JoePro

The name of our patrol is "ZZ Top". Because a couple of the members have beards.

Our troop has several positions we established. Each of these positions hold the office of Instructor. Medic - has responsibilities for training First Aid and maintaining the troop First Aid kit. Fire Warden - teaches fire safety and inspects for fire safety during campouts. Helps scouts earn their Firem'n Chit. Paul Bunyan - maintains the axe yard and its equipment. Ensures that axe, saw, and hatchet are in good working order and used properly. He also helps scouts earn their Tot'n Chip. We are also trialing a leadership project for troop photographer, not sure if we'll make it an official position just yet.

ManyIrons - I am not familiar with the Master Knotter program, but would like to learn about it and possibly offer it in my council. Would you please send any information you have on the program to me. The best knot tyer I know turns his back to the audience and ties the knot over his head for all to see. I've used this technique with my scouts and it seems to work well. And then there are the left-handed scouts. This has challenged me to demonstrate the knot tying technique using my left hand as the dominate hand. Not an easy thing for me to do. Hope this helped.

Are the canoes carried on the shoulders? If so, how do you see where you are going?

Laura, For fun we take spring-loaded clothes pins and write "Gotcha" on one side and "scout's name - Troop 109" on the other side. The scouts try to clip the pin on a staff member without being caught. I give an "amazing prize" to the scout that clips the camp director. Also, we have a troop washing machine. A five-gallon bucket with with a small hole in the lid where the toilet plunger handle comes out. Operates like a butter churn. Scouts think its fun. We also have a Clean-Camper Award for each scout who showers every day. The award is usually a rubber duck. This year we're raising the requirements for this award to include a clean tent. This means all their gear must be neatly stowed away and their tents in order. That's some of the fun things we're planning for camp. JoePro

I used to be a Bear. Remember - anything between a Bear and a Buffalo is just a meal.

Could you please tell me in what scouting publication the square foot requirement is stated?

Before my troop went to Gettysburg we watched the movie together. It provides great visual memories for the trip. Also, purchase the Gettysburg Historic Trail Guide and have the scouts earn their patches. Details can be found at the following address: http://www.yaac-bsa.org/activities/gettysburg/gettysburg(a).htm

Our summer camp offers 20 merit badges, 5 of which are Eagle requirements. All are offered before lunch except Astronomy. The afternoons are for activites and adventure. Most scouts earn 2 merit badges during the week, but a lifetime of stories to tell.

Here are my scouts' criteria for Summer Camp. They must be able to: 1- sleep in the tents they bring, 2- cook their own meals, and 3- be far enough away from home so parents won't visit. JoePro