OneHour

Just got back in from a backpacking trip in the Hill Country of Texas. 18 scouts and 6 adults left Friday morning and got to E-Rock in the afternoon in a slight sleeting condition. That night we stayed fairly comfortable, took all precaution about hypothermia. At midnight, the boys woke us up when they got out to play in the snow. It was the first time for the majority of these guys to see snow. The temp dropped to about 24 F. Most boys were in at least 5 layers of clothings and some got the toe warmers and hand warmers. I tried them ... and the are great in the shoes and in the pocket. Fair warning, do not let the boys leave them in contact with their skin. We had one boy who did that at winter camp and needless to say, he had to walk in slippers for the next two weeks to school. Yesterday, was beautiful and balmy! Couldn't have asked for a better weather. The boys hiked up that Enchanted Rock and went spelunking in the cave. Last night it cleared up and the temp again dropped, but the boys were fairly prepared. This will be the stuffs that they will remember for years to come! Perhaps, the only thing that they didn't really like was to lug the 40 lbs. pack up and down the hills!

Thanks ... very helpful tips. I worry more about the older boys who think that they know what they are doing!

Here is an easy question: The troop planned to do some canoeing at a local lake during a campout. G2SS (Safety Afloat) states that: 6. Skill Proficiency All participants in activity afloat must be trained and experienced in watercraft handling skills, safety, and emergency procedures. ... © Except for whitewater and powerboat operation as noted above, either a minimum of three hours' training and supervised practice or meeting requirements for "basic handling tests" is required for all float trips or open-water excursions using unpowered craft. ... Who can teach our boys canoeing? We have two Assistant Scoutmasters who attended the canoe training. Can they teach our boys or do we have to have someone who is certified as a Canoe trainer? If so where can I find that in the G2SS or other guides stating as such? Thank. 1Hour

Any suggestion on how to get adult leaders in our Troop inspired enough to get themselves trained. They will only do the bare minimum. Pep talk about "every boy deserves a trained adult leader" does not work. Last week at University of Scouting, there were only myself, my son and his friend (who are attending the Den Chief Conference) attended. Sitting there in the audience, seeing how active leaders in other troops are made me envious of them. I advertised. I talked. I emailed. I called. In the end, netted 0. Thanks. 1Hour

Another question ... will "Handwarmer" help ... inside gloves ... inside sleeping bags? Is there any gotcha with them? Thanks. 1Hour

Sometimes is out of Council for us. Anything in SE Texas spells misery. Camp Strake (Houston) in middle of July is like an oven with 110% humidity that comes with the full compliments of mosquitoes. SHAC has other Council Camps in Texas' Hill Country and we do take advantage of them. By the way, does anyone have any recommendation for a decent camp within a 10 - 15 hours drive from Houston that is fairly comfortable (65-75) at night and tolerable in the day (85-90 degrees)? We have been to Sid Rich, Constantine, Buffalo Trails, Cherokees, Orr, Strakes, Brosig ... . OneHour

I need advice on how to keep the boys warm when we backpacking this weekend. The weather forecast has it rainy ... possible sleeting/snowing with highs around in the low 40s and lows in the 20s. Got the obvious facts out such as, dress in layers, no cotton, clean outfit before sleep, etc. Anything else that will help in making them comfortable? A little more info ... these are boys who haven't slept outdoor in this kind of weather before. Thanks. 1Hour(This message has been edited by OneHour)

My copy finally arrived yesterday (free shipping from Amazon.com!). Saw it again last night! It is worth it to have it in DVD! Now, I can get rid off my worned out VHS version! 1Hour

Volunteer: One who was hooked, lined, sinkered into believing in the "1 Hour a Week" line.

OGE ... yup! the destination is the added bonus ... the icing on the cake!(This message has been edited by OneHour)

KoreaScouter ... that is exactly what I told my oldest (working on his Star)... "I told thim that everything he did in Scouting [and everything else] as a youth from now on would be something I never did [, never got a chance to], and would never be able to do." ... something that I always wished that I have a chance to do as a boy ... spend the time with my Dad. I forgot Zahnada's question about what advice I would give to a teenager. My advice to a teenager in my position is best summarized in my all time favorite song by Gordon Lightfoot (The House You Live In): "Go first in the world, go forth with your fears Remember a price must be paid Be always too soon, be never too fast ... And the song that you sing should not be too sad And be sure not to sing it too slow Be calm in the face of all common disgraces And know what theyre doing it for ... And he who is wise will not criticize When other men fail at the game ... When youre down in the dumps and not ready to deal Decide what it is that you need ... Be known as a man who will always be candid On questions that do not relate ... And the house you live in will never fall down If you pity the stranger who stands at your gate" Make a decision and don't regret your decision, but learn from it, good or bad. Take full advantage of the opportunities that were given to you and remember that there many boys in your school, in your city, in your state, in the US, and in the world do not have the same opportunities! Ask your Scoutmasters, Den Leaders, Cubmasters, parents ... why do they do what they do now for scouting. Most if not all will tell you that they were touched by scouting in some way or another and that the principles, life-skills, memories, and friendships that they had once upon a time carry forth to this day and days to come. And that's what scouting is all about ... not just the Eagle Ranking! 1Hour

My copy is arriving next week or at least that's what Amazon.com indicated. Shell in WA, I have seen it six times and each time it almost brought me to tears. Rent a copy from Block Buster to see it for yourself. It's a 1966 Disney movie where Fred MacMurray plays a Scoutmaster. It's wonderful movie if you are the type of scouter who often wonders or dreams of old-schooled Boy Scouting ... or what scouting, scouts, and scoutmaster ought to be. It's on the same "family oriented" genre as "Leave it to Beaver," "Father Knows Best," or "My Three Sons". 1Hour ps: it's only my opinion.

I had to drop out of scouting when I was a few requirements from First Class in 1979. Why? Money. Going to camp and all of the scouting basic necessities cost a lot. Having just came to the US for about 3 years, my parents could not afford for me to stay in. We were too proud to take handouts or helps! Being 14, I was too young to work for the money. Mowing lawn only paid for part of it. My younger brother and I had to quit. No regrets at all. Too proud to ask my parents for the money. Don't get me wrong my parents are my heroes. They started over empty handed twice. Having to work practically day and night at minimum wage to raise 6 kids, they never complained. Success? All six went to college on full scholarship (netted 3 master degrees, 2 bachelors, 1 md). Gratitude? We all chipped in and had them retired early and continue to take of them! The short time that I was in scouting was probably the most memorable memories of my childhood. Throughout high school, I wished that I had got a chance to attain the Eagle ranking. 1Hour(This message has been edited by OneHour)

So I took a bite and went for the Alps Mountaineering's Mystique 2 tent. With their "pro-purchase" for Scoutmasters, the tent cost $60 (regularly priced at Whole Earth Co for $139). For $60, I couldn't go wrong with the price. Like a kid at Christmas time, I quickly unpacked the tent and set it up. www.scoutdirect.com Disappointment: - It only has two aluminum poles that set up parallel to each other, so pitching it in my den is out of the question. I had to stake at least the four corner in order for the tent to be propped up. So with this, I can't "shake down" the tent before folding it. Good points: - Inside is bigger than what I thought. The foot print is enough for two full size sleeping bag up to about 90"(not long). At the head-end, I get about 40" at the highest point. Not much other room for luggage if there are two peole. - Outside, the vestibule on either side provide a fairly good size covered space for pack and other stuffs. - Two D mesh doors so plenty of ventilation for the hot, dry summer days. - Sewn in instruction! Cool! A lot of tent manufacturers start to do this. - Fairly easy to set up. I got it up in less than four minutes (this is after I found out that I had to stake down the four corners first). I applied the seam-sealant and gave it the hose-rain test the next day. Not too bad, I didn't see any water dropplets inside the tent. The spot where it got the direct hit of the hose blast started to condense, but then again this is to be expected. Other than that, I think that it will hold up in a good rain! So far ... so good. At 5 lbs and 2 oz and for $60, it is a good buy, so far. It will see its first backpacking trip in two weeks. I also have a 3-man dome tent by Eureka (6 campouts), a 6-man canvas (10 campouts w/2 major down pours), and a 8-man, 3-room North Creek (got from Kmart for $60 when they closed their store near our house)(1 Pack campout). All are doing great still. 1Hour btw: I'm not advertising nor endorsing Alps Mountaineering, Kmart, North Creek, or Eureka! (This message has been edited by OneHour)

Just got their Mystique 2 tent and Cascade Pack on their Pro-Purchase Discount, will let you know how the equipment are in three weeks when I take them on our backpacking trip. The equipment arrive next week. 1Hour

Theorem: The less you know the more money you make. Proof: We know that a) Time is Money b) Knowledge is Power and from Physics c) Power = Work / Time By simple substitution: Knowledge = Work / Money Knowledge * Money = Work Money = Work / Knowledge As knowledge goes to 0, money increases to infinity. QED. Corollary 1: Scoutmaster has a $1 in his pocket. Proof: Assumption 1: Scoutmaster: knowledge=lots Assumption 2: Scoutmaster: work=lots Substitute into the above equation Money =lots / lots Money = 1 Conclusion: Scoutmaster only has a $1 in his pocket. QED Corollary 2: Scoutmaster is never wealthy. Proof: Fact: Work (scouting) = constant Fact: Knowlege (scouting)= infinite Substitute in above equation: Money = constant / infinite Money approaches 0. Conclusion: A Scoutmaster is never wealthy. QED Hiking's Law of Energy: E = mc^2 (energy = milk chocolate square) (This message has been edited by OneHour)

It's called Super Achiever Award. Very few of our boys earned it, so it is very special award to attain for our boys. http://www.scoutingbsa.org/Programs/CubScouts/CubScoutAwards/Webelos_Super_Achiever.html Any Scout Shop should have them. 1Hour(This message has been edited by OneHour)

Fat Old Guy ... agreed! btw, I'm not supporting Lone Scouting, unless it is absolutely necessary. Social interaction with others (adults and boys) is so important for a child's emotion and social development. In a group environment, the boy will learn social skills and leadership skills. I only learned of this when I was looking for how to start up a troop. 1Hour

"Lone Scouting is for Scouts who are far, far away from the nearest troop or for Scout who are unable to interact with a troop for medical reasons." Actually ... no, according to National. Please take a look at the last eligibility item on http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/02-515.html "Boys who are eligible to become Lone Scouts include - Children of American citizens who live abroad - Exchange students away from the United States for a year or more - Boys with disabilities that might prevent them from attending regular meetings of packs or troops - Boys in rural communities who live far from a Scouting unit - Sons of migrant farmworkers - Boys who attend special schools, night schools, or boarding schools - Boys who have jobs that conflict with troop meetings - Boys whose families travel frequently, such as circus families, families who live on boats, and so on - Boys who alternate living arrangements with parents who live in different communities - Boys who are unable to attend unit meetings because of life-threatening communicable diseases - Boys whose parents believe their child might be endangered by getting to Scout unit meetings - Boys being home schooled" 1Hour

Lone Scout should is the program that you are looking for. From BSA National: http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?c=xds&terms=lone+scout A great article on Lone Scouting in the Scouter's: http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0110/a-lone.html Some of the Links: http://www.texastrailsbsa.org/Council/homelone_scout.htm http://www.geocities.com/scouts_alex/lonescout01.html http://www.scouting.org/factsheets/02-515.html and one in particular for your situation: http://homeschooledscouts.tripod.com/philmontoutline.html Hope this helps, 1Hour

I left one wish off ... May God protect and watches over our Service Men and Women overseas. YIS, 1Hour

Same as sst3rd ... always lurking about and learning ... reduced my postings to a crawl. Have a wonderful and safe Holiday. May the very best of wishes to you and yours for the New Year and may your troop have great scouting year! YIS, 1Hour

Scouting thorns: - Lost interests in scouting because of troop's CC. - Lost confidence in SM because of his lack of concerns for the safety of the boys. - Troop is still struggling, trying to find its identity. Scouting roses: - Got a lot of words of encouragement from fellow Scouters from this forum when I was at my lowest for scouting! - CC was asked to leave the troop and things are starting to get better. - SM is resigning after March. Things will definitely be better for the boys. - Taught troop's first JLT and it was great to see those eager faces...again! - Taught Scoutmaster Specifics and OLST. Together with the JLT, made me realize that what little that I do, counts! - My son, who was only a Webelos about 11 months ago, is now a First Class Scout. My pride grew big at the COH! - Seeing, our troop functioned on their own at a campout for the first time, a great feeling. They have a long way to go, but a baby step, nevertheless. - Finally, I'm back into the Scouting thing! Personal rose: - Finally, got chance to take my loving wife of 14 years to Hawaii! Cheers, 1Hour

Any suggestion on backpacking tent for 2? Been looking at Alps Mountaineering's Mystique 2 at REI Outlet for $80. I understand that Alps Mountaineering gives 45% discount to Scout and Scouters, so it makes it more attractive buy to test out. I'm also considering MSR Zoid 2 ($190), REI 1/2 Dome Plus 2 ($150), and the North Face Roadrunner 2 ($150). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Looking for light weight, durability, and water proofing. Thanks. 1Hour(This message has been edited by OneHour)

Hello again everyone ... a good friend of mine sent me this and I thought that my friends here at the Forum might appreciate it. YIS, 1Hour ****************** If Noah had lived in the United States in the year 2003, the story may have gone something like this........... And the Lord spoke to Noah and said, "In one year, I am going to make it rain and cover the whole earth with water until all flesh is destroyed. But I want you to save the righteous people and two of every kind of living thing on earth. Therefore, I am commanding you to build an Ark." In a flash of lightning, God delivered the specifications for an Ark. In fear and trembling, Noah took the plans and agreed to build the ark. Remember, said the Lord, "you must complete the Ark and bring everything aboard in one year." Exactly one year later, fierce storm clouds covered the earth and all the seas of the earth went into a tumult. The Lord saw that Noah was sitting in his front yard weeping. "Noah!" He shouted. "Where is the Ark?" "Lord, please forgive me," cried Noah. "I did my best, but there were big problems. First, I had to get a permit for construction, and your plans did not meet the building codes. I had to hire an engineering firm and redraw the plans. Then I got into a fight with OSHA over whether or not the Ark needed a sprinkler system and approved floatation devices. Then, my neighbor objected, claiming I was violating zoning ordinances by building the Ark in my front yard, so I had to get a variance from the city planning commission. "Then, I had problems getting enough wood for the Ark, because there was a ban on cutting trees to protect the Spotted Owl. I finally convinced the U.S. Forest Service that I really needed the wood to save the owls. However, the Fish and Wildlife Service won't let me take the 2 owls. The carpenters formed a union and went on strike. I had to negotiate a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board before anyone would pick up a saw or hammer. Now, I have 16 carpenters on the Ark, but still no owls. "When I started rounding up the other animals, an animal rights group sued me. They objected to me taking only two of each kind aboard. This suit is pending. Meanwhile, the EPA notified me that I could not complete the Ark without filing an environmental impact statement on your proposed flood. They didn't take very kindly to the idea that they had no jurisdiction over the conduct of the Creator of the Universe. Then, the Army Corps of Engineers demanded a map of the proposed flood plain. I sent them a globe. "Right now, I am trying to resolve a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that I am practicing discrimination by not taking atheists aboard. The IRS has seized my assets, claiming that I'm building the Ark in preparation to flee the country to avoid paying taxes. I just got a notice from the state that I owe them some kind of user tax and failed to register the Ark as a 'recreational water craft'. And finally, the ACLU got the courts to issue an injunction against further construction of the Ark, saying that since God is flooding the earth, it's a religious event, and, therefore unconstitutional. I really don't think I can finish the Ark for another five or six year." Noah waited. The sky began to clear, the sun began to shine, and the seas began to calm. A rainbow arched across the sky. Noah looked up hopefully. "You mean you're not going to destroy the earth, Lord?" "No," He said sadly. "I don't have to. The government has done a better job than I could!"