red feather

Thanks for the responses. I am wanting to find the type of cans used for food uses. Planning to make various ovens, hot water billies and possibly a stove out of them to show scouts and scouters alternatives to higher priced units. Hope to set up a 'hobo' style campsite during a future overnight.

thanks

yis

Looking for a source of 5 gal metal cans that are mentioned in many wilderness how to books and alternative cooking methods.

Thanks in advance for your help.

yis

My other 3 brain cells just kicked in. I have been looking for potasium permanganate (sp). Have I been looking for the wrong stuff?

yis

Thanks for the info, did not know that about the steel wool.

Been trying to find a source for MP not much luck but do know a friendly science teacher that I may contact as a source.

Been having good luck with the hard jasper and some of the flints that I got online. Some online sources seem to have a soft flint.

Thanks again.

During the spring and summer rains generally no gloves. For cold weather rains or wet snow conditions I have two sets of gloves (sorry do not know the brands). One set has a waterproof middle lining (the inner lining is goretex) that keeps the cold moisture out but retains the sweat generated. The other set is for more intense wet conditions that are completely waterproof and can be sealed around the wrist to keep moisture from running inside. Both of these are good for only short term exposures as they do get cold after 45mins or so.

When expecting longer exposure times I just keep the gloves as dry as possible or do not get them wet at all.

yis

I am of the no cut side.

We normally have the scouts lash together a flag pole, raise each flag one last time (scout salute), lower slowly (ready two) ( to taps if bugler handy) and have either scouts or volunteers from the parents or observers place the flag intact over ther fire and into it. One person then verifies that the flag is completely consumed before the next flag is placed out of service.

Several times the SPL has had words to say during the ceremony and we invite military or ex-military to say what they wish, then anyone in the government ( have a state senator associated with the troop) then any parents or participants and have had many people have things that they wish to say.

Next day the scouts collect the grommets from the ashes for burial to complete the retirement of the flag(s).

Have had no complaints so far and have had many tearing up during the ceremony.

yis

Maybe the timing was not right. Lets try again.

yis

Howdy all.

While at an auction today I stumbled onto a reflector oven. Been wanting one for some time and luck was with me. (no one there knew what it was)

Now, I am looking for tips, hints, care of, and recipes for the use of it. The troop has not used one in the many years that I have been with it and I am looking forward to introducing something new.

It is about 2 ft tall 2 and a half long with an expanded metal cooking level. Has a handle on the back for moving the oven. Reflecting surfaces are 24 gauge duct type metal.

Thanks in advance.

yis

Not sure what you mean by Realistic.

Some hints, please.

Be glad to help.

yis

Another source of information on backpacks would be another troop that has had recent Philmont experience. They should be able to give you pointers and recommendations on what and what not to bring.

Our troop has helped other troops get ready in the past, not so much recently, and has even offered older or outgrown packs for use by other Troops.

yis

In answer to your original question on how to stay warm.

Good equipment is a very good thing to have. Also more insulation under you than over is called for. A head covering of some sort is needed also, since most of the bodies heat is lost there. Either a cover built into the sleeping bag or some sort of head cover that you put on should do the trick.

Do not wear the same clothes in the sleeping bag that you wore during the day. The moisture that the 'day' clothes absorbed will be translated to the bag and through evaporation through the bag will make it colder.

Hope this helps.

yis

How interesting. The troop that I am with has added, ( or is trying very hard) the requiremement that an Eagle Candidate must be a Den Chief to fulfill want is needed to get Eagle. Fighting the idea on my part.

I agree with the concensus, additional requirement cannot be added.

yis

Check out the adds in this months Scouter magazine. Possibly some sources for you there.

yis

With your permission I would like to print your post and use it in an upcoming Eagle Ceremony. I promise I will change the pertinent information to protect the innocent ( or guilty ).

yis

No prob here Hops. Keep up the good work.

yis

Sorry for the delay in getting back to this thread, but life intrudes at times.

When I see new scouts, yes, I see a group of potential Eagles and enjoy the thoughts of their path to that point. But to push them into an Eagle mill that does it all for them is not the program. Many times it the expectation that they will earn their Eagle from a scouter is the push that is needed. Not the hand holding that is seen in some places, but the scouts knowledgle that they are seen to have the capability and the ability to reach Eagle and that they are expected to reach that point from someone outside the familiy.

It is True Rewards when a scout reaches Eagle when they are having to juggle all that life puts in their path and they decide that Eagle is important to them. (with some nudging at times ). Also True Rewards when they come up years later and say "Thank you for knowing that I could do it."

Eagle mills ... NO. Expectations and help... YES.

Would like scouting to reach 5 % some day but that is hopefull thinking. But the expectation should always be much higher and that is the key... the expectaion. Without that the rest falls apart.

Off the soap box

yis

ditto, JimmyD

yis

Some scouts are Eagle destined. Some are not and some need the push to get there.

We do not have Eagle advisors just ASMs or CMs that take an interest in a scout that is close but slipping. Sometimes an outside interested person is what is needed to keep the scout focused. Been there done that.

OGE, not often do I disagree with you, but...while 5 out of a 100 is not good... I do not wish that scouting gets to the point that 95% get their Eagle. That gets close to the 'Eagle Mill' sort of situation. Many scouts get close and then choose a different path (as I am sure you know) but the things and ideals that they were exposed to while a scout will go with them.

We can do better with program and instruction that is without a doubt.

All scouting can do is provide the path and help, the rest is really up to the scout.

Sorry about the soap box.

yis

There is a nicer washroom?

yis

Not been to Quetico but been to the Boundary Waters to go canoeing through an outfitter.

That said,

more film

lose deodorant

canvas shoes, no leather (ones that you would not mind leaving behing)

no cotton socks, nylon. They dry quicker.

Duct tape yes, in place of moleskin

Rain gear.... jacket no poncho

extra batteries and bulbs flashlight... maybe a spare

Bear Bag?

get campers towel instead of hand towel, hand towels are cotton and once again will never dry

Used two pair of nylon pants and shirts when up there. one set for canoeing one for camp. Worked pretty well. One stayed dry for camp and one dried overnight for canoeing.

Have a waterproof bag for personal gear that is not in the troop or group packs.

Did not see PFD on your list. Provided?

Hat, sunglasses and cords to keep them on your head.

Compass? Whistle?

Waterproof see though bag for maps. (each canoe had a set of maps just in case the rest of us got lost)

Cut down flyswatter. Adds no weight to speak of but sure was nice to have. Complete with rope.

dental floss and needle for clothing or bag repairs.

method to light stoves? spare bic lighter is a handy thing to have.

Method to hang bear bag?

Will stop here, but will keep thinking

yis

oh, if you are taking a personal pack...make sure it floats. Boys lost 2 last trip, sank like stones. Couple of pieces of styrofoam in bottm of personal pack will keep most personal packs up.

First reaction is 'Run Away, Run Away'. But on further thinking this is a great chance for your son to possibly see that the system can work for him.

That said, look around for other troops that are less combative and less full of 'I'm in charge' and let your son continue to enjoy the benefits of scouting without all the other 'stuff'. Have that as a hold card and use it if needed.

Very sorry that you and yours are going through this and hope that all goes well.

yis

There is a thread from the past you might look into.

A little garlic in my diet and lack of sodas seem to help. Also using a little sulfur powder around exposed areas seems keeps the little darlin's away.

Also being around those that attact them is a definite option.

yis

But I think you got there.

thanks

yis

From experience when a scout realizes that a knife is a tool and not a toy is about when he is capable of handling/owning one.

Kemp right on!!! A dull knife is much more dangerous than a sharp one. They will both cut but the dull one will create much more damage.

yis

Welcoome to the campfire. Pull up a log, have a soso cup of coffee and join in.

From a definite geezer. ( 40 yrs or so?)

yis