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Wednesday, August 06, 2008 - 10:08 AM
Thursday, July 31, 2008
By Helen Lounsbury hlounsbury@bc-times.com | 450-9994 LUPTON - The Kenyan girls here keep their heads and bodies covered, no matter the 90-degree heat. The Curacaons didn't know what peanut butter was. The Saudis stop to pray five times daily, even while tubing the Rifle River. The Australians shot guns for the first time. And the Kazakhstanis can't understand why Americans eat snacks in place of hot meals. As distinct as their cultures and languages are, differences are fading this week, even as they're celebrated, for 800 Boy Scouts gathered near Lupton. The group - as many are foreign as American, and a third are girls - have pitched tents for eight days on 630 forest acres called the Northwoods Reservation. It's the Boy Scouts of America Michigan International Camporee, a gathering of Scouts from 25 nations. The event aims to create global learning and friendship opportunities. ''We are all Scouts,'' says Abdullah Monaquil, 17, from Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, furrowing his brow over questions about differences. ''The differences aren't so big. They make it fun. They show us we are really alike.'' Alike, for example, in loving to sing, dance and perform, activities that unfolded at the Camporee's international night, on Tuesday. As Scouts performed native songs and dances in traditional attire, their audience couldn't help but answer invitations to join performers on the Camporee's giant outdoor stage. ''The kids were mesmerized. We all were,'' says John Hinkle, a Camporee volunteer from Garden City who had to hold speakers Tuesday to keep them from rocking off a shaking stage. ''The Taiwanese did this beautifully choreographed fan dance. Then the Argentineans performed, and the Jordanians and the Trinidad and Tobago groups danced. The kids just poured onto the stage to dance with them. ''You couldn't have fit another foot out there.'' The camaraderie is getting better as the week progresses, Scouts and their leaders say. On Wednesday, the Hungarians contributed. The contingent's Scout master demonstrated, then taught fellow Scouts, Hungary's cowboy whip-cracking tradition. His leather whips cracked like gunfire as he thrashed them in single, then double time, forward, backward and around his body. Nearby, another Scout group swished and swayed as a Netherlands Antilles Scout master taught her native dancing. A few Scout groups, in particular the Trinidad contingent, couldn't suppress their own jazzier dance step as they tried to mimic the instructor's flowing movements. Everyone laughed. ''The Camporee is about these opportunities,'' muses volunteer staff member Keith Cantrall, a Holt, Mich., Eagle Scout turned Scout leader. ''How many opportunities have you had to come to one place and meet people from all over the world in a setting that's intimate enough to spark lifelong friendships across the world?'' Cantrall, who attended an International Scout Jamboree in 1983, still writes and visits a Canadian friend he made there, he says. Today, Scouts in his own troop visit foreign Scouts for no other reason than friendship, he adds. Such friendships were already cementing as the Camporee opened Sunday. That's because the campout follows week-long home stays for internationals at Scout family homes across Michigan. ''I always heard Americans were rude so I zipped up my defense suit to prepare for this shock,'' says Kenyan Scout Gaya Okello. ''Kenyans are very reserved. I thought I'd find Americans mouthy. But everyone is so friendly. That's my shock. I already have a book of contacts I hope will become lifelong friends.'' E-mail will no doubt help. The Northwoods camporee, held every four years, hosts a new ''Internet Cafe.'' Camporee veterans who once exchanged street addresses to write occasional letters now say they e-mail their transcontinental Scouting friends continuously. On opening day, too, Republic of China Scouts installed Chinese characters on the cafe's computers so they, too, could join the growing network. Yet such electronics are restricted at camp. Scouts are scheduled 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m. with a steady flow of challenge projects, cultural activities, swimming, archery, shooting, team sports and traditional crafts. Throughout, Scouts mix company with their foreign brothers - and sisters. For all-male Boy Scout organizations like the Saudis, that co-ed arrangement takes getting used to, to say the least, leaders say. For other groups, the camp's sheer scope - 362 acres with a 90-acre lake - is bewildering. ''I didn't expect such a big camp and long walks,'' says Yanira Garcia, a 12-year-old girl from Belize. ''We have 300,000 people in my whole country. Walking here, I feel like I'm crossing all of Belize.'' Wednesday, August 06, 2008 - 10:08 AM
President Bush Receives Scouts Affected By Tornado at Little Sioux Scout Ranch In a ceremony honoring recipients of the "Scouts in Action" commendation, President Bush opened The White House doors today and warmly greeted the 114 Scouts who exhibited bravery during the June 11th tornado that swept trough Iowa's Little Sioux Scout Ranch.
"We are honored by this recognition from President Bush and thrilled to visit The White House. We appreciate the President's support and are grateful for his tribute to the courageous actions taken in response to the tornado at Little Sioux Ranch," said Lloyd Roitstein, Mid-America Council's Scout Executive. "The situation at Little Sioux Scout Ranch underscores the value of what we teach and accomplish through Scouting." Hosted by the National Capital Area Council (NCAC), this trip was made possible through donations to both the Mid-America Council and NCAC. Following the Scouts' visit with President Bush, this action-packed day included a tour of the Boy Scout Memorial, World War II Memorial and Washington Monument conducted by the National Park Service, lunch at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce followed by a tour of the United States Capitol by Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and dinner at the NCAC's Camp William B. Snyder in Haymarket, Virginia. Boy Scouts of America president and Mid-America Council Board member John Gottschalk said, "Some have referred to our "Scouts in Action" as heroes. In out hearts, we know they are. But, what is so remarkable is that they were doing what they were trained and prepared to do. The were doing what comes naturally to a Scout." Commenting on the Scouts' visit, Alan Lambert, Scout Executive for the NCAC said, "We are delighted to host our fellow Scouts and Scouters from Little Sioux Ranch here in our nation's capital. In doing so, we remember their bravery and especially those who lost their lives." Thursday, July 10, 2008 - 12:32 PM
Blood inventory levels have fallen so low that the Triangle Chapter of the American Red Cross is unable to meet the demand of local hospitals, the chapter announced Thursday.
"While there is a constant need for all blood types, donors with type O positive, O negative, A positive and A negative are asked to take an hour of time to help save a life by donating as soon as possible at a drive location near them,” according to the group’s press release. It is especially crucial for donors with type O blood to donate within the next few days. Type O is the most common blood type and is used extensively by hospitals. Type O blood donors are considered universal red cell donors because their blood can be given to most other blood types in emergencies when there is no time to type a patient’s blood. Hospitals commonly experience an increase in traumas during the summer, making the need for type O blood even greater. The Red Cross has four donation centers in the Triangle area available to the public to schedule a donation appointment. Those interested in donating should call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) to find out the locations and hours of operation of the center closest to them. You may also go to www.givelife.org. “The need for blood never takes a vacation,” said Robert Fechner, chief executive officer of American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. “Blood donations typically decline during the summer months, but hundreds of blood transfusion are given to treat area hospital patients every day. Unless donors respond immediately, hospitals may need to postpone elective or non-emergency surgeries.” In the summer, blood shortages often occur because individual donations decrease, along with the number of organizations that are able to sponsor blood drives. The absence of high school and college blood drives also contributes to this annual drop in donations because these drives account for approximately 20 percent of all donations in the Carolinas region. The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region needs approximately 1,600 people to donate blood and platelets each weekday to meet the needs of hospital patients. Most people who are age 17 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to give blood every 56 days. Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 06:18 PM
Camp activities are continuing to be a-buzz in Mid-America Council.
The Little Sioux Scout Ranch has been closed for the summer to allow time to repair the remaining buildings and determine the next steps to be taken. The ranger's home will have to be rebuilt at the very least. MAC staff and properties committee members will consider all options and avenues before jumping into making any decisions. Meanwhile, the summer's activites scheduled for LSSR have been rescheduled for one of the other MAC camps, Camp Eagle. Normal summer sessions of Boy Scout camp are in full swing at what many consider to the "main camp" called Camp Cedars. Rendezvous is still being planned for Thomas Ashford Scout Reservation. Camp Butterfield is being enjoyed by Scouts who enjoy very primative camping. And Camp Wakonda has all the normal Cub Scout activities still on the calendar. Although the Scouting Family of MAC continues to mourn the loss of four fine young leaders, they press onward. The thoughts and prayers from across the nation and around the world have been felt and greatly appreciated. The families of the four boys who perished in the tornado on June 11 are doing their best to adjust to life without their sons. note to editor (I could not find a contact to send a personal message about the statement that LSSR is our "only council camp." In fact LSSR is what many of us call our "high adventure" camp or "naturalist camp" set in the Loess Hills. I do not expect any of this to be published but I felt the need to clarify the misinformation. I am a Scoutmaster, a camp volunteer, and a Nischa Nimat District volunteer. I know only what I have heard through the grapevine, on the local news, and of course our council's website-concerning the boys' families-and what my experience of many years in MidAmerica Council has taught me about how decisions are made here. I have Scouting friends in Ireland who heard the terrible news and contacted me. I encourage all interested parties to go to the MAC website for more information. thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Yours In Scouting Kristine Price) Friday, June 13, 2008 - 11:08 PM
Council asks for respect and dignity be shown during tragic time.
I am sure that you are all aware of the tragedy that happened last night at the Mid-America Council’s Little Sioux Scout Ranch. We are all saddened by the news and I am sure that you would like to show your support for the families who have lost their loved ones. Currently, the Mid-America Council has asked that family members of those who are afflicted be the ones who call the Council Offices. Due to the sensitivity of the parents during this time of mourning, rather than call the scout office, please keep the scouts, scouters, and their families in your prayers. Because the council has lost their only scout camp, it is more than likely that they will need the Nation’s support to rebuild what was lost. The council is likely to have a drive for the camp later this year after an assessment has been done. Please keep watch of the Mid-America Council Website for information on donations in the near future. Their site is: Matt Price Hemlock District Marketing Chair Wednesday, June 04, 2008 - 12:24 AM
We're having a chili-cookoff at the June roundtable (though we may not have judging and prizes)
Monday, June 02, 2008 - 06:22 PM
Space is limited to this once in a lifetime experience of the National Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia! In 2015, the Jamboree is set to be on the other side of the country - it's wild, it's wonderful, it's next door in Virginia!
In 2005, over 31,700 Youth attended, making up the 883 jamboree troops present! It's not just a National event - It is an international sensation with Scouts from 26 Nations attending! In 2010, let's make it 50,000! Boy Scouts from all over America will come together in Virginia to celebrate their 100th anniversary at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. Imagine a scout gathering where in a few days we become the 5th largest city in the state of Virginia! Imagine 10 days where you can participate in almost every adventure imaginable. Want to learn SCUBA, rappel, throw a tomahawk, swim, kayak, mountain board, work on merit badges (over 100 offered), catch fish, shoot skeet, practice archery, the list of activities is almost endless. Council and National web sites are accepting registrations for the 2010 National Jamboree. Please pass the word to adults interested in contingent leader or staff positions to go online and make their reservations. Youth applications are also on line. Remember, there is only 288 spaces available! Everyone must make the initial registration on line with the national web site, the complete process is on the council web page. Don't forget to have your BSA ID number ready to go. The BSA requires all adults who are attending to have Youth Protection completed no less than 2 years before going to the Jamboree. Please make the effort to attend this training by visiting myscouting.org or through your unit's Training Coordinator as soon as possible. Occoneechee Council 2010 Jamboree Committee www.jambo2010.ocscouts.org National Council MyScouting Portal Website: http://www.scouting.org/Applications/MyScoutingFull.aspx In addition, information will be available at the next Roundtable. 2010 National Jamboree Flyer. Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 05:03 PM
The following activities may be of interest to Venture units:
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