RandyPrice

Thanks for everyones post. I couldn't find any of the older Venture uniforms and was forced to buy new. The new ones are made in India. IDK about many of you but I'd rather pay a little more and get an American made uniform.

How do you all like the new Venture uniforms?

My Troop has a problem that I wonder if others share. When we campout we often have boys backout from the trip and it causes problems with the cooking duties. In years past the adult leaders basically did all the cooking with the boys doing the cleanup. This actually worked quite well but it doesn't adhere to the Patrol method. Does anyone else suffer from this problem?

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I bought the Stratos 24 and I'm looking forward to trying it out.

Thanks allangr1024 for the reply. I'm not sure the difference on size btwn the Stratos 24 and the Atoms 35

Have any of you had experience with Osprey backpacks? I'm looking at the Stratos 24 for a daypack. They are a little expensive but as an adult it would be an item I plan on using for years. Osprey seems to have a great reputation and guarantee.

Thanks for the congrats. I'm glad to have it done. I had fun but I hate not being able to finish something quickly!

Thanks to everyone for their responses. My TG/TC said that he would contact me (should any day now). I'm just excited about receiving them

How long does it take to receive your beads after you complete the last ticket? I informed my TG/TC a couple of days ago that I was finished.

Thanks Eagledad for your comments and I do understand that BSA doesn't want to have people dying at high adventure camps. That said, if my personal physican says I'm good to go who is the BSA with their ht/wt chart to say no? I guess since they own it they can make the rules but it WILL hurt the opportunity of many Scouters to attend the trip. JMO, Randy Price

Thanks CA Scouter for the reply. Sorry to repeat another thread. BSA's policy is going to force alot of Scouters to either starve or not be able to go on trips w/the sons.

If this has been discussed before please forgive me. I want to go with my son to Philmont this summer but have an issue with the strict height to weight chart. In my earlier life I played football and was a weightlifter and haven't been considered skinny since the 7th grade. My personal physician says I'm fine for the trip/hike. We brought this topic up at the last roundtable and MANY of the Scouters couldn't meet the requirements. I feel that if you have the approval of your personal doctor who knows all of your medical conditions that that is a better "guide" than a ht/wt scale. Any opinions???

Thanks CalicoPenn and all others for the comments. I REALLY do appreciate them. Regards, Randy Price (a good ole beaver too)

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I think that you are right and I should wait till I attend the class and see what they recommend. I live in N. IL and it can get pretty cold here. I camped at BSA Camp Lowden last weekend and the temp's were in the upper 20's low 30's and got cold with my current equipment. However, I didn't really dress correctly at bedtime. Thanks again, Randy (a good ole beaver too).

I am going to take the OKPIK training and was wondering if any of you have taken it and what sleeping bag you would recommend. Thanks in advance. Randy

I recently completed my pratical phase of WB. Without going into too many details my Wife wasn't too happy with the entire process. I spoke frankly with all the members of my patrol (go Beavers) and we all were experiencing similar problems (both men and women). It appeared that unless your spouse is involved with Scouting, Scouting cam cause problems at home. What are your experiences. Any remedies? Regards, Randy Price

I recently completed my WB Pratical (I believe that is the proper name for it). We did the two three day weekends. I don't think that too many people could do the six day straight course. It was hard enough doing the two three day weekends and trying to keep work and family happy. I know that my Patrol (Go Beavers) discussed conflicts with both work and spouses and it seemed universal.

I finished my second weekend of WB last weekend (days 4-6). The second weekend is an outdoor experience. We Beavers had a really good patrol and all got along very well. I enjoyed the 2nd weekend much more than the first. I also thought the ticket review/approval was much easier than I feared. Now to get them all completed.

Greetings from Rockford,IL. I went to school in Bloomington (ISU). Nice town. I miss Micheleo's Pizza (best pizza in town) and Avanti's all you can eat spaghetti on Tuesdays. Regards, Randy Price

Thanks to everyone for their comments. I hope the "worst" part is over and in retrospect it wasn't really too bad just not what I was expecting. I will be very happy when all of my ticket items are approved and I can get started completing them.

Another question - after the second weekend do you have any more involvement with your patrol?? It seems to me that after your ticket items are approved that you are on your own to complete them?? Is this correct? I understand making friendships that will last a lifetime but is there any "offical" involvement??

Thanks Crew21adv for your explanation. Regards, Randy Price

I'm new to the forum and somewhat new to Scouts. Joined Troop 41 last December on the Troop Comm. I am in the process of completing the Wood Badge course in a couple of weeks and hopefully can start completing my ticket.

I completed my first 3 days of WB 3 weeks ago and I'm getting prepared for my next three days. I don't know if the WB experience is the same throughout the US but for us days 4-6 are an outdoors experience. Looking back at days 1-3 I enjoyed the experience but would have preferred if more breaks were given. I felt like

I was a little kid back in school.

Thanks emb021 for your response. I think some folks wear them because they are proud of their patrol. I did brand my leather name tag with both my patrol and course number. I don't know if other Scouters do this but it is popular in my area (N.IL). Regards, Randy

Thanks dg98adams for your reply. I assumed that this has probably been beat to death. I noticed some Scouters wearing them and some didn't so I wasn't sure. Regards, Randy