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If trying to convert a car camping troop into a backpacking troop (or just trying to get them to plan ahead better), try this: -Always pack a backpack for the trip. Patrol gear & food split up among patrol and packed in backpack. -Trailer is used to transport packed gear only. (We never brought the trailer as it was only a storage shed). -Park cars some distance from campsite, cars get locked and not visited during trip. (If at public campground, this is still possible using main lot). -Patrols hike (even if only a quarter mile) to their campsite as a patrol. Start

Our troop does maybe 2 / 3 backpacking outings each year. Also we do some outings that are not exactly car camping and not exactly backpacking, maybe the campsite is less than mile from the cars. Otherwise we are the typical Everest siege camping with trailers and sherpas, plus elephants to setup the main circus tent in camping area. The buzz of generators and chainsaws echo through the morning air. Back to the backpacking question on preparing and how does it work - Maybe 2 actual backpacking trips per year, varying lengths of 6 - 12 miles Each Scout handles their own mea

We probably do not qualify as a backpacking troop, but we alternate between car camping and backpacking (4-5 backpacking trips a year). Started this about 6 years ago, COVID delayed it a bit. The younger/new scouts tend to be apprehensive about backpacking, and parents about the cost. We start with shorter, smaller overnights, do hikes with packs, talk about what to pack often (and that the scouts need to pack their bag, not their parent). As the year goes, build up for longer trips, almost all the younger scouts love it and get excited. Over the summer, we do multi night trips in the area

Oh no! I wrote a whole book, "My Circling Hiking Life." Always ended up where I started…

My Troop as a youth backpacked on the AT and elsewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We made sure to hike on alternate sides of the mountains each day so that one leg didn't grow longer than the other.

4.2.1.2 The Scout Is Tested The unit leader authorizes those who may test and pass the Scout on rank requirements. They might include the patrol leader, the senior patrol leader, the unit leader, an assistant unit leader, or another Scout Pretty clear. If you, as unit leader, wish to authorize the PLC to test and pass the Scout on that requirement - I can see no reason you can't. You have a responsibility to ensure those you authorize to do the testing and passing are qualified to do so and that the unit clearly understands who can do what. If you have full faith in your PLC to be hon

One year we had a few Cub Scouts earn the Shooting Sports award at a district event. They were proud to wear the patch opposite the rank badges on their shirt. Other scouts could see the patch and ask how can they earn one themselves... I feel like they are less likely to notice it if it's on a beltoop.

I wouldn't call our troop a backpacking troop. But we do have a large troop and multiple patrols, so we plan a variety of trips. There is a Venture Patrol for the older, experienced scouts who want to backpack and go on high adventure. Down to first-year patrols who are just getting their feet wet at weekend camps and summer camp. The younger scouts see and hear what the older Venture scouts are doing. So they move up to a Venture Patrol when they are ready to go on high adventure. Our troop books a Philmont trip every couple of years. We start training a year prior to condition those scouts f

And these are just comments, Eagle, summer camp staff (2x), Philmont Ranger (4x), Philmont Trek Advisor (4x)… Scouts headed for Philmont treks needed NO training-they are just too resilient at that age. That being said, there might be a scout on the fringe of fit-that issue needs attention. "Loops" are by far the most logistically feasible. Do loops. Not efficient at all. Carefully plan food, carefully package food into 2 or 4 person portions, just like Philmont has done for decades. (On the Ranger Staff at Philmont some decades ago, I was told by the head of Philmon

2004 it was Dan Beard to Abreu. Hiked to Dan Beard after dropping a crew and met up with my partner. Had full packs as we both had just been with crews. Ate spaghetti with the staff then headed off about 4am the next morning. Hit rain coming over Shaefers. Finished the hike in my sleep clothes as they were the only dry things I had. 15 hours, 43 minutes. Wore 1960s era Class A for it.

My first troop was a backpacking troop. We had about 25 Scouts. At meetings, we would run one mile for conditioning. Most weekend trips were 15 or 20-milers done as loops. We would drive to a campsite, or trailhead on Friday night and camp nearby, usually within a mile or two. Ten+ miles on Saturday, then finish off the rest on Sunday to where the vehicles were. We were organized as patrols at the Troop meetings, but it was every man for himself on the trail. Bring all your own gear and food. It made things really easy for the group, but there was no patrol method. Had a great tim

You are correct. Might be a bit passive/aggressive, but if you want, you can go into Scoutbook, open their profile, select Memberships, and end the ASM role the same day as it began (not sure you can delete that entirely...). As to the Committee stuff... that is under his purview, so out of your lane. Also, it is up to the Scoutmaster as to whom can sign off requirements. Since you have not appointed him as an ASM, you should tell him to cease signing off requirements, if that is your desire. Now, unfortunately, a Unit Advancement Chair and the CC still retain that capab

Ok, CC is the only registered position there. The others are functionals assigned through the Organizational Manager in my.scouting.

Our campout critiques were always delivered in the form of roses and thorns at the meeting following the campout. I think the idea that everyone thinks of both a positive comment as well as something that could be improved was helpful to getting useful feedback.

Dec 11, 2023 Carter Lodge conference center/library at Hidden Valley (part of 3500 acre Griswold Scout Reservation in NH) was damaged by a two alarm fire. "The cause appears to be accidental, electrical in nature. No one was in the building. There were no injuries to report," Gilmanton Fire Chief Paul Hempel said. Some may recall Carter Lodge was previously the dining hall at Hidden Valley. From Daniel Webster Council Scout Executive Jay Garee: With deep thanks to the many Scouters and friends who have reached out to support the Daniel Webster

I'll add to @DuctTape. More thin insulation layers are better than one thick one. The point is to stay dry and just warm enough. You don't want to sweat, otherwise you'll get wet. While synthetics do much better than cotton when wet they don't do as well as dry. The goal is to be "comfortably cool." You can lose a lot of heat from your head, neck, hands and feet as well as wrists and ankles. So, don't forget hats, mittens, boots and reasonable socks. (And extra socks and mittens for those that get them soaked playing and watch out for snow in your boots.) I also have long mittens, ne

Upstate NY here. We camp in subzero regularly. Here are some layering tips. Baselayer: wool or synthetic, don't overdue this. The purpose is to wuck moisture from the body not be your insulation. Warm layer: fleece, down, wool. This is a thicker layer with the purpose of providing the majority of your insulation. This should stay dry. Top/over layer: Purpose is to keep elements away from insulation layer, whether it is wind, rain or snow (or all three). Some use a top layer to keep fire sparks off their insulation layer. Some add additional layers, but this is the basic ide