CRK7376

I carry a Katadyn Hiker as do 2 other leaders in our troop. I also carry a Steripen UV filter. Got that at a military trade show for free! What deal. All I have to do is keep it in 4xAA batteries.

For more years than I care to remember, I've carried an Army canteen cup and 1 qt canteen fits perfectly. I like the titanium spork, canteen cup serves as food plater and drink container. I've recently bought the spork/spatula combo from REI, haven't tried it on a major trail trip yet. I also like my old Peak 1 pot/lid combo. The Coleman Peak 1 stove has long ago burned out, but the pot/lid combo is perfect for cooking, and carrying various MSR stove components. I still have a great set of Nesting Billies from England that I bought back in the early '80s, the medium pot and fry pan lid are great except when a kid tries to do pancakes....

One of the items listed that Crews need to bring ontheir Philmont Trek is a shovel. Our Crew are all 1st timers to Philmont. What kind of shovel are they talking about? An Army folding shovel, good but heavy, small gardening trowel, BSA Spade? What about cooking pots, did you use Philmont gear or bring your own. WHat size works best? Thanks for the help.

To me, there are three symbols - the Eagle Patch, Eagle Medal or the Eagle Knot. Rest is gravy. Although a Vigil triangle is also pretty important, especially those on the youth, or earned when you were a youth.

Back when I was on a Waterfront Staff, one of the staff mom's made a Nautical themed neckerchief for the Waterfront Staff. I still wear that neckerchief sometimes. Take it to all the Staff reunions too.

Had a buddy in Korea get our Philmont Crew patches for the new shirt sewn with Troop number, crew number and our location. They look great!

Started with the old folding hat in the early 70s. Hated it, ABSOLUTELY hated the beret, never owned one. Now of course Uncle Sam makes me wear one daily...Favorite was a Staff ball camp from summer camp. Older, wiser, less hair, I prefer a good booney cap for shade and protection. I do also like the Smokey Bear and/or green stetson...great place for pins from other councils, overseas units etc...

Not until after I cut out the black belt and replaced it with a good leather Scout belt. Oh well, pants still ok.

Brown garters, green and red tabs. Remember them well, still have set of each in my suitcase of Scout stuff.

Jury is still out on the new uniform. I will be wearing one at Philmont this summer. I still have fond memories of my olive, fold down, red piping pocket pants and shorts from the early 70s. Liked the collared olive shirt too. Hated the collarless one, finally got rid of it to our lending closet a few years ago. Probably should have hung onto it though. Still wear an old late 70s Explorer shirt sometimes, but the buttons will hurt somebody shooting off the chest and belly regions if I'm not careful.....

I'm livid about prices....rural and less well to do Scouts seem to suffer. Me being one of them. I do like the new polyester shirt, not crazy about the pocket on the sleeve, just like my military ACU. Pants good, but cost to much and way to long. I noticed new pants are out that require hemming, but got rid of the zipper at the bottom of the leg. Our recommendatons to new Troop members, get the shirt, a troop necherchief and maybe a scout belt. Don't start going for full uniform until young scout becomes fully involved and stops growing some. Having to replace an outgrown uniform 6 months after being purchased gets tough for many scout families, even with a trading/lending closet. I wish they had stuck with the old olive green uniforms, new materials of course. I'm just not an olive/khaki combo fan...

I've got a Polar Bear Badge from Far East Council while camping with my troop in Korea. Any night where temps drop to 32 degrees or colder = Polar Bear badges. My current troop does the same thing along with giving each participant a purple bead.