packsaddle

Ed, quite right, thanks for the reminder. Hunt, that is, actually, the way we do it for those tutoring hours. We also have a blanket approval for roadside cleanup/lakeshore cleanup and some others (local community care/daycare centers). After the service is performed the boy submits a note from the supervisor confirming the hours for the scoutmaster. The boys so far have been scrupulously selfless and honest with this arrangement.

In addition to the usual stuff (scouting for food, etc.) boys in this troop gain many service hours volunteering as peer tutors in their schools. They earn vastly more hours than needed for most advancements (not Eagle though). As I interpret the regs, the scoutmaster can approve the service after the fact if he wants. Any thoughts?

The camp for our council allows us to pitch troop tents in the same area as the rest of the shelters. This solves our problems nicely. Are other camps that different?

solmate, so a scout that is a counselor does indeed get to count those nights if they qualify under the regulations. Unless they are not considered to be "long-term" the limit would remain the same: one week. I am curious though. How is it that through several years of participation, the scout has so few nights during the rest of the year? If as little as 3 years are involved, this only amounts to 4 or 5 nights each year outside summer camp.

I was under the opinion that the CO could make their decision any way they wanted, any grounds - or no grounds. This means that even if BSA finds an applicant acceptable, the CO can still dump them. Am I wrong?

Hey, don't stop there. Let's revoke the tax-exempt status for churches and other religious organizations as well. That's a government subsidy, right? Ed, we're on a roll here.

My understanding on this is that up to one week of summer camp can count toward the total number of nights required. At least that is how it is done in this council. I see nothing wrong with including nights of camping outside the BSA program although I think it would be good for most to be done with the troop. My personal inclination is that employment as a camp counselor (for pay) should not count. If only two or three nights stand in the way, the better solution (more fun I might add) seems obvious.

Seb, My opinion on shorts is that they are still part of the official uniform in this country so they are fine. I like them and they're much cooler for the boys too. However, sometimes I wish I hadn't seen some adults in them (including women). Uuugh! I hope I didn't offend anyone. I suppose that, to use a hypothetical, if I saw FOG in a tight t-shirt and shorts (and to my knowledge I have never seen him), if he asked me what I thought I could probably honestly say that "I've seen worse". Sorry to use you FOG but you seem to have a sense of humor.

Bob White, To build on one of those rare times that we agree, I would like to add that I support the uniform concept because it also levels the field, so-to-speak. This troop has boys from widely disparate economic backgrounds. But because of the uniform (at least partly), in this troop they all appear and work from the same starting point and the only visible difference is that which is earned through advancement. They go home in different vehicles to different houses. But in the troop those differences don't matter and all the boys wear the same uniform and have the same opportunities. Sorry for this short rant.

It never fails: I leave for a couple of days and something interesting happens. So....what are you guys talking about? Am I the one who precipitated whatever it was? Do I need to apologize to someone? Honest, Sheriff, I paid cash money for them chickens. Edited part: Oops, I just figured out that Terry took the 'Issues and Politics' forum to the cyber-woodshed. Ouch! Wait a minute, I wasn't here, I didn't feel anything. Now what was I doing.....thinking...oh yeah, camping. Now isn't that nice!(This message has been edited by packsaddle)

As I understand it, Venture Scouts may pursue MBs provided: 1) they are less than 18 years old and 2) they are registered Boy Scouts as well (which means less than 18 years old also).

Responding mainly to willysjeep. While I understand that visual impact is to be considered, the primary aim of low impact camping is for as little impact as possible to remain once we have left the area. Priority items are soil and vegetational disturbance, habitat destruction, contamination of air or water, and discarded litter and trash. While we are in the wilderness, the visual impact is usually subordinated to one of these other concerns. Once we leave, most of the visual impact leaves with us while the other impacts tend to record our presence for the long term. Contrary to what many persons think (or fail to), most mammals are not endowed with color vision. This leaves the immediate color impact for: 1) the exceptional mammal, usually man; 2) birds whose excellent vision makes us obvious regardless of color; 3) other vertebrates or invertebrates (lizards, snails, insects, etc). For 1) I'm not sure what the big deal is but I actually think it is good for tents to be highly visible, especially during hunting season in our region. For 2) well, most of the time we are going to be noticed by avifauna regardless of our efforts to the contrary. As for 3), well, let's face it, most of us don't worry much about their feelings. Yeah, I know it's ugly, but it had to be said. Edited part: You know, I thought about the number of times people have complained about something regarding this troop. I have never received a single complaint about the bright color of a tent or backpack. But I have received quite a few about, ahem, the noise, noise, noise. But wildlife seem to be fairly tolerant even of the noise, at least some species. As an example, our military bases are often the sites of major habitats for endangered species. This remains an important concern for base maintenance and use. But it may surprise many to learn that it is common for nesting trees to be situated directly beside tank and heavy artillery firing ranges. The birds seem to be accustomed to it. Or else they know they are well-guarded. Either way their populations tend to thrive on base.(This message has been edited by packsaddle)

I have to side with Bob White on this. There are good reasons to wear the uniform in an organization that has a uniform. I don't understand why anyone would choose to 'disguise' themselves as anything else while engaged in a scouting activity and the uniform is proper and available. Aside from safety concerns (and I share those as well) the uniform makes us quickly recognizable and while in the uniform we and BSA are clearly linked. It ought to be a source of pride. That said, the comments about night games were somewhat confusing to me. Night games....dark....unable to see...DuH! Unless the countryside is blazing with flares or flashlights, most anything should work in darkness.

That would be MRS. Howell to you, OGE. Anyway, the way she walked, no way would she be any good on the trail. If you liked her, you must have absolutely loved Miss Nugent from 'Oh Susannah'. And what's this...Mary Ann over Ginger? Holy Toledo, was I watching the Mars edition of the show? Mary Ann? No way! She was cute but Ginger was, well...hubba hubba.

Forget the conspiracies, the ratings, politics, nevermind the scandals...I saw Barbara Eden on the news last night and maaan-ooooh-maaaan...she's still beautiful as ever. Rooster and I don't disagree on everything after all.

I have no idea how old your bones are but in addition to NWScouter's advice, I would add that food and water are also very important. Today's backpacking food is much better than it used to be and there is a tremendous variety for choice. I take a filtration unit for my water as I don't like the chemical disinfectants. Also, importantly, take it easy on weight, length, and intensity for the first few trips. And make sure that you're in great shape before taking on a 50-miler or similar tough slog. Get to like the activity before you let it challenge you. And most importantly, have fun. Don't try to set some speed record, just enjoy the journey and everything you experience on the way. Edited part: I just noticed you are in PA. You probably won't enjoy it that much during the heat of the summer either. I much prefer cool weather in the fall or spring because of thermoregulation concerns, not to mention water loss. Also, during or after leaf fall or in the spring just as buds are opening allow the best views through the forest.(This message has been edited by packsaddle)

Marty, You're right, a lot of things make sense now. Laurie, I fought that battle a long time ago. What I learned (unless things have changed) is that earmarking your contribution to the UW for certain groups merely causes them to readjust the proportions of other uncommitted contributions, thereby rendering your effort neutral. To get the most bang for your buck (not sure that's a good euphemism here) I think you must give directly to the charity...outside of any UW involvement. If anyone knows if this is still the case I'd like to know.

I have to agree with Bob White regarding the 30-06. It is one of the most common and most-often-used chamberings in this country. In addition, I think giving the boys an opportunity to safely fire such a weapon will instill a greater realization that these things are really dangerous and must be handled with respect, something easier to instill with a large caliber than by using BB guns or 22s.

Back and neck pain. You know, the boys in this troop have never whined about something like that. Oh, you were talking about the boys, right? Tee hee.

Scoutingagain, my obscure object of desire was Barbara Eden (Jeannie) although Agent 99 (airing at the same time) was also just wonderful. I couldn't get past the nose thing with Samantha - reminded me of a rabbit. Scoutmom, the dangerous ones are more intriguing.

Red Feather, I'm confused as to what relevance a two-edge blade has to a canoe tip-over. Please explain.

FOG, I like NY. No, I love NY! But could it be, heh, heh, that you're baiting me? Oh well. Seriously, NY ranks in my experience as the greatest city on earth. I like a lot of cities and places but NY with the food, the shops, the shows, the food, the people, the sights, the excitement, and the food... if that's hell, I guess I'm going to be really happy someday, "...make that an EXTRA LARGE order of ribs, Adam".

I remember participating in expositions back in the '60s but I think I am confused about just what a 'gang show' is. Could you give a little more explanation?

We also use Eureka Timberlines. They seem to be really popular with other troops too. Before we had a full complement of troop tents we used anything we could get. The standardization of tentage accomplishes much the same as the scout uniform. Everyone plays on a level field and when a tent is finally worn out, we have usable spare parts. Sometimes we can combine the various spare parts and put together another complete set. Works for us.

At all times except air travel, I carry my favorite of more than 30 years, a Kabar 3-blade folder, model 1100. For some reason, I just tend to lose all the others, could be something psychological.