AirCamp 2010 by Blackhawk Area Council

Wow! The AirCamp team did a great job.  I've been traveling since and haven't had a chance to post on the camporee.  There were numerous activities including a zip line, paint ball, and pistol shooting that the scouts were able to participate in.  Along with the camporee, the EAA Young Eagles offered free flights to some of the scouts.  We had about 4700 participants including over 100 units that camped the weekend.  We had scouts from several other councils attend as well and received some very nice emails from them following the event.



Mountain Boarding



Milk Crate Stacking

One thing that we often take for granted is the number of volunteers we have in Blackhawk Area Council willing to give of their time and expertise to help plan and operate an activity as large as AirCamp.  Many of the emails received from outside our council commented at how impressed they were that we were able to put on such an event.  There are many councils that don't even attempt something of this magnitude.



Before



After

The work toward what would become AirCamp 2010 started three years with council wide focus groups to decide what types of activities we would be conducting at the council level for the 100th Anniversary.  One of the activities selected was to have a council camporee.  About two years ago Bill Mugnai agreed to take the role of chairman for the event and spent the next two years recruiting a core team that consisted of Mark Broman (Program), Jim Behrensmeyer (Program), Marilyn Behrensmeyer (Finance), Jeff Moritz (Registration), Mike McCleary (Health & Safety), Tom Siefken (Communications), and Dan Banko (Logistics).  Ed Allen acted as advisor to the committee and stepped in to handle logistics when Dan Banko had health problems.  This group worked for two years to bring AirCamp to life.



Colonel Roosevelt Addresses the Troops



There were many other people who played key roles such as Fran Waller (Cub Scout Program), Ed Colson (Boy Scout Program), Fareen Parkitney and Eve Schroeder (Venturing Program), Chuck Natoli (Subcamp Coordinator), Alan Broadfield (Static Displays), Steve Pierson (EAA), and Bill Nattress (Arena Show).  All contributed a great deal of time to planning and conducting the event.  There were volunteers working at the airport most of the week before the event including Gene Barney who put in the poles used for the zip line and spar pole climbing and Rich Horn who marked out the entire site.  Not to mention the hundred or so other volunteers helping with registration, program, parking, etc.

Thanks to everyone involved in the event.

If you have any pictures please link them to the Blackhawk Area Council Facebook page from your home page.

Extreme Service Project – Blackhawk Area Council Anniversary Event

Last Saturday was the date of the Extreme Service Project conducted by the Order of the Arrow, Walupeju Lodge chapters as one of our council 100^th anniversary events.  Since community service is a big part of the Boy Scouts of America it made sense that one of our anniversary events would be a day of community service.  There were five different locations where local OA chapters arranged for service projects.  In White Eagle District, the Mawat Chapter organized a group to work on the perimeter trail around Camp Lowden.

In Wetassa District, the Wetassa Chapter organized a clean up of Krape Park in Freeport.

In Wanchanagi District, the Gokos Chapter organized a clean up of Klehn Aboretum in Rockford.

In Sycamore District, the Kishwaukee Chapter organized two projects, one at Marengo Woods and the other at The Hollows, both McHenry County Conservation District sites.

All together there were hundreds of scouts and their families that came out to help with the projects.

Patches commemorating the event are available for order, please contact me directly if you would like to have some ordered for your unit.

I also had an event flag that traveled to each site and was signed by participants.  If you did not get a chance to sign the flag and want to borrow it for a unit, district, or chapter event contact me and we can arrange for you to borrow the flag.

2010 National Scout Jamboree

It's been a while since I posted to the blog.  Just too much going on.  I thought I'd start with the National Scout Jamboree held at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia.  This is supposed to be the last Jamboree at A.P. Hill.  In 2013 it is moving to the BSA owned high adventure camp called The Summit.  The Jamboree was a lot of hard work by the volunteers but all of the scouts I talked with had a great time.  

My job at the Jamboree was as one of the team of commissioners in Honest Abe, Subcamp 10.  We were tasked primarily as working with the troops within the subcamp to provide information an help with issues they may have.  For several days prior to the scouts arrival we had to take the area allocated for Subcamp 10 and mark off all of the campsites.  They were already mapped out but translating the map to actual placement isn't easy.  It took three days working in humid, 100 degree days with heat indexes aver 115.  You get used to the heat, but what made this more difficult was they ran out of food for lunch and when we went to dinner there were hour long lines.  Fortunately I still had my car and we were able to drive into town to get something to eat that day and the next.  Below is what Subcamp 10 looked like just before the scouts arrived.

Arrival day is the second hardest day.  We have to be careful moving buses and trucks through congested areas with scouts setting up camp.  It's an all day event.  Once the troops we give them some initial information, like where the bathrooms are located, and leave them to get set up.  We go back later in the day to help them along with the check-in procedures.

Blackhawk Area Council had a number of scouters on staff.  We managed to get one picture that had most of the group including the Guatemala patrol.

As I always tell the scouts, there is much more to do at the Jamboree than you can do in the ten days you are there.  I only managed to get to a few places.  They Actions Alley staff opened the zip line for adult leaders and staff one evening, that was fun.  I was at the NESA tent when the national president, Rex Tillerson.

We had nightly stage shows right across the street from Subcamp 10.  Bill Mugnai worked on the stage which had a variety of entertainment all week that was pretty good.  Indian dancers came out one evening.

The arena shows were a big hit.  The closing show, which was broadcast as the Shining Light, in particular.  That is the one Mike Rowe spoke at and gave a great speech that is available at http://www.ustream.tv/shininglight.  The estimates were between 75k-80k participants in the arena that night all waving U.S. flags, it was very moving.

Another activity was the Conservation Area that had local and national conservation groups including its own Jamboree National Forest.

Move out day was our busiest day as commissioners.  There is a big rush to leave with all of the buses and trucks trying to get in at the same time.  On top of that it rained for only the second time during the Jamboree. A lot of the troops had already taken their tents down and were sleeping under the stars/clouds.  We had a lightening warning around 3 a.m. so we got most of the troops into the dining and commissary tents.  The lightening never developed but it rained all morning until about 9:00.  Because we couldn't get the buses and trucks into the campsites it created a big traffic jam on the roads, eventually everyone managed to get out.

Then the long process of leaving started for us.  We packed and at noon I got a ride to pick-up my car from the storage lot; me and a thousand other staffers.  It took over two hours before I could get my car out of the lot and get back to the campsite.  Just as I arrived they were towing the bathrooms away and had disconnected the showers.  So much for getting cleaned up before we started the long drive back.  We did manage to get into one of the barracks and use the showers there.  It was close to 5:00 PM before we left A.P. Hill for the last time.

On the way back Dan Banko, Ed Allen, and I took a side trip to see The Summit, the new BSA high adventure area and future home of the National Jamboree.  Here is what it looks like today.  What you don't see is the security guards that are there to keep scouters like us out which there is construction going on.

Adventure Base 100 & Canyon Camp Work Day

Another busy weekend last week.  It started with a bus ride into Chicago to support the Adventure Base 100 stop at Douglas Park.  Steve James helped organize the Blackhawk Area Council contingent.  We received compliments from the Chicago Area Council staff both the number of volunteers and how we handled things.  I received an email that showed the Chicago stop had the second highest turnout behind only the Pasedena Rose Parade stop over New Years.  There was just shy of 13k visitors.  Great job by everyone involved.

As it turns out the requirements for another new merit badge, Scouting Heritage, were just released and a visit to Adventure Base 100 meets one of the requirements.  So those Boy Scouts that came out to visit or help have a start on earning that merit badge.

Last weekend was also the Canyon Camp work day sponsored by the Monroe Kiwanis.  I was out on Sunday and helped finish up the new tent platforms that were started on Saturday.  They had over 50 people out on Saturday and got a lot of work done.

This weekend is also a busy weekend with the Camp Properties Workshop, BALOO & WLOT training sessions, Jamboree Shakedown, and the Wood Badge Reunion Dinner.  I hope to see some of you around.

Tour de Blackhawk, Silver Dollars, Pinewood Derby, Galena, Johll Bead Ceremony

Don't miss out on the early registration discount for the Tour de Blackhawk which ends this week (May 1).  All the information can be found at www.blackhawkscouting.org/2010Events/TourDeBlackhawk/TourDeBlackhawk.htm.  John Wurtzel and his committee are putting together a great event.  There is something for everyone with rides from as few as 8 miles to about 100 miles.  There are also some bike rodeos planned for the Cub Scouts.  This is something completely different that Blackhawk Area Council has never done before.  If you are available to help on the day of the event John is looking for some volunteers for various duties.  Just fill out the volunteer form (http://www.blackhawkscouting.org/2010Events/TourDeBlackhawk/TourStaffApplication.pdf) or send John a note.

The BSA Silver Dollars are selling out.  The uncirculated dollars are already gone and there is less than a week's supply of the proofs left.  Don't miss out, by law the mint can not make more.

Two weekends ago the Council Pinewood Derby was conducted by Bob Gingras and his team, which seemed to draw a lot from the Mighty Pack 5, put on another great event.  I received a number of compliments about the event while at the Winnebago Culvers on Saturday.

I even got to race my car on the Worlds Longest Track ... well at least part of it. It wouldn't all fit in the building.  My car took a big lead at the beginning before being passed on the straight by Jerry Coots' Wanchanagi Key 3 car and Rick Sanner's super special.  Unfortunately for them their cars were both disqualified for having illegal wheels.

Last weekend was the U.S. Grant Pilgrimage in Galena.  There was a tremendous turn out for the event this year far surpassing last year's attendance.  The Pilgrimage committee did a great job adding a number of new things this year.  There was a new Venturing Trail Hike, which was more challenging, a GPS Trail Hike, and some new activities like a zip line.  The OA had lines of Cub Scouts participating in an ever growing list of activities that included a monkey bridge, knot tying, bear bag toss, and compass work.  We had nine Generals this year that participated in a scavenger hunt.  If you got all nine you could get a special scavenger hunt pin.  The Army Golden Knights parachute team was present but unable to jump because of the low ceiling.  They did march in the parade and had a signing session following the parade.  I stayed at Canyon Camp with the Sycamore District Venturers which is slowly becoming a tradition for all the Ventuers to stay together.

Sunday I was in Cuba City, Wi (just north of Galena) for Greg Johll's Wood Badge Bead Ceremony.  As part of Greg's ticket he developed an informational video about Diabetes that can help educate volunteers.  We had four of his grandchildren (two Boy Scouts and two Cub Scouts) help with the ceremony.  I hope to get a copy of that picture to post.

Now its time to get ready for Adventure Base 100 on Saturday.  The BSA traveling exhibit will be in Douglas Park in Chicago this weekend and Blackhawk Area Council will be working there on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Adventue Base 100, Boeger Lodge, White Eagle and Wanchanagi Dinners

We've had a lot going on this week.  Monday I was at the Chicago Area Council offices with Steve James working on Adventure Base 100.  Blackhawk Area Council will be supporting AB100 on May 1 from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M.  We still have a few seats left on the staff bus if anyone would like to help out.
On Tuesday I was at the Sycamore District Commissioners meeting.  Seems like I've had a lot of conflicts with that meeting lately but we had a good discussion and Blair is doing a great job as our District Commissioner.
On Wednesday I met with Steve James and Bill Mugnai to plan out what we'll be doing with the stage show during AB100.  We have the stage during our time on May 1 to do whatever we would like.  So if your unit is coming out and would like to do something special let one of us know.
Thursday I had to miss roundtable for a meeting in Rockford relating to the Fredj donation.  For those that may not recognize this, the Fredj's left a very generous fund that generates revenues for use at our camps.  We were discussion plans as to how to best utilize those funds.  In the coming years you'll see a lot more about the effects this will have improving our camps.
On Saturday it was an early start out to Camp Lowden for an 8:00 A.M. start to work day.  It was a chilly 50 degrees when I got out of the car but you could tell it was going to warm up fast.  There was a good turn out and a number of projects were worked on.  Some of our typical start up things like getting the water on and other projects like putting a porch on the rangers house.  I was assigned to put up shelving that we got from the central region in the basement of the Wienke Handicraft Lodge.  With the help of Ed Allen and Marty Mosca all of the shelving was put up which should help organize the storage.

I left Ed and Marty to finish up as we had the Open House for the Boeger Leadership Lodge.  We had a very good turn out for the open house.  A lot of people drove out to tour the building and visit with Jim and Karen.

Dave Savone got the plaque mounted but I forgot to get a picture.  I'll get that next time.  Special thanks to Carol's family for all of the decorations and food.  They were a big help.

Then it was off to the White Eagle District Dinner in Sterling.  The dinners are a favorite of mine because I get to participate in their celebration of the past year's achievements as well as catch up with old friends and meet new volunteers.  Don Rastedi, one of my Wood Badge troop members, took over the emceeing job for an ailing Jim Pepper and did a great job.

The only down side is that when I get home, about 11:30 P.M, I'm too pumped to sleep.

Sunday was back in the car.  First stop was an ceremony for one of our newest Eagle Scouts, Jeff B.  I've know Jeff's family through scouting for many years and it was an honor to be asked to participate in the ceremony.

Then it was off to Rockford for the Wanchanagi District Dinner and the opportunity to visit with the scouters there.  They had a fantastic year under the direction of District Chairman, Jim Behrensmeyer, another of my Wood Badge participants, and District Commissioner Jerry Coots.

Tomorrow we start again.

BSA Commerative Silver Dollars

In case you missed it the commerative dollars are still available at the US Mint.  They are expected to sell out so don't delay in ordering.

Anniversary Week 2010

There were a number of activities planned by units, districts, and council this week to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Scouting in America.  Sunday was Scout Sunday and many of our Scouts attended their local churches at scout services.

On Monday I was invited to attend a reunion of Pecatonica scouts and scouters.  There was a large turn out of people involved with the pack, troop, and/or crew in Pecatonica over the years.

On Wednesday morning we had the Blackhawk Area Council Leadership Breakfast.  We had a good turn out and featured a live hook up with the Continuous Fire.  The breakfast was topped off with fresh cobbler made by two of our troops.

Wednesday was a full day with the Wetassa District Roundtable and Fire Side Chat.  It was a good meeting with a number of suggestions that will be referred to the appropriate council groups to consider.  Thanks to everyone in Wetassa that participated.

Thusday evening was the Sycamore District Roundtable.  Blair Piotroski, District Commissioner, had an anniversary treat for everyone in attendance.

We've had some photos of anniversary activities posted to the Blackhawk Area Council's Facebook page.  As you continue to celebrate the anniversary throughout this month and year please continue to post your pictures.

February 6 & 7, 2010

It's finally here, the start of Scout Week 2010.  Saturday morning I was in Sycamore District helping with the Tiger Time event.  This is a great activity just for Tigers and their adult partners.  They have a variety of activities and a picnic lunch.  I enjoy this one a lot, this is the 12th year I've helped with the activity.

After Tiger Time I made my way to Machnesy Park for the lighting of the Wanchanagi District Continuous Fire.  The fire is a tradition in the area being lit the Saturday at the beginning of Scout Week and burning until the Saturday at the end of Scout Week.  All the local troops take turns maintaining the fire.

On Scout Sunday I attended the awards ceremony in Rockford for the Catholic scouts that had earned their religious award.  It was held at The Cathedral of St. Peter and presided over by Bishop Doran.