[Fwd: Dilemma.....backpacking!]
Jim (pinewood@MAGICNET.NET)
Thu, 5 Aug 1999 01:21:55 -0400
Message-ID: <37A7B736.22A8@magicnet.net>
Date: Tue, 03 Aug 1999 23:45:52 -0400
From: Jim <pinewood@magicnet.net>
Reply-To: pinewood@magicnet.net
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To: SCOUTS-L <scouts-l@listserv.tcu.edu>
CC: Brian Mark <leadtoy@aol.com>,
Chuck Deneen <vsimpson@concentric.net>,
Claude Letanosky <MarianMrC@aol.com>,
"Frank Piccione (W)" <franco.piccione@lmco.com>,
John Walker <jwesq@aol.com>, Larry Dobson <lkd4l@aol.com>,
Marianne Piccione <mjwp0610@aol.com>,
Mary Oakes <70402.507@compuserve.com>,
Mike Hogan <qm3cptcpo@aol.com>,
Ron Cambell <Ron1275@mindspring.com>,
Steve Jackson <stephen.t.jackson@lmco.com>
Subject: Dilemma.....backpacking!
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Ok, here's the problem. In this age of couch potatoes, TV, video games
and computers, and a general laziness that permeates our society
today.........how do you induce Scout aged boys to want to do
backpacking and hiking activities?
For two years straight at our annual planning conference the Troop
(boys) has turned down any suggestions or activities relating to hiking
and backpacking. Hoping to guide them in a direction that would
eventually lead to a Philmont type trek has been frustrating. Short of
putting something on the calendar ourselves, are there any suggestion
from this wise and experienced list that would bring around, dare I say
enlighten, these boys to the benefits and joys of these types of
activities? We need a game plan that will put these types of events on
the calendar and still let them feel like it was there idea. <G>
As a footnote, here in central Florida were the highest elevation is
maybe 200 ft. above sea level, we don't have the natural resources
nearby that would make these type af activities popular and convenient.
And the hot and muggy summers are not conducive to this type of outdoor
activity either. Since we don't have a history of these types of
activities, there is also lacking an abundance of the right type of
gear, both on a personal and Troop level. So, therein lies part of the
challenge. Also on the table is the possibility of starting up a
Venturing Crew. Maybe therein lies at least part of the solution.
Hoping for insight,
--
YiS,
James Ball
Central Florida Council (Orlando)
Troop 225 ASM, AQM; Tipsa Lodge 326;
ADC and District Training Chair;
"usta be a Beaver (SR189)....
....and a good 'ol staffer too! (SR295)"
