By Erick Selgren, KC0HZN
Owl Patrol (Whoo Me)

4428 Monte Carlo Place
Fort Collins, CO 80525
E-mail: eharley@hotmail.com

This ticket is the trail that I will follow as I apply the skills of Scout craft and leadership to my Scouting responsibilities.  I understand that completion of this ticket is the only way to obtain and earn the WOOD BADGE TRAINING AWARD.  To this end, I dedicate myself to accomplishing those items that follow:

My Ticket was completed on August 6, 2000. Below is a recap on each portion of my Ticket, my evaluation on how the individual Ticket item was completed and the skills used.

I. Service to Others through My Troop: 

1. Teaching scouts and adults the value of our natural resources is very important. I would like to work with my Troop and PLC to complete a conservation project (to be determined after contacting resources). One good possible resource for this item is Bob Sturdivant. Another option may be a SOAR project at summer camp. Once a list of possible projects has been established, I will go to the PLC to see which project the Troop would like to do. If the PLC chooses, this project could be considered as a possible Eagle project. This project will allow the Scouts involved to earn community service hours that can be used for advancement. This project will also help to conserve our world for future generations to come. For this part of my ticket, I will use the following leadership skills: knowing the resources available, communicating, needs, planning, teaching, sharing leadership, and setting an example. I intend to have this ticket item completed by fall of 1999.

The PLC decided they would like to do a SOAR project at the BDSR summer camp in June 1999. After checking in on Sunday, I talked to the Nature Center Counselor about our Troop wanting to due a SOAR project. We talked about the resources of the Troop and the needs of the camp. We decided that the Troop would cut down trees and trim off the branches then stack them into piles in a clearing so they could be burned this winter. Some trees were already marked for cutting near the Indian Lore area. After the trees were cut and trimmed, the trunks were to be cut into ten to fifteen foot lengths and stacked near the trial. They would be used for future trial maintenance projects. I informed the Scoutmaster about the project and we went to the PLC to tell them about it. The PLC decided that the adult leaders and older Scouts would cut down the trees, and then everyone would trim and stack the trees. The adults started a competition with the older Scouts on who could cut down the most trees. The adults had no intention of winning, because their plan was to keep the older Scouts motivated, so they would not get bored after cutting down a few trees. It worked out great, the older Scouts cut down ten compared to the adults' only cutting down five. The older Scouts were very proud of themselves. The Troop was blessed with an added bonus on this project when a firefighter from another Troop stopped by and taught the Scouts about the importance of what they were doing. He told them about reducing the fire danger by thinning out the trees. He taught them how to decide on which trees to cut. The Scouts then selected and marked some trees to be cut.

Completed: June 1999

SKILLS USED: Knowing the resources available, communicating, needs, planning, teaching, sharing leadership, and setting an example. (1) In talking with the Nature Center Counselor, I knew the Troop had the resources needed to do this project. (2) I communicated with the PLC, camp counselor, adult leaders and the Scouts. (3) The camp needed trees thinned out to reduce the fire danger. The Scouts needed service hours for the SOAR patch or advancement. (4) The PLC planed on doing a SOAR project. I planned the project and the PLC planned on who was to do what. (5) Adult leaders taught the Scouts how to cut and trim the trees and Scouts taught other Scouts. The firefighter taught the Scouts about the importance and the selection of the trees to cut. (6) Leadership was shared throughout the project between the adults and the Scouts. (7) The example set was the importance of thinning out trees to save the environment. This was a new concept for some Scouts, to think that we cut down trees to save trees.

2. I will coordinate the Scouting for Food (SFF) drive for our Troop. I will get with our District and find out when the next SFF drive is and when there will be either a training session or an orientation. I will talk to other adult and youth leaders to try and get them involved. I have also spoken with a leader from another Troop and discussed the possibility of a joint SFF drive. This way the leadership can be shared when the drive occurs. This project will help Scouts earn community service hours that can be used for advancement. This will also help the community by providing help for those in need. Leadership skills that will be necessary to complete this item include controlling the group, representing our troop, and setting an example. My timetable for completion of this item is spring 1999.

My Scoutmaster and Committee Chair attended the orientation and got supplies and maps for the area we will cover. I had a meeting with a leader from another Troop in our area to coordinate having them help us with the big area we needed to cover. Both Troops came to our church on Friday night to have a slumber party before the SFF event the following Saturday morning. We had six drivers to help us gather the food and bring it back to the church. We divided the area and the Scouts into six groups. We had the Scouts decide on which Scout would be in charge of their group. This was the first time since we have been covering this area that we were able to go to every house in the area. It also ended up being a record year for us in the amount of food we collected. After bring the food back to the church we put it into three vehicles and took it to the Food Distribution Center. The food weighted in at 913 lbs. That almost doubled our last record of 524 lbs.

Completed: March 20, 1999

SKILLS USED: Controlling the group, representing our troop, and setting an example. (1) The group was controlled by breaking down into six groups and having a Scout from each group who was in charge. (2) We represented our Troop at the orientation, in the community and at the Food Distribution Center. (3) We set an example in our community by showing them that there are teens (Scouts) in this community that care.

3. Service to the community is an important aspect of Scouting. It teaches the scouts the value of giving and helps the community at the same time. Working with my Troop and PLC I plan to help organize a service project for our Troop. With input from other adults, I will develop a list of possible projects. I will then go to the PLC to see which project the Troop would like to do. If the PLC chooses, this project could be made available to a Scout for an Eagle project. This project will allow the Scouts involved to earn community service hours that can be used for advancement. Some of the leadership skills that will be used in this part of my ticket include evaluating, counseling, sharing leadership, and setting an example. I hope to have this ticket item completed by the fall of 1999. 

After talking with other adults and the PLC we decided to help Marc with his Eagle project. Marc decided he wanted to do trial maintenance at Horsetooth for his Eagle project. He had a date set in March to do the project. Just before that date he ran into trouble, he could not get a hold of the park ranger that was helping him to confirm the rocks were delivered. He and some others went up to Horsetooth to see if the rocks were delivered. They were delivered but they were not dumped where he thought they were supposed to be dumped. They informed us of the situation the next day when we were suppose to do the project. To make matters worse the weather turned for the worse and we had to postpone the project. A few weeks later, I asked Marc about the project and he said, "he still could not get a hold of the park ranger and she had not returned any of his calls." He was so discouraged he was thinking of doing something else instead. I talked him into not giving up yet. We finally did the project in August 1999. It was a two-mile hike getting to the project site. We had to haul the rocks a quarter of mile down the trial and build a retaining wall. The trial was very rough to impossible to use a wheelbarrow to move the rocks. Marc's dad brought us lunch from Subway who donated the subs. It was very ironic that we saw eagles flying overhead while we were building the retaining wall.

Completed: August 1999

SKILLS USED: Evaluating, counseling, sharing leadership, and setting an example. (1) I and the PLC evaluated which project to help with. We evaluated the weather in deciding to postpone the project. Marc had to evaluate whether to continue doing this project or not. (2) I counseled Marc on not giving up and encouraged him that he could pull it off. (3) Leadership was shared when deciding how to build the retaining wall. (4) Learning that a project can be completed regardless of the obstacles was the example set.

II. Goals to Strengthen My Troop: 

1. I will develop a program for getting the Troop's calendar to each family and try to get a commitment from each family concerning which Troop outings they plan on participating on. This will insure that we know the family got the calendar and know that they have read it. I am doing this project to help the families plan their year and hopefully increase attendance on outings. This also gives the Troop something to look forward to. Once the bugs are worked out of the system I will train another adult and possibly a Scout (the Scribe?) so that future calendars will go out with little effort. Leadership skills that I plan to use in this part of the ticket are: communicating, planning, and representing the group. I hope to have this system worked out in time to use it on the 2000 Troop calendar. 

The Troop's yearly calendar is now created by one of our adult leaders Andy. After the Troop's planning meeting each year Andy prints out a calendar for each family. One of our Scouts David who developed and maintains our Website has posted the Troop's calendar there. Another adult leader Mike e-mails a monthly newsletter with all of the events for the next two months to all of the families each month. The parent who is organizing the outing starts promoting it at least a month before at the Troop meetings. It is not only getting out with less effort but it is being put in front of each family on a monthly basis. Attendance on outings has increased. We have also had our first mom ever go on a Troop campout.

Completed: November 1999

SKILLS USED: Communicating, planning, and representing the group. (1) Communication takes place yearly, monthly, or by visiting the Website anytime. (2) The Scouts plan the calendar at the yearly planning meeting and revise it as needed at the twice monthly PLC meeting. (3) Many different people represent the group from planning and sending out the calendar in coordinating the Troop events.

2. Our Troop would benefit from some better means to manage its information. Toward this end, the Troop recently purchased a copy of the Troop Master software. I will complete the entries needed to bring the Troop Master computer program up-to-date. This will help the Troop with rosters, recharter, and advancement by having all of our information in one place. Once the program entries have been made I will train and turnover the responsibility of updating the program to our Advancement chair. Leadership skills I will use for this item include: evaluating, communicating, sharing leadership, and setting an example. I intend to have this ticket item completed by summer of 1999. 

In February 1999, 1 became the advancement chair. Keeping the program up-to-date is an ongoing process. In July of 1999, I completed inputting all of the past entries I could get a hold of. This program as been very helpful in processing the paper work required for the Troop (recharter, rosters, advancement, tour permits, etc.). It was instrumental in helping our first Eagle Scouts with their Eagle applications.

Completed: July 1999

SKILLS USED: Evaluating, communicating, sharing leadership, and setting an example. (1) This program has been very helpful for us in evaluating rank advancement and merit badge needs. (2) I share leadership with this program by sharing it with other leaders who use the information to do their jobs (recharter, tour permits and rosters). (3) This program sets an example by keeping Troop information organized.

3. In an effort to share the workload more evenly within our Troop I will work to build the Troop committee to hopefully have at least one active person in each committee position (minimum of 3) as listed in the "Troop Committee Guidebook. " I will encourage each committee member to attend Scoutmaster Fundamentals, or at least participate in the Roundtable breakout sessions for committee members. While I am doing this I will also have each family fill out a Troop Resource Survey and create a database for the Troop's use. This will help the Troop Committee and the Scouts by knowing who to turn to for addressing specific issues. Leadership skills to be used are sharing leadership, setting an example, and communication. I hope to complete this item by the end of 1999.

I recruited and assisted with the recruitment of the following people to run the Troop committee:

1/99 Kathy, Treasurer
2/99 Andy, Committee Chair
3/99 Gray, Membership
4/99 Arlene, Board of Review
4/99 Patrice, Board of Review
4/99 Mike, Newsletter

Andy has been to Scoutmaster Fundamentals and is attending Wood Badge August 2000. He also goes to Roundtables on a regular basis. I will continue to work on getting the others to training. The Troop Resource Survey did not worked out as planned. I passed them out at Troop meetings with very little response. The few that I did get back were very useful, that's how I recruited Kathy for the Treasurer position. Most people are just not willing to fill out the survey for some reason. My next attempt to get this to work better is that I am going to develop a new Scout folder that has all of the forms that must be filled out (including a Troop Resource Survey) when they join our Troop.

Completed: April 1999

SKILLS USED: Sharing leadership, setting an example, and communication. (1) Shared leadership by recruiting more people to help with the Troop committee functions. (2) I set an example by the fact that even thou my sons are no longer a part of the Troop I still am and I still care about giving the Scouts a meaningful experience. (3) It took a lot of communication skills to get busy people to volunteer time they sometimes feel they don't have. Busy people are the best volunteers.

III. Personal Growth: 

1. Knowing more about the outdoors and the Scouting skills I can apply there is important to me. Toward this end, I will read the Boy Scout Field book and apply it to my current and future Scouting jobs. This will make me feel more comfortable in my dealing with our Scouts on outings. It will also give me a sense of accomplishment in knowing more about my surroundings. Leadership skills to be used will include: knowing resources, knowing the needs of the group, controlling, representing the group, sharing leadership, and setting an example. I hope to complete this ticket item by the end of 1999. 

The Field book has three areas, preparing for outings, outdoor adventure, and appreciating our environment. Even in areas where I know a lot about the subject the book has reminded me of some forgotten knowledge and has taught me new ways to look at things. On a recent high adventure outing the Troop went caving, the Scouts were not sure what to bring. The book has a section on caving that has a lot of information about caving, including what to bring. This book has been and will continue to be a great resource for the Troop and myself. 

Completed: January 2000 

SKILLS USED: Knowing resources, knowing the needs of the group, controlling, representing the group, sharing leadership, and setting an example. (1) Knowing and using resources is very helpful in making experiences great experiences. (2) Knowing the needs of the group is the first step in fulfilling the needs of the group. (3) I control by providing the Scouts with information that will help them make an informed decision. (4) The Field book has and will help me represent the group. (5) I share leadership by allowing the Scouts to make their own decisions. (b) I set an example for the Scouts by showing and being a resource available to them.

2. My faith and religious beliefs are very important to me. I have been wrestling with some questions of faith recently and hope to resolve them by participating in a three-week class called "New Believers' Class" at First Assembly of God. I will also read the New Testament. This will hopefully give me a sounder base for my beliefs and improve my leadership skills. I will be better able to assist the Troop Chaplain's Aid. Some of the leadership skills I will use involve: communicating, planning, and evaluating. I will complete this item by the summer of 1999. 

I completed the "New Believers' Class" in January 1999. It helped me with how to go about reading the Bible. I went on to take the churches' discipleship classes, which were three hours one Sunday a month for four months. I was then baptized according to the Bible and joined the church. Reading the New Testament has been very helpful and inspiring in helping me and for me to help others in living life with God. During tough times I ask myself what would Jesus do. I attend church on a regular basis by making a promise to myself to not miss church if possible. Endurance + Scripture = Hope. 

Completed: July 2000 

SKILLS USED: Communicating, planning, and evaluating. (1) Communicating with God has helped me to help myself and others get through tough times. I also communicate with God in thanking him for the great life I have. (2) I pray to God that my plan in life is His plan for me and that I may become more and more like Jesus (WWJD). (3) I evaluate my life on a regular basis and hope that I am living according to Gods plan and not for my own selfish reasons.

3. Having people in the community who are skilled radio operators can be invaluable during times of emergency. I have been interested in amateur radio for many years and used to spend quite a bit of time with a CB radio. I want to continue with this interest and will work on getting an Amateur Radio Novice Class License. I will accomplish this task by reading on the subject and then taking the test. After I complete this I will register as a Radio merit badge counselor. Leadership skills I will use include: teaching, counseling, and setting an example. I will complete this ticket item by the end of 1999.

I took ham radio classes and not only passed the test for the Novice license but also passed the test for the Technician license. I took and passed the Technician test on April 14, 2000. I was granted a license on May 11, 2000. Since I have purchased a ham radio the Troop has recently purchased four FRS radios that do not require a license to operate. They have been and will continue to be very useful on the road, on the trial and in camp. They are instrumental in the safety of the Troop, especially since we how have a disabled Scout in the Troop. My call sign is KC0HZN. 

Completed: April 14, 2000

SKILLS USED: Teaching, counseling, and setting an example. (1) Taking the ham radio classes has taught me that there is a lot more to ham radio communications than just talking on them. There is also Morse code and computer communications. (2) My training will help me in counseling other Troop members on the proper use of the FRS radios. It will also help me in counseling Scouts on the Radio merit badge. (3) This has set an example for the Troop on how important and helpful radio communication can be on an outing. Especially, since our Troop now has 52 Scouts.