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Boy Scouts
- Thread starter rdgarbo
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 29, 2008
- Messages
- 1,021
I was a boy scout ...made life rank(got too old too quick)...I am/ was a member of the order of the arrow..for my gear..I was the guy who had the least amount of crap...I had an old vietnam jungle hammock...I used a ka-br, used mre's, and used an alice pack med, when I got older I taught wilderness survial and pioneering badge at summer camp...we were only allowed to have small folding knives but I always took a ka-bar and told them to kick me out if they did not like it...I did not like the idea of a knife blade folding up on my fingers or breaking when battioning...my troop got kicked out of sea base camp one year for improvised fireworks using match heads and bamboo....I guess we deserved it the other campers didnt think it was so funny to have their stuff boobytraped...oh well good times ...pine tree patrol,troop 131...then 431 cary nc...our rivals were orange crush patrol...fuquay nc....
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2005
- Messages
- 1,836
I was a Boy Scout when I was younger, and I credit the time I spent with them with at least some of my life-long love of the outdoors. I also learned many of my first outdoor skills with the scouts. Using a knife and axe safely, knot tieing, firemaking and cooking, map reading and orienteering.
As far as gear, ugh! Big, heavy canvas tents, "kapok" filled sleeping bags, and air matresses that deflated in the middle of the night. If I had not been having so much fun, I might have been miserable.
As far as gear, ugh! Big, heavy canvas tents, "kapok" filled sleeping bags, and air matresses that deflated in the middle of the night. If I had not been having so much fun, I might have been miserable.
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2007
- Messages
- 6,347
I remember a night with an old cotton sleeping bag in a leaking tent. That beauty sucked up the juices like a tampon. The gift that keeps on giving... having to pack that leaden, soggy thing back out. I learned a thing or two about prepping a tent site and fabrics that weekend.
Jeff
Jeff
I was a Boy Scout in the days of canvas miner's tents with no floors and leaked if you touched the inside during a rain. Of course, to see if that was true we ...touched the inside during a rain...Old cheap sleeping bags, and the standard cook kit and scout canteen.
I did have an official scout fixed blade knife and hatchet in a combination sheath. I think it was called "Kit Carson" or something like that.
I loved my time in the scouts and learned about fatwood(rich pine) shinny sticks and knots. Lost one corner of my "Totin' Chip" and had lots of fun.
My son hopefully will make Eagle within the next year or so. I have relived some of my youth accompanying his troop on campouts and have actually taught them a few things from my experience over 40 years ago.
Last fall, he and some others were working on their "Wilderness Survival" merit badge so I went along on the campout and I slept under a tarp shelter I constructed just for the experience. It was fun even at the advanced age of 54.
Boy Scouts has changed but it is still a great organization that teaches alot of very useful skills.
I did have an official scout fixed blade knife and hatchet in a combination sheath. I think it was called "Kit Carson" or something like that.
I loved my time in the scouts and learned about fatwood(rich pine) shinny sticks and knots. Lost one corner of my "Totin' Chip" and had lots of fun.
My son hopefully will make Eagle within the next year or so. I have relived some of my youth accompanying his troop on campouts and have actually taught them a few things from my experience over 40 years ago.
Last fall, he and some others were working on their "Wilderness Survival" merit badge so I went along on the campout and I slept under a tarp shelter I constructed just for the experience. It was fun even at the advanced age of 54.
Boy Scouts has changed but it is still a great organization that teaches alot of very useful skills.
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2009
- Messages
- 4,212
Eagle Scout here.
Best/worst experience was our 11 day canoe trip from the Charles L. Somers canoe base. It was a true adventure after our guide Sam got sick. He caught giardia; he was convinced he had been drinking the water long enough that it wouldn’t borther him. After he burnt up 1.5 of our 2 emergency radio batteries and got flown out to a warm bed, we were on our own. 8 guys from Missouri navigating a place in Canada they had never been before. I let someone else navigate; I learned my lesson, we got lost. We had to do a 3 day trip in 2 days to finish it out. Spirits weren’t high again until we got back to a hot shower. Wouldn’t trade that trip for anything. Great experience.
We met some funny characters along the way. Group of urban kids from St. Louis, the leader of which couldn’t get off his satellite phone long enough to talk to anyone. They paid extra for the Kevlar canoes (we were jealous and wishing we had). When one of the guys was picking up a canoe to portage I noticed it had been run up on the rocks so many times you could almost read a newspaper through it. Oops.
Best/worst experience was our 11 day canoe trip from the Charles L. Somers canoe base. It was a true adventure after our guide Sam got sick. He caught giardia; he was convinced he had been drinking the water long enough that it wouldn’t borther him. After he burnt up 1.5 of our 2 emergency radio batteries and got flown out to a warm bed, we were on our own. 8 guys from Missouri navigating a place in Canada they had never been before. I let someone else navigate; I learned my lesson, we got lost. We had to do a 3 day trip in 2 days to finish it out. Spirits weren’t high again until we got back to a hot shower. Wouldn’t trade that trip for anything. Great experience.
We met some funny characters along the way. Group of urban kids from St. Louis, the leader of which couldn’t get off his satellite phone long enough to talk to anyone. They paid extra for the Kevlar canoes (we were jealous and wishing we had). When one of the guys was picking up a canoe to portage I noticed it had been run up on the rocks so many times you could almost read a newspaper through it. Oops.
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2008
- Messages
- 10,394
Eagle scout. 
Best experience was planning a camp out that happened to rain the entire weekend. On the same camp out I did a 10 mile mountain bike trail in flip flops and swim trunks.
Worst experience was a "one pot meal" meal made out of soy product sausage and fake eggs that was all burned together.
Best experience was planning a camp out that happened to rain the entire weekend. On the same camp out I did a 10 mile mountain bike trail in flip flops and swim trunks.
Worst experience was a "one pot meal" meal made out of soy product sausage and fake eggs that was all burned together.
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2008
- Messages
- 10,394
A lot of them just didn't eat it. I pecked at a few bits of sausage and eggs. Then we had hot dogs for lunch, there weren't any leftovers.
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2009
- Messages
- 758
Blah, I was only a cub scout.
My troop ran out of money in my second year! We had only made one trip to a cliff to practice rope climbing by that point.
I did however have a great learning experience. After spending an hour sanding my car for the pine box derby, I learned that there is a front and back side to sand paper. I didn't realize it until the pins and needles feeling in my hand showed up.
My troop ran out of money in my second year! We had only made one trip to a cliff to practice rope climbing by that point.
I did however have a great learning experience. After spending an hour sanding my car for the pine box derby, I learned that there is a front and back side to sand paper. I didn't realize it until the pins and needles feeling in my hand showed up.
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2008
- Messages
- 2,012
went through beavers, cubs and scouts until 13, then air cadets.
Our Dad was a leader for all 3 of us boys aka Hawkeye
best scout memory was the Pacific Scout Jamboree, one whole week and very well organized. Opted for the "knifemaking" and for an hour a day we cobbled together Grohmann #1 knifekits. Still have the knife and it has seen some use. My first kit knife at 11 yrs old.
Our Dad was a leader for all 3 of us boys aka Hawkeye
best scout memory was the Pacific Scout Jamboree, one whole week and very well organized. Opted for the "knifemaking" and for an hour a day we cobbled together Grohmann #1 knifekits. Still have the knife and it has seen some use. My first kit knife at 11 yrs old.
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2010
- Messages
- 380
My worst time was on the "Wildnerness Survival" trip, we were cold and wet, but we did manage to get a fire going...that was nice. I liked the meals we had and sitting by the fire at night. I still have my canvas boy scout pack and my home made first aid kit...it was in a metal band aid box painted orange.
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2000
- Messages
- 466
Was in for one campout when I was around 12 or 13? Got kicked out, lol. I took a pellet pistol and got caught.
I tried to get my older boy (now 15) in but he didn't want to. Now my little one (7) wants in the Cub Scouts. Going to get him signed up soon. I'm hoping to maybe go along and help out on some of their activities...
I tried to get my older boy (now 15) in but he didn't want to. Now my little one (7) wants in the Cub Scouts. Going to get him signed up soon. I'm hoping to maybe go along and help out on some of their activities...
I just remembered what might be considered a "worst" but fortunately I was sick and missed it. Seems like some of the scouts were playing around the RR tracks and laid a piece of metal across the tracks. This caused the signals to indicate a train on the tracks and the end result was each scout received a home visit from the RR reps the next week.
Nobody was trying to cause a problem but that was the result.
Our scoutmaster eventually left to become a whitewater rafting guide in Arkansas and our troop never got another scoutmaster.
Nobody was trying to cause a problem but that was the result.
Our scoutmaster eventually left to become a whitewater rafting guide in Arkansas and our troop never got another scoutmaster.
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2008
- Messages
- 745
I'm a current explorer scout (in the UK you are a beaver from 6-8, cubs from 8-10 1/2, scouts from 10 1/2-14, and then explorers from 14-18, after which you can join "the network", as I will have to soon, till you are 25, along with training to become a leader)
my worst camp was a district camping competition, when I was almost 14. I was patrol leader, in charge of one of the two teams, neither of which had been particually well chosen. my team consisted of myself, my APL (who was great), one other older scout, and three younger guys.
the younger guy's had the attention span of a gnat, little clue about camping, and seemed to be absent basic scouting skills that they should have had to be on the team (like basic knotwork, and how to put up a tent). add to this my other older scout decided to label them, to their faces, the "less ables" and so make himself, the APL and myself unpopular, and you can see not much was going to go right. I spent most of the time trying to get them to listen to basic instructions, so they could actually do something other than sit around and drink tea, complaining they didn't know how to do things.
my best camp was probably when I went to the Hampshire Scout Expeditions Lake district trip last year. because there where only four of us (and two of the others where allready good mates of mine) who where not either part of the outgoing expedition team, or adults, we got fairly good freedom to choose which activites we wanted to try, and where far more involved in the planning and setup than the year before (when there where 10-15 of us) and the guys leading us where far more able to explain slightly more advanced techniques.
this year I'm going again, but this time as part of the expedition team.
and our group still use the canvas patrol tents, and honestly, I don't mind them. atleast they don't get condensation inside like the dome tents do when it's cold.....
my worst camp was a district camping competition, when I was almost 14. I was patrol leader, in charge of one of the two teams, neither of which had been particually well chosen. my team consisted of myself, my APL (who was great), one other older scout, and three younger guys.
the younger guy's had the attention span of a gnat, little clue about camping, and seemed to be absent basic scouting skills that they should have had to be on the team (like basic knotwork, and how to put up a tent). add to this my other older scout decided to label them, to their faces, the "less ables" and so make himself, the APL and myself unpopular, and you can see not much was going to go right. I spent most of the time trying to get them to listen to basic instructions, so they could actually do something other than sit around and drink tea, complaining they didn't know how to do things.
my best camp was probably when I went to the Hampshire Scout Expeditions Lake district trip last year. because there where only four of us (and two of the others where allready good mates of mine) who where not either part of the outgoing expedition team, or adults, we got fairly good freedom to choose which activites we wanted to try, and where far more involved in the planning and setup than the year before (when there where 10-15 of us) and the guys leading us where far more able to explain slightly more advanced techniques.
this year I'm going again, but this time as part of the expedition team.
and our group still use the canvas patrol tents, and honestly, I don't mind them. atleast they don't get condensation inside like the dome tents do when it's cold.....
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Eagle Scout
It was actually my desire for a pocket knife that got me into cub scouts in the second grade. I remember seeing a couple of other boys with their little blue cub scout knives and thinking "how do I get one of those!?"
I loved it and stuck with it all the way through highschool. I was lucky enough to be in a really active troop. We went camping or backpacking twice a month religiously for the better part of ten years and that's not even counting summer and winter camps.
I have two kids now and can't wait until they're old enough to take camping! I'm not going to make him do it if he doesn't want to but I do hope my son will be interested in scouting when he's a little older (he's only one
)
It was actually my desire for a pocket knife that got me into cub scouts in the second grade. I remember seeing a couple of other boys with their little blue cub scout knives and thinking "how do I get one of those!?"
I loved it and stuck with it all the way through highschool. I was lucky enough to be in a really active troop. We went camping or backpacking twice a month religiously for the better part of ten years and that's not even counting summer and winter camps.
I have two kids now and can't wait until they're old enough to take camping! I'm not going to make him do it if he doesn't want to but I do hope my son will be interested in scouting when he's a little older (he's only one
)
I was a cub, scout, explorer, SAR explorer, and a scout master for about 32 years (as SM). I have around 320 nights on the ground. 7 nights in Igloos I made. 33 week long hike/campouts. I know there must have been some BAD days, but I do not remember them. I look back on those times with great memeries. Yes we camped wet, and cold, hot, and dry. I had some very capable and very great boys. We went on many high adventure outlings. Only bagged out twice. One was a failed Igloo trip (no igloos) and one was with a group of very un-prepared boys who showed up on a dry (no snow) -14 deg night with a 50 mph wind. ( wind chill down around -60 ?). I just told them to go home. I have only good memories. That is why I am here.
TXBulldawg
Basic Member
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2008
- Messages
- 118
Cub Scout then Boy Scout until 18. Police Explorer from 15 to 21.
Troop 317, Richardson, TX. We didn't do a lot of hiking and hard & heavy survival stuff. I think our 400lb+ scoutmaster was somewhat of a limitation, so we learned the fine art of car camping for the most part. We sure did eat good, though.
I wasn't interested in ranks & merit badges in Boy Scouts. I was in it for the camping, pure & simple. I only made 1st Class and had a total of three merit badges - First Aid, Emergency Prep, and Rifle Shooting. (Probably why I always packed too damn heavy... should've taken more classes!)
I used combat boots, BDUs, etc. Had a large Alice pack that I never want to see again. Outside of the rambo wannabe crap, my Coleman Peak 1 backpack was a pretty good pack, but I never was 100% happy with its configuration. Sleeping bags were generally some inexpensive synthetic models that did the job. Everyone had foam pads then, didn't see any inflatables until later. Tents were usually the three-man dome type tents, some good, some not so good. Raingear was always a poncho of some sort, and pack covers were usually trash bags. Spare trash bags were used as ponchos by the kids who either forgot or just didn't have one.
Knives were usually SAKs, the occasional Buck, Ka Bars, USAF Pilot knives, and various hunting type knives. Most everyone had a shovel/e-tool of some sort since we always dug fire pits. Some folks took hatchets, some took saws. Neither saw much use since we generally just used fallen dead wood for fire or camp projects. Most of us used twine or cotton cord for cordage.
Basic aluminum cook kits and BSA utensils were standard fare. Mixture of GI canteens and plastic quart water bottles that fit the pockets on backpacks. Hydration systems hadn't come along yet, but some of us had GI water bladders for extra water. They were thick heavy flexible plastic, held about a gallon or so. The mouth folded up a few times then buckled down. Had a small carry handle/strap thing.
Worst experience that stands out is probably when I woke up on Sunday morning with a small spot of poison ivy near my right eye on the side of my face. By Monday, my right eye was swelled shut with big oozing blisters. Missed three or four days of school and didn't get to play in that week's Jr High football game. I never get poison ivy when I see it. It's always when I don't see it.
Troop 317, Richardson, TX. We didn't do a lot of hiking and hard & heavy survival stuff. I think our 400lb+ scoutmaster was somewhat of a limitation, so we learned the fine art of car camping for the most part. We sure did eat good, though.
I wasn't interested in ranks & merit badges in Boy Scouts. I was in it for the camping, pure & simple. I only made 1st Class and had a total of three merit badges - First Aid, Emergency Prep, and Rifle Shooting. (Probably why I always packed too damn heavy... should've taken more classes!)
I used combat boots, BDUs, etc. Had a large Alice pack that I never want to see again. Outside of the rambo wannabe crap, my Coleman Peak 1 backpack was a pretty good pack, but I never was 100% happy with its configuration. Sleeping bags were generally some inexpensive synthetic models that did the job. Everyone had foam pads then, didn't see any inflatables until later. Tents were usually the three-man dome type tents, some good, some not so good. Raingear was always a poncho of some sort, and pack covers were usually trash bags. Spare trash bags were used as ponchos by the kids who either forgot or just didn't have one.
Knives were usually SAKs, the occasional Buck, Ka Bars, USAF Pilot knives, and various hunting type knives. Most everyone had a shovel/e-tool of some sort since we always dug fire pits. Some folks took hatchets, some took saws. Neither saw much use since we generally just used fallen dead wood for fire or camp projects. Most of us used twine or cotton cord for cordage.
Basic aluminum cook kits and BSA utensils were standard fare. Mixture of GI canteens and plastic quart water bottles that fit the pockets on backpacks. Hydration systems hadn't come along yet, but some of us had GI water bladders for extra water. They were thick heavy flexible plastic, held about a gallon or so. The mouth folded up a few times then buckled down. Had a small carry handle/strap thing.
Worst experience that stands out is probably when I woke up on Sunday morning with a small spot of poison ivy near my right eye on the side of my face. By Monday, my right eye was swelled shut with big oozing blisters. Missed three or four days of school and didn't get to play in that week's Jr High football game. I never get poison ivy when I see it. It's always when I don't see it.