bilgerat

OK... I realize I have violated almost every cold-weather camping rule under the sun! Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I can clearly see that much of what I have experienced has been from unintentionally poor preparation. Biggest lessons I see... NO COTTON, layer, insulate the sleeping bag from the ground (preferably with closed-cell pads, but no air mattress), "relief" bottle, eat before bed, limit/no drinking after dinner, head cover, head outside the sleeping bag, change before bed. Again, Thanks!

Beavah... 1) No caffeine - water throughout the day - don't drink coffee, sodas, etc. 2) Nothing that should affect heat regulation... I have some GI issues, so that might affect water retention in the long run 3) Camp - probably temps 20-40F with rain or light snow 4) Thermarest 5) Alpenlite XT Tent (1+1/2 man). Rain Fly and variable ventilation. Previously though - Eureka Equinox 6-man tent. Opened lower flap slightly and top vent slightly when using Black Cat 6) Blue Jeans with sweat pants under. T-Shirt, Sweat Shirt, and jacket. Gloves. Ball cap (if any) 7)Tried with new sleeping bag (Mummy-type). Temps got down to about 20F. Bag felt "warm" (once it warmed up), except small "air hole" let cold air in. 8) Usually don't eat anything much after dinner. last time had turkey and fixin's. Honestly, I feel like a chump for even bringing this up, but I really want to be there for the Scouts, so thanks to all for your insight and suggestions.

I need some advice. Our Troop will be participating in an upcoming Winter Camp. I've been camping in cold weather several times in the past and am having a problem on the overnight. When the outside air temp gets below about 40 deg, my body goes into some kind of "heating" mode. First of all, I start having to use the restroom about every 30 minutes or so and you'd think I drank a gallon of tea immediately prior. As the evening wears on, I start shivering with increasing intensity. This cycle continues through the night. I have noticed that my mouth/throat get very dry - not surprising given the output rate. I have a sleeping bag that's rated down to 0F of lower (can't recall if it's 0F or - something), but it's fairly new and I bought it to try to preclude the above. I certainly don't want an open flame in the tent, but have run a Coleman Black Cat in the past. This eliminates the problem. Any insight on how I can work around this? I don't get any sleep since I'm up every 30 minutes, and end up being miserable the next day. Temps do not bother me during daytime. Quandary I'm in... As an ASM for the Troop, I want to set a good example for the Scouts and sleep in the same conditions they will encounter. On the other hand, for a 4-night camp, I'll need to use the Black Cat so I can get some sleep. I'd appreciate any advice or insight you all can offer. Thanks...

Good stuff. Always interesting to look into the established "policy" on something vs. what is accepted as good practice or even folklore. If I'm reading your inputs correctly, technically there is no BSA policy stating that a Scout must have a uniform. With that said, if the uniform is worn, it must be to the standard established in the Scout handbook. Troops may not create their own version of the uniform, though many will "turn a blind eye" to the standards. BOR's, Encampments, etc. will often specify the uniform requirement for participation (Class A or Class B). Aside from the all the great reasons that a Scout should be dressed in the BSA-defined uniform, if a Scout appears at such events and is not wearing a uniform... by BSA policy, can he be asked to leave? If a Scout comes to a merit badge college and doesn't wear his uniform, can he be turned away iaw some official BSA policy? Same for Eagle BOR, Camporee, etc.? I have seen some of the other thread discussions on these topics. Once again, just trying to sort through people's "feelings" about the issue vs. official BSA policy. If I'm reading the thread correctly, since there is no BSA policy stating that he must have a uniform, the answer would be that he may participate - even without a uniform (not desired, but permitted). On the other hand, if he does wear the uniform, it must be complete as defined in the Scout handbook. Is that a fair summation? Many of us have strong feelings about wearing the uniform, I'm sure. Just trying to separate the "official" BSA position from what most of us would agree is a strong desire to have them in a uniform. Thanks to all for your patience... I appreciate the input here on Scouter. net. Thanks to each for your

I have trouble believing this, but I'll ask anyway... Are Boy Scouts required to have a uniform by BSA policy?

Thanks to each of you for your help. I think I have a clearer picture of the role an Adult Leader should play (and not play). Also, thanks to each for the dedication you have to these Scouts. Our future is built one brick at a time - and today's youth are those bricks. SCR

Great input, all. Based on your responses, looks like shades of gray? One extreme - "Scout Puppets" where adults are really running the Troop and the Scouts respond to their direction. Other extreme - "Blind man's Bluff" - Scouts are turned loose to "figure it out" with little/no training or mentoring. Each comment brought something good to the table. I especially liked what Eagle92 said about the older Scouts training the younger ones. I think that, if they have training or abilities in the leadership area, that is definitely the way to go. On the other hand, areas where the older youth have either limited or no experience, or are just not available, I would think an adult should probably come along side the Scout to train/mentor. The training/mentoring should not be "doing it for the Scout", but rather, progressively decreasing interactions over time as his knowledge and skills increase. As a professional trainer, I find that at first, the interaction tends to be more "delivered" (show and tell), but over time, the interaction reverses - the student takes the lead and I am there as a sounding board and safety net. Is that a sound approach in Scouting? I appreciate your comments. This is really helping me know how to interact with the Scouts.

Question - how much should an adult Leader be involved in the Training, mentoring, or advising Scout leaders? I believe Lord Baden-Powell said something like "Do nothing that a Boy can do on his own". There are those in our Troop who feel that the Boys should learn on their own - with no adult mentoring. AJSM's are OK, but Adults should not engage. In essence, let them try, fail, and learn. The other extreme might be for the Adults to run the show and Scouts are puppets. I'm wondering - is there a middle ground? Is there a place for an Adult to act as "Adviser" to the Scout in Leadership (at first playing a larger role in advising and mentoring a Scout, then as the Scout's skills and abilities increase, backing off to let the Scout truly exercise leadership)? I guess I'm struggling with the "all or nothing" approach. Granted, Scouts may eventually learn by trial and error, but wouldn't it be better to mentor them, letting them make the decisions, and then experience the rewards of consequences of their choices? Specifically, I have suggested assigning an Adult "mentor" (or Adviser) for the leadership positions. These Advisers would mentor the Scout as they grow in the position - at first with more interaction, but with time, becoming less "present". Ultimately; however, throughout the process, the Scout makes the decision. Too much? Too little? Thanks for any input you can offer. SCR