Engineer61 19 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 So, I'm feeling some of those Kudos that I laid on my SM getting retracted. Last weekend's Canoe trip resulted in at least one crew in 40 degree water. I don't like finding out that the group did something that we were specifically told they would not be doing. === Of course, I would have have allowed the trip anyway, since Scout's swimming skills are marginal at best. But that's not my call.(This message has been edited by Engineer61) Link to post Share on other sites
Beavah 205 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Chilly weather to be canoein', but not a big deal if the lads or the group are prepared. I reckon I'm north of you and I've been out this year. Water levels are fun right now. Not sure anybody could promise on a canoe trip that there won't be a capsize. Beavah Link to post Share on other sites
perdidochas 658 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Did the crew that capsized have any adverse reactions, other than simply being cold for a while? Were they prepared? If they were prepared, what's the big deal? Boys and canoes=occasional capsizing. It's half the fun. Link to post Share on other sites
shortridge 184 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I don't like finding out that the group did something that we were specifically told they would not be doing. So that there's no misinterpretation here - what exactly are you upset about? What were you told wouldn't be done? That they went canoeing in 40-degree water? Or that someone capsized? Link to post Share on other sites
Engineer61 19 Posted March 28, 2011 Author Share Posted March 28, 2011 Specifically, we were told that they would be canoeing along the perimeter of the lake. Instead, they made a crossing to get to an island in 15-20 mph winds. Waves 1-2 ft. Define prepared? Scout went in, remained in wet clothes until they returned to launch site. Fortunately he had was made to take dry clothes by Mom. Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle92 110 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Why woudl a scout not take a spare set of clothes on a trip that involves water? That's common sense and being prepared. Link to post Share on other sites
sherminator505 10 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Echoing Eagle92: Aquatic Activities = Bring Dry Clothes. As for deviating from the plan: This is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing happening on a Scout outing! Ever! I'm shocked! Link to post Share on other sites
JoeBob 606 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Paddling Cold Water Tangent: We wore wetsuits when kayaking the Colorado River in 110 degree summer days. The water temp (comming off the bottom of the lake) was 40-45 degrees cold! When a wave slapped you in the chest, it was so cold that you couldn't breathe. When we got toasty in our wetsuits, we'd just flip over to cool off. Link to post Share on other sites
packsaddle 753 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I'm with Sherm, no way we've ever switched plans in mid-stream...whistling - looking to the side, shuffling feet nervously.... Link to post Share on other sites
OldGreyEagle 5 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I would also want to know if the scouts and scouters were wearing Class II or III PFD's and if the scouts were traumatized by the change in plans? Link to post Share on other sites
resqman 108 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 Engineer61 based on numerous posts you seen to be very risk adverse. The goal of scouting it to take the lads out and challenge them. If there is no risk, then the lads will quickly tire and quit scouting. If the troop members are prepared, then most of the activities you list as being concerned about are part and parcel of scouting. The scouts are given proper training and information for a couple weeks before an outing so they can make sure they have the right gear. Then they go out and test themselves. Lighten up a little bit and give your son a chance to explore and reach beyond his backyard. Plans are guidelines on what you expect to happen in the confort of the planning room. Once on scene, you modify the plans to fit the realities of being there. If Mom is packing for Jr. and you are second guessing the SM's every decision, then the problem sounds more like helicopter parents and less like troop issues. If your son is a weak swimmer, then that is a great opportunity for you to sign him up for swimming lessons at the local pool. Link to post Share on other sites
Basementdweller 608 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 following BSA policy they should have all been in Pfd's. So they flipped....so they got wet. Now they have a great story. bet the don't do it again if the air temp was low. Gee put boys in canoes and expect them not to get wet?????? Please....... Link to post Share on other sites
shortridge 184 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 If you don't trust your son's troop leadership, either find another troop you do trust or pull him from the program. If his swimming skills are marginal, work on improving them. Define prepared? Scout went in, remained in wet clothes until they returned to launch site. Fortunately he had was made to take dry clothes by Mom. Yeah, not sure what you would have had them do in this case. Carry a sealed drybag full of clothes for everyone in the canoe and had him change in the middle of the lake? Link to post Share on other sites
Engineer61 19 Posted March 28, 2011 Author Share Posted March 28, 2011 Risk Adverse? OK...I'll buy that 100%...maybe a little more. They're kids...not Marine recruits. I'm the one that gets to foot the bill in the ER and the Courtroom when the crap hits the fan and my Scout gets injures and bio-Dad goes on a legal rampage. Or my Ex uses such an event to come after me in the Courtroom to take my son away from me. BTDT. Where there is a need to take risks, I take them. I don't take them for the adrenaline rush or the wonder of being in the great outdoors. Having been caught in an Atlantic riptide as a young age I know what life-or-death is all about. I expect the SM's do to what they say they will and won't do. Link to post Share on other sites
83Eagle 11 Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 If you live your life in fear if what might happen you never get to live what can happen. Link to post Share on other sites
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