(The following message was taken from THE COURIER, the official messenger of the Anthony Wayne Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.)
THIS I BELIEVE . . . IN HEALTHY LIVING
Our children are being raised in an increasingly sedentary society where physical activity is not the norm. There is little time built in or hectic family schedules for exercise or even walking in the neighborhood as families. Youth who once roamed free in the outdoors playing ball, running through fields, fishing in creeks, and using their imaginations to create adventures now spend time watching television, playing video games, and surfing the Internet. In addition, their eating habits include unhealthy levels of fast food, and drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol are easily accessible.
Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has prided itself on teaching a healthy respect for both the mind and body. Scouting has taught more than 110 MILLION alumni and members the core tenets of a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and physical outdoor activity. Scouts start planning meals as early as their Cub Scout years and participate in outdoor physical conditioning during their teen years. Scouting youth engage in fun, physical, outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, and cycling, and learn important skills like CPR and first aid so they can be prepared for any emergency.
Research shows that physical fitness can increase self-esteem in youth and adults and decrease health-related problems later in life. Scouting understands the importance of educating youth about what health choices NOT to make by taking issues like youth drug use seriously.
In 1987, the Boy Scouts of America developed "DRUGS: A DEADLY GAME" to deal with this pressing issue. This is an award-winning drug education program that facilitates youth discussions about the dangers of drug use and helps Scouting youth understand the harm drugs can do to the body and mind. We are products of our society, and our youth represent the very best our country has to offer. Let's help them understand the critical role their minds and bodies will play during their entire lives. If their minds and bodies are maintained well today, they will reward them throughout their lives.
Chris Mathes, Scout Executive.
THE BSA PHYSICAL FITNESS AWARD (publication #19-327)
(The Seven Major Components Of Fitness)
The BSA Physical Fitness Award's core requirements are the following major components. They are used to measure an individual's improvement over time, not to establish an arbitrary minimum level of activity.
1-POSTURE – Posture is elevated with a posture-rating chart. The Scout or Scouter is compared to a photo of his or her starting posture, noting 13 different body segments. Each body segment is scored as five, three, or one, making a possible range of scores from 13 to 65. Higher scores over time reflect improving posture.
2-ACCURACY – The target throw is used to measure accuracy. The Scout or Scouter makes 20 throws with a softball at a circular target and is scored on the number of times the target is hit.
3-STRENGTH – The sit-up is used to measure strength. The Scout or Scouter lies on his or her back with knees bent and feet on the floor. The arms are crossed on the chest with the hands on the opposite shoulders. The feet are held by a partner to keep them on the floor. Curl to the position until the elbows touch the thighs. Arms must remain on the chest and the chin tucked in the chest. Return to the starting position, shoulder blades touching the floor. The score is the number of sit-ups that may be made in a given time.
4-AGILITY – The side step is used to measure agility. Starting from a center line, the Scout or Scouter side steps alternately left and right between two lines 8 feet apart. He or she is scored on the number of lines crossed in 10 seconds.
5-SPEED – The dash is used to measure speed. The score is the amount of time to nearest half-second running a set distance that can be increased each year.
6-BALANCE – The squat stand is used to measure balance. The Scout or Scouter squats with hands on the floor and elbows against the inner knee. He or she leans forward until the feet are raised off the floor. The score is the number of seconds held in that position.
7-ENDURANCE – The squat thrust is used to measure endurance. The Scout or Scouter starts from the standing position. He or she performs the usual four-position exercise. The score is the number of completed squat thrusts made in a given time.
Some of these tests measure more than the components that they represent. For example, the sit-ups, a measure of strength, also reflect some endurance because of their repetition. The squat stand requires balance, its major component, but also requires strength and endurance to support the weight of the body on the arms.
NEWS FROM TROOP 38 – (sponsored by Calvary United Methodist Church)
WELCOME NEW SCOUTS
Troop 38 welcomed four new Scouts last month! On Tuesday, February 26, 2002, 4 Webelos Scouts from Cub Pack 3038 crossed over to Boy Scouts and joined Troop 38. The are Corey Brandenberg, Jo Hill, Zach Royce, and Brian Van Horn. There were welcomed into the Troop by Tenderfoot Scouts Andy Balazs, Tyler Meister, Assistant Scoutmaster Jason Fox, and Assistant Scoutmaster Jerry Lloyd. The cross-over ceremony was read by Troop 38's Scoutmaster Jim Fox and the new Scouts and their parents were welcomed into the troop.
(Troop 38 meets at the church (6301 Winchester Road) 7pm on any Monday night that Fort Wayne Community Schools are in session and on every Monday night throughout the summer.)
"A little about what we call 'SCOUT SPIRIT'." Everyone has fun going to the Lock-Ins at the YMCA, going camping at various parks and sites, going on long trips (South Dakota), and tobogganing at Pokegon State Park. All these things are a part of Scouting. Another, and most important part of Scouting is the giving, the community service, and the troop service projects that come up to benefit someone other than ourselves and those in Scouting. These projects are essential to the troop and to you as true Boy Scouts. When the next project comes up, don't say, "Well I'm not doing that," instead, JUMP IN and show your Scout Spirit; be the first to say, "I want to help." The bottom line, and one that I don't want to use, is, 'SCOUT SPIRIT' (sincerely giving willingly of your time and talent with a good attitude) is needed for advancements in rank. Develop a natural Scout Spirit - think of others first. It will make you feel good and eventually it will become a habit."
JIM FOX, SM-TROOP 38
IT'S CUB SCOUT PINEWOOD DERBY TIME
Note: Attention all Cub Scout units! Bring us the results of your Pinewood Derby races. Let us know the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of your derby. Who your sponsor is, What your pack number is, Who your winners are, How many are in your pack and how many entered, When your derby was held, and where. What are the names of your leaders? Bring pictures if you have them.
OLD POP-UP TYPE CAMPER/TRAILER WANTED
Boy Scout Troop 44 is in need of a 'gear' trailer. Do you have an old pop-up camping trailer or other suitable trailer that you don't want? Want to donate it to Portage Creek Camp Association, sponsors of Boy Scout Troop 44? The troop needs a trailer to haul camping gear and would prefer something that can be closed and locked. Donations should be tax deductible. Call Jack Shepard at 436-2422 or Ray McCune at 747-6512 or 747-4535.
IT'S GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME
Something new or at least new to this writer – the Girl Scouts are now bringing cookies to your door – no more waiting for your order to be processed. That's what I like; cookies on demand, no waiting. I must admit I'm a cookie junkie and have to date, bought more than my share of boxes. I like them all but prefer any cookie with peanut butter in or on it. I predict that the Girl Scouts will sell more cookies using this new method. Please Troop leaders, give me information on your troop and where you can be contacted if I get a cookie craving and run out, I will publish names and phone numbers right here in SCOUTING SMOKE SIGNALS. This column is for ALL Scouting information.
AMERICAN HERITAGE MERIT BADGE WORKSHOP
This workshop will be held at the Lincoln Museum, 200 East Berry Street, Wednesday, April 3, 2002 from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Scouts attending this workshop will complete a significant portion of the American Heritage merit badge requirements. Bring a sack lunch. Scouts will not be allowed to leave the building during lunch break. Scouts attending this workshop must be accompanied by an adult. Parents or scout leaders may be responsible for 1 scout or their entire troop. Cost is $8 per Scout (includes museum admission, materials, instruction, and the American Heritage merit badge book. Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 27, 2002. Register at the Anthony Wayne Area Boy Scout Council Headquarters, 8315 W. Jefferson Blvd.