Comments on MArooned: Camporee AAR...

"On the hook for Boy Scouts", eh? Did y...

2012-01-31T08:39:49.848-05:00

"On the hook for Boy Scouts", eh? Did you ever think you wouldn't be? :) My boy is about to cross over to Scouts this March, as well. We're already planning our summer camp trip. He'll be going with his new troop for a week, and I'll be going to get my SALT training. I honestly can't wait!

Wait - was this the one held at Harvard Sportsmen&...

2012-01-30T06:50:55.689-05:00

Wait - was this the one held at Harvard Sportsmen's Club? I know the club was closed this weekend so the Scouts could use the grounds.

We just spent a night out in the OH winter. Night ...

2012-01-29T22:49:36.616-05:00

We just spent a night out in the OH winter. Night was beautiful.

20 scouts spent the night, 29 participated in the Council Klondike Derby. And my son's patrol (of which he's the Patrol Leader) WON!! :) Proud Daddy, and Scoutmaster. (Yeah, I got hooked too.)

the Boy Scouts were camping out, even in Januar...

2012-01-29T17:53:38.772-05:00
the Boy Scouts were camping out, even in January

Yup. When I was a Scout the whole troop camped once a month, winter and summer, rain or shine. Smaller groups - single patrols or leaders only - had additional campouts. We really got to practice the skills they taught us.

The only month we didn't camp was the time the town's water lines froze up. We were busy delivering water to shut-ins who didn't have any way to get water elsewhere.

Plus, the Boy Scouts are considered a paramilitary...

2012-01-29T14:58:53.770-05:00
Plus, the Boy Scouts are considered a paramilitary style group, with emphasis on preparedness, wilderness survival, and a strong showing for the shooting sports. That means you can get on more government lists! JayG, the famous blogger! Its like a DHS trifecta!

Seriously, though, I learned a LOT in the Scouts. I had both kinds of Troop (we went through some re-organizing when I was about 16) and I learned what NOT to do as well. Guys that care are the core of the group, and the more involved parents are, the better the Troop does. I had a lousy group of leaders at first, and parents who considered Scouts to be some sort of babysitterless night out. When we got some real leaders, and involved parents, the whole thing got a lot better.

I let you in on a little secret - scouting depends...

2012-01-29T14:25:38.043-05:00
I let you in on a little secret - scouting depends on guys like you getting hooked. Adult leaders who get hooked and stay involved are the lifeblood of the organization.

All the boys in the world who love camping, hiking, etc. cannot sustain a scout troop without dedicated, involved adult leaders.

Welcome to the collective - you have been assimilated...

The guys in my troop were the best bunch of pyros ...

2012-01-29T14:22:59.461-05:00
The guys in my troop were the best bunch of pyros I ever hung out with. And it's a great chance for you to still be a part of his world while he's growing up and begins to doubt the omniscience and omnipotence of his father.

Yup. Scouting = good stuff.

2012-01-29T13:50:11.050-05:00
Yup. Scouting = good stuff.

You're raising a good one, Jay. It's somet...

2012-01-29T13:42:36.810-05:00
You're raising a good one, Jay. It's something to be proud of. Next thing you know, he'll be getting his Eagle.

So much more better than Cubs. I'm sorry, but ...

2012-01-29T13:23:18.390-05:00
So much more better than Cubs. I'm sorry, but it is. Scouting done well is fun for boys and adults. Not to mention all the good stuff you learn and the values being passed along.

Camporees are awesome! And you learn lots of cool ...

2012-01-29T13:08:48.453-05:00
Camporees are awesome! And you learn lots of cool skills.