The Zip Line
The Na onal Jamboree Newsle er of the Great Southwest Council
In this Issue: Series 2013 Issue 3
Chairman’s Corner 1 Dear Great Southwest Council Boy Scouts, Scout Parents, and Scouters,
Scoutmaster 1 Hello, All! Just a short note from your Council Jamboree Commi ee Chair to let you know the Tourstop Trolley 2 planning for a successful trip to Jamboree is happening at warp speed! A patch set with a cen‐ tral theme of “Atomic Age” has been designed and submi ed to the company the Council uses Uniform Guide 4‐6 for its patches. We hope to have artwork to show you at the troop mee ng on April 6th, but the Trolley con’t 7 The Chairman’s Corner Next Mee ng 8 dra ideas look pre y awesome! Work is also underway to get Troop A105/Great Southwest Con ngent FAQs 8 Council neckerchiefs as well. And the ques on on many of your minds… when do we find out about our airline mes? We should have the flight mes about 60 days before we depart. While that may seem years away, as fast as the me is going, it’ll be here before you know it. In the mean me, Be Prepared for a great me by ge ng those ac vity reserva ons submi ed on‐line, and start ge ng in shape for lots of walking. And my thanks to all the com‐ mi ee members that are doing so much behind the scenes to ensure the con ngent has a great, and safe, me at Jambo‐ ree. Make sure to take lots of pictures you can share when you get back, with those of us staying behind!
Hello Na onal Scout Jamboree Troop A105,
Prepara ons con nue for one of the greatest adventure of your lives. We are finalizing the leadership, pu ng the finishing touches on the i nerary, and ge ng in shape for all that walking! You, as a troop member also have a lot to do as well. The sign up for your ac vi es is open on the Jamboree site. Just go to the site where you originally entered your applica on, "The Dashboard". Once you log in, using the scouts log in, not the parents, at the top you can then select the ac vi es planer. It just takes a few minutes. You simply rank your preferences for the ac vi es. This is also where you can indicate you want to do the extra climbing course and/or the white water ra ing. Note that for the climbing extra ac vity you need to have completed the Climbing merit badge or another climbing course. It's more of an advanced course, not for beginners.
Note that this spot on the dashboard is also where you fill out your medical form to print out and take to you doctor to get signed. Please get these done right away and turned into the council office. You need to have this done by April 16th. Please get this done right away, it's important and can't wait.
That leads to ge ng prepared! Where have we heard that mo o before? This Jamboree will be much more focused on high ad‐ venture and will be more physically demanding than past Jamborees. To make sure that you have the most fun you must be pre‐ pared physically. Treat this trip just like you would treat a Philmont trip. The be er shape you are in physically, the more fun you, and our whole troop, will have. So get out there and get ac ve. Take a walk, go on a hike, hit the gym. Remember we'll be walking around 5 to 10 miles a day. Make sure that you can easily walk those distances day in an day out. Con nued on page 2 We are forming up our patrols and ge ng our Troop leadership arranged. So if you would like to have any of the following posi ons, please send me an email right away at [email protected]
Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Quartermaster, Chaplain's Aide, Patrol Leader (4 posi ons), Assistant Patrol Leader (4 posi ons) , Historian/Scribe (this posi on will be connected back home to give reports)
We really need good scouts for these posi ons, so please sign up
Finally, remember that our next Troop mee ng is on April 6th. The loca on is s ll TBD, and we'll let you know as soon as it's defined. This is an important one, as we will be finalizing our patrols and troop leadership.
That's about it for this newsle er, I look forward to seeing all of you on April 6th. Get out, get ac ve, get excited, you're going to a Jamboree!!!
Mike Jacobs Scoutmaster, 2013 Great Southwest Council Jamboree Tourstop Trolley
Monument‐al Trivia Dale Balmer, Tour Director
A highlight of any trip to Washington, DC, is to view the many monuments and memorials available in the area. Although there are dozens, if not hundreds, that can be viewed, the me constraints on a Jamboree con ngent mean that only a few of the more well‐known or popular ones can be visited. To make the visits more enjoyable, here is some trivia or li le known facts about some of them that you’ll be visi ng. Be on the lookout when visi ng the memorial or monument to see if you can find these dbits!
Let’s start at one of the more popular and well‐known memorials, the Lincoln Memorial, and then move on from there.
One of the more well‐known things to look for at the Lincoln Memorial is the ‘typo’. On the le and right side walls in the memorial are words from several of Lincoln’s speeches. Carving words from Lincoln’s be er known speeches in stone means you need to get it right the first me. And if you don’t… you fix it… and everyone can see your mistake! Hint – take a look at the inscrip on of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address.
Also, the Lincoln Memorial, and par cularly the sculpture of a seated Lincoln at the center of the memorial, is the subject of two urban legends. The first one is a claim that the face of General Robert E. Lee was carved on the back of Lincoln’s head, and looks back across the Potomac towards his former home, Arlington House. Arlington House is now within the bounds of Arlington Na onal Cemetery, at the top of the ridge when viewed from the Lincoln Memorial looking across the river.
The second legend is that Lincoln is using sign language to represent his ini als, with his le hand shaped to form an “A” and his right hand to sign an “L”; the president’s ini als. This is supposedly due to the sculptor, Daniel Chester French having a son who was deaf. Abraham Lincoln signed federal legisla on giving Gallaudet University, a university for the deaf, the authority to grant college degrees. According to the legend, the sculptor was so grateful for Lincoln having signed this legisla on that benefi ed his son and many others that are hearing impaired, that he carved Lincoln’s hands so that they represented le ers in American Sign Language. However there is no reliable documenta on that indicates this was the sculptor’s intent. And the Na onal Park Science denies both legends. So you’ll have to look closely at the memorial and decide for yourself… are they fact or fic on?
2013 National Jamboree Uniform information and Personal Equipment
All uniform standards are mandatory. Each scout is expected to be in proper uniform at the appropriate time.
Scouts and Leaders “Class A”
Official national jamboree uniform – to be worn at ALL jamboree meetings prior to the event, the pre-Jamboree Tour, all travel coming to and from the jamboree, ceremonies, arena shows, religious events and during all meals. At least 2 uniforms are required for all contingent members.
Scout uniform shirt with jamboree patch, nameplate and all other insignia in correct positions Official contingent hat – will be issued Scout or jamboree t-shirt worn underneath the Class A shirt Scout web or leather belt with BSA buckle Scout socks (official) Jamboree neckerchief (to be provided by the troop at the jamboree) Neckerchief slide of your choice Jamboree troop numerals provided by your troop – must be worn! Jamboree jacket (optional) or BSA scout jacket – no other type!
Activities Uniform “Class B”
The activities uniform for youth and leaders will be any BSA or jamboree T-shirt, Scout shorts, Scout socks, and Scout visored cap, jamboree cap, or other brimmed Scout hat. Open-toed shoes or sandals are NOT PERMITTED unless in the shower or waterfront areas. For jamboree games, 5K and other special activities, you shall wear the “Class B” with your jamboree troop t-shirt. Sports team, school or any non-scouting shirts are prohibited.
Proper Uniforming
Absolutely no variations in the official uniforms are to be made. Home troop or any BSA T-shirts may also be worn in troop areas, but are not proper wear at special functions.
Official Neckerchiefs and Emblems
Two jamboree emblems and one neckerchief will be issued to approved youth and their leaders. They are to be presented to participants and may be worn on the uniform immediately. The neckerchief will be distributed on the jamboree site. Additional quantities of the patch may be ordered in advance from the Supply Division but will not be available at the jamboree trading posts. For extra uniforms or for keepsakes, we strongly recommend you order extra before Jamboree. Required Personal Camping Equipment
Everything you bring must fit in the jamboree duffel bag that will be provided and your personal day pack. It is important that participants pack the right items.
Duffel bag Supplied by BSA National.
Daypack big enough enough to carry lunch and personal first aid kit.
Sleeping bag (lightweight in stuff sack with 30 degree rating is good), and a waterproof stuff sack or large waterproof bag, like a heavy duty garbage bag – store in duffel bag.
Laundry bag, recommended for use in duffel bag to hold soiled clothing.
Eating kit (plate, bowl, and spork are adequate). Utensils should be metal or heavy-duty plastic.
Two 1-liter water bottles.
Toiletry kit (keep it small).
Two bath towels.
Two hand towels.
Two washcloths.
Flashlight with extra batteries.
Sunscreen, waterproof.
Non-aerosol insect repellent.
Scout knife (packed in checked luggage).
Bible, Testament, or prayer book according to faith.
Clothing
Two complete uniforms.
Poncho or lightweight rain gear (must be red, dark green or tan with NO commercial or sports logo).
7 Pairs underwear (more as you prefer).
7 Pairs Socks – wicking and scout socks, including two or three pair of hiking socks.
Four or five Scout/jamboree T-shirts/polo/ activity shirts (antimicrobial synthetic is good)
Long pants (required for Messengers of Peace Day of Service).
Good, broken-in sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
Lace-up shoes (lightweight sports) – no sandals.
Scout headgear – official contingent hat and one other brimmed or visored BSA hat/cap.
One jacket or sweatshirt (synthetic is good).
Two sets of sleep wear.
Swimsuit.
1 pair rubber-soled shower shoes.
Personal Equipment
Watch Notebook, pen, pencil Drinking cup, collapsible Air pillow (small) Boy Scout Handbook Sunglasses
Optional Personal Equipment
An extra 3rd complete Class A uniform with proper patches (strongly recommended) Cell phone Camera, film Shaving gear (if needed) Shoelaces, extra pair Fieldbook Small personal radio (with earphones) - No boom boxes are allowed. Electric lantern (spare battery and bulb) Sewing kit Scout Songbook Duffel-bag lock Coin purse or wallet Solar camp shower (three-gallon).
NOT PERMITTED
Laser pointers, tobacco products of any kind, alcohol or medications not prescribed, immoral materials, firearms and fireworks of any kind are considered contraband and will result in the scout being sent home. Electronic games, Ipods, MP3 players, CD players etc are also prohibited.
Uniform standards
“Sturdy shoes” means a rugged type boot good for walking or hiking. Some water protection is preferred. Tennis shoes may become uncomfortable. Sandals are NOT PERMITTED. T-shirts for Class B wear can be any BSA camp or home troop as approved by your Scoutmaster. You must have your jamboree troop t-shirt, at least one, and you will want official Jamboree t- shirts as well. You must be in uniform at all times while participating in preparing for, traveling to and from and while at the jamboree. No logo- commercial, school or sports, is permitted. You may not bring anything other than what is shown on this list to either shakedown or to the jamboree. Dry feet are a great thing at the jamboree. Extra socks are strongly suggested. Chaffing can also be a problem so clean underwear is a must. We will do laundry there, but you will still be expected to be in proper uniform, even on laundry day! Pack accordingly. Rain gear, jackets and / or sweaters must be BSA or plain red, dark green or tan. No exceptions. Non-BSA gear must be plain red, dark green or tan with no logo art. (No school, professional team, commercial adwear, etc)
Tourstop Trolley con’t
A er viewing the Lincoln Memorial, you can head southeast to the Korean Memorial, or northeast to the Vietnam Memorial. While visi ng both is highly recommended, if you have me a er visi ng the Vietnam Memorial, check out the Einstein Memorial to the north, across Cons tu on Ave, between 21st and 22nd Street. On the southwest corner of the Na onal Academy of Sciences, this larger‐than‐life bronze sculpture of Albert Einstein can be climbed on, over and around. And make sure to check out the engravings on the papers in Einstein’s le hand – see if you recognize any of them! Then, take a look at the stone por on of the memorial, at Einstein’s feet. Embedded in the stone are over 2,700 metal stones that represent the loca on of numerous astronomical objects (Sun, Moon, planets, asteroids, galaxies, stars, etc) at the me the statue was dedicated on April 22nd, 1979.
Next, we head back up Cons tu on Ave towards the Washington Monument and Capitol Building. Along the way you’ll reach the World War (WW) II Memorial. The WWII Memorial is one of the newest in the Mall area, being dedicated on May 29th, 2004. Before you depart for Jamboree, ask family, friends, and rela ves if they know of anyone that served in World War II. Then, when in DC, stop by one of the kiosks at the memorial and enter their name and see if they’re listed. If they’re not, you can get them listed a er you get back home! Or type in the name of Robert Balmer, and select Robert Edwin Balmer of Middletown, PA. That’s my dad!
Beyond the WWII Memorial, towards the Capitol, is the Washington Monument. One of the interes ng things on the Washington Memorial is the change in color about one‐quarter (about 150 feet) of the way up. Don’t fall for the story o en told to gullible tourists by guides in the city… the line does NOT represent the stopping point for when they lower the monument each night so planes don’t hit it! The line actually represents the change in the type of stone used to build the monument a er a 23‐year delay in construc on of the monument.
Finally, there is the Boy Scout Memorial. Head north towards the White House from the Washington Monument to find it. It’s located on the Ellipse between the White House and Washington Monument, between E and 15th Streets NW. It’s located on the site of the first Na onal Jamboree, held in Washington, DC, in 1937! It was dedicated on November 7, 1964 and accepted by Associate Supreme Court Jus ce Tom C. Clark who celebrated his 50th anniversary of being an Eagle Scout on that day.
While there are many monuments in the DC area, these are some of the ones that have interes ng features or unique histories. Hopefully this will help you enjoy them and others you might visit during your Jamboree experience! Get In Shape for Jambo
We highly recommend scouts begin physical condi oning more than twelve weeks in advance of the Jamboree and no less than six weeks in advance. Recommenda ons for physical condi oning are similar to the recommenda ons we make for high adventure par cipants. Scouts should have comfortable footware which is well broken in. Generally, we recommend against steel toed boots as the foot can shi forward into the steel toe and cause bruising, abrasion or other injury. High quality light weight hiking boots or comfortable tennis shoes are a good choice for extensive walking at na onal historic sites as well as at Bechtel. Sandals and non‐lace up loafers are a rela vely poor choice as they provide no foot protec on and li le ankle support. Dress shoes which provide no arch support are also a poor choice.
When your scout undergoes his annual scout physical discuss fitness with your physician and make sure your scout has no limita‐ ons to physical ac vity. Lung disease such as exercise induced asthma or heart condi ons will limit your Scout’s ability to train and may prevent him from par cipa ng in either a fitness program or at the Summit program. Assuming no contraindica ons to exercise Scouts should engage in a physical fitness program which includes frequent walks or hikes of up to 5 miles. It is easy to find places to walk in Albuquerque and, fortunately, with our eleva on the scouts will develop enhanced cardiovascular health and endurance.
Remember, your scouts will not be res ng on the Jamboree trip. Each day they will be walking for many miles with significant ele‐ va on changes. Plan your fitness rou ne to increase in frequency un l each scout can walk for several miles each day without a significant rest of several days between hikes. If your scout can manage a brisk walk for an hour in Albuquerque each day for sev‐ eral days in a row it is likely they will easily endure the rigors of hiking and sight‐seeing at lower eleva ons.
National Contingent FAQs
When will Youth Leaders be selected? Is there anyone famous from the parts At the April 6th mee ng. Should I being my sash to the Summit? of West Virginia where the Summit is The choice is your, but bringing your merit located? How many uniforms will I need? Famed aviator Chuck Yeager, the first badge sash may just be another thing to A minimum of two full Field uniforms man to break the sound barrier, was born carry. However, if you are a member of the Is there s ll room and me for a friend about 100 miles northwest of the Summit to sign up for Jamboree? Order of the Arrow, you definitely want to site, in Myra, West Virginia. You bet! While the long tour is almost bring your sash as there will be several OA A er Jamboree will the Summit will full, with just one open spot, the short events you can a end during the Jamboree become just the fourth of BSA’s na onal tour s ll has room for about 10 Scouts. high adventure bases, right? And there’s s ll me for them to sign up, Well, yes and no. While the Summit will but the longer they wait, the more of the be the fourth currently opera ng good mes will be gone for all the great na onal high adventure base (joining ac vi es at Jamboree. New Mexico’s Philmont, the Northern How far is it from Washington, DC, Tier High Adventure Base in Minnesota, where we’ll be touring, to the Summit? and the Florida Sea Base), there are three About 300 miles, which makes for a long other high adventure bases that have drive; over five hours. That’s why we’ll closed (the Northern Wisconsin Na onal be spending the night before we enter Canoe Base in Wisconsin, Maine’s Jamboree in Charlo esville, VA. By Na onal High Adventure, and the Land staying there, we not only get to see Between the Lakes Na onal Outdoor Mon cello, Jefferson’s home, and eat a Adventure Center in Kentucky). So in one great meal in historic Michie Tavern, but sense, it’s the seventh high adventure it cuts about 100 miles and 2 hours of base, but in another, it’s the fourth. driving off the trip!