Reasonable Rascal

Heck, of all the things you would think a Scout would miss we still can't get anyone to claim the zip off leggings from their Scout pants that were left behind from summer camp after all the gear was claimed. Tonight I had 5 boys with their leggings missing, wearing the pants as shorts instead. RR

DR, the option of patrol cooking still exists, though unsure of how many exercise it. Unfortunately it is not an option for out-of-council units such as ours. RR

I'll chime in and speak for Camp Geronimo near Payson, AZ. They do have a decent trail to first class program. They mark each requirement completed so you can transfer the info to books or however you keep your records. It is an all-in-one program as opposed to choose one rank to work on and spend the period working on that alone. Thus we had new Scouts who completed several requirements each for TF, 2nd and 1st Class ranks. They have a very good MB program. Aquatics are limited to canoe and rowing on a small lake, plus the pool swimming, lifesaving, lifeguard, mile swims, polar bear

I understand the difficulties. One of our best campouts was last November when we used a local BSA camp for a week-ender and camped by patrol method - 2 patrols in separate sites and the adults in a 3rd. Each group planned their own menu and cooked separately, and likewise tented. We recently sent 4 boys to NYLT and they cam back infused with spirit. Granted, they didn't teach strict patrol method as I was taught vis-a-vis' JLITC back in the early 70's. But it's a definite start. We saw a definite difference at summer camp this year. I am not ready - because the boys themselves are n

Kudu, thank you for the clarification. I am trying hard to get a decent core of boys who can be trusted - yes, trusted - to act as independently as that. When I was a youth we could be and were. In my view that means maturity, appropriate rank with all that entails (learned skills and responsible behavior), and the ability to react without the crutch of a cell phone call for every hangnail. RR

Anti-patrol method policy? Did I overlook something? Always willing to learn from others. RR

Howdy folks. I've been surfing the 'net tonight in preparation for summer camp the end of the week, and found a link that eventually lead me here. Long time Scout and Scouter. Even with too-long breaks once I aged out I am approaching 25 years total, a wee bit shy of the 60 years I awarded recognition for to one of our Troop's Committee members earlier this year. Originally from western Iowa I came here from central Iowa and have been living here and serving with this troop for almost 6 years. I started out as a ASM and was later told I was taking over as the SM decided to retire fro