Scholarship started

Sander's most recent report card was so good, that the long mentioned Scholarship badge is now something he's looking to earn. Since he'll be starting up a new, much bigger school next year, now seems the best time to ask the principal for a note. So, he wrote up a formal request letter. Should be an easy one to earn. :)

Fish & Wildlife Management

So, when I found out (at Archery) about a merit badge day down in Rochester, Sander was game for it- and not just for any old merit badges, but for ones that would count towards the Hornaday Awards. So, last night, we drove down and got a hotel room in Rochester. We brought the pooches along, and it all pretty fun and relaxing. Woke up, and Sander was checked in for the Gamehaven Council Merit Badge Fair.

Fish & Wildlife Management included a field trip to a nature center, and Sander got to see a Timber Rattler and a Bull Snake, and learned about wolf management. He enjoyed it, and finished all requirements!

Energy must have been not energizing, because Sander admitted to falling asleep during the lecture. Still, he caught up, and took a field trip of a power center, seeing a number of generators. He (and all the other boys) have an outstanding requirement- making pie charts about energy sources and usages. So, for now, he's holding at 28.

Oceanography

Well, a little nudging and Sander wrapped up the requirements for Oceanography to our satisfaction. He had done the work with Tyler, but merely hadn't written the info on his own worksheet- thinking they could just work of their shared sheet. So, in random moments since then, he's shown us where he found the information, and completed the work. Since the counselor had signed off the card, and not provided any contact information, our assumption is that this was what was intended.

27 done.

Also- am being shuffled into Advancement Coordinator, sort of, and at 27, Sander is tied for 2nd most in the troop. Not that it's a contest, but he seems to enjoy these sorts of activities, and ... well... it's something that in one year, he's earned as many MB's as some our Life Scouts. Now, granted, he doesn't have some of the Eagle's- and those are a good amount of work yet. But still- can't help a proud papa moment. :D

A few pre-req's for next weekend: Energy and Fish & Wildlife Mgmt.

Sports- done!

Today was a busy troop meeting. Music and Sports counselors came in to help boys through some badges, and I was the Betsy fill-in for Emergency Preparedness. Sander wrapped up the Sports merit badge (along with Tyler and Michael), and then joined Kyle, Greg and Matt on E.P. Initially, he told Matt he wouldn't, and he confirmed this with me when I asked. And while I was a bit surprised, I accepted his decision. He asked if it was too late, then decided to join in... so, a boy can be fickle. :)

26 badges down, and Oceanography so close...

Landscape Architecture- done

So, Saturday, Tyler and Sander did both Landscape Arch, and Oceanography. The Oceanography was at Underwater World at the Mall of America, and the boys got to go above- seeing the backstage stuff. They both said it was very cool. Tyler finished his badge, but Sander has a few more requirements to complete. The counselor did sign off the form, so we assume that he just needs to show off the requirements to an adult, and he can turn in the card. A Scout is Trustworthy.

Meanwhile, Landscape Architecture covered everything in the class- and again, kinda surprisingly, both of the boys really enjoyed it. Both boys finished that one up completely.