By Mark Mangels

People who know me very well noticed that I have been serving as part time volunteer staff at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation the last couple of years. I just got back from 2nd session this week. They often are curious about what it is like and why do I do it. They see it as a place that is dusty, rocky, windy, rainy, sweaty, insect and animal infested and hot. I see it as a place of scouting history, shade everywhere, full of learning, a place to teach, make new friends, rekindle old friendships, reflect and meditate with 3 square meals and canvass over my head. I love my reservation. It really is a place of strong medicine and especially a chance for me to help scouts and scouters. Nights are like going to an art museum where you see the Sun set and stand in awe at the night sky blanketed with stars. I can go to sleep listening to a choir of critters. I can wake up to the Sun rising in the East. Yes, I am very busy working all day, but if you enjoy it, it’s not really work. Most of all, I can think. And think. And think. Time spent with the Great Spirit goes a long way in our busy lives back in the big city. Time goes by quickly. Each year Troop 282 sends several scouts to Bartle as full time staff and volunteer part time staff. If one session of camping is not enough each summer? Consider applying for CAMP STAFF.

By Dillon England

This year, I am down working at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. I work in the camp I’ve camped in since I was a Tenderfoot, and I couldn’t imagine it any differently. Go Lone Star! There are many things I enjoy about being on staff, whether it be the experience, the interactions, or just the involvement.
The fun that I am having down here is simply that of a camper ten-fold. I get to sing songs every day, do what I love, and promote the scouting program. It’s a fantastic option to take if you’re serious about scouting. I teach First Aid at the Scoutcraft Lodge, where the basic skills of being a Boy Scout are taught – and no, it isn’t where Pottery is.(Haha.)
My personal favorite part about being down here, you might ask? Interacting with all of the campers. Down here, I realize that there are just so many great people out there. My job specifically allows me to interact with those that are of the most crucial age group in the Boy Scouts of America; the first year campers. Along with teaching the First Aid merit badge, I also teach in a program called Trail to First Class. In said program I go over a specific set of requirements each day and the scouts can return to their troop with more knowledge than they had yesterday. Just doing that, piquing their interests, and making everything fun for them is enough to keep me going all summer long.
My involvement in the staff is significant, and ever growing. It is the same for each and every staff member. All of the program wouldn’t be what it is without everyone here. For me, on top of teaching an Eagle required merit badge and working with first year campers, I may also become a Runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say third session. I’ll have the opportunity to be involved in one of the most thrilling parts of scout camp — Call Night. Believe me, seeing things behind the scenes is amazing. It takes great coordination and determination to uphold the program that I love, and the one I know we all love too.

The (basic) requirements for joining camp staff are as follows:
-Must be at least 15 years of age
-Follow all principles of the Boy Scouts of America

If you are interested in going down on staff for the 2016 camping season, come see me. I’ll be able to tell you all about it. And if you want to see me at camp, I’ll be down the hill at Scoutcraft; the lodge will always be open to you.

By Mark Mangels

It’s time to get those recruiting yard signs back in the yard. Spring is here and advertising days are upon us. Some of you may ask, “Do yard signs and bumper stickers really matter?” “Do they ever help someone make a decision or change their mind?” Consider this. Millions, if not billions of dollars are spent annually in the United States to promote candidates, businesses, houses for sale or rent, and even garage sales. And, it has been that way for years. My first political button was a NIXON’S THE ONE button that was from a bag of buttons dropped by a campaign worker handing them out at the Independence Halloween Parade in 1968. I wore the button, and was not even old enough to vote. I once bought a house after I saw the FOR SALE sign that pointed the direction. And, don’t you just love to read the bumper stickers on cars? I won’t give any examples, since often they may be a little inappropriate.

So, if you need a sign, we have them. If you need a new metal stand for the sign you have, we have those too. No charge!! Let’s recruit some more scouts!!

By Troy Morris

I come from a small troop, here in Independence, Missouri. One of the obstacles of achieving Eagle is to get all of the required merit badges. My troop does not offer anyone certified to sign off on the merit badges I needed. I played phone tag with several counselors that keep sending me to others who sent me to others who couldn’t help. My time was running out and I was about to give up and with out the help of my mom, Mr. Norton, and Mr. Leabo of of troop 282 this would not have been possible and I would have not accomplished this requirements.

By Ben Wyatt

After I had won the tickets to the Home Run Derby, I couldn’t wait to go. My friend David and his family also went, so we tailgated with them. We got into the stadium just in time to see the national league batting practice. Then one of the KC Crew girls gave us tattoos. It was also really funny because almost every major league mascot came and stood on the dugouts pushing each other around.

When we finally got to our seats, the derby started off really good. Jose Bautista hit 11 homers in the first round. My pick to win, Matt Kemp, didn’t do so good though. The best part was when almost everyone in the stadium booed Robinson Cano. It made him mess up so he didn’t hit any homers. After the second round, Mark Trumbo and Jose Bautista had a swing-off. It was really cool to watch, even though Mark Trumbo didn’t advance on.

The final round was the craziest. Prince Fielder was on fire and he tied the record for homers in the final round with 12! It was awesome! Jose Bautista couldn’t even catch up to him. After Prince clinched the win, we started to leave. My dad and I had lots of pictures too. That day was one of the best days of my life.

By Scott Howell

The Eagle Rank is recognized world-wide as a group of men who are outstanding in all that Scouting represents.

• Personal Honor
• High Character Values
• Leadership Skills
• Giving to the Community
• Giving to Country
• Giving to his Scout Troop
• Courage in Facing Hard Challenges

Being an EAGLE means your OATH has no age limit.

You are an EAGLE for Life.

Being an EAGLE holds a very special meaning in America and in the World.

The Eagle Scout Award, it’s Scoutings’s highest rank. Men who have earned the Eagle Rank count it among their most treasured possessions. Those who missed receiving the award remember exactly which requirement they didn’t complete. Americans from all walks of life know that being an Eagle Scout is a great honor, even if they don’t know just what the badge means.

You are an Eagle Scout – never were. You earned the badge as a scout, but you earn it every day as a man. I would ask those who read this article to tell me what this statement means to you?

What it means to me to be a Boy Scout.
That we live every day doing our best and living up to the scout oath and law. Because the law and oath are just good for everyone to be and do. Plus it helps me feel connected to my Grandpa who died before I was born. He was a scout leader and my Uncles who were Eagle Scouts.

Nick Dunlap
Troop Guide

What it means to me to be a Boy Scout.
To be one of 9% of boys that have gone through the scout program is very special. You have opportunities to learn and use ideas in programs that you would not otherwise learn. You grow more during these 7 years than at any point in your life. Where else would you learn to tie knots, read a maps, or be a leader of other young men?

What it means to be an Eagle Scout.
To be one of 2% to ever earn the Eagle rank is something that you will always be respected for. You will find in life that people really respect you for what you accomplished. The public will look up to you and respect you to another level. Once you have obtained this rank I believe the expectations are higher in life for you. I think the expectations are higher and people will look to you for answers and help…I personally have had the opportunity many times to use skills and learning’s from the Boy Scouts to be helpful with others.

Once you go through the scouting program you will always be an Eagle, no matter what you do, or where you go.

John Gauld
Eagle Scout Troop 282 – 1972

What it means to me to be a Boy Scout.
Being a Scout and then a Scouter has provided me purpose and focus. In addition, there has been opportunity for adventure and the cultivation of lasting friendships. Outside of family, Scouting has been the most important factor in my life. As I reflect back on my life, the Scouting memories are the most vivid.

Dave Woodman
Directing Medicine Man

What it means to be a Boy Scout.
It had provided me with stability and consistency. These are qualities required for one to have a successful life! In the Words of John Wesley, "It is the journey, not the destination."

What it means to be an Eagle Scout.
Where this is known of me, expectations are higher than those around me which are not Eagle Scouts. Especially at work. This provides me daily with an opportunity and challenge…always meet or exceeding the expectations…as life is without limits!

Rick Bennett
Asst. Scoutmaster

What it means to be a Boy Scout.
It gives me the chance to learn and to grow physically, socially, and mentally. It also makes me fell like I belong some where, and know that it prepares me for the world.

William Chinnery
Troop Librarian

What it means to be a Boy Scout.
Being a Boy Scout leader, to me, means doing my part to help set our young men on the right trail in life. Helping to grow up & be valuable members of society, & successful adults.

Travis Simpson
Troop Committee Member

What it means to be a Boy Scout.
I am an "old scout " I was a cub scout in the 1940’s a boy scout in the 50’s . I can’t imagine the loss of fun times and great adventures that I have had. If I had not selected the choice of being a scout. When I was in college and in the military service I used my scouting training, when our boys we young we camped, fished and went on float trips, always using the scouting skills that I had learned many years ago. In business the rules and laws that we learn are very help full. I guess I am an old scout, it is a great choice.

Gary Leabo
COR

What it means to be a Boy Scout.
When I became a Boy Scout, I resumed a trail that I had started several years earlier. I joined Cub Scouting and enjoyed the years spent earning all of the ranks through Arrow of Light. When I "crossed over" to the Boy Scouts, I was a frightened 11 year old who had no friends in Boy Scouts, and was the lone Webelos Scout who joined the Boy Scout Troop that year. After the first couple of scout meetings where I observed nothing but older, bigger scouts, I was petrified at the thought of going anywhere with these guys, especially 10 days of Boy Scout Camp. After those 2 scout meetings, I walked away from Scouting. No one must have cared, since I was never contacted by any leader or scout about my absence. Two years later, while on a church youth retreat, one of my friends told me about his Scout Troop, what they did, where they went, and my interest in Scouting was again stirred. I joined my friends scout troop, as a 13 year old. I had grown considerably over the last 2 years, and soon became the tallest, oldest Tenderfoot in the troop. My love for Scouting grew like a wild fire. My scout buddies were my best friends. My Scoutmaster was a thoughtful and caring adult who was committed to the Scout program and everything for which it stood. Scouting gave to me an opportunity to camp, hike, fish, learn the woods, develop character, and learn leadership skills. My father had already suffered 2 heart attacks in his life, so camping and fishing were not part of our family life. Scouting became a part of my family life. In 1973, I earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 15. I earned my God and Country, earned 32 merit badges, attended the 1973 World Jamboree, and began a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. I have tried to give back to Scouting in the years since, serving as Troop Committee Chairman, Cubmaster, Troop Committee Member for many years, Merit Badge Counselor and Campsite Commissioner (Lone Star). The feeling and desire to "give back" to Scouting what it gave to me is just there. It is inside and is a desire that cannot be put into words. I do know that somewhere at sometime there are other young scouts who need that thoughtful and caring adult, like my Scoutmaster, to be a part of a Scout Troop. Perhaps that Scout will hang in there and not leave Scouting because he was frightened. Perhaps I can be that thoughtful and caring Scout leader.

Mark Mangels
Asst. Troop Chaplain

What it means to be a Boy Scout.
Being a Boy Scout allows you to learn and do things you would never do normally. It takes you places not many have been and gives you a better appreciation for the world around us. The places you go and the people you meet change who you are and make you a better man so that in the future, you can change the lives of others behind you. This is what scouting is to me.

Matt Copeland
Sr. Patrol Leader

What it means to be a Boy Scout.
Pride
Integrity
Perseverance
Determination
Life changing (Mic-o-say more than scouting on its own) Warrior ceremony for me.

Completion of Eagle Scout is viewed highly in the professional fields. It puts you in a distinct group of those whom have accomplished the same goal, which is substantial. Being a scout requires a huge commitment from the boy/young man and the parents. I explain how lucky we were to have the water plant for over nights, tower swing building and a base camp. Many a boy learned from the older boys, including myself, what it means to be a Boy Scout in Troop 282. I’ll never forget the induction ceremony at Trinity Episcopal Church with my Mom and Dad standing there behind me. The great blue bus trip to Colorado, Apache Camp, Lolly Bombs, Dripping water in a tub for the adults confined to their bunks, Ricky Bennett acting as a monkey at the top of the swing tower tightening lashes, several alarms ringing out during all hours of the night.

Scouting is a life time of memories to remember and share with others. Mic-o-say is far beyond what people may think based on call night. It is a game changer. When you see a person with claws, hard way or honorary, say and hi and begin talking of the tribe and time stands still for both. Pappy would be proud along with all of those before him.

Chris Mueller
Eagle Scout Troop 282 – 1980

What it means to be a Boy Scout.
To me, a Boy Scout enthusiastically lives up to the Scout Oath and Law. However, he does much more than just follow the morals and duties of Scouts. He also supports his family, community, God, and this country the best way he can. With all of this, he can live up to be a great person that is physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

What it means to be an Eagle Scout.
For Eagle Scouts, they serve a much bigger responsibility. They serve a very important role in leadership, helping other people at their best at all times. I’m no expert on this, but I can get the idea from the Eagle courts of honor I’ve been in. They have stepped into an entirely different level of Scouting.

Tim Phillips
Troop Instructor

What it means to be a Boy Scout.
Boy Scouts is like my family and when I think of that family I think of my family and I think of God, and when I think of God I think of Boy Scouts.

Simon Englehart
Patrol Scribe

What it means to be a Boy Scout.
Here’s my opinion: Being a Scout means to teach and be taught about survival, safety, and to be prepared. Prepared for what you might ask…anything that can come your way. Scouting means so much to me and all my fellow friends in Scouting. So go out there and be a Scout!

Gabriel Englehart
Patrol Scribe

What it means to be a Boy Scout.
Greetings Troop 282, Mr. Howell asked past troop members what it meant to be a Scout. Seems like a simple question…it is also a good Scoutmaster Conference question. I was recently installed as Scoutmaster of Troop 324 in Overland Park and I asked a Star Scout sitting for his Life SM conference the same question this past weekend on our overnight. He told me it meant living by the Scout Oath and Scout Law. I thought that was a good response. I also believe most of us would probably respond that way. I then asked him "why"…don’t you love it when your scoutmaster keeps asking you questions? It took him a little while and he said, "to help others." "So when do you help others?"…well…"at all times." I said, "At all times…wow even when it isn’t convenient or even if the other person isn’t friendly?" Then I remembered what my Scoutmaster, Mr. Morris, told me a long time ago. As I joined Troop 282 Mr. Morris told me that my troop had its own motto and the whole troop repeated it, "All for One and One for All." He said we will always help each other.

The scout and I continued to talk and I shared with him something I learned at Wood Badge. We all know the Golden Rule and a gentleman back in the early 1900’s wrote, "The important part of following the Golden Rule is knowing it is your move." I believe that is what it means to be a scout. We say the Scout Oath and Law at each meeting and we know that we should do a good turn daily, and being a scout means that it is our move…that is how it works…we help others first and not wait till it is convenient or if we like the person or if they look the same as we do…we should make the first move no matter.

I have been a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout for over 25 years and I’m still learning what it means to me to be a Scout. I hope you think about the same question and like me it may take some time. I believe now having my two boys in scouts has given me an opportunity to learn even more about what it means to be a scout.

I’m very proud of Troop 282 and my time at the troop as a boy and I will always remember the motto, "All for One and One for All." I am also thankful for the adult leaders of Troop 282 that taught me so much…thank you and God Bless you.

Yours in Scouting,
Kent Bredehoeft
Eagle Scout Troop 282 – 1983

By Scott Howell

This year at our troop meetings and activities we are going to be working on Team Work in our scout troop. We are going to be doing lots of team building activities with the troop to allow our scouts and leaders to learn to depend on their fellow Patrol Members and Troop Members to get their activities done and have fun. We are hoping this will strengthen our Troop Motto ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL. Our Troop Team has a team uniform, the official scout uniform complete worn correctly. As any other team (baseball, football, soccer or volley ball team) you would not show up for a game or practice with out your team uniform. So why would we show up at scout meeting (game night or practice night in any other sport) with out our scout uniform? The uniform in any sport or organization is only one part of being part of a team, but it is a very important part of having the team form and function as a team.

Our Troop Patrol Leaders Council for 2011-2012 has lots of fun and exciting activities in mind for the troop and as the scoutmaster I am looking forward in seeing these young leaders perform. It should be a very exciting year with all the activities that are on the board including our High Adventure Trip to Ely. The Ely trip will very much be a team effort by all scouts, leaders and parents. As we would like to take all scouts and leaders on this activity and it can be done by everyone working to collect aluminum cans, selling popcorn, selling pancake day tickets and everyone helping with the troop fund raiser.