the varsity visionc001af38d1d46a976912-b99970780ce78ebdd694d83e551ef810.r48.… · 2015-04-18 ·...

The Varsity Scout reaffirms his adherence to the traditional Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan.

Fishing Program Feature

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Operation “ON TARGET” Program Feature

The

VARSITY VISION NewsletterNewsletterNewsletterNewsletter

FOR VARSITY SCOUT LEADERS UTAH NATIONAL PARKS COUNCIL™ BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA®

www.utahscouts.org/varsity scouting/varsity vision news letters

April 2014 "We are what we repeatedly do; excellence then is not an act, but a habit." –Aristotle Vol. 17 No. 4

Table of contents Subject Page

Scout Oath or Promise and Scout Law . . . . . . . . 1

Fishing Program Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Southern Utah ON TARGET 2014 . . . . . . . . . . 4

Varsity Vision Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Fly Fishing Program Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Genealogy Merit Badge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

ON TARGET, Varsity Scouting Brightest Light 9

“Where Are the Fish” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Varsity Scouts All-Stars Camping . . . . . . . . . . 11

Peak Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Coach’s Corner “Not Having a Goal” . . . . . . . 12

Why Wood Badge? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Coach’s Corner “Hobbies” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Letter to the Editor: “Denali Award” . . . . . . . . . 14

Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Operation ON TARGET letter from Pres. Eyring 15

WAHOO Advertising Poster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

E-List Signup

To get this Varsity Vision newsletter sent to you automatically every month, go to the Utah National Parks Council™ website at http://www.utahscouts.org and enter the e-list sign-up icon at the top right of the home page. Follow the instructions given there to register.

All 27 Program Features can be seen at the following

internet site

http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/boyscouts/resources/varistyprogram.aspx

Scout Oath or Promise:

On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;

To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

Scout Law: A Scout is... Trustworthy Loyal Helpful Friendly Courteous Kind Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean Reverent

April 2014 VARSITY VISION NEWSLETTER

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We can fish in a serious way or simply lie back and let the bait do the work for us. We can make fishing an art, especially with fly-fishing, or a science, by inventing new types of lures or ways to attract the ‘‘big ones.’’ The ultimate Varsity Scouting adventure is designed to give your boys a challenging experience. There will be a series of preparations for the ultimate adventure in this Program Feature, which can be during a long weekend or a backpacking excursion into the mountains. Take your time preparing for your ultimate adventure, and

make sure you master each skill level. Some Scouts, even though they have patience and determination, can fish day after day without catching anything. On the other hand, there are some who seem to have a secret method because they never come home empty-handed. Actually, there is no secret. Good fishermen find fish because they learn how to find food supplies near spot where fish are most likely to be hiding or resting. Learn to locate these areas offering both food and security, and you’ll catch fish, too. I have attempted in this newsletter article to show you how it’s done. Read, study and teach this Fishing Program Feature to your Varsity Scouts and they will learn to find fish too. Most fish activity in a river or small stream will be found along fringe areas—around weed beds, stumps, logs, and rocks. In a stream, fish lie in front of or behind these obstructions to get away from the current and wait for food that is swept into the backwaters. Fish migrate according to food supplies, fluctuating oxygen levels, and changing seasons and water temperature. In the

spring, fish will congregate in shallow water to feed and spawn. When the water warms up during the hot summer months, they will move into the cooler depths, returning to feed in the shallows only in the early morning and late evening hours. As the water cools again in the fall, they’ll be found feeding in the shallows, only to go back to deep water again during the cold winter months.

The water temperature plays a critical role in the feeding habits of most fish. At Lake Powell Largemouth and Stripped bass, for instance, are most active when the water is 65 to 75 degrees; smallmouth bass, on the other hand, seem to prefer their water about 5 degrees cooler. Trout generally enjoy colder water temperatures. When fishing for lake trout, the rule is to fish deep, where the water temperature drops to about 40 or 50 degrees. The key point to remember is that fish like to be near a supply of food; they also want to be able to rest and hide safely. Find places that offer these to the species you’re after, and you’ll find fish. Remember that the fun of fishing is in catching the fish. If

you are not planning a fish fry, release the fish after you catch it. You can clip the barbs off of your hooks to make it easier to remove the hook from the fish. Once you have removed the hook from the fish, gently lower the fish into the water holding onto the tail and

move the fish back and forth and run water across its gills to help revive it. Then release the fish and it will swim happily away and you will have a big smile on your face. Some time in the past, a conscientious fisherman carved a chunk of wood to resemble natural bait. He was undoubtedly thrilled when it worked, and he landed the first artificially fooled fish. Since that time, we have been experimenting to find the perfect all-around lure that will excite fish and produce constant strikes. Artificial baits have been made from feathers, deer hair, wood, plastic, metal, and a wide variety of other materials. A fishing outfit for your Varsity Scout should consist of a rod, reel, line, and tackle. In addition to throwing the bait during the cast and serving as a mount for the reel, a fishing rod acts as a lever in setting the hook and playing a fish.

My boy fishing on the

Provo River

One of our boys caught this Lake Trout

at Flaming Gorge.

A couple Stripped

Bass from Lake Powell

The release feels good

“FISHING” Program Feature


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There are two basic fiberglass rod constructions: the tubular fiberglass rod and the solid fiberglass rod. Each has its good points, although the tubular-glass rods of today are the most popular. The reason for this is that they are lightweight yet very strong. Also, they are unaffected by temperature changes, which means they will not warp. Rods are made as a single piece or in two or more sections for easier backpacking and storage. The handle is a major part that should be considered in selecting a fishing rod. The material most often used for the grip is cork. For some special rods, wood is used; for others, a slip-proof, cushion-foam material is used. Whichever is used on the rod your Varsity Scout should be sure it feels comfortable in his hand. Probably the all-time deadliest big and small mouth bass catcher so far is the plastic worm. The trick to fishing with the worm is essentially the same as with any other artificial lure. It is up to the fisherman to impart a tantalizing, life-like action to the hunk of plastic on the end of the line. Some Scouts may prefer to cast and reel, twitching the rod tip every now and then, causing the worm to undulate exotically across the bottom. Other boys find that an extremely slow retrieve causing the worm to ‘‘crawl’’ across the bottom; a very effective method. A simple overhand knot will not do in fishing situations. Although a knot may seem insignificant and hardly noticeable to the Scout, it can be, and quite often is, the critical factor between success and failure. The “Palomar Knot” is my favorite knot that serves the same purpose as the other complicated knots. I double the line to make a 3 to 4

inch loop, and then pass the end of the loop through the eye of the hook or lure. Hold the standing part between thumb and

forefinger and tie a loose overhand knot in the double line with the other hand.

Then pass the hook through the loop and pull on the doubled line to tighten the knot,

guiding the loop over the top of the eyelet. Clip the tag end. I think that a spinning outfit is by far the most versatile combination of fishing equipment that I have used in my lifetime because it performs equally well with a variety of natural-bait and artificial-lure sizes. I think spinning is the easiest type of tackle on which to learn the fundamental techniques of fishing. The spool (the line-storage area) of a spinning reel does not turn when an artificial lure or natural bait is cast. Instead, line is pulled from the spool only by the forward momentum of the lure’s weight while the line spool remains stationary. Thus, there are no moving parts during the cast, and the line is relatively free from resistance as it travels away from the reel. This meant longer, more effortless casts for me, and in addition, it was less likely to develop a backlash or tangle of line with the spinning reel because line would stop coming off the spool at the same time the lure hit the water.

Once you have your outfit together, practice casting a bit before going out to your local fishing spot. To start, attach a weight or casting plug (without hooks) to the line end and let it hang about 6 inches from the tip-top. Then hold the rod firmly in your casting hand, with either one or two fingers in front of the reel stem—whichever is more comfortable—and rest your thumb on top of the rod.

With the casting hand holding the rod, point your index finger down toward the line. Then hook the line with the end of your index finger just enough so that you can hold it away from the bail and above the spool. As you continue to hold the line, reach down with the thumb and index finger of your free hand and move the bail across the face of the reel until it clicks into the open position. That’s it! You’re all ready for your first cast. Don’t squeeze the line with your finger; use just enough pressure to keep the line from falling off the reel spool.

Before you make your first cast, picture yourself standing sideways to the center of a clock. Using the rod as the hour hand, point the tip at 10 o’clock. The cast should follow in one smooth, continuous motion bringing the rod tip from 10 o’clock to 1 o’clock—let the rod do all the work. You simply control the power that has been built into it. Practice this suggested action a little before letting go of the line. Use your forearm in a chopping action to make the casting motion, and you’ll be able to feel all the power developed by the rod as it returns to the starting position. When the rod is returned to the 10 o’clock position, the line should be released immediately from your fingertip. With practice, you’ll soon learn exactly when to release the line for a perfect cast. However, don’t be discouraged with your first attempts. If you remember two basic rules for spin casting you’ll be able to cast correctly in no time:

1. If the cast goes into a high arching flight, you are releasing the line too soon. 2. If the lure splashes into the water at your feet, the line is being released too late.

Have fun fishing...

Typical spin casting outfit


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SOUTHERN UTAH “ON TARGET” 2014

Neil “Redtail” Bennett

This is one activity that entices

young men to return year after

year, even after they have left

the Varsity Scouts to be

Ventures, or maybe now they

are new Varsity Coach’s.

Operation "ON TARGET" this

year is on July 19, 2014.

Redtail Bennett, Chairman of

Operation ON TARGET for

Sothern Utah said Your Varsity

Scout Team chooses a high

mountain peak to climb, to

conquer. They make and take

with them signal mirrors for

each boy and adult. You carry

these and some vittles, water,

cameras, video, Cell phone and

a HAM radio operator to tag

along. You send light beams

starting at 11:00 a.m. to other

Teams on their peaks to say, "We are here, we made it, look at

us, we're on top of the world!"

Redtail told me he will be covering Salina and Scipio south to the southern border of Utah. He said he already has contacts in most of the southern areas of Utah. You can

contact him at [email protected] or call him at either of these numbers: cell 435-619-5290 or his home 435-628-0226. Contact him ASAP to get your Varsity Team registered for the peak of their choice. Redtail Neil will record all the information and send a copy back so you will know “who is where with their contact information”. Let him know all your contact information: HAM radios call sign, Cell phone number, FRS Channel and code and if you plan on using Morse Code. This year we are going to start the mirror flash at 11:00pm and

send it to surrounding

mountain peaks.

The On Target signal

flash will then be

relayed on to other

mountain peaks all

up and down the

Wasatch Range.

Also, “On Target”

flashes can be

relayed back down to

parents and family members on the valley floor so they can

participate by sending the “On Target” signal flash back to their

sons on nearby mountain peaks

Your boys perform their pre-assigned duties as Team flash

recorder, photographer and map & compass coordinator. You

may elect to put personal and Team memorabilia into a time

capsule for safe-keeping until next year. During all this you keep

on flashing other peaks.

Then, too soon, it comes to a close at

1:00 p.m. The Team of hyper stimulated

boys is in the palm of your hand, at the

top of the world with a vista of God's

creation that no couch potato ever sees.

You read the inspirational letter form

President Eyring, First Counselor in the

first Presidency of the LDS Church. His letter can be found on

Page 15.

“Redtail” Bennett said: “Come and join with us in this mountain

peak experience. The mountain top ceremony has always been

the most rewarding portion of my Operation ON TARGET

experience. Our great Prophets of old climbed to the mountain

tops to communicate with the Lord. Through this Operation ON

TARGET experience you can help your young men receive

inspiration, feel the Lords spirit, and strengthen their lives”.

Your ceremony could also be held around a campfire on Friday

evening and it can be patterned after the story "Light beyond the

Campfire" as told by Darrall H. Smith. This story can be found in

the July 2007 (page 1) Varsity Vision newsletter. The story is

taken from the June 1987 Ensign.

Neil Bennett “Redtail” 1981

Wood Badge HAWK team

"Wham Bam, Zero-In-And-Cook-'Em-Off-The-Mountain,

Fold-up Biggie! signal mirror"

Henry B. Eyring


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Or after the mirror signaling on Saturday, you can use the

mountain you have climbed as an object lesson. The peak is

your goal and/or life. At any moment you are either climbing

towards your goal, at your goal, or moving down from your goal.

Another alternative is to tell the story of “The Moth” which is

usually always appropriate for these young men to know about.

This story, “The Moth” can be found in the June 2009 (page 10)

Varsity Vision newsletter.

Be sure to register with Neil (Redtail) Bennett, Operation “On

Target” Chairman for Southern Utah so he can coordinate this

activity with the other Varsity teams. You can contact him at [email protected] or call him at either of these numbers: cell 435-619-5290 or his home 435-628-0226.

Our new Varsity Vision Training course has and still is creating a lot of excitement with the National Boy Scouts of America and our Utah National Parks Council. It’s all live presentation, no power point stuff and it will knock your socks off. I remember years ago when our Varsity Scout Basic Training consisted of two (3 Hour) evenings and an overnighter and was for adult leaders only. We had wonderful success with that format. However, this new Varsity Vision Training course includes your youth leaders and is a fast moving (14 hour) overnighter. This new training recreates the success of past years and is presented and written to meet our specific LDS needs in Varsity Scouting.

District Varsity Scout Committee Please note...

This Varsity Vision Training is designed for use at your district and/or LDS Stake. It is recommended that you hold at least two courses every year for your Varsity Coaches and their Varsity Scout boys. It differs from the previous power-point “Specific Training” course in important ways.

• The training consists of a single 14-hour experience deliver in an overnight format.

• This Varsity Vision Training schedule is detailed and carefully designed. Timing is very important!

• Your staff consists of adults and youth together. • Your course must work by immersing the

participants in the experience of being a member of the Varsity Scout team.

• Your training course will train adult Varsity Scout leaders and youth Varsity Scouts together.

• Your course requires active participation, information presentations should be short, well prepared, and delivered crisply.

Training by participation rather than by lecture moves training closer to the action-centered methods used by Baden-Powell in the early days. The Varsity Scout program itself is designed to serve the needs and values of the team’s LDS sponsoring organization. Members of the LDS wards (COR) & Stake Commissioners should be present at and take part in this Course. At key points within the presentations, the value messages of the LDS sponsor should be part of the course message. The Varsity Scouts program should harmonize with and not compete with other programs of the LDS Varsity Scout-aged youth. The Varsity Scout program supports the sustained development of the youth as he encounters new growth tasks, learns greater self-reliance, takes on additional responsibility for value choices, and accepts the challenges of leading, teaching and serving others. Finally, this new Varsity Vision Training leadership course recognizes the importance of “mentored planning” as perhaps the most important element of the Varsity Scout program. The Varsity Scout program is organized to give every youth a leadership assignment. This leadership course incorporates all of the principles described above. A well trained staff is essential to providing youth and adult a vision – the Varsity Vision - of what to come. The Varsity Vision Training course staff manual is being printed now at national headquarters and will be available very soon, contact Andy Gibbons at [email protected] for additional information. Holding this leadership course twice a year in your district works really well to train new

Training by participation


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adult and youth leaders and moves the experienced leaders along to help on staff as new people come in. If you want to get Varsity Scouting really fired up, then this Varsity Vision Training course is your key to success. Two courses were scheduled this spring; one at Maple Dell in Payson Canyon on March 21-22, (over). The other is scheduled on April 18 – 19 at Lazy River. The cost is $10 and includes food and course materials. Make sure you have your District training staff at either of these two courses so they can learn and gear-up to do your Varsity Vision Training in the District and/or Stake.

Fly-Fishing

Written by Ken Cluff

Fly-fishing is probably the world’s oldest recorded method of angling. The fishermen of those early days of fly-fishing began to dress up hooks to look like insects which, they noticed, the local fish were eating. In addition to using these ‘‘insects,’’ the early fishermen found that using a light, limber rod also made catching supper more exciting, adding fun to chores. Eventually, fishing began to take on the aspects of a game, and fishermen started using both lighter rods and line. Many of your Varsity Scouts know how to fish and some may even know how to fly-fish and tie their own flies. These boys can help the others learn to fish.

Fly-fishing, as we know it today, emerged as the most artistic and challenging form of the sport. Fly-fishermen consider catching fish relatively minor to perfecting their presentation and knowledge of fly patterns.

There are two major categories of flies that concern use: wet flies, which sink slowly in the water and resemble a drowned or an underwater insect or minnow; and dry flies, which float on the surface like an insect that has perhaps just dropped into the water from overhanging foliage. The fly reels used in today’s sport are the single-action, the multiplying, and the automatic. The differences in these reel types are primarily a matter of mechanism, which is implied in their names. The multiplying fly reel has a fast-retrieve gear ratio while the single-action does not, and the automatic reel takes up line by means of a trigger which activates a spring-loaded mechanism. The operating principle, however, is the same for them all. Their major functions are to store the line while fishing, to control the fish after it is hooked, and to act as a counterweight to the very long-tipped fly rod. Leader Construction Leaders serve as a connecting link between the line and lure. Attached to the fly-line end, a leader will transmit the power of the cast to the fly and cause it to ‘‘turn over,’’ landing gently on the surface of the water the majority of fly-fisherman prefer a tapered leader because of superior casting qualities. The standard fly-fishing leader measure from 7 ½ to 9 feet in length, however, the longer the leader the more difficult it is to cast. Attach the thicker ‘‘butt section’’ of the leader to the line with a nail knot. Fly-Fishing techniques Half the excitement of fly-fishing is in the art of casting. After practicing the technique, you’ll enjoy making a proper presentation even when there are no fish around. Let’s take a closer look at this method of outwitting fish. Fly-casting is nothing more than applying positive, smooth power to a rod through timing and rhythm. Your size or

My boy Braden, working a big Brown while fly-fishing

(see pictures at the end of this article)

Black Gnat Dry Fly

Adams Dry Fly


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strength has nothing to do with your ability to cast. The best place to start is at a nearby park or on your front lawn. Tie a small fly on the end of the leader, and you’ll be able to follow the action of the line and fly more easily. For safety’s sake, however, clip the hook off the fly while you are practicing.

There are three distinct parts to every cast with a fly-fishing outfit: the pickup, the back-cast, and the forward cast. The pickup and the back-cast are basic to successful casting. Once you put your mind to it, you’ll see that they are relatively easy to learn. Stretch out about 30 feet of fly line on the grass in front of you. With the reel and guides underneath the rod, point the tip of the rod directly at the fly at the end of the line. Grasp the line between the reel and the rod’s first guide with your free hand. Separate your feet and stand comfortably. Now, turn 45 degrees in the direction of your casting hand. This will allow you to follow the motion and action of the line while making the cast.

Start the line coming toward you by lifting your arm up and back in a smooth action. Don’t let the line in your left hand slip through your fingers. The idea is to throw the line up and behind you toward the sky.

The Back-Cast

When the rod is vertical, stop the power and flick your wrist backward and upward. Keep an eye on the line: It should loop behind you and begin to straighten. Now, all you have to do is pause momentarily until the line completely straightens and you feel a slight tug. A common fault is starting the forward cast before the line is straight, which deprives the cast of the power you want. Remember that all-important pause if you wish to be a good fly-caster. The Forward Cast

Once you have completed the back-cast, including the pause with the line straight out in back of you, all that remains is to bring your arm and the rod forward. Start slowly, and increase the speed steadily. If you take your time and don’t rush the cast, you’ll find it easy and natural. Find someone who can show your boys the proper fly-fishing techniques, or secure a videotape that gives you instructions on this style of fishing. L.L. Bean has an excellent video program on this topic. In the beginning of this fly-fishing article I gave an introduction and mentioned that fishing can be an art. Fly-fishing is indeed the art form in the fishing world. It takes coordination and concentration to fish this way. I had a picture at the beginning of my (soon to be) Eagle Scout Grandson Braden fighting a big Brown Trout on a fly-fishing rod. It was all he could do to hang on to this big boy. This picture below was taken when he finally netted it and his Dad took a picture of it before he released it for someone else to catch. The little green and red fly he used was made by his Dad. The location of the fishing spot is in public waters but they keep it a top secret, not even I know, (I have a big mouth).


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Genealogy Merit Badge

"Who are you?"

Your identity is defined as much by your family as by individual achievements. The pursuit of your Varsity Scout boys’ family history and origins tends to be shaped by several motivations, including the desire to find out a place for his family in the larger historical picture, a sense of responsibility to preserve the past for future generations, and a sense of self-satisfaction in accurate storytelling. This Merit Badge on Genealogy directs your boys to begin their research by collecting family documents and stories. This creates a foundation for documentary research, which

involves examining and evaluating historical records for evidence about ancestors and other relatives, their kinship ties, and the events that occurred in their lives. As a rule, research begins with the present and work backward in time.

Historical, social, and family context is essential to achieving correct identification of individuals and relationships. Source citation is also important when conducting genealogical research. To keep track of collected material, family group sheets and pedigree charts are used. Formerly handwritten, these can now be generated by genealogical software. As your Varsity Scouts explore their own family history, they may discover new sources of status, such as celebrating the resilience of pioneer families who survived crossing the plains, the brutality experienced by the early Latter Day Saints, or maybe the success of the boys’ families to integrate across State and National boundaries. Some family histories even emphasize links to celebrity criminals, such as Butch Cassidy (Robert Leroy Parker), the notorious American train robber, bank robber, and leader of the Wild Bunch Gang in the American Old West. The LDS Family History Library, which has developed the most extensive

genealogical record-gathering program in the world, was established to assist in tracing family lineages for religious ceremonies that we know will seal family units together for eternity. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saint know that this fulfills a biblical prophecy.

Requirements for the Genealogy merit badge:

1. Explain to your counselor what the words genealogy, ancestor and descendant mean.

2. Do ONE of the following: a. Do a time line for yourself or for a relative. Then

write a short biography based on that time line. b. Keep a journal for 6 weeks. You must write in it at

least once a week. 3. With your parent's help, choose a relative or a family

acquaintance you can interview in person, by telephone, or by e-mail or letter. Record the information you collect so you do not forget it.

4. Do the following: a. Name three types of genealogical resources and

explain how these resources can help you chart your family tree.

b. Obtain at least one genealogical document that supports an event that is or can be recorded on your pedigree chart or family group record. The document could be found at home or at a government office, religious organization, archive, or library.

c. Tell how you would evaluate the genealogical information you found for requirement 4b.

5. Contact ONE of the following individuals or institutions. Ask what genealogical services, records, or activities this individual or institution provides, and report the results:

a. A genealogical or lineage society b. A professional genealogist (someone who gets paid

for doing genealogical research)

Grandmothers’ family history book


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c. A surname organization, such as your family's organization

d. A genealogical education facility or institution. e. A genealogical record repository of any type

(courthouse, genealogical library, state or national archive, state library, etc.)

6. Begin your family tree by listing yourself and include at least two additional generations. You may complete this requirement by using the chart provided in the Genealogy merit badge pamphlet or the genealogy software program of your choice.

7. Complete a family group record form, listing yourself and your brothers and sisters as the children. On another family group record form, show one of your parents and his or her brothers and sisters as the children. This requirement may be completed using the chart provided or the genealogy software program of your choice.

8. Do the following: a. Explain the effect computers and the Internet are

having on the world of genealogy. b. Explain how photography (including microfilming)

has influenced genealogy. 9. Discuss what you have learned about your family and

your family members through your genealogical research.

FamilySearch has declared 2014 the “Year of the Obituary” and is working with partners and the larger genealogy community to collect and digitize millions of obituaries from the United States, with other countries soon to follow. The goal for this year is to index 100 million names from these historical documents, including the name of the deceased, relatives, and all other individuals found in each document.

This massive collection of obituaries will add a fabulous new dimension to online family history research. Obituaries are a “treasure trove” of valuable genealogical information. Each is a unique story of a person’s life. Many obituaries include a photo of the person along with the names of generations of family members.

The success of this indexing campaign depends on volunteers. Volunteers are needed to keep up with the volume of obituary indexing projects. This represents an excellent opportunity for your Varsity Scouts to participate in a meaningful act of service that will pay big dividends for generations to come.

July 19, 2014 The objectives are for Varsity Scouts to seek greater heights in their lives, to let their light shine forth, and to set, work for, and achieve goals. Our great Prophets of old climbed to the mountaintop to communicate with the Lord. Through this program our young men can receive inspiration, feel the Lords Spirit, and strengthen their lives.

This activity can provide several "symbols" or "examples" which can be used to present important lessons about life. These discussions can and should be the culminating experience of a wonderful On Target day. Hopefully, as this part of the Mountain Top experience commences, the boys will be in a thoughtful and calm frame of mind (no small task to achieve!). Some of the symbols, which have been successfully used in the past, are listed here.


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* Operation "On Target" is all about reflected light -- The light that comes from above! God gives us the light of freedom so we may choose for ourselves. As we choose to - "do our duties to God and our country" - and - "to keep ourselves physically strong mentally awake, and morally straight -- we choose to reflect that God given light, as surely as if we were doing it from mountaintops with our mirrors. Cherish the light of the Gospel, and the light of freedom; always be ready to reflect and defend them. * The mountain could represent a specific goal your Varsity Scout might have. In order to attain the goal, persistence and work are required. At any given point in time, the boy is either toiling upward toward the goal, remaining stationary, or coasting downhill away from the goal. The direction he is moving relative to his goal is more important than the speed at which he is moving. Keeping one's mind and heart on the goal is imperative for success. * On Target requires alignment of sunlight, the mirror, and the target in order to make contact with others. In life, the proper alignment of knowledge, skills, and attitudes allow one to make an impact in the lives of others. Reflecting the light of Christ to others:

• The sunlight could represent God or the Spirit,

• The mirror could represent service to others or setting a good example

• The contact could represent bettering others by our service and diligence.

“Utah Fishing Information” is the best source of information about fishing Utah lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams and ponds. Whether your Varsity Scouts are looking for some quick facts about their favorite lake or river in Utah, or they want to find the best place to fish for their favorite species of fish, this website has got exactly what they need. Here they can find pictures and descriptions of all Utah game fish species, such as native cutthroat trout, walleye, bass or yellow perch. they can also find which Utah waters you can visit to find trout, bass, catfish, or any other Utah fish.

Does your Varsity Scouts want to visit one of the many lakes or rivers that they have never fished before? Go to http://www.utahfishinginfo.com/ first and learn about

which species of fish are present there, what are the regulations for those fish, and how can they best target them. Utah Fishing Information is the latest and best source of information for fishing in Utah waters.

Get ready to explore some of Utah's amazing backcountry on a backpacking

camping trip. Check out the interactive Utah Fishing Map to learn about and find new lakes and rivers.

Have your Program Manager in charge visit the Current Fishing Reports for up to date info on how the fishing will be for the Varsity Scouts on their favorite water to prepare them for their next camp. The fishing reports are updated weekly at this website.

You can click on a region in this map or on a link to jump to the fishing report for that region.

Brook Trout caught in the High Uintas

Channel Cat Caught

at Salem Pond

Where are the FISH “Ultimate Adventure”

http://www.utahfishinginfo.com/


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Varsity Scout All-Stars The greatest adventure is what lies ahead

Tom Oldham, Utah National Parks Council Training Chairman over All-Star training programs said there are five All-Star courses’ planned in 2014. Each course is 6 days long, starting on a Monday. Adult leaders and youth Varsity Scouts can both attend All-Stars. This total immersion program will be challenging at times, but it is well worth it!

Varsity Scout All-Stars is a week of fun-filled exciting days of high adventure program training and fun! It picks up where Varsity Vision Training leaves off. Program skills are

taught and applied in the setting of Varsity Scout activities. Youth are instructed in how to utilize the resources and tools available to Varsity Scouts. This is not a youth leadership development conference; if that is desired consider going to Varsity Vision Training.

Any registered Varsity Scout who is or may be a leader in his team may attend. Participants must be in good physical condition and should be able to live comfortably on the trail and in the outdoors. Coaches and Assistant Coaches are encouraged to participate as well as Unit Commissioners that serve Varsity Scouts. Your entire Varsity Scout Team may also participate in any of these All-Star courses.

The cost for the 6 day course is $140 and includes food, program materials and facilities. No refunds will be given after 14 days prior to a course starting; however fees may be transferred to another Scout in your team. That boy must meet the same requirements as the original applicant.

Register below for a Varsity Scout All-Stars course. A current Annual Health and Medical Record, with parent or guardian signature, is required for participation. Each Scout must have a Varsity Scout activity shirt and a Field Uniform. Transportation is not provided to and from the event.

For more information email [email protected] or contact the course director as listed below.

Upcoming Varsity All-Stars Courses for 2014:

Frandsen Scout Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/2/2014 - 6/6/2014 Course Director: Bart Cox 435-748-5555 Timber Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6/16/2014 - 6/21/2014 Course Director: Eric Tuttle 801-372-3151 Cedar Breaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7/14/2014 – 7/19/2014 Director: Dennis Cox 435-590-1227

Skyline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/14/2014 – 7/19/2014

Course Director: Scott Woolston 801-420-8820

Wasatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7/14/2015 – 7-19-2014

Course Director: Nate Hansen 435-671-2141

Most of the training is done by boys

Rappelling & Rock-climbing


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PEAK EXPERANCE I think the mountaintop ceremony may be the most rewarding portion of your Operation ON TARGET experience. The ceremony may be held around a campfire near the mountain peak on Friday evening. Gathering your team in a secluded spot, follow the team’s outline, have a reverent mountaintop ceremony that includes reading the letter from President Erying, (Page 15) of the first presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I always had the parents of the Varsity Scouts write and short note to their boys that they can read at this time. Also you may have a letter from their Bishop and/or councilors expressing their feeling to the boys. Be sure to take the teams Time Capsule and review previous years experience with the boys. Have the Varsity Scouts comment on their thoughts and feelings. Take the letters from this year and put in the time capsule for the future years. A Coach’s Corner at the end is especially rewarding to you and the Varsity Scout boys. Express your love and appreciation to your boys. I have listed several ideas you can use in your Coach’s Corner to the boys:

☺☺☺☺ Each of your Varsity Scout boys has climbed to a

mountain peak and relay a message to other Varsity Scout teams using signal mirrors. The objectives are for them to seek greater heights in their lives, to let their light shine forth, and to set, work for, and achieve goals. Our great Prophets of old climbed to the mountaintop to communicate with the Lord. Through this program your young men can receive inspiration, feel the Lords Spirit, and strengthen their lives.

☺☺☺☺ Operation "On Target" is all about reflected light -- The

light that comes from above! God gives us the light of

freedom so we may choose for ourselves. As we choose to - "do our duties to God and our country" - and - "to keep ourselves physically strong mentally awake, and morally straight -- we choose to reflect that God given light, as surely as if we were doing it from mountaintops with our mirrors. Cherish the light of the Gospel, and the light of freedom; always be ready to reflect and defend them.

☺☺☺☺ The mountain could represent a specific goal your Varsity

Scout might have. In order to attain the goal, persistence and work are required. At any given point in time, the boy is either toiling upward toward the goal, remaining stationary, or coasting downhill away from the goal. The direction he is moving relative to his goal is more important than the speed at which he is moving. Keeping our mind and heart on the goal is imperative for success.

☺☺☺☺ On Target requires alignment of sunlight, the mirror, and

the target in order to make contact with others. In life, the proper alignment of knowledge, skills, and attitudes allow you to make an impact in the lives of others.

☺☺☺☺ Reflecting the light of Christ to others: The sunlight

could represent God or the Spirit, the mirror could represent service to others or setting a good example, and the contact could represent bettering others by our service and diligence.

Your mountaintop peak ceremony might also include a song, prayer, and guest speaker. Recognition of achievement pins and awards or history of the peak you are on.

Coach’s Corner “Not Having a Goal”

One of the most exciting things in Varsity Scouting is learning the technique for setting a goal and accomplishing it. Happy Scouts have a tendency to make both short and long term goals. Short term goals gives the boy mini accomplishments that build self confidence and keep him motivated for the big picture. These goals can be related to anything that is important to him, rank advancement, Merit Badges and hobby related goals are examples of goals the boy can set immediately. Successful Scouts are constantly setting and accomplishing goals.


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Why Wood Badge ?

Judging by the experience of others, Wood Badge will help you become a better Scout leader. It's also likely that along the way you'll find ways to become a better person. Sign up soon for your Wood Badge experience. Do your best to serve others by improving your leadership skills. If you do, you'll help fulfill Baden-Powell's vision that Scouting can bring about God's Kingdom on earth.

Your deluxe six-day, all-inclusive Wood Badge experience comes with decades of Scouting knowledge, a skilled and helpful staff and a guided tour through the entire Scouting program.

Wood Badge is expertly designed to stress you out, tie you in knots and take you on the same emotional roller coaster we put our Varsity Scouts on as they advance in the program.

In other words, you might not leave Wood Badge feeling relaxed, but you’re guaranteed to be recharged and ready to tackle any problem your Varsity Scouts throw your way. And it just might be the most fun you’ll ever have as a Scout leader.

Wood Badge is leadership training for

adults in all Scouting positions. While

studying five areas (Living the Values,

Bringing the Vision to Life, Models for

Success, Tools of the Trade, and

Leading to Make a Difference)

participants earn the coveted ‘Training

Beads’ first presented by Baden-Powell

himself.

And by going to Wood Badge, that

vision can also become yours.

Wood Badge 2014

Course

Dates

Course

Location

Course Director

Sponsor Registration

Link

April 10-12 & 17-19

Quail Creek Scout Camp

LaVelle Prince Bloomington Stake

W2-591-14-1

April 17-19 & 24-26

Mutual Dell

Brad Sears Cedar Hills, Cedar Hills West, and Manila Stakes

W2-591-14-2

April 24-26 & May 1-3

Clear Creek Ranch

Jan Prince Santa Clara, Santa Clara Heights Stakes

W2-591-14-3

May 1-3 & 8-10

Maple Dell Scout Camp

David Nielsen American Fork North Stake

W2-591-14-4

May 15-17 & 22-24


Mike Terry Orem, Sunset Heights Stake

W2-591-14-5

May 29-31 & June 5-7

Bacon Park Jeff Cranney Roosevelt West Stake

W2-591-14-6

July 14-19 Tifie Scout Camp

Rex Barrington Pleasant Grove Stake

W2-591-14-7

July 21-28 Tifie Scout Camp

Rick Howard Alpine North Stake & Family Odyssey

W2-591-14-8

Sept. 11-13 & 18-20

Tifie Scout Camp

Sam Farnsworth Huntington Stake

W2-591-14-9

October 9-11 & 23-25


Dave Wagaman Spanish Fork, Palmyra Stakes

W2-591-14-10

Oct 23-25 & Oct 30-Nov 1

Heber Valley Camp

John Wright Highland Stake

W2-591-14-11

Learn what to expect from the

best adult leader training program.


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Denali Award Knot

There is a knot for Arrow of Light, Eagle Scout, and Venture Silver. When you include the Religious Knot into the potential awards progression the glaring oversight is magnified. The missing knot is Denali. While I am certain

there is a reason that this knot has not been endorsed and approved there is an obvious gap in the recognition progression. While it would be unfair to say Varsity Scouting is the stepchild to Boy Scouts and Venture Scouting the appearance of status at least on its face is pretty glaring, just an observation.

Andrew Zaelit

Answer to Andrews’s question: Andrew, I understand even as we speak there is a Denali Knot in the process of being endorsed and approved for the Varsity Scout program. It should be made available to us very soon.

Ken Cluff

Letter to the Editor

What we are all about...

The Varsity Vision Newsletter provides Scouting leadership motivation and inspiration as well as a dialogue on needs, direction and policies in the Utah National Parks Council™. The newsletter Staff assembles and distributes useful new ideas, practical tips, enthusiasm and the VISION of Stand-Alone Varsity Scouting. Opinions and ideas expressed herein are

those of the editors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect official BSA policy. The Varsity Vision Newsletter is non-profit service publication to promote Varsity Scouting leadership excellence throughout the Utah National Parks Council™ and is distributed 12 times a year through

E-mail and this web site: (circulation about 2800)

www.utahscouts.org/Varsity Scouts/Varsity Vision

Comments and suggestions can be e-mailed to me at

[email protected].

I would like to hear from you.

Fishing Program

Feature Pin

Enjoy the great outdoors and learn something valuable with the fishing program feature. The fishing pin can help expand your Varsity team’s knowledge on fish, lures, baits, fishing techniques and even cooking. Let us know what you did for your fishing pin!


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