RememberSchiff

First consider what you will carry and then size the container for that plus room for growth. Here's a good article on a backpacking first aid kit http://www.backpacker.com/april_2000_health_first_aid_kit/skills/150?page=1 Strongly consider investing in SAM-splints and the new trauma, quick clotting dressings, ace bandages,... For wilderness activities, generally you want a folding, high-visibility, light weight soft pack with supplies organized in transparent pockets. You want to be able to unfold it and see everything that you have so you can quickly retrieve needed items. You also want to see what needs to be replenished. To make it waterproof, place in a seal-able dry bag, or place it in a hard clear plastic Pelican or Otterbox (see Campmor and other suppliers). In my experience, plastic bags and even ziplocks leak, particularly if they get knocked around. As mentioned, Adventure Medical kits http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/ are good examples to look at to get ideas, you probably want to look at the Mountain or Sportsman medical kit lines for a troop-level first aid kit. I would encourage scouts to make their own (First Aid merit badge book). Believe it or not, personal organizer bags work extremely well as wilderness first aid kits. You can get them from LLBean, Campmor, etc. Here's LLBean link (you can get http://tinyurl.com/c8oa2a Look at Chinook Medical too for containers and supplies - good prices, good people http://www.chinookmed.com/cgi-bin/category/containers Another good resource is Rescue Essentials though their online shopping is a little flaky http://www.rescue-essentials.com/servlet/Categories?category=Empty+Packs Hope this helps (This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

A scout can get by with sneaks for hiking at many summer camps, but often these problems follow: - the sneaks were not the cheap Keds of yesteryear, but $$$ top of line NBA with blinking lights that are now ruined. Heh, the soles melted next to the fire? - the sneaks were the cheap variety and offered no ankle, foot sole support or toe protection and an injury resulted. - 'Why can't (I, my son) wear sneaks on the (troop campout, backpack, hike)? (I, he) did at summer camp'! Now my oldest son has taken sneaks to camp for the past two summer as a ploy to get a new pair. When those sneaks come back after a week at camp, uggh, not even the dog wants them Your mileage may vary.

For Webs/New Scouts, I like the Hi-Tec hiking boots in the $40-60 range - good fit, waterproof, 3-season boot, light terrain usage. Merrell and New Balance also offer walking/light hiking shoes in this price range. Try a pair of Smartwool hiking socks too. Check out campmor.com My $0.02

From Courier Post online http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009902060347 which has photos too. BERLIN,NJ When tragedy struck a Girl Scout troop here, the girls stepped up to help a fellow scout's family. Troop leader Jennie Perrottet, 44, of Berlin Township, had a massive heart attack early in the morning on Jan. 14. "What happened to my troop leader was tragic," said Caitlyn Sullivan, 13, of Berlin Borough. "Earlier that night at our meeting she was fine as can be. We were talking about what to do with the cookie money and where we were going. She was going to take us on a four-day white-water rafting trip." They quickly decided to sacrifice the proceeds from their annual cookie sales for the rafting trip to help Perrottet's family. Robert Perrottet, 46, Jennie's husband, found out about the girls raising the money through their cookie sales through a friend. "I had to hang up because I started to cry," he said. "It was pretty touching. There are good people out there." Perrottet recently was laid off from a truck driving job and has been depending on his wife's two jobs while he searches for work in an unstable economy. "She was way too young," said Perrottet. "I'm still in shock three weeks later. I've been with my wife since she was 14 and I was 17 and we've been married 23 years." Already involved in the Cadette Girl Scout Troop 30975 and ready to take the reins was Caitlyn's mother, Irene Sullivan, a single mother of four and the troop leader of a Brownie Girl Scout troop and a Cub Scout troop. Sullivan, an emergency medical technician who recently was laid off, is also a cheerleading coach. "We were in shock and didn't know what to do," she said. "I said I'd step up and keep the girls going. The Friday after it happened the girls were at my house making dinner for the (Perrottets). They thought it was a terrific idea to not go on trip and donate the money to the family." So far, the girls have raised about $1,500, but are hoping to at least double that amount and donate 90 percent of their profits to their scout leader and her family, including their daughter, Paige, who is also a Cadette Girl Scout and member of the troop. To help raise money, the troop has tripled the amount of Girl Scout Cookie booths they are tending. "Typically, you usually get three or four -- and we have about 18 booths," Sullivan said. "We're going crazy with the cookies." They also are accepting monetary donations for the family. Jennie Perrottet is at Kindred Hospital in Philadelphia, where she is in the respiratory rehabilitation center working to become independent of using a ventilator. As of Thursday afternoon, she was beginning to communicate with her family, according to Sullivan. Said Robert Perrottet: "She's one of those people that didn't feel good unless doing something for somebody else. I'm definitely appreciating her even more. It's amazing the things she did. Three weeks of trying to raise a 13-year-old and have a wife in the (intensive care unit) have given me a new perspective." While the scouts work hard to sell cookies and raise money, Sullivan still is hoping to give something back to the girls. "We just hope she makes it through because we love Ms. Jennie," Caitlyn said. "She's been our troop leader for four years. We're all really close. . . . We're planning to make more meals for the family and make get-well cards."

From scouting.org homepage Bulletin: Weaver Popcorn Issues a Nationwide Precautionary Voluntary Recall http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/weaver02_09.html

We buy 1/4" and 3/8" manila rope in 1200' rolls from E.W. Evans Cordage, Cranston,RI http://twevans.com/categories.asp?cat=68

Earlier in regards to the BSA official response http://scouting.org/filestore/pdf/QAHearstmemoedited1-27-09.pdf , I stated, "I did not like the spinning in this response, but most of all I am skeptical of the repeated statement (4x) that the BSA is the nation's largest youth organization. I believe both the Boys & Girls Club and 4-H are larger." I notice today that scouting.org homepage first sentence now correctly states: "The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations." Thanks for the correction.

In looking at alternative youth groups for my youngest son, I came across Dog Scouts of America. Good relief from uniform police, bsalegals, over-serious scouters, etc. And it is real! http://www.dogscouts1.com/ "It is the DOG that becomes a Dog Scout, so the individual at the loop end of the leash can be an adult or a child. We have programs for all ages!" "The nonprofit Dog Scouts of America was founded by Lonnie Olson in Michigan 14 years ago. It boasts more than 60 troops in 35 states, from California to Alabama to Vermont." The Dog Scout Parent's Motto: ``Our dog's lives are much shorter than ours -- let's help them enjoy their time with us as much as we can.'' Dogs wear a red neckerchief and cape with earned merit badges. They are developing a Junior Scout program which may interest my dog-loving, autistic son. 4-H is a possibility but most groups around here are focused on farm animals or horses. However 4-H here does run a dog summer camp program where a child takes his dog along to camp (try getting anywhere with that idea in the BSA). http://www.dogscouts1.com/Jr_Scout_Program.html Here's a recent news story. http://www.miamiherald.com/living/home/story/877441.html No trees were cut in this story though they may have been marked. I wonder if the highest rank is Beagle? Woof

Agreed. This was a "stalking horse". The media used this as a means to press the BSA National into responding to other questions. It worked. I have seen the results of selective (single tree) and patch cutting at two scout camps. The selective cut was less obvious and more profitable as these were prime hardwoods. The patch cutting looked traumatic (they always do), mostly hemlock and pine, money made there. Luckily, neither camps were cutting due to pest infestation but that will come. The only beefs that I had were lack of notice and coordination with scout conservation projects. Would have been great for a Forestry mb or Soil and Water mb field trip. I think most scouts think 2x4's come from Home Depot. Do any northern scout camps tap sugar maples? I don't know of any, but just point out another potential forest revenue stream.

"My Scouts are NOT paying Roy Williams salary" We all pay. http://scouting.org/filestore/pdf/QAHearstmemoedited1-27-09.pdf page 2,6, 26 "The national council is funded through membership fees, investments, Scouting and Boys' Life magazine, sale of uniforms and equipment, and contributions of individuals." p5 - functions of National - sell program supplies (handbooks, merit badge pamphlets, badges...) and training courses. - administer high adventure areas (Philmont, Sea Base...) and national events (Jamboree) p26 councils "pay an annual service fee to national". (Good luck trying to find that amount in your council's annual report.)

Here is the official response http://scouting.org/filestore/pdf/QAHearstmemoedited1-27-09.pdf pages 10,11,24,25,26,27 address executive salaries By any comparison, say the smaller executive salaries of a larger youth organizations with growing membership or the President of the U.S., our National execs are overpaid. I did not like the spinning in this response, but most of all I am skeptical of the repeated statement (4x) that the BSA is the nation's largest youth organization. I believe both the Boys & Girls Club and 4-H are larger. A Scout is Trustworthy.

I'm old school and offer a contrary opinion. None. Scouter leaders should have YP, Safe Swim Defense, (come on, those are online, how easy is that) leader training, and First Aid BEFORE taking their unit to summer camp. At Summer camp, spend time outside with your scouts. Share their successes, see their smiles, console their losses, bandage their boo-boos, take photos, laugh, swat mosquitoes. Be there with your scouts. If that's not what you want, if you want training courses at summer camp - don't go to summer camp. You can yak with adults or look at flip charts, at Round Tables, Pack Committee, District training, etc. but don't lose out on scout summer camp. I would not miss one of my scouts taking his swim test or shooting or even artsy-fartsy at Handicraft. Sorry Scout Executive, but I can't make your fireside chat. I will be at a real campfire enjoying smores made by my scouts. my 2c

Not the patrol method, just a playground selection of teams without much leadership. Your scouts were shortchanged on this phony-Klondike, see if you can guide them to correcting this while winter is still here. The Roses and Thorns is a perfect opportunity to get them thinking about doing their own, Klondike the right way with sleds, etc. in the next two or three weeks. Maybe invite another troop. In the future, shop around and consider events from other Districts and maybe other councils. If other Districts are running better events, consider attending an out-of-district event instead or plan your own. My 2c, good luck

I think it would help recruiting and "peace of mind" if the details were clearly stated in writing on the joining application. Currently, there is no mention of this on the application and worse, the required joining Class 1 medical gives many the impression that medical insurance is required. Also, give parents a copy of the scout supplemental insurance policy that applies to their son during scouting activities.

In my council's training classes, I have been told that a family need not have health insurance coverage to be a participating BSA member, but I have yet to see that written anywhere, so this reply may not be worth much. The procedure explained in class was that in the event of injury during a scout activity, contact Council which then gives parents a HSR form to submit. HSR is Health Service Risk http://www.healthspecialrisk.com/ is an insurance underwriter in Texas, here is a link to the forms at their website http://www.healthspecialrisk.com/claim-forms.htm On their "Generic" Claim form, Part II Other Insurance Statement answer NO. Submit form. As I understand, the family is responsible for the $300 deductible. Last summer, we had two scouts and one adult without health insurance (and so stated on their Class 3) attend a week of Boy Scout camp. No activity restrictions were imposed. No accidents, all returned home healthy so no claim forms were submitted. I would like to read a written policy statement about this too. my 1c

Triangular bandages are commonly 37"x37"x52" or 40"x40"x56", so for a neckerchief to function as a triangular bandage, a larger size seems reasonable. As a scout in the 60's, my troop has a 32" square neckerchief which was adequate for bandaging scouts among other uses. I found this link regarding Canadian neckers http://scoutdocs.ca/Documents/Making_a_Necker.php scroll to bottom and you will see their three "proper sizes" for neckers.

This is stated awkwardly on page 2 of the NEW Local Tour Permit which has editable fields. I believe you can also submit online through your MyScouting account. http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34426.pdf You likely completed an older version. I do not recall reading an official announcement. IMO the Local Tour Permit still needs a major rewrite.

Here's what I found www.scoutingalaska.org/uploads/ScoutExecChallenge.pdf How did I find this? Used a methodical internet search as opposed to a shotgun of keywords...and luck. 1. You read the article and know that he, Audun Mikkelson, is the Scout Executive of the Great Alaska Council 2. Google for Great Alaska Council http://www.scoutingalaska.org/ 3. On its homepage, click Search and enter the word Challenge 4. Select Scout Executive's Challenge webpage 5. This page has some info but scroll to bottom and click download Flyer and Tracking Sheet and you have above link

Too funny. Will RIT work on 100% nylon fabric? You may have more luck using an "acid dye" on supplex nylon fabric in that there should be less color washout in subsequent machine washings. Check Jacquard acid dyes. Their website has a forum for asking questions. Here's their color chart http://www.jacquardproducts.com/products/dyes/aciddye/colors.php Anyway my 2c, good luck.

Our pack and troop has rang, proudly in uniform and with Council knowledge, for Salvation Army for as long as I can remember. No complaints, just community gratitude. Wanna complain, then we are just scouts singing and ringing a bell. We start at Thanksgiving on thru Dec 23, no matter the weather. We neither collect money nor touch the kettle. People just put money in the kettle and a Salvation Army rep picks it up. This is what scouts do - we help other people. Merry Christmas, Peace on Earth and Goodwill.

The winner: Professor Randy Pausch for his "Last Lecture" http://tinyurl.com/55ukt2 Thank you for the inspiration you provided to your students and the world. You will be missed.

The larger font, an editable pdf, and getting ONE form are big improvements. I would prefer a one page, double-sided form with critical information appearing first for ER admission. You need parent/guardian and family physician upfront, not buried. I have seen too many "Who to contact" to be uninformed neighbors. Photocopy of insurance card should be on side 1. Instructions in how to fill out this form, weight charts, council photo permission, "grade completed" is clutter in a medical emergency. Learning disorders needs a separate section with room for more detail. My 2c

I found this from Sept, 2004 http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0409/d-news.html scroll down near bottom: "BOY SCOUT AGE CLARIFICATION The BSA National Executive Board has amended the rules and regulations to clarify that no boy may join Boy Scouting until he reaches the age of 10. Previously, the requirement stated that to be a Boy Scout a boy must have completed the fifth grade or be age 11 or have earned the Arrow of Light Award. The new requirement says he must have completed the fifth grade and be at least 10 years old or be age 11 or have earned the Arrow of Light Award and be at least 10 years old. The new clarification became effective May 15, 2004."

You are not obligated to take over another leader's den. If the sudden "added scouts" to your den is your main complaint, be aware as a volunteer den leader, you set the size of the den that you can handle. When "she" suddenly left, her ADL should have stepped up. If that did not happen, the CM should have convened a den parent meeting and recruited a new DL. Yes, we are here for the scouts but we can set our limits. Family first. Keep it simple, make it fun applies to us adult volunteers too.(This message has been edited by RememberSchiff)

Our council camps have no such requirements. We have been through uniform transitions before, I can't remember a camp or scout activity requiring the "latest" uniform. Some of us wore uniform shirts with collars, some had V-necks, and we all looked scout. So this seems a change in thinking or values, more marketing-sense driven than classic scout-sense driven. A scout is (or was) thrifty.