Stosh

Been there done that. However, when I was faced with a similar problem, i.e. lack of volunteers, I simply cancelled the activity. How can one provide a program when no one shows up to do it? My Ex was asked to be the head of the Ladies group at church. She asked me what she should do for activities. I set up a program so that all 12 events (1/month) had a sign-up sheet. Activity Chair, Program Chair, Decoration/Luncheon Chair and a dollar amount of it's cost. Unless everything was filled in the activity would be cancelled. She posted it for Nov/Dec and collected up the signup/pledge sheets. August didn't have enough volunteers and so she threw away the sheet. She put together the annual booklet for the ladies and when they noticed there was only 11 events scheduled they asked why. She told them. Then an ad hoc group of angry ladies got together and planned out the August event on their own. Had they done that a month earlier there wouldn't have been any problem. Well they never asked her to do that again and at no time before or after was the program all spelled out with all expectations ready to go at the first of the year. I guess they enjoyed the lack of planning kind of approach. But if the people don't show, what can you do? Not much, but to cobble together something at the last minute and beg people to volunteer is probably not the best way to handle things. I'm saying, Be Prepared or endure the hassles. The choice is always there. If one is not prepared, hopefully they have a planned Plan B, or best yet, cancel and reschedule when one has the resources to pull it off properly. Remember you are relying on volunteers, not paid people whose job it is to show up no matter what.

Boo, hiss. JBlake, I think in your 40+ years of volunteering, you must have forgotten what it's like to have young kids. Yes, you do sound like a "hard nosed Grinch" to quote your earlier post. Since you are venting about spoiled volunteers who expect to *gasp* bring their young children with them while they volunteer all day with their older children instead of putting them in day care for the week as you suggested (really? In my area, that would cost about $300 for the week) -- I hope you won't mind me responding with my vent from the other side as a burned out volunteer momma. Regardless of what you or anyone thinks is "fair", here are some facts: 1. Scouting can't happen without volunteers. Period. Without volunteer parents, there are no camps, no den meetings, nothing. 2. Good volunteers are hard to find. In our pack, less than 10% of the volunteers do all the work. I live in an area where most families have two working parents. I have grown very, very, very tired of people in our pack and in other kids' activities where I volunteer telling me: "Wow, you volunteer a lot. I wish I could, but I have a job." A. Yes, I am a work at home mom. When my oldest was born, I chose to give up a very good six figure job and start part time writing work from home so I could spend more time with my kids and my family. I did *not* make that choice so a few dozen double income families in our pack, church program, etc. could make twice as much as our family and still have all these volunteer led groups for their children without contributing squat. In fact, I've had to chase some of them down for bounced checks, etc. B. I am a work at home mom. I chose to greatly reduce my paycheck by working at home so I could have the flexibility to do things for *my* kids. Not so all of you could feel entitled to have me run around like a crazy person doing what you should be doing for *your* kids. Yes, I greatly resent the entitled attitude some people have -- to my time and effort. And don't even get me started about the drop and run parents who have the nerve to complain that the volunteer led program isn't up to their expectations. 3. So, if Scouting runs 100% on volunteer effort, and good volunteers are scarce in the best of circumstances, it only makes logical sense to make volunteering as cheap and easy as we can for the people we do get to volunteer. Simple logic, JBlake. For me to volunteer all day every day for a week in my son's Scout day camp, I have to give up my work time and income, and pay for all of my kids to attend the camp. That's more than enough. If you actually expect me to also pay $300 to arrange a week of day care for my daughter, you are out of your mind. 4. I am tired of having my little daughter referred to as a "tag along". Her name is Jennifer. She is very well behaved. She's not a nuisance. Over half of our pack's leaders are moms, all with preschoolers or babies. If you want us to buy the food, wash the dishes, haul the stuff to camp, cook your food, etc. while the very few volunteer dads do the fun stuff with their sons like Pinewood and archery, you had better not give me any, repeat any, flak about bringing my precious well-behaved little girl with me. I already feel like the pack scullery maid. Do not suggest that I pay for that privilege. Here's the deal. Last year, I started out as treasurer. Then, I was asked to be webmaster. Somewhere along the way, our committee chair decided I was his personal assistant and pack recordkeeper, and I started getting calls all the time to look up who paid for this, or who signed up for that. Then, the advancement chair moved out of state, and I was told "well, I guess you're the advancement chair now since you know about computers". Not asked, assumed. Then, no one volunteered to lead camp cards, so I got stuck with that job since I'm the treasurer, and I had to pay for the things. Oh, and the camping chair did squat as well. Since, as treasurer, I'm buying the food, paying for the campsite, and taking payments from parents, he just made himself scarce and let me take care of the rest of it. So, the upshot of all of this is that as of last week, I have quit all my various jobs but one: webmaster. The pack has lost an honest and reliable treasurer. I have no idea where they plan to get an advancement chair, camp card coordinator, etc for next year since I'm told it's against BSA policy to require parents of Scouts to volunteer time. I wish them luck. JBlake, honestly after the spring I've had, your post just ticked me off to no end. I honestly believe that the attitude you display here, and the BSA has displayed to me, is killing Scouting. On behalf of my son, I am very sad for this. If you want to complain, for heaven's sake, say something about the drop and run parents who do nothing to contribute. For you to complain about the people who *are* volunteering is just nuts. GeorgiaMomma I have no problem with any of your concerns. In today's society there are a ton of considerations that have to be factored in to any activity one decides to do. Yet there are a lot of single parents, me included, that need to pay for child-care either because they work or because they are "volunteering". I have had to take a pass on volunteering for something because of my family responsibilities just like anyone else. My Grinch attitude comes from the fact that certain "requirements" become mandatory in order for "volunteering" can happen. If an event has day-care provided for the volunteers, not a problem, but if that day-care option falls apart and it then burdens the activity, then yes, I have a problem with that. What originally was a special program for young boys, turns into a special program for young boys and anyone else who hasn't got a place to be, then the whole focus changes. If volunteers volunteer to help the volunteers, not a problem. There are societal factors that need to be considered. The only part that causes me concern is when the "perk" becomes a requirement, or the lack of perk interferes with the planned program. The next thread one is going to see here is how does one handle a nursing SM at a camporee. Don't get me wrong. My brothers were both "out camping" weeks after they were born, but it wasn't in a BSA sponsored program. I have also taken my children on major scout-like activities (BWCA) with other scouters, who also brought their children, but it was a unanimous decision by all participants BEFORE we even began planning the trip. The reason this forum fills up with threads like these is because the situation just isn't working out very well. It's up to forum members to assist in resolving some of these concerns, not making problems. If the planned day-care volunteer had shown up as expected, this thread would never have appeared on the forum. I'm not complaining about the people who are volunteering, I'm drawing concern about the coordination of the event and all the expectations people have regarding it. I have worked for 40+ years with volunteers in a wide variety of different settings, including BSA, and have always appreciated what one would term a volunteer.

Yeah, nothing worse than having to run around with your zipper open all the time.

It always amuses me when I see all these posts about the "problems" surrounding the field uniform. Gangs all have their colors and appropriately exact ways of wearing them. Sports have their uniforms and most boys would die to get to wear them. Of course one also has to have the correct hockey stick or baseball bat/glove to go with it as well. Certain clothing is mandatory in schools. I'm not talking about school uniforms, I'm talking about the pair of jeans needing a certain designer label or the pair of sneakers that are not only the right brand, but the right style of sneakers. During Homecoming, none of these kids would be without the school colors on. Don't ever tell me the letter jacket is going out of style any time soon. Dance classes have new outfits for every recital and sometimes every song for the recital. When all is said and done, not only is certain clothing desired for various activities, but in many cases it is mandatory. The amusement part comes in when I see parents not batting an eye to purchase a one time recital outfit for their daughter's dance class, but can't seem to afford a pair of uniform pants for their son who will wear them out after many activities. Now I realize that the boys are older, but my Venture Crew boys/girls need at least a $1500 investment in equipment to take the field. The Crew has been operational for about 15 years now. It just depends on how badly the boys/girls want to fit into a program. When I hear the discussion boil down to, "It can't be done," I just smile and move on to more productive discussions. As far as the uniform being optional according to the "Rule Book of Scouting", that's fine, but Scouting is optional according to the "Rule Book of Life."

Sounds a bit like a formula to calculate an hourly wage for the boys. As altruistic as it may sound, it still has questionable undertones of ethics. Yes, money can be tight for families, but there are still thrifty scouts out there that do personal odd-jobs on the side to pay for their scouting experience. I didn't need to worry about "how the money can be spent". It went to camp fees, uniforms, equipment and candy bars at the trading post. If the event was a service project, I rolled up my sleeves and helped out. If it was a fund raiser for scout accounts, I always took a pass. I would always make more money for the effort on my own. Nothing worse than trying to sell stupid fire extinguishers door to door when the time spent would be more productive mowing lawns for the neighborhood.

The gal I married was a Daisy GSUSA scout. She grew up in the Twin Cities. However, she chose a life dedicated to nature. She holds a degree in Forestry, spent many years in Alaska working for US Forestry Service, and is a Master Gardener. She is an avid kayaker and looks her best in blue jeans, flannel shirt and hiking boots. We got married in Wisconsin in January and her only complaint was it wasn't snowing for our outdoor wedding. All outdoor skill, love and preferences are all learned along the way in one's life journey. I was fortunate to have an outdoorsy family growing up. But that is not a prerequisite for scouting. I have enjoyed sun-baked afternoons in a canoe fishing the BWCA and I have had to learn how to run a chainsaw to cut the roads clear at the campground after the tornado rolled through. I wouldn't trade the journey for anything in the world. The outdoor program of BSA (as it once was) isn't for the faint-hearted, but it could be. Sometimes dragging a kid out of the video game room in the basement out into the sunshine is an adventure in itself. Not all parents are convinced it's what's best for their mush-brained kids. Give me a Philmont contingent of what BP calls Real Scouts and I'll show you a trip of a lifetime. Even if a future SM has AOS and IOLS, it doesn't mean he/she's ready. One has to have the heart for adventure to make it work.

There is no problem out there that can't be solved. If all the volunteers pitched in a few bucks to hire someone to watch their kids, the problem would be solved. Yes, there are those who can't afford to toss in a couple of bucks, but if the others did, that person could "afford" to do the child care. Heck if 4 parents needed day-care services, one could sit this event out and volunteer day-care instead of helping directly with the program. Take turns and there would always be someone to do the day-care bit. If there are 5 or 6 really qualified people leading the program, all better than me, I'd roll up my sleeves and spend the day doing the day-care for them for the sake of the boys and their program and I would do it as my Good Turn. And if I had the responsibility of looking after kids, I wouldn't be doing it in the woods where the job would be that much more difficult, I'd have the parents drop off the kids at my house, I could have plenty for the kids to do and I wouldn't have to worry about sending out a search party for one of them that wandered off. The goal would be take care of the kids and not interrupt the program their parents are volunteering to provide.

This is what happens when people make stupid rules. Unless you have NYLT you can't lead. Unless you have 21st Century WB you can't lead. It always makes me chuckle when I see rules like this and people pass on the wisdom of the elders. Like the company who hires the young person right out of college because they have all the latest and greatest knowledge offered on the market today. And yet they pass on the older worker who in fact made the market what it is today. Instead of the latest fad floating around, the older person can pick and chose from their mega years of experience what will work best in this situation. While over 50 years of hunting I have always only used one shot for every deer I have brought down. That doesn't mean I don't carry extra ammo.

If one were to go back to the original post, one would see that because no one wanted to volunteer for the day-care of the volunteers, they tagged along in the program. 2 problems, one no volunteers to help the volunteers, and two young kids tagging along while others, who have paid are having to put up with the interruption. I totally understand that there are those that can't volunteer because they have family commitments. So be it, they can't volunteer. I don't have a problem with that. But to drag them along and then expect someone to watch them imposes extra work on those in the program. If there aren't enough volunteers for a program, then don't have a program. If one wants day-care for the volunteers, and no one wants to baby-sit for the day, then hire someone. Volunteers that show up to help only to have their attention drawn in two different directions are not being honest with the participants that paid for their undivided attention. While there are lots of groups doing the day-care stuff for their volunteers it doesn't make it appropriate to the program. And as was pointed out in the original post, not only was there no day-care available, those kids tagged along with the parent and participants. So, the whole conversation about the merits of providing day-care for volunteers is irrelevant, the point being, in this case there was none, but then does the person volunteering now expect such amenities when they are supposed to be doing the volunteering for nothing?

Here's your chance to unload, Scouting Magazine just admonished us all that if our troop isn't working, it's because we aren't using the Patrol Method: http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2013/06/24/how-to-keep-your-troop-out-of-the-death-spiral/ I needed to have a magazine tell me something that I've known all along?????

Always tuck the ground cloth under the tent otherwise you end up with an indoor swimming pool every time! Every bit of rain that rolls off the tent will get caught in the ground cloth and go under the tent! Major mistake most newbies make. I was at Centennial Jambo and walked by a contingent that obvious tented seldom in the rain. Ground cloths sticking out all over the place. I talked to the SM about it making the tuck in suggestion. He was not very courteous, kind or cheerful about the comment. After the first rain, he came back and apologized. Then he went back and helped the boys dry their things out. The sad part of the whole thing was it wasn't even that heavy of a rain, but the tent collected up its fair share of the moisture and it all ran under the tents.

I certainly understand your point about "pay me back". Keep the coffee mug and t-shirt. I view this tot lot thing more as volunteers pulling together to "make it happen". Probably would be better if the tot lot was hosted elsewhere, such as someone's house. Churches for years have had volunteers hold "Sunday School" for infants and tots so the parents could attend a Bible study or other classes or maybe even help with a function or administrative tasks. Not sure how much religion those babies crawled away with. I really don't see a difference here. -> The difference I see here is the parents are not volunteering for anything. They are receiving something for their participation in the Bible study. I think it's great that there are volunteers helping out so parents can attend the study. Apples and oranges here. The parents are "consumers" not volunteers. These parents are volunteering their time when they otherwise would not be able to. I don't see the "take" here. At our elementary school some teenagers volunteer to babysit the children in the gym so the parents can attend evening PTO meetings. Is that wrong ? -> Here again, the parents are not volunteering for something. The school provides assistance so parents can attend the PTO meetings. It's a nice amenity to insure parents have the opportunity to visit with the teachers. I don't expect anything from the BSA or anyone else. I wouldn't need a discount on the fees if I wouldn't have to come up with $300 for a week of child care. I just can't do both right now. This council doesn't have that program and I am not going to ask. Maybe next year we can plan for it. One council had a need for more volunteers and found a way to make it work for for them. Some people just don't have the financial resources to pay for commercial childcare. My wife and I were fortunate enough to have friends in the pack that were willing to watch our kids for the weekend a couple of years ago so we could attend BALOO/OWL. We had no family in town. Some other parents in the pack could not commit to den leadership but could help us out for a weekend to benefit the pack. Where is the "take" here ? -> Now this is different. The people who watched your kids so you could get training to volunteer is amiable. I'm sure they wouldn't have been inclined to do so had it not been in their house. There your kids were being watched and cared for in an environment appropriate for care. You made arrangements so that the organization you were volunteering for was not inconvenienced. I guess I'm not ready to tell any group I volunteer for that they have to provide something so I can volunteer. That's the payback issue. Now if there were a family or two that said, if you're going to Baloo, I'd be happy to watch your kids for the weekend, that's different than expecting the BSA to provide that service. They get nothing in return. That's true volunteerism. To test that, offer them some money and if they refuse, then you'll know it is a true Good Turn.

In the 40+ years I have been volunteering for a ton of BS, church, community, etc. organizations, never once did I expect them to provide day-care for my family. As a matter of fact, when I went shopping I never expected the grocery store to provide day-care while I walked up and down the aisles either. I put them in the seat provided and went about my business. Sure, it is nice to have amenities, but when I'm doing volunteer work, I have never expected the organization to "pay me back" with day-care. That's never been a consideration on my part, let alone an expectation. As a matter of fact, it has always irked me that when I donate my time so they don't have to hire someone, when they put some $$'s down for a "certificate of appreciation" is poor stewardship on their part. Charities that ask for my $$'s and expect me to put the check in their self-address stamped envelop for my convenience, I think twice that my donation is going to pay for all that postage instead of the cause I am donating to. For me expecting amenities, conveniences, or whatever, is not something I want for my volunteering. I have always lived by the Good Turn thingy. Expect and/or take nothing in return. I guess that's a bit too old-fashioned for today's world.

After 40 years in the program, I have found that one has to always be up to the task of learning each day. If the world in which we live isn't changing, then BSA is. The days of sitting with a cup of coffee staring off into the campfire enjoying one's thoughts, with boys all around doing the same thing, is not on the menu anymore. If I want to do that anymore, I have to do it outside the BSA program.

The more they change the "program" the more one becomes unsure of what's going on. The GSUSA did major changes, cutting councils, program alterations/focus, and selling off assets (camps). Looks like a sinking ship, and altering that perception is a difficult proposition. BSA has done similar changes, and continues to do the same dynamics in it's program, it's only a matter of time before they too are viewed as a sinking ship. If one is going to ignore the handwriting on the wall, then they are destined to live out that process. The only thing that will correct the situation is either go back to where the downward spiral started, and recalculate the options. Otherwise, the spiral/slope that one is on is going to experience the inevitable. Entrenched entities will find it far more difficult to "return to normal" than another entity picking it up without the baggage that plagues the older program. The reason BSA lasted 100 years is because for the most part they were doing it right. Doing something else and experiencing a downward slide should give enough evidence to raise a few eyebrows along the way. Ignoring this isn't going to solve the problem.

It's been a while since I was a DL, but one must always beg the question of all these "tots" hanging around CS camp. What insurance does not have to cover any injuries sustained by non-registered participants? Wouldn't it be better served to have these "tots" involved in day-care where there's appropriate facilities to handle their needs? Now I don't want to be perceived as a hard-nosed Grinch, but one would think that the resources drawn away from the BSA program to accommodate non-BSA people would not be a good thing. Next thing one will need a "program" to handle all the helicopter parents that want to tag along... Oh, never mind, that's "Family Camp". I don't know about boys today, but when I went off on a scouting adventure, I did not want my younger brothers tagging along and neither did I want my parents anywhere nearby. By the way, will all these future CS "tots" expect TV and cartoons all day long when they finally reach the age of Cubbing? I'm thinking there's a lot going on here that sets some serious problems down the road for the program.

For the most part, I see wall tents set up with platforms and cots already to go for summer camp One takes their chances on what they end up for the week, but there are a number of "features of a wall tent, that if sent up correctly, offers some nice "comfort". First of all the grommets in the corners are there for a reason. If set up correctly can be a god-send on a hot day. Unless the boys have cut them all off, the walls roll up as does the doors and fastened with the little ties.. This offers basically a fly. The breezes come through quite nice and makes the sleeping a ton more comfortable than being boxed in with no circulation. If "laced" properly, the corners can be quickly released to free up the walls, or be staked down in bad weather without blowing in the breeze, letting in rain. Tying off at each grommet means one is up to a half hour ordeal to release the walls instead of a 5 minute fix. If the tent is set up properly, one doesn't need the little ties, instead, tie a rope on the corner post (most of the time they don't have them, but they should. and then loop them over the pin on the top of each post that all one has to do is pull the rope tight and the wall pulls up in a matter of seconds. The four corner posts also offer some assistance when one daisy chains the grommets to close it up in bad weather. If done correctly with the lacing and full rig of the walls, the tent can be opened up and closed, FROM THE INSIDE. Also, when tying off everything tie always in a half bow. one loop, one long string. That way in the dark all one has to do is pull the sort tie and the knot always pops open. Also the tents were originally designed to have the fly OVER the tent, not as some dining fly extended out in front. With the rain fly, the "don't touch the canvas" rule doesn't apply anymore and one can touch it all you want, the rain fly is handling the rain, as the name implies. If one really doesn't mind the bit of extra effort, all the ropes to rig the wall grommets can be done quickly with dog clips. In a quick brewing storm it makes it nicer than trying to daisy chain the seam shut. If one wishes to jury rig a wall tent for a week at summer camp, bring a generous amount of parachute cord and 8 wall 2X2's with a 2" spike in the end that fit the tent grommets. That with nice long metal stakes, should hold your tent in even in the worst of weather. If the main uprights are too long... dig a hole and shorten them. If they aren't long enough a couple of equal diameter logs flat on one side will raise it. If staked down correctly, they won't slip off the wood. Otherwise put a stake next to the long and lash the pole to it so it won't slip. I have always heard many negative comments about the problems with these big wall tents, but if done correctly, will make your tent as comfortable (or more comfortable) as any cabin. Of course if the Cubs have been using the corner for a latrine, one can always move the tent. It takes only about 15 minutes with two people who know what they're doing. The platforms can be washed off and hit with a bit of Pine-Sol. And if the Cubbies have wet the bed, Fabreeze and a cheap mattress cover will take care of that problem. Part of being Prepared is just that, Be Prepared.

Some sort of waterproof tarp/poncho would keep the dew off would be okay. Nicer, less expensive foods that aren't dehydrated would be a "luxury". Bit more water that would mean longer time between filtration necessities. One wouldn't have to be anal about cutting down on items. Maybe a small travel game or two, cards, etc. Extra socks or heavier clothing for cool evenings. Or maybe an extra light blanket if the evenings in the mountains are a bit cooler than what the boys are used to. Walking stick. Mostly things that would not be set aside as not really necessary because of weight concerns. What happens especially on the first time backpacking is that the boys over pack their stuff. One doesn't have to be so harsh, the over packing is a bit more forgiving to the newbies. Down the road a bit, they can learn the finesse of doing it correctly, but it doesn't discourage them on the first few outings of misjudgments. Even if one were to pack right and leave a 5# tent behind, the lighter load for a newbie would be greatly appreciated, especially if they are a bit out of shape.

If the weather is nice and no chance of rain, leave the tent at home and carry 7# of something more useful.

Theory 1) A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena. 2) The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice: a fine musician who had never studied theory. 3) A set of theorems that constitute a systematic view of a branch of mathematics. 4) Abstract reasoning; speculation: a decision based on experience rather than theory. 5) A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment: staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime. 6) An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture. Nope, nowhere in any definition is:"A scientific theory is a proven out body of scientific knowledge that, while not the final word on the topic because more information is always becoming available, is fact." One premise must be based on fact if facts are to be used. The only way something becomes fact is with proof and nowhere under the Theory definition does one ever find the word proof. When and if proof is ever found, the term theory is dropped. So far none of that has happened. The premise of your argument is not based on fact, as theory it is based on such words as speculation, devised principles, abstract reasoning, beliefs and assumptions. None of the definitions use the term scientific proof. LOL! as a matter of fact, theory is more closely aligned to God than it is to science. And according to the "experts" in the field, psychology is not even an exact science. Kinda leaves the door open on whether or not to interpret such comments as valid. I did pay attention in my science classes, including a degree in psychology.

We build huge units on our production line $.5M - $1.5M. All our managers are fully aware that if the line goes down, the best people to fix things are the workers themselves. They know the most about what is happening. If they can't fix it, the team leads are right there to provide added resources, then if more resources are needed the shop supervisors get involved, and eventually the managers might get involved. But in actuality, they may get notified well after the fact once the situation has been evaluated and the managers then deploy resources to make sure the problem doesn't happen again. We are all aware in our setting the production line worker is the one actually making the product for the customer, the rest of us only assist them in doing so. Everyone is extensively trained in their standard work AND the standard work in the work cell on the line in each direction. They are also 100% trained in basic problem solving skills. They are given the authority and encouraged to make changes to their standard work if it will improve the workflow. Putting it into scouting terms, the boys are the front-line production workers. They are extensively trained in all aspects of Scoutcraft. They know what is needed for the situation. For first aid, they call EMS, the PL is there to assist and provide added resources, send someone to meet EMS and direct them back to the spot needed. All hands on deck doesn't mean 2 boys run off to find the SM. They might be needed to assist in transporting a boy on a stretcher who has twisted his ankle. After all, what is the SM going to do once he/she gets there? If the boys were trained properly, probably nothing. Maybe he can help with a corner of the stretcher. Am I assuming too much that the boys are actually prepared and can handle emergency situations? Not if one has done more than just pencil whip T-FC. I used to work with the old Exploring program and I know that the scouts in the Medical Post that were called to man the first aid tents at large crowd gathering knew what they needed to know. If someone went down, call in on the radio and all hands on deck to help the person. The unit advisor might come, but usually the EMS ranked him and so he couldn't do much more than what the scouts were already doing.

All I have ever done with backpacking is a military poncho. Stake down 3 corners and lift the fourth with your walking stick. There's a ton of variations one can use to modify this setup. 2 forked sticks and put the walking stick horizontal, using the 4th corner as a mini-awning. Keeps the driving rain out a bit. The poncho can be used while hiking to cover both and hiker AND the backpack. Also can be used as a backpack cover when one is meadow-crashing. Worse case scenario for bad weather? 2 ponchos and they still weigh less than a tent, one to cover your pack at night and the other to sleep under. So what are you out? So what's a surplus poncho running now adays? $20? I got mine so long ago, what I paid is no longer relevant.

my tent I use doesn't have a floor. Never have to worry about a thing. When I use my big tent doesn't have a floor either and I can put up a cot, folding chair and fold up table in there without worrying about poking any holes in the floor. The only ground cloth I use is a rubberized gum blanket that I use to keep ground moisture from coming up and getting my clothes/blankets wet/damp.

Correct me if I'm wrong... Because the telegraph made the Pony Express obsolete, none of us should be riding horses anymore? Or is it more in line with the boys ought to be spending more time emailing their friends from camp on their SmartPhone instead of sending a camp postcard to Mom?

The only experience I have had with the tower is as an observer. Back in 1993, at a Scoutfest show, a troop made rope and then lashed the tower. It was at least 15' tall. They used a rope ladder they had made and it was built on a level cement floor of the civic center. Nothing anchored it. Boys built it in the morning and spent the rest of the day going up and down, keeping the number of boys on the platform to 2 at a time. It was really quite impressive. I did notice that in comparison with the picture above, the cross center of the poles was a lot higher than midpoint. It made for a very substantial base and smaller platform. It kept it stable and didn't allow for the boys to overweight the top to make it top-heavy.