Troop 605 on Jamboree Tour - Day Three

Hello Fellow Scouts -

JamboTroopBlogger Dave here in South Jordan, Utah.

Day Three (July 21st) on the GSLC Pre-Jamboree Tour was another fun-filled day for Jamboree Troop 605. Here's what Scoutmaster Dave Wilson had to say:

Here are today's photos, and a few quotes and events from our tour of Philadelphia, Valley Forge and Amish Country.

• Quote by everyone: "People in Philadelphia and more friendly than New Yorkers!"




• Kay (Betsy Ross look-a-like Philly tour guide): "Philadelphia means City of Brotherly Love in Greek."




• Scoutmaster Kevin Later: Best Rocky Impersonation - "Yo Adriane ..."




• Greg won our Troop race to the top of the art museum steps to become our Troop Rocky of the Day.




• "Red Robin" - older Scouts code for, " check out that cute girl over there;" typically followed by a chorus from those that agree, "Yuuuum!"




• On a similar note, Collin was bold enough to ask our tour guide Kay, "Do you have any grand daughters?" She was quick to say, "No!!!"




• Everyone: "Philly Cheese Steaks are heavenly!"




• During the bus ride to Valley Forge, Chandler took up a collection of pickle spears, and the Troop later chanted, "Conner, Conner, Conner" as he set a Jamboree Record by eating 26+ pickles. Fortunately (for you), the video files are too large to send back for the website.




• On a more serious note, Aaron was recognized today as the "Scout of the Day" for his good turn in choosing to give his lunch to our bus driver Bob.




• Our "Scout of the Day" yesterday was Assistant Patrol Leader Brandon, who saw the Troop was short one water bottle during lunch and gave his to a Scout in need.

We closed today with an Amish Dinner at the Plain & Fancy Restaurant, and a multi-media show about the Amish way of life. We heard Ryan (one of our younger Scouts) say to no one in particular, "That is so cool!" His comment represented the feelings of many of the Scouts and Leaders.

Regards, Scoutmaster Dave

Check back for more daily reports from Jamboree Troop 605 on tour and headed to the National Jamboree 2010 at Ft. AP Hill in only 5 days!

Your Friend in Scouting,
JamboTroopBlogger Dave

Centennial Year of BSA - Scouting History & Memories

Hello Fellow Scouts - JamboTroopBlogger Dave here in South Jordan, Utah.

This is the Centennial Year for the Boy Scouts of America. There is so much history to remember and talk about. We will talk about the rich history of Scouting over the coming months as we approach the National Jamboree 2010 this summer. As we do, we suggest that you remember your Scouting past and consider how it may benefit the future of you and your family. We share the following memories of one boy who became a Scout during the 60th year of the BSA.

Forty years ago today, January 30, 1970, a young man named David turned 11 and went on his first Scout campout with Troop 400 of Fountain Valley, California. The campsite was less than an hour away at Camp Myford but this new Scout considered the trip the most important of his life. He was so excited to be a Scout and a part of the group of 20 or so from Troop 400.

Now, it is said that It Never Rains in Southern California, but it did that first night of camping for David. Troop 400 was a new troop and did not have (yet) expensive all-weather tents. Orange tube tents strung between two trees and staked at the four corners provided the shelter for the Scouts. These are tents that some carry today for emergency shelter.

Well, it wasn't long before the heavy rain formed a stream and it was running from one open end of David's tent to the other. There are no doors on tube tents you see. So sleeping bags get wet, and then Scouts get wet and cold. So, David heads to the campfire and warms up but soon the adults instruct that it is time to go to bed. What bed? My bed is at home - here I just have a wet sleeping bag and its cold! Obidiently, David went back to the tube tent for what he recalls to be the most miserable night of camping ever.

The next month David was on the Scout campout with Troop 400 and he did not miss one ever. He learned to backpack, fish, cook, shoot rifles, climb rocks and glaciers, lead and teach other Scouts, and so many other things. David loved Scouting and he became an Eagle Scout in 1974. He later formed Explorer Post 400 with some of his older backpacking friends, and they continued on for a couple more years before college.

With all the great times in Scouting that David has had and remembers to this day, one of the fondest memories is that his Dad was along on most of the Scout outings. He was in the backgound yes, but he was there and an impotant part of David's experience with Scouting.

Fast forward to 1996 when David's first son was born. He was there when Brandon was born and one of the first thoughts was, I can hardly wait until he is eleven years old so he can become a Scout. And today David has two sons, Brandon and Parker, in Scouts with Troop 410 of Salt Lake City. His third son, Carter, will be 11 in May and can hardly wait until he can join Troop 410. In fact, Carter has tagged along on 3 or 4 campouts for some early training and FUN!

Brandon will be 14 tomorrow and is about 3 months from earning his Eagle Scout badge. He is a leader, loves to cook and camp, and now he is passing his skills on to the younger Scouts. He helps his brother Parker, just like David helped his younger brother Bryon.

Parker is 12 and has lots of fun, especially with the crafts - basketry and pottery as examples. He already helps his younger brother Carter, just like Brandon helps him. And so it is with Scouting, one Scout passing on the skills learned to the younger Scouts, so they may do the same.

Brandon will attend the National Jamboree 2010 this summer, and he will have the time of his life with Jamboree Troop 605 and all the other Scouts at Fort AP Hill, Virginia. His Dad will be watching in the background and blogging a bit about some of the important points of history for the BSA, the values of Scouting, and those memories and skills we all have and need to pass along to the younger Scouts, so they may do the same. Check back or subscribe to the Jamboree Troop Blog feed for future blog posts.

Feel free to share a memory or two through your comments below or send an email to JamboTroopBlogger Dave. We would like to share some real life Scouting memories with everyone as the National Jamboree 2010 approaches. Its only 176 days away!

Your Friend in Scouting,
JamboTroopBlogger Dave

Great Basin Patch-Logo for the GSLC Sub-Camp

Hello Fellow Scouts - JamboTroopBlogger Dave here in South Jordan, Utah.

Almost everyone knows that 100 Years of Scouting is the theme for the 2010 Jamboree. We also know that many Scouts collect patches; some even take it beyond the "just for fun" level.

Anyway, the National Scout Jamboree in 2010 will feature a patch collection that will form the number "100" using 21 patch-logos for the same number of sub-camps at Jamboree 2010.

For a better idea of what I am talking about, take a look at the WR Jamboree Newsletter for August. It just came out on the 19th and includes a picture of the four Western Region sub-camp patch-logos, plus an arrow showing where in the overall "100" set of patches they fit.

As an example, Scouts coming from the Great Salt Lake Council (GSLC) have been assigned to sub-camp 6. The number 6 coincides with the first number of our Jamboree Troop 605, based in Salt Lake City, and part of the GSLC. Looking for number 6 in the set of patch-logos reveals that JT-605 hails from the Great Basin area of the Western Region. The Great Basin Patch-Logo is shown above in this post.

JamboreeTroopBlogger Dave has been told that Scouts will be able to collect (puchase) all 21 patches to make the "100" set. A large neckerchief will be available for display purposes. So, be prepared for patch trading and collecting at Jamboree 2010 - more on this topic in the future.

Keep checking back, or subscribe to the Jamboree Troop Blog feed for future posts about Jamboree 2010.

Only 337 days before the Jamboree 2010 fun begins!

Your Friend in Scouting,
JamboTroopBlogger Dave

Jamboree Troop 605 Schedule Changes

Hello Fellow Scouts - JamboTroopBlogger Dave here in South Jordan, Utah.

Jamboree Troop 605 will be reconvening in September. The two August meetings scheduled for next week have been cancelled. However, our Scoutmasters will be having a planning meeting next Thursday to get ready for the next 11 months before the Jamboree begins on July 26, 2010.

The JT-605 Patrol Leaders Council will meet again on Saturday, September 12th at 9:00 AM. There will also be a Troop Committee Meeting at 9:30 AM. Both meetings will be held at Christ United Methodist Church.

The next JT-605 Meeting will be combined with a Troop Canoeing Outing to a local lake. Troop 410 will provide the canoes, PFDs and paddles for a fun-filled day of canoeing. An overnight campout is planned as well. The exact location is not set yet, but mark Friday & Saturday, September 25th & 26th on your calendars now.

We have all taken the Summer off but watch for new posts now that September is just around the corner. In fact, we need your help with some information about out JT-605 Scouts. In June, at our Camp Tracy Breakfast Meeting, Scoutmaster Later challenged all the Scouts to work on their rank advancement over the summer.

So please, send me the details on our JT-605 Scouts' rank advancements, merit badges, training acomplishments, etc. so we may recognize their achievements right here at JamboreeTroopBlog.

Watch for a post on our JT-605 Scouts that completed their NYLT - Silver Moccasin this summer - it will be coming soon ...

Your Friend in Scouting,
JamboTroopBlogger Dave

Update on the National Scout Jamboree Emergency Preparedness Award

Hello Fellow Scouts - JamboTroopBlogger Dave here in South Jordan, Utah.

On April 20th we first reported on the 2010 National Scout Jamboree Emergency Preparedness Award. This important award can be earned by all Scouts participating in the 2010 National Jamboree, but only if the entire Jamboree Troop participates and meets the requirments.

When we reported in that blog post a little over a month ago, there was not an electronic image available online to show you. Well, we can show you the patch now. Once earned, this patch is to be worn on the right shirt pocket of the Scout uniform.

As we said a little over a month ago - "every Scout from every Jamboree Troop should be wearing the 2010 National Scout Jamboree Emergency Preparedness Award patch on their right shirt pocket while attending the National Jamboree in July 2010."

We are pleased to report that the Scoutmasters of Jamboree Troop 605 decided at their SM Meeting this month that JT-605 will work to earn this important award. Assistant Scoutmaster, Roark Stratton has been appointed to lead the effort.

For more information on the 2010 National Scout Jamboree Emergency Preparedness Award, visit our April 20th Jamboree Troop Blog Post, or read the News Brief section of the May-June 2009 edition of Scouting Magazine.

Your Friend in Scouting,
JamboTroopBlogger Dave

JT-605 Patrol Leaders Council meets and schedules FUN Activities

Hello Fellow Scouts - JamboTroopBlogger Dave here in South Jordan, Utah.

The following is a glimpse of how a boy-run troop operates. However, young men-run troop is probably more appropriate ... read on ...

Jamboree Troop 605 has a Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) and they met this past Saturday to schedule up some FUN activities before the summer break in a few weeks. Five members of the PLC were present and all participated in the discussion and decisions made -

• Senior Patrol Leader, Conner, an Eagle Scout,


• The Border Patrol Leader, Trent, a Star Scout,


• The Flying Zebras Patrol Leader, Robbie, a Star Scout,


• The Ligers Patrol Leader, Brandon, a Star Scout, and


• Troop Scribe, Stephen, a First Class Scout.

First on the PLC Agenda was to schedule upcoming meetings. The May 28th Troop Meeting was confirmed with a start time of 7:00 PM in the gym at Christ United Methodist Church. The Troop Meeting for June was moved to June 6th at Camp Tracy, starting at 9:00 AM with a breakfast for the Scouts and their parents. Additional planning for these two events occured later in the meeting but next up was a discussion about where to go for the Troop 605 outing in September.

All five PLC members participated in the discussion, and offered up suggestions. A vote was then taken and Conner announced the PLC's decision: the Troop 605 Meeting-Outing would be September 25 & 26, with canoes and kayaks for the Scouts to take out on a local lake TBD. Sounds like lots of FUN!

Troop 410 has a Canoe Trailer complete with canoes, kayaks, paddles and PFDs that it will rent out for a weekend for next to nothing to local Scout units. JamboTroopBlogger Dave has already made the reservation for Jamboree Troop 605 in September.

Next on the PLC Agenda was some serious business - begin development of a Diversity Code for Troop 605. Scoutmaster Doug supplied materials from various sources. The PLC members took turns reading the materials aloud to the group. The mission was provided by SM Doug, that the Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leaders discuss the topic with all the Scouts so the PLC could then work together in developing the Diversity Code.

The PLC, with SPL Conner directing, returned to planning the next Troop 605 Meeting on May 28th. Assignments were given to the Patrol Leaders, time was set aside for patrol meetings and a parents meeting, an indoor game was planned, and much more was scheduled. Conner even requested that the newest adult leader, ASM David Wilson provide some Jamboree Highlights from his 2005 Jamboree experience.

Last on the Agenda, the PLC tackled planning details for the June 6th Troop Meeting-Outing at Camp Tracy. Other than to say that breakfast and fun activities are planned, we will simply say that all Scouts and their parents will not want to miss this outing. It is scheduled for Camp Tracy from 9 AM to Noon on Saturday, June 6, 2009. The members of the PLC are to arrive at 8 AM to get everything ready for FUN!

For a complete listing of the events scheduled by the PLC through September, visit the Jamboree Troop 605 website and look in the right column. More details can be found at the Jamboree Troop 605 Calendar - just click on the events for the location, contact info, and more.

Your Friend in Scouting,
JamboTroopBlogger Dave

Jamboree Troop 605 is Helpful - Performs Public Flag Ceremony

The third Scout Law is HELPFUL, and Scoutmaster Doug Later of Jamboree Troop 605 is guiding his Scouts to follow this law. See his note below ...

Jamboree Troop 605 joined Scoutmaster Doug’s home Troop 893 on invitation to present the opening flag ceremony at the Utah State Republican Convention on Saturday, April 25th at 10:00 am at Sandy South Town Expo Center. Thanks to the 11 Scouts that participated. A special thanks to Robbie who conducted the flag ceremony before approximately 400 delegates and participants at the convention. On the way home, we enjoyed a McDonald’s breakfast, too. Way to go Troop 605. Scoutmaster Doug

Click Here to view more photos from this event - courtesy of Brad DeBry.

Volunteering to help others by performing an important flag ceremony is a great example of living the Scout Law. Keep up the great work Scoutmaster Doug and Jamboree Troop 605!

Your Friend in Scouting,
JamboTroopBlogger Dave

Troop 605 Website, Blog and Calendar Updates

Hello Fellow Scouts and Parents,

Get ready for a great weekend with lots of sunshine. We are headed for Topaz Mtn late Friday after Brandon’s baseball game. Solar ovens will cook part of Saturday dinner – Scouting is so much fun, right Kevin!

New material and forms have been posted to the Troop Website, Troop Blog and Troop Calendar. So, be sure to visit the following over the weekend for the latest on Jamboree Troop 605.

· Troop Website at www.JamboreeTroop605.com – check out all nine pages, including forms, helpful links and contact information.

· Troop Blog at www.jamboreetroop.blogspot.com – subscribe to the blog in the left column to receive new posts instantly via email.

· Troop Calendar at www.JamboreeTroop605.com/calendar - click and print any event for detailed information, and register to receive notice of new postings.

Your Weekend Mission: search the Troop Website and find the revised Flyer for the Troop Contests (Neckerchief & Troop T-Shirt), then click and print it. Hint: Forms & Links. The contest deadline is approaching fast! Oh yeah, there will be a test at the troop meeting.

If there are any pictures or other materials to be posted, please forward them to me by email. Some of the other home troops must have had a Court of Honor this year – send me the details for recognition of the Scouts on the Blog (sample blog post).

See you all soon.

Webmaster Dave Elwell

PS We have two rather important Committee positions open – Committee Chair and Treasurer. I’m betting two Buffalo BBQ tickets that we can have those positions filled before the end of our Parents Meeting on April 23^rd. The Annual Buffalo BBQ (held for more than 50 years) is April 25^th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, dine-in or take-out. If you have not been to Troop 410’s Annual Buffalo BBQ, or don’t have your tickets yet, call me at 801-860-1073.

Advancement and Awards - Troop 410 Court of Honor

Hello Fellow Scouts - Webmaster Dave here in South Jordan, Utah.

Jamboree Troop 605 is committed to helping its Scouts with their advancement. An important part of the advancement process is the recognition which comes for a job well done.

So, Jamboree Troop 605 would like to recognize the following Scouts for their advancement & awards received at the Troop 410 Court of Honor held on March 16, 2009.

• Brandon earned his Star badge on February 16th. He earned the First Aid & Emergency Preparedness merit badges in January and February, respectively. He also earned the BSA Snorkeling award in February. On March 2nd Brandon was elected Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 410.


• James earned the BSA Snorkeling Award in February. He is a Star Scout. James has served as the Senior Patrol Leader for Jamboree Troop 605 since Fall 2008.


• Stephen earned his First Class Rank in February. First Class is an important rank in Scouting because it signifies that the Scout has learned all the basic skills necessary to camp, cook, and help his fellow Scouts. Stephen will serve as Patrol Leader for the new Webelos joining Troop 410 very soon.

Keep up the good work Stephen, James & Brandon.

Your Friend in Scouting,
Webmaster Dave

Jamboree Troop Blog an Information Source

Hello Fellow Scouts - Webmaster Dave here in South Jordan, Utah.

One of the purposes of a blog is to keep folks informed on one or more topics of interest. This JamboreeTroop605 Blog will help keep its readers informed on the following topics:

• All about the National Jamboree 2010,


• What's going on with Jamboree Troop 605, and


• How Scouts can Be Prepared for this once-in-a-lifetime Jamboree experience!

As many of you know, two keys to success are (1) information, and (2) good communication. This blog will supply these two keys to help YOU unlock the doors to a better journey on the way to Jamboree 2010. What this means is that YOU, the parents and Scouts have to take an active role (use the keys) by following this blog and using it to benefit your Jamboree experience.

So visit this blog often, or better still, subscribe to the blogs posts to receive notice of new information via email as it becomes available. You or anyone else can subscribe either by clicking one of the links on this blog, or click here and subscribe in less than 60 seconds.

We suggest getting started today using this blog's keys (information & communication) to a successful Jamboree 2010 experience for Scouts and parents alike.

Your Friend in Scouting,
JamboTroopBlogger Dave

PS ... be sure to check the left column for new links when you visit Jamboree Troop Blog

Jamboree Troop Blog is Launched!

Hello Fellow Scouts - Webmaster Dave here in South Jordan, Utah.

Well, our Jamboree Troop website is up and available to everyone at http://www.jamboreetroop605.com/

The Troop Calendar page lists current events and you will want to save it to your Favorites. Be sure to check out the full troop calendar by clicking on the link in the middle of the page, or you may go there directly at www.JamboreeTroop605.com/calendar

We have a request out to all home troops to supply me with their event information (outings & Courts of Honor) through August 2009. We will post this info on the Jamboree Troop Calendar for planning purposes. Here's what Webmaster Dave needs for each home troop event:

· Troop number
· Date(s) and start time of event
· Event description
· Contact person and phone number
· Email for contact person

Be sure to subscribe to this Blog (see left side-bar column) so you will receive notice of future postings automatically. Check back often for new and exciting information about Jamboree 2010 and our Jamboree Troop 605!

Your Friend in Scouting,
Webmaster Dave