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troutmaster

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Everything posted by troutmaster

  1. So, we have the real reason for this board. Let's hope perhaps the few who seem prone to forgetting, will get their focus back on the goal. Great post.
  2. A friend of mine gave me a booklet from a recent leadership gathering in Tennessee, and it included a number of contacts for fund raising. I was surprised that there are at least two companies, other than Trail's End. One's web site, Pecatonica River, has little info, other than a wide variety not available from Trail's End, but apparently has been being used by a few councils in the South for a number of years (www.prpopcorn.com). The other seems to have almost everything Trail's End has, at least at their site, plus a different assortment. It has councils listed from a broad area of the
  3. Remember sometime in late 50's losing a couple of corners, the second one for gouging my finger while whittling. The scar is still very clear, even today. I have been known to take corners off cards in my troop, if the scout can find his card. I even literally ripped one up once, then made the scout go through the entire knife and axe safety material again, including preparing kindling and making fuzz sticks. But, I am a mean old man.
  4. Probably Eagle, youth God and Country, Scouters Key, SM Award of Merit (NESA), adult religious, Silver Beaver. Was neve a cub scout; training award is precursor, more or less for Key; District AoM odd man out. Unlikely the total will go any higher than I already have, so would not have to change; but if something more significant occurred it could.
  5. Is there a 1st biennial record book? Have yet to see any notes about it, but perhaps just have not been in the right place.
  6. Since this thread is not really in the right place, and it is basically a "he did/said", pretty unscoutlike list of comments, can we please get rid of it? Thank you for considering this.
  7. Saw somewhere recently that the books were to be sold in regular bookstores soon. Possibly another reason for a more colorful cover. Remember when they offered the Fieldbook to the public; the cover was very different and more interesting it seemed to me.
  8. It's Camp Tahquitz for me tomorrow; first time there. But discovered the camp I attended in 1959 is right next door, but now a church camp. Plan on visiting if at all possible. Only seven scouts this year, but we will do well and have fun. We have to hang bear bags, so that should be an adventure.
  9. This weekend we are going to Camp Tahquitz, one of the only council camps without the OA. But, I found out that my original scout camp, long defunct but still there as a church venue, is right next door. The original fire ring, where I was jerked off a log and hauled to the front for a true "tap out" in 1959, is still there from what I am told. Arataba and the Wisumahi Lodge; I will go visit, and perhaps have a moment of silent renewal in the old bowl.
  10. "Original" is the 1910 two author, BP and Seton, book temporarily issued. Paper is harder to find than hard, probably due to the cove itself, but complete in either version is generally $500+ and can go over $1000. First edition came out in 1911, and had three printings that year in regular formats, the first two in olive drab, and the last in maroon. First, First can be identified by the ads in the back with Kahuna's reference work. There actually were 4 printings in 1913, all in maroon, and noted as 5th-8th printings by Kahuna. There are a lot of oddities in the very early years, such a
  11. All you guys from the same area is interesting; just another reflection of what I have heard of the strength of the old San Fernando Valley Council and lodge. I reentered scouting as an adult a bit later in Canoga Park; but it was now the Great Western Council. Met a lot of die-hard SFC guys the year and half I was there. I did my first adult training at Camp Slauson as part of the infamous Patron Group; still have my flag, neckerchief, slide, and buckle. Served on the staff later, before moving to Ventura County Council in 1977. It was a story told by (Mike,?; old age again)Smith at the
  12. David; I too found it to be lacking in depth. Felt she did not support many of her inuendos very well. Also, she danced all around Seton's tendency towards persecution, but never really dealt with it. I have read a half dozen or more BP biographies, and came to the conclusion that BP, while certainly borrowing from others, used it in a more viable manner which led to the Boy Scouts' success. Overall, BP appears to me to have been fairly typical in his attitudes and approach to things as most men of his position in English society from that period. Seton, on the other hand, has always stru
  13. While in London, try to do the Tower too. I would think kids would be very interested in the myriad war ephemera, including the elephant armor. And of course there are the ghosts of the tower to consider. Also, if time allows, even in passing; observe the "stump" speakers and various exhibitionists in Hyde Park, if you come upon them.
  14. Just finished reading (or re-reading?; thought I had but was not overly familiar) Black Wolf, by Keller. It is a biography of Seton and focuses mostly on his personal life. There is direct mention of his disagreements with B.P. and the BSA, but it generally talks about his work and family life. Still, good read.
  15. If you can find a copy of the book BE PREPARED, by Cochran, read it. He deals early on with some boys, Eagles, he inherits from a previous leader. He very soon is suspicious of some of their "skills". Good perspective on this particular issue.
  16. Because I was a scout and felt a need: Pioneer Hike (8-04-83) Reflecting on the scouting way, while set alone within the wood; I saw the boy that once was me who sought to grow, be understood. But now its someone else's son whose youthful zeal rings through the trees, who looks to Me to understand, to see the way He sees. Thus, the cycle has come around, the scouting boy became a man; and what he learned within his youth, he returns, the bes
  17. Stosh; Interestingly, in more cases than you would think, the star sports player is in scouts, and the best often become Eagle. Same goes for academic successes. They may not talk about being in scouts if they are into athletics, but in our area many are. In relation to the retention discussion, I wonder if we should be looking at the activities that keep the lesser goal oriented scouts interested. It seems to me that a lot of discussions focus too much on how to get them to stay and become Eagle, rather than simply make the program fun for as many as possible, whether they are
  18. In regard to non-traditional merit badges, should we be looking at better utilization of camp properties by perhaps using camps for non-traditional themes during off season use, or early and late season? Could we, for example, arrange to have a specialty camp set up, inviting both scouts and non-scouts, and include related merit badges for scouts, but also certificates and so on for all in the skills or activities? Would we find takers from other groups who might want to do something like this, but do not have easy access to a property to handle it? Would it be another cooperative way to en
  19. Titles I have in my collection; A Boy Scout with the Sea Devil, Scout Naturalists in the Rocky Mountains, A Boy Scout Round the World, Fliver to Cambodia, Boy Scouts and the Oregon Trail, My Hike, Three Scout Naturalists in the National Parks, Boy Scouts in the Grizzly Country, Two Green Bars (based on true events), Zuni Masks (story of Koshare Dancers), Antarctic Scout, 90 degrees South (Paul Siple), A Boy Scout with Byrd; Dark Sky, Dark Land (Hmong, Troop 100); and Be Prepared (based on a scoutmasters tenure in the 40's). There also are a number of miscellaneous local histories out there, a
  20. David; I too find the quote you share from a Hillcourt interview to be interesting. I have just spent almost an hour reviewing the Peterson book, and cannot find the interview. Can you tell me where you read it please? I would like to get a copy for my historical collection. Thanks.
  21. On the subject of books: I have found many of the "real" scout adventure books from the 20's and 30's. Some of these stories are truly inspiring, others seem in retrospect to demonstrate fortunate outcomes in questionable endeavors. But, these were things young men did in that period of our history, even non-scouts. I think the most amazing book is one by a South American scout called MY HIKE. He, and two others started out from Buenos Aires to hike to New York City. He actually completed the journey; one of the others died, and the second one had to be carried out. Foolish; very possib
  22. When, while reviewing adult med forms for camp check in, you notice that the parents along to help were not yet born when you graduated high school. Or, when a student in a class in which you are subbing says you are older than his "grandparents".
  23. Out here in the radical West, we still have lots of issues with GPS devices, cell phones, and so on; even though it seems some of these things are permanent attachments to certain individuals. There are a lot of mountains and canyons out here, some of which are really deep or high. Lots of places where signals simply disappear. At our scout camp, people with cell phones have to hike out into a wide open area, or clear up on a ridge to get service sometimes. GPS is a wonderful thing, but if the batteries go bad, or you are in a canyon, they will be pretty much useless. So, you better have
  24. John-in-KC; Never heard that one, "heaven to breakfast". Does it have definition; and do you know the derivitive? Just curious. YIS
  25. In our area, S. Cal., it is becoming more common as an "option", and reduces the cost per scout. At least one camp has it as required; but they also had the absolute lowest cost. They have since gone to only Cub activities in summer, and weekend use. I know that the cost of the large wall tents is escalating, and the abuse of them seems to be more common as well unfortuneately. Another disheartening stat, disrespect for property and abuse of privilege is growing. And so, another challenge for our "outdated" program. JMHO
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