Cub Scouts Time Travel at Camp Minsi

From The Pocono Record

The 1960s and the Civil War era were just two of the stops made by 160 Cub and Webelo Scouts during this year's "Time Traveler" program at Camp Minsi. And, since not a single drop of rain fell during camp hours, all enjoyed a full week of uninterrupted outdoor programs in great weather.

In its 37th year, the Mount Pocono camp is a gathering spot for hundreds of Cub Scouts from Monroe and Pike counties. For much of the summer, it serves as a resident camp for Boy Scouts, followed by the one-week day camp for cubs in August. The day camp's dedicated team of nearly 100 volunteers was again headed by director Dick Seip and organizer Mary Ann Boylan.

"It was a good year," declared Seip, who opened and closed each day's activities with a whirl through the time machine. "The program leaders did a super job. The kids had fun, and there was no liquid sunshine."

Two special interactive programs were presented. Deborah Seip and Molly Maroney of Quite Valley Historical Farm led the boys to experience life on a farm in colonial America; they learned how to milk a cow improvised from a rubber glove, since an actual cow wouldn't quite fit in Maroney's Subaru, carried water using a yolk, and cut wood with a two-man saw. A second program by Doug Roberts and his son Ryan Roberts, explored life for young men during the Civil War, culminating with a short marching reenactment that included all the boys.

The Scout-time-travelers also came across plenty of skills-based fun throughout the week: archery, B-B shooting, fishing, knot-tying, and various science experiments and problem-solving tasks.

During outdoor cooking demonstrations, longtime staffers George and Elaine Brodhead and Claire Wall showed Cubs how to cook over-easy eggs, toast and bacon on a hot rock, while Boy Scouts prepared cornbread in a Dutch oven for the Webelos. Webelos Scouts also had the chance to extend the week with a Friday-night campout program led by Troop 18.

Camp Minsi 2009: Week 6 Slideshow

The New Boy Scout Handbook Arrives!

The new Centennial Edition of the Boy Scout Handbook is now available! The new handbook prepares the 21st century Scout for new technology while celebrating Scouting's rich heritage. The 475-page paperback features nostalgic illustrations from the previous 11 editions alongside references to emerging technology and expanded online information.

Touted by some Scouts as the ultimate adventure manual, the 12th edition Handbook teaches preparedness and responsibility in both traditional and new ways: think compass and GPS devices, tying a knot as well as a necktie, and first aid and Internet safety. For the first time, the printed Handbook is accompanied by an online site, bsahandbook.org/, which contains expanded content and illustrations on handbook topics and advancement requirements.

"The Handbook - like our organization - adopts new and modern methods while maintaining the message of preparedness, responsibility and self-reliance," said Boy Scouts of America Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca. "Earlier Scouts earned merit badges in bee farming, blacksmithing, and signaling, but now our Scouts work on 21st century subjects like composite materials, nuclear science, and oceanography."

Other new features of the 12th edition Boy Scout Handbook include:

• 100-percent recycled paper printed using environmentally friendly processes, creating the first-ever "green" edition
• Tips on long-term personal financial management and budgeting
• Expanded sections on nutrition and physical fitness
• Updated information on bullying, hazing, physical violence, and avoiding Internet dangers
• A nostalgic look of past handbooks with 21st century technology
• A first-ever iPhone application of the iconic guide available in September
• A Spanish version will be available in December

The 12th edition Handbook was written by Robert Birkby, an Eagle Scout and former conservation director at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Birkby also authored the previous two editions and the BSA Fieldbook. A lifelong Scouting and outdoor enthusiast, Birkby has traveled the world on mountaineering expeditions and backpacking adventures. Birkby is a respected outdoor leader, writer, and expert in trail construction and maintenance. He is also the author of Lightly on the Land and Mountain Madness.

In celebration of the BSA's centennial, the new edition of the Handbook models the first edition in its three main categories:

• Scoutcraft -Preparing for Scouting's adventures and for life
• Woodcraft -Understanding, appreciating, and caring for nature
• Campcraft -Learning skills useful along the trail, in camp, and beyond

The 12th edition Boy Scout Handbook is available in Scout shops across the country and online at scoutstuff.org. Since its first printing in 1910, the Boy Scout Handbook has sold more than 40 million copies. Additional information about the Handbook is available at bsahandbook.org.

Be prepared: This handbook is so packed with essential information that you'll want it not just on your summer reading list, but on your fall, winter, and spring reading lists, too.