Good Citizenship in the Community

Troop 323 has been working on the Citizenship in the Community MB in Nov and Dec.

One requirement is for the boy to give 8 hours of service to the community e.g. a non profit, charitable organization, city, church,etc.

Before our hike in November at Palouse Falls we raked off the camping area, which was a huge undertaking. Some thought it couldn't be done. That gave us 2 hours....hard hours I'd add.

Monday after Christmas we met at 9 am, yes 9 am on Christmas vacation and did some work at our place of worship; the Church. We took inventory by conducting a walk through and identified a couple areas often overlooked. Sacrament Trays, Water fountains, sinks and the member closet..... fair and balanced....I report it...you decide, does Troop 323 know how to
tackle a tough job and do it? Do these Priesthood holders honor their Priesthood and know
how to serve?

Biggest Christmas Tree Ever

Steve Nicolaysen-Completes BSA Training

Steve Nicolaysen, my long time friend and current Assistant Scout Master completed the following training:

"This is Scouting"
"Youth Protection"
"Scout Master Specific Training"
(5 hrs of training)

Steve has been my right hand since long before he was called as Assistant Scout Master and continues to make a huge contribution to the development of the greatest generation of missionaries the world has ever known. Thank you, Steve!

Jace Culley Slays a Dragon

Congratulations Jace. Jace is a boy that sets and accomplishes goals. He is on the trail to Eagle!!

Jace Culley is a Boy Scout in Troop 323. He is an outstanding young man. Everyday last year at summer camp he endured cool weather and cooler water temperatures to pass off his swim requirements for Second and First Class. He made huge progress in his swim ability, but did not meet the test at the time, however last night we're proud to say that with the help from his Assistant Scout Master and Quorum Advisor; Jake Scott, Jace did pass off the Second and First Class requirements with flying colors!!!

This One's for Jack!

Last Saturday night grandpa and I went to the Pantra Christmas Party (that's his motorcycle club) and he won this hat. He's very proud of it and I promised Jack I would post a picture on the blog... well, here it is!

Over the river and through the woods to.....

...Maple Valley and Derek's house we went.... for Thanksgiving and a couple fun single track rides on my new Gary Fisher.

Christmas Tree Cutting in the Couer d Alenes.

Last Wednesday, James Clark and I went up Hayden Creek to cut Christmas Trees. James is convinced now that artificial is the way to go; too far, too cold, too much work otherwise.

Palouse Falls Campout 11/20-21/2009

Friday the forecast was rain snow mix. We did see some rain going, but none while we were there. It DID blow like crazy. Our carefully staked tents stood through the night. We had a great time. We raked the leavcs off the park for Ranger Melinda and then went exploring the canyon and falls, from the top to the bottom and back. This is one trip we will never forget. Thanks to James Clark and Michael Whiting for their assistance.

First Snow of the Winter of 09-10

Howard Ashby and I took an early morning hike to Rocks of Sharon, just south of Spokane from the Dishman Hills area. We left about 7:30 and returned home about 12:30 happy and excited from the time in the woods and together. I took what it would take to heat some hot chocolate along the way, but failed to bring the gas for my backpack stove so we improvised with a match built fire.....boy did that test our scout skills. We had a couple false starts and blew til we almost passed out and finally with lots of dry pine needles that Howard found, we had our cup of hot chocolate albeit with some ash in it. Hello winter!

Spokane City Council Meets Troop 323

Monday Nov 2, 2009 our Troop attended the Spokane City Council meeting. The agenda included the following: Presentation by an elder from the Spokane Indian Tribe-display of artifacts at the Masonic Temple Nov 3 2009. Three proclamations:Elevator and Escalator Safety Awareness Week and Women in the Military. Afterwards Madam Mayor Verner presented the 2010 City Budget. The troop under the leadership of Senior Patrol Leader; Zac MacMaster led the audience and council in the pledge of alligence. Afterwards each introduced themselves by name and rank to the council. Troop 323 represented the BSA and our sponsoring unit, the Spokane First Ward with honor and respect.

Stanley Hot Springs-Selway Bitterroot Wilderness

Good bye summer, hello fall. Here comes old man winter.

Howard Ashby and I avenged ourselves of an aborted snow shoe hike last winter with a very successful backpack trip into Stanley Hot Springs.

Spokane to Canada and Back Sept 2009

Derek, James Clark and I rode our bikes ( think pedal) from Spokane to Canada and back on Thurs, Friday and Saturday. It was cold, wet, fun, long, fun, beautiful, fun, long, trying, sweating, fun and lots of laughs.