MSPP #81: The Legend Of Boots Hanson

Boots Hanson was the first caretaker of Many Point Scout Camp. In fact, he and the other council leaders created a new style summer camp in which Boy Scouts would camp together with members of their own troop. His hard work and great love of the outdoors and Scouting brought this new idea to reality. According to the Many Point Alumni website (http://mpalumni.nsbsa.org/lanternslight/SU1991.pdf):

As the Chief Ranger, Boots came to have a unique and uncommon understanding of the function and purpose of a Scout Camp. This he fathomed better than most and even better than many Professional Scouters. He recognized that the purpose of a Scout Camp was much more than badges and awards, swim meets and canoe trips, campfires and ceremonies. He understood, in his quiet way, that the primary purpose of a Boy Scout Camp was to offer the troop and its leaders an experience in the daily chores, cares and joys of shared Troop Community living which would prepare them for an even richer Scouting experience in the Troop Room back home. From this Scouts would glean the skills and values needed for contributing citizens as adults. Every nail pounded, every campsite cleared, every trail and road built was done with this in mind.  

Every week at Many Point Scout Camp, during the opening campfire, the camp director tells the story of Boots Hanson and the meaning of the red lantern, an icon at camp. In this 2007 video Kevin, the director of the Buckskin Camp, tells the story to the new campers in the dining hall. (It was raining that evening.)

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MSPP #80: Questions For Buttons

It has been nearly a year since Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, has been featured in a new video. He has been pretty busy with school, Scouting, and his podcast, Around The Scouting Campfire. He recently began to work on his Cinematography merit badge and decided to make a video in which he answers several questions sent to him by some Wolf Cub Scouts from California. Even the sister of one of the Scouts gets to ask a question. The kids ask Buttons about the Scout Promise, leadership, den chiefs, grapes, and more.

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Boy Scout YouTube Day - February 8th

Unless you have been hiding in a cave somewhere you have probably heard that the Boy Scouts of America are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. The United States of America Congress granted a charter to create the B.S.A. on February 8, 1910. Since that day there have been over 100 million boys who have joined the organization.

The B.S.A. has been planning some fantastic events to celebrate the anniversary. There has been a colorful float in the Rose Bowl Parade, a partnership with Dale Coyne Racing, the historical merit badge program, and the upcoming 2010 National Jamboree, just to name a few. Councils, districts, packs, troops and crews are also planning special events.

I have an idea. Let's try to bring this to the public eye in another arena. Online. On YouTube. Let's pick a couple videos that have a Scouting theme and then, on February 8th, we have our Scouts, families, and friends watch those videos. Let's see if we can't get enough hits that day to bring those videos to the YouTube front page. Could we make one or two videos go "viral"?

If this is to work we need to get the word out to as many people as possible. We will need the involvement of packs, troops, and crews. We will need the councils and districts to spread the word. We need blogs to blog about it and people on Twitter to tweet about it. We will need hundreds of thousands of people to watch these videos on February 8th if we are going to make an impact.

I would like to make a few suggestions for the videos we could watch: one B.S.A. promotion video, one video showing Boy Scouts performing a skit, and one showing Scouts having fun on an activity. If you have a suggestion please leave a comment below.

The B.S.A. Promotion video - This one was suggested to me when I asked for suggestions on Twitter. It is titled "Feel Proud" and features Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts doing community service projects to a catchy musical tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9csn7asa8Nc

Boy Scout Skit - I am choosing a skit which is one of my favorites, The Furniture Store. This video was performed by the Boy Scouts in my troop during one of their community shows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbWYdwSPOJo

Scouting Activity Video - I thought this was a cute video of Cub Scouts doing their version of the Cub Scout Promise, rap style. And it is only a minute long.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIob4dY2XLY

So there you go. Get out and spread the word! And watch video on Monday, February 8th.

MSPP #79: Ben Lindbom, The Snowmobiling Eagle Scout

Let's face it. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a very big deal. Only 4% or so of all boys in Boy Scouting earn the highest rank offered in the program. So what do you do for an encore? Well, if you are from Minnesota, and your name is Ben Lindbom, you get on your snowmobile and set your sights on winning races.

Ben Lindbom has been racing snowmobiles since he was 13 years old. He took second place in his first race, and has been going strong ever since. Been is currently competing in the International Series Of Champions Tour which will take him to several locations in the upper midwest. He is currently positioned top ten in the standings. Not bad for a young man from Staples.

A few months ago I was contacted by Ben's family and asked if I would feature Ben in one of my blog articles. His father, David, sent me some information about Ben, including a video they had made in which Ben talks about racing and Scouting. After viewing the video I thought it would make for an excellent post to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast. The Lindbom's liked the idea and gave me permission to use it. Ben does an excellent job of talking about Scouting and his love of racing, so there is really not much for me to write. Watch the video!

Check out this month's Boy's Life magazine. Ben is featured in the January issue. You can also read more about Ben on his website at http://www.benlindbom.com/ .

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MSPP #78: A Century Of Values Open House P2

This 78th post to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast is the final of four videos featuring the open house held by the Central Minnesota Council on September 2, 2009, to celebrate the "A Century Of Values" tour. This video features other activities that were taking place on the grounds of the council office (displays, bottle rockets, fishing, rope making, bouldering wall, etc). You will see that the Cub Scout age boys had a fantastic time participating in all the fun.

More information about the "A Century Of Values" tour can be found on their website athttp://www.acenturyofvalues.org/ Also check out their blog and the post about their visit to the Central Minnesota Council.

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"Born To Be A Scout" Music Video

Our buddies at Three Coin Productions have posted a new video to their Youtube account. The new post is the music video to the theme song of Scout Camp: The Movie, "Born To Be A Scout", and features many scenes from the movie. The video can be seen below or at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlIE9cF4j0s

If you have not seen the movie yet I would encourage you to get a copy and watch it with your family and troop.

MSPP #77: A Century Of Values Open House P1

This post to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast is the third of four videos featuring the open house held by the Central Minnesota Council on September 2, 2009, to celebrate the "A Century Of Values" tour. Where the first two videos in this series featured the special RV that is touring the country and the presentation of the mural, this video features some of the other activities that were taking place on the grounds of the council office.

The video begins with a visit with two of the district executives having a little fun and racing cars at one of the activities. Then we spend a moment with the council executive as we watch the Cub Scouts ride a hot air balloon. One of the gentlemen touring the country with the "A Century Of Values" RV takes a moment to speak with us. The video ends with a magician performing a card trick for us.

More information about the "A Century Of Values" tour can be found on their website at http://www.acenturyofvalues.org/ Also check out their blog and the post about their visit to the Central Minnesota Council. The road crew mentions that this was the largest crowd they had seen at a council event up to this point.

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MSPP #76: A Century Of Values Mural Presentation

The Central Minnesota Council, BSA, held an open house on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, to kick off a year of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Hundreds of people attended. There were plenty of games for the kids, a dinner provided by the Jamboree troops, and several displays showcasing the history of Scouting. There was a lot to do and see. I was there with my cameras, of course.

The Century Of Values road team was on hand to display the specially designed recreation vehicle (see the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast #75) and to present the council will a reproduction of the mural featured on the back of the vehicle. The mural does a great job of showing the history of 100 years of the Boy Scouts of America.

This episode of the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast (#76) is the second of four videos highlighting the events of the council's open house. This video features the presentation of the Century Of Values mural from the road team to the council president, along with an explanation of the mural and its design. Be sure to take the time to view it when it comes to your council.

More information about the "A Century Of Values" tour can be found on their website at http://www.acenturyofvalues.org/ Also check out their blog and the post about their visit to the Central Minnesota Council. The road crew mentions that this was the largest crowd they had seen at a council event up to this point.

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Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. By leaving a comment you will help us achieve a higher rating in iTunes.

MSPP #75: The Century Of Values RV

The Central Minnesota Council, BSA had some very special guests pay a visit on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Ed Basar, Gordon Draper, David Berger, Don Cimo, William D’Hondt, Kenneth Mills, Ken Norin, members of Team 9 of the "A Century Of Values" RV Road Tour, had arrived in town for the council's 100 Years Of Scouting open house. Team 9 arrived not only to display the specially designed motor home but also to present the council with a print of a very special mural. (More about this on the next podcast.)

This video posted to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast features Dave Berger, who was kind enough to give us a tour of the outside design of this special vehicle that is making its way across the country. This RV is very impressive. If it has not stopped at your council yet be sure to check it out when it arrives.

More information about the "A Century Of Values" tour can be found on their website at http://www.acenturyofvalues.org/ Also check out their blog and the post about their visit to the Central Minnesota Council. There is something about a castle mentioned.

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. By leaving a comment you will help us achieve a higher rating in iTunes.

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BSA 100th Anniversary Video

The Boy Scouts of America is nearly 100 years old. This is a video placed on Youtube that covers the reasons why Scouting is so important and why we should continue to support it during the next 100 years.

What A Wonderful World, The BSA Way

I recently saw this video posted at the Scouting News blog and felt I had to share it with all of you. According to the Youtube site: Doug "Satchmo" Stone performs his unique Boy Scouts themed take on Louis Armstrong's classic "What a Wonderful World."

Watch it, rate it, and spread the word about it.

MSPP #73: Flag Disposal Ceremony

In the previous post to A Scoutmaster's Blog, I wrote about the local American Legion's Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags, and the Boy Scouts' participation in the ceremony. Mel-TV, our local community television access station, was on hand to film the event. The station's co-ordinator was kind enough to let me borrow the video tape so that I could make a podcast video from it. I edited the footage down and added photographs that I took during the event.

Even though I edited out some footage I did not feel was needed, the video was still a bit longer than I would have liked it to be. But I wanted to be sure to include the whole ceremony and add several of the pictures. I would be curious to know if your Boy Scouts have participated in such a ceremony, and what their part was during it.

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. By leaving a comment you will help us achieve a higher rating in iTunes. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

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MSPP #72: The Leaders of Scouting (Gerry W.)

Twenty years ago the volunteers at Mel-TV, our local cable access television station, filmed a program in which five men who were Boy Scout leaders were interviewed about their Scouting experiences. I took that old vhs tape and transferred it to a dvd. I thought to myself as I was transferring the program that many of the things being said by those gentlemen still apply to Boy Scouting today. I thought I would break this show down into parts for the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast, each part featuring one of the interviews.

This podcast video features the fourth interview from The Leaders of Scouting. Gerry W. began his adult Scouting career as a Cub Scout Pack committee member when his son became a Cub Scout. He moved to the Boy Scout committee when his son graduated into the troop. He soon became the outdoors chairman, making the arrangements for the troop activities. During this interview Gerry talked about being on the troop committee, going along on various troop outings, the values found in the Scouting program, the stunts he and the scoutmaster pulled, and his pride in seeing his son work through the ranks of Scouting.

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. (We could always use more iTunes love.) It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

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MSPP #71: The Pickpocket Skit

The Boy Scouts of Melrose would like to provide this (comical) public service announcement video to help you prepare yourself and your family when you are out having fun this summer. The Scouts demonstrate the three levels of pickpockets that you may find when walking the streets or mingling in large crowds: the beginner, the amateur, and the professional. Be sure to watch the professionals closer as the Scouts perform it in slow motion.

This has been a favorite skit of Troop 68's over the years and has been performed many times. They practice the skit before performing it to be sure they do it well and safely. After all, we don't want to drop anyone on their head.

Leave a comment using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. (We could always use more iTunes love.) It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

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MSPP #70: The Radio Skit

Have you ever been traveling in your car listening to the radio when you suddenly reach an area in which stations begin overlapping each other's signals? The is the premiss of this skit performed by the Boy Scouts of Troop 68 during their 2006 Laughs For Lunch Show. Each of the five Scouts represent a radio station that keeps getting interrupted by another station's programming. The five radio stations include Fantasy Land, a Twins baseball game, a cooking show, a gangster show, and an advertisement for the Boy Scouts of America.

This is one of my favorite skits, but does take a little practice to get the timing done well. The script for the show can be found on Troop 68's website:

http://melrosetroop68.org/campfavskits.html#RADIO

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MSPP #69: The Forest of the Yellow Fingers

 Everyone loves to hear a story. Especially a story that has a some comedy with a little grossness mixed into it. Add a moral to the story and you have something to tell the Boy Scouts around the campfire. But what if the moral of the story includes a bad pun? Then, you have a groaner and you better be prepared to run for your life! The story of the Forest of the Yellow Fingers is one such story. 

This video of the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast was videotaped during Troop 68's 2007 Laughs For Lunch Show. It features Scoutmaster Steve telling the audience the story of the Forest of the Yellow Fingers which takes place during medieval times. The story is a tale of a greedy king who wishes to enlarge his country by conquering the neighboring kingdom, but there is an obstacle in his path, a forest of huge, ugly, terrifying yellow fingers. Just wait until you hear how it ends.

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The BSA Youtube Channel

Yes, you read that correctly. The Boy Scouts of America now has an official Youtube channel. As I write this, the channel has twelve videos posted, eleven "Words to Live By" videos and the "State of Scouting" video. You can even watch them in HD. The channel can be found at http://www.youtube.com/BSA100years#all

It is long overdue in my opinion. The BSA has come up with some excellent promotional videos over the years, along with some pretty corny ones, but yet very few people ever saw them. Speaking for myself, the only time I ever saw most of these videos was when I attended a district or council event. I kept thinking about how the National office should be showing these to the general public, not the people already involved with the program. I am sure budget and costs were the main reasons for not seeing these on television very often.

Now we have the internet. I hope the BSA continues to use it to get the word out about Scouting. This Youtube channel is a step forward in the right direction. It also gives troop and pack leaders another tool to use to promote Scouting, and the Scouts a site to direct their friends to learn more about the program.

I am not sure if anyone from the National office reads this blog but I hope they also use the channel to post some of the older videos created years ago, like the Scout Zone and the We Do It videos. I know I have already posted several older videos to my Youtube channel, but it would be great for better quality videos to posted to the official BSA channel.

MSPP #67: Chris K. Eagle Slideshow

The rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scouting's highest honor, is something to be taken seriously. The family, troop, and Eagle Scout will spend a lot of time planning the Eagle Court of Honor. In recent years, a video of the Eagle Scout's years as a Cub and Boy Scout has become a common part of the ceremony. It is easy enough to put one together with today's digital photos and computer programs. I should know. I have put together many of these slide shows over the years.

One of the great things about having a video podcast is that I can post videos of a lot of Scouting activities. One subject area I have been lacking in is posting the videos of the Eagle Scouts of our troop. During the next year I plan to slip in the occasional Eagle video not only to recognize these Scouts who have earned this prestigious award, but also to give you ideas on what you could do for the Eagle Scouts of your troop.

This video features Chris K., who earned his Eagle Award in February 2007. Chris was the troop's 16th Eagle Scout since I became the scoutmaster. He picked out the music for this video, and to tell the truth I did not know how it would play with the photographs. He choose the theme from the Lion King and the theme from the old television series, The Monkees. I have to admit, it turned out very well. The audience at the court of honor really enjoyed it. I hope you do also.

Leave a comment here using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

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Disney Recognizes Scoutmaster

Disney is conducting some very special promotions this year. They have chosen people from around the country for some special recognition. I recently discovered it was my turn to receive this honor, and I AM very honored. I guess it pays to be a scoutmaster for nearly 30 years. At least Disney Thinks so.

By the way, this is not going to really happen, but I thought it was a very neat video.

MSPP #66: Ripley Rendezvous 2009

You may have read the previous three-part posting of Boy Scout Troop 68's adventure at the Central Minnesota Council's Ripley Rendezvous this year. Yes, we had a few problems, but to tell the truth, we also had a pretty good time, and that is why I have chosen to post this video to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast.

The video is a slide show of the activities in which the Scouts participated. It begins with a few pictures from the First Class Emphasis program, and then moves on to the shooting ranges. One of the highlights of the trip for the Scouts was the visit to the military museum, and there are a lot of pictures of that. The video ends with pics from the carnival style games played Saturday night. All in all, it was a good weekend for Scouting.

Leave a comment here using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

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Star Trek Campfire Fun

I plan to see the new Star Trek movie this weekend. Although I am a fan of the series, I am not hardcore enough to be considered a Trekkie or a Trekker. I am more of a Star Wars kind of guy. You only need to see my family room to know that is true.

While the new movie is on everyone's mind this weekend, I thought it might be a good time to revisit the Star Trekking skit that my troop came up with twenty years ago. You can read about the development of the skit in an earlier blog found HERE.

There are a few videos posted online of the Scouts and myself performing the skit. The original version of the skit can be seen on Youtube (click HERE). The Scouts and I performed it during a fundraiser at a local television station. And yes, that is me as Scotty.

Last summer, the Buckskin staff of Many Point Scout Camp talked me into joining them as they performed the skit during the Friday night closing campfire. It can be seen at the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast #47 (click HERE), or on our troop's website video page.

Once the Star Trekking skit became popular we felt we had to take it to the next level and do a sequel, so we came up with Star Trekking: The Next Generation. It is #54 of the Melrose Scouting Production Podcast, and can also be seen on the troop's website.

Live long and prosper, and laugh until it hurts.

MSPP #65: Scout Vespers

What song is the most common song used to close a Boy Scout campfire program? I would have to say that it would be "Scout Vespers". Vespers has probably been used by Boy Scouts since the program began. It is a great song. When it is sung the boys and leaders know that the day has come to an end and we will soon be sleeping in our tents.

The Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 are very familiar with Scout Vespers. They have used it many times to close their own campfire programs. They have also used it to end each of their thirteen Laughs For Lunch Shows. And that brings us to today's video for the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast.

This video was taken from the troop's 1996 Laughs For Lunch Show. I could have taken it from a newer show, one that was filmed with a digital camera, but I wanted to present a video in which all the boys shown have grown up, moved on with their lives, gone to college, began full time careers, and even started their own families. This video is dedicated all the former members of Troop 68.

Be careful where you watch this video. You may find yourself humming or singing along with the troop.

Leave a comment here using the link below, or at the PTC Media forums. You can also rate the videos of Melrose Scouting Productions at the iTunes Music Store. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

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MSPP #63: I Wish I Was A Newscaster

It is time to get back into the podcast thing and post another video to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast. This video is once again taken from the 2007 Laughs For Lunch Show done by the Boy Scouts of Troop 68.

The members of Troop 68 love taking well known skits and songs and changing them up just a bit to bring something new to them. That is the case with this song and skit which the Scouts tied together in a unique manner. It begins with the younger boys singing the old favorite, I Wish I Was A Boy Scout. But at the end of the song one person is still onstage as the next skit, Crazy Newscasters, begins. And there is a reason for that, but I am not going to tell you here. You have to watch the video to find out.

You are invited to leave a comment here using the link below, at the iTunes Music Store, or at the PTC Media forums. Or drop me an email at webmaster@melrosetroop68.org. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

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Twenty Videos of Buttons

Wow. I did not realize this until today, but there are twenty videos that feature Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, so far. That is almost enough for a television season. Does that mean it is time to consider a season #2?

When I first starting creating videos with Buttons I did it as an experiment. Could I make him interesting enough, and life-like enough, to where people would watch him? Over the last two years I think I have my answer. In 2008, the videos featuring Buttons and friends received over 36,000 hits through the podcast and website. (That does NOT include the hits on Youtube.) He seems to have a small fan base out there in internet land. And my mother gets a real kick out of watching his videos also.

Here is a current list of the video of Buttons, the radical Boy Scout:
Buttons in "The Scout Oath"
Buttons in "The Scout Oath (almost)
Buttons in "The Scout Law"
Buttons and the Scout Motto
Buttons in "The Cub Scout Promise" (giggles)
Buttons in Physically Strong (This one happens to be my favorite.)
Buttons interviews Eymard, the assistant scoutmaster.
Buttons in "The Cub Scout Promise" (Law of the Pack)
Buttons in "You Know You Are A Boy Scout When... Part 1"
Buttons' Cub Scout Visit and Big Announcement
Buttons in "You Know You Are A Boy Scout When... Part 2"
Buttons in "Rec Room Tour"
Buttons and the Outdoor Code
Buttons in "Playing Broomball"
Buttons' Announcement About MSPP
The Buttons and Randall Show, Part 1
The Buttons and Randall Show, Part 2
Buttons reads the Farewell Message of Baden-Powell
Buttons Learns About Girl Scouting
The Buttons and Randall Show, Part 3

All these videos can be found through the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast. Many of them can also be found on the Troop 68 website and on Youtube. A few can be found on the Yahoo video site.

Buttons will be branching out a little in the future. In addition to a new video that is in production, Buttons and Scoutmaster Steve (yeah, me) will be experimenting with creating an audio podcast about Scouting. Stay tuned and keep watching this blog for further announcements.

By the way, which ones have been your favorite videos featuring that radical Boy Scout?

Saving The Video Memories

Way back in 1988, I began video taping Boy Scout courts of honor and troop activities to create programs to air on our local community access television station, Mel-TV, and thus promote Scouting in the community. These shows were recorded with a large hand-held camcorder that used VHS tapes, which should have a 10-20 lifespan. A few years ago I switched to using a digital camcorder with mini-dv tapes. I now edit on a computer and print the programs to dvd-r's, which should have a 40 year or more lifespan.

Back to those vhs tapes. I have a goal to transfer many of those old tapes sitting at the studio to dvd's. I have already "saved" a couple dozen programs. Alas, I am too late to save some of them. A couple of the early slideshows were so bad in video quality I could only save the sound, and had to re-edit nearly the whole video which gave me the opportunity to add more pictures to the program. A few tapes have deteriorated so badly that the sound and video are beyond using. Unfortunately, this includes an Eagle court of honor and at least one troop Laughs For Lunch Show.

Are dvd-r's the answer to archiving the programs? It depends on who you talk to. I have been using dvd's rated to have a lifespan of at least 40 years. But a lot depends on the manufacturing process. Some of the cheap dvd's may only last for several years before they begin to deteriorate.

Then comes the next problem. I can place the shows on a dvd, but will dvd technology still be reverent in another ten or twenty years? The world of electronics is constantly changing. For example, look at the world of music that has gone from LP albums, to 8-tracks, to cassette tapes, to compact disc, to the current digital formats.

I currently save a video program as a Quicktime file on my computer and back it up to an external hard drive. This is in addition to making several copies of the playable dvd-r to hand out to family or troop members. As the formats change in the future I hope to update these files. Well, at least for the next 30 years or so. After that, it will be someone else's responsibility if they want these programs' lives to be extended.

MSPP #62: The Sleepwalker and The Bees

This episode of the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast gives you two campfire favorites for the price of one. (Well, the price is free so I guess that does not really matter.) One song and one skit. From two different troop Laughs For Lunch Shows. Yep, we are spanning the decades with this episode.

The first skit we call The Sleepwalker. It involves some Boy Scouts sitting around the campfire late at night, talking about the events of the day, when a sleepwalker walks up to them and takes stuff from them. They do not want to awaken the sleeper though because, "It is dangerous to wake up a sleepwalker. She'll bring it back in the morning." Oh yeah, that IS a girl who happens to be sleepwalking.

The second part is a Scouting favorite known as the Baby Bumblebee song. The Scouts had the audience participate in this song during the show. Unfortunately, we do not have any footage of the audience singing along. The boys do a great job, and the last line always gets a smile from me when I watch it.

You are invited to leave a comment here using the link below, at the iTunes Music Store, or at the PTC Media forums. Or drop me an email at webmaster@melrosetroop68.org. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

MSPP #61: The Leaders of Scouting (Mike H)

Twenty years ago the volunteers at Mel-TV, our local cable access television station, filmed a program in which five men who were Scout leaders were interviewed about their Scouting experiences. I took that old vhs tape and transferred it to a dvd. I thought to myself as I was transferring the program that many of the things being said by those gentlemen still apply to Scouting today. I thought I would break this show down into parts for the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast, each part featuring one of the interviews.

This podcast video features the third interview from The Leaders of Scouting. Mike H. began his adult Scouting career as a Webelos den leader when his son joined the den. He moved to the Boy Scout committee when his son graduated into the troop. When the current committee chairman stepped down, Mike agreed to take the position for one year. That one year stretched into more then five years. During this interview Mike talked about being on the troop committee, going along on various troop outings, the values found in the Scouting program, and his pride in seeing his son earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

You are invited to leave a comment here using the link below, at the iTunes Music Store, or at the PTC Media forums. Or drop me an email at webmaster@melrosetroop68.org. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

MSPP #60: National Jamboree

It will soon be time for the 2010 National Jamboree. Boy Scouts have begun making their plans to attend, and save money to make those payments. Adult leaders are in training to become the scoutmasters and assistants for this huge event. Councils across the country are trying to get plans finalized and transportation arranged for nearly 40,000 participants. The National Office is planning to make this a special event to celebrate the 100th year of the Boy Scouts of America.

In 2001, I attended the National Jamboree as a scoutmaster of one of two troops the Central Minnesota Council sent to the event. Nine youth members and one young assistant scoutmaster from Troop 68 went along to Fort A.P. Hill. We had a great time. (To read more of the experience click HERE, HERE, and HERE.)

I took a lot of pictures with my 35mm camera. My first assistant scoutmaster, Randy, had a new digital camera, and he took even more pictures then I did. A few weeks after we arrived home I began planning the video of the Jamboree. Using the pictures Randy and I took, and narration done by two of my Boy Scouts who participated in the event, I put together a 21 minute video for everyone to view. This video was also shown on our local access television station. I was pretty happy with the way it turned out.

With thousands of Boy Scouts and leaders planning to attend the 2010 National Jamboree I thought this would be a great time to add this video to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast. I believe this is the longest video I have ever added to the podcast so give it a little time to download. I am sure you will find it worth the wait.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

MSPP #59: The Buttons and Randall Show #3

It has been over three months since we have last seen them on the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast, but they are finally back. Buttons, and his friends Randall and Bones, return for what is the last of the trilogy of bad jokes. That's right, no more bad jokes to be told by Buttons to his laid back friend, Randall.

With each of the three shows, I have tried to find something for Randall to be doing as he gets interrupted by Buttons. In the first video Randall was reading a book. In the second he was listening to his music. In this new video Randall has a new puppy that he has named Dragon. We had a lot of fun filming Randall with the puppy (yeah, it is a stuffed toy dog.) For some reason we kept falling into fits of laughter. Randall looked too real as he was petting the dog. I think the video footage looks pretty good, but I would like to hear what you think.

As the new year gets underway, plans are for Buttons to return doing more Scouting themed videos. I want like him to go back to the Scout Oath and Law and explain what the different points mean in his own unique manner. I would also like to find a few more people for Buttons to interview. It might be fun to film him with a group of Cub Scouts.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

Please leave a comment using the link below, at the iTunes Music Store (were we could really use some more reviews), or at the PTC Media forums. Drop me an email at webmaster@melrosetroop68.org. It is great to hear what you think about these podcast videos.

MSPP #58: Rapping Bunny Foo Foo

I am sure that you have heard the story and sang about Little Bunny Foo Foo at some point in your time involved in Scouting. You may have even lead the song during a campfire or pack program. Cub Scouts love the song. Boy Scouts think it is cutesy. And adults groan at the punchline. But everyone agrees it is a classic song for a Scouting event.

Now what happens to our bunny friend when some Boy Scouts decide to update his story? They give the song a harder beat. And they perform it in a (gasp!) rapping style. The result is a slightly new version of the song with a touch of comedy thrown in for good measure. The words are unchanged, but the melody may never be the same again. Be warned, this version may stick with you a while after watching it.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

Please leave a comment using the link below, at the iTunes Music Store (were we could really use some more reviews), or at the PTC Media forums. Drop me an email at webmaster@melrosetroop68.org. It is great to hear what you think about these podcast videos.

MSPP #57: Dirty Sock Song

Welcome back to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast. (You know, I think I made the title of this podcast waaay too long.) It is time for the Boy Scouts of Melrose Troop 68 to entertain you once again with another song from one of their Laughs For Lunch Shows.

The troop calls this little diddy the Dirty Sock Song, because it is about dirty socks and the unique smell that comes along with them. You know the smell, right? Have you shared a tent with a fellow camper who's feet have a strong aroma? Maybe you have to keep his shoes and socks about 50 yards away from the tent so you can breath easily while you sleep. Maybe you find dead mice around your tent due to the poisonous fumes from the socks? Those are the type of feet this song is all about.

If you enjoy this song and would like to perform it during your next campfire program I have conveniently posted the words on our troop's website at
http://melrosetroop68.org/campfavsongs.html#The_Dirty

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

Please leave a comment using the link below, at the iTunes Music Store, or at the PTC Media forums. Drop me an email at webmaster@melrosetroop68.org. It is great to hear what you think about these podcast videos.

MSPP #56: Words of Eagle Scout Mike Schwieters

As a scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 68, I have seen seventeen young men earn the Boy Scouts of America's highest award, the rank of Eagle Scout. During most of the Eagle courts of honor, the new Eagle Scout will at some point stand up before the audience of friends and family and talk about his time in Scouting, and thank those who have helped him get to this point of his life.

Troop 68's latest Eagle Scout is Mike Schwieters. Mike finished his Eagle award with only days to spare before his eighteenth birthday. Mike was an active member of the troop throughout his teen years, and still volunteers to help the troop if we need it when he is home from school. He is now in his second year of college and remains a good friend.

As Mike's Eagle court of honor came to its closing, Mike stepped forward to say a few words to those who gathered for his special day. His speech was full of memories and some humor, but it also hit a few points that were good for the younger Scouts to hear. He spoke about how to treat others in the troop, and to take the challenge and earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

Mike's Eagle court of honor was held last May, and ever since then I have wanted to post the video of his closing comments. He stopped by for a visit this weekend so I asked him if he minded if I would post the video to this podcast. He did not mind, so here it is for you to view. I hope you and your sons and Scouts enjoy it and take as much away from it as the members of our troop did.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

You are invited to leave a comment using the link below, at the iTunes Music Store, or at the PTC Media forums. Drop me an email at webmaster@melrosetroop68.org. It is great to hear what you think about these podcast videos.

MSPP #55: Buttons Learns About Girl Scouting

Up until now, Buttons, the radical Boy Scout, has always been about the Boy Scouting program. He has talked about the Scout Oath and Law, being physically fit, how to tell when you know you are a Boy Scout, and has interviewed a Cub Scout and an assistant scoutmaster. Today, he begins to expand his Scouting knowledge into something he has never talked about before - Girl Scouting!

In the United States, boys and girls have separate Scouting programs (except for Exploring). Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting are very different programs even though they share many of the same goals. In both programs the members may chose to earn the highest award available to them. In Boy Scouting that would be the rank of Eagle Scout. In Girl Scouting it is the Gold Award.

I recently had the honor of attending the Gold Award ceremony of my niece and two other Girl Scouts. It was very impressive, and I learned a few things about Girl Scouting that I did not know. I video recorded the ceremony at the request of my sister, and we plan to broadcast it over our local community television station.

After the ceremony, I had the chance to congratulate each of the girls, and ask them if they would be willing to be interviewed by Buttons, the radical Scout. They had all seen a Buttons video or two so they knew what I was asking. To my pleasant surprise, they all said yes to the idea.

This video posting to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast is the first of these videos. Ali Kociemba, one of the Gold Award recipients, is the first Girl Scout to be interviewed by Buttons. They discuss the different age groups of Girl Scouting, what some of the awards are, service projects, what Ali did for her Gold award, and what her favorite troop activities were. It turned out to be a nice introduction to Girl Scouting.

You are invited to leave a comment using the link below, or at the iTunes Music Store, or at the PTC Media forums. Drop me an email at webmaster@melrosetroop68.org. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

MSPP #54: Star Trekking: The Next Generation

Okay, okay. If you have been reading this blog and watching these podcasts you probably know about a skit the troop developed based on the song Star Trekking by The Firm. It became one of the most popular skits ever made up by Troop 68. The skit became so popular that we thought we needed to come up with something more. Thus we developed a new version of the skit based on the second Star Trek series. Thus I present to you Star Trekking: The Next Generation.

Star Trekking: The Next Generation was fun trying to put together. First, we had to pick which characters from the show would be a part of the skit. We could not include them all because the skit would become too long. We cut it down to six, which seemed to work well during the first skit. Second, we had to come up with lines that would be readily identifiable with each of the characters. Third, we needed a action for each of them.

When we performed the skit/song for the first time we discovered we did a pretty good job. The audience at summer camp enjoyed it, as did the Star Trek fans in the crowd. It quickly became a part of the troop's repertoire. Here are the character's line of the skit:

Data - "I wish I was a human, human, human, I wish I was a human. It's elementary."
Geordi - "I cannot find my visor, my visor, my visor. I cannot find my visor. Help!"
Worf - "The phaser's set for kill, for kill, for kill. The phaser's set for kill. Can I push the button now?"
Riker - "I'm leading the away team, away team, away team. I am leading the away team, 'cause I am Number 1."
Picard - "Let's set a course for Dagobah, for Dagobah, for Dagobah. Let's set a course for Dagobah. Engage!"
Villan Q - "Humans are so childish, so childish, so childish. Humans are so childish. Why can't I ever win?"

This video was taken from the troop's Laughs For Lunch show, probably about ten years ago. Have fun with it. I hope you enjoy it.

You are invited to leave a comment using the link below, or at the iTunes Music Store, or at the PTC Media forums. Drop me an email at webmaster@melrosetroop68.org. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

And The Winner Is....

In honor of the fiftieth video posted to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast at the beginning of October, we decided to hold a drawing. One person who left a comment at the iTunes Music Store, or a comment at PTC Media under forums post MSPP #50, during October would win a dvd of Buttons videos. It is time to announce the winner.

The winner is... LibertyF.

LibertyF left a comment at the iTunes Music Store. I now need LibertyF to contact me with an address to send the dvd.

I would like to thank those of you who took the time to leave a comment at iTunes or the PTC Media forums. I really do read them and appreciate you leaving the feedback.

MSPP #53: The Submarine Skit

Here is a skit you do not see very often anymore. At least I have not seen it performed by a troop outside of Troop 68 for a number of years. This post to the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast features the Submarine Skit.

The Submarine Skit is about a group of misfits on a submarine. It is war time and they are looking for an enemy ship to sink. Once the captain spots a ship through the periscope, he sends the order down the chain of command to fire the torpedo. Unfortunately, his crew is not very good at hitting ships.

Troop 68 added this skit to their repertoire after seeing the skit done at a summer camp during the 1980's. Some "politically correct" people may not think it is very funny, but the Scouts and the people in the audience get a good chuckle out of it.

I invite you to leave a comment using the link below, or at the iTunes Music Store, or at the PTC Media forums. Drop me an email at webmaster@melrosetroop68.org. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.

MSPP #52: Closing Campfire Skits

Ah, the closing campfire program at summer camp. The final bit of fun and laughs. The place were awards are presented from a week of adventure. The last gathering of the campers and troops. And, if your troop is doing a skit or song, it could be the last time at camp for the Scouts to experience excitement or anxiety. Luckily, the Boy Scouts of Troop 68 have enough experience to fall more into the excitement group instead of the anxiety group.

The four young Scouts of Troop 68 (the older ones were at Philmont this summer) threw around a few ideas during the week for a skit to do for the closing campfire. The Buckskin Staff of Many Point Scout Camp had encouraged each troop to come up with a song or skit for the program. My four Scouts finally decided on the Invisible Bench skit.

Everything was fine, until Friday morning when the senior patrol leaders met with the camp's program director and were told that skits should have a "Superheroes" theme to them. My Scouts went into a near panic mode. They did not know any Superhero skits. What could they do now?

During the morning program and afternoon activities we threw around several ideas and finally decided on the Invisible Bench skit. Only it would now be the Invisible Plane skit. The boys would portray various Superheroes gathering to join Wonder Women on an adventure. They would wait in the invisible plane until she arrived. Various superheroes were chosen to be in the skit, along with a quick intro for each one. After a few practices we Scouts were ready to perform.

The Scouts from Troop 68 were called down to do their skit during the middle of the program. I thought the boys did a good job, as did all the troops who did a skit. There was some impressive talent during this year's program. And of course, I had my video camera there to record it so I could share some of it to you.

This post to the Melrose Scouting Production Podcast features the Invisible Plane skit, and the Supersize skit done by another troop from the Central Minnesota Council. I have to apoligize about the lighting. It was getting pretty dark by the time the troops performed their skits. And for some reason my camera decided to "hiccup" a couple times at the start of the Invisible Plane skit. Recording Boy Scout functions can be frustrating at times.

I invite you to leave a comment using the link below, or at the iTunes Music Store, or at the PTC Media forums. Drop me an email at webmaster@melrosetroop68.org. It really is great to hear what you think about the podcast videos.

Click here to DOWNLOAD this Podcast
Subscribe to Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast through iTunes.
or at http://feeds.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions
Check out other Scouting podcasts at PTC Media.