anarchist

I concur with the "low end" analysis. However I can see where it could be expanded and turned into a great Eagle project...but it should not just be about correcting deferred maintenance problem. If land mass allows it should/could be expanded into multiple courses...with lots of planning, research, funding, labor management and benefit potential...which is what it should be about anyway...right? that said, I brought my eldest to a work detail for an Eagle project about 9 years ago when he was a new scout (and before I got back into scouting) and the project was putting together three prefab picnic tables the eagle candidate's father had purchased to be donated to a local school...hows that for low end!

I am with fotoscout... this sounds like a Pack meeting not a den meeting, though 5 meeting since October ...seems like a strange number of Pack Meetings (Hybrid?). If they are pack meetings... in the cubs the Pack meeting is not the place to do 'scouting stuff' it is for games and awards, infomation delivery and maybe even some snacks and craziness ,although that is why parents are needed (to control our little ...er... future leaders) Cub program is way different than Boy Scouts. In cubs the parents help direct almost all the work towards advancement until the boys become Webelos... Actual den meetings help toward this but much of the work is outside of meeting and at home... Question: do all of the dens meet at the same place/time? It could be a meeting space issue...If this is the case, Den leaders could and should look around for a new den meeting site (your home?) with two deep leadership of course. perhaps they do not have enough space or transportation for scouts...who knows? But the Dens shopuld not meet at the same time/place unless they have separate rooms. Try to remember, that if this is a new pack, most of the volunteers may be as yet untrained, struggling to figure things out and many may never have had any scouting background...Launching a new program rarely goes smoothly, particularly if parents expecting a smooth running, experienced program spend most of the time telling people what should be done while not pitching in themselves...(not to pick on you...we/I are/am not there and you are...but I have 'been there' before...BSA does not mean Baby Sitters of America! Try to 'see' what is really happening before you trash the efforts of volunteers...and in the end they may be totally clueless and you may decide to search elsewhere...but until you are ready to roll up your sleeves...and pant legs and 'wade in' don't expect folks to 'jump too' just to fill your program needs...its your boy and this sould be MORE than a two-way street. nuff said and sorry if this is not what you needed to hear.

Our troop also is one that likes to 'see the world'... After several years of being treated like 'next to nothing' at our Council camp...we tried a few nearby (though out of state)camps... We did some research, checked some web sites and called on some recommendations and presented to our scouts and parents the options...over the last nine years the boys liked certain camps well enough to ask to 'comeback next year'...and we did. (or for a couple of camps we would visit different camp and then do a return visit to the requested camp. Our Adult 'Camp Leader' (the SM or an ASM)has the "OK" to reserve the campsite for next year if needed and then the troop reviews the situation. If the PLC (with the SM) decide a new camp is really what is called for, we notify 'reserved' camp and usually have no problem getting deposit (if any) back with such an early "bailout". If we were to get stung for the 'deposit', the troop committee has agreed to take the "hit" as necessary. Although usually we do 'planning' in August...currently we have reserved camp for 2006 (two summers out!) to get a program the boys have wanted to try. We also arrange separate high adventure (seabase etc) experiences for the older scout as well as visit camps that have "Eagle Base' programs I will say this... (listen up camp staffers)... for most, if not all of the Summer camps and staffs ('out of State' and council), we have tried...They have treated us as VALUED paying customers(meaning great or at least well) rather than treating us as if we were interrupting their summer vacations. That is not to say that their programs were totally great or exactly what we thought they would be...but the camp attitude seems to be, always, one of helpful and caring service...which translates to 'please come back and please tell tell others about our camp'! In the end the Troop committee encourages trying new things and the PLC usually sees the value in avoiding "the same ole same ole" good scouting!

more fly-fishing, more hunting, more horseback riding and more yard work...

PPPPPLLLLEEEEAAASSSEEE! don't do this as a quickie hit and run. Plan it as a weekend or longer event! There is so much to see if you are interested. Call early, get a place in McMIllan Woods! We have done this trip twicw and it is incredible if you do it right! We did not the first time.... If history and the late war of Northern Aggression (can you tell I'm from the South)are of interest, give yourself plenty of time for the museum (like a year!) No really it's great! With younger scouts do one of the Hikes... we found that with the cyclorama (which I understand is closed now?) and museum, the Jonny Reb trail worked nicely...its shorter. Then next day, take the longer of the two hikes the "Billy Yank Trail"...start early...takes a long time if you do the historic trail "stations" You can expect some of the younger boys to want to 'bail out', tired and foot sore (like the Virginians)...so you might want to have an 'ambulance corps vehicle' ready for the rescue... Started early, plenty of water, trail lunch and you can be finished early afternoon. But be warned, it is easy to forget about the time and if you plan on finishing and having time for a drive home...it may be tough. We found that even with three whole days it was, if not rushed then pushing things. But Man(!), is it a great trip! and Camping at 'the woods' literally right next to the battlefield just has to be experienced! Plan it well! Do it RIGHT! Our boys talked about it for two years until we simply had to take them back a second time! Have Fun!

Whoa! settle a bit...how long has it been?Wait til you hear back unless you like holding receptions for no reason! Althought I like parties for whatever reason (or no reasons at all).... I am the luck one who drops the packages off at Council' for the troop.... two horror stories.... First... package was lost...for weeks.... second... (for our Unit Comms son) they had a problem crediting a merit badge (used to be Eagle requirement, but not now and boy was in transition period) Took a while to iron out and move things towards closure.... Third...council lost unit charter...would not accept package...another bit of time and "reasoning with" and several phone calls before they found the wayward charter.... so unless you are very sure or are scheduling way out there...take a deep breath and relax....and congratulations!

Bobobgb 1, As is clear...G2SS says Paintball is a no no BSA RULES...not necessarily right but it is the rule. For NJCubScouter I will say that for some guys 'high adventure' doesn't hold a candle to paintball. My oldest son joined the/his Troop because of two things...capture the flag at night (not safe) and Paintball. Unfortunately,(perhaps) the Troop seven years ago had a bunch of card carrying, Eagle adult leaders but 'following' the 'stupid' rules was not high on their list of importance... And My son loved his first paintball game....I am glad to say...(no really in this instance sad to say!) we now have a G2SS regulated troop. The boys still play paintball, but it is not discussed at our meetings, it is not on our calendar and leaders do not go as leaders...they do not do any more than transport their kids...to an event the boys seem to 'live' for. Several of the boys are on regulated teams with organized practices and sponsors...BSA should re-think but it never will. This stuff really grabs some boys! My son would pass on a Scout weekend in a heart-beat if it conflicted with a tournament...to him it is simply that much fun. And yes he canoes with us, he caves with us, climbs and w.w. rafts...does sea base etc. but Paintball 'rocks' in his life right now. It does not compare to punching targets or busting skeet. It needs to be said that while I do not 'feed his habit'...I do not support this passion because I have a personal problem with games that have people shooting at people...but I do not stop him from his team play...He also runs, wrestles and plays school soccer...so it seem good enough to allow Paintball. I do require 'trades' of the sort that scout event 'A' must be attended if paintball weekend 'B' is attended. (and no I am not a pacifist...I hunt, fish and carry a firearm -licenced of course from time to time) SO I DO UNDERSTAND THE COMMENT OF ALLOWING MORE BOYS TO STAY....wish BSA could see that also.

Just completed another weekend in the boonies... Anarchist (and the trailer)was the last 'leader/parent leaving...not the campsite but the return rally point (school parking lot)...two water bottles, sleeping bag (nice REI bag), jacket (by Columbia) and a mess kit with dunking bag and toiletries... Sleeping bag belongs to the same boy as the jacket and this is the third time this year (since Sept 5th) he has "lost" it...can't sing for it...cause of the hazing thing, hasn't sunk in with the "pat on the head" please get you gear in order before you head for home, nor has Mom and Dad stepped up to double check... darn temping to leave it on the parking lot...new bag would only cost Mom and Dad a hundred-thirty-nine bucks or so and the jacket another sixty-seventy five dollars....but the 'helpful, friendly and thrifty' thing causes this old QM heartburn...so I pick it up and del;iver to the next meeting... Is it fair that we have to pick up after this boy?.... time and time again....Second year scout, been to Summer camp twice...and he knows we will continue to look out for him...and there is no price to be paid.... gosh I miss the singing... oh by the way...since the singing stopped our 'lost and found' went from years and years of...'0' items ...to a whole box of jackets, sweaters, hammock (that many leaders covet)mess kits, cheap plyer tool, three hats and a neckerchief...wonder what gives???? anarchist

Think the folks doing pinewood needed a BOO-YAH Award or is that 'bogus award' (was gona use better term but didn't want to be blocked).... I am definitely negative on the 'junior soccer syndrome'...giving every one a trophy! Saying that, I should note that the pack I help with...(my boys are long gone to B.S. troop), does get somewhat hyper with derby awards.... We start by giving a 'participation' ribbon...do some work get a ribbon...but it stops there. It is given when they register so everyone knows it is not a 'feel good cause you lost' award... But trophys, pins and patches go to the performance or workmanship catagories (or as some folks say, the dadship awards). We also give two sets of awards: first by breaking the pack down into den/age groups Tigers, wolves, bears etc giving the first 4 places, from each rank level, ribbons. First and second for each 'rank' heat go into the finals. Third and fourth go to a consulation heat so they can race a bit more with the others. The winners (1-2) of the consul. heats get a 'back door/wild card slot' into the finals. This can only work in small packs unless you want to spend half a year on the derby...Finalists (top twelve get patches) final heat of six get ribbons and the top four get metals and car stands.... all of this results in about a third of the pack getting some kind of award (we also have 'beauty' contest (best appearance)for each age level before the races. Our rational for this is there are enough 'prizes' being given out so each boy can see that we have more than just a few winners...There are lots of opportunities at different levels, EACH YEAR to succeed. But it also shows these boys that many scouts will not 'win' and the boys see all kinds of reaction to losing as well as winning...(read "TEACHING MOMENT" here!). be interested to see how this thread blossoms

Hi guys, We, as leaders chose to protect our boys, ourselves, our troop, and our CO by using 'no boy sleeps alone' concept...except the SPL can if he desires...if the numbers work... The troop uses eureka timberline 2XT's and Timberline 4XT's (with a few older 2's and 4's thrown in). three boys fit in the 4XT's with no problem and 4 new scouts (small guys usually) can fit at need...again with no problem. Sometimes this means that patrol members may share a tent with another patrol but it is less of a problem than a boy having problems at night (med induced, weather related or just plain old sick) or getting up (alone) and heading the wrong direction to the latrine at 3:30 in the morning...you just better your odds. Though..I have stumbled over a mess kit left in the dark at 3:00AM, making enough noise to wake the dead, and had no one "hear" me... weigh the risks???? anarchist And for the back packing contingent...remember the days when each of two scouts carried a canvas shelter half and one break-a-part 'G.I.' pole???...even the tent body of the Timberline 4 does not weigh that much. With some planned packing, the 4 man can go on hikes if needed with little more difficulty than a two-man.

Hey Raven of the Ozarks, did you get the URL? tryed to private messenge it but not sure it went through.... Another way to communicate is phone trees...our PLs call their patrols once a week to remind...but sometimes they miss... and Parents almost never get info from scouts unto 20 minute before the event...if you know what I mean. Parents have list of all email addresses as well as home phones and cells (if given to us) of each scout/family as part of our troop roster (hard copy and or email).This is a big help! anarchist

Some restaurants still get olive oil in square cans but most products come in plastic pails now...check with local restaurant supplyer and whole sellers then hit the restaurant kitchens. If 'Five Gallon' is the size you want...for making stoves some paints and stains still come in metal 5's. Check local professional painters for empties...not for cooking in though..no paint can is... even new! Generally,rule is; if using for nesting cook set or making 'billies' (water pails/pots,) if food did not come in it-- don't use for food. Many cans have special polymer coatings which are better left out of your digestive system. anarchist

OGE, we agree on the requirement that when the rank requirements are completed you can't hold them back...not an issue. Once again, however, that ol' objective/subject bear keeps risin' up. Many of us feel the Scout Law-Scout Spirit requirement (#10 for First Class) is as important as any other requirement. I would have to argue that "Scouts S#@k" seems to kick "a scout is loyal, courteous, cheerful", as well as perhaps "kind, and obedient" in the chops, don't you agree? I keep sensing a strong 'do the physical stuff, cooking, first aid, merit badges etc. and the attitude, foul language, and behavior is not important' drift, through out many forum threads...Again, the "soccer syndrome,,,give 'em all a trophy just for being there or giving it a try". While this 'give em everything on a platter' policy is nice for preschoolers (maybe), scouting is supposed to be about aquiring skills and learning/demonstrating leadership qualities. Don't know 'bout you but I am not sure I'd want to follow a scout (or a manager) who kept broad casting "Scouts S#@K" or in the case of a manager/CEO(?) 'company s#@K". Am I that far "off the beam", OGE? anarchist

HEY OGE! I have not been able to find the part in the Handbook that says broadcasting "scouts s#@k" at campouts is a new way towards demonstrating Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law? (first class requirement #10)...Can you enlighten me...(I owe you a bunch for your expertise, insight and great thought...but come on!) anarchist

Shirt- for activity use and dress similar to current, fuller cut shoulder (w/yoke?) for arm motion, would be long sleeve with an in the sleeve 'keeper'button system found on flyfishing shirts. Rolled-up sleeves stay rolled-up! and in summer- sunburn/'skeeters' could be avoided by unbuttoning and rolling the sleeves back down. pant should be modified BDU. large pockets, reinforced seat and knees pleated for leg motion and waist tabs for adjusting. hat (or two?) like the crusher style with 'hurricane string' (chin string) also wouldn't mind the newer mesh-crown breezer style for summer...darn near the perfect canoe hat! This is fun but will never be looked at by the nearly 'brain dead' folks in supply...they'll most likely pick some 'outdoor challenged' french designer ...like the people who design the silly costumes/uniforms our olympic teams get to wear. or we could all just wear light tan dockers, fusica golf shirts and penny loafers without socks! nuff said anarchist

Eamonn speaks wisely... Few add ons, in our troop the committee helps out on most of the camps. We support the adults, run the adult kitchen in many instances and even assist in running some of the troop activities. (In our troop, each activity has an adult 'point of contact'{PoC}... for other leaders and parents to get info on that event...Poc can be a CM and he helps scouts 'hog-tie' other adults for transport and support. Just keep in mind that the CC (and other CM's)do not RUN THE PROGRAM. That is SPL and SM's job. Committee supports activities! We act as 'helper' ASM's sometimes but you must be mindful of not stepping on 'programs' toes. They lead... we follow on activities. We look at our job (the committee) as that of helping the scouts "make it happen". Our SPL lays out his annual program and we look for ways to help him succeed. It is not the CC's position to 'redo' or even change the schedule of troop activities. If the Committee does see a problem...you note the issue and let the SPL and SM deal with it. This sometimes is very hard for an adult to do. Remember also that the CC does not own the troop it is not his "business"! It is not his "property". If it belongs to anyone... it belongs to the boys and by extention to the SPL (it 'his' troop).Perhaps, the first thing I would suggest to a new CC (and his committee) is; just as the doctors all pledge, we need to agree..."First...do no harm"! While we encourage all parents to become committee members I can see where in some instances it can prove to be a problem. However I whole-heartedly agree with the instruction 'not to wait to see' if assigned committee tasks are being done by your committee members...follow with many phone calls and emails at least until you are comfortable that "its getting done", otherwise, trying to accomplish things with monthly meetings can take the whole year to get even the simplist thing done. A final note, as in all volunteer organizations and as we teach the scouts in JLT...don't be a "boss", lead by example, build consensus and try not to 'dictate'! While the Charter Organization is usually on your side for taking a tough job...a bunch of angry SM's, ASM's, and parents can really make for a "bad day"! Be cautious and fair, be careful and mindful of others feelings. Most of all, always remember we adult leaders do this for the troop, not just for our particular sons, but for the troop as a continuing enterprise, a community asset, an organization we all want to continue long into the future! good luck, anarchist

John D amd all, the KMno4 used to found in old G.I. first aid kits. Survival manuals told soldiers who were in the battlefield without a zippo to use the 'powder with a few drops of antifreeze...from the radiator of a jeep or duce and a half...wad of paper and you have fire... or you could just build a fire bow and spin yourself up a fire (take right gear and lots of practice)...I also saw a neat demo with a plunger type gizmo...looks like a wooden syringe, you place a bit of wadding/fuzzy tinder in the barrel and slammed the thing (plunger)against the ground. The compression and friction super heat the tinder forming an ember that is added to the tinder pile and blown on....puff, puff, puff and you have fire. Think the guy said his 'tool' was made in Georgia..found a web site but never ordered it.

OGE has it nailed for me... SERVICE...which comes in many shapes and sizes. Scouting taught me, as a kid, that not all men beat the stuffing out of their wives and kids. That 'giving a hand' did not mean...the back of one. That some adults really cared about the children of 'strangers'. That some adults could be trusted and they could listen without judgeing, that they could be counted upon. That in their world giving back was more important than taking. Scouting, as an adult is teaching me that 'paying back' the service those men did for me is work, but it is work that is rewarding and yes...fun! That helping young men learn skills, outdoor appreciation and most of all how to become leaders and good memebers of our community feeds the soul. nuff said anarchist

Totally fee program??? Nice touch if you can do it, though there is something to be said for the boys raising their own money for scouting!!! Don't know about the rest of the wild and wooley world but we charge the family for BSA Registration fees, insurance, and boyslife (@$21.00 per boy). The rest of the budget is from fund raisers (a difficult task in a semi rural area. We are currently looking at many different options to limit fund raising; like charging "dues" or troop membership fees. We are finding some families never seem to be 'available' during fund raisers or sell maybe $5.00 worth of "what-evers"(total= $2.00 troop profit) when other scouts/families 'raise' $75-$100 per scout (in troop profits) time and time again...and it leads to bad feelings...something about free loading.... Our boys can all chose to participate in 'scout account' fund raisers to earn money (100% of the profit) for an account used for scout related "stuff" camp fees, gear, even campout food! Each boy is responcible for funding his food on campouts (patrol cooking) and any camper fees charged by the event/camp site. (say, the National Seashore charges $30 per night and we have 30 boys go= $1 per boy per night) We are also considering a troop camp equipment repair/replacement fee of $1.00 per campout for purchasing replacement 'small stuff' lantern globes, mantles, propane, lines and rope, tent repairs etc. but to your last question @$300 'roll over' seem abouts right! GOOD PLAN! and Good Luck! anarchist

I hope you are being notified about replys, 'cause this thread has been quiet for a month...We started a troop web page this year and in the words of the boys ..."it Rocks!" We have schedules, calendars, troop info, parent info, new scout equipment lists, camping check lists, permission slips, and rank requirements, troop rules, expectations and BSA links and in a pass word protected area and email links that lets the leaders post to the parents...We still get requests for calendars...so we print out a few extras each quarter...good scouting anarchist

tresmel I tend to agree with Eamonn reserves for the troop are to be watched carefully. They tend to become mentally untouchable (after they are set up you can't bring yourself to spend them... so the are wasted anyway. Work up your budget, including fund raiser estimates, set aside enough to operate the full year including conservative fund raising goals and plow the rest into your program. A well equipped program creates excitement and helps increase membership and you find fewer reason not to go camping in the rain with good tents. One word of caution...The troop has two sides, represented by the SM (program) and the CC (committee/admin) the SM will lay out his BOYS' vision (not just his... we hope)for the troops future and the committee trys to make it happen. But committee controls the purse. Like many marriages money problem equal stress so work together and make good reasoned decisions. One thing you might want to try is to 'put' a couple of natural 'talkers' (salesmen/women)...who like 'toys'... on an equipment subcommittee. (We call them the "equipment guys") They help train the QM. They also take the SM's desire for gear to "another" level. They are "charged" (by their own inclination, we hope!)with trying to enlist the finacial aid of everyone they can think of to support your equipment needs. You would be surprised at how many business people will give a troop a "tent" (read - check), a cook set, a rain fly... IF YOU ASK! Lions clubs, VFW's, American Legions Elks, Moose Lodges, fire halls with bingo operations, business associations, community groups... use your imagination! It is incredible if you just ask! In the last 5 years our equipment guys have been able to find enough benefactors to get a troop trailer, 25 Eureka tents, lanterns and distribution trees for five patrols and four new kitchen sets, five tarps, six dutch ovens, five propane stoves and hoses! Our Scouts fund raising efforts are used for their program requirements and "equipment care and feeding". In other words they are not responsible for Capital expenditures. They work harder knowing they get direct benefit from each effort they make...they raise the money for their camping trips, awards, training camps and community service projects. Good luck and keep in touch! anarchist

Sorry BW, but in my posts I did mention he disappeared...and not attending calls (at least in my mind) to question both the first and second requirement of Eagle rank... What we have in this thread is a split in the discusion...one side is 'its always the adult leaders fault' if a boy does not do his job, (ie. the soccer mom- "everybody gets a trophy syndrome")and a group that feels rank and awards should be worked for, or earned and not given for "time served" ( BW would probably say the "grouchy old guys who want noone to get EAGLE")and I doubt if anyone will be swayed to the other side. From my side of the fence (as a CM) we see some boys, who seem to feel they are owed rank for just appearing and filling in a few merit badges and frankly, I feel that the 'ACTIVE' and 'SCOUT SPIRIT' requirements are as important as the merit badges and PoR. We see boys who show up 3-6 months before they turn 18 and expect the our SM and CC to figure out how they can get their 3-5 merit badges. Many throw together questionable projects that are approved by District and executed but that if you 'mentioned' them (to strangers) around the campfire would lead to that old refrain..."WHAT...that's no eagle project" or worse! BW, again, I say sometimes the rank is not earned and should not be awarded but today we are so much into 'not hurting feelings' (or is it maintaining a client base?) that we "kill" the messenger... The saying...you can LEAD A HORSE TO WATER BUT YOU CAN"T MAKE "EM DRINK, came from somewhere! To 'hold' that leaders can 'make' someone do it or that it is the SM/PLC's failing because every boy doesn't perform is just plain wrong. Yes, there are bad leaders; yes, there are less than competent leaders and yes, some may even be too tough...but a few (of us?)really do know whats going on out there and want quality programs over quantity. And finally, most of these posts are really pleadings asking where the magic 'line' is because 'Active' and 'Scout Spirit' in the end, are subjective not objective criteria. And any such answers are bound to be less than satisfactory. nuff said anarchist

First, BW, I did not say he completed all his requirements. I said he disappeared and did not participate with the troop or in the troop activities for a year. I am not 'adding' anything... BSA is pretty clear about 'being active' for 6 months and Demonstrating Scout Spirit (etc.) in your everyday life...does that mean just go out a be a good boy and 'forget' your troop? You seem to be 'stuck' on adults trying to make things (Eagle'star/life requirements)more difficult (perhaps its experience from your far more vast experience here) and turn a blind eye towards 'coasting' scouts just 'doing time'...my point was I don't relish making those decisions, 'cause I tend to take them ( requirements 1 and 2 for Eagle) as serious requirements. and isvirtual...you're way off base son, "he is not held..." "no one made him perform..." What planet are you on? These are scouts, in a voluntary, boy led movement; not soldiers and not dumb animals. We don't (can't/shouldn't?) 'make' them do anything. You certainly can't make him attend meeting and campouts so how do you make him do his job...and no where did I say the SPL/PLC or SM did not try to get this boy to do his job...I said he did not do his job...period, which was my judgement! and I was glad I did not have to sit on his Eagle board. BUT I do get annoyed at 'conclusion jumpers', who way too often want to give a _______ scout (you fill in the blank..may I suggest; mis-prioritzing,lazy, manipulative, misdirected, calculating, or just immature)... the benefit of the doubt and by default an unearned rank or award "'cause its not his fault" or they don't want to 'turn him away from scouting' and then you blame volunteer adult leaders you do not know for not MAKING him perform...give me a break, please. Sorry for venting but I believe you both missed this one completely! Sometimes the scout just does not deserve an award...particularly an unearned Eagle. anarchist

How big and bad do you want to be??? Big swing in budget amounts depending on lots of things... number of starting boys? equipment goals, C.O. and parent resources? can the kids supply themselves at first with camping gear? type of area you reside in ie urban, suburban, rural? areas with good incomes/jobs have non troop resources that can be tapped to help. (did your pack do pot luck for Blue and gold or did it have a catered affair...really, alot depends on "to what you have become accustomed", or can accept.) New troop I helped, started on less than $200 with 'services' and paper donations from parents and now email cuts the need for newsletters and flyers. Old Troop I work with can run on as little as $700 per year for 35-50 scouts, including camping resupply (propane etc) or as much as $10,500...(major equipment purchases) the actual start up cost is really not bad for small, new group...Flags are usually the CO's gift and outside of membership fees, each boy will cost the troop less than twenty dollars a piece for a years worth of patches and awards...equipment, however, is another thing! anarchist ex troop equipment guy

Darn, I guess we leave the hot plates and extension cords at home next campout! (sorry I couldn't resist)