Kevin M

About screen printing: I took a class on it at a University of Scouting in Houston back in the early 90s. It was really easy with the right equipment. The only supply company I know of is Welsh Products. I'm sure there are others. Are there any less expensive than Welsh for small time printing, as in a small troop?

It goes on the front of your left shoulder, with the tail going over the shoulder seam, the one going from your shoulder to your neck along the top of the shirt.

I agree that Scouting doesn't need to be seen as para-military. I've never allowed Scouts to wear camo with the uniform shirt, but with todays proliferation of solid hunting styles of outdoor gear and clothing in various camo patterns I see no problem with it on campouts and such. I still don't like to see it carried to the extreme, such as a boy walking around looking like Special Forces in all military BDU garb. Like most of you, I would dearly love to see BSA come out with reasonably priced, solid, practical, outdoor use uniform items. I'll cross my fingers, but not too tightly.

If anyone from this course, especially BOBWHITES, is out there, email this displaced wood badger at kdmill_1@yahoo.com Back to Gillwell, happy land......

They're "more" environmentally friendly then other canister types because the canister can be safely punctured and recycled. Even comes with a special punturing tool. And they received a Backpacker magazine Editor's Choice Award.

Good point. I was in a troop last year that had two boys who could not swim, even after lessons at summer camp for two years, and many practice sessions at other times. After holding up advancement to 1st Class for two years, the troop committee decided to advance them under the waiver provision. Many Scouts don't learn to swim until they join Scouting, yet are now expected to be good enough to perform the new 1st Class requirements as young as 10 or 11. While I believe these new standards were set to help ensure greater water safety, I disagree with the difficulty level. And non-swimmers stil

I bought the ribbons at the Scout Store for my wife to wear to Courts of Honor and Pack meetings, but she gave them to me to wear on my lapel when in "civilian" clothes. She also has a charm bracelet for my older son, and a charm necklace for my younger son. She enjoys these more, and as stated above, they're a great conversation piece and advertisement. Use whatever method works for you! Maybe let the Scouts help design something unique to your troop for their parents to wear.

I really appreciate all the good advice! Thanks! I ALWAYS buy the Backpacker magazine annual GEAR GUIDE. It's my equipment bible. I do have Campmore's catalog, and have ordered new catalogs from LLBean, REI, and a couple others. Committee meeting is next Monday, and I printed y'all's responses. I also downloaded info from Backpacker.com and some manufacturers' sites. Wish me luck. PS. Anyone know any Bobwhites in Houston? (SR-73)

Two part question: What sources do you have for decent tents at reasonable (low as possible) price? I'm camping chairman, so how do I convince the committee to buy 2-3 man tents capable of backpacking instead of BIG domes that hold 4-5 or more boys and weigh a ton? Thanks for your help!

I don't envy you. Remember that requirements are signed off by the den leader in Webelos. If you allow the parents to initial requirements after a boy completes work, the boy should have no trouble recalling for you what he has done so you can give final approval. You can thereby get an idea of the boy's "spirit" in completing the requirements. Unfortunately, I saw a boy "temporarily" signed off on his Arrow of Light the night of Blue & Gold Banquet, with the agreement that he'd finish before going on to Boy Scouts. What does that say to the other boys?!

This is an ongoing problem; getting people in uniform, quality and functional uniform items, etc. I've been called the "uniform police" in my district, and some have gotten tired of me. I believe in wearing a full, proper uniform, but can't see it when physical or weather conditions dictate more technical wear. I keep hoping BSA will solve this delima eventually. Until then, I'll keep "doing my best".