2eagles

Record Birds - if lucky get recording of Fox and kits, croaking frogs, tufts of fur, photos of footprints and yes scat. Both my sons stayed up at night to catch (with a camera) the raccoons at play and got up before dawn to catch the deer getting a drink. It can be a real special time for you and your boy.

Keep your stash in a #10 can - that always works - also if you have a can near by for her to put lint in - MAKE sure you empty that can faithfully it should help.

ljnrsu Wew!! I was starting to feel old there - My fav. is magnes. lint and steel (or knife) works well.

Stosh - Do you have a snow hole? Otherwise SR540Beaver and I will be outside in our bivies.

One of my favorite hikes in the backcountry is from Granite using the Road to the Sun parameter) to Waterton lake. You cross the divide and hike not that far from it. The Glacier Rangers are also excellent help. If you contact them at Glacier with the info you listed -- they maybe able to suggest the best hike for that time of year. They will also have a good idea of the snow areas -- which can change. Have fun -- it is beautiful.

what a wonderful memory to have on a sad occasion.

Do you all really get up to use the latrine? You leave a warm sleeping bag? Unless it is a solid issue, I have an easy fix -- it works and is the best if there is snow or really really wet -- strong zip lock bag with a baby diaper in it.

So is anyone here old enough to remember using candle stubs to seal the leaks on our canvas tents?

Welcome Brandon

lisabob no one took your post incorrectly -- it started good dialog and thinking

Gern Having lived in a country with socialized medicine NO NO NO We have problems not easy ones but much better than the socialized medicine world. Ask yourself -- if it is so great why do brits, canadians etc (those who can afford to)come here for treatment.

hmmm, I was taught to pay attention to prevailing winds or S or SE. This is because that is the side of the tent that will warm up faster and most cold winds come out of the North. I would bet that it depends on your location. I have used this method for about 20+ years and it has not failed me yet.

basementdweller somewhere in the forums is a neat commentary by wildhorse on being his son's scout leader -- I think it might give you a different perspective to think about

Beavah I can believe some homeschoolers are that way - unfortunately there are good and not so good styles in homeschooling. We homeschool because the education foundation in our area is lacking. But we are not in any way hovering parents. We have more of the Western pull yourself up by your own boot straps ideals. The sad thing is the hovering parent seems to be the growing norm. They do not realize they are not helping their boy grow into a young man. These are usually the same parents who ask how we got our boys to be so self relient and self confident. Go figure.

Barry, Didn't think you didn't give your boy space -- was actually wondering if we didn't give ours enough I definately get the roots and wings thing - we homeschool so it is constantly on my mind - however, neither son is hesitant to take off for anywhere on their own - it seems to depend on whether we (dad/mom) would be an asset or fun that determines our presence. I am not a power hiker - don't see the point in counting miles over scenery - last summer boys wanted to cover ground and camp so dumped at the trailhead in Colo. and picked them up a week later. I never thought a thing of it til a parent looked at me like I was evil. I guess your post helped us - check our barometer of involvement and keep a dialog open with our own. So thanks

I served as a Unit Comm. for 5 years. With all training (to PHd level) and Arrowhead. I really enjoyed the packs and troops I visited regularly - because I was welcomed and asked. Then I took a 5 year break to be active in my sons' unit. After, sons reached Eagle and unit needs were minimual went back to UC. But it has been night and day - can't get a hold of units, feel unwelcome, despite all attempts for communication not happening. Unfortunately, the reality is I have better things to do as a volunteer than drag mules to water - So I have resigned (well my name is still listed and I would gladly take a call) Now, I have been "recruited - begged" to start a Venture Unit by 8 of the older boys I mentored in the Troop. So that is where I am headed. The surprise was the difference in groups (I believe most commisioners would love it if there packs, troops, crews would contact them and want them involved - but this is not always the case)

I served as a Unit Comm. for 5 years. With all training (to PHd level) and Arrowhead. I really enjoyed the packs and troops I visited regularly - because I was welcomed and asked. Then I took a 5 year break to be active in my sons' unit. After, sons reached Eagle and unit needs were minimual went back to UC. But it has been night and day - can't get a hold of units, feel unwelcome, despite all attempts for communication not happening. Unfortunately, the reality is I have better things to do as a volunteer than drag mules to water - So I have resigned (well my name is still listed and I would gladly take a call) Now, I have been "recruited - begged" to start a Venture Unit by 8 of the older boys I mentored in the Troop. So that is where I am headed. The surprise was the difference in groups (I believe most commisioners would love it if there packs, troops, crews would contact them and want them involved - but this is not always the case)

It has been interesting reading the different dynamics in families. Scouting has always been part of our lives (Grandpa - Eagle - Dad Queen Scout) but more as an extention of our love of the outdoors. As Scoutmaster and Asst. Scoutmasters, we have generally always been on trips, events etc.... So out of curiousity, I asked my two Eagles if they would have rather we not be around. I was surprised by the response. Both boys stated, that they prefered us around but if we couldn't go that was fine. Also, the main reason the enjoy us around (be still my heart) is because we don't hover, we listen to their (all scouts)ideas and leave them alone and do our own thing. They stated this is why all the scouts liked having us at events, campouts, and other scouting outings. They did say that it was really a bummer when our food looked better than theirs. Or if we go off and do something that sounded like fun. They stated that most adults treat them (all scouts) like "your a kid you don't know" My oldest stated that just because he is a teenager it doesn't mean he is stupid.

As said in another post -- older field book is a good source. Also check out books from other country's -- New Zealand and Ireland come to mind. One of the projects my scouts did was to plan a base camp site (old style) they had a perimeter fence, gate, 2 towers, teepee style cooking shelter, wash site and a few other items I can't remember now. Each patrol had there small items they started with -- then the whole troop worked the towers. Oh, Before they start they had a mini plan and some example they had created out of sticks. Tents are tougher if you use heavy canvas and want to use a machine -- most require commerical machine -- hand sewing is a bear to do with thick materials.

After reading and pondering the Live Birth Certificate -- The reason the Live started showing on birth certificates was for paperwork clarification. But has anyone thought about if Obama had been born in New Mexico he would still be fighting -- not too long ago I had to explain to a USPO employee that sending a package to New Mexico did not require overseas postage it is a part of the USA

As a cancer survivor, the sooner you act the better. Cancer is no longer the instant death sentence it was -- also the sooner found the less trying the treatment. Get screened. If not for you for those who love you.

Until Scouts can tie grades and scholarships to attendance - the boys are put in terrible positions. Life is about choices, however, who can ask a boy to sacrafice a possible or probable scholarship -- and is that really a free choice. We have a boy who is being watched by baseball scouts and who maintains his grade point for academic scholarships his is waiting for his EBOR. I watched him grow from a cub to a fine young man. He is not happy about the choices he has had to make that sacrafice time with scouts but he will have money for college. I forgot he also works full time. Payed for his own vehicle and his insurance, gas etc.... He has done the distance withall the choices -- I personally commend every scout who does the same.

The question we need to ask -- is if entertainers can be so easily mistaken for media -- our media is not doing it's job. FACTS - no opinion to editorializing - loose the slant. Oh and scary thought be responsible. I know as i watch our current media i am shuddering -- no ethics followed as I was taught

Sounds like a good brain activity - I'm game

First - yep I am a girl. And quite frankly can out camp, hike, climb, shoot and kayak most males. However, I am also an ARC IT for lifeguarding and WSI and BSA Aquatic Director. It is not girls in general, that are the problem, its girls who think the scout camp is a big shopping mall. The expectations have to be VERY clear. Young ladies on my water front, dressed appropriately,(no two piece), did not flirt and maintained a professional attitude. Best person for the job is the best selection. That said I don't believe 14 year old girls have those skills.