Owl62

Current:

1 New Style Short Sleeve Cotton/Poly Tan Shirt

1 New Style Long Sleeve Cotton/Poly Tan Shirt

1 New Style Short Sleeve Nylon Tan Shirt

1 New Style Long Sleeve Nylon Tan Shirt

1 New Style Cotton Trousers/Shorts Green

1 New Style Nylon Trousers/Shorts Green

1 New Style Web Belt Green

4 New Style Crew Socks Green

1 New Style Cap, Green

6 Old Style Short Sleeve Cotton/Poly Tan Shirt (Various units and positions)

2 Old Style Short Sleeve Cotton Tan Shirt

1 Old Style Long Sleeve Cotton/Poly Tan Shirt

3 Old Style Trousers Olive Green

1 Old Style Dress Trousers, Olive Green

2 Odl Style Trousers/Shorts, Olive Green (Switch Backs)

4 Old Style Web Belt, Olive Green with Brass Buckles

3 Old Style Shorts, Olive Green

8 Old Style Crew Socks, Olive Green/Red

2 Old Style Knee Socks, Olive Green/Red

1 Old Style Cap, Olive Green/Red with Mesh

1 Old Style Cap, Olve Green

2 Campaign Hat

1 Expedition Hat

1 Jac-Shirt, Wool, Red

3 Venturing Shirts, Short Sleeve, Spruce Green

1 Venturing Trousers, Charcoal Gray

1 Venturing Web Belt with buckle

2 Venturing Socks, Gray

Numerous Official and Custom Neckerchiefs and slides

Way too many short and long sleeved Scouting related t-shirts and sweatshirts, and caps

Several Scouting related leather and nylon belts and many buckles

Several unofficial jackets with Scouting stuff on them

Retired:

1 1960's era Boy Scout uniform, Olive green (Long Sleeved Shirt, Trousers, Belt,

neckerchief, and slide, and Field Cap)

3 Old Style Short Sleeved Cotton/Poly Shirts

1 Old Style Trousers, Olive Green

2 Pair Unofficial Trousers/Shorts, Cargo Type, Cotton, Charcoal Gray for Venturing

1 Pair Unofficial Trousers/Shorts, Nylon, Charcoal Gray for Venturing

2 Pair Unofficial Shorts, Cargo Type, Cotton/Poly Charcoal Gray for venturing

I even have a BSA Comb, BSA Hankerchief, and BSA Toothbrush, BSA Canteen, BSA Messkit, Standard and Deluxe BSA Pockeknives, and my old BSA Yucca pack.

I

Does anyone know if a modern Baker tent is available? Something made from modern nylon or similar materials.

Thanks.

Regarding the source of the name for the Baker tent.

I read somewhere that the Baker tent was named after the old relector type ovens that bakers used. Makes sense to me.

I have a little Sony radio that has AM/FM/TV and NOAA weather capabilities. About the size of a pager, runs on one AAA battery and works well (needs an earphone or external speaker, cost about $30. I have carried it for several years and it realy works well.

I also have a set FRS radios that have integrated NOAA weather station reception. We use these sometimes.

For summer camp, I have a little tabletop Midland weather alert radio that works on regualr electricity or a 9 volt battery. I keep it in my tent on a small table. It has wether alert. To big for backpacking though.

While this topic may be appropriate for the uniform forum, I decided to post it here.

While there are some "official" and what I call "semi-official" jackets available for wear with Scouting uniforms, the Insignia Guide says the are optional. While the jackets available from the Scout shop such as the Jac-Shirt, and other jackets may be ok for wear at activities such as meetings, I don't think that they may be suitable for outdoor/high adventure type activities.

Cool, cold, and wet whether may cause jackets to be more than optional.

I think that for most Scouting situations, most people just wear what they have when it comes to jackets. And some of those that I have seen, are not really all that appropriate for outdoor activity wear in Scouting.

I would like know what you all wear for jackets with your Scouting uniforms:

I have a red Jac-Shirt and one other "official" jacket, I really don't care for them. To me, they just are not very practical for most outdoor activity wear.

Instead, I have chosen to get other jackets that can be part of a layering system. My primary jacket system consists of a hooded outer jacket made of olive green soft nylon microfiber that I have increased the waterproofness of by keeping it treated with a comercial fabric treatment. I also hae an olive green fleece jacket (no hood) that can be worn either as a separate jacket or under the hooded outer jacket. Together, they only cost be about $40. This system seems to serve me well, in my area, most of the time, for most cool/cold/wet weather. This is the jacket system that I most frequently use.

I also always carry lighweight nylon poncho and a lightweight nylon rainsuit when camping, backpacking, etc. I don't like to be cold or wet.

Also, I recently added a "system" type jacket to my outdoor wardrobe that is a combination forest green nylon jacket with a removable fleece liner. They can be worn together or separately. The nylon jacket has a hide-away hood that rolls up inside the collar. Cost about $40. Again, I increase the waterproofness of the nylon outer jacket with a commerical fabric treatment. This combination jacket is warmer in colder weather than my other system so I keep it available in cold weather.

I can always (and have) augment these with thermal underwear, sweat shirts and pants, nylon over pants, etc. I think everyone should carry a sweatshirt and sweatpants when camping, etc. They are lightweight and very versatile.

The nice thing about layer is that it does work well, and gives you various options.

I know that there are very high end jackets out there, but to me are very cost prohibitive.

What types of jackets do you all wear for Scouting?

Thanks.

I saw that in the brochure. But I am not exactly sure what it means though

If taken word for word, it would seem to mean that one can mix any component of any of the existing or new components, including insignia and accessories. And I am not sure that is the intent. But I could be wrong.

I'm not too worried about it but I am sure it will be a topic for quite a while.

This may have already been addressed here but there are just too many messages to go through to find it:

Is it permissible to mix components of the "old" (Tan Shirts, Olive Pants and shorts, caps, belts, and insignia) with the "new" Centenial uniform?

Examples:

Old shirt and insignia worn with the new pants?

New shirt and insignia worn with old pants or old switchback pants?

Old insignia (white/red numbers, trained patch, red shoulder tabs, etc.) worn on new shirt?

New insignia (green/tan numbers, green/tan trained patch, green shoulder tabs, etc) worn on the old shirt?

Old red and olive cap worn with new uniform and new green cap worn with old uniform?

Old belt and sock worn with the new uniform and new belt and socks worn with the old uniform?

I have had people tell me "yes" but could cite no official reference to this. I have looked but can't find anything specific.

I was told that only "new" centenial insignia can be used on the new centenial uniform shirts, but I am not sure if the new insignia can be worn on the "old" tan shirts.

Seems to me that only new uniform components and insignia should be worn on the new uniform and only old uniform components should be worn on the old uniform - but I could be wrong.

Does anyone here know the official BSA position and where I can find documentation for that?

I have heard that there is a new uniform and insignia guide coming out...

Thanks.

Does anyone here know of a source for tan colored hook and loop fasteners (Velcro)?

Specifically I am looking for this material in 3 in round shapes for position patches but would be interested in other shapes in tan color as well.

Thanks.

I like the new tan and green unit numbers and position patches.

But I wish that the shirt came with velcro for the unit numbers and position patch to meet the needs of those in multiple units.

Actually, I would like to see the same uniform colors for all programs, with different shoulder loop colors for the programs. That would sure simplify things.

I too am a little unsure of the sleeve pocket.

And I am unsure about the color change for the pants. Is suspect it it to move away from the olive green which looks very "military". But some military forces around the world do wear a dark "forest" green color uniform. I look forwar to seeing how the pants bottom can be tailored.

My main issues with the current switchbacks are:

1. The length is an issue - no way to adjust it.

2. The material is a bad choice. I would like to see a ripstop cotton nylon blend. The current material feels to me like I have nothing on.

3. The pockets are too shallow. The need to be deeper - all of them. and all of the pockets, including the front needs a velcroed flap.

4. The belt that comes with them is not very good.

But I do like the olive green color and the zip-off legs.

I guess we will have to see what the new uniform looks like and adapt to it. I will probably buy a couple of the current uniforms just so I have them.

I keep hearing about a new uniform being introduced. I hear a new uniform is supposed to make an appearance in May or June.

Anyone out there know anything about a new uniform?

I have converted to nearly all LED lights.

I carry a LED light from Inova that is powered by 1 AA Battery. It has a magnifying lens and this serves as my primary flashlight. About $20.

I also carry a Photon Microlight on a neck chain - This way, I always have it with me. About $12.

I have a LED headlight powered by 3 AAA batteries. Good for setting up in the dark. About $12.

I have a LED "Cap" light that clips under the brim of a cap. Uses 4 2016 lithium cells. I use this light only sometimes as the batteries are expensive.

I use a "packable" Coleman fluorescent lantern with a spiral shaped fluorescent bulb powered by 8 D Batteries for long term camping. About as bright as a 60 watt bulb. Heavy, but I like this light. About $18.

I recently got a "packable" Coleman LED Lantern that is powered by 4 D batteries. I am not sure about this light yet. Not very bright but will light a small area adequately. About $24. They have a brighter light but it was too expensive for me.

I also recently got a LED Hanging Tent Light from Walmart. It is disk-shaped, about 5" in diameter with 24 LED lights, powered by 4 AAA battries and a mini biner for hanging it. Very light and compact. About $7. Very bright - lights a small tent very well. Two would light a larger tent well. Have used it on a weekend campout in a small tent, and plan to use two in a larger tent for camporee and summer camp. Only problem is that it has a push button switch that is easily activated in a pack so I just keep the batteries out until I put it in the tent. So far I like this light for a tent light. It is LED, lightweight, compact, powered by small batteries, very bright, and inexpensive.

I have a 2 AA cell mini-mag that I converted to LED by replacing the light module to a third party module for about $4. Much less than buying on of their LED manufactured light. I carry it in a leather pouch that also has a knife pouch - I only carry it occasionally.

Also, I use a footlocker for summer camp. I installed one of those "touch" lights (dome-shaped disk about 6" in diameter) using velcro inside the footlocker lid, that when the lens is pressed the light comes on. The original one I got was an incandescent. I recently replaced it with a similar one that has LED lights in it. Both are powered by 4 AA batteries. But the LED lasts much longer on a set of batteries. Great for lighting the inside of the footlocker so I can see what I am doing. Also, if I leave the footlocker lid up, the light can help light my tent. The light can be removed from the footlocker and used elsewhere.

My opinion is that LED, is pretty much the way to go these days. The bulbs last virtually forever, they usually use smaller batteries but since the bulbs use less power, the batteries don't need replacing near as often - thereby saving money. The LED lanterns are coming along well. While LED lights generally cost more than incandescent, they are usually much less expensive to operate over time, therefore there is usually financial savings.

Venturing is a very unique program within the BSA. The Sea Scout program is part of the Venturing program.

Venturing Crews can adopt their own uniforms or can adopt the official recommended Venturing uniform. Crews operate though an organization of elected officers. And crews can have specific focus areas. Boating and seamanship, general high adventure, SCUBA, Ham radio, equestrian activities, etc.

I don't view Venturing as Scouting's next step, but as another different step. As a Boy Scout leader (still am), I have been able to come over to Venturing and adapt to the program very well. Some do not, some won't have anything to do with it.

If you are interested in Venturing, I would suggest that you get with one or more Venturing Crews and look and learn. They may have a Venturing Roundtable in your area - again another way to learn about the program. I think that anyone in Venturing would be more than happy to provide you with information. If you can and want to, register as an adult leader with a local Venturing Crew. Also, get a Venturing Leader Manual and Venturer/Ranger Handbook and attend Venturing Leader Specific Training. Those things should provide you with lots of good information and training.

Good luck.

I once taught a class on the "Jackknife" to a group of Girl Scouts at the Girl Scout equivalent of a Boy Scout Camporee.

I seem to recall that the requirements were in one of the Girl Scout manuals. There really want not much in the manual about it. I don't remember which manual. And it was more of a skills class than a competition or game. A jackknife is just one type of knives generally considered "pocketknives".

In Boy Scouting we consider knives as tools an teach the safe handling, use, and care of them in a program called Totn' Chip which is part of the Second Class Rank requirements. If you can get hold of a Boy Scout Handbook you will find the requirements for Totin' Chip there.

Making a fuzz stick was in the older Boy Scout Handbooks - back in the 60s.

You might want to do some type of care, use, and safety training, then perhaps have them make something, perhaps fuzz sticks.

You might want to have a good supply of bandaids available.....

You might also consider contacting some local Boy Scout units to try to get some older Boy Scouts experienced in teaching Totin' Chip to help.

Good luck.

Our troop adopted a standard BSA neckerchief about 3 years ago. They are free to wear any appropriate neckerchief slide but most wear the standard Boy Scout slide.

The neckerchief is worn at all COH, other formal events, when we are attending activities where it is appropriate to wear. Some of the Scouts wear it whenever in uniform. They may wear the neckerchief either over or undr the collar. Adults who are Wood Badgers normally wear the Wood Badge Neckerchief for formal occasions.

Personally, I like neckerhiefs, for tradition if no other reason. But they do seem a natural part of the uniform and help sharpen the look. They are just so, Scout. A Scout who wears a neckerchief definitely stands out.

I do wish the standard BSA neckerhiefs were bigger though.

As I mentioned before, our troop has several troop owned, Timberline 2 and 4 moan tents. But most of our Scouts have their own tents.

Usually, they use the troop owned tents at first, then later then get their own tents. We encourage this. Using a troop owned tent initially helps keep costs down for the Scouts and their families.

I have never seen much use for the concept of uniformity in troop tents. First, not many campsites we have used are well suited to setting all the same tents up in neat little formations. Second, the tents don't stay uniform long (components are lost or damaged, etc.) Tents models change almost yearly and it is hard to find the same model tent year after year (Although the Timberline is an exception - but expensive). There are many other things a troop can use hard to earn money for - such as other equipment and even more important, the program.

We don't require Scouts to own their own tents, they are welcome to use the troop tents. But most get their own and seem to take great pride in them and take good care of them. They can choose tents to suite their own needs and not the general needs of the troop. Most choose small dome or A Frame tents. They usually wait and look at many tents before buying one. And we get to know which tent belongs to whom so it is easy to locate them.

We do try to have the patrols camp a distance from each other. They usually want it that way. Course at some activities, the campsite assigned to the troop is so small that tents almost could share tent stakes. We prefer our own campouts where we can spread out.

I thought that Learning for Life, which Exploring is a part of, is part of the BSA???

An eligible Scout or Scouter, who was elected (in the case of youth) or nominated (in the case of adults) and did go through the Ordeal are then mumbers of the OA.

My question is, what about later, when the Scouts or Scouters are in units or positions that are not eligbile for for election / nomiations and go through the Ordeal. Examples would be:

A Boy Scout, who was elected, and completed the Ordeal and was an OA member; but then drops his membership as a Boy Scout and joins a Venturing Crew (or even an Exploring Post). Is this young man eligible for continued membership in the OA assuming he complies with other OA membership requirements (dues, etc)?

A Boy Scout adult leader, who was nominated and selected, and completed the Ordeal and was an OA member; but then drops his membership as a Boy Scout leader and registers as a Cub Scout, or Venturing Crew adult leader. Is this person eligible for continued membership in the OA assuming he/she complies with other OA membership requirements (dues, etc)?

A former member of the OA (youth or adult, who previously met all membership requirements), but who discontinued membership in the OA but who is registered in a Scouting position in the BSA. Is this person eligible for continued membership in the OA assuming he complies with other OA membership requirements (dues, etc)? If so, do they rejoin the OA at their previous OA membership level (Arrowman, Brotherhood, Vigil)?

Thanks.

I would like to read some opinions on campsite gateways.

I have never been too keen on campsite gateways. I think they are unnecessary, involve unnecessay materials, labor, and expense, and are contrary to Leave No Trace. While they may help teach knots, lashings, and pioneering and other skills, I think the time and effort could generally be put to better use.

It seems that some units nearly always construct campsite gateways, especially when they are camping where other Scouting units are present. Some are very simple, most are somewhat elaborate , and others are very elaborate. I have even seen units surround their entire campsite with fence rails or rope. Sometimes they are a "scoreable" item on campsite inspection sheets.

My feeling is that a units camping should try to "fit" into the local environment, as inobtrusively as possible.

Lee,

Hi. Based on the information you wrote, as I understand it:

If I may, a correction. It is Venturing Crew, not Venture Crew.

OA really has no associate with Venturing other than it is also a Scouting program but is associated with Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts. Unless I am mistaken, as a Venturer (a youth member as you are under 21), you can be a member of OA as long as you are also registered in a Boy Scout troop (as an adult as you are over 18). So in Venturing you are a youth member and in Boy Scouting you would be an adult member (I believe Assistant Scoutmaster is the only adult position you can be registered in).

If you are a member of an OA lodge, you can participate in the OA and if you wish wear your OA lodge flap on the spruce green Venturing shirt.

Some Venturing units have created their own honor societies. The most common name I have seen is "Corps of Discovery" You can do a search on the internet and probably find some information. As far as I know, those societies are not official BSA Venturing organizations.

Powder Horn (two words) is a high-adventure resource training designed to introduce and expose Venturing and Boy Scout adult unit leaders to the activities and resources necessary to operate a successful outdoor/high-adventure unit-level program. The program is for adults, so I believe you could attend as an Assistant Scoutmaster, but not as a Venturer. Power Horn is a great course. I recommend it.

The Venturing Silver award is the highest award in Venturing. Roughly equivalent to Eagle in Boy Scouts. You must earn at least one Bronze Award and the Gold award, among other requirements to earn the Silver Award. The Ranger award is a separate award intended to give Venturers the opportunity to achieve proficiency in outdoor skills. Among other requirements, you must have earned the Venturing Outdoor Bronze Award to earn the Ranger award.

Some councils have a Teen Council or Venturing Officers Association that may have a President. Perhaps some districts have formed such an organization too.

You may want to check out the following website for more information:

http://www.scouting.org/venturing/

Also, you should have a Venturer/Ranger handbook and you might also want to look at the Venturing Leaders Manual.

Welcome to Venturing. BTW - the 10th anniversay of Venturing is Feb. 9th 2008.

I, and perhaps some others here, would like to know what councils in the BSA have implemented mandatory training for adult Scouters.

I have seen two mentioned in this thread, and one that used to have mandatory adult leader training.

Any others out there?

I'm not really interested in whether we agree with it or not, just which council have implemented mandatory adult leader training.

Thanks.

Does anyone know if Commissioner training is only available through council sponsored colleges of Commissioner Science or are they available similar to to leader specific training courses offered by various councils?

In our council, we have a University of Scouting which offers a College of Boy Scouting, Cub Scouting, Venturing, and Commissioner Science. The Boy Scouting, Cub Scouting, and Venturing programs are supplemental training and attendees are supposed to have completed training required for their registered position in order to attend a U of S.

Is the College of Commissioner Science supplemental training, or primary functional training?

As I understand it, there are several levels of Commissioner service at the council level:

Council and District Commissioners and their Assistants

Unit Commissioners

Roundtable Commissioners

and Roundtable Staff

Is there a specific training course for each of these?

Is there a training course for Roundtable staff and is it different or the same as for unit commissioners?

Thanks.

Our troop owns several 2 and 4 man Eureka Timberline tents. Most if good to fair condition. They have see years of use.

But most of our Scouts, especially after the first year, tend to buy their own tents - usually small backpacking sized tents. We are fine with that, in fact, we actually encourage it.

Saves the troop money and the Scouts have to actually take ownership and responsibility for THEIR tent which they know means the difference of having a effective shelter, or, not.

I don''t have a problem with cell phones or other electronic devices unless they detract from or interfere with the Scouting program or pose a safety issue.

We ask Scouts and Scouters to use cell phones, and other items appropriately for the circumstances. One of the things the Scouting program is about is developing a sense of responsibility and accountability - not a bunch of restrictions.

So far, in our unit, cell phones, and other items have not posed much of a problem.

Just based on what the original submitter wrote, it appears that unit has set some rules about popcorn sales. I supposed that is within their rights, but I don''t think it good idea, especially as stated. While unit dues are not unheard of, I feel that $100 is excessive. In our unit, we do not have dues; everyone pays the $10 recharter/registration fee; and we all pay as we go. We also participate in popcorn sales, but no one is required to sell any certain amount or even participate at all. Works for us.

Regarding the popcorn sales and dues, before I would join such a troop, I would want to know exactly what that money was going to be used for. And I would not accept vague answers. If you are paying the money, my opinion is you have the right to know exactly what is is to be used for.

I have never heard of a unit requiring established amounts of popcorn (or other products or services) "or else". Just doesn''t sound right to me, doesn''t feel right. And to me, if it doesn''t sound or feel right, it probably isn''t (in my opinion), and I wouldn''t do it.

Also, this unit, or someone in the unit, may be, or feel pressured by someone to sell popcorn. Council and district staff often "push" popcorn sales.

Scouting is not about popcorn, it is about building character and other positive traits.

I would look for another unit.

What about LDS female youth who are of Venturing age?

It is my understanding that the LDS church does not support Girl Scouts or Venturing for its female youth members and that they have a LDS program for female youth.

Are LDS female youth who are of Venturing age permitted to join Venturing Crews chartered by other organizations?

Would they encounter any difficulties if they did so?