This Boy is Growing UP!

This picture was taken as the youth were getting ready to go out and sale flag contracts for our fundraiser.  The YM/YW set up flags on all the patriotic holidays and sale contracts for the year for $40.  It's a steal.  He is busting out of his original scout shirt, growing up way to fast.

 

2nd and 1st Class Rank

Matthew recieved his 2nd and 1st Class Rank. 

A Big Congratulations! 

On our way to an Eagle Scout!

Boy Scout Camp Chawanakee

Matthew says:  Camp Chawanakee was way better than Camp Kern from what I heard.  They had mountain boarding which was one of my favorites.  Also horseback riding which was THE favorite.  I had my first Chaco Taco and I loved it.  I got 9 merit badges.  Three which were required.  I got First Aid, Citizenship in the World, Horsemanship, Astronomy, Environmental Science,  Art, Leatherwork, Wood Carving and Indian Lure.  I beat Ethan, who got 8 his first year.  This year I was able to go with Uncle Stuart's troop.  My dad was a good help with all my merit badges and brought me lots of stuff to help.  He also was willing to take me were ever I needed to go.  And he got me a souvenier, Camp Chawanakee Lanyard.  I want to go again next year. 

 

Steve says:  Due to a scheduling conflict, we couldn't make it to camp Kern with our own troop, but based on the last 2 summers, that was OK with me.  Fortunately, my brother Stuart's troop was headed to Chawanakee at a good time and they hosted Matt and I for the week. Matt did great and earned 9 merit badges;  I tried mountain boarding for the first time and didn't kill myself;  and we had  a great time with Stuart and his troop.

 

 

 

Uncle Stuart, Dad & Matthew

 

sign of a great week at scout camp

Camp Okihi - Matthew

Matthew: This was a one nighter.  The most fun things were archery and tomohawk throwing.  The two pictures you see below.  I was the only one besides Josh that got the tomohawk to stick in the log.  The food was even pretty good.  We had hot dogs for dinner, pancakes for breakfast and some sandwiches and treats for lunch. We got a whole bunch of soda.  I slept in a tent with my dad and this time camping wasn't cold.  

Matthew Rank of Scout

Matthew recieving his Scout Rank from Brother Reber.

Dad being there to support him.

Matthew's Arrow of Light Ceremony

We have been blessed to have some wonderful scout leaders for our boys.  We will miss Brother Gil Johnson.  He has been a great leader for our boys and a wonderful Sunday School Teacher.  Congratulations to Matthew for earning his Arrow of Light.  Way to grow up so fast Matthew!

Matthew's Webelos Badge

Brother Gil Johnson and Ben Eyre are Matthew's Cub Scout Masters and Tara Kim and Sherri Hampton are his den leaders.  Thank you to all his leaders!  Today Matthew recieved his Webelos Badge.

October Cub Scout Pack Mtg

This is a collection of the belt loops Matthe has earned during the summer up till now. {Baseball, Volleyball, Marbles, Ultimate, Archery, Roller Skating, Swimming & Music} Alot of these he has earned more than once. He needs a new belt to hold them all.

He wouldn't stop for a picture but here is a happy Matthew.

They made this very nice bird houses during a couple of den meetings.  They turned out great and here they are showing them off.  They each also read a poem they wrote about a Gospel Principle.

Matthew's Poem:

My Gospel Principal is on Faith

Faith is believing in crist

Faith is always choose the right

Faith is I always read the scriptures

Faith is the thing that makes God happy

Having Faith is important

The message tonight was on Fire Safet.  Bro. Johnson is a retired fireman and did a great job influencing the boys not to play with fire.  I even learned some new things.

Matthew also recieved his Whittling Chip Card.  He carved a bear out of soap for this one. 

Way to Go Matthew!!!  Keep up the Good Work!!!

A FEW Merit Badges

Ethan received 10 merit badges tonight. A couple of them he earned while in Texas, a couple at a Boy Scout Pow Wow and the rest he earned at Boy Scout Camp Kern. He got, ART, CARPENTRY, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, FIRST AID, LEATHERWORK, MAMMAL STUDY, NATURE, PERSONAL FITNESS, SPACE EXPLORATION and WILDERNESS SURVIVAL.

Participating in the Pledge of Allegiance Being recognized with Dad alongside him

Allen Christiansen telling some "Ethan" Stories.

Congratulations Ethan! We are all so proud of you! Keep up the good work!Steve was also recognized that night with a certificate for being a great leader at camp. And he also put together a very nice slide show of camp for us all to watch after all the awards where passed out.

Matthew's Bear Award

Matthew turned 9 in January and was done with earning the requirements in less than 6 months. His den leader, Tara Kim, new what to work on to help him do this. Matthew loves scouts and is still looking in his book on his own trying to find more things to do. We are proud of you Matthew and we love you.

Ethan's Tenderfoot, 2nd Class & 1st Class

Ethan has been a hard worker. I love the excitement in him. Sometimes, however, I feel like it is all a race with him. But, hey, whatever works. He just earned his Tenderfoot, 2nd and 1st Class. Congratulations Ethan! He is so excited to head off to Boy Scout Camp and to turn 12.