Tampa Turtle

I like the idea of making them do reconstruction. We also tell and retell the boys and parents to scan, shoot, and copy those pages on a regular basis...

I'd say I would say it is only partially complete. Our MBC had them bring in updates every week or so to keep them honest and so they could talk about income/outgo, very issues. I keep telling the boys "the worksheet is NOT the merit badge".

I understand your argument but that idiot out in Utah just cut the legs out under that argument.

I try to channel a Scout Master I served under. I try to address the boys with "Mr" (singular), "Patrol Leader" (position), or "Gentlemen" (plural).

Great news! Council told us of several campsites where we are encouraged to whack down as many Palmetto branches as we can--they are planning a controlled burn early next year. As long as we make a fire ring and leave the big trees alone we can leave traces. We are also welcome to catch fish in the nearby river.

We figured we could test trap as well. Fun and a good time filler. I think we will bring some game that has gently passed away in their sleep. Dressing and cooking a bunny is a big leap for these city boys.

GSS 2013" "Hunting is not an authorized Cub Scout or Boy Scout activity, although hunting safety is part of the program curriculum. (The purpose of this policy is to restrict chartered packs, troops, and teams from conducting hunting trips. However, this policy does not restrict Venturing crews from conducting hunting trips or special adult hunting expeditions provided that adequate safety procedures are followed and that all participants have obtained necessary permits and/or licenses from either state or federal agencies. While hunter safety education might not be required prior to obtaining a hunting license, successful completion of the respective state voluntary program is required before participating in the activity.)" I would assume that hunting would include chasing a chicken to wring it's neck, setting a snare, etc?

I am sure Trails End Dime Bags will SO much more than the weed you could get at Walmart. I had a brother who was sure as heck addicted to weed. Lost a good 10-15 years stoned.

New? Where did you see that? On a BSA website?

We only did Family camping but what we did was to try to get the Webelos to tent with a buddy and the parents and siblings nearby but separate. We got together for meals and a few group games but the families hung out while the boys did fire-building, etc.

Our participation is WAAAY down, I am sure Council will be really unhappy and they sent out a very doom and gloom FOS letter this year (Gulf Ridge Council). Had lots of "YOU asked for better showers and we did it and no one showed up..."

I like that approach but the MBC has gone in another direction. A fellow Troop does a "opps we got lost" exercise with no notice--you DID bring your 10 essentials with you at all times didn't you?".

I know we have produced some Eagles that were lousy campers....

I hope to see it soon. Some trepidations--I don't like the look in the stills. My sons finally read it (after twisting arms for a couple years) and said it was "pretty good but not great". I do not think it resonated with them--ya never know. My older son--Mr Survival Man--hated "Hatchet".

Does your Charter Organization have a position on this? Our local Catholic Troop would be cool with that as long as the libations were beer and wine, my Methodist Unit would feel uncomfortable with it but does allow participation at other events where we are not the main event.

Break this one up over several meetings. Best done outside if possible. My guys (if I recall it was a while) loved the wound drills and mock ups...the gorier the better (the Mom's expressions were priceless). "Impalement through the Stomach", "Eye hanging Out", "Amputation above the Wrist". Best response (over a hypothetical burn victim) "First I go over to the side where he can't see me and throw up. Then I go back and get to work..." Keep testing them after completion especially if they are camping. It is an accident prone age and they probably will have some minor burns and cuts to practice on. When our now SPL was a Webe he burned his hand on the cast iron pan handle NINE times before he finally got the message.

Great site! I know what someone is getting for Christmas...

We have not seen any blowback on the policy change...we have seen a handful of Star/Life scouts with lingering Cooking partials hurry to complete once they figured it would be the least work.

Stupid policy. On a related issue I found a lot of Bears found the big swiss army knives too hard for them to whittle with. And the knives to be sharp not dull. And lefties have a harder time because the blade position hits the thumb better for righties especially in a thicker knife.

Thanks Duct Tape but we will be lucky if it drops below 70 degrees at night! We are doing in order: -Fire Making Practice -Water Purification Practice -First Aid -Food and Signalling -Shelter Review We then disperse and work on Shelters at a remote site. Fire is very popular--1/3 of the boys are really, really good at it, Only a couple have mastered the fire-bow though. Almost all can do flint and steel and found tinder.

The local ranger may let us clear an area and we can use the cuttings--could work. As for food we usually give them a raw egg or two, some fruits and nuts, and some wild game (meat on a stick). Maybe a little fishing.

I was thinking of bringing some bamboo poles and if they needed one they had to cut through a practice one. But yeah some good ideas here; I'll try contacting the park ranger.

Well yeah I understand that in a REAL situation and we will stress that. But do I want a dozen scouts cutting saplings down in a BSA property for practice? And I do not think there will be enough natural debris...

I always thought it was funny. I guess it is better than the roundtable guy changing shirts!

I am helping to organize a Wilderness Survival MB and of course there is the requirement "make a natural (what exactly does that mean) shelter and sleep in it for one night." But with Leave No Trace I do not think we can do that without impacting our site, How did folks get around that. I may drag put some bamboo poles on site to simulate. Any idea?