Backpacks for Webleos
Barry C Runnels (Barry_C_Runnels@MMACMAIL.JCCBI.GOV)
Thu, 27 Mar 1997 10:26:51 CST
When I first started in Cub Scouting, I got some very good advice from a
very experience Scouter.
One was "don't let the Precocious little chaps Run your underwear up a
flagpole", but that's another story.
The other is don't treat your Webelos to much like Boy Scouts. Otherwise,
they have less of an adventure to look forward to.
After trial and error of several Webelos Dens in the Pack, he was pretty
much right. In fact, I used this strategy for all ages in the Pack. Make
every year different as possible.
I am not saying don't get your backpacks, I just had a meeting with my
Webelos and Parents to show them the backpacks and sleeping bags I think is
good for their age and size. I did this because next year they are moving
into Scouts and the parents are thinking about birthday gifts for next
year. I also did it to get them more excited about Boy Scouting.
I did however, ask them to hold off as long a possible because the boys are
physically changing. One dad insisted on buying his son a backpack for last
Christmas. His son is nine months younger than the rest and very small. I
manage to talk him into buying one I like for beginning Scouts (Eureka
Scout) but was to big for him last October. He is growing even now and will
fit in it fine next year.
His son tells me all the time, he can't wait to use it. I tell him, I can't
wait to see him use it but it will be another year before we get into a
Troop.
I get teased because I preach Boy Run a lot. I am giving some adult
training in the Troop next week about how adults work in a Boy Run Troops.
But my Webelos are not Boy Run. I do that on purpose. I tell them a lot
what they can look forward to in the Boy Run Troop. They don't really
understand yet, because they havn't seen anything but adult run. But they
will.
For 10, 11 and 12 year olds, I find the boys are very comfortable in the
Eureka Scout and the Kelty youth Backpack which I can't remember the name
right now. Both are around $75.00
For the adults the Kelty SUPER TIOGA has worked very well for external
frames. I have seen these as low as $115 on sell.
The Scouts in the Troop are just starting to really enjoy Backpacking and
want to do more. I am glad because I Love this Scouting Stuff.
Barry Runnels
"Mighty" Pack 339
Troop 386
Edmond OK
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
