my oldest son just joined boy scouts!

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toy4xfun

toy4xfun

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Mar 18, 2009
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119
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2,543
Location
the Lower Shenandoah Valley
well he has been in for a few months now, but i get to go camping with him in Feb. it is called the Klondike Derby. so i bought him the ECWS military bag, and we have a good two man Marine Corp tent. now to get him som nice warm long johns. so does mud have any suggestions.
 
Not really...dress in layers, bring good rain gear, and some of those plastic drop cloths that come in a roll(2 mil minimum) because you can use them for everyhing.

Look up some good Boy Scout recipies, in foil and such, you'll be a hit. Most of the cooking happens on or in the fire.

Nice to see you back....congratz to you and your son...take pics and have a blast!
 
First stay away from cotton. Cotton looses it's insulating value when it's wet, and the Klondike derby is full of cold wet scouts. Sierra Trading post is a good place to get thermals and they are pretty cheap, if not EMS, Moosejaw, or REI should have them on sale. I try to only buy the ones with a antimicrobial agent as thermals get funky smelling really fast without it. I spend a lot of time outdoors and I have lots and lots of thermals in all different weights, I still seem to always grab an old pretty cheap pair, because they are the most comfortable.

I have tried the Under Armor brand but I just feel they are greatly overpriced and don't keep me as warm, however they have the fashion factor.

Also remember layering is the key and taking clothes off when you start to heat up to prevent sweating is the most important part of staying warm in the winter.

Make sure to post pics, it will bring back all the old memories.

Hopefully you will have some good snow for them to play with.
 
I did the winter camping thing when I was in Scouts, everything suggested above is good, but I would suggest some sort of thermal pad to go under the sleeping bag, both for comfort and an insulating barrier between the tent floor and the sleeping bag.
 
Congrats and I hope it's a good troop. Good sign that they invite Dad's to go along. That's how I got back into scouting over 10 years ago. Some troops, because of Youth Protection rules all adult leaders must do every two years prohibits youth sleeping in the same tents as adult leaders. Your troop may or may not extend that to even Dads. It may be a better experience for your son to bunk with other scouts in his new patrol. Just something to think about. Have fun regardless!!!
 
My Eureka lasted thru 10 years of scouting as an adult leader and finally crapped out last October on a wheeling trip! Good tent for the $$, IMHO.

Just saying, I've seen a lot in the past 10 years as an adult leader. Dads may want to spend the time with their son's camping, but be mindful that scouting is for him dad and not you. He will probably love having you there, but let the troop heirarchy of Senior Patrol Leader, his assistants and the Patrol Leaders do their work. Leaders (and dads) are there for help, guidance and saftey in building the outdoor and leadership skills scouting is known for, so as much as you may want to jump in and help or do, let the boys do it unless there's saftey concerns or you are asked.

If nothing else - ENJOY the experience with your son! I stuck around 5 years beyond my son's involvement giving back to the program what I got as a scout (eagle scout).
 
you can get the same tent i bought for him, will be either a eureka or diamond brand from Sportsman's Guide - Discount Hunting Gear, Discount Hunting Boots, Discount Shoes, Discount Ammunition, Discount Ammo, Discount Boots, Military Surplus, Outdoor Gear at The Sportsman's Guide. also i have been going to all the meetings so yes i understand and see how it works, and he needs that too. after reading through or spot reading i should say, his scout manual i wish i had gotten in. it is going to be good for him, and his brother in July when he reaches the age requirement.
 
Hmmm...regular at the meetings, you've read the scout handbook, etc. You're hooked! :D And with another son too, you'll be around for awhile. Time to volunteer Dad! :cheers:
 
Congrats on your your new scout! I'm sure things have changed since I was in, but I remember my "second class scout" backpack trip. We were allowed to eat only what we could find along the trail. We would "buddy up" with another scout, each carrying a military tent half, no floor, HEAVY, no sleeping pad, etc. I remember the scout masters cooking steaks on the fire at night and having "a little nip" around their campfire. I remember we even made our own pack frames to carry our gear.. One of my most treasured memories. Good times, good times. Learned to catch trout with a hand line and cook them over an open fire!... And no, there was no shennanigans, just learning how to be self sufficient in the woods.
 
toy4xfun said:
just paid the $$$ and filled out the paperwork.
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Congrats!!! They will be memories you and your sons will cherish. :clap:

skidplate said:
I remember the scout masters cooking steaks on the fire at night and having "a little nip" around their campfire.
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Hmm...MAJOR breakage of rules with the BSA now. Absolutely NO ALCOHOL on trips, period, end of story, no discussion. I personally would have loved a glass of wine with some of the awesome steaks we cooked up over the years too, but never did. :cheers:
 
Good to know Baden-Powell legacy it's still a life and working .. good memories from those days ..
 
something oI found surprising about the scouts is the number of US Army Special Forces members that completed the Boy Scouts program. Many were Eagle Scouts and then went SF.
 
toy4xfun said:
they are very big on self sufficient the boys even run the meeting.
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That's how it should be - boy run troops are the way these boys become men and learn leadership skills in a safe environment. Yes, the meetings can get crazy with any new Senior Patrol Leader, but take a look at him 6 months down the road with proper coaching from the Scoutmaster. Worlds of difference in their demenor and confidence levels!
 
Get him to push himself to earn 1st class rank ASAP. I know my son was much happier once he was 1st class. Less people telling him what to do. Mine just earned Life scout and will start to look for a Eagle project soon. He Just tuned 13.

Dyno
 
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