bilgerat

OK... I realize I have violated almost every cold-weather camping rule under the sun! Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I can clearly see that much of what I have experienced has been from unintentionally poor preparation. Biggest lessons I see... NO COTTON, layer, insulate the sleeping bag from the ground (preferably with closed-cell pads, but no air mattress), "relief" bottle, eat before bed, limit/no drinking after dinner, head cover, head outside the sleeping bag, change before bed. Again, Thanks!

Beavah... 1) No caffeine - water throughout the day - don't drink coffee, sodas, etc. 2) Nothing that should affect heat regulation... I have some GI issues, so that might affect water retention in the long run 3) Camp - probably temps 20-40F with rain or light snow 4) Thermarest 5) Alpenlite XT Tent (1+1/2 man). Rain Fly and variable ventilation. Previously though - Eureka Equinox 6-man tent. Opened lower flap slightly and top vent slightly when using Black Cat 6) Blue Jeans with sweat pants under. T-Shirt, Sweat Shirt, and jacket. Gloves. Ball cap (if any) 7)Tried with new s

I need some advice. Our Troop will be participating in an upcoming Winter Camp. I've been camping in cold weather several times in the past and am having a problem on the overnight. When the outside air temp gets below about 40 deg, my body goes into some kind of "heating" mode. First of all, I start having to use the restroom about every 30 minutes or so and you'd think I drank a gallon of tea immediately prior. As the evening wears on, I start shivering with increasing intensity. This cycle continues through the night. I have noticed that my mouth/throat get very dry - not sur

Good stuff. Always interesting to look into the established "policy" on something vs. what is accepted as good practice or even folklore. If I'm reading your inputs correctly, technically there is no BSA policy stating that a Scout must have a uniform. With that said, if the uniform is worn, it must be to the standard established in the Scout handbook. Troops may not create their own version of the uniform, though many will "turn a blind eye" to the standards. BOR's, Encampments, etc. will often specify the uniform requirement for participation (Class A or Class B). Aside f

I have trouble believing this, but I'll ask anyway... Are Boy Scouts required to have a uniform by BSA policy?

Thanks to each of you for your help. I think I have a clearer picture of the role an Adult Leader should play (and not play). Also, thanks to each for the dedication you have to these Scouts. Our future is built one brick at a time - and today's youth are those bricks. SCR

Great input, all. Based on your responses, looks like shades of gray? One extreme - "Scout Puppets" where adults are really running the Troop and the Scouts respond to their direction. Other extreme - "Blind man's Bluff" - Scouts are turned loose to "figure it out" with little/no training or mentoring. Each comment brought something good to the table. I especially liked what Eagle92 said about the older Scouts training the younger ones. I think that, if they have training or abilities in the leadership area, that is definitely the way to go. On the other hand, areas where t

Question - how much should an adult Leader be involved in the Training, mentoring, or advising Scout leaders? I believe Lord Baden-Powell said something like "Do nothing that a Boy can do on his own". There are those in our Troop who feel that the Boys should learn on their own - with no adult mentoring. AJSM's are OK, but Adults should not engage. In essence, let them try, fail, and learn. The other extreme might be for the Adults to run the show and Scouts are puppets. I'm wondering - is there a middle ground? Is there a place for an Adult to act as "Adviser" to the Scout