"To be friendly, to retain respect, to praise, to preserve authority, to direct and yet to leave detail, to exact what is due, and yet to deserve it--these be the qualities of a leader, and cannot be taught."
From The Forest, by Stewart Edward White in 1903.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
In the Forest
There's an excellent book called "The Forest". Stewart Edward White, an honorary Boy Scout, wrote it in 1903. It's worth the free download.
Watching our scouts and adults build great campfires at White Memorial last weekend and on the AT in November reminded me of White's advice on how to build a fire, and the lessons earned from making a great camp. This is long. If you want, skip ahead to the last paragraph. At least read that; it's worth it. He writes:
"A roll of birch bark first. Then some of the small, dry, resinous branches that stick out from the trunks of medium-sized pines, living or dead. Finally, the wood itself. Pile your fuel--a complete supply, all you are going to need--by the side of yoru already improvised fireplace. But, as you value your peace of mind, do not fool with matches.
"The civilized method is to build a fire and then to touch a match to the completed structure. the only sure way is as follows: Hold a piece of birch bark in your hand. Shelter your match all you know how. When the bark has caught, lay it in your fireplace, assist it with more bark, and gradually build up, twig by twig, stick by stick, from the first pin-point of flame, all the fire you are going to need. it will not be much. The little hot blaze rising between the parallel logs directly against the aluminum of your utensils will do the business in very short order. In fifteen minutes at most your meal is ready. And you have been able to attain hot food quickly because you were prepared.
"In the woods, as nowhere else, you will earn your leisure only by forethought. Make no move until you know it follows the line of greatest economy. To putter is to wallow in endless desolation. If you cannot move directly and swiftly and certainly along the line of least resistance in everything you do, take a guide with you; you are not of the woods people. You will never enjoy doing this for yourself, for your days will be crammed with unending labour."
Let's be people of the woods. Not too many things better than earning our leisure.
Watching our scouts and adults build great campfires at White Memorial last weekend and on the AT in November reminded me of White's advice on how to build a fire, and the lessons earned from making a great camp. This is long. If you want, skip ahead to the last paragraph. At least read that; it's worth it. He writes:
"A roll of birch bark first. Then some of the small, dry, resinous branches that stick out from the trunks of medium-sized pines, living or dead. Finally, the wood itself. Pile your fuel--a complete supply, all you are going to need--by the side of yoru already improvised fireplace. But, as you value your peace of mind, do not fool with matches.
"The civilized method is to build a fire and then to touch a match to the completed structure. the only sure way is as follows: Hold a piece of birch bark in your hand. Shelter your match all you know how. When the bark has caught, lay it in your fireplace, assist it with more bark, and gradually build up, twig by twig, stick by stick, from the first pin-point of flame, all the fire you are going to need. it will not be much. The little hot blaze rising between the parallel logs directly against the aluminum of your utensils will do the business in very short order. In fifteen minutes at most your meal is ready. And you have been able to attain hot food quickly because you were prepared.
"In the woods, as nowhere else, you will earn your leisure only by forethought. Make no move until you know it follows the line of greatest economy. To putter is to wallow in endless desolation. If you cannot move directly and swiftly and certainly along the line of least resistance in everything you do, take a guide with you; you are not of the woods people. You will never enjoy doing this for yourself, for your days will be crammed with unending labour."
Let's be people of the woods. Not too many things better than earning our leisure.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Epic Canoe Traverse for the Ventures
Congratulations to Troop 76 Ventures for stringing together two epic canoe "traverses" through the most remote parts of New York's Adirondack Park. The scouts planned the trip, including meals, gear, float plan, and emergency contacts, for 6 nights and 7 days. Our excellent outfitter, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, runs 10-12 scout trips a year, and confessed they hadn't seen one as ambitious and well-planned as ours.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Happy Flag Day
Who knew Flag Day was started right here in Hartford 150 years ago, at the beginning of the Civil War? Thanks to Cam B. and John C-M for getting up VERY early to put out flags in Simsbury today. Great way to keep up the troop tradition. Downtown looked great.
According to the official flag code, the flag should be displayed outdoors between sunrise and sunset. Cam and John took care of sunrise (which was hidden by the rain). Nate L., Harley, and Ryan C. got the flags down at sunset.
Stay tuned for more information about flag retirement later this summer at the historical society, including a Civil War film, revolutionary war cannon, tomahawk throwing, and an optional campover.
Follow the link in the title for a cool article about the history of Flag Day, June 14.
According to the official flag code, the flag should be displayed outdoors between sunrise and sunset. Cam and John took care of sunrise (which was hidden by the rain). Nate L., Harley, and Ryan C. got the flags down at sunset.
Stay tuned for more information about flag retirement later this summer at the historical society, including a Civil War film, revolutionary war cannon, tomahawk throwing, and an optional campover.
Follow the link in the title for a cool article about the history of Flag Day, June 14.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Heat 4Q Comeback: Experience & Teamwork Win Out
So much for the Bulls' great defense all season. Heat come back form 12 down with two minutes to go by spreading it around three great players and team defense. They shut down the MVP at the end of the game.
Connor will do a great job as SPL next year. Next up: Find the rest of the Big 3 to round out a strong, experienced Senior Patrol.
Connor will do a great job as SPL next year. Next up: Find the rest of the Big 3 to round out a strong, experienced Senior Patrol.
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