Chief Decorah

So if I read this correctly, as you see it, the red wool jacket with the official BSA patch on the pocket manufactured by Bemidji Woolen Mills and sold at Northern Tier, a national high adventure base of the BSA, doesn't qualify as "official" simply because it's not sold through BSA distribution?

Your post about your search for an XXL red wool Scout jacket made me do a little searching myself, first to the BSA distribution center ($152) http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/ItemDetail.aspx?ctlg=05NDC&ctgy=PRODUCTS&c2=APPAREL&C3=JACKETS&C4=&LV=3&item=541BSJ ...then to the Bemidji Woolen Mills website ($138) http://www.bemidjiwoolenmills.com/details.php?id=voyscout ...then to the Northern Tier Trading Post (same Bemidji jacket) ($115) http://www.ntier.org/Adobe%20Documents/TradingPostCatalogsummer06.pdf Only my two cents, of course, but the Bemidji jacket beats the Woolrich jacket every which way from Sunday. It's heavier, therefore warmer, and it has slash pockets in the front. Folks, it's a dandy jacket. If I ever need a new jacket, that's the one for me. (Again, no affiliation. Bought one for my son and have seen the two jackets side by side. There's no comparison, and it costs less.)

Sounds like he was in the right spot at the right time. Wow, how cool is that? Good for him. Also, nice to see another Wisconsinite on the board. I'm in Green Bay. :-)(This message has been edited by Chief Decorah)

Crews will be able to enter the lottery for 2008 Philmont treks online in November and December. It is done by region. Each region submits their entry during a specific week. You DO NOT have to be first in line to get the best shot. You simply have to register. Once the lottery period is completed, you will be notified via email if you were successful and the date of your arrival, or if you are on the waiting list. If you are on the waiting list, you will be told what slot you hold, and it could be anything from #1 to around #1300. Here is the website, although it is not in use right now: http://www.advanced-data.com/philmont/ALICouncilLive.asp Good luck.(This message has been edited by Chief Decorah)

Hi all, I was doing some searching for information on the felt Philmont Bull that typically gets sewn on the front left shoulder of the red wool Scout jacket. Upon reading the thread above, I see a reference to the red wool Scout jackets getting thinner and more expensive. I agree. Here's a great option... and it's an official jacket and looks the same. Bemidji Woolen Mills in Bemidji, MN makes the red wool Scout jackets for Northern Tier. It's a heavier material AND it has slash pockets in the front. THEN, when you throw in the fact it comes with the same BSA patch already sewn on the pocket, they come in TALL SIZES and are in the range of $30 less than the one made by company "X", I say it's a case of getting more for less. http://www.bemidjiwoolenmills.com/details.php?id=voyscout Bought one for my son and I'm already envious. It's a nicer jacket than mine. When you look at the link, the jacket appears to not be available in the TALL sizes. The Scout jacket is the same as their Voyageur jacket which is available in the tall sizes. Simply give them a call. The other option is to call Northern Tier and order it there. Their trading post inventory is online. Go to www.ntier.org and click on the Trading Post Catalog link. (No, I don't work for either Bemidji or NT. Just a happy Scouter who likes their product.)

Congratulations Trev. Sounds like you made it just fine and got a tremendous "lift" from the experience. I'm happy for you, if not a little envious. Which trek were you on? We were there in 2005 and were on Trek 4 which took us over Mt. Phillips and the Tooth, as well as Trail Peak.

When your unit does fundraising, do you have specific fundraisers for the unit's treasury and specific fundraisers for the Scout accounts, or do you take the proceeds of every fundraiser, regardless of type, and split it, say 80%/20% or 60%/40%? Take popcorn, for example. Maybe that's your unit's primary way of earning money for the treasury. Is it hard to motivate boys (and parents) to go out and sell when they're not getting any of the money? (I realize there are units that give prizes, etc.) Is there a problem with "Me First", and if not, how do you accomplish your fundraising goals when there isn't a monetary reward for the Scout? Maybe you have a food stand where all proceeds go to the unit's treasury. How do you get everyone to work willingly when the "only" reward is filling the unit's checking account? On the other hand, what about smaller fundraisers, maybe selling candy bars. The specific purpose of this fundraiser is for the boys to earn money for their Scouting accounts. Does your unit take any percentage for their own treasury, or do they let the boys keep all they earn? My apologies for the long, multi-pronged question, but I'm really interested to know how others do it. ** This is the edit: I now see this probably should have been placed in the fundraising forum. Moderator, please feel free to move this post to that forum if necessary.(This message has been edited by Chief Decorah)

Hi Eisely, What are the distinct differences to which you're referring? Your post makes it sound as if a youth should have an external frame pack and an adult should have an internal frame pack. Is that what you mean? I've been on backpacking trips where the boys have had some of each. There's little question about which packs performed best - the internals. They rode better, were more adjustable, and with the external pockets, carried lots of gear while staying comfortable. Plus, the external frames squeaked once in a while. The internals also had less "play" as we hiked the trail, making the pack ride, sort of, like an extension of the upper body. Please share your thoughts on the virtues of the external frame. There are some who like the externals because the frame separates the pack from the backpacker's back, thus keeping it cooler. Maybe I'm missing something. Happy Trails...

Without question, the internal frame pack has worked best for me. After many miles of backpacking, I really like the internal's ability to hug my back and ride more comfortably. The ups and downs of the trail are handled much easier when the pack isn't separated from one's back by an aluminum frame. It fits snuggly as part of your body instead of something attached to it. One benefit of the external frame is the lower weight when empty, but that can be somewhat nominal depending on the pack. With that said, there are many different types of internal frame packs. Many are expensive versions of a long tube and have their own benefits based on their profile. Others have more external pockets, making it a little easier to reach commonly needed items. Good luck in your search. Happy Trails...

Slontwovvy, Did you get my e-mail? I'm curious if you would like more information.

Hi, We just hiked Isle Royale this past summer. Two groups of seven with reserved group campsites throughout our trek. We took the Isle Royale Queen III out of Copper Harbor, MI, landed at Rock Harbor on the island, and made a circle route. I'm in Green Bay, so we're not too far apart. If I can help further, let me know. I'll be happy to reply to an email or we could get together sometime to talk about it over a cup of coffee. YIS...

Dan, We hiked Isle Royale this past summer, and are heading to Northern Tier L.E. Sommers HA Base at Ely, MN next summer. I've paddled Quetico nine times. Let me know if I can help.

I may be missing something here, but when did Webelos dens become "Patrols"? As far as I always knew, Patrols were Boy Scout groups, and Dens were Cub Scout and Webelos groups. That would eliminate the need for a patrol patch on the Webelos Scout uniform.

For me, the bladder systems (Platypus, CamelBak, etc) are ok but lack the flexibility of the Nalgene bottles. You can perhaps carry a larger quantity of water in the bladders, but the Nalgene allows easy attachment to water filters, although some bladders do too. You can add flavoring to the water then clean the bottle when you're done, you can drop a Nalgene on a sharp rock without breaking it, etc., and with many backpacks, the outer mesh pockets hold the Nalgene bottles perfectly. To me, they're the only way to go.

Ordinarily, I'd say this person needs training to understand the workings of the BSA and the Troop. In this case, however, I believe a parting is inevitable. It sounds like the mom and "picky" don't want or accept Scouting, so I would organize a meeting with the parent(s), Scoutmaster, Committee Chair and Chartered Organizational Rep (I don't remember if you're one of these) and tell them that they're free to go elsewhere for their Scouting experience. Apologize to them for the Troop not being able to give them the Scouting experience they were expecting, but tell them that the Troop does things one way, the BSA way, and will continue to do so. Then, end the meeting. I doubt you'll get the opportunity to exchange handshakes at the end of this meeting, but I can't imagine anyone really wanting to be a part of Scouting if they don't want to do things the Scouting way. I've encountered people like this in the past. They're bullies, they have a big bark, they're even litigeous if given a fraction of a reason, just royal pains in the butt. I highly doubt that they'll fight to remain with the Troop, and when they're gone, your Troop will be better for it.

"A Scout is Helpful" "A Scout is Brave" "On my Honor, I will do my best... to help other people at all times..." Your son will always know he lived the Scout Oath and Law that day. Congratulations to him for being an outstanding Scout and young man, and congratulations to you for raising him to be one.

To those of you heading toward Ely from the east, you wouldn't end up going through Minneapolis. Coming from Chicago, you'd take I-90 to Rockford, IL, then follow it through Madison, WI, continuing to Eau Claire, WI, then turning north on US Highway 53, a very nice four-lane, 65 mph highway all the way through Superior, WI and Duluth, MN to Virginia, MN. Sommers National High Adventure base is about three hours from Duluth. As for a place to stay, Ft. McCoy Army Base is located between Tomah and Sparta, WI, maybe an hour and a half from Eau Claire. It's about ten minutes off the interstate at Tomah. They allow Scout groups to stay in the barracks and you can eat in the dining hall - all for a very, very low cost per person (maybe a couple bucks each). I'm sorry I don't have the phone number, but you can call information. I believe it's a Sparta exchange in the (608) area code. Good luck!

None.

The Backpacker Magazine Gear Guide is a great resource for anyone interested in buying quality camping and high adventure gear. As you will see, there are "bazillions" of choices when it comes to buying this stuff, particularly when it comes to hiking boots, sleeping bags and tents. You can easily drive yourself nuts by overexamining all the details of everything. I've done some of that. Remember one thing... when it comes to buying quality outdoor gear, very seldom, if ever, will it be found at the discount big box stores that we all know so well. The gear they sell is generally middle to low on the quality scale because price is the ultimate goal for them. Utilize the expertise of the outfitter stores near you and buy from them. They may be a little higher in price (or maybe not), but you will have quality gear that fits YOU before you leave the store and you don't have to waste time and money returning things via UPS and waiting for the company to send you another size, etc. The popular online outfitters provide better selection in some cases, but many stores will work with you if you need a specific brand of something. (I'm not a store owner or know anyone personally that is. I've just had very good experiences with getting quality namebrand, high quality gear locally).

I'm trying to remember back... My son just finished Wilderness Survival merit badge. I don't recall if he learned the aspect of surviving in the wilderness by concocting a slingshot using the elastic waistband of his underwear... ...and provided he was lost WITH a plastic garbage bag in his pocket, it's nice to know that he could shoot several geese, stuff them (and himself) in the garbage bag and stay warm after shooting the geese with the afore mentioned underwear waistband slingshot. (On a personal note, I'll be forever indebted to Trail Day for enlightening me to my mistake at firestarting. Just those few simple words... "Remove lint from navel BEFORE lighting match..." Duh!!!!!!!)

Thanks for the reminder, DD, but you didn't tell me when it is. Please let me know how much time I've got so I don't miss it.

Signs That You Might Be Taking Scouting Too Seriously --You buy that '89 Chevy Caprice because you really like that fleur-de-lis hood ornament. --You decide to lash together the new deck on the back of your house. --You plan to serve foil meals at your next dinner party. --You walk the streets in broad daylight with a coffee cup and flashlight hanging from your belt. --You raise your hand in the scout sign at a heated business meeting. --You were arrested by airport security because you wouldn't give up your official BSA pocketknife until the cop said, "thank you". --You didn't mind losing power to your house for three days. --Your son hides his copy of Boy's Life from you. --Your plans for remodeling the bathroom include digging the hole deeper. --You managed to find that 8th day in the week. --You disconnect the automatic dishwasher in favor of the "3 pot method". --You sneak a cup of "Bug Juice" after the troop turns in for the night. --Latrines at camp start becoming comfortable. --You felt you won a moral victory when BSA brought back knee high socks. --You think campaign hats are cool. --You gave your wife a mummy bag rated for -15 F for Christmas. --You can recite the 12 points of the Scout Law backwards, in order, in 3 seconds flat. --You plan to get rich by writing a best selling Dutch Oven cook book. --You took a chemistry course at the local college to help you develop a better fire starter. --The height of your social season is the district recognition dinner. --A trip to Philmont is a pilgrimage. --The sales operators at the BSA distribution center's 800 number recognize your voice. --Singing "Scout Vespers" makes you cry uncontrollably.

DD, You're starting to endear yourself to us Wisconsinites. If you ever get to Packerland, enjoy a bratwurst and put it on my tab! Thanks for the smile this morning. CD

Fiber-filled bags, by their nature, are going to be a tougher to compress than down bags. However, there are compressible fiber bags on the market. Polarguard 3D and Polarguard Delta are the next best thing to goose down in warmth and compressibility. Polarguard HV, Holofill and others are a notch or two down the ladder. Each step down the ladder increases bulk, weight and compressibility. As for your compression stuff sack, first make sure the straps are totally loose. Then, bit by bit, stuff your sleeping bag into the bottom. NEVER roll it first. Just stuff it. Keep stuffing until it's totally inside. It will take a little muscle sometimes, but keep this in mind - the manufacturer knows it will fit, that's why they sent that size stuff sack. You may not think so at first, but once you do it a couple times, you'll see. As for storing your sleeping bag, NEVER, EVER store it in your compression stuff sack. Your sleeping bag will keep you warm because of the loft of it's insulation. If you leave your sleeping bag in the compression stuff sack, it's insulation will flatten, thus eliminating loft and it's ability to keep you warm and comfortable. All of a sudden, your expensive new sleeping bag isn't as good as it's supposed to be. Many sleeping bags come with a storage bag, which are basically oversized pillow cases with a draw string top. They store the bag in a non-compressed state so the insulation keeps it's loft. If yours didn't come with one of those, you can make one for a couple bucks. Just don't store your bag rolled or stuffed and you should have a nice sleeping bags for years to come.

DD, Your soft underbelly is showing. As one who has a son with cerebral palsy and has never been able to be a Scout like his brother, I smiled through the entire story. Thanks for sharing it with the group. CD