desertrat77

@Kudu, good to see you!

@Olaf, welcome to Scouter.com!

Mike, if I could "green arrow" your post multiple times, I would. I was a brand new Tenderfoot in 74, finished in 81 as an Eagle/JASM, and you described my scouting experience perfectly. Despite the profound flaws of the ISP, my various SMs provided an outdoor-driven program, just as you outlined. Thank you for staying the course and ensuring we scouts got through

In my part of the world, the girls who joined Scouts BSA on Day 1, and their leaders, are go-getters. No grass growing under their feet. They know what they have to do, and they're doing it. Legitimately.

At our council scout shop, I stumbled on an official, new, recent issue BSA hatchet. Beautifully crafted, wooden handle, forged head, made in the USA. I bought it and it's a joy to use. Last I checked you can also buy them online from the scout stuff/scout shop. Check ebay for the old Ulster and Camillus scout knives. I regularly see decent daily users for 20 - 30 bucks.

Believe it or not, your proposal was indeed a "thing" in the '70s. It wasn't common but it did happen. I didn't see it myself but I know of others who witnessed it. There were times I saw clothing choices of that era that were, shall we say, minimal and revealing....

I understand your position, I just don't agree with it. With all due respect, this color issue is an artificial construct. We shouldn't wear certain colors because they might offend someone? What does that have to do with flora and fauna? Nothing. Equating a loud shirt with loud music and such is truly apples/oranges, and ultimately detracts from what LNT is trying to achieve. It just comes across as judgmental and another rule to follow. "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints." Congratulations, print a certificate of your choice, put your 200 dollars back i

I agree...but are bright colors part of the annihilation process? I recommend we focus on the big issues concerning our planet, and leave color choices and free will to each man and woman. Otherwise, LNT and other worthy movements get tuned out because they are perceived as just another bunch of rules and regulations and judgment from others--the very things we are mostly trying to escape when we hoist the pack on our back at the trail head.

I started backpacking in the '70s. There were plenty of funky, loud backpacks and tents. And the clothes! Remember the stars and stripes/red/white/blue external frame packs? I've always wanted one of those. But I digress. When I was backpacking as a scout back then and encountered other folks on the trail, be they earthy Ecology types, hippies, or Joe or Jane Citizen, not once, not ever, was there an issue about bright colors. There was always a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie, even for just a couple seconds in passing, or we might stop and visit a spell. Scouts, "squares"

Agreed, buy it there. I can't recall the exact cost, but it's very reasonable. And it's one less thing to coordinate prior to arrival.

@Greek15, welcome to scouter.com!

@Bobbylefebvre, welcome to scouter.com!

@RLundgren, welcome to scouter.com!

ASM patrol advisors...a horrible concept. For both scout and scouter. As I look back, I value my patrol leader experience (Stampeding Antelopes) because the adults gave me plenty of leeway to succeed or fail. And I failed quite a bit early on, sometimes in a blaze of glory. When I needed anything, the SPL was the one who chatted with me. This made me a better patrol leader and then a more squared away SPL down the road. ASMs? They were mysterious adults who camped with us and took care of stuff like driving, things we scouts couldn't do. They kept their distance, and on rare oc

Saltface, thanks for your post, I was unaware this was happening. Kind of a shock. I was in Catalina Council as a youth...summer camp, OA, Eagle. It will be interesting to see if GCC closes Catalina's Camp Lawton. Though I have fond memories of Lawton from my days as a scout, when I visited a couple years ago I was surprised at how run down it looked. Sad to see these old councils go but it's a sign of the times.

I'm sure the hike will be a draw for many PTC attendees. I've thought about signing up for PTC courses in the past, but didn't because of how difficult it would be to sit in a classroom with Philmont Scout Ranch "right there." A solid hike to the Tooth and back would be icing on the cake.

Congratulations Chief, you're going to remember this summer for the rest of your life! I was a staffer at Camp Gorsuch in Chugiak, Alaska, 78 - 80. Many, many wonderful memories. The suggestions above are spot on. But I'll second @Eagle94-A1's insight: bring a positive mental attitude. It rained almost every day at Camp Gorsuch, but we staffers put a brave face on it, joked about it, and carried on anyway. The campers picked up on it and were encouraged and positive as well. Later in the summer, please pass along your thoughts and stories, we'd like to hear about them!

Good points...I forgot to mention I was referring also to the epaulets/shoulder straps themselves; removing them from the shirt design would save money. All they do is keep the OA sash from falling.

Very true. Unit/district/council/National distinctions via shoulder loops is nothing but foppery. Uniforms might cost a tad less without them.

Yes indeed, red berets and the colorful rank and patrol patches started circa 72. The pants, shirts and shorts were simplified in design and made of lighter materials. A couple washings and they were like pajamas. Then the Oscar D uniforms appeared in 80. I think they were a moderate improvement over the 72 - 79 era. Except Oscar introduced those abominable epaulets, a completely unnecessary contrivance for scout uniforms.

Camping is the heart of scouting.

@MattR, thanks for the excellent insights. I'm seeing the same dynamics in my neck of the woods. If it isn't organized by adults, and if it involves any hardship, most scouts aren't interested. There are crews in our council that are active and have the high adventure spirit, and they are already committed to various treks each and every summer. That's some good news! When I was a youth, I would have given anything to be in a program designed like Venturing.

RS, right on the money. As a youth, I staffed at Camp Gorsuch, Alaska. Scott Powell was the camp director, a truly magnificent gentleman and scouter. Be it staff week or the opening campfire each session, this was what he shared with all scouts: "I don't believe in a long list of rules. The 'rules' at Camp Gorsuch are the Scout Oath and Law. Life by those principles and we are sure to have a great summer." That's all he said. And it worked.

A couple years ago, at a district dinner, I overheard two scouts talking about how long they've been in scouting. One said to another: "Do you know how long I've been doing this cr*p?" Both were Star Scouts.

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