Random Camp Pix

[Normark]

Hey Guys..

Here’s some Random pictures of some previous Scout camps

Never Ceases to Amaze me that things that you and I do on a daily basis, like opening a can with a SAK, allot of people, especially kids have never done…

If it doesn’t have a Crank, or plug into a wall, they would starve with a fully stocked pantry…
I’ve found several of the moms, dads and even scout leaders (Strangely enough) have never used a SAK can opener…

What in the Hell is this world coming to ?
That’s going to Change, at least for the people around me.

This was an impromptu fire making demo with a Cub dad, who has never used anything but matches or lighters to make fire. We were pressed for time and didn’t get into much more than Firesteel and Jute.

Dad had a big smile on his face, and sparked an interest in different aspects of survival.. The next day he was looking at my gear and asking allot of questions !

Another one Hooked !


(cont)

 

[Normark]

Even my daughter wanted to try it, even though she’s done it many times…

This young lady had never worked with a lantern, So….. time to Learn !

This is Sarah..

Our Resident Hobo Pie Goddess..

Fast Becoming a Pro at the manufacturing of Hobo Pies !!
She has things Well under control…

 

[Normark]

A Beaver mom Firing the Spud Gun…
Ok,, I bring Different Stuff to Camp !! LOL

I Love my Hennessy !!

My Ventures …

Thanks for looking…

Ttyle

Eric
O/ST

 

[glennbad]

Great pics Eric.

I miss being a scout leader...

Glenn

 

[myright]

Great pics - I miss being involved in scouting as well.

I must admit, though.... I've never used the SAK can opener to open a can. I have used a P38 though

 

[Normark]

More Random Pix

My son Eric learning the Fire bow from Scott ( Rick Marchand’s cousin)

The Land of Hammocks !

Did I Say I Love my Hennessy ??

(cont)

 

[Normark]

Me trying out the fire bow..

Still Nutt’n !! Arrggg !!

Scot and I made hats from Lilly pads, His turned out better than mine.. Got the Robin Hood thing happening..

Was Actually an interesting exercise as to what could be done with lilly pads..

We came up with hats, bowls to eat from, or to collect rainwater in, as well as a possible roofing material for shelters. The leaves bead water very nicely, so a roof in rainy weather would work out well, as long as they didn’t dry out..

Herb and Garlic Bannock !!

OMG !!!

Om Nom Nom Nom Nom !!


Ttyle

Eric
O/ST

 

[Normark]

Ahhhh..

How could I forget Watermelon mom

A Beaver Mom using my Busse Combat Battle Mistress E to cut up a Melon...

LOL

Eric
O/ST

 

[Normark]

Hey Guys..

Glennbad
Myright

You know...

Scouting needs people like us to pass these skills down..

You'd be Frigging Shocked just how little allot of the new leaders know about the outdoors, not to mention really down and dirty basic skills..

Scouting, Sadly is slowly turning into a day care center, where games and useless crafts are Fast becoming the normal routine...

I Personally am starting to dislike Scouting organized camps...

#1. Reason, allot of times they don't allow individual campfires. Campfire are an important part of camping life..We've had a few camps with cold Cubs when a campfire would have solved that problem

#2. Organized camps have more fun related activities than learning related activitites. What was the Original Intention of Scouting ?? It sure isn't Bean bag Toss,, I'll tell you that.

Baden would be spinning in his Grave if he knew what was happening to Scouting...

I Urge you,, if you have an Outdoor Skill, seek out a Pack or Troop and Get Involved.. We REALLY need Scouters who have these skills...You will More than likely be welcomed with open arms...

Even if you go in and do some Demos, they are Much appreciated.

And Hey !!

It's only 1 hour per Week!!! LOL

ttyle

Eric
O/ST

 

[kgd]

Great shots Eric - and good pep talk!

 

[Echo4v]

I think you've invented a new knife carry system ( hat carry) so what is that little sharp thing over your ear? Could we see it out of the sheath?

Also, who came up with the name "beaver mom" that struck me as funny.

Good on you for taking up a scout group. I hope to do the same when my son is old enough to join.

David

 

[Normark]

Hey Guys...

Ken...

Thanks...

I know theres a Ton of us out there that are knowledgeable ..Lots of Scouts out there need to be taught these skills or they'll be lost if no one takes the time to teach them properly...

Don't worry,, I'll be calling on you.. LOL

Eric
O/ST

 

[Normark]

Hey Guys

David...

No need to wait til he's old enough.. Time is Now..

As for the Beaver Mom... LMAO

I know what You're Thinking.. LOL

Well her son "broomhead", he's the little guy with the short Mohawk in the can opening pictures,, well he's a "Beaver" (Before Cubs),, and she's a mom,, so She's a Beavermom,, just as someone having a Cub would be a Cubmom or a Scoutmom, or Beaver/Cub/Scoutdad.. Just what we call them.. LOL

As for the Hat knife...

Ahh Yes...

The Knife is made by Canadian knife maker Jeff Diotte, from Stainless Damascus..

Was made from a scrap in literally about 20 mins or so. It is fully hardened and Slightly sharp..

It is more of a Ferro Scraper than an actual knife..
There is a Fatwood toggle behind it and on the other side a holder for the ferro rod...

Just one more way to carry fire making tools...

Thanks for asking..

ttyle

Eric
O/ST

 

[EmsRescueGuy]

Eric Great Work with these kids. Ever since I had the oportunity to take some teens from a local drama group camping I have been debating doing scouting as a leader. Your pictures have inspired me to look into it.

I remember in college a kid from down the hall asking if I had a can opener and I handed him my leatherman with the can opener out, he stared at me open mouthed until i finally demonstrated its use.

 

[Flipincanadian]

Since echo4v only asked about the hat knife i have to ask about the fixed blade on your belt. Is it a strider or do my eyes deceive me?

 

[milani74]

Hi Eric. Glad to see you back posting. For those that don't know, Eric makes fantastic kydex sheaths and is one of the good guys out there.

 

[Joben]

Cool pictures, thanks for sharing.

 

[Normark]

Hey Guys...

Eric Great Work with these kids. Ever since I had the oportunity to take some teens from a local drama group camping I have been debating doing scouting as a leader. Your pictures have inspired me to look into it.

I remember in college a kid from down the hall asking if I had a can opener and I handed him my leatherman with the can opener out, he stared at me open mouthed until i finally demonstrated its use.

EMSRG

Thanks much.. I have Allot of fun with these kids.. We're getting ready to start a new year with Scouts,, and it looks like we may have another 6-7 Ventures joining ( Holy Smokes !!! ), Looks like I may have my hands full with these guys... Will be a blast....

By the end of this Scouting year, I want them to be able to do a 24 hour solo... Spread them out 1/2- 1 km apart and let them have at it... Hopefully will be working Heavily with Rick and a few other local guys and see what happens..

Yaa kind of cool taking out kids that don't get out too much,, or that have Never been out...

I was just talking with one of the local district girls,, she's in her late 20's or so, and has NEVER been out of her comfort zone... It will be fun getting her out ...

As for the can opener,, Yup,, you'd be surprised just how many people are handicapped with one.. LOL


Hey Flipin

Since echo4v only asked about the hat knife i have to ask about the fixed blade on your belt. Is it a strider or do my eyes deceive me?

Actually that is one of my blades I made with Allot of help from Mastersmith Wally Hayes

The knife started out life as a block of 1050, Wally stretched it into a billet for me, and that is the outcome...
I'm Completely sold on 10 Series steel now...

Thanks for asking..

Hi Eric. Glad to see you back posting. For those that don't know, Eric makes fantastic kydex sheaths and is one of the good guys out there.

Hey Milani

Well Thank you very much...

I've had some very serious health issues in my family for the last 2+ years with my dad, I've been his primary care giver for a long time.. Sadly he isn't doing too well right now, and this is a much needed stress reliever from what is been going on around me.

You guys may not realize it,, but you guys allow me to escape from reality for awhile... I much appreciate that.

Hey Joben

Cool pictures, thanks for sharing.

Thank you and you are Welcome.. I think it's important to show that there are youth out there that enjoy this kind of stuff too...

Gonna be an Interesting year.. LOL

ttyle

Eric
O/ST

 

[Fonly]

Hey Eric, its great to see you back, sorry I haven't kept in touch, sorry to hear about your father, It too bad he isnt doing better by now.

You know, you'd be surprised who doesn't even basic woods men skills. I work with outdoors men on a regular basis now, I dont know if you've heard of the Canadian Rangers, but it has been an amazing experience for me, but its stunning that even our own canadian forces aren't taught survival skills anymore. We do alot of the cold weather training that our canadian forces get, the january is going to be a good one, -40 with a knife, firesteel and a pot, should be fun.

Eric, when your doing your scout stuff, what sized blade do you like carrying?
I've had my RC6 out on the last few trips Ive been on, and its gone pretty well, that with a folding saw and everything is covered.

 

[Normark]

Hey Guys

Fonly

Hey Eric, its great to see you back, sorry I haven't kept in touch, sorry to hear about your father, It too bad he isnt doing better by now.

You know, you'd be surprised who doesn't even basic woods men skills. I work with outdoors men on a regular basis now, I dont know if you've heard of the Canadian Rangers, but it has been an amazing experience for me, but its stunning that even our own canadian forces aren't taught survival skills anymore. We do alot of the cold weather training that our canadian forces get, the january is going to be a good one, -40 with a knife, firesteel and a pot, should be fun.

Eric, when your doing your scout stuff, what sized blade do you like carrying?
I've had my RC6 out on the last few trips Ive been on, and its gone pretty well, that with a folding saw and everything is covered.

Yaaa,, it's been a long, long battle with him..He suffered a Major stroke last Friday and the outcome isn't good...

Thanks for the kind words...

I know what you mean about outdoors skills...

I have no control about what goes on with anything else,, however as far as Scouting goes,, I've got an opportunity to effect some change within Scouting.. I've opened up a few eyes,, one Major in our district and would like to see some changes made Nationwide...

Scouting at least in Canada has Mutated into almost day care like settings, where little if any Outdoorsman skills,, and I mean real skills are being taught... That's just Pitiful

And then on the flipside, they set in my mind some unrealistic goals for Ventures.. One of which being that they have to do a Winter camp, at least 1 night, Without a sleeping bag or Blanket .. WTF ??

There's No preperation before that,, so how do you jump from little training in Scouts for this sort of thing to sleeping in the wilderness in the Winter with No gear,,Given the fact that Scouts won't let you hack down a Spruce tree to use as shelter.. LMAO

Who comes up with this stuff,, it's unrealistic...
But then again,, it says a Winter Camp,, It's winter in Florida in Jan too !! Right...? Doesn't say it has to be cold.... LOL I'll do a 2 Week Winter Camp in Ft. Myers ...

Cool on the winter training Dude..

Get yourself some Swedish Wool pants and some Under Armour !! Awesome Shyte !!

As for Blade size with Scouting...

I really mix it up there dude..
There's really no set length I carry,,all depends on my mood ...

I carry anything from a Mora to my Battle Mistress...

If I know that a particular camp doesn't like big knives.. The Battle Mistress makes an appearance .. Blade length rules are Stupid ( a 9" knife isn't any more dangerous than a 4" knife ( Allot of that comes from misconceptions of blade length laws, which there are none of in Canada)..

I've successfully argued my Battle Mistress at Scout camps and then won't have a problem for awhile.. I'll even carry Shoulder rigs once and awhile..

However,, more times than not it's usually a 4-6" blade and a folder of some type...

One of my big peeves is going to church service on Sunday..

You're not allowed "weapons" at the church.. I tell my Ventures that if Anyone says "No weapons" to smile,, say "Ok" and keep walking right in..
They KNOW that their knives aren't weapons and if Anyone gives them a hassle that they forward them to me. I 'm not unstrapping for Anything or Anyone.. I usually don't go anymore simply because of that..

I know I'm sanding against the grain here, but there's a reason for it...I refuse to refer to my knives as weapons....

Ohhh LMAO,, just for kicks, I unloaded outside of the "church" with at least a half a dozen knives, as did two other leaders, and I posted one of the boys to guard the pile... LOL That included the knives I was wearing, SAK, Multitool, my bag Hideout and a keychain knife..

ttyle

Eric
O/ST