On August 14-16^th, 2009 Minsi Trails Council and Area 5 presented the 5^th Occasional Cardboard Boat Regatta held at Camp Minsi in Pocono Summit, PA. 15 Crews participated from all over Area 5.

The highlight of the day was only one boat did not complete the course. Crews had to launch from the dock, go out about 100 yards, turn around a buoy and come back to the dock, it was a timed event.

Many great themes were present from a replica Higgins boat to a floating Hawaiian Luau. The Crews also enjoyed shooting at the Camp’s Range and tomahawk throwing.

Over a chilly weekend at Naperville, Illinois Von Oven Scout Reservation, 13 youth from four Crews with two youth traveling from out of Council participated in the Venturing Program VLSC training delivered by nine Venturing adult leaders. The 13 youth took part in numerous leadership skill development sessions and put their newly recognized skills to the test in a variety of leadership exercises. All 13 youth participants earned their VLSC Trained patch.

Positive feedback was overwhelming. In fact, many of the youth wanted to know when their next training would take place. This course was enlightening and a great learning experience for both the youth participants as well as the adult advisors.

We are starting a Venturing Crew 8 in Hagerstown, Maryland. This crew will have a focus on photography, the outdoors and high adventure activities. The Crew will meet at St Joseph Church on 17630 Virginia Ave. It is open to all young men and women who are at least 14 and completed the eighth grade and no older than 20 years of age. Come an join us for a great adventure. Advisors and consultants are also needed along with the youth. http://www.crew8.org

John Unger (Advisor, Crew 99, Huntsville, TX) wrote a pretty cool article on the other day. I reprint it here for your enlightenment...

OK, here are some ideas for honoring those Venturers who, individually and with their Crews, help with Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Wood Badge courses, Powder Horn courses, or church and community organizations.

I've mentioned this before: Our council SE approved the wearing of the Bushman's Braid for any Venturer or Sea Scout who commits to helping staff a Wood Badge, Powder Horn, University of Scouting or other adult training. (Yes, I know there's no place to wear it on a Sea Scout uniform but if they wear a green shirt sometime they can still wear it.) It is a mark of pride for our Venturers to wear that braid.

(Side note - we've moved from using the leather thong of the original Bushman's Braid to a cord.)

The Corps of Discovery - an under-utilized (IMHO) method for recognizing and encouraging those Venturers who live a life of service to others in Scouting and out of it.

Course Director Michael Richards would like to announce the Montana Council Powder Horn 2009 training course for high adventure leadership training.

The Montana Council BSA Powder Horn 2009 will be held at Camp Paxson near Seeley Lake, MT from 8 – 14 August 2009 and is a comprehensive, “hands-on” course that is physically demanding, goes from early morning until late in the evening, and includes a back pack overnight. Total cost for the training program is $300, not including travel to and from Seeley Lake, MT. All participants must have a current Class III physical before attending the course and must pass a medical recheck upon arrival.