03.22.06

Rope Works and Boy Scouts - Part II

Posted in BoyScouts, amusements at 9:37 am by spryken

Ok, I promised to post more information regarding the Knot Program at Troop 352.  Well here is the link to the actual program.  I introduced the program to the boys a couple of meetings ago.  Most seemed excited and there seems to be some competition building as to who will be first to earn the Black Rope.

We have a lot of new Scouts, just crossing over from Webelos.  Several have already asked to test for the Yellow level.  Overall, I think the program will be a success.  We still have to get and provide the White ropes for practice.  And we are going to have an initial test that will allow each Scout to find his current level before the 1 month waiting period requirement goes into effect.

I guess I need to review my knots.  One other Assistant Scout Master and myself have taken on the task of becoming the first Black Ropes for the Leaders.  We need to have the Black Rope level in order to test the boys who want to acheive that level.

Life is good!!

02.22.06

Number of the Beast

Posted in Rants, Religion, amusements, comics at 10:16 am by spryken

Revelation 3:17 so that no-one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.

Some have claimed that the National ID will fulfill this scripture. I am not convinced that the Book of Revelation is prophecy as we understand prophecy. That is the foretelling of the future. Prophecy, strictly speaking, is Forth Telling or proclaiming, not predicting. And the Book of Revelation is actually Apocalyptic Literature, which is a separate genre’ of writing. The basic message is “Things are bad, they are going to get worse. But hold on to your faith, because we win in the end.”

The National ID is a scary proposition. Just think George Orwell and Big Brother. Now, with all of that said, a friend sent me this link, a fun, amusing and yes, scary view of that future(Audio Warning). It may be closer than we think.

02.21.06

Rope Works and Boy Scouts

Posted in BoyScouts, amusements at 4:41 pm by spryken

As an Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster for my local troop, I am fascinated with knots and rope work in general. On several of our recent campouts, I have carried a Knot and Rope work book with me along with some sportsman’s cord. Besides occupying my free time, the boys have become addicted to trying some of the more complex knots. Several of the other ASMs have noticed and the Scoutmaster has found a program that another troop has implemented to encourage knot work.

We have taken that program and are modifying it somewhat for our troop. In general, it follows a “Martial Arts” style grading system of awarding different color ropes for varying skill levels. The first 2 earned levels will just include the requirements for the rank of First Class. So, every scout should be able to advance quickly. The advanced levels will include optional knots and additional lashings. The program will be for both scouts and leaders.

This should be fun!! I will post more as details about the program are finalized. Then about how the program performs, whether the scouts and leaders enjoy it, what the progression rate is, and if we find any problems or modifications to make. I may even post some instructions on tying some of the knots. You never know………

02.02.06

Groundhog Day - Big Deal

Posted in Rants, amusements at 4:02 pm by spryken

So it is once again Groundhog Day. Big Deal.

So a groundhog comes out of the ground to see if it can see its shadow. If it does, 6 more weeks of winter. What happens if it doesn’t? Really. What happens? Spring comes tomorrow?

Reality check. Let’s look at the calendar. Yep, Spring starts with the Vernal Equinox. March 20th this year. Now how many weeks is that from February 2nd? Let’s see, it is not a leap year, so 28 - 2 is 26 days in February and 20 in March is 46 days. 46 days divided by 7 is 6 weeks and 4 days. 6 1/2 weeks! Wow! 6 1/2 weeks. So the groundhog sees its shadow and we have 6 more weeks of winter. If the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, we have 6 more weeks of winter.
It is just me or does anyone else think the groundhog has the game rigged?

So, Rain or Shine…..6 more weeks of Winter.

Big Deal!!

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