WelcomeLast Update: January 29, 2023
Scoutmaster Bucky Event Calendar
Registration opens at 12:05 am on the first of the month for the following month's activities. The only exception is that February events open on January 2 at 12:05 am. Some events do open for registration earlier, so please check events carefully below.
News
February 11, 2023 in Bloomington, Minnesota will be an in person event. Registration opens soon
more online classes coming in early 2023, keep checking back
Disclaimer
The Scoutmaster Bucky program is a volunteer run program managed and maintained entirely by Brian Reiners (Scoutmaster Bucky) in conjunction with the council of Northern Star Scouting and other Scouting volunteers. All content, scheduling, arrangements, and the like are managed by Scoutmaster Bucky. All proceeds collected go to cover program expenses and operating costs (including but not limited to building rentals, program materials, class materials, and technology support), with any profits (when and if there are any) put back into the Scouting program annually.
Refund Policy & Contact Information
Requests for refunds or cancellations will be honored up to a week prior to any event.
Scoutmaster Bucky is Brian Reiners and is registered in Northern Star Scouting of the Boy Scouts of America.
Contact number: 612-483-0665
Email: ScoutmasterBucky@yahoo.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Morning Classes
Mid-Day Class
Afternoon Classes
Morning Classes
Mid-Day Class
Afternoon Classes
This merit badge class will focus on the model railroading components of the Railroading Merit Badge. The class will take place at the North Metro Model Railroad Club facility in Coon Rapids (1929 Coon Rapids Boulevard to be exact). Entrance is on back side of building on the North East Corner next to the VFW.
This merit badge session will be a learn and earn session where Scouts will work in the three hour time slot to complete the merit badge. However, in order to complete the merit badge in the time allotted a Scout must be prepared. Requirements 2a and 8a1 will NOT be covered in the class, however in order to be considered for completion of the badge during the class Scouts must have these completed prior to the class and bring with them for review by the Counselor.
Scouts are still required to review the merit badge pamphlet in preparation for discussion on the other requirements during the class. Having these things ready and completed prior to class will offer the greatest probability of completing this merit badge that day. NOTE: you will not be able to complete the merit badge that day if you do not prepare.
All proceeds will be given to NMMRC to further their community outreach.
The following are the requirements that will be covered and worked on during this class opportunity:
Do THREE of the following:
Name three types of modern freight trains. Explain why unit trains are more efficient than mixed freight trains.
Name one Class I or regional railroad. Explain what major cities it serves, the locations of major terminals, service facilities and crew change points, and the major commodities it carries.
Using models or pictures, identify 10 types of railroad freight or passenger cars. Explain the purpose of each type of car.
Do the following:
Explain the purpose and formation of Amtrak. Explain, by the use of a timetable, a plan for making a trip by rail between two cities at least 500 miles apart. List the times of departure and arrival at your destination, the train number and name, and the type of service you want.
List and explain the various forms of public/mass transit using rail.
Do ONE of the following:
Name four rail support industries. Describe the function of each one.
Do the following:
Explain the purpose of Operation Lifesaver and its mission.
List 9 track basic safety tips to remember when you are around a railroad track.
List 9 safety considerations that should be followed when walking near a railroad track.
Tell your counselor what a driver can do to safely operate near tracks.
Explain safety precautions when using a light rail or commuter train.
Explain the appearance and meaning of the following rail signs and signals:
Passive signs and active signs.
Devices at the crossing (flashing red lights – with or without bells, flashing red lights and gates, and cantilever flashing lights)
Markings on the road (pavement markings and stop bars)
Signs before the crossing (advance warning sign, advance warning sign for side streets, no train horn sign, and low ground clearance grade crossing sign)
Signs along the railroad property (no trespassing sign)
Signs at the crossing (crossbuck sign, emergency notification system sign, multiple track sign, stop sign, and yield sign).
Do EACH of the following:
Explain how railroad signals operate and show two basic signal types using color or configuration.
Explain the meaning of three horn signals.
Describe a way to signal a train for an emergency stop.
Explain the use and function of the EOTD (end-of-train device), or FRED (flashing rear end device), used on the last car of most freight trains.
Select ONE of the following special-interest areas and complete the requirements.
Model Railroading
With your parent’s and counselor’s approval, do TWO of the following:
Draw a layout of your own model railroad or one that could be built in your home. Design a point-to-point track or loop with different routings. Include one of the following: turnaround or terminal or yard or siding.
Name the scale of four popular model railroad gauges. Identify the scale of four model cars or locomotives.
The gold text indicates that these requirements must be done prior to the class for consideration for completion at the class; bring your work to share with the counselor on the day of the class.
Afternoon Class
Morning Classes
Mid-Day Class
Afternoon Classes
Mayday @ Birch Bend Campground
Can your team survive the Clever Coyote challenge? Participants will experience a simulated survival event where their wits and resourcefulness are put to the test. There is a new challenge each year.
Your airplane is malfunctioning and is unable to stay aloft. The pilot calls for mayday and the worst imaginable scenario happens – the flight crashes. You survive with a couple others. You're in unfamiliar territory and you've still got a job to do.
Open to adventurous youth involved with any Scouting program. Visit the Clever Coyote website for more about this event plus a lot of great videos to help you prepare for the challenges ahead.
Hosted at Birch Bend Campground just west of Lake Mille Lacs in central Minnesota – a short drive north of the Twin Cities.
- Learn More – It's highly recommended to study!
