roguedawg

Back in the mid 1980's, we had a good relationship with a couple that ran a military surplus store out of Elmira, NY. The used to give us awesome deals on items that did not sell. So they gave us about 65 campaign hats for $20. Most were for small heads (boys) and they thought that our troop could use them. Some were in poor shape which were for camp outs and the nice ones were kept for special ocassions. So everybody in the troop got a couple hats. Other troops got some as well. We had a parade and most of the people that marched was wearing a Campaign Hat. We looked sharp! RD

When we were on a campout back in the 1990's, one of the scouts in my troop brought out a porno book. One of the leaders confiscated it and used a black Elmarko marker to "Censor" it. He complained that we ruined his personal property. We then told him to complain to his parents and see where it would get him. So we did not have any more problems like this happen again. The troop leadership did not make a big deal over it. Was it wrong? Yes. Did it happen again? No? So back to a scout is "Clean". RD

Infectious Disease Merit Badge??? Sound like a good idea for a new Merit Badge Game. The badge would have a green boarder, an orange background, and the black "biological hazard" symbol. But that is another topic to be posted. RD

I PM'ed someone this story, but I though I would share a laugh with everyone with the story. When I just joined the National Guard, I was sent to supply to get a shelf stretcher for our equipment room. I went and asked for one. My cousin happened to be working that day. She told me that there wasn't any such thing as a shelf stretcher. I winked and said, "It is shelf stretcher duty or latrine duty." "Oh, it's in the motor pool! I'll go get it right now." So I spent all morning looking for it. I would be instructed to go to another location and upon leaving the room everyone would l

In my old troop we awarded the "Wooden Knife Award" to one of the scouts. He had the habit of cutting himself with his knife quite often. He even cut himself teaching the younger scouts the toten-chip class. When we was awarded the "Wooden Knife" award he accepted it, but he pulled his hand back and did not say "Thank you". He ended up getting a sliver in his finger in front of the entire troop. It even drew blood. That just made if even funnier. RD

I don't think it woul be a wise idea to have two naked boys in the same sleeping bad. Even if the second scout volunteered. Sounds like a lawsuit ready to happen. Oh I understand the skin on skin contact and agree it is one of the best ways to warm up someone. I would think a lot of warm liquids to be drank, a warm building close to a stove, and dry clothes or if the boy is not real bad, in his underwear close to the wire or stove. One polar bear we got woke up about 6 am to a scout that was sitting up in his underwear wearing an Army wool blanket. He was muttering stuff about be

Out troop had some issues back years ago where scouts were accussing other scouts of "stealing" money when we were on a trip to Gettyburg. We as leaders saw that certain boys that got their money "stolen" also bought several items as well. So we figured that they money had not been stolen to begin with, but rather spent unwisely on soveneirs and ice cream. Anyways, we had the SPL hold a quick meeting and the boys decided that an adult collects everybody's money and acts as the banker. So my brother acted as the banker and each scout asked what he wanted to be removed from his funds for e

The president is still the president. You should hold the man up in prayer if you like him or not. He is still "THE MAN." I seem to remember that it is up to the people to take care of themselves, not the government. It is up to people to take care of their neighbors as well. Even if the man was prefect in every way, he can't fix the mess we are in. It took years to get here and it will take years to get out of it. scoutldr is correct. Keep your debt down, pay off your bills and credit cards. Invest into something secure, like farmland so you can at least feed your family. Plant

I forgot all about being on a summer camp staff. At some camps, you can take a few merit badges each week as well as work at camp on staff. You could take the aquatics - swimming, lifesaving, canoeing, and rowing. You could take campcrafts - camping, pioneering, cooking, and orienteering. Field sports - Rifle, Blackpowder, Archery, and Shotgun. You get the idea - take one from each area each week. If camp runs 4 weeks, you may be able to earn 4-8 MB's. Don't forget to enjoy yourself. RD

Glad to see you are back into scouts. Being 16 years old, you should be able to rip through many badges. You have a lot of ground to make up, but it is doable. Just make sure that you are having fun as well as completing your MB's. Good luck. RD

If the silk screen patch wears out like you say it might, then national would just have to have a patch made up to cover the silk screen patch. RD

We had a family in my troop that repeatedly kept threatening to sue the troop leaders, sponsoring organization, and the council. After a few years of this, they were asked to leave the troop by ALL of the leaders and parents. I was a scout at the time, but I knew something was going on. All I knew was that the troop ran better without them and they were not missed. I think there were butt prints left on the door as well. I also knew of one leader that constantly yelled at the boys. Nobody could stand the man. He made the mistake of yelling at me once and never did it again. So I gu

We used tarps for years, so I have not idea what direction is best. We had our tents facing all sorts of directions, mostly towards the campfire. When I was on camp staff, one of the kitchen workers would wiz in front of his buddy's tent. His buddy would get up, barefoot, and roll up his tent flaps. He would often mention that the "dew was really heavy that night." RD

J-dawg168, We had some scouts in my troop that were in the same situation. Being put back into a patrol was like being demoted. We put them in the Leadership Corp and let them take on specialized leadership details. They would take on a detail and plan it out as their schedule fits. When I was in the LC, we ended up helping out smaller troops train up their scouts. They usually had a SM, a ASM and perhaps 7-10 scouts. If the boys were young and inexperienced, they needed an older scout to show how a patrol/troop should be run. Consider yourself a "leader on loan" to another t

I can't believe there is an issue here. As a leader, you are teaching the boys to smoke or not to smoke by your actions. I had a few smokers in my outpost. I asked them what they loved more, the boys or the habit. They quit smoking. I did not mandate for them to quit, since they have to make that decision on their own. The same goes for drinking, drugs, swearing, over-eating and a entire list of bad habits. Does one need to smoke? I was told by a wise man this, "If a person needs a smoke, a drink, a fancy car to feel cool or have an ego lift, where is their ego to begin with?"