Eagle Court of Honour

Today the parents went to a meeting about the Court of Honour on Wednesday, and at 5 PM I went to the Eagle Scout Court of Honour for Cory and Chris Picklesiemer.

Chapter Meeting

Today in the Wakaree Chapter meeting we had elections for the 2013 chapter officers. I was elected as Vice Chief of Technology / Communications.

Scouts

Today in scouts we read the constitution, and talked about it for the Citinship in the Nation Merit badge.

Erwin Park day 2

Today on the campout we had pancakes for breakfast, and packed up early to get back for General Conference.

Campout - Erwin Park

Today I went on a campout at Erwin Park. We had a Campfire program, and did skits.We also had persion sausages for dinner.

Camporee Comitee

Today I went to a planing meeting for the next Northern Lights/Golden Arrow camporee. I got appointed ASPL over the compititions for the younger scouts, and my assistant is Nick Baulm. We dicused plans for the camporee, elected a SPL, who appointed ASPLs for Compititions (younger/older) and Marketing.

Scouts

Today in scouts Brother Nine wasn't there and Brother Grumbles stood in for him. We had a paper airplane contest, then worked on the personal fitness merit badge. I did 40 push-ups 31 sit-ups and 4 pull-ups.

Miki Olympics

I went to the Miki Olympics this weekend. Durring the individual events, I participated in archery, and the highest score I got was a 25. After lunch, I went and through tomohacks at wood platforms.

Cross TImbers Day 2

Today we ate oatmeal for breakfast, then broke camp and set off for the cars. On the way we found a geocache, and stoped at the same campsite as we did last year for a break, but this time the water was higher and the beach was gone.

Cross Timbers

We went on a campout today at Cross Timbers, we camped in the same spot we did last year, and ate dehydrated rice and chiken.

Scouts

In scouts today we worked on the Physical Fitness merit badge again. Brother Nine set up a course to run, We ran down Roundrock from the church, and at the .5 mile point Brother Nine had put a strip of duck tape. When I got there the duck tape was gone, but I recognized the house from the picture he had shown us, and turned around to run back. I finished the course in 9:25 and did one pull-up.

Scouts

Tonight in scouts we worked on the Personal Fitness merit badge. We did alot of bookwork, then took the measurements. I did 15 push-ups, 47 sit-ups.

Round Table

I went to my first Round Table tonight. We put cookies on our forehead and tried to eat them without using our hands. Later we watched a power point about NOAC, and talked about the fall fellowship. It is like the Olympics, and the Vigil call out happens once a year there.

Canoe Trip: Day 2

We finished the canoe trip. The was alot of debris in the way. We had to lift our canoes over logs, and once we had to push the around them. The scouts waited at the end, while the adults went and got the trailer. I am going to help clean the canoes on Monday.

Canoe Trip: Day 1

Today I am going on the yearly canoe trip. We are putting are stuff into five gallon buckets so that it won't get wet. We will be going down the Elm Fork of the Trinity River.

Nuclear Science Merit Badge

Today I finished the Nuclear Science Merit Badge. Here are the requirements:
1.Do the following:
a. Tell what radiation is.
b. Describe the hazards of radiation to humans, the environment, and wildlife. Explain the difference between radiation exposure and contamination. In your explanation, discuss the nature and magnitude of radiation risks to humans from nuclear power, medical radiation, and background radiation including radon. Explain the ALARA principle and measures required by law to minimize these risks.
c. Describe the radiation hazard symbol and explain where it should be used. Tell why and how people must use radiation or radioactive materials carefully.
2.Do the following:
a. Tell the meaning of the following: atom, nucleus, proton, neutron, electron, quark, isotope; alpha particle, beta particle, gamma ray, X-ray; ionization, radioactivity, and radioisotope.
b. Choose an element from the periodic table. Construct 3-D models for the atoms of three isotopes of this element, showing neutrons, protons, and electrons. Use the three models to explain the difference between atomic number and mass number and the difference between the quark structure of a neutron and a proton.
3.Do ONE of the following; then discuss modern particle physics with your counselor:
a. Visit an accelerator (research lab) or university where people study the properties of the nucleus or nucleons.
b. Name three particle accelerators and describe several experiments that each accelerator performs.
4.Do TWO of the following; then discuss with your counselor the different kinds of radiation and how they can be used:
a. Build an electroscope. Show how it works. Place a radiation source inside and explain the effect it causes.
b. Make a cloud chamber. Show how it can be used to see the tracks caused by radiation. Explain what is happening.
c. Obtain a sample of irradiated and non-irradiated foods. Prepare the two foods and compare their taste and texture. Store the leftovers in separate containers and under the same conditions. For a period of 14 days, observe their 149 rate of decomposition or spoilage, and describe the differences you see on days 5, 10, and 14.
d. Visit a place where radioisotopes are being used. Using a drawing, explain how and why they are used.
5.Do ONE of the following; then discuss with your counselor the principles of radiation safety:
a. Using a radiation survey meter and a radioactive source, show how the counts per minute change as the source gets closer to or farther from the radiation detector. Place three different materials between the source and the detector, then explain any differences in the measurements per minute. Explain how time, distance, and shielding can reduce an individual’s radiation dose.
b. Describe how radon is detected in homes. Discuss the steps taken for the long-term and short-term test methods, tell how to interpret the results, and explain when each type of test should be used. Explain the health concern related to radon gas and tell what steps can be taken to reduce radon in buildings.
c. Visit a place where X-rays are used. Draw a floor plan of this room. Show where the unit, the unit operator, and the patient would be when the X-ray unit is operated. Explain the precautions taken and the importance of those precautions.
6.Do ONE of the following; then discuss with your counselor how nuclear energy is used to produce electricity:
a. Make a drawing showing how nuclear fission happens, labeling all details. Draw another picture showing how a chain reaction could be started and how it could be stopped. Explain what is meant by a “critical mass.”
b. Build a model of a nuclear reactor. Show the fuel, control rods, shielding, moderator, and cooling material. Explain how a reactor could be used to change nuclear energy into electrical energy or make things radioactive.
c. Find out how many nuclear power plants exist in the United States. Locate the one nearest your home. Find out what percentage of electricity in the United States is generated by nuclear power plants, by coal, and by gas.
7.Give an example of each of the following in relation to how energy from an atom can be used: nuclear medicine, environmental applications, industrial applications, space exploration, and radiation therapy. For each example, explain the application and its significance to nuclear science.
8.Find out about three career opportunities in nuclear science that interest you. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession and discuss this with your counselor. Tell why this profession interests you.
I did 1, 2, 3a, 4a, 4d, 5b, 6a, 7, 8

Scouts

Today in scouts we worked on the book work for the Physical Fitness Merit Badge.

Court of Honor

At the court of honor today, I got the patches for Camping, Soil and Water Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Management, Climbing, Pioneering, Geology, and my Life Scout rank. Also I got the packet from my ordeal in April.

Camping Merit Badge

I finished the Camping merit badge today. Here are the requirements:
1.Show that you know first aid for and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur while camping, including hypothermia, frostbite, heat reactions, dehydration, altitude sickness, insect stings, tick bites, snakebite, blisters, and hyperventilation.
2.Learn the Leave No Trace principles and the Outdoor Code and explain what they mean. Write a personal plan for implementing these principles on your next outing.
3.Make a written plan for an overnight trek and show how to get to your camping spot using a topographical map and compass OR a topographical map and a GPS receiver.
4.Do the following:
a. Make a duty roster showing how your patrol is organized for an actual overnight campout. List assignments for each member.
b. Help a Scout patrol or a Webelos Scout unit in your area prepare for an actual campout, including creating the duty roster, menu planning, equipment needs, general planning, and setting up camp.
5.Do the following:
a. Prepare a list of clothing you would need for overnight campouts in both warm and cold weather. Explain the term "layering."
b. Discuss footwear for different kinds of weather and how the right footwear is important for protecting your feet.
c. Explain the proper care and storage of camping equipment (clothing, footwear, bedding).
d. List the outdoor essentials necessary for any campout, and explain why each item is needed.
e. Present yourself to your Scoutmaster with your pack for inspection. Be correctly clothed and equipped for an overnight campout.
6.Do the following:
a. Describe the features of four types of tents, when and where they could be used, and how to care for tents. Working with another Scout, pitch a tent.
b. Discuss the importance of camp sanitation and tell why water treatment is essential. Then demonstrate two ways to treat water.
c. Describe the factors to be considered in deciding where to pitch your tent. d. Tell the difference between internal- and external-frame packs. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.
e. Discuss the types of sleeping bags and what kind would be suitable for different conditions. Explain the proper care of your sleeping bag and how to keep it dry. Make a comfortable ground bed.
7.Prepare for an overnight campout with your patrol by doing the following: a. Make a checklist of personal and patrol gear that will be needed.
b. Pack your own gear and your share of the patrol equipment and food for proper carrying. Show that your pack is right for quickly getting what is needed first, and that it has been assembled properly for comfort, weight, balance, size, and neatness.
8.Do the following:
a. Explain the safety procedures for:
1. Using a propane or butane/propane stove
2. Using a liquid fuel stove
3. Proper storage of extra fuel
b. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of lightweight cooking stoves.
c. Prepare a camp menu. Explain how the menu would differ from a menu for a backpacking or float trip. Give recipes and make a food list for your patrol. Plan two breakfasts, three lunches, and two suppers. Discuss how to protect your food against bad weather, animals, and contamination.
d. Cook at least one breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner for your patrol from the meals you have planned for requirement 8c. At least one of those meals must be a trail meal requiring the use of a lightweight stove.
9.Show experience in camping by doing the following:
a. Camp a total of at least 20 days and 20 nights. Sleep each night under the sky or in a tent you have pitched. The 20 days and 20 nights must be at a designated Scouting activity or event. You may use a week of long-term camp toward this requirement. If the camp provides a tent that has already been pitched, you need not pitch your own tent.
b. On any of these camping experiences, you must do TWO of the following, only with proper preparation and under qualified supervision:
1. Hike up a mountain, gaining at least 1,000 vertical feet.
2. Backpack, snowshoe, or cross-country ski for at least 4 miles.
3. Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at least four hours.
4. Take a nonmotorized trip on the water of at least four hours or 5 miles.
5. Plan and carry out an overnight snow camping experience.
6. Rappel down a rappel route of 30 feet or more.
c. Perform a conservation project approved by the landowner or land managing agency. 10.Discuss how the things you did to earn this badge have taught you about personal health and safety, survival, public health, conservation, and good citizenship. In your discussion, tell how Scout spirit and the Scout Oath and Law apply to camping and outdoor ethics.

Life Scout

I went and had my board of reveiw today for my life scout. Now I get to work on getting my eagle scout.

Sign off

I went to Brother Nine's house today to get my 6 months signed off for my life scout.

Geology Merit Badge

I finished the Geology Merit Badge today. Here are the requirements:
1.Define geology. Discuss how geologists learn about rock formations. In geology, explain why the study of the present is important to understanding the past.
2.Pick three resources that can be extracted or mined from Earth for commercial use. Discuss with your counselor how each product is discovered and processed.
3.Review a geologic map of your area or an area selected by your counselor, and discuss the different rock types and estimated ages of rocks represented. Determine whether the rocks are horizontal, folded, or faulted, and explain how you arrived at your conclusion.
4.Do ONE of the following:
a. With your parent's and counselor's approval, visit with a geologist, land use planner, or civil engineer. Discuss this professional's work and the tools required in this line of work. Learn about a project that this person is now working on, and ask to see reports and maps created for this project. Discuss with your counselor what you have learned.
b. Find out about three career opportunities available in geology. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for the profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.
5.Complete ONE of the options listed below A, B, C, or D.
a. Surface and Sedimentary Processes Option
1. Conduct an experiment approved by your counselor that demonstrates how sediments settle from suspension in water. Explain to your counselor what the exercise shows and why it is important.
2. Using topographical maps provided by your counselor, plot the stream gradients (different elevations divided by distance) for four different stream types (straight, meandering, dendritic, trellis). Explain which ones flow fastest and why, and which ones will carry larger grains of sediment and why.
3. On a stream diagram, show areas where you will ,find the following features: cut bank, fill bank, point bar, medial channel bars, lake delta. Describe the relative sediment grain size found in each feature.
4. Conduct an experiment approved by your counselor that shows how some sedimentary material carried by water may be too small for you to see without a magnifier.
5. Visit a nearby stream. Find clues that show the direction of water flow, even if the water is missing. Record your observations in a notebook, and sketch those clues you observe. Discuss your observations with your counselor.
b. Energy Resources Option
1. List the top five Earth resources used to generate electricity in the United States.
2. Discuss source rock, trap, and reservoir rock - the three components necessary for the occurrence of oil and gas underground.
3. Explain how each of the following items is used in subsurface exploration to locate oil or gas: reflection seismic, electric well logs, stratigraphic correlation, offshore platform, geologic map, subsurface structure map, subsurface isopach map, and core samples and cutting samples.
4. Using at least 20 data points provided by your counselor, create a subsurface structure map and use it to explain how subsurface geology maps are used to find oil, gas, or coal resources.
5. Do ONE of the following activities:
a. Make a display or presentation showing how oil and gas or coal is found, extracted, and processed. You may use maps, books, articles from periodicals, and research found on the Internet (with your parent's permission). Share the display with your counselor or a small group (such as your class at school) in a five minute presentation.
b. With your parent's and counselor's permission and assistance, arrange for a visit to an operating drilling rig. While there, talk with a geologist and ask to see what the geologist does onsite. Ask to see cutting samples taken at the site.
c. Mineral Resources Option
1. Define rock. Discuss the three classes of rocks including their origin and characteristics.
2. Define mineral. Discuss the origin of minerals and their chemical composition and identification properties, including hardness, specific gravity, color, streak, cleavage, luster, and crystal form.
3. Do ONE of the following:
a. Collect 10 different rocks or minerals. Record in a notebook where you obtained (found, bought, traded) each one. Label each specimen, identify its class and origin, determine its chemical composition, and list its physical properties. Share your collection with your counselor.
b. With your counselor's assistance, identify 15 different rocks and minerals. List the name of each specimen, tell whether it is a rock or mineral, and give the name of its class (if it is a rock) or list its identifying physical properties (if it is a mineral).
4. List three of the most common road building materials used in your area. Explain how each material is produced and how each is used in road building.
5. Do ONE of the following activities:
a. With your parent's and counselor's approval, visit an active mining site, quarry, or sand and gravel pit. Tell your counselor what you learned about the resources extracted from this location and how these resources are used by society.
b. With your counselor, choose two examples of rocks and two examples of minerals. Discuss the mining of these materials and describe how each is used by society.
c. With your parent's and counselor's approval, visit the office of a civil engineer and learn how geology is used in construction. Discuss what you learned with your counselor.
d. Earth History Option
1. Create a chart showing suggested geological eras and periods. Determine which period the rocks in your region might have been formed.
2. Explain to your counselor the processes of burial and fossilization, and discuss the concept of extinction.
3. Explain to your counselor how fossils provide information about ancient life, environment, climate, and geography. Discuss the following terms and explain how animals from each habitat obtain food: benthonic, pelagic, littoral, lacustrine, open marine, brackish, fluvial, eolian, protected reef.
4. 4.Collect 10 different fossil plants or animals OR (with your counselor's assistance) identify 15 different fossil plants or animals. Record in a notebook where you obtained (found, bought, traded) each one. Classify each specimen to the best of your ability, and explain how each one might have survived and obtained food. Tell what else you can learn from these fossils.
5. Do ONE of the following:
a. Visit a science museum or the geology department of a local university that has fossils on display. With your parent's and counselor's approval, before you go, make an appointment with a curator or guide who can show you how the fossils are preserved and prepared for display.
b. Visit a structure in your area that was built using fossiliferous rocks. Determine what kind of rock was used and tell your counselor the kinds of fossil evidence you found there.
c. Visit a rock outcrop that contains fossils. Determine what kind of rock contains the fossils, and tell your counselor the kinds of fossil evidence you found at the outcrop.
d. Prepare a display or presentation on your state fossil. Include an image of the fossil, the age of the fossil, and its classification. You may use maps, books, articles from periodicals, and research found on the Internet (with your parent's permission). Share the display with your counselor or a small group (such as your class at school). If your state does not have a state fossil, you may select a state fossil from a neighboring state.
I did 1,2, 3, 4a, and 5a.

Geologist

Today I went to see a geologist for the Geology Merit Badge requirerment 4. On the way back I finished requirement 1 also.

Scouts

Today in scouts we discused both campouts for the second half of the year, and we started the Physical Fitness merit badge.

Scout Camp: Day 6

Today we packed up, ate breakfast, and got back to Plano, Tx before 1 PM.

Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge

Here are the requiremants for the Soil ans Water Conservation Merit Badge:
1.Do the following:
a. Tell what soil is. Tell how it is formed.
b. Describe three kinds of soil. Tell how they are different.
c. Name the three main plant nutrients in fertile soil. Tell how they can be put back when used up.
2.Do the following:
a. Define soil erosion.
b. Tell why soil conservation is important. Tell how it affects you.
c. Name three kinds of soil erosion. Describe each.
d. Take pictures of or draw two kinds of soil erosion.
3.Do the following:
a. Tell what is meant by "conservation practices".
b. Describe the effect of three kinds of erosion-control practices.
c. Take pictures of or draw three kinds of erosion-control practices.
4.Do the following:
a. Explain what a watershed is.
b. Outline the smallest watershed that you can find on a contour map.
c. Outline, as far as the map will allow, the next larger watershed which also has the smaller one in it.
d. Explain what a river basin is. Tell why all people living in a river basin should be concerned about land and water use in the basin.
5.Do the following:
a. Make a drawing to show the hydrologic cycle.
b. Demonstrate at least two of the following actions of water in relation to the soil: percolation, capillary action, precipitation, evaporation, transpiration.
c. Explain how removal of vegetation will affect the way water runs off a watershed.
d. Tell how uses of forest, range, and farmland affect usable water supply.
e. Explain how industrial use affects water supply.
6.Do the following:
a. Tell what is meant by water pollution.
b. Describe common sources of water pollution and explain the effects of each.
c. Tell what is meant by "primary water treatment," "secondary waste treatment," and "biochemical oxygen demand."
d. Make a drawing showing the principles of complete waste treatment.
7.Do TWO of the following:
a. Make a trip to two of the following places. Write a report of more than 500 words about the soil and water and energy conservation practices you saw.
1. An agricultural experiment.
2. A managed forest or a woodlot, range, or pasture.
3. A wildlife refuge or a fish or game management area.
4. A conservation-managed farm or ranch.
5. A managed watershed.
6. A waste-treatment plant.
7. A public drinking water treatment plant.
8. An industry water-use installation.
9. A desalinization plant.
b. Plant 100 trees, bushes and/or vines for a good purpose.
c. Seed an area of at least one-fifth acre for some worthwhile conservation purposes, using suitable grasses or legumes alone or in a mixture.
d. Study a soil survey report. Describe the things in it. Using tracing paper and pen, trace over any of the soil maps, and outline an area with three or more different kinds of soil. List each kind of soil by full name and map symbol.
e. Make a list of places in your neighborhood, camps, school ground, or park having erosion, sedimentation, or pollution problems. Describe how these could be corrected through individual or group action.
f. Carry out any other soil and water conservation project approved by your merit badge counselor.

Scout Camp: Day 5

Today I went on the Bohannon 10 mile hike. It ended early because of the weather, but I was still tired when I got back. Durring freetime, I went and did my conservation project for Soil and Water Conservation, and finished the Merit Badge.

Climbing Merit Badge

Here are the requirements for the Climbing Merit Badge:
1.Do the following:
a. Show that you know first aid for and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur during climbing activities, including heat and cold reactions, dehydration, stopped breathing, sprains, abrasions, fractures, rope burns, blisters, snakebite, and insect bites or stings.
b. Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person.
2.Learn the Leave No Trace principles and Outdoor Code, and explain what they mean.
3.Present yourself properly dressed for belaying, climbing, and rappelling (i.e., appropriate clothing, footwear, and a helmet; rappellers and belayers must also wear gloves).
4.Location. Do the following:
a. Explain how the difficulty of climbs is classified, and apply classifications to the rock faces or walls where you will demonstrate your climbing skills.
b. Explain the following: top-rope climbing, lead climbing, and bouldering.
c. Evaluate the safety of a particular climbing area. Consider weather, visibility, the condition of the climbing surface, and any other environmental hazards.
d. Determine how to summon aid to the climbing area in case of an emergency.
5.Verbal signals. Explain the importance of using verbal signals during every climb and rappel, and while bouldering. With the help of the merit badge counselor or another Scout, demonstrate the verbal signals used by each of the following:
a. Climbers
b. Rappellers
c. Belayers
d. Boulderers and their spotters
6.Rope. Do the following:
a. Describe the kinds of rope acceptable for use in climbing and rappelling.
b. Show how to examine a rope for signs of wear or damage.
c. Discuss ways to prevent a rope from being damaged.
d. Explain when and how a rope should be retired.
e. Properly coil a rope.
7.Knots. Demonstrate the ability to tie each of the following knots. Give at least one example of how each knot is used in belaying, climbing, or rappelling.
a. Figure eight on a bight
b. Figure eight follow-through
c. Water knot
d. Double fisherman's knot (grapevine knot)
e. Safety knot
8.Harnesses. Correctly put on at least ONE of the following:
a. Commercially made climbing harness
b. Tied harness
9.Belaying. Do the following:
a. Explain the importance of belaying climbers and rappellers and when it is necessary.
b. Belay three different climbers ascending a rock face or climbing wall.
c. Belay three different rappellers descending a rock face or climbing wall using a top rope.
10.Climbing. Do the following:
a. Show the correct way to tie into a belay rope.
b. Climb at least 3 different routes on a rock face or climbing wall, demonstrating good technique and using verbal signals with a belayer.
11.Rappelling. Do the following:
a. Using a carabiner and a rappel device, secure your climbing harness to a rappel rope.
b. Tie into a belay rope set up to protect rappellers.
c. Rappel down three different rock faces or three rappel routes on a climbing wall. Use verbal signals to communicate with a belayer, and demonstrate good rappelling technique.
12.Demonstrate ways to store rope, hardware, and other gear used for climbing, rappelling, and belaying.

Pioneering Merit Badge

Here are the requirements for the Pioneering Merit Badge:
1.Show that you know first aid for injuries or illness that could occur while working on pioneering projects, including minor cuts and abrasions, bruises, rope burns, blisters, splinters, sprains, heat and cold reactions, dehydration, and insect bites or stings.
2.Do the following:
a.Successfully complete Tenderfoot requirements 4a and 4b and First Class requirements 7a, 7b, and 7c. (These are the rope-related requirements.)
b.Tie the following: square knot, bowline, sheepshank, sheet bend, and roundturn with two half hitches.
c.Demonstrate the following: tripod and round lashings.
3.Explain why it is useful to be able to throw a rope, then demonstrate how to coil and throw a 40-foot length of 1/4- or 3/8-inch rope. Explain how to improve your throwing distance by adding weight to the end of your rope.
4.Explain the differences between synthetic ropes and natural-fiber ropes. Discuss which types of rope are suitable for pioneering work and why. Include the following in your discussion: breaking strength, safe working loads, and the care and storage of rope.
5.Explain the uses for the back splice, eye splice, and short splice. Using 1/4- or 3/8-inch three-stranded rope, demonstrate how to form each splice.
6.Using a rope-making device or machine, make a rope at least 6 feet long consisting of three strands, each having three yarns.
7.Build a scale model of a signal tower or a monkey bridge. Correctly anchor the model using either the 1-1-1 anchoring system or the log and stake anchoring method. Describe the design of your project and explain how the anchoring system works.
8.Demonstrate the use of rope tackle to lift a weight of 25 pounds and pulling a log at least 6 inches in diameter and 6 feet long with the tackle. Use the tackle to put tension on a line. Explain the advantages and limitations of using a rope tackle. In your explanation, describe the potential damage that friction can do to a rope.
9.By yourself, build an A-trestle OR X-trestle OR H-trestle using square and diagonal lashings. Explain the application of the trestle you build. Demonstrate how to tie two spars together using a shear lashing.
10.With a group of Scouts, OR on your own, select a pioneering project. With your counselor's guidance, create a rough sketch of the project. Make a list of the ropes and spars needed, then build the project. (Note: This requirement may be done at summer camp, at district or council events, or on a troop camp outing.)

Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge

Here are the requirments for the Fish and Wildlife Managemant Merit Badge:
1.Describe the meaning and purposes of fish and wildlife conservation and management.
2.List and discuss at least three major problems that continue to threaten your state's fish and wildlife resources.
3.Describe some practical ways in which everyone can help with the fish and wildlife effort.
4.List and describe five major fish and wildlife management practices used by managers in your state.
5.Do ONE of the following:
a. Construct, erect, and check regularly at least two artificial nest boxes (wood duck, bluebird, squirrel, etc.) and keep written records for one nesting season.
b. Construct, erect, and check regularly bird feeders and keep written records of the kinds of birds visiting the feeders in the winter.
c. Design and implement a backyard wildlife habitat improvement project and report the results.
d. Design and construct a wildlife blind near a game trail, water hole, salt lick, bird feeder, or birdbath and take good photographs or make sketches from the blind of any combination of 10 wild birds, mammals, reptiles, or amphibians.
6.Do ONE of the following:
a. Observe and record 25 species of wildlife. Your list may include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Write down when and where each animal was seen.
b. List the wildlife species in your state that are classified as endangered, threatened, exotic, game species, furbearers, or migratory game birds.
c. Start a scrapbook of North American wildlife. Insert markers to divide the book into separate parts for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Collect articles on such subjects as life histories, habitat, behavior, and feeding habits on all of the five categories and place them in your notebook accordingly. Articles and pictures may be taken from newspapers or science, nature and outdoor magazines; or from other sources including the Internet (with your parent's permission). Enter at least five articles on mammals, five on birds, five on reptiles, five on amphibians, and five on fish. Put each animal in alphabetical order. Include pictures whenever possible.
7.Do ONE of the following:
a. Determine the age of five species of fish from scale samples or identify various age classes of one species in a lake and report the results.
b. Conduct a creel census on a small lake to estimate catch per unit effort.
c. Examine the stomach contents of three species of fish and record the findings. It is not necessary to catch any fish for this option. You may visit a cleaning station set up for fishermen or find another, similar alternative.
d. Make a freshwater aquarium. Include at least four species of native plants and four species of animal life, such as whirligig beetles, freshwater shrimp, tadpoles, water snails, and golden shiners. After 60 days or observation, discuss with your counselor the life cycles, food chains, and management needs you have recognized. After completing requirement 7d to your counselor's satisfaction, with your counselor's assistance, check local laws to determine what you should do with the specimens you have collected.
8.Using resources found at the library and in periodicals, books, and the Internet (with your parent's permission), learn about three different kinds of work done by fish and wildlife managers. Find out the education and training requirements for each position.

Scout Camp: Day 4

This is what I did today in my classes:
Emergency Prepardness-
We went over what to do I someone got lost.
Climbing-
I learned how to coil a rope, and finished the merit badge.
Soil and Water Conservation-
We learned the Water Cycle, and how to recycle sewage.
Pioneering-
We built models of towers, and rebuilt the tripod that held the water coolers, and I finished it today.
Fish and Wildlife Managemant-
We had the fish dissection during freetime, so I finished the merit badge.

Scout Camp: Day 3

This is what I did in my classes today:
Emergency Prepardness-
We went over carries, and caried someone up Cardiac Hill.
Climbing-
I finished 2 cycles in class, and the third durring freetime. (A cycle is Belaying a climber, climbing, belaying a rappeler, and rappelling.)
Soil and Water Conservation-
We wrote consevations projects that we could do.
Pioneering-
We went over lashings today.

Scout Camp: Day 2

This is what I did in each of my clases today:
Emergency Prepardness-
We went over more first aid.
Climbing-
We learned the figure-eight follow though, and went Bouldering.
Fish and Wildlife Management-
We finished except for the fish dessection.
Pioneering-
We went over knots.

Scout Camp: Day 1

I left for scout camp today a 4 AM. When we got there Brother Nine handed out our bracelets and schedules.
This was my schedule:
Emergency Prepardness
Climbing
Fish and Wildlife Manegment/Soil and Water Conservation
Pioneering
For most of today all we did was go over First Aid.

Drop-Off

Today I dropped my stuff off at Brother Nine's house so that he could take it to Scout Camp tomorrow.

Preparation

Today I start getting packed for scout camp.

Communications Merit Badge

I finished the Cummunications merit badge today.
The requirements are:
1.Do ONE of the following:
a. For one day, keep a log in which you describe your communication activities. Keep track of the time and different ways you spend communicating, such as talking person-to-person, listening to teachers or the radio, watching television, reading books and other print media, and using any electronic communication device. Discuss with your counselor what your log reveals about the importance of communication in your life. Think of ways to improve your communications skills.
b. For three days, keep a journal of your listening experiences. Identify one example of each of the following, and discuss with your counselor when you have listened to:
1. Obtain information
2. A persuasive argument
3. Appreciate or enjoy something
4. Understand someone's feelings
c. In a small-group setting, meet with other scouts or with friends. Have them share personal stories about significant events in their lives that affected them in some way. Take note of how each scout participates in the group discussion and how effectively he communicates his story. Report what you have learned to your counselor about the differences you observed in effective communication.
d. List as many ways as you can think of to communicate with others (face-to-face, by telephone, letter, e-mail, text messages, and so on). For each type of communication discuss with your counselor an instance when that method might not be appropriate or effective.
2.Do ONE of the following:
a. Think of a creative way to describe yourself, using, for example, a collage, short story or autobiography, drawing or series of photographs, or a song or skit. Using the aid you created, make a presentation to your counselor about yourself.
b. Choose a concept, product, or service in which you have great confidence. Build a sales plan based on its good points. Try to persuade the counselor to agree with, use, or buy your concept, product or service. After your sales talk, discuss with your counselor how persuasive you were.
3.Write a five-minute speech. Give it at a meeting of a group.
4.Interview someone you know fairly well, like, or respect because of his or her position, talent, career or life experiences. Listen actively to learn as much as you can about the person. Then prepare and deliver to your counselor an introduction of the person as though this person were to be a guest speaker, and include reasons why the audience would want to hear this person speak. Show how you would call to invite this person to speak.
5.Attend a public meeting (city council, school board, debate) approved by your counselor where several points of view are given on a single issue. Practice active listening skills and take careful notes of each point of view. Present an objective report that includes all points of view that were expressed, and share this with your counselor.
6.With your counselor's approval, develop a plan to teach a skill or inform someone about something. Prepare teaching aids for your plan. Carry out your plan. With your counselor, determine whether the person has learned what you intended.
7.Do ONE of the following:
a. Write to the editor of a magazine or your local newspaper to express your opinion or share information on any subject you choose. Send your message by fax, email or regular mail.
b. Create a web page or blog of special interest to you (for instance, your troop or crew, a hobby, or a sport).. Include at least three articles or entries and one photograph or illustration, and one link to some other Web page or blog that would be helpful to someone who visits the Web page or blog you have created. It is not necessary to post your Web page or blog to the Internet, but if you decide to do so, you must first share it with your parents and counselor and get their permission.
c. Use desktop publishing to produce a newsletter, brochure, flier or other printed material for your scout troop, class at school, or other group. Include at least one article and one photograph or illustration.
8.Plan a troop court of honor, campfire program, or an interfaith worship service. Have the patrol leaders' council approve it, then write the script and prepare the program. Serve as master of ceremonies.
9.Find out about three career opportunities in the field of communication. 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.
Also the picture is:
.
I did requirments 1c, 2b (a pen), 3 (talk in church), 4 (my grandma), 5 (city council), 6 (pythagorean theorem), 7b (this blog), 8 (court of honor), 9 (Web Master).

Fundraiser

Today we had our YM fundraiser, for Scout Camp, High Adventure, and Philmont. We sold hot dogs, washed cars, and had a yard sale with things people in our ward donated. People donated clothes, furniture, toys, books, a gumball machine, speakers, a TV, golf clubs, CD cases, a keyboard, hard drives, shelfs, shoes, and someone donated 3 boxes of old vinyl records. Everything that wasn't sold there is being sold on ebay or donated to The Salvation Army. For the carwash, the city on Plano said that we couldn't use soap, because the runoff goes into the nearby creak. I had fun standing on a traffic island holding a sign where Park and Roundrock meet. The night before we all went to Brother Bishop's house to organize everything and to onload. This morning we all went back at 6 am to set up. The fundraser lasted from 7 am to 1 pm, but I had to leave early because I had piano lessons.
The scouts (12-13 year olds) go to scout camp this summer from the 11th to the 16th. It is located at Hale Scout Reservation in Talhinia, Oklahoma. The website is halescoutreservation.org.
The YM 14+ years old are going to high adventure this summer the week after scout camp. It is in Corpus Christie, Texas, but besides that I don't know more about it.
Philmont is next year for 14+ year olds, and is at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. The website is philmontscoutranch.org.

Primitave Camping

Today I am going to go backpacking at Dinosaur Vally state park.

Swimtest

Today I went to Oakpoint to complete the BSA swimtest. I passed and am now a swimmer.

Ordeal

I got back from my Order of the Arrow ordeal early this morning. The project I did was cleaning up a picnic area and later loading branches into a tralor. Someone got brushed by the branches and got Poison Oak all over them, after that the leaders came and inspected all of us for Poison Oak. I was in crew 11. Also, people in my crew kept talking, and the elandromats told them off alot. I haven't gotten my patch yet because the building was closed when I had to leave. Now in 10 monthes I can go back and get my Brotherhood.
I am in Mikanakawa Lodge and the home page is mikanakawa.org, while the home page is oa-bsa.org.