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Jul. 10, 2006
Boy Scout update
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I heard from Spenser tonight. He was very excited. He told me he had 2
very important things to tell me. He got his "Totin' Chip" which means he is
allowed to carry his pocket knife. (Its a safety issue-- they have to have this
in order to use a knife on a scouting event)
From the website:
This certification grants a Scout the right to carry and
use woods tools. The Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated by
his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the
following:
1. Read and understand woods tools use and safety rules
from the Boy Scout Handbook.
2. Demonstrate proper handling, care, and use of the pocket knife, ax, and saw. 3. Use knife, ax, and saw as tools, not playthings. 4. Respect all safety rules to protect others. 5. Respect property. Cut living and dead trees only with permission and good reason. 6. Subscribe to the Outdoor Code. The Scout's "Totin' Rights" can be taken from him if he
fails in his responsibility.
He also got his "Firem'n Chit" which means he can carry matches and build
fires.
From the website:
This certification grants a Scout the right to carry
matches and build campfires. The Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone
designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the
following:
1. Read and understand fire use and safety rules from
the Boy Scout Handbook.
2. Secure necessary permits (regulations vary by locality). 3. Clear all flammable vegetation at least 5 feet in all directions from fire (total 10 feet). 4. Attend to fire at all times. 5. Keep fire-fighting tools (water and/or shovel) readily available. 6. Leave fire when it is cold out. 7. Subscribe to the Outdoor Code and Leave-No-Trace. The Scout's "Firem'n Rights" can be taken from him if he
fails in his responsibility.
So he was very excited about that. He also got a South Korea flag pin from
a girl, but we didn't get into why there's a girl at Boy Scout camp or why she
gave him a pin.
  He couldn't do the swimming merit badge, but he is allowed to swim in open
swim time (which he described as a long time, so that was good.) And he does get
to do canoeing. In place of swimming he gets to do music, and he has to write a
song that is 12 measures long. He wants me to bring his recorder to family
night on Wednesday (the instrument not a device to record.)
He said they got to do something really fun called "KP" LOL. I am
thinking he can have KP duty at home anytime he wants.
  I packed 10 granola bars and a bag of beef jerky-- he told me tonight he
has 2 granola bars left. He said "I was hungry and I shared with some of the
guys." So I told him I would bring more snacks Weds. He has some cash so he
can get snacks at the trading post if he is starving. He spent $1 today on a
slushee so he is pacing himself with his money. He wants a whetstone that is $5
to sharpen his knife, so I told him to wait and I would try to bring him $5 on
Weds.
Anyway he was very positive and very excited about it. He didn't tell me
about archery or riflery or fishing but I think he will call me tomorrow night
so I will ask about them then. Reed was crying tonight-- missing him and
worried about his arm, so I was able to tell her that I had talked to him and he
was fine. He called while I was at the park walking with 2 friends, so
the girls didn't get to talk to him, nor Jason.
I think this is such a great experience for him, and I am so thankful he
got to go. (the cub scout troop paid for him to go out of the popcorn sales
from last year even though he had moved up to Boy Scouts. Otherwise he could
not have gone because it is $175.) I am also thankful that he belongs to a
homeschool Christian troop and his scout leaders are Godly men whom I trust.
Jason has been around them a lot on overnight trips and such and he says that
the Scoutmaster (Bill) is wise and has a real heart for the boys and is a really
good guy. The boys themselves have impressed me so much with their friendliness
and politeness. They are good kids and I am happy for Spenser to be around
them.
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