The Un-official, Non-Sanctioned Timp First Ward Varsity Team 833 Blog

High Adventure 2011 (Kwin pics Escalante)

2011-07-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Here is another set of pictures from the high adventure. These were taken by Kwin. I have uploaded them to their own album and to the rest of the High Adventure pics. Enjoy!

High Adventure 2011 Escalante

2011-07-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the pictures from the 2011 High Adventure to Escalante. Thanks to Kwin for being our tour guide and helping us out!

BROTHERS!

Any Ideas

2011-06-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

So now that we can't go down the green what other options do we have? Does anyone out there know of another float trip we could take instead? Suggestions can be emailed to Mike

Change of Plans.

2011-06-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

It looks like we will not be able to float the green this year. Sorry boys. The Green river is currently flowing at about 45,600 Cubic Feet per second (CFS). Most areas along the river, where we would park, camp, or otherwise flood at around 20,000 CFS. We could float it but there would be no place to camp, park, or pick us up, so unless someone can pick us up at the Gulf of California, we are out of luck.

I will keep you updated as I have news.

The approaching 2011 High Adventure.

2011-06-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

So it has been a couple weeks since I last posted. . . well, months at any rate. So here goes.

So I guess in terms of information there has not been a whole lot of it flowing from leader to boy to parent and vice versa. I accept full responsibility for that. So how bout I let ya'll in on the plans.

This year we are going to the Green River. This trip will be identical to the trip we took two years ago in all but the dates. We will be leaving on the morning of July 12 and be returning the evening of July 16. We are also looking for any parents that would be willing to come down and pick up our vehicles and transporting them to Mineral bottom so we don't have to take the time or fuel to transport the vehicles beforehand.

The trip will be as follows:

July 12. Travel to Green River and drop off the boats and gear at the green river state park. The 2 of the leaders will (unless some parents can help) take the cars and trailer to the pickup point. After rejoining the group we will travel down the river 5 miles to camp 1, Crystal Geyser. We stopped here last time but didn't get a chance to see it erupt.

July 13 (day 2) put in the river and travel around 15 miles to camp 2.

July 14 (day 3) travel to camp 3 (same location as last times camp 2.)

July 15 (day 4) Travel to camp 4 (on the back side of the Bowknot bend.)

July 16 Make the 10 mile float out, which should take us about 3 hours putting us back to the vehicles by noonish. Based on last time the trip home should take us around 5 hours to get home, so with stopping for lunch/dinner in green river should put us home somewhere around 6 or 7 pm on Saturday night.

We will have the SPOT GPS with us so you can watch our progress as we head down the river and travel home. The link is on the main page of the blog.

Assignments:

Your boy's assignment should he choose to go is as follows:

1. Come with a good attitude

2. prepare a small pack with the "10 essentials" This should be a small ditty bag with just the essentials. i.e.: fire starting stuff, extra food like a power or survival bar, water purification tablets, etc. I gave each boy a paper that explains these items. If he can't find it let me know and I will get a copy to you. I will also try and upload the doc to the blog.

3. The morning devotional: Your boy, with his boat buddy, will be responsible to prepare a 10 to 20 minute devotional in the morning, then a 1 hour fireside at night. PLEASE help them with this. The devotional (not as important that it take all 10 or 20 minutes) should include an uplifting thought, something that will get us thinking about the evening program. Maybe a game, or some activity to do while we float/paddle. Something to turn our attentions to higher things.

4. The evening program. This program should be a minimum of 1 hour. We talked in church last week and a little this week about this program. It should start with games, skits, or some kind or activity. Special awards can also be given during this time (special awards can be jousts or jibes at one another (in a loving way) for things that are particularly funny (like something someone said) or for acts of service or kindness given during the day. This portion of the program should take about 30 minutes. Then the program should turn to the lesson or subject he was given to discuss. This could, but is not limited to, discussing the topic, activities that help us understand the topic, teaching directly from the scriptures or other books about the topic, or anything else your boy feels he should do. This part of the activity should take at least 20 minutes. At the end he should leave the leader of the day 5 minutes for a reflection then a closing prayer. This should be the most enjoyable part of the day. Please make sure your boy is taking time in preparation. He has had his assignment for about a month now, but in case he forgot we will repost the assignments later.

5. Day of service. In addition to the program day, on another day your boy will be in charge of service. This will include helping to prepare the meals, set up and take down team gear, and in general helping the team succeed. Details are not that important other than to know that he will be doing some service for the whole.

Gear

I will post a complete gear list, but mainly it includes swim trunks, a sweater or light jacket, a life vest if you have one (don't buy one. we should have plenty) his 10 essentials, and some dry bags (we also have plenty available.) I will post the rest later tonight if possible.

So bassically:

Basically the things you need to know is we leave on July 12 and will return on the evening of July 16. We will travel from Green Utah to Mineral Bottom (68 miles down the green). He needs to prepare a program including a morning devotional, and an evening 1 hour fireside program with games, skits, special awards (not necessarily) and a lesson or program on his topic. (please help him with this and PLEASE call me if you have questions).

I have done this trip before and am excited to do it again. We are taking an extra day this year so we can spend more time exploring the river. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Also, I will try and post a lot more in the next week so please check back.

Thanks for your support.

The Advisors of Team 833

High Adventure 2011 and September Activities

2010-09-04T18:59:00.001-07:00

Varsity News

During the month of September, the Teachers/ Varsities are starting their preparations for the 2011 High Adventure. We will be hiking into the High Uintah’s to do some fishing, backpacking and mountaineering. It will be an exciting trip.

This month we will be working on the Life Saving Merit badge as part of the fishing pin. We will be going to the AF pool this Wednesday at 6 PM and then on regular times on the 4^th Wednesday. If you have questions contact one of the leaders.

Please start preparing for the high adventure. It will be a good one.

There is also a court of honor on September 9^th at 7 PM. Please come early and see the booth we are preparing to showcase our and other stake teams 2010 High Adventure. Please join us in support of these awesome boys!

High Adventure 2010

2010-06-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

First Batch of Pictures from the 2010 High Adventure

2010-06-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hello all. We are back and I am now tring to sort through all the pictures. To sedate your appetite, I am posting the first batch here.

2010-06-13 Robbers 2010

Browse, download and enjoy, and I will add more later.

Mike

Can you say "wow does time fly!"

2010-06-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

Another year has flown by and we are again at the dawn of the high Adventure. We will be heading to Moab today, where we will bike and hike in the desert today and tomorrow. Then wednesday we will be heading to Robber's Roost. You can as always follow our progress on the spot GPS Link which is up and active.

Follow us closely, but rememeber, it only updates about every 5 to 10 minutes, so try and get something done while were gone.

Mike

Friday and Saturday Campout

2010-03-23T12:25:00.001-07:00

If you haven’t already heard we are going on a camp out this weekend.

We will be going out west to ride part of the poney express trail. If you would like details about the location please contact Mike or Greg.

Weather looks like it will be great on Saturday but Friday night calls for sprinkles. But it should hold out for us I think. As always the weather will be exactly what we need.

Pack some warm clothes for the night it will get cold. Bring plenty of sleeping gear, the night will still be fridged because we will be in a desert and also the time of year, Mother nature is still trying to decide what she wants to do. Pack something comfortable to ride in, i.e.: good shoes and clothes that will breath because we will sweat. Casey will ensure this!

Special equipment to include.

a) Bike (bring this to our bike check on wed to be inspected)

b)Biking helmet (if you dont have one find one. If you don’t have a helmet, talk to Mike he has several extra. If you don’t have a helmet you will not be riding. No exceptions!)

c)Water (bring at least 70oz that you can have on your person or on your bike)

d)Sunglass (this is not required but will help you staf more comfortable as you ride)

e)Good shoes (no flip flops or sandles)

f)Gloves (if you don’t have biking gloves you can use leather work gloves)

5)Food talk to greg he has your food assignments.

If you have any other questions call Mike, Greg or Casey. As always you can check our progress at the usual sight.

10 Hiking Safety tips from the Utah County Search and Rescue Website

2010-02-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

Hiking Safety

Ok, so in prep for tomorrow I stole some good info off the Utah County Search and Rescue website. It's good information for all.

Tips for staying comfortable and safe in the great outdoors.

1. Drink Water
Whether you’re thirsty or not, your body needs water to function properly. Proper hydration will keep you warmer (when it’s cold), cooler (when it’s hot), and feeling better (dehydration can give you a headache, cramps and sap your energy). Water helps your circulation, muscle response, and thinking ability.

Pinch the skin on the back of your hand. Does it “tent” (stand up after you release it)? If yes, you’re already extremely dehydrated. Drink something.

2. Keep Warm!
Keep dry. Water sucks heat off your body hundreds of times faster than when you’re dry.

3. Dress appropriately.

When cotton gets wet, it draws heat from your body to cool itself. Bring something in wool or synthetic fibers if there’s any chance of getting wet, colder weather, or spending a night out.

Cover your head! 70% of your heat can go straight up from the unprotected skin of your scalp.

Just because it’s a hot afternoon doesn’t mean the night will be warm. Bring a coat. Temperature drops with altitude as well, so bring extra layers if you’re headed up.

If you’re cold and need to pee, do it. Your bladder looses heat like crazy. You’ll feel warmer afterward.

4. Avoid alcohol.

Ummmm, 1. Your too young to drink, and 2 the Bishop and myself would be none too pleased. But just in case you decide to go heathen on us, here's why. It makes you feel warm because it dialates your blood vessels, allowing the blood to move to your extremities where your body heat is swept away in the breeze. Let your body protect its core temperature.

Also, avoid tobacco. It constricts your arteries and keeps you from getting adequate circulation to keep you warm.

Use Your Brain and other tips
5. ALWAYS!!!! Tell someone where you’re going and always have an emergency plan! It’s harder to find lost or injured hikers when no one even knows they’re missing.

6. Tell that person when you get back. This can save SAR hours looking for you through the night while you sleep comfortably at your best friend’s house.

7. Don’t take those “shortcuts” between switchbacks. They take more energy and wear away the trail, causing other hikers to trip or sprain their ankles (especially in the dark). Please be a team player and protect our trails!

8. Don’t toss rocks down cliffs or mountain sides where other hikers or climbers may be below you.

9. Bring a radio or phone if you have one. They may not work in many canyons, but you’d be surprised what good reception you can get with a line of sight to a city.

if you have an FRS radio (one of those cheap little ubiquitous things), Utah County SAR has designated channel 1 as our unofficial official FRS frequency since it seems most people try to contact us there. Be sure to turn off any “tones” so you can hear us respond to you even if we’re not transmitting that tone.

10. As my wife always sais "Have fun, but don't do anything stupid!" Think of the results of your actions before you do it. Should you REALLY climb that tree? Should you REALLY cliff jump? They may be fun and you may not get injured, but it only takes once to find yourself in real danger. And worse, you never know when your actions could risk the life of someone else.

Wednesday Night Activity

2010-02-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

The Utah County Search and Rescue

A Scouts best friend!

What do you do when you are out on a camping trip and in the middle of the night you get up cuz you have to go pee. You get up and head for the latrine. You find it ok, but when you head back to camp you find yourself walking alot further than you thought was possible. "Camp can't be this far" you think to yourself. "maybe it's just a little further." Panic begins to set in, then before you know it, you have no idea where you are. Now the panic really begins to set in. You start to run . . . you yell out . . .nothing but silence. You . . . are . . . alone. all alone. How could this have happened. The latrine wasn't that far from camp, and yet, I am now lost. crap. now what?

Sound familier? Unfortunatly there are scouts every year that go out for a pee, or head back to camp alone, and find themselves lost. They panic. They run, they get themselves in further trouble. It happens, but it doesn't have to.

Tomorrow night special guest David Lynton from the Utah County Search and Rescue will come and speak to us on what to do if you find yourself lost or hurt in the wilderness. What things should you do to help search and rescue find you quickly. What are some things you should NOT do when you find yourself lost. It will be an informative evening.
Please let your boy know that he should come in uniform, (and if at all possible, to at least comb his hair before he comes.) Also, if any parents would like to, please join us for a great evening.
We look forward to seeing you!

Mike

A haiku for Nichole

2010-01-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

Nichole said I was
Not posting enough for her
so here you go, Nick

The end. But that's not part of the haiku if your counting.

The calendar has turned another year and the high adventure is coming again. We had a parents meeting tonight to go over the location of the 2010 high adventure, and the gear that will be needed. As a quick recap you and or your boy will need the following:
1. a BSA health check form filled out by your friendly physician (New BSA regulations require a physical every year now.)
2. a Bike in good working order. This can be begged, borrowed, just not stolen. If your is in disrepair, we will be working on them as part of the prep to get them in good repair. If your bike is too far gone, you can either purchase if you can, rent if able, or borrow. There are plenty around so start looking now.
3. a Helmet (Biking or climbing. No football please)
4. A Harness with a figure 8 and Carabiner
5. Some good sturdy hiking boots or shoes
6. a pair of gloves (dragon hide or leather are fine [sorry, too much HP])
7. and a GOOD attitude.

That's the major stuff needed. We will be getting a complete pack list out in the next month or so. But for now, try to find the big items now.

We would also like each boy to contribute $40. This will go towards food and the expense of the trip. As a way to encourage each boy to start earning we have set a deadline of February 15Th for the first instalment of $10. That gives each boy 1 month to earn $10 for the trip. Contact me if you have any questions.

This Wednesday we will be having a special guest speaker. Aaron Shamy graduated from Olympus High School in 1999. He then served in the Padova Italy Mission and returned to marry his high school sweetheart Morgan. They have 3 beautiful children Aisling, Austin and Arianna. He currently resides in the Silver lake 1st ward and serves as president in the Elders Quorum. Aaron recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management and is currently a student teacher for the Seminary program in the Church Education System and hopes to be hired as a full time seminary teacher.

Aaron has traveled the world many times over; He holds many world records in rock climbing including world cups and gold medals. He unofficially holds the world record for pull-ups. He has run 100 miles without stopping in the world’s most grueling foot race “The Wasatch 100.” Last year he circumnavigated Lake Tahoe on a bicycle and made the daring escape from Alcatraz. The race begins with 2 miles of swimming with sharks from the abandoned federal prison to the beaches of San Francisco bay. His current project is to complete a full Iron man Distance triathlon 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run.

This will be a great opportunity for the boys. Please come dressed in Sunday Best, or at least in a shirt and tie.

I will try to post some more info on the activities we have planned for 2010. And Nick, please remind me to do so, as sometimes I forget.

Thanks all!

Wednesday's activity

2009-12-20T22:12:00.001-08:00

This wednesday we will be having a movie night at Greg's. Come with a treat or popcorn and be ready for another year end party.

See you there!

Like the new picture?

2009-12-14T21:44:00.000-08:00

It's Mount Nebo. It's also the third part of our 3 part high Adventure next summer.

Last weekend the quorum went to the Warburton cabin for our annual planning retreat. The trip was a success and we were able to plan out the 2010 year.

For our 2010 High Adventure we are planning a 3 part trip to take place the second week of June.

Part 1 will be canyoneering down Robber's Roost. This canyon is world renown and an amazing place. The venturing crew went down the canyon 2 years ago and have raved about it ever since. We are excited to tackle the canyon.

part 2 is Mountain Biking in Moab, the Holy Grail of mountain biking arena's. The current plan is to bike the Porcupine ridge trail, a roughly 25 mile ride. Locations may change as we get closer to the actual trip, but for now its porcupine.

After the bike trip, we will hit Mount Nebo for a quick summit. This amazing mountain is harder than Timp and spectacular! We are excited and look forward to a great adventure.

From February till April we will be learning to rock climb and Rappel. Then from April to June we will be doing some intense mountain biking. We have 6 months to prepare, and given last year when we went down the Green, by the time it hits, these boys will be experts!

We will have a parents night/ High Adventure kick off on January 10. Pictures and information will be given, and questions will be answered. If you have any questions in the mean time, please feel free to call us.

We are excited for a great trip!

Yours truly,

Mike, Greg and Cody

Team 833 Adviser's

PS. Of course, all this is subject to approval. But hey, why wait. let's go!

Wednesday Night Scout Activity

2009-11-10T20:21:00.001-08:00

This note if for all scouts:

As this not will not reach all it needs to. Please assume no one has received it and tell all you meet the following:

Please wear as much of your full uniform on Wednesday Night so we can take a picture for the gingerbread festival. However, please also bring a change of clothes for our activity.

After the picture for the Gingerbread festival, we will continue with our regularly scheduled Volleyball tournament.

Thanks.

Mike

AKA: The Coach.

P.S. We will be having a Presidency meeting at 6:30. Steven, call me when you get this!

October merit badge roundup rescheduled

2009-10-24T08:38:00.001-07:00

Hello all,

The councilor for the Emergency preparedness merit badge was ill today and thus the merit badge roundup was cancelled. The stake will do the same class next month on November 21, 2009. Please let your boys know the date.

The information from the stake is as follows:

A reminder to you all about our stake merit badge roundup November 21, 2009, 9 a.m. (will finish approx. 11 a.m.)

Second ward will be presenting the Emergency Preparedness merit badge.

Requirements 2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5, & 6 will be finished at the roundup.

Req's 1, 2c, 7, 8, 9 should be done at home.

It was very helpful last month to have the boys print out and bring the merit badge workbook from www.meritbadge.org , please do this again.

Please help me get this information to all the boys in your ward that need to attend. I have only some email addresses for the 11 year old leaders. If you could pass on to me the addresses I don't have I will include them in future mailings.

If you didn't get the year roundup schedule I sent out let me know so I can foreword it to you.

Thanks for all your help,

Brother Adamson

Stake Merit Badge Roundup

2009-09-07T23:06:00.001-07:00

This letter is from Barb regarding the stake MB Powwow. Please take note and let me know if you have questions.

Mike

I am sending this to all Scout Leaders - if you know a young man who is not contacted please let him know the information and let me know so I can also contact him.

The First Ward is in charge of teaching at the Merit Badge Roundup for September. The date is September 19th at 9:00am at the Stake Center. The Merit Badge is Environmental Science. Bro. Dunn is the Merit Badge Counselor who is going to teach that.

I have copies of the Environmental Science Workbook for any boy who needs it. The requirement they need to complete before attending is #4. (observing nature 3 times)

I have set up a time to take any boy from our ward (or our stake) if they are interested to Anderson park to observe a plot of ground. The times are as follows:

Sept. 9th - 4:00 pm

Sept. 16th - 4:00 pm

I could use another leader to go with me so we have two deep leadership. Please let me know if you are available.

They also need to observe from another type of environment. I am going to arrange for them to go to Tibble Fork. If anyone is available to help please let me know.

I am going to contact all the boys who we do not have as receiving this merit badge. If you have a chance to contact your boys too and have them call me if they have not been contacted yet.

Thanks, Barb

Braxton becomes a Jedi.

2009-09-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

Don't mess with Braxton. He's a Jedi now!

2009-09-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

Coming up immediately next week is the BYU/UVU POW WOW REGISTRATIONS. Registration begins on WED Sep 9th at 8 AM. The classes fill up really fast so if you aren't registered by Friday, I would not be surprised if you don't get in. I will contact each boy and parent if at all possible to make sure you get this message. I am not going to register any boy. it is up to the parents and each boy to complete this!!!!! There have been to many problems with being paid back in the past, so it is therefore up to you if you and your boy would like to attend. I am available for a car pool if need be. The dates for the actual POW WOW are Oct 31st (Halloween) and Nov 14th.

Registration is at http://ce.byu.edu/yp/powwow/

From the BYU Powwow website:

The 2009 Fall PowWow will be on October 31 and November 14.

MERIT BADGE CARDS WILL NOT BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE POWWOW BY REQUEST OF THE UTAH NATIONAL PARKS COUNCIL. Scouts will be responsible to provide their own card, and have it signed by their Scoutmaster before PowWow begins. Scouts will also be responsible to bring their own work sheets for classes. These work sheets are available by selecting the Merit Badges link to the left and then selecting the individual class.

We will not mail your class schedule or patch this year. Please print your schedule as you complete registration and bring this on the first day of class. You will receive your patch in your first class.

Scouts will need to arrive before 8:00 a.m. the first Saturday in order to attend the Opening Ceremony. Opening ceremony will be held in the Smith Field House on the BYU campus and in the Grand Ballroom on the UVU campus. Scouts need to attend opening ceremony on the same campus as the classes for which they are registered. TRANSPORTATION WILL NOT BE PROVIDED BETWEEN BYU AND UVU.

FW: Stake merit badge roundup

2009-09-02T06:44:00.001-07:00

Hello scouters,
A quick update on the stake merit badge roundups, the first will be 9am, Sept. 19 at the stake center. First ward will be teaching Environmental Science. Please have your boys do requirement #4 ahead of time. It may be helpful to visit http://www.meritbadge.com/ to print out a work sheet for your boys.

We have changed the October roundup from the third saturday to the fourth because the UEA break falls on the 3rd Saturday. Therefore 2nd ward will teach EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS on October 24th 9am.

November 21, 3rd Ward will teach ROCK CLIMBING.

I hope to have the next 12 months all put together shortly.

COR's, Scoutmasters, ward person over the roundups, please help me get this information to all those in your ward. If you see I have not sent this to someone in your ward who should be aware of this information (ie 11yr old leader) please pass it on then let me know what email I should send it to.

Parents, Please let me know if you would like your boys to sign up so I can get all the info to them asap.

Thanks,

Mike

Merit Badges Offered at the BYU/UVU powwow

2009-08-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

Print the merit badge worksheet for each class for which you are enrolled
Read the requirements on each work sheet. Some requirements need
to be completed BEFORE the 1st day of Powwow
Bring your work sheet(s) to your Powwow classes

THREE-Hour Classes	Eagle	Fee	University Campus
Electronics		$6		UVU
Lifesaving	eagle	$6	BYU
Swimming	eagle	$6	BYU

SWIMMING AND LIFESAVING INFORMATION: Neither swimming nor lifesaving is open to non-swimmers. These participants will work on only one merit badge during the Powwow and will need to pay a $3 swimming fee both weeks ($6 total). Swimming and Lifesaving participants will spend three hours both weeks at the pool.

TWO-Hour Classes	Eagle	Fee	University Campus
Aviation				UVU
Computers				UVU
Engineering			BYU	UVU
Environmental Science	eagle			UVU
First Aid	eagle	$12	BYU	UVU
Space Exploration		$12	BYU

ONE-Hour Classes	Eagle	Fee	University
American Cultures				UVU
Animal Science			BYU
Archaeology			BYU
Art			BYU	UVU
Astronomy				UVU
Auto Mechanics				UVU
Chemistry			BYU	UVU
Citizenship in the Community	eagle		BYU
Citizenship in the Nation	eagle		BYU	UVU
Citizenship in the World	eagle		BYU	UVU
Communications	eagle		BYU	UVU
Computers			BYU
Crime Prevention			BYU	UVU
Dentistry				UVU
Disabilities Awareness				UVU
Electricity				UVU
Energy				UVU
Entrepreneurship			BYU	UVU
Family Life	eagle		BYU
Fire Safety				UVU
Genealogy			BYU	UVU
Geology			BYU
Graphic Arts				UVU
Landscape Architecture			BYU
Law			BYU	UVU
Mammal Study			BYU
Medicine			BYU	UVU
Metalwork		$6		UVU
Nature			BYU
Personal Management	eagle		BYU	UVU
Photography				UVU
Public Speaking			BYU	UVU
Radio			BYU
Railroading				UVU
Safety				UVU
Sports			BYU
Stamp Collecting				UVU
Traffic Safety				UVU
Veterinary Medicine			BYU
Weather			BYU	UVU
Wood Carving				UVU
Woodwork

FW: BYU/UVU POW WOW

2009-08-17T17:56:00.001-07:00

The BYU/UVU POW WOW will be held October 31 and November 14th. First day for registration is WEdnesday Sep 9 at 8 AM.

PLEASE MAKE SURE PARENTS AND BOYS ARE AWARE OF THIS SO THAT THEY CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY.

COST IS $18 PER BOY

$3 PER ADULT

If you have any questions contact Sister Lee

Green River High Adventure Day 2 (June 25, 2009)

2009-07-26T18:47:00.001-07:00

Green River High Adventure 2009 Day 2 (June 25, 2009)

7:30 A.M.'ish @ Camp

Day 2 started out with a blazing orange ball rising above the tree line and rudely waking us all up. Yes, that's right, in our haste to set up our tents we failed to account for the fact that while the sun sets in the west it rises in the east i.e.: shade in the evening, sun in the morning. You can wait till after the sun sets to go to bed. The sun comes up and heats your tent up to a million degrees, there is no choice, you have to get up. By roughly 7:30 AM, we were up and at it. We took some time to cook breakfast and break camp and took a little bit more time to make sure our camp site was spotless. By 9 the canoes were loaded and we were on our way!

Day 2 was rather uneventful. On day one we were pretty pumped to make some mileage and by the time we landed at camp we had covered almost 17 miles. Day 2 we figured we didn't need to push so hard, so we tied up our canoes mid-river, making a very large raft, and we floated and swam and goofed off most of the day. The raft gave us a great opportunity to discuss, and to talk and to play and to better come together as a team. It was also pretty fun to have almost everyone in the water without having to worry about all the canoes. (Darian is THRILLED to be here!)

1 PM @ Trin-Alcove

By 1 pm we landed at Trin-Alcove, a beautiful canyon where 3 canyons diverge into one. Here we took an hour or so off the river to explore the area and to see what there was to see.
We started our off river exploration with a rousing mud fight, led by none other than Darian. He is great at slinging mud. Braxton, (Darian's first mud assistant) was in on the action from the start, as were most of the other boys and Ethan, who is always up for some mudslinging.
After the mud fight, or at least in the middle of it, we took a little hike up the canyon to see what there was to see.

The Hike at Trin Alcove

We hiked about 5 minutes up one canyon and came to the alcove shown on the right. This was a natural amphitheatre cut into the rock over thousands of years by the water. Steven, (shown in the picture on the Right) was not sure he wanted to see what the other boys were up to. Behind Steven in the picture, the walls of the canyon offered minutes of pleasure to the boys as they could run up the walls and then back down. They enjoyed this aspect.
After spending some time in this alcove we hiked up the canyon a bit more, but soon turned back because the further we hiked, the thicker the mosquitos. We finally turned around and high tailed it out of the canyon and continued down the canyon.

Day 2 also brought the discovery of shade. We took the rain fly off my tent and placed it on poles we had to make a canopy of shade. I just wish I wasn't so curious about how deep the water was. (Shut up Ethan!)

The canopy made a great place to catch some much needed rest!

This is one of my favorite pictures. You notice all the heads bobbing in the water behind us. There are 11 boys and leaders in the water. This leaves 4 to man the canoes. And if I am not mistaken there is one more (leaving 3 in the canoes) out of the picture. This is the only stretch of the river where we could touch bottom. We ran down the river in this section. VERY fun!!!

Run Forest, run!

This is Hencho Libre

Jade holding a mosquito he caught in camp.

(ok its really a bug, but the mosquito's were almost as big!!)

The calm before the storm!

6:00 PM @ Camp

We reached camp on day 2 at around 6 PM. We searched for quite a while to find the spot. For about two miles I jumped ashore to see if we could find a descent camp site. It wasn't till we spotted a couple on a raft across the river that we discovered this spot. What a blessing! The other spots were horrible!!!!

We unloaded and set up and had a great meal of Chili (with an I) cooked by the Eagle Patrol. The Rattlesnakes were to give our evening program, but due to incliment weather we postponed our evening program till Day 3.

This was one of the better camps, however, there were close to 13 billion mosquito's. Next time, a bug hut!!!!

Green River High Adventure Day 1 (June 24, 2009)

2009-07-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

Green River High Adventure 2009

Day 1

6:00 AM, Location: The Church

The Day started rather early for most at around 5:00 am. For other the day started about 10 minutes after they were supposed to meet at the church. By 6:20 most if not all had arrived and the packing commenced. Man what a lot of stuff. Most of the big stuff was packed the night before. Matt, Hunter and Myself loaded most of the bigger stuff with all the team gear in the trucks the night before. The morning of consisted mostly of personal gear and other random stuff we forgot to pack previous.

7:00 AM Location: The Freeway
By 7, we were pretty much packed and by about 7:15ish were on the road. However it did not take too long before we realized we had forgotten two of the Dutch ovens and a couple other random items, so we made a quick stop by Macey’s in Spanish fork to grab the missing items. After 20 minutes, we were back on the road and were headed south on US 6 towards the mighty Green River.

11:00 AM, Location: Green River State Park

By around 11 AM we had covered the distance and stopped in Green River to fuel up the vehicles, and eat lunch. By noon we had reached Green River State park and the unloading began. It took close to an hour to unload the canoes and get all the stuff sorted out and packed away into the canoes.

Before we left however, we took a minute to swear in the squad leaders, then by 1 PM, we were packed and on our way. (As a note, the squad leaders were Tyler (Eagles), Darian (Scorpions) and Spencer (the Rattlesnakes), and of course Jade was our Captain.)

At roughly 1 PM we cast off and headed down the river for the journey. The county was amazingly beautiful and peaceful.

2:30ish Location: Crystal Geyser

By 2:30 we had reached our first destination, Crystal Geyser.

From Wikipedia we read "Crystal Geyser is located on the east bank of the Green River approximately 4.5 miles (7.25 km) downstream from Green River, Utah. It is a rare example of a cold water carbon dioxide driven geyser; geothermal activity does not play a role in the activity of the geyser. The ground water near the geyser has significant quantities of dissolved carbon dioxide, along with substantial underground gas accumulations in the surrounding area. Saturation of the aquifer with CO2 creates enough pressure to force groundwater through the geyser and out on to the surface." The eruption we saw was pretty tiny to say the least. Some of the boys tried though unsuccessful to coax the geyser to erupt by throwing rocks down the chute.

It kind of worked.

Although, Matt was kind of disappointed.

4 PMish Location: On a mud Bank

After a couple more hours on the River we stopped on a beach to play in the mud. This would be a common theme for the rest of the trip.

We almost left Darian here.

If modeling was a merit badge!

After a bit of fun, we loaded up and headed down stream.

6 PMish Location: Camp 1 (17 miles down river)

By 6 we had found our first camp spot and after a very trying and aggravating "were landing here, no get out of your canoe and help, yes HERE!!!!!!" we landed and tied up the canoes for our first night.

The Camp was set up in a well used camp site along the bank. We unloaded all the gear and then the Scorpions cooked a great dinner of BBQ chicken and roles. For dessert they provided s’mores. The mean was Tasty to say the least.

Later that evening, the Eagles and Hunter taught a wonderful lesson on the Tree of Life and Lehi's Dream. There were some skits and many laughs.

By 10 PM most everyone had retreated to their tents to escape the mosquito's, and by I'd say about 10:15 silence had fallen and most everyone was out. Day one was successfully over. All were safely gathered in and testimonies were grown. Life was good!

The Pioneer Children sang as they walked, and walked and walked and . . .

2009-07-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

Trek starts tomorrow. Yeah Trek!!!!!! Good luck to all those going.

As for information you will need to be at the church tonight at designated time. (starting at 5:00 PM going in 15 minute incriments by companies, Ie: Company A at 5:00, Company B-5:15 Company C-5:30 etc.), then be back at the church at 4 am tomorrow to leave! Bye have fun, miss you while your gone. Remember to take lots of pictures!

What is the On-Target Event?

2009-07-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

Many have asked what is the On-Target Event? The Varsity On-Target event was started in the 80's as a way for teams across the Western United States to come together in a huge way. Teams from the Rocky's westward all climb to the tops on different mountains of the 3rd Saturday in July. At roughly 10 AM Saturday, a beam of light is sent from the top of the LDS conference center in Salt Lake City Utah, to a peak, then from peak to peak, over the entire western United States, till every major peak is reached!

You can read more about this event at http://www.ontargetbsa.org/

This Map above shows the positions of 43 Teams across Utah. At around 6 boys and 2 leaders per team this accounts for over 350 boys and men at the tops of the mountains. Every state in the western half of the United States will have scouts and leaders in the tops of the mountains tomorrow. What an awesome feeling to be able to stand at the top of a great peak and know you stand in the company of thousands of others, just like you, looking over the land and sending a beacon of hope from one peak to another.

This Map is the West US Key Peak Map. Most if not all of these peaks will have Varsity Scouts on them tomorrow and the beam will be sent from one peak to the next! Awesome!!!!

The Event will take place again in September. We will try to make it then, so please put the dates on your calendar and plan on attending.

Letter for the On-Target event from J. Floyd Hatch

2009-07-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

This Letter is From Elder J. Floyd Hatch, a member of the General Young Men's Board. This letter was to be read to the boys as part of our evening ceremonies. I thought it would be good to post.

M.

Varsity Off-Target

2009-07-17T19:38:00.002-07:00

Due to an unforseen lack of available leaders the On Target event is now off. We hope to try again in September when the event will be held again.

Varsity On Target

2009-07-17T19:38:00.001-07:00

The next trip will be on Friday and Saturday July 17-18 when we will participate in the Varsity On-Target Event. This event is coordinated with hundreds of other teams across the US. Each team will climb a different peak and then on Saturday will signal to each other. If you have a mirror, try signaling to us between 10 AM and 1PM on Saturday. We will be on Baldy. This link will take you to a Google map page that will display our exact location; updated every 10 minutes. Wish you could be with us?

FYI

2009-06-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

I was talking with my wife Tara about the Mosquito itch. If you take a cup or so of oatmeal, place it in cheese cloth or a thin cloth like material, and then take a bath with the oatmeal in your bath it will help alleviate the itching somewhat.

You can also take a cup of outmeal, grind it up and add water to make a thick paste. Then paint it on your bites. You'll look funny, but hey, don't you already. Ha!

Just though you might want to know. I know I did.

M

Were Back!!!!

2009-06-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

WOW what an AWSOME TRIP!!!!! We are back and all are safely home. Guessing from the amount of hits the SPOT site took, you all were VERY interested in our progress to say the least. When I got home on Saturday Night the spot site had been visted almost 400 times. I am not sure any of the parents got anything done while we were gone. But we had fun!

Here is a slide show that I have put together with all the pictures from the trip. I am missing some that I will get and add to the slide show later. I will also be adding a full detailed account of day by day accounts of the trip.

Enjoy and look for more later!

Mike

Safety Plans

2009-06-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents and other Leaders.

This is a letter that was sent to another parent that I am including in the blog as reference and also as a letter to you in case you missed it. It covers several questions raised on safety and preparations for the trip.

First off, a question was raised on the leaders taking the appropriate BSA safety training. All three leaders have completed the necessary BSA Safety afloat, and Swim Safely courses and are aware of the rules and regulations concerning float trips. We as leaders have been preparing for this trip for over a year now and are as prepared as we can be. In addition to these, Mike is certified in CPR, and First Aid (updated as of March) and as part of the boy’s preparation, had a lesson on first aid, first aid procedures and what to do in case of emergency.

The area into which we are going is very remote and cell signals as far as I know, are not available. As such we have taken the appropriate measure to know how to get access to help when we need it. We have maps, and know the location of help by GPS and map if we need it. In addition we will be carrying a Spot GPS transceiver/beacon. This devise uses satellite technology to send our coordinates and a distress signal to local search and rescue. The Spot GPS has been used effectively dozens of times to rescue people in distress in areas where there is no forms of cell communication. We are highly aware of the situation we are undertaking and are making sure we are prepared in case of emergency. We also have a good first aid kit, just in case.

If we do have an emergency there are two options. If the injury is sustainable, we will self rescue. That is, making a b-line for the first available help location. If it is life threatening, we will use the Spot GPS to summon help. We can access help at Crystal Geyser, Little Valley, McCarty Bottom and Ruby Ranch. Between Ruby and Mineral bottom where we take out the roads are near impassable and rescue if need be is only available by floating out or by helicopter and search and rescue. On this part of the green a jet boat is the only way to use motorized travel so taking a motorized boat with us would not be feasible.

Once again, because the area is so remote I am HIGHLY aware of the possibility of problems which is why I have been having the boys prepare for the worst. We had a First Aid night, we are developing a contingency plan and we will be taking a good first aid kit with us in case. Our float plan will address hopefully all emergency situations and we will be prepared for the worst but hope and pray and plan for the best trip ever. BUT there won't be any problems and we are going to have the best trip ever. Knock on wood.

In Case of Emergency!!
Because there is always a possibility, in case of an emergency Nichole is our emergency contact. I will call her and only her and inform her of our situation. She has been prepped and knows who to call and also has been added as an author to this blog where she can post updates and other information as needed. Please check the blog for any information. BUT, once again, there isn’t going to be any need for that since we are going to have an uneventful and enjoyable time!!

If you have any questions, please call.

Thanks,

Mike, Matt and Hunter

2009-06-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

June 9, 2009

Dear Boy:

You are hereby given notice of the Timpanogos 1st Ward Varsity Scout High Adventure Green River Canoeing Expedition. You are assigned to labor in the Rattlesnake, the Scorpion or the Eagle Squad. It is anticipated that you will explore and grow in this experience for a period of 4 days.

You should report to the Timpanogos 1st Ward Chapel on Wednesday, 24 June 2009 at 6:00 A.M. prepared to meet life’s most difficult challenges. Your Varsity Scout Leaders may modify your specific assignment according to the needs of the adventure.

You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an official representative of the Church and the Varsity Team. As such, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance by keeping the commandments, living the Scout Law and Oath, and following the counsel of your leaders and advisors. As you devote your time and attention to learning adventure and fun, leaving behind all other personal affairs, the Lord will bless you with increased knowledge and testimony of the Restoration and of the truths of the gospel.

Your purpose is to have an enjoyable and memorable experience which will help to build yourself, your team and your testimony. The high adventure experience will also prepare you for greater callings in the future and to help others come unto Christ. As you strive to learn with all your heart, might and strength the Lord will lead you in a direction in life that will be satisfactory to you and pleasing to God.

The Lord will reward you for the goodness of your life. Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you.

Sincerely,

Matt

Advisor

Michael
Team Coach

Hunter
Assistant Team Coach

The High Adventure is here!

2009-06-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

The dawning of the 2009 Green River High Adventure!

The time of preparation is past, the Time for adventure has arrived, and we are about to embark on a very exciting adventure!!!! Are you ready?

Last week we distributed the packets for the high adventure. In these packets was the pack list, the items they should not take, itinerary, and their assignment. If you have not already received your pack list and packet please contact me asap so I can get that to you. If by chance you have any questions, please call me.

We will be meeting at the church on Wednesday morning at 6:00 am and hope to be on the road by 6:30. We have a 3 hour drive to Green River, then have to cover 10ish miles to our first camp. Please help your boy (and or leader) to arrive on time.

A Picture from the Green River

If all goes well we should be out of the river on Saturday by 1 o'clock, and back home by 7 PM the same day. It is a 5 hour drive from the take out at Mineral Bottom, so depending on river flow and our progression on the previous days, will determine what time we get out. From the amount of rain we have received in the past month we might be out by 5 PM on Wednesday (ha ha, just kidding). I am planning on picking up a Spot beacon, a GPS device that will allow you to track our progression and allow us to contact emergency personnel if we get into trouble. I will post the link to the tracking website in the next day or two, so please check back often and watch our progress.

If you have any other questions please call me!

Thanks

We will be in the bottom of this canyon!

The Varsity EXTREEEEEEEEMMMMMEEEE challenge!!!

2009-06-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Hunter being extreme!

On June 6th we, and by we I really mean Tyler, Hunter, Darian, and Josh participated in the Varsity Extreme challenge. This event is put on by the Timpanogos District every year and involves running, swimming, biking, push ups, pull ups, sit ups, canoeing, rock climbing, rifle shooting, Bow and arrow, tomahawk, and a whole lot more. From the PG Pool Pavilion, to Highland Adventure Park, and from Utah Lake to the G, the event covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

Hunter at the Tomahawk challenge

The Challenge started at 8:00 at the park pavilion. The purpose of the challenge is a great team building activity that embodies the patrol method. Boys are strategically placed around the course and relay from one to another to complete the course as quickly as possible.

Tyler at the Bow and Arrow challenge

The event was enjoyable by all accounts, and after it was all over we placed 4th. We will plan on the event next year and will shoot for first! A special thanks to Brother and Sister Lee for taking up the charge on the event, and to Josh for leading the Team.

Hunter Riding

Josh

One of the boys in the second event

The cheer section

Tyler running in to help!

Darian after the run

This event will definitely be on our agenda next year! Plan on it. Thanks again to Brother and Sister Lee for heading up this event.

Updates!

2009-06-04T22:12:00.001-07:00

Matt says: "Updates, yeah!"

To tie you over till we get the packets out, I have added the gear list each person will need, and a list of items the team still needs for the high adventure. Check it out and call me if you can help!!!

Here are the updates:

We need your help!
Updated as of June 4th!!!We need the following for our summer camp:1. Your support!2. We need more paddles. We need a total of 16 paddles, of which we have 6 usable, with the possibility of 6 more coming. If you would like to contribute $20 we can purchase some from Cabela's for $10 per paddle. if you have access to any PLEASE call me!!!!3. We need some epoxy resin and colloidal silica to repair some of the keel lines of the canoes. One quart would be great if you have access to and or have some.4. We also need Life Jackets. We need roughly 8 more.

Stuff you need for the High Adventure:

Suggested Gear

Swimsuit

2 or 3 T-shirts2 pair of shorts (No Jeans or jean shorts)

Underwear (3 pairs)

A Light Jacket

Toilet paper

Water container to hold 3 gallons minimum. (Milk jugs are fine.)

Personal first aid kit

Hiking shoes w/ socks

Sunscreen (a must!!)

Sunglasses (a must!!)

Bug Repellent

Mess Kit

Scriptures & Journal

Flashlight

Knife (No sheath knife)

Small amount of Rope (1/4" Line)

$10 ($5meal first day, $5meal last day)
Sleeping bag (while it is hot during the day, the desert gets very chilly at night. Bring a warmish bag.)

Pajamas

Optional

Cycling gloves

Dry bags

Pillow

Extra clothing

Sleeping pad

Snacks

Towel

Fishing equipment

Mosquito net

Rain gear

Pruning shears or loppers

Open water is NOT Highland Adventure Learning Park!!

2009-06-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Utah Lake is NOT Highland Adventure Learning Park!!

The Title says it all. Paddling in Utah Lake is NOT ANYWHERE REMOTLY the same as paddling a canoe in the nice, but calm and protected Highland Adventure Learning Park.

On Wednesday we took the canoes out on Utah Lake for some real water experiecne. The team seamed like they were up for the challange and were ready to leave the gentle nest of the Highland. Needless to say, paddling in open water was a challange. With the constant boats moving in and out of the marinas, the wakes and waves were an endless obstacle.

We paddled out and around bouys, through the stink marshes and down the shore line. We splashed and had good time. Darian was the only one brave enough to jump in though. I am not sure if the team knows they are going on a water trip yet. Hopefully it will sink in. Har Har, no pun intended.

Our fearless leader, Jade!

Hunter

Steven taking the driver seat.

With the passing of Wednesday, we now have less than three weeks till we depart. If we get all the information back from the program managers we will have a parents packet for everyone by Monday or tuesday that will detail all our plans, give maps, and also information as to what each team member should and should not bring. I will also list most of the information on the blog.

Tyson and Jake

Dex and Tyson

Canoe's are heavy, just ask Jake!

If you have questions or concerns, please call me. I'm usually on my phone, Just ask Tara.

20 days left!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, boy am I excited!!

2009-06-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

OK, we have three weeks left till we leave. If you have not talked to your boy, please ask him to make sure he is finishing his assignment for the trip prep so we can get information packet's out this week.

We are putting together a packet of information that will let you know where, when, why, what and how for this High Adventure. I will try to have most of it posted on the blog.

This week we are going canoeing again. Please come prepared for a fun time. We will be going to Utah Lake for a little more advanced learning. Hope to see everyone there!

Thanks!

One more thing

2009-05-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

From now till the high adventure I will be taking the canoes out on Saturday Morning around 9 AM. This is for any who would like to go. Meet at my house or call me and I can pick you up on the way out. This saturday we will be going to Utah Lake. I have 4 canoes available. Family and friends invited.

Ok, I guess I'm not that great at blogging.

2009-05-17T21:28:00.001-07:00

But I repent. I will do better I promise.

First things first. the High Adventure is coming fast. 38 days and counting till we leave. Wow time flies. Assignments have been given, so if your boy has an assignment and doesn't know what it it, please contact me asap to get it.

Second, I need permission slips signed and back to me asap!!! Please do not delay, it will take 2 minutes to fill it out. You can scan and e-mail it if you have the ability, give it to your son to bring it to me, or you can call me, Matt or Hunter and we will stop by to pick it up. If you didn't receive a copy it can be found here.

Also, over the past few weeks we have had some great activities. Here are some pictures from them.

This is Dexton and Tyler showing some spirit!

I will try and post more information on the high adventure tomorrow.

Thanks for all your support of the boys. This is going to be a great summer!!!

Time flies when you're having fun!!!

2009-04-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well campers, just 66 days and counting till we hit the river for the 2009 high adventure!! Are you ready? I am!!!

For the past few weeks we have had some great activities. Last week we started learning about the parts of the canoe, and the different strokes used to maneuver the canoe. Braxton and Spencer took the lead, taught the lesson and even gave a quiz at the end to make sure we all understood what they taught. They gave a great lesson and even came prepared in the appropriate attire for paddling.

For the next several weeks we will continue learning about canoeing on the water. This week come prepared to get wet. We will meet at the church at 7:00 and after opening we will travel to Highland Adventure Learning Park where Braxton and Spencer will give us a hands on lesson in the water. If you have access to a life vest or paddles, please bring them as we are short on those items. If you would like, you may bring a fishing pole to fish while you wait your turn on the canoe. Come prepared for a great time and we will see you there!

On a side note, Brother Cannon purchased several dry bags on E-bay and will pass them on to those who need them. Talk to him for more information and the cost.

Another date to look out for is May 16. We will be meeting at the church at 9:30 A.M. for a flag fundraiser kick off. This is required so please come in your uniform. After breakfast we will each take a route and go collect money for the flag service. This benefits the boys immensely and is the only fundraiser we do for the year. Please come help support the team!

I hope you are all excited for the High adventure. It will be a great trip and I can't wait to start! get Excited! 66 days to go!

Wednesday April 8 activity

2009-04-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

Wednesday April 8th we will start learning about canoe camping. We will be talking about the canoe, and start learning the different strokes used to move the canoe. Please plan on attending as the boys need to pass off the parts of the canoe and the strokes before they can take to the water.

Thanks.

Mike

Missionary Night at the Cleverly's

2009-03-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is a blog entry that I started and then forgot about. It happened in April 2009.

Steven, Jade and Tyler (note Jade's excitement for this night)

Missionary night was a great success. We started the evening by going to Scott Cleverly's house to listen to Scott tell us about his mission experience. The boys enjoyed hearing about Scott and his mission. Here are some pictures from it.

Steven, Jade, Nate and Tyler

Jade, Darian, Steven, Spencer and Braxton show their joy of Missionary work (or Ice Cream and Brownies, I am not sure which. I hope its the former.)

The Cleverly's (sp?)

Spencer and Braxton

Thanks again to the Cleverly's for sharing their home, food and experiences with us.

Invite only

2009-03-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

Due to security reasons this blog has been changed to an invite only blog If your reading this then your in. If you subscribed to the RSS feed, you may be seeing a error message when you download your e-mail. I guess you can't get a feed if the site is on invite only. I am looking to see if there is a way to correct this. In the mean time, enjoy the site. There are more pictures and stuff coming shortly.

Thanks

Mike

Scouting for food pick up!

2009-03-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

We will be meeting Saturday morning at 9 am to pick up the food for the scouting for food drive. please meet at the church. If all show up it should take us less than an hour to pick up the food.

See you there!

Bowling Night

2009-03-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

This is a collage of pictures from bowling night. It was fun, and we even got the chance to bowl after an hour of waiting.

Start of the Canoe Camping Merit badge

2009-03-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

With a new month comes the next chapter in our year. On April 1st we will be starting our high adventure prep, the canoe camping pin and the canoeing merit badge. This will be an awesome adventure and will give us some great memories!

To start, we would like all the parents to join us for the beginning of the activity on Wednesday April 1st for a question and answer session. It should only take about 30 minutes and hopefully we can explain what we are doing, where we are going and what your boy will need, not need, and answer any other questions you may have.

Please join us at around 7:15 PM in the Teacher’s quorum room at the church. Please come with any questions you may have and we will try our best to answer them. We will not have 100% of the details, but we should have enough to answer any major questions.

Thanks and see you there!

High Adventure Destination

2009-03-23T10:57:00.001-07:00

High Adventure Destination
Originally uploaded by Michael Sappington

The Summer High Adventure is about to begin. Are you Ready? Check out the slide show located on the side bar. These pictures are from the area we will be floating. Get excited, it will be awsome!!!

Agenda for March

2009-03-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

February was a great month and we were able to accomplish a lot. First, we finished the swimming pin, without anyone drowning. During the month we worked on, and partially finished the Lifesaving merit badge. THERE IS HOMEWORK THAT SOME OF THE BOYS NEED TO FINISH IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE BADGE. PLEASE TALK TO THEM AND CALL ME IF THERE ARE QUESTIONS. PLEASE FINISH THE MATERIAL AND GET YOUR BOY TO Ethan Medeiros AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO COMPLETE ANY REQUIREMENTS BEFORE NEXT WEEK IF POSSIBLE. We don’t want to lose any of the hard work they have done. As far as the pin goes, if they attended they will have accomplished any of the requirements needed. They all did exceptional and should be commended.

March will be a busy month for us. This week there are two activities planned.

The first activity is on TUESDAY march 3. We will be going to the Draper Temple open house. We will meet at the church at 6 and will be gone most likely till after 9 PM. Please make any arrangements necessary so your boy can attend this great opportunity to see the inside of the house of the Lord. It doesn’t happen very often.

Wednesday March 4th: There is no activity this night. Sorry.

Thursday March 5th : We will be attending the special needs mutual night. We will meet at the church at 6:00 PM on Thursday. This will be a very special event as the special needs group covers several hundred wards. This opportunity to meet with them is an honor that only comes once in a blue moon

Sunday march 8th @ 9:00 AM Presidency meeting for the teachers quorum presidency only. Then at 10:00 AM, the president will go to the Aaronic priesthood council meeting with the bishop.

Sunday March 8 @ 4 PM. Board of Reviews. Please plan on every boy being there. This is to ensure they get all the advancements they have earned for the next Court of Honor (on the 19th!)

Sunday March 8 @ 7 (? I am not sure if this time is correct, but I think it is. JB can you verify?) There will be a bishops’ fireside at Brother Armstrong’s house.

Wednesday March 11 @ 7 PM. We will be going bowling. Please send your scout with $5. (we don’t have a lot of budget this year, so we are trying to save money where we can. If there are issues. Please see me, Matt, or JB and we will assist where we can. Please come, we do not want anyone to miss out.)

Thursday March 12 from 7 – 8:30 PM: this is the first in many activities for the Trek will be taking this summer. The trek will take place July 21st through the 25th and will be to Martin's Cove. More info will be coming, but please clear your schedule for this great activity.

Sunday March 15: BYC for the presidency. They know the time

March 18th is combined mutual at the regular time

March 19th is the Stake Court of Honor. All requirements that any boy is working on must be completed no later than Sunday March 15 in order to be recognized in this event. The Bishopric has requested that each boy wear his whole uniform. We are being honored as an outstanding unit in our achievement of all our boys. They have worked hard and have earned many pins and awards and the stake is recognizing them. Please plan on attending.

March 25th will be our quarterly missionary night. We are excited to see another part of the world as we learn of all the missions.

Saturday March 28. Scouting for food pickup. Details to follow.

And that’s all we have going on this month. Ha, and they said scouting only takes one hour a week. Who are they kidding?!

The summer is fast approaching also. We only have 115 days left till our summer trip. THERE IS A LOT OF STUFF TO ACCOMPISH IN THAT 115 DAYS! I will keep you all informed as information becomes available. Please know we are aware of costs and will do all within our power to keep costs to a minimum. That being said, there will be some costs associated with the camp. The first will be a dry bag. These can be purchased at Recreation outlet, or REI or Sportsman’s, or Cabala’s or any reputable outdoor sporting place. They are a vinyl bag that can be sealed so no water can come in. They need a bag big enough for their sleeping bag, scriptures, and clothes, and anything else that cannot get wet. Please ask around before you buy. I know there are friends and family out there that may have one. Please wait to purchase them till we have approval from the Stake Presidency. I mostly want to make you aware of any potential cost so you may have time to save money. Once again, please call me if you have questions or concerns. This summer is taking shape and should be a SPECTACULAR time!!! More info will be coming.

Also the summer trip is June 24-27th. We are going to need some help on this activity, mostly support in and out, and possible some other needs that at this point I am not aware of. If you can put those dates on your calendars so we can use you we would appreciate it. Also, we need canoes. If anyone has one, or access to one, or many, please call me or e-mail me asap. I need to secure those asap.

Thanks and I look forward to a great month!!!! Your boys are each amazing and honor their parents in all they do. You can be proud of them. They are awesome young men!!!

Michael Sappington
Matt Shumway
Hunter Cannon
Your Teachers quorum advisers, and coach.

Here we go!

2009-03-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

In an effort to keep all up to date, and informed of the adventures of Team 833 I am starting this blog. I will add stuff to keep the parents, scouts and leaders up to date on our activities and adventures. If you would like to add, please do so. Thanks and here's to the blog