jwickham

ljn, Thanks for your Woolite recommendation. I will add that to Calico's great cleaning guide. My frame pack is very dirty, so I'll see what I can do with it this weekend. Maybe I'll throw in some before and after pics to show you the difference. I feel a bit more reassured in my decision for getting canvas. I took my Yucca with me tonight and got lots of ooohs and aaaahs from the other adult leaders. Since it is a reproduction, it is new - and looks nice. But more importantly, I am beginning to see why it was used for such a long time. Its broad usefulness, and durability is very apparent. Some of the other adults related stories about their old canvas packs almost with a sense of reflecting with nostalgia upon the memories of a long lost pet dog or old friend. It was kind of weird, but I understand it. Calico, you participate in 1840's fur trading rendezvous? That HAS to be exciting. How fun! I bet the experiences there give you a perspective regular scouts never appreciate. I love period reenactments and all the stuff that goes into that. I am a total history buff. For a while, I was a History major at NIU before I switched to music composition. Anyway, thanks to you both a thousand times over. I love this forum and can see this is just a fantastic place to come for wisdom, advice, helps, encouragement and learning experiences. I hope I can be of some help around here too. But until I have some more time and experiences with leadership under my belt, I'll probably not have much to add. Unless someone needs some OT help with Music Theory or Music History! Jerry

Thank you VERY much CalicoPenn!! That is the kind of detailed, useful reply I was hoping for. I know there are better materials for camping these days. (And I am sure some of you are asking, "Jerry! Why are you using CANVAS in 2006?") I an not certain of that myself. Maybe I just wanted something different. I am 35, and I don't think that any canvas packs were still on the market when I was in scouting, as I seem to recall only using nylon or other material. I also happened upon another ebay auction that had year 2000 reproductions of the old style canvas dufflebag (zipper on the side), and the Yucca backpack. They are in excellent, if not new, condition. These are the only items I have ever had that are made of canvas. Was I wrong to get canvas? Does anyone else use canvas backpacks on a regular basis? Any tips on helping them stay good for years of abuse and use? Thanks again!! Jerry

OK Scouters, I think I need some help. On eBay, I happened upon an old official BSA frame pack. (full size) It is an aluminum frame with Canvas bag. The pack was ill cared for and seems to just have been taken out of storage and shipped off as is. There are cobwebs, dirt, dust, a cocoon attached to the side, etc. Like it has been storing in a place with lots of spiders and etc. The actual material seems in good shape, but sorely needs a good cleaning and some tidying up. What is the best way to clean old Canvas? Can this be washed? It doesn't have washing care instructions anywhere. Any one else have these old packs? A thousand-and-one thanks in advance. Jerry

Thanks guys. I am working with the 11 year olds mostly, which, I feel, is one of the more critical times in a boy's scouting experience. If I can help get them really enthused about what they are doing and what they can accomplish, they will have the better chance of scouting success as they enter their teens, where the pressure to drop out is more prevalent with each passing year. As more and more things take up their time, they will weigh scouting's benefits and measure it against other interests and values. If they have that enthusiasm from earlier, and have good leadership, the chances of staying in Scouting are a lot more certain. This is my theory, I have no hard statistics or data to back that up, but only from my own observations through the years. I have SO much to learn. It is a bit daunting, but I have a great SM, and it is reassuring to know that you all are here and sharing your advice and expertise. thanks for the warm welcome. I have this bookmarked and visit it everyday. Jerry

Hello fellow Scouters! I am so excited. i was invited to be an Assistant ScoutMaster (Troop 8, Blackhawk Area Council) recently and just discovered this website and forum. How great is THIS? I have been lurking around reading a LOT of the posts here, and must say I am happy that the spirit of scouting is in capable hands and alive and well. I loved Scouting as a youth, and have always loved it. Things have changed a bit since I was there 10 years ago, (especially my ability to fit into my uniform!!!) but the core hasn't changed. Year after year I am a witness to how society has changed and how NEEDED the principles of scouting are, and how proud I am that those values are still taught and held high. What a challenging time to be a leader. My Troop has some issues, and they are great kids, but with some proper organization and preparation. (you'd think that the leaders would "be prepared" the most, but that is not necessarily the case), I feel we can still help instill those important values as they become the men they will be. Anyway - I am so happy this site is here and I am so happy to be associated with you all. Thanks for the good examples and for being here. Jerry