eagle90

I am constantly surprised on these boards how many roadblocks adults can put in front of a young man. I think it is either "I'm an Eagle and no one else is as good as me" or "I wasn't an Eagle, so you're not going to be either." Sure there are some young men who are "better" Eagles (and I hate using that term, but my mind is blank as to an alternative) than others, but I am always thrilled when one of my scouts earns this award and I get to present it to him.

Anyone else going up to Oshkosh this weekend? It would be nice to meet and put a face with a name! Dale

I will echo 100% what Mike F. reported about North Country Canoe Outfitters. In fact, I was one of the people who recommended Mike check out NCCO a few years ago. I returned this summer after our 7th trip to NCCO and as usual, John and his staff were wonderful, very professional and accomodating. We had two crews and both had outstanding trips. It is nice to head into the wilderness completely on your own. Ford, if you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Dale

We have done theme parks, usually on the way home from a High Adventure trip. Kind of like a winding down and return to the real world kind of thing. We've been to Kings Island near Cincinnati, Six Flags Atlantis in Ft. Lauderdale, the Schlitterbahn on South Padre Island, and Noah's Ark in the Wisconsin Dells. We have the kids check in at a designated area every two hours or so, and have had no problems whatsoever. Not much Scouting, but sometimes it's good just to have some FUN!

My first Scoutmaster I called DAD! Thereafter it was always Mr.____ In our troop today all the adults are called Mr.____ or Mrs.____. OK, they do call me Mr. M., as my last name can be a little confusing!

Our troop has "inherited" a case (24) of Devil's Food Jiffy cake mixes. Does anyone have any different and unique recipes to use on a campout? We want to try something different than just chocolate cake. Thanks for the help! Dale

#1 - Eagle Award #2 - Silver Beaver #3 - Religious Award - The Lamb - from the Lutheran Church

Yep. Cimarron, I experienced the same problem. Will have to try some of the suggestions above.

I would not have a Scout's parent attend a BOR with him. To me this might have a tendency to make the scout hesitant to speak his mind with mom or dad sitting there listening to him. Also some parents would not be able to sit on their hands and not join in. Is mom and dad going to accompany him to his first job interview? Time to cut the cord!

I agree with Ed. 2 must include camping overnight. All five could be.

Going along with another thread about things being made in China, I don't have a big problem with that, BUT.... We just returned from Summer Camp and I purchased 112 merit badges and 22 progress awards from the Scout Shop, and every last one of them has a little gold sticker on the back saying "Made in China". WHY?? Must we publicize it so blatently? And whats the cost of that sticker? I don't remember seeing that sticker on every merit badge before. Not a big problem, but just a pain in the ........

Recheck your math, Spiney! We leave in 18 days! I could be ready in 15 minutes!

Re; T-2-1 to AOL How many Webelos leaders and Cub parents have the necessary skills to teach the T-2-1 requirements? I would hate to rely on their knowledge and experience to pass a Webelo on these essential skills that they will need the whole time they are Scouts.

Are there no existing troops in your area? I am always skeptical of starting new units from scratch with 5 kids. The amount of time and resources needed to succeed are enormous. I hate to see units springing up like Starbucks on every corner. Quality over quantity. Why reinvent the wheel if there are good existing units who would be very enthusiastic about receiving 4-5 new kids and some dedicated parents.

I think the big part of this is the philosophy that "Every child is a winner", "Everyone gets a trophy", "We don't keep score", "We are just there to have fun". Fine, but that's no where close to the real world we are trying to prepare kids for. Everyone doesn't always win, there are losers in life, and you have to be prepared for that and know how to recover from that and persevere.

Hi! The swim test is the standard BSA Su8mmer Camp swim test (75 yds. and front stroke, 25 yds. resting backstroke, and float for a minute.) And its actually easier since it is salt water! You only cook for the time you are on Munson Island. Dinner (hopefully fresh caught fish!), breakfast, and lunch. Other breakfasts and dinners are at the base, cafeteria style, The food was actually quite good. Lunches are aboard your boat for the day (snorkeling, fishing, or sailing) and are cold cuts. The only time we wore life jackets were while kayaking. While snorkeling you wear a blow up vest which you can inflate or deflate to your liking. Wish we were going this year instead of 2010!

Hi! The swim test is the standard BSA Su8mmer Camp swim test (75 yds. and front stroke, 25 yds. resting backstroke, and float for a minute.) And its actually easier since it is salt water! You only cook for the time you are on Munson Island. Dinner (hopefully fresh caught fish!), breakfast, and lunch. Other breakfasts and dinners are at the base, cafeteria style, The food was actually quite good. Lunches are aboard your boat for the day (snorkeling, fishing, or sailing) and are cold cuts. The only time we wore life jackets were while kayaking. While snorkeling you wear a blow up vest which you can inflate or deflate to your liking. Wish we were going this year instead of 2010!

We kayaked twice while on the Keys Adventure. We did a Sunset kayak, leaving from the base and kayaked into the Gulf a few miles and watched a gorgeous sunset, the kayaked back. We also kayaked while on Munson Island thru the Mangrove Maze. A neat experience. We did it one year during the day, and last year at Midnight with flashlights. The kayaks were 2 man open kayaks.

We have done the Keys Adventure twice in the last 3 years. It'a a great trip, a good overview of the Keys and what is available on other Sea Base trips. You do sleep in air conditioned dorms except for one night on Munson Island. There is very little hiking, basically just a walking tour of Munson Island for a few hours. Other than that most of the transport is done by boat. You need uniforms for breakfast and dinner at the base. The quick dry personalized t-shirts the base sells in advance of your trip were excellent. The boats used are dusky's (about 32 ft. I think). No big ships. Don't know about the perscription goggles tho. Sholdn't be a problem with being a mom, as there were separaste dorms and showers for females. If you have any other questions, feel free to private message me. You sill have a great time. We already have reservations for 2010! Dale

While our scouts do the cooking, the adults eat with the boys. It's a good way to get to know the boys a little better. Develop a camaraderie, and get them to know the adults better (adult association?).

You're right Beavah. I made the assumption that the SM has the most experience, which isn't always the case. Sorry!

Some of my friends always say, "You're going camping again? Doesn't it get old?" Last month we inducted a new scout, an enthusiastic Chinese boy. We went on his first campout last weekend. Upon sitting down to breakfast on Saturday morning (Pancakes and Sausage), we were all stunned as the boy pulled out his CHOPSTICKS and ate his breakfast! And he ate it quicker than the rest of us did with a knife and fork! He ate all his meals over the weekend with his sticks! First time in 50+ years I have evere seen this! There is always something new to experience in Scouting! I guess that's what keeps us coming back again and again.......

To me, the SM (or the ASM in charge in his absence) has the final call. He's the one that is going to take the heat either way, so it should be his call. No one ever said Scouting is a democracy.

Is anyone else having problems with the button on the right bellows pocket? I have put a couple of different hanging patches on the inside button on the pocket flap, and in both cases, the patch fell off. Luckily I was at our meeting place and found the patches (Philmont and Sea Base!)

Unless there is a special occasion, our normal wake up time at campouts and summer camp is 7:00 AM.