Here are the details for tonight’s meeting:

Topic: BoyScouts Troop287’s Zoom Meeting
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/74178203858?pwd=SUYxNEtPNThZZEwrTzNhSUZEWkgrZz09

Meeting ID: 741 7820 3858
Password: 0BtFgg

Troop,

Just in case you didn’t scroll down the website and use the same link from last week, here it is again!

Topic: BoyScouts Troop287’s Zoom Meeting
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/74178203858?pwd=SUYxNEtPNThZZEwrTzNhSUZEWkgrZz09

Meeting ID: 741 7820 3858
Password: 0BtFgg

Troop,

Unfortunately, the BSA, Colorado Springs, nor Colorado has lifted the bans on group gatherings. I was hopeful that we would actually be able to at least meet with some distance between us, but we need to follow the guidelines established by our higher authorities. In addition, there is a fire ban in place for the entirety of El Paso County. We could make individual fires, however, we would not have enough fire pits to accomodate all of the Scouts who would show up to the meeting anyway.

That being said, we will need to have another Zoom meeting this week. I am hoping to have Austin present and DEMONSTRATE how to properly PREPARE and light a fire using basic materials (no gas, petroleum jelly, lint tinder, etc.-basically, just a knife, a couple (TWO max) of matches, and a log), such as the single log fire method. I will coordinate with Austin (and Mr. Petree) before the meeting to ensure he can make this happen in a safe manner to allow you all to see how it is done.

You are all welcome to be at your own firepit in your back yard or wherever, and follow along Austin’s teachings/guidance/leadership. Just be respectful and allow him the time to develop his teachings, because last time they did the single log challenge, I heard it took nearly an hour to get the fire going well enough to burn the string set above their fire station.

Anyway, we will focus on that for tomorrow night’s meeting. Next week we will look at another Scout skill, maybe lashings, first aid, navigation, or something like that.

I will post the Zoom meeting info tomorrow night, which is the same as last weeks, since it is a re-occurring meeting.

If you are a First Four Scout (new Scout, Scout Rank, Tenderfoot, Second or First Class), and you have completed some rank requirements, let your Patrol Leader know (via email or call them direct), then let the SPL and me know, so I can adjust Scoutbook and get you credit where credit is due. Several Scouts have sent me videos directly where they have demonstrated their Skills and Knowledge. This is totally acceptable as credit. I have already done one Scoutmaster Conference over Facetime (congrats Cam Hughes-the Troop’s latest Scout to earn the Scout Rank).

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please let me know.

Dan

Troop, with all this Zoom stuff, I feel like we are in the Air Force!

Just kidding. Here is what I would like to do tonight:

Have some of you guys finish up some requirements for Public Speaking and then plan a together meeting for next week. It will be a short meeting, depending on how quickly you guys plan.

See you in a bit.

Dan

Topic: BoyScouts Troop287’s Zoom Meeting
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/74178203858?pwd=SUYxNEtPNThZZEwrTzNhSUZEWkgrZz09

Meeting ID: 741 7820 3858
Password: 0BtFgg

Troop,

The Governor of Colorado has said to not have in-person school for the rest of the year. Our schools have not yet announced this, but it is likely coming.

Anyway, below is the information for tonight’s Zoom meeting. We will continue our Public Speaking MB and see how you guys feel about moving forward with another badge after we complete this one.

Topic: BoyScouts Troop287’s Zoom Meeting
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74178203858?pwd=SUYxNEtPNThZZEwrTzNhSUZEWkgrZz09

Meeting ID: 741 7820 3858
Password: 0BtFgg

Dan

Troop, here is the data for tonight’s zoom meeting:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74178203858?pwd=SUYxNEtPNThZZEwrTzNhSUZEWkgrZz09

Meeting ID: 741 7820 3858
Password: 0BtFgg

The plan is to continue the Public Speaking MB, so I hope you all prepared your bio (3-5 min), or a short 3-5 min talk about a subject you like (if you already did your bio).

Be Prepared!

Dan

Social Distancing Merit Badge

All Merit Badges** – ->April 1, 2020<- – **
Buy a Social Distancing patch

Requirements for the Social Distancing merit badge:

1. Do the following:
   
   1. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter when practicing Social Distancing, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
   2. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while Social Distancing, including irritability, lethargy, gaining weight, cabin fever
   3. Define the following Social Distancing terms:
      • flatten the curve
      • self-quarantine
      • incubation
      • R-naught
      • binge-watching
      • slow the spread
      • do the five
2. List and explain at least 5 different ways to estimate a 6-foot distance. For example, “6 feet equals 1 Ryan Reynolds”.
3. Rank the following 20 popular sports from Best to Worst for Social Distancing appropriateness: football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, golf, boxing, car racing, wrestling, volleyball, swimming, skiing, bowling, horse racing, martial arts, weight lifting, ultimate, bicycling, speed skating
4. Do the following:
   1. Create a list of at least 5 common Social Distancing hashtags, for example #StayHome. Your list may not include #StayHome.
   2. Create a list of at least 5 new hashtags that you feel would help people understand, remember, or implement proper Social Distancing.
   3. Share your two lists with your counselor. Be prepared to explain your new hashtags to your counselor.
5. Using Zoom or other remote conferencing software approved by your counselor, do the following:
   1. Install and configure the conferencing software on your computer or handheld electronic device.
   2. Help another person install and configure the conferencing software.
   3. Schedule and run a meeting that lasts at least 5 minutes and includes at least 5 people. The people must include yourself, your counselor, and at least one other adult.
6. Demonstrate to your counselor your ability to socially distance yourself by doing at least 4 of the following Social Distancing activities:
   1. Wash your hands correctly
   2. Cough into your elbow
   3. Wave to another person
   4. Pass someone on a walking path
   5. Correctly put on and take off nitrile gloves
   6. Sew a face mask
   7. Order a take-out meal for your family using a phone or the internet. You or your parent may pay for the meal.
7. Simulate Social Distancing by doing the following:
   1. Live in a simulated quarantine environment by not leaving your house or physically interacting with any other humans except your immediate family for 4 days. During this simulation, complete at least three of these tasks:
      1. Complete 1 jigsaw puzzle of at least 500 pieces
      2. Memorize lyrics to 3 songs
      3. Play 12 games of solitaire
      4. Play 10 games of Pandemic 2 or similar symptoms simulator.
      5. Watch 1 full season of any video series, totaling at least 6 hours and approved by your parent or guardian
      6. Read 1 book of at least 300 pages
      7. Watch at least 4 movies starring Tom Hanks
      8. Make a Bucket List of at least 12 things you want to do once your quarantine is over
   2. Document what you did and present your accomplishments to your counselor, patrol, or troop in a 2-minute presentation
8. Find out about three career opportunities in the global health industry. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.

Troop, as promised last night, here are the requirements for the Public Speaking MB. Some of you have already completed requirement 1. If you have, please start on requirements 2 and 4. I will select a random subject for you for requirement 3.

Requirements for the Public Speaking merit badge:

1. Give a three- to five-minute introduction of yourself to an audience such as your troop, class at school, or some other group.
2. Prepare a three- to five-minute talk on a topic of your choice that incorporates body language and visual aids.
3. Give an impromptu talk of at least two minutes, either as part of a group discussion or before your counselor. Use a subject selected by your counselor that is interesting to you but that is not known to you in advance and for which you do not have time to prepare.
4. Select a topic of interest to your audience. Collect and organize information about this topic and prepare an outline. Write an eight- to 10-minute speech, practice it, then deliver it in the conversational way.
5. Show you know parliamentary procedure by leading a discussion or meeting according to accepted rules of order; or by answering questions on the rules of order.

Troop, below is the invite for tonight’s meeting.

BoyScouts Troop287 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. We will discuss how everyone is doing and address any rank and MB related issues you guys might be having.

See you tonight!

Dan

Topic: Troop 287 Weekly 4/7/20
Time: Apr 7, 2020 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Tue, until Jul 14, 2020, 15 occurrence(s)
Apr 7, 2020 07:00 PM
Apr 14, 2020 07:00 PM
Apr 21, 2020 07:00 PM
Apr 28, 2020 07:00 PM

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://us04web.zoom.us/meeting/u5wqf-qprTItH_C4NBuK8dYGM97AmL4tlg/ics?icsToken=98tyKu-gqTMpG9ect1yCRbcvW539bM_IlllxifdzvgrOWyRqRS6vYcNPHuZrHN-B

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/687831397?pwd=dnVjWW85b0JBMDZpYm9Gdlo1Qkx1QT09

Meeting ID: 687 831 397
Password: 1o3V3H

Troop, we are going to try some on-line meetings to see how it goes. We will use the zoom application. You can download it on your phone and use it from there, or log in through a computer by copying and pasting the link below in your browser.

You do not need an account to join the meeting. We are limited to 40 minutes for a Zoom meeting (because we don’t have an account). If this works out, we may consider purchasing this for the troop until the “together ban” lifts. That way we can hold meetings as long as we need to.

This meeting will run similar to our in person meetings, with an opening, briefing by the SPL, and some admin stuff. We cant really do one on one things, but we can discuss in a group forum how we are coping with all this business going on. We can also discuss some of the on-going MB work some of you are participating in.

Here are the details for the meeting:

SPL Geren is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Troop 287 Weekly 3/31/20
Time: Mar 31, 2020 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/117977506

Meeting ID: 117 977 506

Troop,

Just bumping the last two posts about flipgrid for Eprep and Rank ADV. scroll down to the previous posts to get the links.

Dan

Troop,

During this downtime, I would like to challenge the older Scouts in developing a platform to encourage learning. Use the flipgrid site to create educational videos demonstrating Scout skills. We can also use this format for rank advancement.

I will create another board so we can post our videos to the site. If you are a younger Scout, you can go through your handbook and post your knowledge in a short video. After a review, you will get credit for completing that rank requirement. This will help you stay active and engaged in your Scouting.

If you are interested, the Flipgrid link is:
flipgrid.com/bsat287rankadv.
Or just go to Flipgrid.com and enter this code: 8cc2ee2f.

Dan

Troop,

This whole world-wide situation seems to bring up a great time to think about Emergency Preparation. Or, maybe we are a little behind the power curve on this one!

The governor has basically closed Schools for another month (until April 17th). For many of you, this means doing your sch oolwork online and emailing, or posting results of your teacher’s assignments to a website. Many of us parents have either taken some classes online, or had some training conducted online, or something like that. So, now it is your turn to get that experience.

Anyway, I thought I would give this on-line training stuff a try with you guys. If you attend Eagleview, you may be familiar with Flipgrid. It is a platform for learning where the teacher posts a short video discussing the requirements, and the students respond in kind with their answers, comments, or whatever is required.

I would like to try this format on this site with the E-Prep MB. If it works out well, we will do other badges this way (and I will encourage the higher ranking Scouts to lead some Rank ADV as well). I also encourage the other Adult Leaders to take up something like this as well. Even if it is just discussing what they have learned from MB work (Cit in Community pops to mind!)

Below is the link to the E-Prep “class”. Be fore-warned: I still require the E-Prep worksheet to be filled out. You can download it from the links, as well as the workbook.

Here is how the class will run: I will post an intro video about E-Prep and discuss the (9) requirements. What I expect from you is that you do the worksheet print or hand written is fine, so long as I can read it when you turn it in. Scanned copies will work since we will be separate for a while.

If you have already completed the First Aid MB (Requirement 1), then you are good to go. If you have not completed it, no worries, we will get to that MB this summer, likely. But by then, you will be done with the rest of the E-Prep MB.

I will also expect you to post a response video for the requirements 2a, 3 (a-d), 4, 5, 6- a recap of what you learned during this requirement, and 8-an explanation of your kits (a walkthrough of the kits).

Rehearsal of your videos is important, so “Be Prepared” before you start shooting the video! Geren has graciously volunteered to do the first set of videos. You can emulate how he does his or be as creative as you want (get family members involved-it’ll be fun!)

If you have an issue posting your videos, we can work something out, no worries. I want you to be successful in this endeavor and learn something as well. So if you have limiting circumstances, let me know.

I also encourage learning from each other by discussing (politely) what each other has posted with a response post of your own. Not a requirement, but encouraged. Ideas for your kits is an easy one. Not everyone has the same stuff available or may not think of that “gadget” that may end up being really useful.

Requirement 7 is the tricky one. Here is what will happen: You will write up a plan to aid the local office of emergency management in a disaster relief effort. There will be many agencies involved and our troop will be assigned by the Volunteer Coordinator to direct traffic into a huge parking lot located in the north west side of the New Life Church (Google map it for reference). The Incident Command Headquarters will be located inside the church, with the various agencies aiding in the disaster located within the building as well. Our Troop will be assigned to direct traffic into the parking lot in an organized manner. Also, Care and Share will have a distribution point on the south east side of the church where we will also be tasked to route recipient traffic through so they get the goods they need to survive for a few days. Your plan should have a map of parking and traffic flow (your parents can lend assistance with this part). The map should show where parking is, how the care and share line will be run and how those folks will be separated from the folks who are working at the headquarters. Your plan should have an equipment list as well. Just remember-we may be working into the night!

You are doing your part in the current “emergency situation” by practicing social distancing, staying home and NOT going out into public crowded areas unnecessarily, I think you are participating in an Emergency Service Project (a real one). However, I still want to see your efforts in drafting up a plan!

The rest of the requirements will be “graded” and discussed individually when you turn in your worksheet. We can do that via FaceTime, Skype, or whatever with your parents permission (and presence).

There are many resources available for research on this topic. A simple Internet search will land you sufficient results.

I know there is a lot of work associated with this MB, however, it is an Eagle Required Badge, and I would really like you all to take something away from this badge. If you sign up, please understand that a bit of effort is required.

Here is a kicker: if you are interested in the Moviemaking Merit Badge, let me know before you start videos on this one, we can work the requirements together.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AADA829A7FE3-emergency

I will also be available via phone, or video chat. Just give me a heads up since I still have to work at the police department during this madness.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.

Here is the link to the class (use @BSAt287 as the password-case sensitive). Log in with the code: mcguire3820. Then enter the password above.

https:flipgrid.com/a7ba0ae6

Dan

Troop,

Due to the closure of D-11 (the schedule we follow), and the Covid social distancing stuff, we are not having meetings until at the earliest April.

In the interest of keeping you all (and your parents) sane, take up a couple of merit badges and learn some stuff. Here is a list of MB’s our troop has counselors for (some of the admin ones just take research on line):
One the Council site:
American Business
Archery
Athletics
Camping
Cit in Community
Communications
Crime Prevention
Cycling
Emergency Preparedness
Family Life
Fingerprinting
Home Repairs
Journalism
Metalwork
Personal Fitness
Personal Management
Public Speaking
Safety
Skating
Woodwork

Not listed on the Council site (may need a renewal):
Backpacking
First Aid
Geocaching
Hiking
Law
Nature
Orienteering
Sports
Wilderness Survival
Rifle Shooting
Scuba
Swimming
Cooking
Pioneering
Dog Care
Fishing
Automotive Maintenance
Cit in the World
Coin Collecting
Theater
Digital Technology
Entrepreneurship
Astronomy
Photography
Golf
Leather work
Inventing
Indian Lore

Just shoot me an email (cc your parents) and I will approve your MB selection (and let you know who in our troop is a counselor for it). If you choose a MB that is not listed, you can find a list of MB counselors here: http://www.pikespeakbsa.org/Advancement/MBC2 . You’ll have to contact that particular counselor to determine what they need from you (you’ll need the approved blue card first).

I will counsel you on any of the MBs I am qualified for via email, Facetime (with your parents permission), Skype, or whatever so you need to be successful. Personally, I require the workbook to be filled out (hand written or typed is fine); scanned and emailed is good.

I am sure the other Scoutmasters will be willing to do the same. You’ll just need to coordinate with them directly.

Stay safe, and wash your hands!

Dan

Troop,

After careful consideration, coordination, contemplation, (and some other words that start with C), I have decided to cancel the trip this weekend.

If you purchased perishable food and would like reimbursement, let me know, we will get you squared away. For any non-perishables, we can save for future use, and will reimburse you for them as well.

I know this is not the decision many of you were looking for, but I want to err on the side of caution to protect the Scouts and Adult Leaders. Maybe I am being over protective (been known for that), but I believe this is the best decision for the Troop. Please know that I did not come to this decision lightly. For those of you who know me, I routinely will push the envelope to get things to happen, but this is not one of those times.

As a parent, I really want to go and have fun camping and shooting with my kid. As a leader, I feel it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of all who are involved in our activities. Not only exposure of our kids to each other, but to the many other Scouts and Scouting families who are attending CCD this weekend, and utilizing the camp and range facilities (shotgun, archery, and the other half of the rifle range).

Thanks for all the support you guys have shown via text message and such. I appreciate it.

As far as future meetings, D-11 is closed for the next two weeks, so Game Night is cancelled for the 17th. We will re-evaluate our meetings at the beginning of April. I will make a post as to where we are in that process when the time comes (school districts are re-evaluating on Mar 26th).

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.

Dan

Troop, this weekend the range is reserved and so is the campsite out at Cris Dobbins, near Elbert, CO.

NUT ALLERGY FOR THOSE PURCHASING FOOD: NO NUTS THIS WEEKEND.
Here is the plan: Ethan G. and Austin P. are purchasing the food for their patrols. There are a total of 7 Scouts attending (according to the sign-up) on Saturday (plan and purchase accordingly, gents!). I think there will be 5 adult leaders there on Saturday to help supervise each other (because the Scouts don’t need supervision, right!)

Elbert County is currently under Stage 2 fire restrictions due to high winds and dry conditions, so we will not be able to have any open fires. Camp stoves and stuff like that are good to go, but no fire pit.

Weather (dress and pack appropriately). I don’t think we have anyone going that has not been on a cold weather trip, so please make sure you bring the right stuff:

Packing: As with most cases, we like to pack out as if we were hiking across country. Self sufficiency and all that. pack what you need, but don’t over do it because you have to carry it all yourself!

Timeline (these are the hard times. Scouts will develop the backwards planning for meals and other marginal incidental things:
5:30pm Friday: Meet up at the barn and cross load equipment and kids. then roll out to CCD, set up camp, sleep. (Dinner on your own or bring it with)
8:00am Saturday: Range goes hot, Mr. Warner will provide instruction and all that. (b-fast prior-planning by Scouts)
1:00pm (or whenever): Range goes cold. We clean firearms and turn them in.
2:00pm: return to camp and work ADV, camp skills and all that fun Scout stuff. Lunch, dinner, sleep~.
No later than 10am Sunday: back at the barn for pickup. (we may be there earlier for recovery operations); (b-fast & pack-up is determined on the motivation of the crew)

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please let me know. I likely forgot something.

Dan

Troop,

This week we seem to have nice weather. We also have a few things to do at this week’s meeting:
1. Mr. Durrenberger will go over some of the Cit in the Community MB work that you guys were supposed to have completed (~30 min).
2. We need to complete Campout Prep. We have a reservation at Camp Cris Dobbins for Friday and Saturday nights. We also have a reservation for their Rifle Range all day on Saturday. (I am working the logistics of what Firearms we can use there – theirs or ours and stuff like that). Regardless, we are going to shoot some targets! (~30mins)
3. Have some fun and maybe get some requirements signed off by PLs and the SPL/ASPL.(~30mins)

Sign up here (timeline is in the signup):

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AADA829A7FE3-rifle

Dan

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AADA829A7FE3-camp

Troop, Here is an updated link for Camp Card sales this weekend. Mrs. Durrenberger secured us another date in April to sell cards. I’ve added it to the sign up.

Free for all on the March date, go ahead and sign up for any slot you would like to sell for.

Also, please fill in the gaps in the time slots. This way we can have continuity for cards and money from the start of the day until the last shift. If we don’t have someone to hand the cards and money to, that person will be responsible for maintaining it until the next shift shows up.

Dan

Troop,

This week will be focused on rank advancement. Since Mother Nature was not feeling well for the month of February and wreaked havoc on our meeting schedule, we have to make a few adjustments. No biggie.

We had an awesome time camping this weekend up in the rampart range. We had five Scouts learn a few things about fire making and a few tips ad tricks about bushcrafting.

Anyway, lets go through our books and make sure what we have done is documented in our Scoutbooks. I know a few of the newer Scouts are chomping at the bit to take care of some rank advancement tasks.

If you need a SM Conference, let me know via the sign up genius link below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4aada829a7fe3-scoutmaster

See you on Tuesday night!

Dan

Troop,

Here is a re-post for the Scout Sunday you all heard about during hte CoH. We are looking for about 10 Scouts to participate. A great way to give back to the organization which gives us a home for Scouting.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4aada829a7fe3-scout

Dan