Scouts Study Self-Defense

On February 17th, five members from Coast Guard Station Seattle volunteered to teach the troop basic self defense and awareness. After providing a general introduction into the background of each trainer, the Troop was divided into three groups, each focused on a different skill set. One group focused on awareness, teaching the scouts how to recognize danger, and how to best avoid situations where they are outnumbered and outgunned. The second group taught the boys how to repel an attacker by using a simple kick and a punch. The final group showed the boys how to kick at ankles and legs (soccer style) and, as an added bonus, showed off a few pressure point moves to subdue an attacker and have time to flee. The highlight of the night was
the ever-present shouts of "get back" by the kids, as they followed the instruction to warn off potential attackers and get up their courage.

It was clear during the question and answer session at the end of the meeting that the boys were impressed in what they learned in only one hour, and have an appreciation of the dangers and excitement involved in law enforcement.

Posted by: Mike Lodge, ASM


Boy Scout Troop 626, Bellevue, Washington
www.Troop626.org

Scouts Sleep in Snow at Snoqualmie!

On February 14, 2009, the Troop traveled to the Snoqualmie Pass area for a three day snow camping expedition. 25 scouts, adults, and family members spent the long weekend preparing snow shelters and having fun in the winter conditions. The scouts paired up in teams to dig their own snow caves- their home for two nights. The minimal snow pack this year challenged everyone's engineering and construction skills - Traditional snow caves became hybrid cave/igloos when the scouts hit ground and had to "build out". The adults spent most of Saturday constructing a palatial, multi-roomed igloo and a cooking area that would make the Iron Chef envious.

On Day Two, some of our newer scouts arrived and got right into making their shelters and setting up tents. We had several day visitors on Sunday, including the 4-legged kind, who got in on the construction activities and also managed to take a few runs down the hill in the cargo sleds.

The last day's highlight, according to the scouts, was the demolition of their shelters (and the adults' igloo) by jumping on the now -frozen roofs.

Overall, we had a great time made possible by good weather, good friends, and great efforts by all of the scouts, adults, and family members (Emily) involved.

Posted by: Brian Delbrueck

www.Troop626.org

Scouts Ice-scape to Sheppard

On January 30th - February 1st, our troop attended winter camp at Camp Sheppard near Crystal Mountain. Camp Sheppard is a good place to earn some of the early optional merit badges starting on the journey to Eagle scout. Merit badges earned included Leatherwork, Woodcarving, Basketry, and Art. Harrison K. finished building his baskets for the basketry merit badge in record time. We tested our skill and patience making lanyards including the adults and we stood a little taller when we finished our own.

The theme for the weekend was ICE. There was snow on the ground but it had rained on Friday night before we arrived and camp was slippery. Logan S. tested his bravery on the tubing run and conquered that hill. Thanks to Laura Adams-Guy for bringing up the brownies, graham crackers and frosting for Saturday night. All in all, it was a weekend for earning a few merit badges and and having some fun.

Scouts who attended were: Conor A., Ricky A., Peter D., Willy D., Jacob D., Chris F., Richard G., Elliott H., John H., Harrison K., Evan M., Max O., and Logan S.

www.Troop626.org

Posted by: Jim Black, Scoutmaster