Play a Round of Disc Golf at Camp Minsi this Summer

Disc golf (also known as Frisbee golf or Frolf) is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities among youth and young adults. This year Camp Minsi has added a brand new disc golf course for Scouts and Scouters to utilize throughout the summer. Disc golf is a game in which individual players throw a flying disc into a target. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, "The object of the game is to traverse a course from beginning to end in the fewest number of throws of the disc." Disc golf is fun for all ages and athletic ranges.

The Boy Scouts of America have an excellent training module on incorporating Disc Golf into the Scouting program -- you can download it here. If you want to teach disc golf to Scouting volunteers, this module will show you how to do it the Boy Scout way.

Disc golf is a fun way to spend a few free hours at camp, and many merit badge requirements can be geared toward the interest of a Scout who likes disc golf as well. The disc golf course at Camp Minsi is one of many special activities designed to improve your Scouting program – you can use disc golf as an activity, for advancement, and as a great source of service projects. Information on the course can be obtained from the program director throughout the summer. It is a lot of fun to play – we hope to see you out on the course this summer!

Camp Minsi 2009: Week 5 Slideshow

Better Know a Staffer: Greg Larson

Name: Greg Larson
Age: 23
Position: Technical Director & Office Manager / Econ Instructor
Merit Badges Taught: Nuclear Science, Forestry, Geology, Mammal Study, Reptile & Amphibian Study, Nature, Animal Science, Plant Science, Astronomy
Scouting History: Eagle Scout from Troop 318, Bethlehem, PA. Fifth year on staff at Camp Minsi – past positions included Camp Director, Ultimate Scouting Adventure Director, Hiker's of Minsi Director, Archery Director, Athletics Coordinator, Econ Instructor, and more.
Favorite Camp Song(s): "The Cat Came Back" and "Rise and Shine"
Favorite Minsi Moment: Hiking and exploring the trails and natural wonders of Camp Minsi's vast backwoods.
Favorite Type of Rock: Metamorphic

Tree of the Week: The Pin Oak

Pin Oak

(Quercus palustris)

Leaves: Alternate, simple, 4"-6" long. to 4" wide, with 5-7 narrow, bristle-tipped lobes, sinuses between the lobes deep (over half-way to the mid-rib) and rounded at the base; leaf surfaces smooth, shining above and paler below with tufts of hairs in the vein-axils.

Twigs: Dark brown-red, shiny, slender, often thorn-like sides shoots which give this species its popular name. Buds smooth, reddish brown. Lower branches grow at a descending angle, middle branches are horizontal,the upper ascending.

Fruit: An acorn, round about ½" in diameter, light brown, often striped with dark lines. Acorn-cup thin, saucer- shaped, enclosing about 1/3 of the nut; cup scales tight, with a dark margin. Ripens in two seasons.

Bark: Light gray-brown, smooth for many years, old trunks with shallow fissures and narrow flat ridges.

General: Wild Pin oaks are typically found in wet sites growing to 60' high. It is often planted as a street tree because of its beautiful form and ability to withstand the low oxygen content of urban soils. The acorns are valuable wildlife food for wetland birds and mammals. The wood is not as valuable as other oaks because in drying, it tends to warp and split.

Camp Minsi's Mealtime Graces

At Camp Minsi we sing our graces - before each meal we join together as a camp to give thanks for the meal we are about to enjoy. Several people have requested copies of the words to these graces, so below are the three graces sung at Camp Minsi. Enjoy!

Morning
Gracious Giver of all good,
Thee we thank for rest and food.
Grant that all we do or say,
In thy service be this day.

Noon
Father for this noonday meal,
We would speak the praise we feel.
Health and strength we have from thee,
Help us Lord to friendly be.

Evening
Tireless Guardian on our way,
Thou has kept us well this day.
While we thank thee we request,
Care continued pardon rest.

Camp Minsi 2009: Week 4 Slideshow

Better Know a Staffer: Josh Tosi

Name: Josh Tosi
Age: 20
Position: Dining Hall Steward
Merit Badges Taught: Theatre
Scouting History: Eagle Scout in Troop 14, Little Falls, NJ. Fourth year on a Boy Scout summer camp staff; first year at Camp Minsi.
Favorite Camp Song: "Alive, Awake, Alert, Enthusiastic"
Favorite Minsi Moment: The Snake Show
Favorite Type of Hats: Beanies

Tree of the Week: The Eastern Hemlock

Eastern Hemlock

(Tsuga canadensis)

Leaves: Evergreen needles occur singly, appearing 2-ranked on twigs, flattened, about 1/2" long, dark green and glossy, light green with 2 white lines below.

Twigs: Slender, tough, yellowish brown to grayish brown. Buds eggshaped, 1/16" long, reddish brown.

Fruit: Cones 3/4" long, egg-shaped, hanging singly from the tips of twigs. Under each scale are 2 small, winged seeds.

Bark: Flaky on young trees, gray brown to red brown, thick and roughly grooved when older.

General: A large, long-lived tree, important for construction timber and as a source of tannic acid for tanning leather. Found in cool, moist woods throughout the Commonwealth, Eastern hemlock is the offical state tree of Pennsylvania. Ruffled grouse, wild turkey and songbirds find food (seeds) and shelter in this tree. Deer browse it heavily when deep snow makes other food scarce.

Camp Minsi Celebrates 60 Years

We are proud to announce that 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of Camp Minsi. In honor of this tenure, the 2009 summer camp staff is planning to celebrate the occasion with a special anniversary party on Friday, July 24th, 2009.

This is an open invitation for all to come celebrate the legacy of Camp Minsi and to view the renown summer camp program in operation. All are welcome to come to camp starting at 3:00pm on the 24th. After checking in at the administration office, guests can tour camp and see all the great additions and changes that have occurred over the years.

There will be a special dinner commemorating the 60th Anniversary in the Dining Hall at 6:00pm. Throughout the day, there will be static and rolling displays and discussions about the history of Camp Minsi, the old Ice House and the creation of Stillwater Lake. Rounding out and concluding the day will be a special campfire at 8:45pm which will include a 60th anniversary theme.

This event offers an exciting way to bring the entire Camp Minsi community together– Scouts, leaders, families, friends, staff, alumni, and neighbors. The cost for the event will be $8 per person to cover the expense of the evening meal.

For more information, please feel free call Camp Minsi at 570-839-9108. Hope to see you there!

The World Crest Emblem

You see it on almost every Boy Scout uniform - a small purple patch placed just above the left pocket - but do you know what that patch represents?

The World Crest is an emblem that has been worn by an estimated 250-million Scouts since the Scouting movement was founded in 1919. It is still worn by 28-million Scouts in 216 countries and territories and is one of the world's best-known symbols. It is one of the only Scouting symbols that is universally recognized and worn by Scouts all around the globe.

Scouts and members of the public often ask how the emblem originated. Lord Baden-Powell himself gave the answer: "Our badge we took from the 'North Point' used on maps for orienteering." Lady Baden-Powell said later, "It shows the true way to go." The emblem's symbolism helps to remind Scouts to be as true and reliable as a compass in keeping to their Scouting ideals and showing others the way.

The crest is designed with a center motif encircled by a rope tied with a reef or square knot, which symbolizes the unity and brotherhood of the movement throughout the world. Even as one cannot undo a reef knot no matter how hard one pulls on it, so, as it expands, the movement remains united.

The three tips of the center fleur-de-lis represent the three points of the Scout Promise. In some countries, the two decorative five-pointed stars stand for truth and knowledge.

The crest is white on a royal purple background. These colors are symbolic as well. In heraldry, white represents purity and royal purple denotes leadership and help given to other people.

The World Crest is an emblem of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and is authorized for wear on the uniform of all member associations as a symbol of membership in a world brotherhood. It is authorized by the Boy Scouts of America to be worn by all adult and youth members as a permanent patch centered horizontally over the left pocket and vertically between the left shoulder seam and the top of the pocket. The BSA donates a small portion of the proceeds from each patch sold to the World Scout Foundation to assist with the development of Scouting's emerging nations.

Better Know a Staffer: Sidney Lariar

Name: Sidney Lariar
Age: 15
Position: Trail to Adventure, First-Year Camper Program, Director
Scouting History: Life Scout in Troop 318, Bethlehem PA; second year on staff at Camp Minsi.
Favorite Camp Song: "Alive, Awake, Alert, Enthusiastic"
Favorite Minsi Moment: Telling Minsi Legends on TTA Outpost
Favorite Camp Game: Powerball

Tree of the Week: The Paper Birch

Paper Birch

(Betula papyrifera)

Leaves: Alternate, simple 2"-3" long, 1½"-2" wide, upper surface dark green, lower surface light green, narrowed or rounded at the base, sharply toothed margins and sharp-pointed tip.

Twigs: At first greenish and hairy, later becoming smooth reddish-brown.

Fruit: A cylindrical, short-stalked strobile about 1½" long. The seeds are small and winged.

Bark: Trunk and older branches chalky to creamy white, marked with horizontal stripes and peeling off in thin layers. Older trunks rough and often fissured into irregular thick scales.

General: A large tree to 50'-75' high on upland woods and slopes in northcentral and northeastern Pennsylvania. Seeds and buds are eaten by the Pennsylvania state bird, the Ruffed grouse. Twigs are browsed by deer. Native Americans used the bark for constructing canoes, shelters and containers.

Camp Minsi 2009: Week 3 Slideshow

Better Know a Staffer: Alex Shaffer

Name: Alex Shaffer
Age: 16
Position: Econ Instructor
Merit Badges Taught: Fish and Wildlife Management, Nature, Nuclear Science, Insect Study, Personal Fitness
Scouting History: Eagle Scout in Troop 43, Bath Pa. Has been coming to camp for six years; first year on staff.
Favorite Camp Song: "The Cat Came Back"
Favorite Minsi Moment: The Muck Hike!
Favorite Tree: Palm Tree

Camp Staff: The Experience of a Lifetime

Are you tired of doing the same old routine? Did you know that Camp Minsi offers exciting opportunities in a variety of summer camp staff positions? Being on camp staff provides an exciting outdoor work experience.

Why Apply for a Camp Staff Job?
Here are a few of the countless reasons that are frequently expressed:

• To make lots of new friends with Scouts from your area, other states, and even other countries.
• To share your skills, talents and knowledge with others.
• To spend a summer in the great outdoors where nature prevails.
• To acquire experiential education (learning by doing) and new skills that will last a lifetime.
• To be a key part of an effective team.
• To build and apply leadership skills.
• To undertake and fulfill meaningful challenges.
• To work with youth and adults of all ages.
• To serve others (the most noble and fulfilling pursuit of all).
• To give something back for the opportunities you have received.
• To live in a wholesome environment based on the Scout Oath and Law.
• To be paid (and receive food and lodging) in return for something challenging and fun.
• To be considered for jobs of greater responsibility.
• To have a lot of fun!

National standards require that all paid Scout camp staff members be at least 15 years of age. The Boy Scouts of America is an equal opportunity employer that hires both females and males, as well as people of all ages and ethnic groups, diverse cultures, and abilities. Staff members must be, or become, registered members of the Boy Scouts of America. Salaries are based on position responsibility with consideration given to the individual's qualifications and experience.

Camp Minsi also offers an outstanding Councilor in Training (CIT) program designed for Scouts ages 14 and older. The program helps prepare Scouts that may be interested in serving on staff in the future with two-weeks of experience, service, excitement and leadership training. The program is 100% free and allows Scouts to get a taste of what it's like to be a summer camp staffer. The program gives Scouts a taste of what it is like to being a member of the Camp Minsi staff. Scouts can register for two (or more) weeks of volunteer service and experience by talking with the Camp Director or the camp's CIT Director throughout the summer.

Interested applicants can complete the online staff applications located at MinsiTrails.com or CampMinsi.org. For more information regarding summer camp staff, how to apply, or for information on current or anticipated openings, feel free to contact us at: 570.839.9108.

Better Know a Staffer: John Buz

Name: John Buz
Age: 18
Position: ScoutCraft Director
Merit Badges Taught: Orienteering, Fire Safety, Hiking, Public Speaking
Scouting History: Eagle Scout from Troop 43, Bath Pa. Third year on staff at Camp Minsi.
Favorite Camp Song: "The Music Man"
Favorite Minsi Moment: Canoe Outpost
Favorite Knot: Trucker's Knot

Leave No Trace: Outdoor Ethics at Camp Minsi

As more Scouts come and visit Camp Minsi throughout the summer, the upholding of Leave No Trace guidelines become more important.

Leave No Trace is a plan that helps people to be more concerned about their environment and to help them protect it for future generations. Leave No Trace applies not only in the vast backcountry wilderness, but is just as relevant in a campsite, a backyard, a local park, and even urban settings.

We strive to practice Leave No Trace in our attitude and actions at Camp Minsi with wherever we do. Understanding nature strengthens our respect toward the environment. One person with thoughtless behavior or one shortcut on a trail can spoil the outdoor experience for others.

Help protect the environment by remembering that while you are there, you are a visitor. When you visit the outdoors, take special care of the area. Leave everything just as you find it.

Hiking and camping without a trace are signs of a considerate outdoorsman who cares for the environment. Travel lightly on the land.

For more information on the Leave No Trace program visit the Boy Scouts of America's Leave No Trace training module or lnt.org.

Better Know a Staffer: Bubba

Name: Eric "Bubba" Gross
Age: 23
Position: Assistant Cook / Trading Post Clerk
Scouting History: Life Scout from Troop 65, Slatington PA. Serving in his Tenth year on staff at Camp Minsi – positions included kitchen staff, dining hall steward, archery director, commissioner, trading post clerk, and much more.
Favorite Camp Song(s): "The Cat Came Back" and "One Tin Soldier"
Favorite Minsi Moment: "When an entire Emergency Preparedness merit badge class hoisted me into a tree using a bowline on a bite."
Favorite Kitchen Utensil: Industrial tilt skillet

Camp Minsi 2009: Week 2 Slideshow

New Iceberg at Waterfront

Scouts, young and old, are having a blast on Camp Minsi's new iceberg! The new Waterfront feature provides a challenging and fun aquatics experience for swimmers at Camp Minsi. The gigantic 8-foot inflatable iceberg feature three walls studded with different configurations of heavy-duty climbing handles, along with a smooth sliding wall. Scouts can climb the walls, slide down the chute, jumps from the top, or just sit at the summit and enjoy the view. The new iceberg adds a new dimension to swimming in Lake Stillwater and is a lot of fun. Be sure to check it out next time you're up at camp.

Better Know a Staffer: Grant Haines

Name: Grant E. Haines
Age: 16
Position: Econ Instructor
Merit Badges Taught: Plant Science, Animal Science, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Forestry, Nuclear Science, Geology, Fishing, Citizenship in the World
Scouting History: Life Scout in Troop 362, Bethlehem PA has been coming to Camp Minsi since 2003.
Favorite Camp Song: "Patsy-Orey-Orey-Aye"
Favorite Minsi Moment: Playing volleyball with the staff
Favorite Cheese: Mozzarella or Pepper Jack

Tree of the Week: The Eastern White Pine

Eastern White Pine

(Pinus strobus)

Leaves: Evergreen needles in clusters of 5, soft flexible, 3-sided, 2½"-5" long, and bluish green. This is the only pine native to Pennsylvania with 5 needles per cluster.

Twigs: Slender, flexible, with rusty hairs when young, later smooth. Buds egg-shaped, usually less than ½" long, gray-brown.

Fruit: Cones 5"-8" long, without prickles, slightly curved, resinous; each scale usually bears 2 winged seeds as do all our native pines.

Bark: Young trunks and branches greenish brown, later darker grooved and scaly.

General: Eastern white pines are large trees. At present they usually reach 50'-90' high but the original "Penn's Woods" saw white pines reaching 150' and more. It is one of the most valuable timber trees, found in moist or dry woodlands throughout the state and often planted as an ornamental in large open areas. Many birds, squirrels, chipmunks and mice feed on the seeds and soft needles. Inner bark of white pine is a preferred winter food of porcupine and deer browse the twigs.

The Cold Within

It has long been a tradition at Camp Minsi that each evening, just before dinner, we gather as a camp for vespers. During this time the staff will share some of their favorite poems, stories, or thoughts as we reflect on the day. The inspirational and thought-provoking words build upon the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Below is a personal favorite of ours, a poem by James Patrick Kinney. Enjoy.

The Cold Within
Six humans trapped by circumstance in bleak and bitter cold;
Each one possessed a stick of wood or so the stories told.

Their dying fire in need of logs, the first man held his back,
For the faces round the fire, he noticed one was black.

The next man looking cross the way saw one not of his church,
And couldn’t bring himself to give the fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes, he gave his coat a hitch.
Why should his log be put to use to warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought of the wealth he had in store,
And how to keep what he had earned from the lazy, shiftless poor.

The black man’s face just spoke revenge as the fire passed from his sight.
For all he saw in his stick of wood was a chance to spite the white.

The last man of this forlorn group did nothing except for gain.
Giving only to those who gave, was how he played the game.

Their logs held tight in death's still hand was proof of human sin.
They didn’t die from the cold outside, they died from the cold within.