le Voyageur

Odd question, hey? But has anyone given this side of the coin any serious thought about the downside of a unit with too much money.... Here's why the question....but, before proceeding a small story for those who may think I'm blowing smoke. A non scouting organization that my wife volunteers for was doing the typical fundrasing thing, selling calendars, sodas, hotdogs, etc. etc. Hence, working hard, but not making much money. Threw out an ideal and the wife liked it. That was 8 months ago, and now they are on their way to earning several million dollars for their organization. Now, I've another ideal for a fund raiser which could yeild for our Venture Crew's coffer, a bank account in the high 6 to low 7 figures in one year....but before presenting this ideal to the Crew, I'm dragging my feet a whole lot to ponder the negatives....thoughts?

Spent a few hours pondering nldscouts misgivings....so I'll digrest with what I feel is the first order of business for this undertaking. But before going there, I'd like to say that I believe in and support boy led leadership...thus,in order for any lodge to be in support of this will require the lodge leadership to define their role, and their level of involvment in the project,then let the membership body put it to the vote... Now, in order for this to happen will involve politics, both nationally and internationally plus media attention. So the second order of business will be informing our Congressional and Senatorial leaders of the project asking for their support, and second, bringing the general American public on board through the media so that they will take ownership of their heritage. Thus, as always, the first order of business is organization and ledership...

nldscout I've no problem with your role as the Devil's Advocate which is well and find, and most needed since I agree that caution is in order....but, I've sent you a pm directing you to another forum where we can discuss these generalizations outside of the historical that you have....

SctLdr You raise some very important questions....here's a site that may help http://cgi.cnn.com/WORLD/9709/25/chief.long.wolf/ As for remains, that is a big question. To date I've failed to locate records on her burial. What I hope is that in their tradition of time that she whould would of been buried in a lead coffin, which would show up easily with ground scanning radar... nldsscout Thanks for your input, for the now this is just exploritory. It may go no place. In 1999 I presented this idea to the Chief of the Nansemonds but there was no interest. Later, about 2001 I presented the same ideal to our local O.A. Chapter, still no interest. But, if you would, please respect our culture and the way we honor our ancestors....thanks

Neither John, nor his son Thomas are buried in England. In 1617 on a return trip to the Virginia colony Rebecca Matoaka Rolfe (Pocahontus) was very ill with smallpox, being removed from the ship at Gravesend and dying alone there at the age of 21 (several reseachers suspect that she actually died from STD, being infected while held for nearly a year as a prisoner at Jamestown). The major problem is the location of the grave, which in several reports suggest that it was destroyed during a church renovation project.... My feelings are, that since the British Government has done nothing to preserve the site, and in effect has abandoned it, then efforts should be made to have her remains returned to her native soil, she belongs here....

This is how.... http://www.usbr.gov/nagpra also, I'm a Nansemond

With the USAFA being located near Colorado Springs which so happens to be the home for Pikes Peak Council. Give them a call to see if they can put you in touch someone that can meet your needs.... http://www.pikespeakbsa.org

Before I even begin to tell you what I am thinking I'd like to throw out some thoughts... First, this forum can serve for the now the purpose of a coast to coast internet conclave...lots of talent and skills out there that can be tapped into...it'll be needed Second, it's going to take a lot of very hard work plus a considerable amount of dedication, and the clock is ticking. Third, it's going to require many lodges working together as a team to complete the project. This project is beyound the scope of a single lodge... No lodge chiefs, chapter chiefs or OA advisors now serving will see the completion of this project during their tenure in these offices. Fourth, the completion of this project will generate a considerable amount of both national and international news. And last, besides being a major historical project, it will close a very important chapter in American history.... Okay, here's the project, it can fizzle here and now, or grow to completion... In the year 2007, Jamestown will be celebrating it's 400th anniversity, and as they say, it's going to be one huge shin dig... So, how can the O.A play a part in this? Simple, we bring Pocohantus home, she's buried in England at Gravesend.. So, who's interested?

Besides being a Military retiree, I've degrees in Forensic Science (M.Sc.) and Criminal Justice (BPA)....however, since there's not much crime in this rural area I've morphed into a jack of all trades (sort of), and for the now I'm doing this replicating 18th century clothing for re enactors Training/teaching re enactors basic skills used in the 18th century Part time instructor in mountainneering, and rock climbing Instructor in advance canoeing skills River/Backcountry guide part time school/tour bus driver volunteer EMT and ARC worker volunteer Swift Water Rescue Tech Proxy hunter for game (I hunt for large landowners/farmers who either dont't have the time, or just don't like being in the woods, but do enjoy having venison on their table) Waiting on a movie deal for the Alamo and of course summer camp....

Eamonn Let me clarify what I mean by holding unit leaders feet to the fire.... You do this by setting the example by following all of BSA's advancement guidelines, and expect no less from the Unit Leaders..you'll neither except nor expect sloppy, or incomplete records from the Units. You do this by staying current, and sharing that information through the Council's training sessions and Roundtables....and if need be you make the rounds at Summer Camp during their Staff Training week to go over with that staff BSA's advancement standards... You do this by personal visits to newly charted Units to assist that Unit's committee in setting up their advancement records and getting them on the right track... And you do this by assisting in the training of the Commissioner's staff.... And, you do this by being on a Woodbadge staff. And if you're not a Woodbadger, you make it happen and work a ticket that will grow the job...

Joni, Been down that road you're now on most recently and know your frustrations. Got really tired and frustrated myself dealing with the the Professionals and Volunteers at the Council/District level, along with their merit badge mill summer camp that I had to call it quits....however, this break from scouting did allow me to refocus and see my efforts in a new light, and the solution was simple, I kissed the local Council goodbye, and signed on with another that is pro high adventure, and looking for older boy programs. I'm now creating a new program for the upcoming Fall season for Venture Crews since the traditional camporee does little for them...feels good to have the shackles off. Thus, my advice would be to consider moving your efforts, passion and talents over to another unit; or better yet, consider a position as the Advancement Chair at the District or Council level where you can set the standards, and hold the unit leaders feet to the fire....

If you can afford it, consider the NOLS course vice the ARC. NOLS, unlike ARC will put you out in the booney where a lot of hands on problem solving is required to complete the course....

KS, you missed a few...my preferance Ultra lite backpacking, plus canoe camping, plus vertical/alpine (nothing like sleeping and cooking on a porta ledge), plus cycling (wilderness touring on a mountain bike, plus primative camping (nothing but a gourd canteen, a knife, a wool blanket, flint and steel, 3 000 calories of food to last 3 to 5 days carried in a haversack, and the clothes on one's back)....can't stand the weight, cost, complexity and the loss of freedom that comes with car camping. However, I can understand car camping for a new unit that's learning the ropes, but after the first year they should start weaning theirselves away from their vehicles as soon as possible...it's one of the reasons I refuse to attend camporees as it was like camping in a parking lot. Just not my cup of tea.

No need for a chart on declination...here's how to find it in the field. Set your compass to N and aim it at Polaris (true North), the needle will then point to Mag North giving you your declination for your area....

If you're working crew at Tinnerman, Northern Tier, or any other canoeing program, and would like to add a trade shirt to your outfit send me a pm. These shirts will not be 100% historically correct, but passable. Price will be a flat fee of $25(my cost for material, no charge for labor) using retail fabrics with colors and patterns close to mid 18th century schemes (shirts that I do for re enactors range from 75 to 250, but these are historically correct). Moderator - if this post is in violation of any rules that I've forgotten like the chowderhead that I am, please delete....thanks

Virginia April 5-6 British Raids on the James - Berkely Plantation, Charles City Maryland April 12-13 Marching Through Time, Glen Dale, Marietta House Museum. Admission fees $5 adults, $2 children New Jersy April 12-13, Battle of Bound Brook, New Brunswick Kentucky April 12-13, Rev. War Encampment, Louisville (Locust Grove) New York April 19, Patriots Day Celebration, Youngstown, Old Fort Niagara. Free admission for all vets with proper id

the Red Ridge thunder lights is a great choice....they'll handle most of New Mexico's rains just fine... If I can be of any more help just post, and while at Philmont be sure to have fun and enjoy yourself...

no money, lots of hard work, and just maybe (if you're a scout) say that you really earned your American Heritage mb the hard way? http://www.pbs.org/wnet/colonialhouse/

Fleece is idea under a rain shell... I get the feeling that you're East coast and not familar with western wear per se (not a slam, okay)...so What I would recommend is to hit the libraries, and or internet and take a look at what was being worn around, say about 1875 to 1900 and create a persona and impression from there. Keep it simple, cowboys never had much money, and their clothing was well worn. Their favorite color was broke... Boots and hats will be the big ticket items. For myself in boots, I would consider a 15 inch high stovepipe with mule ears and Cuban heels. The hat would be a 2X (the more x's, the higher the quality, and the price) have a Tom Horn crown, plus a stampede string...(don't worry about the lingo, any good Tack, or Western Wear Outfitter will know what this means, this will get you started off in the right direction and away from the dude ranch/greenhorn gear) Whatever you do, don't get tempted and buy any of those huge Texas size beltbuckles, again, keep it simple. Tell you what, to save you some bucks, and if you wear a size 7 in hats shoot me a pm with an address. I've got a 3X with a Montana crown that I'm not using anymore. It'll need reblocking , but if it'll fit, it's your, no cost....

If you're a historical re enactor with a pre 1840 persona (Buck Skinners, Courier de Bois, Long Hunter, etc.), able to teach blackpowder shooting and primative living skills to Scouts, and capable of living in the outdoors for an extended period of time shoot me a pm.

First, you need to query Philmont for their uniform/clothing requirements for this program area. Once you get that info, post it here, and lets see if we can't save you a few bucks before you buy anything.... However, some general hints. Since you'll be working around horses consider steel toe boots that can fit in the stirups. As in backpacking, brand names mean nothing, fit is everything. Make sure they are comfortable while wearing at least two pairs of socks. For rain gear look at Campmor's Camp Tech line (my set has seen nearly 8 years of very hard use in the backcountry, and still works just fine. On the other hand, a very pricy Goretex parka gave up the ghost within the first year, barely making it up Shasta). Shop the thrift stores for a fleece vest/wool sweater combo to go under the rain parka (got a nearly new Columbia brand vest for 2 bucks, a huge savings). Don't forget leather gloves for riding, and several pairs of work gloves for general duty.

Besides Cracker Barrel (also used as slang for a watering hole for hicks) there are these gems.... Chief Cook and Bottle Washer Back'Us Boys Jack of the Dust Scarce as hen's teeth Graybacks Clod Hopper Fit to be tied Skedaddle Bread Basket Been through the mill and one of my favorites... galore, from the Irish 'go leor' meaning in a abundance..

Cocas Island, or ???? Be sure to add Scuba, and snorkling to the mix. By the way, have always enjoyed sailing into Cetti Bay, one beautiful setting to enjoy a sunset... best of luck

an additional note... since you've brought up the subject of pee bottles, a few more thoughts on this subject. Consider sealable tupperware containers for packing out fecal matter. Adding a bit of cat litter will help alot. If your crew is coed, look in the Campmor catalog for an item called a Lady J (item no. 80976), or the Travel John (item no. 80666)...

Since your guide will see that you'll have the basic safety gear, suggest the wearing of a lightweight set of long johns (non cotton), and a fleece vest under one's coveralls for additional warmth....if you're doing wet sections consider using a drybag, they tend to hang up less and can be pushed through squeeze passages easier than a backpack. For additional safety consider carrying a few cyalumes......