98th Rainier Scout Group

02/05/2019

Notice to all Otters, Timberwolves and Pathfinders: Due to the bad road conditions there is no scouting planned for this evening February 5 2019. Also, the Board Meeting is postponed for tonight as well.

Take this opportunity to help your families and neighbors be safe during the cold icy conditions. Be sure and dress warmly when you are out and about, and remember to bring an extra blanket and flashlights and a snack too if you head out walking, or head out in your car.

Look for opportunities to clear snow and ice for your walkways and steps, and offer to help your neighbors too.

Mostly, enjoy the snow!

02/05/2018

07/27/2017

BPSA-US stands proudly alongside our transgender scouts, leaders, and their families today, and every day. We are honored and humbled by the trust our trans scouts and leaders — veterans among them — have afforded us. In return, we can only offer our Promise to do our best, "to help other people at all times," and to welcome people of all gender identities to the great game of scouting.

The Inclusive Scouting Campaign badge, pictured here, is worn on our uniforms to remind us that there is always an opportunity to adapt and learn from each other, and to make a space for all marginalized people. It's a symbol that celebrates the work that's been done and looks to a future where everyone is welcomed as they are.

To our transgender scouts, leaders, and their families, let us be clear: We want you here. You make this organization better, and it is an honor to scout with you. Thank you.

To the transgender community, and people of all gender identities: Come, join us! There are mountains to climb and there is service to offer. Together we all have a place in the worldwide scouting movement.

12/06/2016

In the dark of December 5th, 2016, two Otters of the 98th Rainier completed the Otter program, achieving all badges and participations and experiences. These two became the first Swimming Up Otters in our scout group.

A solemn yet joyous ceremony was held on the grounds of the Pathfinder HQ, around a campfire and lit by torches. Ameek blessed them and each of their peers wished them well on their journey from the river up-forest towards the Timberwolves gathered in Council at their famous rock. The Otters drew nearer the Council Rock, accompanied by their parents, still wet from their swim, and covered in twigs and leaves from their trek through the dark forest. Their parents called out, not daring to approach too close to the Pack (they would have been bared from entering the circle, and they knew it!). "Who will keep these man cubs?" they called. Baloo and then Bagheera responded, and a price was paid, and the Pack howled, recognizing the new Wolf Cubs. Before our eyes these Otters transformed into Timberwolves and joined the Pack...

Such is the journey from the River and Forest to the Pack. One way or another we all makes this journey many times in our lives, in our leavings and in our comings, in our departures and our joinings. May your eyes gleam as bright on your journeys as did these Otters tonight who are now become Timberwolves. Look Well!

10/17/2016

There is something magical when women and men get together to learn scouting skills, and prepare to bring back the traditions and techniques to their home rafts, packs and troops. The girls and boys have months and years ahead to revel in the devotion of the women and men who prepare themselves in this way.

Hear well, the friends of the Forest and the wolves of the Jungle are alive and strong, and traditional no-compromises scouting is flourishing in the Pacific Northwest, and though the winds blew and the rain fell this weekend, Stormageddon only added texture (and moisture) to our training weekend.

The 98th Rainier Scout Group scout group of the Baden-Powell Service Association is proud to receive Ranesto Bello Angeles as a new Rover Squire, and to have hosted the Southwest Commissioner Roger Gray during the Brownsea Training (BTC3) that happened this weekend.

Group scout meeting for the 98th Rainier is tonight at 6:30 pm.

09/21/2016

Girls and boys scouting together in equal dignity, leading the way to the end of segregated scouting in Seattle. This is a group of Otter, scouts ages 5 through 7, members of the 98th Rainier scout group, as they explore the Station 33 of the Seattle Fire Department.

These young Otter scouts already look up to the older Timberwolf and Pathfinder scouts of the BPSA--all integrated scouting sections, with female and male leaders of all manner of beliefs and lifestyles. What they share is a passion for traditional wilderness-based scouting and community service.

Learn how to run a fully inclusive scout group of your own--three-day training camps for adults are coming up in Portland Oregon, sponsored by the Baden-Powell Service Association. More trainings are headed to the Seattle area after that. You in? Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/events/1626153951034939

08/25/2016

T-shirts for the Otters?

06/20/2016

You know you're are in an organization that loves you and wants you when it adopts signs and symbols of welcome and celebration.

Within the scouting tradition throughout the world, patches are sewn on uniforms and worn by members to signal proficiency and our individual and organizational aspirations for all to see, and to help each of us strive towards the greater good. I am so pleased to share with you the new patch that has been officially adopted by the Baden-Powell Service Association. The patch has been adopted with these wise words to all: "Some scouts, young and old, may well feel compelled to undertake some introspection and specific action to feel certain in their heart; this is so much the better."

From the commissioning document:

"The [Inclusive Scouting Campaign] ISC patch uses the rainbow colors now associated with the LGBT movement, but the colors are even more famously and historically used by Jessie Jackson’s 80’s Rainbow Coalition and other organizations who have sought to signal equality and solidarity with all people. A small piece of trivia: the ISC patch’s exact rainbow hues were sampled from the 98th Rainier’s crest, and we will spec the same thread from the factory for the actual patch. The 98th Rainier Group was formed by GSM Geoffrey McGrath, a former scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America who was removed from his role in the BSA upon their realization that he was outwardly gay— thus, the patch also connotes our role in spearheading diversity. Finally, the colors are arranged in the order of the rainbow spectrum, echoing the natural order found in our world.

"The ISC patch is much bolder and attention getting than the SFA patch, by design. It is intended to visually jump off the scout uniform and be obvious. It may not be comfortably worn by everyone in our organization, and that itself is a good thing. The silver arrow, symbolizing action, is pointed towards the wearer's heart. Using the word “Campaign” in the item’s title gives credence to the need for ongoing efforts toward inclusivity and equality, both inside and outside of the BPSA. "

06/20/2016

Leaving town on a rainy weekend, late in the school year, the 98th Rainier Scout Group of the Baden-Powell Service Association-US headed east into a deluge. At the turn-off to our intended destination, we found the road into the Lake Dorothy was washed out just west of of Money Creek Campground, After discussing attempting to hike in along the road, but worried we'd end up camping on asphalt before reaching the trail, we got back into our rigs and headed further east over the mountains into the high country in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, to the Stuart Range to seek better backpacking conditions. Our trek began at the Engalls Creek Trail Head.

For the scouts in this young Pathfinder patrol, after honing their camping skills, this was a first time to don a pack full of their personal as well as group gear and backpack away from established camps and cars. It was a time to put into practice much of the theory they'd spent the winter working on.

This patrol is one section of the 98th Rainier Scout Group, which consists of sections for Otters, Timberwolves and Rovers as well. This scout group is fully inclusive, having female and male members and leaders, and including religious and god-free, straight and gay, citizens and immigrants from four continents. Our scout group operates out of Rainier Beach, Seattle neighborhood of the city of Seattle, which we are proud to call home.

06/02/2016

Spring camping, even in the rain, is great fun!

11/16/2015

Just an update, this is what is coming up. It's going to by busy and fun! Here's the details:

We have a scout meeting tonight. Wear your uniforms, and bring your flashlights and/or headlamps and a hand trowel, as we will be planting some flowers in remembrance of the Armistice of Nov.11 1918 and in hopes of a brighter spring after the events of last week.

Additionally, we will discuss plans for a day hike on Saturday Nov 21st. Here are the upcoming events:

Nov 16 Scout Meeting

Nov 21 Day Hike
Note: Be Prepared for wet/cold weather

Nov 22nd Service Project
Pathfinders: We have been invited to participate again to help feed our neighbors the homeless women of Mary's Place, serving 150 people. Details will be posted on Facebook, Contact the Scoutmaster directly if you would like to participate. Several other groups are also helping, and we will provide on-site food service support.

Dec 4,5,6 Camping at Silver Lake
Come prepared for camping at the Scout Lodge at Silverlake. Together with the BPSA scout groups of Mt. Vernon and Bellingham we will camp under cover in the lodges. There will be breakout skill sessions for Tenderpad requirements. Additionally, there may be tree climbing, ropes course and possibly rowboat/canoeing. Bring your slingshots. Come prepared for Capture the Flag. We'll also do some dutch oven cooking. Cost are $15/person, scholarships are available. Uniforms are required.

Dec 14 Scout Meeting

Dec 19 Winter Inner-tubing at Snoq. Pass
Ever gone inner-tubing? We will mix in some snow skills plus fantastic sliding. All costs covered.

Jan 4 Scout Meeting

Jan 9 Star Wars Matinee
For kids and adults wearing their scout uniform the cost will be covered, Details to come

Jan 18 Scout Meeting

10/25/2015

98th Rainier scout group of the Baden-Powell Service Association headed out for a weekend of rock climbing and camping at Deception Pass and Mt. Erie. First time on the rock for some, the prior weeks of preparation learning knows and ripe technique payed off.

It is amazing to watch the focus these kids have when the life and safety of their friends is on the line. In the classroom sometimes learning a new knot or other technique can be quiet a chore for them, but when they're on the high-angle rock surrounded by objective hazards they are focused and on-task, soaking up the learning and quickly mastering the skills that are otherwise so difficult.

Watching the looks on their faces change from apprehension to mastery, and the hearing the squeals of delight makes the effort worth while and the stories (some of hard-won lessons) later around the campfire pretty riveting.