BSA Troop 695 for Boys and BSA Troop 8695 for Girls held a chess event and cookout in the Lower Sammamish Commons park on Sept 10th 2022. The Next opportunity is Saturday September 16th 1PM-5PM at Beaver lake Pavilion.
Parents often ask how to get their kids off their devices. Parents want their kids to get out of the house, disconnect from the internet, and engage in social skills building which will benefit them throughout their lives. The pandemic made things more difficult since personal connections became difficult as our society was thrust into a virtual world with less face-to-face interaction. Here is your chance to play kids chess and mini-golf in the park on Saturday, September 16th from 1 PM-5PM.
Chess Merit Badge helps teach strategic thinking and good sportsmanship
Scoutmaster Bill D’Zio of Troop 695 proposed Chess in the Park and Picnic to get the kids outside and let them have fun in a safe environment to learn, interact and have fun. The solution, get the kids outside, interacting, and learning while having fun. Scoutmaster D’Zio teamed up with other scout leaders from Troop 695 and 8695 to host an afternoon in the park. Kids will have the opportunity to learn new Chess Skills from Scouts. For those 11 and up, they can even work with Travis Johnson, a Scouts BSA approved Chess Merit Badge Counselor, to be signed off on the merit badge
Where and when to play kids chess in the park?
Event: Chess workshop and tournament
Beaver Lake Pavilion at 25103 SE 24th St, Sammamish, WA
September 16th, 2023, 1PM – 5PM
Last year, the troops hosted this event and had a great turn out for the workshop including a number of Webelos scouts exploring how they can continue scouting after completing the Arrow of light.
Scoutmaster D’Zio highlighted ”I hope all kids in the greater Sammamish area can get out and enjoy the weather and do activities like chess, hiking, camping and cooking. ” Learn more about other scouting activities including the 130+ merit badges youth can do.
Play Kids chess and mini-golf in the park
The boys and girls will have a friendly competition after the workshop allowing the youth to work on some of their new skills or hone chess moves. Youth 10+ were able to work towards Chess Merit Badge requirements.
Last year we had Webelos from Margaret Mead Elementary School Cub Scout Pack 551 https://pack551.org/ and Creekside Cub Scout Pack 225 https://www.cubpack225.org/ also got a chance to play with older scouts and make new friends while enjoying the amazing weather in the park. This year we have invited additional cub Scout Packs and youth Grade 1 – 5 to also join
Feedback and reflections on last year’s Kids Chess in the park
One parent highlighted ”My 15 year old daughter never was really interested in chess, but when she learned more about the game, played in the tournament, she asked to download a chess APP so she could play her friends online. It was like she had a new level of confidence ”
Chess Merit Badge
One parent highlighted the outcome of the event ”My 15 year old daughter came home and wanted me to help her install an online chess app so she could play with her other friends. She never showed interest before this event.. that must be part of the power of BSA Scouting. She had a whole new level of confidence after this event and learned chess at the same time.”
Scoutmaster D’Zio said ”Eagle Scout is an amazing goal, but even for those who do not achieve that rank… they still have the finger print on them from scouting”
Travis Johnson, the Volunteer Advancement Chair for both troops, led the workshop while helping the scouts organize the tournament. Travis had this to say ”life skills come from somewhere [scouting]”
Not just Chess, this year Mini-Golf as well!!!
BSA Troop 695 and 8695 scouts prepared this year to make a mini-golf course for all youth to enjoy in the Sammamish area. The scouts designed the mini-golf course holes, and acquired much of the building materials with donations from Volvo of Bellvue, repurposing old crates for much of the lumber. A member of the Rotary of Sammamish donated golf balls. A donor from Kirkland provided a number of golf clubs. The scouts made, by themselves, four mini-golf course holes on a sunny afternoon in August after coming back from Camp Parsons. also worked on Cooking Merit Badge requirements.
Prep for Play Kids chess and mini-golf in the parkGetting ready for mini-golf
Wrapping things up
At the end of the event, certificates will be handed out, and Scouts earning the Chess Merit Badge were notified they would receive their badge in the next Court of Honor. For those not involved in scouting yet, this is a chance to sign up with either a cub scout pack(K-5th grade) or with our troop ages 10+.
If you would like to join BSA Scouting, please scan the following codes
BSA Troop 695 for BoysBSA Troop 695 for Girls
Here are some local Cub Scout Packs to join:
Join Pack 586 at Blackwell – all students welcome, from any school!
Pack 551 – We are part of the Alpine District of the Chief Seattle Council, servicing Margaret Mead Elementary, Christa McAuliffe Elementary and other neighboring areas in Sammamish, WA.
Select Pack 225 which is open to boys and girls in grades K through 5. We serve the Creekside Elementary area, and While our pack is primarily associated with Creekside, we draw pack members from all types of schools in the area, including home schools.
Pack 571 Servicing Rachel Carson and Samantha Smith Elementary schools in Sammamish, WA. we provide year-round programs for boys and girls.
For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has helped create generations of leaders and outstanding citizens by allowing boys and girls to explore their interests, serve their communities, and discover their talents through youth-led activities like hiking, camping, and volunteering! BSA Troop 695 and 8695 were established to help achieve these goals for the greater Sammamish area and have serviced youth from Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah, Bellevue areas.
The BSA Scouts did the set up, cooking and clean up for the Chess Event.
FAQ / QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
(Learn more about Scouts BSA)
What are the activities Scouts do?
During youth-led troop meetings, Scouts engage in Scout skill challenges, team building opportunities, patrol games, and troop games. You can read more about those activities here.
At Scouts BSA Troop 695 and 8695, we aim to build an inclusive, youth-led community where boys and girls of all backgrounds feel welcome and in control of their Scouting experience. If a parent or guardian wishes to observe a troop meeting or lend a helping hand with youth-led activities, they should consult with the Scoutmaster in advance.
How much does it cost to be a Scout?
As of September 2022, the annual registration fee is $66 and a one time $25 joining fee for Scouts BSA. However, there are additional fees to cover the cost of certain activities, program supplies and uniform/gear.
How can I be sure my Scout is safe?
Programs are designed to follow a strict set of rules and policies that can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting. You can ready the GSS here https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/
My child just finished Cub Scouts. How do they transition to Scouts BSA?
Program resources are in place by both the Cub Scouts pack and the Scouts BSA troop. Learn more about how we ensure a smooth transition.
Is Scouts BSA inclusive of those with Disabilities?
We believe everyone should get the chance to participate in Scouting activities while being treated with the same level of respect as every other unit member. The Boy Scouts of America’s national camp standards require councils to include Scouts with special needs in camp programs to the extent that it is practical and safe.
Absolutely! Youth can join Scouts BSA with no prior Scouting experience (i.e., Cub Scouts) as long as they meet the age requirements
Chess Merit Badge Requirements:
Requirements
1. Discuss with your merit badge counselor the history of the game of chess. Explain why it is considered a game of planning and strategy.
2. Discuss with your merit badge counselor the following:
a. The benefits of playing chess, including developing critical thinking skills, concentration skills, and decision-making skills, and how these skills can help you in other areas of your life
b. Sportsmanship and chess etiquette
3. Demonstrate to your counselor that you know each of the following. Then, using Scouting’s Teaching EDGE*, teach someone (preferably another Scout) who does not know how to play chess:
a. The name of each chess piece
b. How to set up a chessboard
c. How each chess piece moves, including castling and en passant captures
4. Do the following:
a. Demonstrate scorekeeping using the algebraic system of chess notation.
b. Discuss the differences between the opening, the middle game, and the endgame.
c. Explain four opening principles.
d. Explain the four rules for castling.
e. On a chessboard, demonstrate a “scholar’s mate” and a “fool’s mate.”
f. Demonstrate on a chessboard four ways a chess game can end in a draw.
5. Do the following:
a. Explain four of the following elements of chess strategy: exploiting weaknesses, force, king safety, pawn structure, space, tempo, time.
b. Explain any five of these chess tactics: clearance sacrifice, decoy, discovered attack, double attack, fork, interposing, overloading, overprotecting, pin, remove the defender, skewer, zwischenzug.
c. Set up a chessboard with the white king on e1, the white rooks on a1 and h1, and the black king on e5. With White to move first, demonstrate how to force checkmate on the black king.
d. Set up and solve five direct-mate problems provided by your merit badge counselor.
6. Do ONE of the following:
a. Play at least three games of chess with other Scouts and/or your merit badge counselor. Replay the games from your score sheets and discuss with your counselor how you might have played each game differently.
b. Play in a scholastic (youth) chess tournament and use your score sheets from that tournament to replay your games with your merit badge counselor. Discuss with your counselor how you might have played each game differently.
c. Organize and run a chess tournament with at least four players, plus you. Have each competitor play at least two games.
Happy Father’s Day to everyone, and hoping to help you Amazing Scout Father’s Day. Scouting in Scouts BSA is full of amazing activities for Amazing Scouts to do with their dads on Father’s Day. Dads will enjoy getting engaged with their aspiring Eagle Scouts and are all low cost, high engagement activities.
In the meanwhile, here are some ideas for Father’s Day to do with your scouts with links back to various Scouts BSA Merit Badges:
Go outside and cook for Dad!
Go cook outside for dad and work on your cooking merit badge at the same time!
Think about some of dad’s favorite foods and think about how you can leverage what you are learning with cooking merit badge. Try and make them outside with a safe cooking approach with minimal environmental impact.
Cooking at Home. Using the MyPlate food guide or the current USDA nutrition model, plan a menu for three full days of meals (three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners) plus one dessert. Your menu should include enough to feed yourself and at least one adult, keeping in mind any special needs (such as food allergies) and how you kept your foods safe and free from cross-contamination. List the equipment and utensils needed to prepare and serve these meals. Then do the following:
Discuss with your counselor food allergies, food intolerance, and food-related illnesses and diseases. Explain why everyone who handles or prepares food needs to be aware of these concerns.
Share and discuss your meal plan and shopping list with your counselor.
Using at least five of the 10 cooking methods from requirement 3, prepare and serve yourself and at least one adult (parent, family member, guardian, or other responsible adult) one breakfast, one lunch, one dinner, and one dessert from the meals you planned. *
Time your cooking to have each meal ready to serve at the proper time. Have an adult verify the preparation of the meal to your counselor.
After each meal, ask a person you served to evaluate the meal on presentation and taste, then evaluate your own meal. Discuss what you learned with your counselor, including any adjustments that could have improved or enhanced your meals. Tell how better planning and preparation help ensure a successful meal.
Go for a Hike for an Amazing Scout Father’s Day
Go for a Hike With dad! A family hike is an amazing way to get outside with dad! Bring binoculars from and your ten essentials. Bring a journal to take field notes of what you spot while out and start on your bird watching merit badge. Take photos and practice the principles of leave no trace. https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/leave-no-trace/
Members of Scouts BSA Troop 695 for Boys and Scouts BSA Troop 8695 for Girls enjoying the view after a hike to the top at Rattlesnake Mountain Trail in Snoqualmie.
Talk with dad about your hiking merit badge requirements:
Do the following:
Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while hiking, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while hiking, including hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, sunburn, hyperventilation, altitude sickness, sprained ankle, blisters, insect stings, tick bites, and snakebite.
Go play sports with Dad!!!
Go play sports!!!
It doesn’t need to be a complex game. It can be indoors or outdoors. Grab some ping pong paddles, rackets, a basket ball or anything else. Organize a family fun tournament together or with a few other scouts with dad’s participation.
Discuss the following:
Explain to your counselor the most likely risks you may encounter during athletics activities and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these risks.
Show that you know first aid or understand the treatment for injuries that could occur while participating in athletics, including sprains, strains, muscle cramps, contusions, abrasions, blisters, dehydration, heat reactions, and concussions.
The importance of maintaining a healthy diet.
The importance of warming up and cooling down
The importance of weight training
What an amateur athlete is and the differences between an amateur and a professional athlete
The attributes (qualities) of a good sport, the importance of sportsmanship, and the traits of a good team leader and player who exhibits Scout spirit on and off the playing field
Get ahead of our golf game as we prepare for an upcoming mini-golf Troop 695/8695 activity.
Show the following:
The proper grip, stance, posture, and key fundamentals of a good swing.
The fairway wood shot.
The long iron shot.
The short iron shot.
The approach, chip-and-run, and pitch shots.
The sand iron shot, bunker, or heavy rough recovery shots.
A sound putting stroke
Jump on a bike and take a ride
Jump on a Bike and take a ride with dad is an Amazing Scout Father’s Day!
Lots of opportunities with bike riding to create an Amazing Scout Father’s Day. Regardless if you are on a local trail or in the neighborhood, it is fun. Cycling is also an Eagle required merit badge and dad will be impressed you are asking to go out for a ride rather than kicking up feet to sit in front of a device.
Using a bicycle safety checklist, clean and adjust a bicycle and present it to your counselor for inspection. Do the following:
Show points that should be checked regularly to make sure the bicycle is safe to ride.
Show how to adjust the saddle and handlebars for a proper fit.
Show how to adjust brakes and gear shifting (derailleurs).
Show all points that need regular lubrication.
Show how to repair a flat by removing the tire, replacing or patching the tube, and remounting the tire.
Show that the bicycle meets local laws.
Demonstrate basic bicycle handling skills to your counselor, to include how to properly mount your bicycle, starting and stopping (to include emergency stops), riding in a straight line, turning, shifting gears, scanning, and signaling.
Kick Start your Plant Science Merit Badge
Kick start your plant science merit badge and visit a Pick Your Own’ Farm
It’s fun and yummy. Head out to a local pick your own berry farm and impress dad with your questions you ask the local farms.
Learn about Pruning a tree, vine, or shrub properly. Explain why pruning is necessary.
Learn and then Demonstrate one type of graft and tell why this method is useful.
Ask questions about how one fruit, nut, or berry crop is processed for use.
Bring your ten essentials with you and impress dad with your ability to use a map and compass.
Scouts BSA Troop 8695 for Girls on a hike at Cherry Creek trail and finding an interesting car.
Do some Yard Work with dad!
Yet another Amazing Scout Father’s Day activity is helping with Yard work. And Yes, there is a merit badge for that too! Take some time and look over the requirements, and head outside and help dad with some of his outdoor ‘chores’. Learn about different types of plants with a trip to the local home improvement store with dad, and check off some requirements while you are at it!!!
Tell whether the design had separate spaces, a defined point of entry, a clear path system, and sun and shade variety.
Discuss how any structures, the designated seating, eating, or parking areas suited the overall design.
Explain how the design reflected consideration for the comfort, shelter, and security of the users.
Discuss how the choice of trees, shrubs, and ground covers used in the project contributed to its appeal and function.
Identify five shrubs, five trees, and one ground cover, being sure that you select examples of different shapes, sizes, and textures. With the help of your counselor or a local nursery, choose plants that will grow in your area. Bring pictures of the different planting materials or, if possible, examples of their branches, leaves, or flowers to a troop meeting. Be prepared to tell how you might use each in the design of a landscape.
Learn how to Plant five fruit or nut trees, grapevines, or berry plants that are suited to your area. Learn what you need to take full care of fruit or nut trees, grapevines, or berry plants through one season.
Other Amazing Scout Father’s Day activities to do with Dad:
Still looking for other Amazing Scout Activity Ideas to do with Dad this Father’s Day?
There are so many options to get outside and say thanks to dad. Visit https://sammamishscouting.com/advancement/ and look for something you and dad will enjoy doing together!
Citizenship in Society Merit Badge exemplifies a new Eagle Required Merit badge as of 2022 focused on Scout core tenets. This is one of the requirements for scouts. The road to Eagle Scout requires community service, leadership, skills development and 21 merit badges. Included within those 21 merit badges is Citizenship in society merit badge. The Sammamish merit badge fair includes this new eagle requirement merit badge in a workshop. The workshop date is November 12th. Citizenship in Society Merit Badge represents a new Eagle Required Merit badge as of 2022.
Overview for Scouts The focus of the Citizenship in Society merit badge is to provide youth with information on diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership. You’ll learn why these qualities are important in society and in Scouting, as well as how to help other people at all times and serve as a leader and an upstander. The Boy Scouts of America continues to be committed to developing a culture in which every youth, volunteer, and employee feels included and welcomed — and to building communities where every person feels respected and valued.
Yes, Scouts BSA is inclusive
We…
welcome families and individuals of all backgrounds and identities to help prepare young people to serve as successful members and leaders of our nation’s increasingly diverse communities.
are committed to creating inclusive environments and promoting a culture of respect and belonging for all.
expect all members to be guided by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
want everyone who follows the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law to feel welcomed and able to take advantage of the many opportunities Scouting provides, and we want every Scout to feel a sense of acceptance and inclusion in their unit and in Scouting.
expect and appreciate that our Scouts do their best to make all feel welcomed.
are learning about and understanding different identities and abilities will help each Scout understand what to do to help make other Scouts feel welcomed and find a sense of belonging in Scouting.
review the definition of “reverent” in the Scout Law,. We expect our Scouts to “respect the beliefs of others,” both within and outside of Scouting.
• Class B uniform. The Scout can choose either Class A scout uniform if interested.
Work to complete in advance:
The program is designed to enable Scouts to complete all the requirements of the badge in one day if they complete the pre-work. Scouts who do will receive a signed blue card and be one step closer to eagle.
Requirement 1: Before beginning work on other requirements for this merit badge, research the following terms, and think about how they relate to the Scout Oath and Scout Law:
Identities
Inclusion
Diversity
Discrimination
Equity
Ethical Leadership
Equality
Upstander
Scout Law & Oath
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
Scout Oath “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”
Requirement 2: Document and discuss with your counselor what leadership means to you and what you think it means to make ethical decisions
• Research an individual you feel has demonstrated positive leadership while having to make an ethical decision. Focus on someone in history, a family member, teacher, coach, counselor, clergy member, Scoutmaster, a judge)
• Ask/learn about the decision and/or options that leader had, why they chose their final course of action, and the outcome of that action
Requirement 7 : Identify and interview an individual in your community, school and/or scouting who has had a significant positive impact promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. If you can’t identify such an individual, research a historical figure.
• Discover what inspired the individual, learn about the challenges they faced and share what you feel attributed to their success.
Requirement 8: With the help of your parent or guardian, study an event that had a positive outcome on how society viewed a group of people and made them feel more welcome.
Citizenship in society merit badge other info
Notes:
• Need some research Resources for the Scouts on requirements 7 and 8? Thought starters listed on the Chief Seattle Council website include info for scouts. Citizenship in Society Merit Badge – Chief Seattle Council (seattlebsa.org). These resources are not exhaustive, and intended only to give some “thought starters”.
More About local troop
Also during this same aware ceremony, other scouts from troop 695 and the partner BSA Troop for girls, 8695 received merit badges and rank advancements at the court of honor. Upcoming activities include Veterans Day community service, hiking, Camping, learning knots, orienteering, and Christmas tree recycling. An article on last years tree collection and recycling can be found on the sammamishindependent.com
Scouts BSA Troop 695 for Boys and Scouts BSA Troop 8695 for Girls welcomes families, boys and girls to our programs. For more information to join a youth age 10+ or as an adult to volunteer you reach out on Sammamishscouting.com
On September 24, four Sammamish teens were recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Troop 695 is chartered by the Rotary Club of Sammamish and led by Scoutmaster Bill D’Zio.
Jacob Angel, Noah Foxman, Jake Clayton and Matthew Whitney all completed the rigorous requirements to earn the highest award available in scouting. The four Sammamish teens become the rank of Eagle Scout through scouting experiences, earning at least 21 merit badges, providing leadership, completing service hours and an Eagle Scout service project.
Over 1350 Pounds of Food collected for the Issaquah Food Bank
Eagle projects are conceived, planned, funded and lead by the scouts with adult leaders acting as advisors. Jacob Angel built a footbridge over a stream on a trail in Redmond for his Eagle project. Noah Foxman built and installed a trailhead sign kiosk for the Snoqualmie Tribe. Jake Clayton led a food drive for the Issaquah Food Bank, collecting 1,350 lbs of food. Matthew Whitney partnered with a humanitarian organization to provide 300 school supply kits to children in Peru.
Scouts BSA Troop 695 Eagle Service Bridge Project
Each of the scouts started their adventure in Cub scouts as a youth. After completing the youth program, they joined Scouts BSA and started as a Scout Rank.
Over $4000 in school supplies collected and donated to help youth.
More About local troop
Also during this same aware ceremony, other scouts from troop 695 and the partner BSA Troop for girls, 8695 received merit badges and rank advancements at the court of honor. Upcoming activities include Veterans Day community service, hiking, Camping, learning knots, orienteering, and Christmas tree recycling. An article on last years tree collection and recycling can be found on the sammamishindependent.com
Scouts BSA Troop 695 for Boys and Scouts BSA Troop 8695 for Girls welcomes families, boys and girls to our programs. For more information to join a youth age 10+ or as an adult to volunteer you reach out on Sammamishscouting.com
BSA Troop 695 for Boys and BSA Troop 8695 for Girls held a chess event and cookout in the Lower Sammamish Commons park on Sept 10th 2022.
Parents often ask how to get their kids off their devices. Parents want their kids to get out of the house, disconnect from the internet and engage in social skills building which will benefit them throughout their life. The pandemic made things more difficult since personal connections became more difficult as our society was thrust into a virtual world with less face to face interaction.
Chess Merit Badge helps teach strategic thinking and good sportsmanship
Scoutmaster Bill D’Zio of Troop 695 proposed Chess in the Park and Picnic to get the kids outside and have them have fun in a safe environment to learn, interact and have fun. The solution, get the kids outside, interacting, and learning while having fun. Scoutmaster D’Zio teamed up with Smita Kadam and Travis Johnson to help provide adult support for organizing the event. Smita helped organize the logistics of the event along will Bill. Travis volunteered to be the Merit Badge Counselor for the Chess event to help teach the kids about chess.
On September 10th, 2022 BSA Troop 695 for Boys and BSA Troop 8695 for Girls held a Chess workshop and tournament in the Lower Sammamish Commons Park pavilion. We had a great turn out of for for the workshop including a number of Webelos scouts exploring how they can continue scouting after completing the Arrow of light.
Scoutmaster D’Zio highlighted ”I hope all kids in the greater Sammamish area can get out and enjoy the weather and do activities like chess, hiking, camping and cooking. ”
A Chess game in progress while enjoying fresh air and having fun!
The competition after the workshop allowed the youth to work on some of their new skills or hone chess moves. Youth 10+ were able to work towards Chess Merit Badge requirements. Webelos from Margaret Mead Elementary School Cub Scout Pack 551 https://pack551.org/ and Creekside Cub Scout Pack 225 https://www.cubpack225.org/ also got a chance to play with older scouts and make new friends while enjoying the amazing weather in the park.
Feedback and Reflections on the day
One parent highlighted ”My 15 year old daughter never was really interested in chess, but when she learned more about the game, played in the tournament, she asked to download a chess APP so she could play her friends online. It was like she had a new level of confidence ”
Chess Merit Badge
One parent highlighted the outcome of the event ”My 15 year old daughter came home and wanted me to help her install an online chess app so she could play with her otehr friends. She never showed interest before this event.. that must be part of the power of BSA Scouting. She had a whole new level of confidence after this event and learned chess at the same time.”
Scoutmaster D’Zio said ”Eagle Scout is an amazing goal, but even for those who do not achieve that rank… they still have the finger print on them from scouting”
Travis Johnson, the Volunteer Advancement Chair for both troops, lead the workshop while helping the scouts organize the tournament. Travis had this to say” life skills come from somewhere [scouting]”
Not just Chess, Cooking as well…
Chess Merit Badge is one of our BSA Merit Badge Series for learning
BSA Troop 8695 scouts also worked on Cooking Merit Badge requirements. The BSA scouts had a call in advance of the Chess in the Park Event to work through the menu for the day using “MyPlate” food guide. They did all the work… They created a shopping list for your meals showing the amount of food needed to prepare and serve each meal, and the cost for each meal. To their surprise, they were able to purchase all of the items from Trader Joe’s or Fred Meyer for half the cost originally estimated. (A Scout is Frugal) They prepared the equipment and utensils needed to prepare and serve this meal.
Some of the food preparation by Troop 8695 focused on a healthy meal and learning key skills.
Wrapping things up
At the end of the event, the certificates were handed out, and Scouts earning the Chess Merit Badge were notified they would receive their badge in the next Court of Honor on Saturday Sept 24th, 2022. The scouts also policed the area looking for litter, scraps of paper, and ensuring they followed the the Outdoor Code and no-trace principles.
For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has helped create generations of leaders and outstanding citizens by allowing boys and girls to explore their interests, serve their communities, and discover their talents through youth-led activities like hiking, camping, and volunteering! BSA Troop 695 and 8695 were established to help achieve these goals for the greater Sammamish area and have serviced youth from Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah, Bellevue areas.
The BSA Scouts did the set up, cooking and clean up for the Chess Event.
FAQ / QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
(Learn more about Scouts BSA)
What are the activities Scouts do?
During youth-led troop meetings, Scouts engage in Scout skill challenges, team building opportunities, patrol games, and troop games. You can read more about those activities here.
How can I as a parent get involved with Scouts BSA?
At Scouts BSA Troop 695 and 8695, we aim to build an inclusive, youth-led community where boys and girls of all backgrounds feel welcome and in control of their Scouting experience. If a parent or guardian wishes to observe a troop meeting or lend a helping hand with youth-led activities, they should consult with the Scoutmaster in advance.
How much does it cost to be a Scout?
As of September 2022, the annual registration fee is $66 and a one time $25 joining fee for Scouts BSA. However, there are additional fees to cover the cost of certain activities, program supplies and uniform/gear.
How can I be sure my Scout is safe?
Programs are designed to follow a strict set of rules and policies that can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting. You can ready the GSS here https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/
My child just finished Cub Scouts. How do they transition to Scouts BSA?
Program resources are in place by both the Cub Scouts pack and the Scouts BSA troop. Learn more about how we ensure a smooth transition.
Is Scouts BSA inclusive of those with Disabilities?
We believe everyone should get the chance to participate in Scouting activities while being treated with the same level of respect as every other unit member. The Boy Scouts of America’s national camp standards require councils to include Scouts with special needs in camp programs to the extent that it is practical and safe.
Can I join Scouts BSA with no prior Cub Scout experience?
Absolutely! Youth can join Scouts BSA with no prior Scouting experience (i.e., Cub Scouts) as long as they meet the age requirements
Chess Merit Bade Requirements:
Requirements
1. Discuss with your merit badge counselor the history of the game of chess. Explain why it is considered a game of planning and strategy.
2. Discuss with your merit badge counselor the following:
a. The benefits of playing chess, including developing critical thinking skills, concentration skills, and decision-making skills, and how these skills can help you in other areas of your life
b. Sportsmanship and chess etiquette
3. Demonstrate to your counselor that you know each of the following. Then, using Scouting’s Teaching EDGE*, teach someone (preferably another Scout) who does not know how to play chess:
a. The name of each chess piece
b. How to set up a chessboard
c. How each chess piece moves, including castling and en passant captures
4. Do the following:
a. Demonstrate scorekeeping using the algebraic system of chess notation.
b. Discuss the differences between the opening, the middle game, and the endgame.
c. Explain four opening principles.
d. Explain the four rules for castling.
e. On a chessboard, demonstrate a “scholar’s mate” and a “fool’s mate.”
f. Demonstrate on a chessboard four ways a chess game can end in a draw.
5. Do the following:
a. Explain four of the following elements of chess strategy: exploiting weaknesses, force, king safety, pawn structure, space, tempo, time.
b. Explain any five of these chess tactics: clearance sacrifice, decoy, discovered attack, double attack, fork, interposing, overloading, overprotecting, pin, remove the defender, skewer, zwischenzug.
c. Set up a chessboard with the white king on e1, the white rooks on a1 and h1, and the black king on e5. With White to move first, demonstrate how to force checkmate on the black king.
d. Set up and solve five direct-mate problems provided by your merit badge counselor.
6. Do ONE of the following:
a. Play at least three games of chess with other Scouts and/or your merit badge counselor. Replay the games from your score sheets and discuss with your counselor how you might have played each game differently.
b. Play in a scholastic (youth) chess tournament and use your score sheets from that tournament to replay your games with your merit badge counselor. Discuss with your counselor how you might have played each game differently.
c. Organize and run a chess tournament with at least four players, plus you. Have each competitor play at least two games.
