By Chris Toms

I can say it was very cold, but this was my first Klondike Derby and it was the best. Now I know, so next time you will see me in twice as many coats.

My favorite activity was…well all of them! That might have been the best time I’ve had with my patrol except camp. Probably the easiest activity was the bb-guns, and the hardest was getting a fire to start. It was hard because it would make a big flame then go out. But all in all it was very fun!

Klondike Derby

By Gabriel Englehart

This year, the Klondike Derby was more interesting, since it was held in Blue Springs. Our first event was the Rising Runners, but nobody supervised the event, wasting valuable time. Things were fine, though it was cold most of the time. The events were spread out fairly well, and the events were great fun!

The lack of snow made travel more difficult for our wooden, dead branch or other materialized sleds. One great feature was the traveling hot chocolate cart, driving to and from events with containers of hot cocoa for people who wanted some. The events were also well varied in objectives and goals, although some patrols did poorly on the compass course or other less popular events, because of unpreparedness.

Overall, the move to a new region was a bit shaky in some ways, but was a step in the right direction in many other ways.

(Go check out more pictures from the 2012 Klondike Derby in the Troop 282 Photo Collection.)

By: Mr. Gentry

On Saturday, January 14th Troop 282 Scouts and their families met at the Vaile Mansion to help move all the holiday decorations back up to the 3rd floor storage. They moved furniture, boxes, tubs, miscellaneous containers, and many Christmas Trees. In November the boys and their families had brought down all the Christmas decorations so that volunteers could decorate the historic Vaile Mansion for the Christmas Holiday.

The boys and their families did a great job of working together to get the job done. Afterwards they were treated with orange juice, cookies, donuts, cake, and other tasty snacks. Yum!

(See more pictures about this service project in the Troop 282 Photo Collection.)

By Scott Howell

Troop 282 would like to thank all the scouts, leaders, dads, moms, sisters, bothers, grandparents and friends who came out on the two Saturdays to pass out the 10,000 food bags and to collect the food bags. We would also like to thank those members of Trinity Episcopal Church and Troop members who brought in food. Once again the troop broke our goal of 35,000 food items by collecting 37,100 food items. Great job everyone and How How!!! This great community service project to help other people is a very worth while project and it could not be done with out all of your help and support.

Fairmount Pantry is very excited and pleased with all the food the troop brought to them on December 5 to help all those families this Christmas who are in need to see that they have a Christmas dinner to remember. As Christmas is the time for giving and sharing. Mac said he should not have to purchase one can good again this year for the pantry until November 2012.

Troop 282 Scouts and Leaders have set the bar high as they always do. Who knows where the troop will go next year with this project. Let’s hope that the demands for food at the food pantries through out the community are not as high in 2012 as it is in 2011. If it is Troop 282 will be up to the challenge as we always are to fill the shelves.

What a great way to live up to a part of the Scout Oath by "Helping Other People".

(Go check out more pictures from the 9th Annual Food Drive in the Troop 282 Photo Collection.)

Thanks, Moms!

The troop would like to thank the Mother’s Club for the Halloween Party that was on Monday night, November 7th. The party got started with a donut eating contest. You eat a donut tied to a string that is suspended in the air without using your hands. What great fun! The Mother’s Club also served everyone a variety of tasty snacks from creepy spider cupcakes to a spooky graveyard cake. Thank you for all your hard work in making this a fun-filled evening for the boys.

(Go check out more pictures from the 2011 Halloween Party in the Troop 282 Photo Collection.)

By Scott Howell

Gone Fishing, yes the scout troop went fishing on the November 5th and 6th overnight at a 40 acre lake. Boy, did we catch fish and fish and fish. The scouts and leaders caught 35 keepers. They were cleaned and cooked by Mr. Gentry and Mr. Owens for everyone to enjoy after the campfire. What great batter Mr. Gentry used on the fish. That was not all we were fed, Mr. Schaumberg baked three great clobbers. Even though it was said it can’t be done without using bag charcoal.

The other event for the day was zip lining on a 300-foot long zip line and zipping the scouts and leaders did all afternoon. It was fast and great fun.

The November overnight weather was great. The patrols cooked some really great meals. They did a great job. Mr. Gramlich and Mr. Gentry were in charge of the meals for the leaders. Mr. Gramlich cooked pot roast, carrots, potatoes and baked biscuits for dinner. He cooked it all day long with bagged charcoal and insists that this is the only way to cook with a dutch oven (with bagged charcoal). Remember the earlier comment about the great cobblers. Mr. Gramlich’s pot roast was great. The leaders would like to ask Mr. Gentry where the gravy was for Sunday morning leader’s breakfast. Just kidding, Mr. Gentry was in charge of the leader’s breakfast. He picked two items, French toast with bacon and egg in a hole. Both dinner and breakfast were out of our troop resource book and there was no gravy involved with Sunday’s breakfast.

Mr. Leabo came out Sunday Morning and provided the troop a good church service to allow the troop to fulfill the 12th part of the scout law, Reverent.

Once the trailer was all packed up, the scouts and leaders were back to fishing till it was time to come home. What a GREAT, GREAT weekend with the great weather, Great Scouts and Great Leaders and a Great place to camp.

The November 5th and 6th Overnight

By Simon Englehart

When I went on the overnight at the 40 acre lake it was a good overnight. There was a lake, a pond, and a zip line. They even made a slingshot that shot Hedge Apples. It was a really fun overnight.

(Go check out more pictures from this overnight in the Troop 282 Photo Collection.)

Troop 282 would like to thank the boys and families who helped bring down all the Christmas decorations from the 3rd floor at the Vaile Mansion on Monday, October 31st. With all the great help this year, we completed the service project in record time.

The Mansion will abound in ruffles and flourishes with touches of fabric, lace, ribbons, velvet, feathers, seashells, and greenery in a masterpiece that will be a "Whimsical Victorian Christmas." Be sure to visit the Vaile Mansion’s "Whimsical Victorian Christmas" Nov. 25-Dec. 30, 2011 (Closed Dec.23-25). For more information go to the Vaile Mansion website at www.vailemansion.org.

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?

By Scott Howell

What a great weekend the troop had for a fall overnight!!! Everyone kept saying are we sure it is October 8 and 9, 2011 as the weather was so great (a little windy). The troop’s main task was to have the patrols complete the task of going through their patrol gear and inventory each item. It was then checked by a leader and then it was all color coded. Now when we go out on the weekend of November 5 & 6, 2011 our patrols will be able to set their patrol sites up in recorded time.

On this overnight there was a burn band on as there has not been any rain for more than 30 or more days. Even with this obsolete the troop was able to get charcoal going and the patrols were able to cook their dinner and breakfast. Each patrol had a cooking site under the watchful eye of the adult leaders. All the patrols had great food from receipts out of the Troop Resource Book. Matt Copeland our Troop Sr. Patrol Leader head an Iron Chief contest with the dinners that were cooked and we are to find out 1st thru 5th place tonight October 10th scout meeting.

It is my understanding in talking to all the scouts on Sunday there was one great capture the flag game played Saturday evening. Mr. Mangles held a good church service on this overnight talking about what name are the scouts making for themselves in school, church, home, community and scouts.

We still need to work on working together as patrol members and troop members. This was brought out by some of the patrol members and patrol leaders as they were packing up their gear. Getting your work done first gives you more free time to play as those who are last have very little time. This can only be done if everyone keeps telling themselves that that team work is number one. You also have to keep reminding yourself that our Troop motto is "ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL."

(See more pictures from the October overnight in the Troop 282 Photo Collection.)

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 J.P. Joyce Troop Scribe

The overnight on September 17th and 18th was cold and rainy, the overnight started out pretty good and then the weather decided to turn for the worse while camp was being set up. After all five patrols finished setting up camp in the rain each patrol sit down and ate lunch under their patrol dinning flies. A couple of hours after the lunch the sun did finally came back out and started drying things out a little bite. This is when the Sr. Patrol Leader and the Asst. Sr. Patrol Leader thought it was best to have a knot tying relay patrol against patrol. After the knot tying relay it was time for each patrol to start fixing dinner. The patrol leaders took charge and moved their patrols to their campsites to start building fires. This was a real challenge as all the wood was wet. All of the patrols were up for the challenge as they all had fires started in no time at all and dinner was under way. All the patrol’s had some great recipes that came out our troop’s resource book. Once dinner was done and clean up was done the patrol had a little patrol time to think about their skits and songs for campfire.

It was now time for the troop to move to campfire and what a campfire it was. The Jr. Asst. Scoutmaster’s had built one big fire. It was great. The Troop’s Master of Ceremony for the troop campfire was Hunter Ginavan who got the campfire started with a song and we were off with each patrol performing a skit and a song. We closed our troop campfire with retiring 114 America Flags that had performed their duties very well. The troop and parents who came out enjoyed the flag retiring ceremony very much.

It was now time to go to bed and our company for the night was yes a nice thunderstorm who announced it present multiple times during the night. It rained the entire night. It was still raining on Sunday morning when everyone got up and yes everyone had to build a fire once again with wet wood. Luckily one patrol had put some wood under cover and kept it dry. Other patrol had a little trouble as they were not prepared. They had no dry wood. It was still raining as breakfast was fixed and finished. Then all of a sudden the rain stopped and we had about 20 minutes of sunshine this was great. As fast as it came the sun went away and we heard that another storm was coming so all the patrol started breaking camp and backing up.

Once camp was packed up and our leave no trace trash line up was complete the troop had a church service. The sermon for church was on Noah and the ark we thought this was fitting with all the rain. The sermon was how the ark was similar to our patrols in the troop and how we all should work together to get our big task and goals done.

The bus ride home was load and fun as usual. Even with all the rain and cold the overnight was FUN and I hope everyone is looking forward to the Troop’s October overnight on the 8 and 9.

As your Troop Scribe I am challenging all Patrol Scribes to submit an article on the September overnight.

Blue and Grey Park Overnight

By Simon Englehart Patrol Scribe

I really liked the Blue and Grey Park overnight because I got to help put a fire together and I got to help my patrol cook. My patrol helped my tent partner and me put together our tent and take it down. I also got to eat really good meals.

Blue and Grey Park Overnight

By Gabriel Englehart Patrol Scribe

Blue and Grey Park is a very familiar scene, I would know, I’ve been multiple times. Our food was pretty good, since I’m familiar with the food too. Most tents were well built and durable. Sure a few leaks where I was, but all was well. Dishes and other jobs were fairly well done. Church was quick, but nice and assuring. Overall the familiar has yet to change and the new has not come yet, for the rain was upon us again.

(See more pictures from the September overnight in the Troop 282 Photo Collection.)