, including map routes, a clothing and equipment list, and a list of items for a trail lunch. 5. Take five hikes, each on a different day, and each of at least ten continuous miles. Prepare a hike plan for each hike. 6. Take a hike of 20 continuous miles in one day following a hike plan you have prepared. 7. After each of the hikes (or during each hike if on one continuous "trek") in requirements 5 and 6, write a short report of your experience. Give dates and descriptions of routes covered, the weather, and interesting things you saw. Share this report with your merit badge counselor.
of square miles of wilderness, can be an extremely invigorating experience. The season can determine whether your Varsity Scouts choose to head for the mountains, make a pilgrimage to the desert, or both. More than 70 percent of Utah is public land: five National Parks, nine million acres of National Forest, millions of acres belong to the National Monuments and National Recreation Areas, and 42 percent of Utah is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. That adds up to unbelievable choices for backpacking that would take more than a lifetime to complete. It can also mean trekking in a stream with water shoes through a mystical desert canyon, periodic swim breaks beneath beautiful waterfalls, walking through natural bridges, and wondering what life must have been like for the Anasazi who lived here a thousand years ago. Regardless of your destination, the real joy of any adventure is the journey itself. Allow yourself plenty of time to delight in every aspect of a trip. Don’t be in such a hurry that you can’t stop to watch the wildlife, study the flowers, and take in the beauty of the landscape though which you are passing. (BSA Fieldbook p.239)
Regardless of where your Scouts choose to hike, be cautious. Never hike alone, always tell your friends and family where you are going and when you plan to return. Always carry plenty of water in both the deserts and mountains. Bring a first-aid kit and a water filter. Be prepared to be truly selfreliant. It's a good idea to take more food and water than you think you'll need in the event you become stranded. Most importantly, have a safe, fun, and rewarding experience.
Light of Freedom Operation "On Target" is all about reflected light -- The light that comes from above! God gives us the light of freedom so we may choose for ourselves. As we choose to - "do our duties to God and our country" - and - "to keep ourselves physically strong mentally awake, and morally straight” -- we choose to reflect that God given light, as surely as if we were doing it from mountaintops with our mirrors.
Hike the mystical desert canyon and wonder what life must have been like for the Anasazi who lived here a 1000 years ago.
Cherish the light of our Savior, and the light of freedom; always be ready to reflect and defend them.
There is no more varied place on earth to backpack. To begin such an adventure in Utah, to step into its thousands
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If it is a forest service lookout, you will need to call the local district ranger office to arrange for gates to be opened. Do this well ahead of time. If it is private property, you will need to contact the owner to get permission. Don’t wait till the last minute to find out how long it will take to get there. • Where is the trailhead? • Is there a trail? • How many miles to the summit? • Will we camp overnight? • Is there water along the trail? • Does the route have technical obstacles? • What is the view like from the summit?
PICK YOUR OPERATION “ON TARGET” PEAK Operation ‘On Target” on July 19th can be as strenuous or relaxing as you want to make it. When your team sits down to plan for this activity ask yourselves some questions to help in your mountain peak selection. • How challenging do your boys want this activity to be? • Do they want to drive part way and then hike to their mountain peak? • How high a peak do they want to signal from? • What kind of shape are you and your boys in? • What is the view like from the summit to other peaks? • How much time will you need to reach the summit on time?
On Target is about point-to-point mirror signaling communication. A good peak for Operation “On Target” has an uninterrupted view in as many directions as possible. This typically equates to a tall summit, but that is not necessarily the case. As you pick your peak get a topographical map and look at the surrounding peaks. How many of them are taller than your proposed mountain peak? You should be able to signal 50-100 miles with your signal mirror. Try to figure out which peaks you can reach from your summit and make plans for contacting the Varsity Scouts on that peak.
For the adventurous and physically fit there are plenty of places that can present a real challenge, if you want to hike. Elevation plays a big role in how far you can signal, but more important is what you can see from your summit. Elevation also typically equates to greater travel time from the valley and often greater physical difficulty to reach the peak. Many teams will choose to signal from a relatively low peak because the view is fair and the access to the summit is easy.
Signaling times are from 11:00 AM – 1:00PM. You will want to be set up and ready to go when 11:00 AM arrives. Ask yourself how long will it take to get to the summit and get set up? Here are some helpful hints to plan hiking times: • Along smooth moderate trails most people can walk 2 - 3 miles in an hour, if you’re backpacking plan for closer to 2 mph. • On steep trails (gaining 1000'+ elevation per mile) your travel speed will be slower. Some where around .5 - 1 mile an hour depending on the load you a carrying and your physical condition. • Plan about 10 minutes per hour to rest while you are traveling. You don't want to be so tired that you can't signal when you reach the summit of your mountain.
Utah has many tall mountains that are excellent to signal from. Working and playing at high elevations can be very taxing. Be sure your team and coach are in good enough physical condition to reach the summit. Preparation for Operation “On Target” starts long before the activity day on July 19th. Find a good peak to climb at www.peakfinder.org . This view below is looking south from the top of Mt. Timpanogas. Find out ahead of time what it will take to get to the top of your mountain peak. Do you need to get permission for access?
Will you have a Ham Radio man or will you be confirming your contacts with your cell phone? Work all those details out ahead of time. www.peakfinder.org - easy to use, nice synthetic views: can use website, iPhone app, Android app. This is a view from the top of Mount Timpanogas looking south
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Another good web site to go to for
VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER
May 2014 finding a mountain peak that will work for your Varsity team is the synthetic views generated by Heywhatsthat.com it is second to none for determining line of sight. This site offers four options for determining line of sight:
(c) By clicking on a candidate point you see a "profile view", which, if you selected "curved earth" is pretty clear.
In some cases, if a Scout was not using it properly then he may have lost it for period of time. The Smartphone clearly beats the compass when it comes to learning about effective land or water navigation. The access to video can really make the art of teaching knots a lot easier. And the apps for stargazing using the internal GPS make the astronomy experience out of this world. Then there is the flashlight capability, the easy access to cooking recipes and all kinds of first aid information should that pocketknife cause an accident. All of these capabilities are pretty cool, but nothing compares to the most important part of the Smartphone when it comes to connecting with youth today. That, of course, is its ability to capture memories”.
(d) By clicking on a candidate point on the map, then clicking "Check LOS" below the map, a precise check is done.
Gary Butler concludes by saying: “If we can control the proper use of a pocketknife, it should be possible to do the same with a Smartphone”.
Signaling is fun but confirming your contact makes the process complete. Take a notebook to log your contacts. After your "peak experience" report your contacts to your District ON TARGET Chairman so they can see how far the signal was sent. Don’t forget to take extra batteries! It is also a good idea to take along a couple of extra mirror panels in case you break some. Be sure and anchor your tripods to keep the wind from blowing them over. You don’t want to suffer through what has been called a “shatroglastic” experience.
I think when used properly, Smartphones have some great apps that can be useful on an outdoor excursion. The one that allows the Varsity Scout to aim at the stars to give them the constellation is a great one. Or the one that tells me how many charcoal briquettes go on the bottom & top of a Dutch Oven.
(a) Peaks with clear "head and shoulders" line of sight (LOS) are automatically detected and displayed. (b) By clicking on, all regions with LOS to the selected location are tinted pink.
I think the issue is usually that the Scout spends too much time checking their email or texting instead of being actively involved with whatever is going on. In other words, the Smartphone becomes a distraction as the Varsity Scout would rather be doing that than the current Scout activity. Today it is the Smartphone, yesterday it was the “gameboy”, mp3′s, iPods, cassette players, etc. Tomorrow technology will surely bring another “new” and popular electronic device that we will all enjoy. Rather than set up an imaginary line of demarcation and daring any Varsity Scout to cross it I will take a more proactive approach to the issue. I always will, come down on the side that teaches the Varsity Scout to be responsible for his actions and how it impacts others. I want my boys to understand that any device, Smartphone, GPS, etc., and the use of that device is a privilege. Privileges are earned but can also be suspended if abused. I believe that if I expect a Scout to be Trustworthy that is what he will strive to be. We, as Leaders, certainly set the example for our Scouts but we must also be wise enough to know that technology is nothing to fear. It will take its place right next to my pocketknife.
Smartphones Written by Ken Cluff
I have heard lots of conversations recently on whether Smartphones should be allowed during Scouting activities. Gary Butler, BSA Chief Operating Officer said: “Does the use of a Smartphone as part of Scouting’s activities disrupt the experience, or can it be a “cure” to make our current experiences more relevant to today’s youth? When I was a Scout, I recall everyone had a utility knife in their pockets when going on a Scouting activity. Over time they became quite sophisticated with improvements that added canopeners, special blades for cutting rope, a flashlight, tweezers and even a toothpick. When I served as a Scoutmaster, I always felt it was my responsibility to be sure each one of our Scouts was properly trained in the use of his knife. After all, it can be dangerous.
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The Play Book has been designed to give newly appointed Varsity Scout leaders (both youth and adults) a quick look and basic training into the Varsity program. Additional information may be gained from many sources, especially the
Varsity Scout
Play Book
Varsity Scout Guidebook. Varsity Scouting has two unique features that distinguish it from other BSA programs. First, the program revolves around five program fields of emphasis for special appeal to young men; second, it offers unique leadership opportunities so that virtually every team member experiences leadership responsibilities.
The Varsity Scout Guidebook is indispensable for addressing how to work with older Varsity Scout boys and identify their needs. Also, use the Boy Scout Handbook as your primary guide in overall Scouting. There are twelve sports and fourteen high-adventure program features activities—from caving and cycling to softball and basketball and soccer—to help your team plan their program in Varsity Scouting. One Program Feature called Discovering Adventure is a wild-card and can be used for other topics such as: Kayaking, Geocaching, Search and Rescue, Education, Computer Graphics etc.
Your Varsity Scout team is designed to put youth members in leadership roles. An adult counterpart then supports each of those roles. For instance, you as the Varsity Scout Coach will support your captain, and the adult committee program adviser for advancement supports the young man serving as program advancement manager. Time invested in planning your Varsity Scout program will be repaid many times over by providing your boys with meaningful and exciting activities. Good planning allows Varsity Scouts to lead the team as they draft their own annual plan and then see to it that the plan succeeds.
Global Positioning System Modern technology has provided outdoor explorers with a powerful electronic means of navigation, the global positioning system (GPS).
Most Varsity Scout teams are small, close-knit groups of young men who share a number of common interests. Each team member has a leadership responsibility—as a program manager of a field of emphasis or as a team captain or squad leader. Each youth leadership position has an adult counterpart who works with the youth member—similar to that of a player and a coach. The youth members plan and carry out the program of the Varsity Scout team. Every team member should have some leadership responsibility.
A GPS receiver accurately calculates the longitude and latitude of any spot on the globe by taking bearings on satellites orbiting 12,000 miles above Earth. If you GPSMAP 62stc decide to use one, study the manufacturer’s instructions and practice using the GPS before you go into unfamiliar country.
Coaches and team leaders will find that by following the planning steps discussed in the Play Book, team members will come to understand the Varsity Scout program. All five program fields of emphasis should Team planning meeting be included in a team’s activity every quarter. To help ensure a strong program, the Varsity team committee should devote a portion of its monthly meetings to securing the support of adult committee members for each of the 5 team program managers.
Once you learn to operate a GPS receiver, you can use it to identify precise locations, determine elevations above sea level, and plot the path of a trek. Inputting this information will create a history in the receiver that can be used if you need to retrace your steps.
Use a GPS for OPERATION ON TARGET On July 19th 2014
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VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER
May 2014
Letter to the Editor
Using the map in your GPS set waypoints for prominent peaks in your field of vision and also pinpoints occupied locations of preregistered Varsity Teams on other peaks.
Ken, Subject: Re: Varsity Vision newsletter for April 2014 Thanks, Ken. How long you been the editor at this? Longer then the 23 years we did Leader Lore? Neil Bennett's photo with the Hawk team has an incorrect date. I went to WB in 1982 and was on staff at Thunder Ridge in 1983 as your Coach Counselor. No biggie but making old people even older could be hurtful. ;-) Richard C Russell
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Program the coordinates for the peaks (including your peak) into the GPS as waypoints.
To get to your chosen peak, use the “Go To” feature of Your GPS. These will guide you to your spot.
While at your signaling location, again use the “Go To” feature and select the peak you wish to signal. The GPS will give the distance & bearing to the selected peak. The GPS will not point to the peak; you must use a compass to locate the direction of the peak on the horizon.
Repeat the process for each peak you signal.
Use the HAM radio to give/get confirmation of your mirror flash success. Also cell phones and FRS radios can work a big percent of the time.
Hawk Team, L to R: Mike Murphy, Neil Bennett, Dr. Phil Freestone, Ken Cluff, Alpine Brother and Coach Counselor Richard Russell. (1983)
Electronic navigational instruments have continued to improve in accuracy, versatility, and ease of use. A GPS receiver (especially one with extra batteries) is a great replacement to map and compass for navigating the backcountry. Develop confidence in your ability to use a GPS and then, if you wish, add to it with a map and a compass.
Hi Richard, Sorry about making us 2 years older than we actually are, I don't need more years at 79 either. I have been the editor of the Varsity Vision newsletter going on 11 years. I started in Aug 1993 to Nov 1996 and Jan 2007 to the present. Not quite the 23 years you and Doug Brewer created the Leader Lore. Ken Cluff (Lone Hawk) Editor, Varsity Vision newsletter
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