Other than at a Jamboree, have you ever seen over 800 Scouting folks in uniform at the same place at the same time?  That would describe the 2011 Chief Seattle Council Program and Training Conference this past weekend.  This was the 6th annual PTC and it was held at North Seattle Community College.

Just like at a University, courses were available in different programs. The PTC is held to primarily train new adults in the basic courses of their Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturing programs. Additionally, follow-on courses of interest are offered in administration, safety, and special interest.  Want to learn about bike treks?  Lightweight backpacking? Kayaking and canoeing?  How about suggestions on how to raise funds for your events? There was even a session where folks could chat with the Council Scout Executive, Council Commissioner, and Council President.

Our Crew was tapped to teach a class called Managing A Superactivity.  As you know, a Superactivity is a backbone to the Venturing program, and should represent the biggest and brightest event in a Crew's year. It should take a long time to plan, prepare for, and then run. Since Crew 1042 has built a local reputation for exciting and successful Superactivities, the Council wanted us to share our secrets with others. We did that. If you'd like a copy of the presentation, just go into our Files & Forms section of the site (hey, it's up on the top of the page) and look for Presentations.

We were also invited to teach about Kayaking, one of our favorite pastimes.  Remember Show and Tell from kindergarden?  This was like that, but with bigger people and bigger stuff...and bigger smiles, too. PTC was a long day but when you get to hang out with 800 people who like the same things you do, it can be a lot of fun.  It was.