In February, 2017, the Boy Scouts of America announced the new "Adventure" merit badge  to be earned by Scouts who study and learn about Adventure activities such as backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, etc. http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/BoyScouts/Youth/Awards/NOA.aspx My RAGBRAI adventure this year is dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America, Grand Canyon Council, Camelback District.  Please consider making a donation to my GoFundMe campaign. https://www.gofundme.com/bike-ride-across-iowa-for-bsa I begin the adventure today in Orange City, Iowa.  I previously told you about being herded into a storm cellar of a house in Hawarden, Iowa, in 1998.  I heard the beginning of the story of the stolen Courthouse in that crowded basement that day.  Sioux County, Iowa, was established in 1860.  Calypso was designated as the County seat, which is now part of  Hawarden, Iowa.  Calypso and Hawarden are located on the bank of the Big Sioux River, just above where the Big Sioux e

Kent McClelland served as our Committee Chair during the interim period last year. His father Norman passed away Tuesday  July 13 2017. Both of these gentlemen have a long history with our Troop 441.   A rizona’s Leading Irish Citizen Philanthropist and Millionaire passes away If you knew Kent or Norman, you may wish to attend the service: MEMORIAL SERVICE UPDATE : A public viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, July 21 st from 5:00-8:00 PM in the Sanctuary.   The memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary on Saturday, July 22 nd at 10:00AM .  Pastor Joynt will preside.

12 Scouts attended forming 2 crews each with their own boat 4 Adults attended – Thank You to all the volunteer Adult Leaders that made this happen Sea Base supplied the Captains Lots of sailing and world class snorkeling Each Scout sailed 56+ miles The total miles sailed by the Scouts was  702 miles Scouts each also hiked 5+ Miles The Total miles hiked by the Scouts was 72 miles Total nights camped 83 (7 per Scout) (Edited to protect scouts identity) Parents  We all made it safe and sound to the hotel in Saint Tomas. We spent the day on the beach swimming and having lunch. Check-in to the rooms at 4 pm and most enjoyed a little nap. OK well I did anyway.  Took a cab into town, had dinner and shop for breakfast fixings to prepare in our rooms in the am. We will be getting scout S tomorrow and boarding the boats between 1-3.  Looks like most of the dads have Cell Service so we should be able to keep in touch an