Backyard Campout

Brett is serving as the Scout Master in our Ward. He had the boys over to campout in our backyard so they could mark off a bunch of their requirements. I didn't go out and take any pictures when they were awake but here's all their tents set up before they all got up in the  morning.

Island Park Scout Camp

Justice wen to Scout Camp this week. They went to Island PArk which is in Idaho. They left early Monday morning (like 4 AM) and got back Saturday afternoon. Long week!
Justice acted as Senior Patrol Leader all week, {he's pretty young to do that but turns out that it was a miscommunication that they thought we requested. Oops!  It made it for a little bit of a stressful week for Justice (extra meetings and in charge of the other scouts for cooking & cleaning up every meal) but his leaders said he did a great job!}
Here's his Troop:

Here's everyone at the lakeside:

Here's some of his duties as a Patrol Leader:

And some kind of Scout War that I'm sure they thought was super cool! Looks like he had a great time! He also earned 8 Merit Badges!!! Way to go, Kid!

BackPacking Trip Boy

Justice got to go on a Backpacking Trip with his Scout Troop. It was overnight. They experienced every kind of weather. Super hot, windy, rainy, hail and even snow. Crazy!!!

Scout Auction

We participated in the Ward Scout Auction tonight.


We donated a few things. We did some babysitting hours, organizing hours, and some manual labor as a family. I also made some crafts. They turned out pretty cool.

And we bought ALOT of things including a *Float Trip with the Staleys and the Tubbs * $500 off Braces at Jackson Ortho * BBQ & Game night with the Fifes *A Full detail for one of our cars *a few bouquets of flowers

1st Court of Honor

Justice has always worked hard as a Scout. He has an amazing Dad that helps him figure it all out and motivates him to keep going. Since we moved into our new ward, Justice has never had the opportunity to go to a Court of Honor. (We seriously don't even have numbers on his uniform. LOL) Regardless of being recognized publicly, he has worked really hard and has made it all the way to a LIFE SCOUT. It was pretty awesome to see him get all (most at least- some didn't get ordered because of a miscommunication) his patches and awards. Way to go, kid! We're super  proud of you!!!! He is finishing up a few merit badges and then he's onto his Eagle Project.

For you non-Scouters {or let's be more specific- pretty much everyone} that isn't familiar with the Scout ranks- that means he's done A LOT of work!!! He finished up his Arrow of Light when he left Cub Scouts. He passed through the ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life!!!

Scout was previously a joining badge, but is now considered the first rank, and is earned by completing certain requirements. As of January 2016, the Scout badge has a gold fleur-de-lis on a tan background. The badge is awarded when the boy demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals such as tying a square knot and knowing the Scout oath, law, motto, and slogan.

Tenderfoot is the second rank. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but each rank must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.[2]

Second Class is the rank above Tenderfoot and below First Class. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must be earned in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.

First Class is the rank above Second Class and below Star Scout. A Scout can work on the requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks at the same time, but must earn them in sequence. The badge is awarded when the Scout completes requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit. At this point, Scouts stop practicing the Scout skills, and start working on leadership.

Originally, First Class was the all around Scout and the final and highest rank. Later ranks were originally recognitions of earning merit badges beyond First Class, and not properly ranks. Now these additional ranks form a second tier where Scouts can further develop leadership skills and explore potential vocations and avocations through the merit badge program.

Although Eagle is the highest rank and one all Scouts should strive for, the number of Scouts achieving First Class within one year of joining is still one of the key measures of unit effectiveness. Studies[13] purportedly have shown that if a Scout achieves First Class within a year of joining, he typically stays in the Scout program for at least three years. Scouts who do so are purportedly more likely to retain Scout values as an adult and achieve the BSA primary mission of "producing useful citizens".

Star is the rank above First Class and below Life Scout. It is the third-highest rank. Star is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew in a position of responsibility for at least 4 months; performs at least six hours of community service; and earns six merit badges (four of which must be required for Eagle Scout rank).

Life is second-highest rank attainable and ranks above Star Scout and below Eagle. Life is awarded when the Scout serves actively in the troop, team or crew, serves in a position of responsibility for six months, and performs six hours of community service. Another thing a Scout must do in order to achieve Life is earn an additional five merit badges (three of which are required for the rank of Eagle), to make a minimum total of eleven merit badges (including the six previously required for Star). Finally, the Scout must pass a Scoutmaster conference, and board of review.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranks_in_the_Boy_Scouts_of_America

Justice also earned quite a few Merit Badges. He's earned  First Aid, Swimming, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental science, Person Fitness, Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the Community, Personal Management, Chemistry, Fingerprinting, Chess, Indian Lore, Basketry, Leather work, and Geocaching. He's pretty close to finished 3 others as well. What a hard worker!!!

http://usscouts.org/advancementTOC.asp#boy

http://www.usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsranks.asp

http://www.scouting.org/Home/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards.aspx

MBU Chess Champion

Justice had the chance to go to another MBU (Merit Badge University) at Carroll College with his Scout Troop. It was a long day but he had a great time. He came home with his Chemistry Badge and one in Chess. He also happened to be the Chess Champion. Way to go!

Goofy boy in his closeup:

Justice's Scout Camp

Justice left at 3:30 am this past Monday to participate in a week long Scout Camp at Island Park, ID. 

Island Park Scout Camp is a Boy Scout Camp located in Eastern Idaho near Yellowstone Park and is the temporary home of 500 scouts and leaders each week from June through August.

Island Park Scout Camp is part of the Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Their mission is "to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law, while having fun, challenging and rewarding experiences in the Outdoors."

It was opened on June 1, 1974

http://www.tetonscouts.org/camps/island-park/59489

These 6 days were the longest he's ever been away from our family. It was super quiet around our home this week but we sure missed him!

He worked hard on getting Merit Badges as he works towards his Eagle Scout Award. He finished up the Environmental Science Merit Badge, the Swimming Merit Badge, the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge, and the Indian Lore Merit Badge. He also got started on Basketry and Leather Works. Way to go, Kid!

He also enjoyed his friends and goofed around a bit. They found a small piece of wood that they nicknamed the "Boom Stick" which was a multi-purpose toy for the rest of the week. They used it to play catch, baseball, football and throwing it at each other's heads. LOL Sounds like a Scout thing to do!

We are so proud of Justice's hard work and his example to others. One neat story that the Leaders shared with us was:

One of the other Scouts was experiencing some pretty sever home-sickness. One night Justice was trying to calm his friend down. After trying to suggest several things they could do to help the situation, Justice told him that he thought they should pray together. Justice offered the prayer. His leaders said they were outside their tent and could hear Justice's heartfelt prayer for his friend. They were pretty impressed and commented that it was hard to believe that it was a 12 year old boy in there. ;) When they finished, Justice suggested that they read from the scriptures together. Justice had his leader bring him his Book of Mormon. Justice told his friend that he thought they should turn to a random verse and read. Justice shared with us that he found a couple scriptures that totally applied to his friend. One was about being nervous or scared. And the other was about helping out others. Justice has quite the strong testimony and is such a deep thinker. It didn't completely change the sadness that his friend felt but I'm sure that angels were attending them because of Justice's faith and diligent in speaking with the Spirit. Man! We love this kid!

Montana Capitol Tour

For Justice's Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge, we needed to visit a historical sight. We decided to take a tour of the Montana Capitol Building. We invited a couple other Scouts to join us. It's such a beautiful building. Our tour guide knew a lot and tried to make it as interesting as he could for a bunch of little kids that were thirsty and kinda whiney. LOL Oh boy! Outings with kiddos is always an adventure!

Christensen Kiddos

Brett has been helping the Scouts out by doing some Merit Badges for any boys that want to join Justice. Passing off Merit Badges can be one of the most boring things ever (in my opinion ;) but getting together with other Scouts lessens the sting. What a good man Brett is to sign up to be a Merit Badge Counselor and think of others while he helps out Justice become an Eagle Scout! Love that man!
Tonight, a bunch of Scouts came over to work on the Citizenship in the World. The Christensen kiddos came a little early to hang out (Their parents are in charge of the upcoming Trek and had a meeting) They enjoyed the tramp & the go-kart together.

Merit Badge University

Justice got to participate in the MBU at Carroll College today. He was there ALL day. He got to almost pass off 2 Merit Badges. He did GeoCaching in the morning & Citizenship in the Nation in the afternoon with his buddy, Bryson Allen. Way to go, boys!

https://meritbadgeu.wordpress.com/mbu3-2015/

Coconut Eagles- Kreston's Court of Honor

One of Brett's Seminary students- Kreston Stevens had his Court of Honor tonight. If Brett can- he likes to support the kids in things they do. So we made a date of it. Kreston's mom is so amazing!!! The refreshments were incredible! I had to take a picture so we can do something similar when Justice does his. Look at that table spread! God bless the U.S.A.!!! ;)

Here's a close-up of the Coconut eagles. I love them!

10 Mile Bike Ride

For Scouts, Justice had to do a 10 mile bike ride. Brett said he would do it with Justice. We are running out of days that will be warm enough and not snowy so...
This morning, I drove Justice out to the Tubbs' house the way we thought they would do their ride. We clocked where the ten mile mark was. Then this afternoon, Brett and I loaded the bikes in the van and drove out to pick up Justice. I dropped them off at the 10 mile destination and off they went. It took them a little over and hour but they made it home. Way to go guys!

The Boys:

 Off they go:

I love this shot of the haybales on the side of the road. There's just something gorgeous about them to me!

Scout Swim @ Memorial Park

As one of Justice's last Scout activities in the 5th Ward, Reid took them to the pool to work on their swimming skills. Justice brought Brett. They had a great time!

Scout Day Camp

Justice is now in the Boy Scouts, however, he was able to attend the Scout Day Camp with his old Cub Scout Den. In spite of the fact he says it was a bit boring, there were some fun things he got to do.

Arrow of Light

Tonight was Justice's last Cub Scout Pack Meeting and his Arrow of Light Ceremony. Sister Guymon always does a great job. We will miss her fun spirit.
The Scouts got a treat for Uniform Checks. Look at these snazzy boys! [Only because Mom doesn't let him out of the house in his hole-y orange striped pants. LOL]

Tonight was a Talent theme. They had to find people in attendance with special talents, learn about famous people & how they persevered to become successful and share a talent of their own. Justice got to play a song on his trumpet. Awesome job!

After the other boys awards, they did Justice's Arrow of Light Ceremony. Mom got to paint Justice's face while Sister Guymon shared what the Arrow of Light means. Then Justice and Mom got to "pin" each other with the Arrow of Light awards. Next, Justice was presented with his Arrow of Light. He was way excited! 

With our move across the country, we got a little side-tracked with the Scouting Program and didn't think we would be able to have him earn it. I was surprised when he was really bummed about it. So, we took another look and made a plan. He worked really hard to get everything all done. He even got the Leave No Trace Award and the Compass Emblem patch. We are very proud of him! Way to go, Justice!

I love that our kids always want to do a "funny" picture. Laughter makes the world go 'round!

Finally it was time to cross over the bridge from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. We said "goodbye" to the Cubs.

Justice cautiously crossed over. [He's a ham and acted like it was a difficult task. Funny boy!] Guess you can never be too careful of the raging waters below. 

And finally he made it to his new leader. Brother Stovall welcomed him to the Boy Scouts. He presented him with his new Scout book and his handkerchief for his troop. They meet twice a month and Brother Stovall is totally the "outdoorsy, shoot bow and arrows" kind of guy so Justice is pretty pumped!

So proud of you Justice for working hard!!! You are awesome!

Goodbye Cub Scouts!

Here we come Boy Scouts!

Afterwards, we cleaned up and they got to play Dodge Ball. They LOVED it!

Arrow of Light Service Project

In order for Justice to earn his Arrow of Light Award the weekend, he needed to complete an "Leave No Trace" Service Project. His Den didn't get around to one so we did it as a family instead. We've meant to clean up around the apartment for weeks now. (But Brett's been traveling and it has either been way windy or icky weather) But it turned out that in light of this morning's crazy events, it was the perfect day for it.
Our whole family helped out Larry & Missy to tidy up the yard. I think we filled about 4 bags with garbage, dead plants and cigarette butts. Now it looks pretty snazzy!

Then the kids discovered that filling the gloves with water was way cool! They are so funny!

Justice's Final Pinewood Derby

Tonight was Justice's final Pinewood Derby as a Cub Scout. It was a little less "high-tech" than we are used to but we had a good time! We can't reach any tools right now so Justice chose to race a car from last year. In fact, we just brought along all our old cars just in case anyone else didn't have one. Glory ended up letting her friend race her Dora train.
When we got here, Brett and Justice graphited the wheels and checked in his Eagle. It's an awesome looking car!!

Once everyone was there and the rules were gone over- the races began. Brother Jensen is in a different ward but graciously set up his track for us. Way nice of him but it stunk a little because some lanes were faster than others. They drew which lane you raced in. Basically it was just pure luck. Justice ended up winning 2nd Place. Awesome! Perhaps if he hadn't been in the slow lane- he may have taken first. But he tried to be a good sport and was way excited to get a trophy.

They had an Open Race Bracket for anyone of the siblings or Dads that wanted to race. Glory's watermelon car ended up winning 3rd Place. She was so surprised to get a trophy. It was cute! Everyone got a Participant ribbon as well.

For Scout awards, Justice received his Scholar and Handyman pins. He also presented his poster for the Leave No Trace Award. He should finish up some more stuff by next month and get his Arrow of Light. Pretty cool!

Scout Chariot Races

Here in Helena, the Scouts participate in the annual Chariot Races. They met at EVMS and had a great time. (After a bit of an attitude adjustment. ;)

Justice raced with the Webelos. Their team won 2nd place. Way to go, guys! Fun times!

Scout Spaghetti Fundraiser

Our Ward had their annual Scout Spaghetti dinner tonight. It's a fundraiser for the Scouting Program and Youth activities for the year.
They had a Silent Auction, a Live Auction, a Spaghetti dinner and a Dessert Booth for 25 cents.
The Scouts were most excited about all the knifes in the auction!!!! Most of them guarded their bids the whole night. So funny!
All of my family came home with something.
Justice got a double knife set.
Brett got a fishing floaty?
Liberty got a knife as well.
Victoria and Glory got super-soft scarfs.
Shay got an awesome granite cutting board.
It was fun night to support the scouts and enjoy our friends.

Webelo Inventor at the Blue & Gold Banquet

Justice had his Blue & Gold Banquet tonight. They did an Inventors Convention. Last week, each boy was given a bag of the same items. Using only glue, they had to invent something with the items they were given. Justice made a fort with a pulley system. It's a prototype of what he wants in his fort we build on Faith Lane. It turned out pretty cool! He was awarded the "Most useful" Award.

For dinner, they served Hawaiian Haystacks so that everyone could "invent" their own dinner. They also served a birthday cake to celebrate the Scouting Program. The boys seemed to have a great time!

Justice has finally earned his Webelos Badge. Not sure what happened to the last year but we haven't done as much as we should have been with the Scouting Program. We are proud of the work he has done. In Pack Meetings here- they have a "CHEER" box. They pick how everyone will cheer for their accomplishments. Justice was a "Pat on the Back" Cheer. Way to go, Buddy!

P.S. Justice really wants his Arrow of Light so we have some major work ahead of us in the next 2 months.

We also practiced Chariot Races. In March, the Cub Scout troops get together and have Chariot Races. It was pretty intense and actually pretty brutal on the Seamons family. (poor Victoria and Glory) But it was way fun to watch!