2014 Rendezvous

Get yourselves READY! Territorial Rendezvous is coming October 8-11, 2014!

Territorial Rendezvous Registration Packet

Click on the link above to get the Registration Packet.

Scout On!

You won't want to miss this! See all of you on May 18th!

Do you know a scout or adult that would like to work surrounded by some of the most beautiful terrain in Arizona? Camp Raymond is looking for summer Aquatics Staff.
They need 2 adults and 1 youth for Lake Staff and 1 adult and 1 youth for Pool Staff.
Requirements: must be least 16 years old and willing to work from June 2 through July 20th. Lifeguard training will be provided.
If you know a scouter who might be interested please have them contact Rich Gomez (raymondcampdirector@earthlink.net) or Russ Gilbert (russ.gilbert@nau.edu) for more information.

Don't miss this awesome opportunity to get trained!  It's limited to the first 20. 

What:            ECSI’s BSA Wilderness First Aid (16-hour course)

Why:             Meet BSA’s requirement for wilderness first aid training

When:          May 9            7pm- 10pm

                        May 10         7pm – 10pm

                        May 11         8am – 5pm (until done)

Where:         Highland East Stake Center

Cost:              $30 (cash or check at first class)

Signup:         http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F45AAAC23A31-may911

A Note From Janet Keene

The changes with Internet Advancement seems to have caught Leaders off guard. Please let Leaders know I have access to all the San Tan unit ID's so have them email or call me. I received a call this morning from a Committee Chair who says he has 21 youth who are not currently registered. This is a reminder to make sure once a youth transfers to a new Troop, Pack etc the MUST submit a new application.

Thank you so much for passing this on.

Janet

gkeene3@co​x.net
(480) 539-2668

The Varsity Wilderness Challenge is here, Feb. 22nd & 23rd.   Please get your registration packets turned into your Unit Commisioners ASAP!   If you don't have a registration packet your Unit Commisioner does (Stake YM's first counselor).  Packets and Maps will also be available at Huddle! Make sure your Team comes prepared in their Class B Uniforms.

See all of you there.

2013 District Varsity Calendar

Wilderness Challenge Feb 22-23
VLST Indoor - April 13th
Varsity Triathlon - April 19th, 20th
VLST Outdoor - April 26th,27th

On-Target - Sept. 21st
VLST Indoor - Sept 14th
VLST Outdoor - Sept. 27th & 28th
Turkey shoot - TBA (November, but shooting range gives us a date in late summer)

2012 - End of Year Calendar

August 2012

2              Roundtables/Huddle/Forum

9              Eagle Boards of Review

14            District Key Leaders Meeting

17-19       Wood Badge #5 Part 1 R-C

23            Eagle Boards of Review

28            District Executive Committee Meeting

September 2012

3              Labor Day

1-3           Wood Badge #5 Part 2 R-C

6              Roundtables/Huddle/Forum
8              Varsity Leader Specific Training - Indoor

11            District Key Leaders Meeting

13            Eagle Boards of Review

15            Varsity on Target

15            Popcorn Sales begins

21-22      Varsity Leader Specific Training - Outdoor

25            District Executive Committee Meeting

25            LDS Relationships Meeting

27            Eagle Boards of Review

October 2012

4              Roundtables/Huddle/Forum

9              District Key Leaders Meeting

11            Eagle Boards of Review

11-13       Wood Badge #6 Part 1 R-C

19-21       POW WOW Fall Camporee

23            District Executive Committee Meeting

23            LDS Relationships Meeting

25            Eagle Boards of Review

25-27       Wood Badge #6 Part 2 R-C 

November 2012

1              Roundtables/Huddle/Forum

3              University of Scouting

3              Cub Scout Pow Wow

3              Commissioner Conf.

8              Eagle Boards of Review

10            Commissioner Basic Training

10            OA Cub Extravaganzas

13            District Key Leaders Meeting

22            Thanksgiving Day

23            Ten-Commandment Hike

26            District Executive Committee Meeting

26            LDS Relationships Meeting

29            Eagle Boards of Review

December 2012

                No Roundtables/Huddle/Forum

6              District Volunteer Recognition Dinner

13           Eagle Boards of Review

18            District Executive Committee Meeting

18            LDS Relationships Meeting

25            Christmas Day

26-28       NYLT @ HSP Part 1

27            Eagle Boards of Review

2012 Turkey Shoot!!

Make sure your team gets signed up!  You won't want to miss this.

Date: Saturday, November 10, 2012

Where: Ben Avery Clay Target Center

(Carefree Highway – 1.8 miles west of I-17)

Contact: Rollin Adams – 602-418-7361

Reservations at: rollinadams@cox.net

Shooting Times: 7:00AM to 12:30PM

Pre-Registration and Reservations required.  Bring Registration Form to event.

Arrive 30 Minutes before start time

Cost: $8.00 per round of 25 shots

Each Team must provide their own shotguns, ammunition, ear & eye protection (required).

Also provide a scorekeeper/target puller.

Prizes for best scores for Varsity Scouts and Teams.

Leader & Priest scores not included.

Loaner shotguns available in 12 & 20 gauge.  Shells available at Ben Avery for $6 per box.

Breakfast will be served by San Tan District.

Knife Blanks for Rendezvous!

I’ve located a new website (thanks to El Lobo aka Stephen Follett) to order knife blanks at good pricing. Please forward to your coaches:

· HR Knives - http://www.hrknives.com/servlet/StoreFront

· Create search for “knife blades”

· Note: I had to email Customer Service to get the correct shipping rates

Here are some of the knife blanks available:

· BL001 Knife Blade Small Bowie $6.19 (This is one of the popular blanks I got from the Trenter’s for $7 – about 5” blade)

· BL010 Knife Blade Skinner 8 1/4" $6.19 (This is a very nice looking blade the boys should really like – about 5” blade)

· BL015 Knife Blade Bowie Fighter 12" $8.67

· BL002 Knife Blade Bowie 13 3/8" $8.67 (Man’s knife…Waugh!!)

Keep yer powder dry,

Muleman

Territorial Rendezvous!!!

WAAAAUUUGH!!! PILGRIMS AND FREE TRAPPERS ALIKE!!!!!

Here is registration for Territorial Rendezvous 2012.

https://www.doubleknot.com/Registration/CalendarDetail.asp?ActivityKey=1106557

Scout On!

Varsity Scout Playbook

Here is a link to the Varsity Scout Playbook that gives an overview of the program.

Here is a link to the Disappearing Varsity Handbook that lays out a little more flesh to the power of the program.

Here is a link to the Varsity Scout Guidebook.  It is available at the scout shop.

Here are links to the Varsity Team Program books.

Scout On!

Alcohol Stoves

Backpacking light and cheap.  Make preparation an adventure and show the boys that you don't have to buy and own all the fancy gadgets. 

Make a simple backpacking stove.  Great projects for metalworking merit badge.  Boys (and grown boys) like to make stuff out of common household items.

Its even better when it is FIRE!

http://www.jureystudio.com/pennystove/
http://zenstoves.net/
http://users.sisqtel.net/losthiker/pikastove/

Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fStsgTremmI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9nQen6i8Mo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9nQen6i8Mo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SekjzXDa52w&feature=related

Scout On!

Varsity Team Program Book Online

Here is the link to the Varsity Team Program, which gives the program information for the following program features:

■Backpacking

■Basketball
■Bowling
■Canoe Camping
■Caving
■Cross-Country Skiing
■Cycling
■Discovering America
■Fishing
■Freestyle Biking

■Frontiersman
■Mechanics
■Operation On-Target
■Orienteering
■Rock Climbing and Rappelling
■Roller Hockey
■Shooting Sports
■Snow Camping
■Soccer

■Softball
■Survival
■Swimming
■Tennis
■Triathlon
■Volleyball
■Waterskiing
■Whitewater Canoeing
 
Scout On!

Trails to Testimonies

This is the best book on Scouting in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It is a great resource to find out the whys and hows of Scouting and the Priesthood.

I highly recommend that you buy it and study it.

Scout On!

Reavis Ranch through Roger's Trough

Reavis Ranch through Roger's Trough is a great backpacking trip, around 18 miles round trip going in from the south.  The hike in is harder than the hike out.  It is absolutely beautiful.  The spring runs year round.

You can also go in from the north.  They say it is longer, but flatter than the south route through Roger's Trough.

Anyway, here is information if you are going in from the south.

Hiking Guide
Hiking Guide

Reavis Ranch through Roger's Trough overview map
Reavis Ranch through Roger's Trough, north detail map
Reavis Ranch through Rober's Trough, south detail map

You can find indian cave ruins up Roger's Canyon in a few mile detour.  Or you can climb up to circlestone, a stone wall left on top of a mountain by ancient indians.


Scout On!

How to Make a Capote

Here is a link to instructions on making a capote, authentically. 

Of course, you can always use any type of blanket like material.  And, if time is important, get a few sisters to help your boys sew on a machine.  I can cut and sew two to three capotes in a mutual with a sewing machine and assistance from the boys.  One person with experience using a sewing machine and limited experience sewing something could do their first during a mutual.  There really is limited cutting, fitting and sewing.

They are so easy, even a mountain man could do it!!!!

Scout On!

Roger's Trough to Indian Ruins

Want to hike your boys to some awesome indian ruins?  Then Roger's Trough is it.

Photos of my trip are on my Face Book page (Stephen Follett).

Here is a trail guide.  Unless you want to hike the whole thing.... I suggest turning around at the ruins.  There are a few spots to camp within a mile or so of the ruins.  If you do this, you will need to carry water, unless you find pools because of recent rain.  Make sure and filter.  We saw a dead horse/mule parts strewn along two pools.

Google for current trail conditions.  Here is a site that sometimes has information on the trail and road conditions.  This is the current conditions as of February 2010.  Contrary to the guides, I did it in my 2 wheel drive S-10 twice last year.  4x4 is not necessary, at least if the road is continually maintained.

Watch yourself if it is going to be a wet time, there are lots of washes and dry creek beds to cross on the drive and there are lots of washes and dry creekbeds to cross on the hike.

Scout On!

Flint knapping videos

Here is a post with a collection of flint knapping videos on YouTube.
Scout On!

Cool Museum Stuff

This is a database of museum pieces.  Cool.

Scout On!

Primitive Skills

Here is a website with lots of "primitive skills".  It is fun for me to just browse and learn.  But, I am crazy like that.

Scout On!

Side Seam Moc Tutorial

Here is a good tutorial on how to make traditional side seam mocassins.

For the sewing, I recommend making holes an inch or so at a time, and then sewing with a DULL needle.  Make a few more holes and sew.  Make a few more holes and sew.  Or, don't punch holes and use a glovers needle which is very sharp with a pair of very small pliers from Harbor Freight to pull it through.  Glovers needles are expensive and make it a bit slower, so I choose to sew most things with an awl and dull needle. 

I don't like the boys breaking my expensive needles.  With a big fat dull needle, they usually only bend it.  Sometimes, the boys have bent my awls.  How they do it, I'll never know.

Make a "dull" needle by breaking the tip of with pliers.  A dull needle is necessary, because it will only go through when it finds the hole made by the awl.  If you punch a hole with an awl, then try to use a sharp needle of any kind, it will just try to make a hole wherever you stick it.  And, on the "suede" side of the leather, it can be hard to see the hole exactly.

Scout On!

Simple Lace Mocassins

Here is a link to simple lace up mocassins patterns.  For the size "9" you will just have to subtract holes so it is half way between the "8"  and "10".  You will have to print out two pages for some of the patterns and then tape them together.  One page for the cuffs is 8 1/2 by 14, so make sure you don't print it off too small.  If Adobe does "fit to page" you will print the cuffs, but they won't be the right size because they will get shrunk.  Print that page separately.

Cut two soles, two vamps (the top/tounge), and two cuffs.  There is no real right or left.  Punch holes, and lace them up so they look like mocassins.  For a hint, use masking tape wrapped around the end of the lace and pointed as a needle.  The masking tape is stiffer than the lace, so it goes quicker.  If it gets too soft, just peel it off and put on a new "needle".

Just remember to run a piece of strong lace or shoestring under the cuff so that it can wrap around the front and tie.  Look at the finished moc below to see where it comes out of the cuff and weaves through the vamp to tie.  It is easier to put the lace there before you sew it.  Otherwise, get a hanger to feed the lace through the cuff.  Duct tape the lace to the wire so you can pull it through.  A hook in the wire is too bulky.

They look like these when you are done.  Notice the lace that comes out of the cuff and ties in a nice bow on top of the foot.  Using a shoelace, whether leather or something else is a good idea for the strength.  The leather lace from Tandy just isn't as strong.

If you have some insoles from old tennis shoes, put them in for comfort.

Here is a view of what the back side looks like finished below.  You can see the lace that sews the cuff on as it weaves through the holes in the cuffs to sew it onto the moc.  That is not the lace piece you will use to tie the moc.  The lace that you use to tie the moc is actually running through the cuff, so that when you pull it tight, it will pull on your heel.  Look closely at the moc above, and you will see the lace coming out just under the fold.  I guess you could use the lace that sews the cuff on, but it won't give as tight a fit.

You can do the cute green tounge and buttons, if you are a sissy.  Get some deer antler or bone if you want to dress it up a bit like a mountain man. 

National Jamboree

There are 8 spots open on the LDS troop that is going for three weeks to the National Jamboree.  ONLY 2 weeks to register.  Oh, the boy needs $3,500.00.  But, the trip will be awesome.  Church history sites.  Testimony building and mission prep are goals.

Email above left if you are interested.  Or contact Rick Durfee, if you know who that is.

Scout On!

Rendezvous Regalia Fest February 13 8-12 am

There will be a mountain man regalia prep on Saturday February 13 between 8 and 12.  Come and go.  Hosted by Rollin Adams.  Open for any team and leaders.  Information at Huddle.  Or email for more information at the email address above left.  Make sure and email if you intend to come so we are prepared for you.

Bring your team all dressed like mountain men.  Bring what you have finished to show off.  Bring stuff to finish.  Bring stuff to trade.  Bring money to see what is available.  Come for ideas.

See what can be done.  Watch it done.  Do it yourself!

Scout On!

Knife Stuff

Bone, antler, fur, and stuff  http://www.hideandfur.com/

Knife blanks in Mesa, AZ.  Look at the list of the inventory.  Only then, email me for questions. 

Leather at Tandy Leather.  On University Drive in Tempe.

Scout On!

No More Knife Kits

Rollin created over 150 knife kits and advanced over $1400 from his own pocket to finance this adventure.  And he didn't get paid a penny for his time, gas, etc.  Say thanks!!!!

You can still get everything yourself, the knife blanks, the antler/bone and Tandy leather!!!  See above!!!!
Scout On!

Woodbadge

Woodbadge is AWESOME in a universal way.  It will change your life, not just your scouting.  This is from an email I'd like to pass on. 

On behalf of the five Wood Badge Course Directors for 2010, I want to encourage you to each attend one of the Wood Badge Courses in 2010. I recognize that some in your group have attended Wood Badge, even serving as Course Director. I am certain that they would join me in saying that this is the pinnacle of adult training in the Boy Scouts of America, that attending will change your life, and it will make your service as a commissioner more effective and meaningful.

I challenge each of you to set a goal to celebrate the centenial year of the BSA by attending Wood Badge.

[Here is a registration] form which lists the dates of the five courses during the year, as well as the name and phone number of each Course Director. Please feel free to contact any of us if you have any questions regarding the course, or registration.

Robert Reeves
W6-10-3-10
Course Director

Scroll on down......

I added quite a few important posts lately, so keep scrolling down.

Scout On!

Mountain Man preparation

Getting prepared for Rendezvous is key to the best outcome.

Here is the link to the Mesa Varsity's Rendezvous page that has lots of great resources for you.

Scout On!

Rendezvous Knives

Here is a link to the sheath making instructions.

Scout On!

Diamond Shelter

The Diamond Shelter is the cheapest and easiest authentic mountain man shelter for Rendezvous that I know of.  Check out this link and Google it for more info.
Scout On!

Rendezvous Links

Want more information on Rendezvous so your Team can Be Prepared?  Here is a google search to get you started.

This is an AWESOME site that talks about Varsity Rendezvous from another area.  Pay special attention to this page showing how to go from a flatlander, to greenhorn, to mountain man, and then the pinnacle.. the FREE TRAPPER.

Huddle

No Huddle in January!!

Make sure and come in February.  We'll let you make a steel striker for your own flint and steel kits.  We'll show you how to make knives, sheaths, etc.  It is gonna be a hands on experience.  If you want to bring some cash there will be kits and stuff to trade for available.

We will also have the knife kits available there if you pre-order them now!   See the post below.

Scout On!

2010 Territorial Rendezvous Registration (first draft)

Here is a link to the Territorial Rendezvous registration information.  It will be held on March 18-20, 2010 at R-C Scout Camp.

Scout On!

New Link

Here is a new link, discussing LDS scouting:

http://www.mormonscouting.com/index.htm

Scout On!

December Service Project

The December Service Project lighting the luminarias is on December 12.  Help is needed from 4-6 from 6-8 and from 8-finish.

Email me with questions and to register your team!!

Scout On!

FIRE!!

Few things excite young men more than starting a fire.  Keep them away from the gas and lighter, by showing them how to start a fire the primitive way.  Scouts can't resist a challenge, and they love making a fire.

Here is a website selling various primitive fire starting methods, including the fire piston.  Each one of these methods can be achieved with material found in Arizona, either at Home Depot or in the woods/desert.

Google search on making fire pistons.
Google search on bow fires.

Email me if you have questions or want some advice on doing it.  We all saw at the wilderness challenge that they mastered the flint and steel. 

If you would like to buy a flint and steel set, feel free to send me an email.  I bought some in bulk to get good pricing and save on shipping.

Scout On!

Mountain Man Stuff

Email me if you are looking for mountain man stuff.  I will be putting in orders over the next few weeks for some cool stuff.

Scout On!

AWESOME!

The Wilderness Challenge was great!  Thanks to all the dedicated leaders that brought their teams and staffed the events.  Over 300 scouters participated and staffed the event. 

Pictures are here.  Please send your best pictures to me.

Scout On!

Tour Permits -- Get them DONE!

Here is the link for online tour permits:

http://www.doubleknot.com/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=25740&orgkey=62

Here is the link to the paper copy:

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34426.pdf

Here is the district's number to call for info on submitting the tour permit!

(602) 955-7747



Scout On!

Wilderness Challenge Awards

Just finished a bone handled knife and sheath last night.  I've got kits for some hard working Varsity scouts.

And, the steel strikers I got are really awesome. Compared them to a more expensive one, and they threw awesome sparks!

Scout On!

Wilderness Challenge Information

All the information for the Wilderness Challenge is in the following Links:

Registration and information
Map to Boulders, Location of Wilderness Challenge
Handout for youth
BSA Physical  --just the parent portion necessary--no physical
Syllabus and Event Scoring instructions
Event Score Sheet

email me for questions, see my email address above left....

Scout On!

Wilderness Challenge

Wilderness Challenge is November 13 and 14 at the Boulders at Skyrise, Florence Arizona.

Click here for a link to the PDF: Wilderness Challenge Handout

Click here for a link to the Physical (just fill out parts A and C): BSA Physical Form

Email the completed packet to santanvarsity@gmail.com  or call Stephen Follett for instructions or questions.

Dress is hat, levis and long sleeve shirt.
Bring a compass, GPS, pocket knife (folding variety NO sheath knives) for activities.

You will be responsible for your dinner, breakfast and lunch.

Scout On!

El Lobo

(BUMPED UP TO THE TOP OF PAGE)

Caving - Planning Resources

Here is a great resource on planning your caving trip.  It is four pages another coach put together.  Make sure and review it against all the current rules and guide to safe scouting, etc.  Thanks to Coach Newitt.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/21656536/Varsity-Scouts-Caving

And, some more pictures of another group enjoying Peppersauce.

Scout On!

Peppersauce Caves Report October 2009

Here is the report from the Coach.  (If you want to share your trip, please send me a report and pictures to post.)

Thanks for the helmets and light. Helped much.


We had a great campout this weekend to Peppersauce Caves north of Tucson. We camped the Friday night on the desert floor under the stars (which were out in numbers) due to the higher abundance of wood (believe it or not). We arrived after dark (since there is nothing close to Phoenix for camping) and promptly found a scorpion (the really small dangerous kind). Later we found another animal that grandma doesn't like and then a swarm of ants. The one got the shovel and the ants were taken care of with lighter fluid and a match. After lights out, a skunk wandered into camp to pay his respects. Then around 1:30AM a pack of at least 3 coyotes decided to wander in a make noise for half an hour (tips for next time: open the meat over the fire pit). One coyote camp back around again at 3:30 and 5:00 just to make sure that no one was sleeping.

The cave was fun. It is publically owned but unmarked and tricky to find (even with a map). The opening is like crawling under a desk. Inside is quite warm and muddy with several passages. There are several lakes down there as well. We had three boys go and one other leader besides me. We had a larger leader (250 lb) for the overnighter, but he opted out of the cave (go figure). Being the tyrant that I am, I had everyone with helmets and three sources of light. It took only a few smacked heads to make everyone glad they had them.

Here are a few shots from the cave. The shot with my other leader was the best of one called "the rabbit hole" to some or "the birth canal" to others (I'm coaxing him through in one of the shots. He wasn't too excited about the trip in general. You have to turn your head sideways and lead with one hand to get through. The other tight one that I'm coming out of is called the "lemon squeeze" (not like Led Zeppelin). That one is literally head-down diving into a hole. The toughest part was scaling a 12-ft wall with nothing but the opposing wall to push against with knees mostly, since there were very few grips.

Good fun. Can't wait to do it again.
P.S. Here are some websites:


http://www.sdmb.org/Trails/Trail-Pepper.html
http://www.sdmb.org/TrailDesc/Peppersauce-Map.jpg
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1245412576050804046wQDatn

Bring it on Baby!

Wilderness Challenge is less than a month away!!!



















Scout On!

$1.00 liquid filled Compass

From a fellow coach:

Here is a deal I saw today on a compass for $1 with free shipping.

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/25293/Transparent-Compass-w--Neck-Lanyard-1

The reviews indicate this is satisfactory for scout work....

Scout On!

Flint and Steel

Without endorsing any, here are some sources that I found with a quick search:

http://www.black-bear-haversack.com/product_info.php/products_id/2167?osCsid=c176efb8229bf56e2a8e9faf71ae071a

(UPDATE--I ordered 50 flint and steel from Black Bear Haversack. They all throw very nice sparks, but it is best if you get a bigger peice of flint, some that I got were too small to effectively throw a spark for a beginner.   Ask me about finding a "flint" in Arizona.)

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Verns-Flint-and-Steel__W0QQ_armrsZ1QQ_fsubZ190405519
http://www.crazycrow.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CCTP&Product_Code=4868-010-001&Category_Code=

I just happen to have bought the kit that Crazy Crow sells.  It works.

Scout On!