The electoral collage.

There are many ways in which elections can happen successfully and, unfortunately, many ways in which they can fail.  As a Scout you have a the unique opportunity of participating in elections by nominating and voting for other Scouts that run for positions of leadership in the Troop.  For government elections it is important that candidates represent their constituency or electorate.  As a Scout this is already taken care of due to the fact that the Scouts running for positions are already representative of your Troop and its Patrols.  It is also crucial, just as it is with other types of elections, that Scouts who apply for elected positions fully understand the duties of the positions for which they are candidates.  As we prepare for the upcoming Troop elections take time to review the responsibilities of the positions that will become available, think about how you can contribute through an elected or appointed position and most of all take the elections seriously since they will have a direct influence on the leadership and activities of the Troop.

"You are here."

Here is a quick quiz.  Are you ready?  Go!  What is the state tree?  What is the state motto?  Do you know the state bird?  How about the state nickname?  What is the state flower?  Do you know the approximate population (rounded to the nearest million)?  What is the state capital?  How about the largest city?  In what year did the state join the union?  Finally, what is the highest point in the state?  If some of the questions had you stumped check out the answers at the end of this post.  Many states have distinct features, names and official symbols.  Get to know more about The State of Washington by clicking on the flag image and take pride in its diversity and history.  From temperate rainforests to deserts and from mountains to the ocean there is much to explore when it comes to your home state.  (Answers: Western Hemlock, "By and by", American Goldfinch, "The Evergreen State", Coast Rhododendron, 7 million, Olympia, Seattle, 1889, Mt. Rainier [14,411 ft]).

Active citizenship.

There are may ways in which you can demonstrate active citizenship.  Try to understand the layers of your government, from your community to the nation-at-large.  Envision how you are a unique part of your community and how you can embody its values in your daily life.  Read the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. Bill of Rights (they are quite interesting).  Visit with an elected official to learn more about their responsibilities.  You can also meet your neighbors and begin learning about how you can work to improve your community together.  You can start the process by exploring the Citizenship chapter of your Scout Handbook.  Overall, be active and be thankful that you live in a country where you can participate!

Old Glory

The most valuable object in the Troop's possession is the American Flag.  While most people get to see the American Flag daily few will have the opportunity to touch the flag or present it on a regular basis.  As a Scout you have the unique honor of doing this regularly as part of every Scout meeting.  However, there some occasions when the flag is directly handled and folded for presentation, storage or special commemorations.  Navigate to this link to learn the proper procedures for honoring the American Flag by handling it properly while it is being folded.  Remember that you have sworn to do your duty to your country every time you recite the Scout Oath.  One of the many ways in which you can embody this oath is to treat the American Flag with the respect that it justly deserves.

"Gentlemen, [ . . . know] your engines!"

Knowing your way around an engine is not only fun but it is also a important component of safety.  Keeping engines in good working order is critical for vehicles as well as for smaller engines, such as those found in landscaping and other tools.  If you want to be a "grease monkey" check out the Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge requirements to learn more about engines, maintenance and safety.  The Merit Badge will help you gain confidence as you help out with yard work, when you start driving or if you just have a general interest in engines and machines.  Be safe, increase your knowledge and most of all have fun!

Intentional combustion.

There are many ways in which machines, both simple and complex, help to make everyday tasks more manageable.  Simple machines include the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge and screw.  Complex machines are merely assemblies of many simple machines as well as purpose-specific parts designed for how the machine is intended to be used, such as bar and chain assemblies for a chainsaw or a long crankshaft and gearbox for a weed trimmer.  Chances are good that you have already seen simple and complex machines at work today such as a weed trimmer, chainsaw, lawnmower or automobile.  Watch the video above to get a brief introduction to a two-stroke engine's combustion cycle then consider how it is implemented in a device that you have used.

Force via rope.

There are many knots that Scouts will find useful but there are a special few which allow for variability that makes them especially good to know in camping situations.  The "Trucker's Hitch" is one such knot and it is especially useful for tasks such as securing guy lines for tarps and shelters.  Since this knot requires the working end to be doubled-back through a fixed loop (similar to a pulley) such as a "Directional Figure-Eight" or a "Slippery Hitch" it allows for the application of extra force on the standing end of the line.  Watch the video to see one way this hitch can be tied.  Try finishing the "Trucker's Hitch" with a "Taut-line Hitch" to allow for control over the line tension, a "Slippery Hitch" (as show in the video) to allow for a quick release or "Two Half Hitches" for the most security.