Follow our Council's Scouts as they travel to Washington, D.C., to present the Boy Scouts of America's Report to the Nation to President Barack Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi next week. As time permits, they will update a blog with stories and photos of their once-in-a-lifetime experience. 
 
Jack O'Neill, National Chief of the Order of the Arrow, and Amanda Vogt, National Venturing President, will attend as the BSA's top youth officers. They will spend five days meeting government leaders and touring a variety of government facilities and landmarks.
 
Vogt, 19 and a member of Venturing Crew 2783, chartered to Salem United Methodist Church, Ballwin, Mo., was elected to her position in May. It was the first time a youth from Greater St. Louis Area Council was elected to a national BSA office.
 
O'Neill, 19 and an Eagle Scout from Troop 169, chartered to Assumption Catholic Church in South St. Louis County, was elected to his position in December. It was the first time a member of the Council's Shawnee Lodge was elected National Chief.
 
This is the first time two national BSA offices are held by youth members from the same council. They will represent more than 4 million youth members and participants in BSA programs throughout the United States.
 
Here's how you can follow Jack and Amanda:
Blog: http://stlbsa.wordpress.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/stlbsa

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/amwf2r

Here are some gimmicks for advanced cooks who don't want to use utensils.
Brown Bag Biscuit: Saturate the bottom and sides of a paper bag with cooking oil. Mix a prepared biscuit mix and put three or four pieces of dough in the bag. Hang the bag over a fire-not too high. When biscuits are golden brown, they should be done. Test with a wood sliver.
Egg On A Stick: Use a knife point to make small holes in each end of an egg. Run a sliver through the egg and heat over coals. Don't overheat or the egg will burst.
Orange or Onion Shell Eggs: Cut an orange in half and remove fruit. Crack an egg into the peel and place directly on coals. Try the same thing with a large onion.
Muddy Eggs: Cover an egg with about one-half inch of mud and bury in hot coals for 20 minutes, or less if you like soft-boiled eggs.
Source: Troop program Features Vol. III, P. 78 (PDF)