Robert Receives Varsity Denali

On Thursday, July 23, 2015, Robert Lowe was presented with the Varsity Denali Award from his Varsity Scout Leader, Rusty O'Brien.  He had actually earned the award back in July of last year, but the previous ward didn't get the award ordered in time to present it to him at the October Court of Honor.  Then the ward split, so this is the first Court of Honor since.

Robert is now the third scout in the State of Kentucky to receive the Varsity Denali Award.

The requirements for the Varsity Denali are:

1. Be a registered Varsity Scout team member.
2. Advance at least one rank in the Boy Scout program (or earn a Palm for those who are already Eagle Scouts).
3. Hold leadership positions in a Varsity Scout team for at least six months.
4. 1. While serving as team captain or program manager, act as primary leader on at least two activities. Program managers should choose activities in their the field of emphasis. Team captains may serve as primary leader any of the five fields of emphasis.
   2. While serving as program manager or team captain, demonstrate shared leadership skills in supporting roles in each of the three remaining fields of emphasis.
5. Demonstrate that you possess Scout Spirit by understanding and living by the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Tell how you have done your duty to God and how you have lived each of the twelve points of the Scout Law in your everyday life.
6. Complete a progress review by a review board that includes a district or council representative and is lead by the advancement program manager.

Receiving the award

Robert with his parents

Robert's Court of Honor - On My Honor Awarded

Tonight at 7:00 pm (despite massive amounts of homework) was the Crestwood 1st Ward's

Court of Honor 
for Troop 170

There were lots of awards - merit badges for all the accomplishments at scout camp over the summer, and a bunch of rank advancements.

Robert was presented with 6 merit badges - oceanography, athletics, mammal study, leatherworks, sculpting, and one more. 
As a Varsity scout he was presented his Basketball Varsity Pin.

Robert with his Second Bronze Palm

Robert with his merit badges

5 boys and 4 adult leaders earn the 50 miler

He was also presented with his second bronze palm = 41 merit badges earned as a scout.

Trevor Underwood and Robert receive their Second Bronze Palm

 Lastly, he was presented his "On My Honor" award.  In order to earn this you have to have earned your Duty to God at either the Deacon, Teacher or Priest Level and achieved the rank of Star.  Robert actually earned this award a year and a half ago, but it was overlooked. 

Unfortunately, tonight Robert was supposed to be awarded a few more things that were overlooked, forgotten or whatever... one being a very BIG award.  Robert was supposed to also earn his Soccer Varsity Pin and his Cycling Varsity Pin (from last year), but the BIG award that was supposed to be presented to him tonight that was overlooked was his Varsity Denali.  The Varsity Denali is equivalent to the Eagle Scout but in the Varsity program.  I have to admit that I was very disappointed!!!  I had arranged for Jessica and Marissa to come to the court of honor just to see him receive this award.

Boys on High Adventure in Missouri

On June 9th, Devon and Robert took their gear over to the O'Brien's house and spent the night there so that the crew could get an early morning - 4 am early - start for their 

HIGH ADVENTURE!

In tow was 13 bikes and helmets, 9 boys and backpacks, 6 canoes and ores, 4 cars loaded to the hilt, 4 leaders - "what were we thinking", 2 Lowes (my boys), and 1 awesome trip ahead of them.

That first morning they drove to Sedalia, MO where they started on the Katy trail.  Today is the 50 mile bike ride.  They were the "fast and furious."  Ben and Max started at lightning speed with Robert, Brandon, Devon and Reece hovering right behind them.  Everyone had a great day.  

Starting out:  Riley, Jim Brovont, Ben, Reece, Ephriam, Robert, Max, Trevor, Dennis Hartin, and Devon
Rusty O'Brien taking the photo

Over half way the boys cross over a bridge in Cooper County!

Robert super focused

Brothers biking together
 - this is so cool!

Devon working at it

Robert having a great time
This is one of my favorite photos of the trip

After the long bike ride the boys set up camp near Rocheport and had a delicious chicken dinner.  After a well deserved nights sleep, they were ready for Day 2.

Day 2 started with a canoe ride down the Missouri River.  Devon was center canoe while Robert was in front and Riley was in the back.  

Robert, Devon and Riley - all checked off and ready to go

ready, set ... GO

heading over to meet us with the others

Everyone is ready to canoe the river!

After canoeing the Missouri River for 20 miles the boys camp - have dinner and head over to a indoor climbing facility.  They had a great time on what is called "bouldering"

Robert traverse walking

Robert - Tight rope walking

Scaling the wall

Devon did all the climbing as well, but chose not to be in photos - go figure :)

Day 3 Today the boys rappelled down the side of a cliff and climbed back up.  There were 9 boys to go.  They had a paid guide since Brandon While wasn't able to be on the trip - he's the certified climber.  At first the boys had to listen to all the instructions even though several of them already have their climbing merit badge.  Review is always good!

listening to instructions

Robert climbing up

see the steepness of the cliff - straight up

Devon rappelling down

further down

safe at a resting spot

Robert coming down

Robert climbing up - looks so hard

A view of the river from their camp site

Day 4 - the BIG DAY!!!  Today is the 100 mile bike ride.  They all look ready for the challenge.  Ben, Brandon, Reece, Ephraim, Riley, Trevor, Robert, Devon, Max, and the leaders Brian, Rusty and Jim are ready to head out.  

Steady peddling

They took breaks often to refuel their bodies and fix flat tires
Devon had 4 flat tires - ugh!!!

Robert at a rest area with Max's Dad, Brian Miller

Devon keeping pace with Ben and helping Trevor stay on pace

Day 5 - after eating breakfast and cleaning up camp, the boys start back towards Kentucky.  On the way they get to stop at Holiday World Amusement park for a few hours of fun.   Mark and I thought (as did the boys) that they would get to be there for 6 hours, but one of the leaders needed / wanted to get home early so they were only there for 3 hours before driving back to Kentucky.  They arrived at the church at 6:00 pm.  What a great High Adventure!!!