The_Zachalope

Since each of my patches tell a story, I'm limiting it down to 4. 1) Eagle Patch/Square Knot. When I was 17, I didn't realize the impact of earning Eagle would have ever had on my life. 2) Philmont OA Trail Crew Arrowhead. (2004 Crew: 706-OATC-B) Probably one of the best trips to Philmont I've ever experienced. Nothing like having your office on the side of a mountain looking out to Baldy Mountain. 3) Scoutmaster Position - Maybe it's more of a reward measure, but there's nothing greater (in my mind) thank helping young men learn life skills that well help them develop into great men. 4) 2001 National Jamboree Patch - Okay, granted the 2010 Jamboree will by my 3rd, but '01 was the most memorable for me. Seriously, who else had to get two stitches in the back of the head from a plunger. That's what I though.

Part of my wood badge ticket was getting with the other troops in my area to develop a youth leadership training. The best thing that we decided was combining the Troop Leadership Training, and the old Junior Leader Training. Doing the TLT first kinda seemed lacking, but the old JLT program helped reinforce the TLT. The other advantage of doing it that way, was it was a cost save for the scouts, which we only charged $23, which was the cost of food, trained patches, and staves. The price of NYLT has been steep, especially for scouts in our area having so many parents unemployed. Though, I'm sure the training is better when it's not interrupted by a storm that takes out half the camp.

I'm not sure if anyone has run into this with the new "canvas" pants, but I've managed to wear out two pairs in a year and a half. The fact that they wore out in under two years irritates me part of the way, but the fact that I still have shorts that I bought at the '01 Jambo that look brand new sets me over the edge. If I'm paying $40 for a pair of shorts that I wear a consider amount, I shouldn't be able to wear holes where my wallet goes, where my knife goes, and through the pockets.