Conference noted::scouting

        (Re:.29 and earlier)

    David just got signed up by his old pack to do another Arrow of light 
    ceremony, so I guess it's that time of year again.

    Just a reminder, please read some of the earlier notes and be VERY
    careful about safety if you're going to have a real arrow shooting
    ceremony.

    It takes planning (e.g. it can take a couple of weeks to get the right
    arrows made to match the shooter's drawlength and bow -- i.e. don't expect 
    to pick up any old arrows and have them shot safely!)  It also takes the
    proper set up of the area in which to shoot.  And most of all, you need
    to have a good, well thought out script to read which highlights safety
    to the audience (You must have control of people's movement during the
    shooting).

    If done right, it can be a wonderfully memorable evening.  My son still
    has his personalized arrow and even takes it with him in his bow case to 
    all his archery tournaments.

    				Jeff


      

    Jeff, where are you located?  This sounds like a great idea!  Our 
    Webelos have already crossed over this year, but my son will be in the
    group that is suppose to cross next year.  I'd love to see something
    like this done with them.  I think it would create alot of excitement
    for furthering their scouting.  Just seeing what your son has achieved.
    Our pack is located in Townsend ... would he consider coming out that 
    far?
    
    Thanks.
    Joyce
    

    I'm sure that he wouldn't mind.  However, David is a senior and next
    year he will be attending Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
    (He'll also be over 18 by then so he can't wear his eagle/order-of-the-
    arrow uniform).  But you never know when he might be home...  ;-)
    
    As an alternative, you could contact the local Troops and see if they 
    have any good archers. (Also, Council HQ is right near you, so perhaps 
    they have somebody in mind)
    
    Regards,
    			Jeff

    David has just done his second of three Arrow of Light's for this year. 
    They keep getting better!
    
    The last one was for Stow Troop 39 and there must have been 250 people
    there.  David shot 13 arrows (all into the dead center of the target!)
    and the boys were very excited about the ceremony (David even got asked
    to give autographs by the younger boys...)
    
    Safety is still very important.  Also, it's very nice to have the boy's
    name, date, "Arrow of Light", Pack number and Town written on each
    arrow for them to keep.
    
    Best wishes,
    
    				Jeff