2eagles

Knot challanges, first aid skills, camp set up (tents, dining fly), fuzz stick, camp gadget -- any skill will benefit with practice - challanges make it fun to practice - Treasure Hunt (short compass course practice)

First, wish I lived near you. Sounds like a ball. Part of making camping a fun experience is being prepared, practicing skills before going. Ideas for short adventures as you get ready: I believe Ohio has guided winter hiking in some of the state parks. Start with short hikes (2 Miles). My oldest son, an Eagle Scout, thinks it is so cool, he also made the comment they will probably do better than a bunch of guys that age. He has some questions first -- do they have any equipment? If not don't run out and buy. If they do -- have them set up a campsite in someone's yard, small bites of information, 1. how to pick a tent site, 2. set the tents up and take them down several times (this can even be practiced inside) 3. Practice setting up your camping site as if you are in the backcountry -- a great deal of scouts get relaxed when they are in car camping situations then have to re-think 3. Make sure the hiking boots fit well -- this is no place to skimp 4. Practice first aid skills. 5. Learn these knots, bowline, figure of eight, square knot, taught line with two half hitches, heaving line knot,lashing square and diagonial, whiping and fusing rope, safe hiking, Leave no Trace, start compass skills and Backpacking check lists.

I also have tons of info for women in outdoors -- I am an avid backpacker.

Good luck will be happy to help in any way we can.

two ropes -- start knots, leave no trace (as game), camping, camping, camping being outdoors -- have mini camps. Make camp gagets. If your guys a blood and guts types moulage practice first aid. Learn to swim.Cubs can do so much more than we ever expect. Short Backpack trip - Cub carries about 10% of weight and they hike to the camp site the parents take the rest and have it there ready (not up and done) have them help with tents, dining flys ect... Make bark boats with leaves and sticks they find on ground and have a race. Have then build a little log cabin villiage with sticks, leaves ect.. they find. These are just a few things my guys loved.

Ok I need help. I have 2 sons who are Eagle Scouts, husband Queen Scout -- but hurray! I have a niece who is a Girl Scout (Junior). Where do we start to help and encourage the lone girl in our family -- most will be done by mail due to distance. The programs are sooo different. Is there a site which lays everything out in order. Even the uniform is confusing.

Stosh,

I don't know if you realize the clear message that comes through your post -- It is about the boys -- Thank you. No matter how frustrated we may get with councils, districts etc.. those of us in Scouting need to remember it is about the boys. You have let your boys lead, decide and thrive they are lucky to have you. I believe when all the baloney out there gets boiled down, the main issue is when the general program interfers with what is best for the boys and each boy is unique.

2eagles

Interesting -- all the real issues that face our country (healthcare, people being able to afford to live etc..) and time is wasted on words. A scout is reverent. No were does it state what religion or belief - just a belief. Why is it when "man" becomes involved are ideas perverted to a specific group. The country was based on freedom of religion (of course there were only a few colonies that practiced that behavior). I do not see how this particular wording imposes any belief - Does anyone really look at the cash they are using and say this is making me believe and trust in God? Wow, good thing we aren't in a country that shoots you if you don't agree with the belief system. Maybe we all should take a page from the 84 year old man, who re built his house after Katrina (with out power or any help) and just take care of the real business at hand.

As long as the scout/and leader is properly equiped with a knowleged of wind chill and cold weather camping - just about any temp. I would avoid high wind chills just for safety. I lived in WY and the temps can feel deceptive. Just remember to keep stirring the snow you are melting so you don't burn up your pan.

My hub. neckerchief from New Zealand is in the 36 area it is a triangle and works great for all of the Scout suggested uses. It is also of a more sturdy material. The small ones are quite frankly a waste of time and for looks only.

Seems to me there are better places to spend tax dollars than altering plates - the term God is universal - not christian, not any other specific religion. If nothing else it is history. I find it hard to believe athiests really care - agnostics believe in something just not Mans defined version. I also don't see how this imposes others beliefs on anyone. I doubt anyone who uses cash thinks THIS IS BACKED by GOD.

I am a ARC IT. I teach Lifeguarding(this is pool,water park,waterfront and BSA)I am also an Aquatics Director for the BSA. CPR/AED/rescue breathing, and taylor programs for the Web age scouts. Along with the ARC materials, I provide a hands on practice program. I believe doing is the best way for everyone to learn. (30+ years experience)I have currently taught about 400 Lifeguards in our area. Our Cub Camp is unique and has a lake water front. My joy has been seeing Scouts of all ages apply these skills in real life situations very effectively. Like I said before - my mother lives in the Quad Cities and a road trip could be a possibility or I would be happy to contact the ARC there and help you out.

The knots I am the most proud of are mentor pins, my adult religous, district merit, and don't laugh my tiger coach. I am not found of the knot thing == where I originally came from they were not considered a big deal -- where I live now well I feel like a mexican general - I have 12 of them and feel so silly -- it isn't about that it is about the boys for me -- so the goofy fake buzzard(eagle)(i am female) and the knot the boys can up with for my husband to honor his Queen Scout (now called Rover) are the most special -- not worn but framed.

oops forgot to mention Bat and Fact programs by Red Cros our leader not instructor lead. My mom lives in QC and we visit that way frequently. what time frame are you on? I might be able to find you someone or road trip (homeschool) my two eagles are ARC leaders and would love it. how far from Chicago

American Red Cross has an excellent program for that age. Also having them build a kit they can carry into scouting is great. I am an ARC IT. If you would like more details would be happy to oblige

Congrats.

Having taken both courses -- they both have good elements. No the North star ect.. was not in the old course. Now I will go out on a limb. Boy Scouting is an excellent program, however it teaches BEGINNING outdoor skills. When I was involved in mountain rescue - lots of our rescues were Scouts = actually Scoutmasters. Now since scouts are in the outdoors (well used to be) in droves - that is not that surprising. There is a false sense of adolesent know it all that comes from some scoutmasters and leaders ( i generally trust the boys more). Example GPS is great but it doesn't replace topo and map skills. In most of the basic GPS's they will point you say 500 yards in a direction however it doesn't tell you there is a canyon inbetween. Of course right now i am dealing with a troop who is acting as a glorified cub pack with the attitude of i am an adult i know more, i am bigger, your smaller. So i feel abit frustrated. Especially when our older boys 3 Eagles and several life scouts can run circles around them. These boys have taken there skills to the next level out of love of outdoors and understanding there is so much yet to learn. I hate seeing them crushed -- and ready to leave == although they have approached me with the venturing.

The old course did give more camping information - those scoutmasters who eat ect.. still missed the idea. If I or hub. are extended and invitation to eat with them we will but otherwise we are totally self sufficient = and frequently not camped right next door but with in hailing distance. We have always shown the basics, covered smart camp set up (ie. set you tent, dining, wood ready for fire then have fun)and leave no trace (which start with the forest service) then let them have at it. If they need help (ask) we are there if in danger we are there -- otherwise we are just camping too. Do they always follow what shown - nope - but they learn that setting up in complete dark in sort of the pits, starting cooking late means they will feel really hunger and have to wait - plus waiting on tents can mean getting wet if it decides to rain.

Having taken both courses -- they both have good elements. No the North star ect.. was not in the old course. Now I will go out on a limb. Boy Scouting is an excellent program, however it teaches BEGINNING outdoor skills. When I was involved in mountain rescue - lots of our rescues were Scouts = actually Scoutmasters. Now since scouts are in the outdoors (well used to be) in droves - that is not that surprising. There is a false sense of adolesent know it all that comes from some scoutmasters and leaders ( i generally trust the boys more). Example GPS is great but it doesn't replace topo and map skills. In most of the basic GPS's they will point you say 500 yards in a direction however it doesn't tell you there is a canyon inbetween. Of course right now i am dealing with a troop who is acting as a glorified cub pack with the attitude of i am an adult i know more, i am bigger, your smaller. So i feel abit frustrated. Especially when our older boys 3 Eagles and several life scouts can run circles around them. These boys have taken there skills to the next level out of love of outdoors and understanding there is so much yet to learn. I hate seeing them crushed -- and ready to leave == although they have approached me with the venturing.

The old course did give more camping information - those scoutmasters who eat ect.. still missed the idea. If I or hub. are extended and invitation to eat with them we will but otherwise we are totally self sufficient = and frequently not camped right next door but with in hailing distance. We have always shown the basics, covered smart camp set up (ie. set you tent, dining, wood ready for fire then have fun)and leave no trace (which start with the forest service) then let them have at it. If they need help (ask) we are there if in danger we are there -- otherwise we are just camping too. Do they always follow what shown - nope - but they learn that setting up in complete dark in sort of the pits, starting cooking late means they will feel really hunger and have to wait - plus waiting on tents can mean getting wet if it decides to rain.

Having taken both courses -- they both have good elements. No the North star ect.. was not in the old course. Now I will go out on a limb. Boy Scouting is an excellent program, however it teaches BEGINNING outdoor skills. When I was involved in mountain rescue - lots of our rescues were Scouts = actually Scoutmasters. Now since scouts are in the outdoors (well used to be) in droves - that is not that surprising. There is a false sense of adolesent know it all that comes from some scoutmasters and leaders ( i generally trust the boys more). Example GPS is great but it doesn't replace topo and map skills. In most of the basic GPS's they will point you say 500 yards in a direction however it doesn't tell you there is a canyon inbetween. Of course right now i am dealing with a troop who is acting as a glorified cub pack with the attitude of i am an adult i know more, i am bigger, your smaller. So i feel abit frustrated. Especially when our older boys 3 Eagles and several life scouts can run circles around them. These boys have taken there skills to the next level out of love of outdoors and understanding there is so much yet to learn. I hate seeing them crushed -- and ready to leave == although they have approached me with the venturing.

The old course did give more camping information - those scoutmasters who eat ect.. still missed the idea. If I or hub. are extended and invitation to eat with them we will but otherwise we are totally self sufficient = and frequently not camped right next door but with in hailing distance. We have always shown the basics, covered smart camp set up (ie. set you tent, dining, wood ready for fire then have fun)and leave no trace (which start with the forest service) then let them have at it. If they need help (ask) we are there if in danger we are there -- otherwise we are just camping too. Do they always follow what shown - nope - but they learn that setting up in complete dark in sort of the pits, starting cooking late means they will feel really hunger and have to wait - plus waiting on tents can mean getting wet if it decides to rain.

Kudu I personally prefer the old course (wasn't able to finish my ticket due to move) -- More so now because the team building is received in the business end by most adults anyway. I was very disappointed in the new course -- in fact after the new course my husband went and taught the same darn thing for his company. Now we need the adults to practice camping and outdoor skills even more. I haven't met an old course woodbadger that doesn't get it -- but I have met several from the new course (including those on staff) who haven't got a clue

GK 1st I would have a float plan (which will be an iten.) Have a Scout go through Safety Afloat. Since you are in canoes -- I am guessing you want to make sure you have what you need and no extra. Are you starting from scratch -- or have you done trips before.

Consider it done. May God be will you all.

Big C survivor

prof My troop held its own winter camp for several years. It was cheaper and I thought the program was far superior. The scouts also had a great time. Downside is if the boys really enjoy hanging with other scouts from other troops. But the whole point is what is best for the boys which is a year by year decision. So I think it is great whenever the leaders are out there providing good program.

OH WOW!! The days of letting the chickens out of the box, chase them down for dinner. COOL. Well being odviously off kilter -- I did that with our original boys (we did warn-educate parents) the benefit was none of the boys were city kids. Moms were thrilled because the boys learned part of their jobs at home. We also added the if you kill it you eat it. That has worked very well.

WHOA kudu on the mommies. I am a mommy -- though I do not know anyone who use that particular term -- most of the Scouts call me It. My experience (specifically) during the last 6 years has been the wimpy macho men. "Trained" Men I would not let take a group into any unstructured setting. I would prefer the boys be on their own. I have found it isn't just mommies but also daddies who are city born and bred who freak when baby will have to cook and sleep outside. The challange is now having to educate parents along with scouts. The outdoors is foreign to many -- this always amazes but it is true.

That was not what I meant Gern. Although there was an old catholic skit that everyone loved -- including the catholics. Also define mock= does that also mean disagree. My point was people are too busy looking for unintended slights. In all honesty just about every comment anyone makes can be taken as a slight. Mocking is when harm or loss of honor or respect is intended. But from what I gather of your statements, if your boss told you - you did a terrible job he would be mocking your effort. Or saying the current liberal history texts rely more on opinion than facts would be mocking the writers.

Perhaps people need to get a clue and not take everything personally. They need to get away from the world revolves around me and what I believe. I have heard tons of blond jokes and skits. I find them funny- i am also blond. I don't find it funny when folks decide to be offended. Decide is the key word. None of this forum is calling anyone up and getting in their face about their beliefs -- they are expressing their own views which do not match. Call it exchange of information.