What are /r/BSA's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

This keychain Leatherman has scissors but no blade, designed for TSA-compliant air travel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058RX9NU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_AQASVT2Q09V4TSNXTPPP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This one is larger: https://www.leatherman.com/knifeless-rebar-465.html

Unfortunately, I don't think your phone is going to make it as Apple lists the standby time as the following:

• iPhone 4S at 200 hours(8 days)
• iPhone 5 at 225 hours(9 days)

You could possibly make it if you only turn it on for the camera (whilst leaving it in airplane mode) but then you have to account for the drain of the camera. I wouldn't chance it.

When I went on the three high adventure trips, I took a really small, very inexpensive point and shoot camera that I got on Amazon for $80 (minus Sea Base). It worked wonderfully and this was 6 years ago.

Good Luck!

Source: iPhone 4S Tech Specs & iPhone 5 Tech Specs

Thanks for writing this! I really recommend that you get an actual certificate for your website, because it gives an error when you visit it. You can obtain a free SSL/TLS certificate at https://letsencrypt.org/.

Most patch companies can work with a photo of your sketch and will have their design team create the digital artwork from there.

If you'd rather do the design yourself, GIMP (gimp.org) is an open-source equivalent to photoshop, and Inkscape (inkscape.org) is an open source equivalent to Illustrator. There are loads of online tutorials on how to use both.

This is what "12345" looks in the UPC-E bar-code schema:

https://i.imgur.com/rKYcHzi.png

You know, in case anyone wants to make their own version.

I used Zint barcode studio (FOSS) to make the image.

I have a Velcro patch display that I keep on my wall. I add velcro hooks to the back of the patches I want to display and have them up on my wall. Very happy with this.

OneTigris Tactical Military Patch Holder Board Hook & Loop Patch Panel (Tan) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y4JR3LM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XSRMP9X5W0GE7PZS8B2H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

as a seal makes it a little darker and a little glossier.

A satin polyurethane will not darken it and will protect it.

https://www.amazon.com/Minwax-33060000-Fast-Drying-Polyurethane-Aerosol/dp/B002PNXU52

Not sure of the views from that particular camp, but I like binoculars with large objective lenses (more light gathering ability) for stargazing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008Y0VN?tag=georiot-us-default-20&th=1&psc=1&ascsubtag=space-us-1083273846893263600-20&geniuslink=true

This is what I got when I first started volunteering at summer camp about 8 years ago (adult).

https://www.amazon.com/Hat-UPF-Protection-Waterproof-Fishing-Breathable/dp/B07DB36CMZ/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=wide%2Bbrimmed%2Bsun%2Bhat&qid=1623089127&sr=8-6&th=1

I LOVE it and STILL use it every summer, this is the hat that lives in my car even when not at camp because it's cool to wear, stops me from getting sunburnt, and super useful. I got it in army green so it goes with my scout uniform.

Here’s the hat my wife and I purchased to work around our property outside: Lenikis Unisex Outdoor Activities UV Protecting Sun Hats with Neck Flap https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B011G9Y34C. It works well at keeping the sun off the ears, neck, and top part of the face. Just remember to wear sunscreen on your chin and chest/neck area as the sun can still reach there

Hey Wunky ever thought about cut-resistant gloves? May help. https://www.amazon.com/NoCry-Cut-Resistant-Gloves-Performance/dp/B00MXUHHGK/ref=sr\_1\_15?dchild=1&keywords=rope+cut+multitool&qid=1622754549&sr=8-15

More like screen door screen :

Hoping this isn't an affiliate link: https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Lantern-Wire-Mesh-Globe/dp/B0010KJ1HC

You can DIY this with METAL screen. No fiberglass, no anything else. metal only. I bought mine on amazon, likely this one.

As we were approaching the Webelos year, I invested in locking pin backs ("invested" to the tune of $7 or so.) Locking pin backs 1) solve the problem of lost pins, since they can no longer fall off, and 2) allow you to either lock the backs so that the points don't go through, or if the pin is a bit too long and that provides a loose "fit", the pin can be filed down and still be be locked (or you can stack "washers" cut out of milk jug plastic, which also helps reduce wear between the pin back and the fabric ribbon that the pin is going through.) I don't think the particular Amazon link that I purchased is still there (it was a bit over 2 years ago), but a super quick search finds:

https://smile.amazon.com/Pin-Locks-30-Keepers-Pinkeepers/dp/B07R2CB18Y/

The only downside is that it takes a small amount of effort every time you put a new pin on to swap the pin back that you receive for a locking pin back, using a hex wrench.

Slightly more annoying is that colors seem to fall off all the time when Cubs are running around being active, so I used the locking pin backs to put the colors on the sleeve, as well. Which means that I had to unlock/re-lock the colors each time we washed the uniform. It was worth it to me, but that was annoying enough that it's a judgement call about whether it's worth it.

Free copy of the one on the left from Amazon...for Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0082YWKX6

They have like 5 or 6 other Boy Scout books for free for the Kindle.

Another great read, Will to Survive by Les Stroud (Survivorman). More on a serious take of survival

For a mess kit, a cheap disposable bowl with a lid and a plastic fork and spoon from a fast food restaurant will be fine for most outings where they have a patrol box.

Sleeping pad - an inexpensive (and indestructible) foam pad will serve for many situations.

One other thing - I tell new families to NOT BUY anything new when just starting. Borrow from others in the troop, rent from REI, or find used gear.

https://www.amazon.com/Ledlenser-KIDLED2-headlamp-Children-Operated/dp/B09LNQ1P5C/ref=mp_s_a_1_28?keywords=childrens+headlamp&qid=1666577531&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjAzIiwicXNhIjoiNC44MyIsInFzcCI6IjQuMDkifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-28

There are several similar head lamps with low lumens for kids. Pretzel also makes one for kids i think. Our you could require red or lowest setting in camp.

A few pointers:

• Get a copy of the camp leader’s guide, generally posted online. Make sure you go by that and not by what random people tell you.
• I’ve personally never attended or staffed a camp that made campers bring their own cots. They’ve always been provided by the camp so they don’t end up with oversized cots that rub against the canvas. Maybe doublecheck that information?
• Also question whether you really need trunks. A backpack should work just fine, and is easier to carry to a campsite.
• Help your Scouts pack lightly by planning to do laundry there. Bring one of these (https://lifehacker.com/make-a-diy-washing-machine-from-a-five-gallon-bucket-5918992) and clothesline. Wash, hang to dry, and alternate; that way they don’t need a new set of clothes every day.
• Do a good pre-camp shakedown with your Scouts. Have them pack everything up and bring it to a meeting a few weeks before, then go through everything on the checklist. It’ll help you identify who doesn’t have certain items as well as who’s overpacked.
• Don’t forget the patrol, troop, and American flags, as well as any bases needed.
• As leaders, bring a few extra fun items to pull out midweek - a game of Bananagrams, special snacks, etc.
• Enforce the no-food-in-tents rule as you would while backpacking. Critters get hungry and will dare a lot for some Doritos.
• Don’t forget your own personal comfort. A lightweight hammock and straps may be worth its weight in naps. A pack of earplugs may save your sleep.
• Pack shower shoes or flip-flops. This is a must no matter how nice the accommodations.

Exactly, listen to others. Also, my favorite book; https://www.amazon.com/Scout-Leaders-Guide-Leadership-Training/dp/B0041O9PUM/ref=rvi_sccl_9/130-1374553-7152453?pd_rd_w=WGNPN&content-id=amzn1.sym.f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_p=f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_r=W1TVSW37SCCJNRENMNHM&pd_rd_wg=Evdus&pd_rd_r=6b105052-a40b-49b8-9c22-c39f1bda2312&pd_rd_i=B0041O9PUM&psc=1

One of our ASMs is a Theology Professor and he recommends Scouting Our Way: A Guide to Faith, Duty and Fellowship.

https://www.amazon.com/Scouting-Our-Way-Guide-Fellowship/dp/0989202607

No it's just called "BAND- App for all groups" A green logo as the icon

Android Link- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhn.android.band

Ios link- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/band-app-for-all-groups/id542613198

Before going to summer camp with our troop (I'm an ASM) I bought this cot which is very similar to the ones you linked to:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09P4XQGZ8

It's a bit more, and it's NOT a back pack cot -- but for extended sleeping it's great. I slept on it 5 nights at camp, then getting Covid at camp I quarantined at home and slap on it another 10 days, so 15 nights on this cot. I slept GREAT, even as a bigger guy.

I have Teton Sports and fold it up right with the cot without problems. I recommend it.

One holds my boots, slippers, bathroom kit, PJs, flashlight, etc with plenty of room. I bought two and don't typically use the second for weekend camping but would have bathroom and swimming stuff in the second at summer camp. Definitely not a necessity to have two but a luxury that doesn't take extra room, weight, or effort.

Which reminds me, some extra laundry pods for any Scout/leader needs (all sorts of bodily fluids can unexpectedly show up at camp) and a way to hang up your swimsuit, towel, and Class A on a hanger are helpful.

I'm a hammock sleeper - especially at summer camp when it's 95 and humid during the day and we're lucky if it dips to 70 at night - and one of my summer camp essentials is a little combination fan / light. I think I use this one. I hang it from my hammock ridgeline and it serves both as a great light and a way to keep myself relatively cool on the warm nights after sweating all day.

I think that all sounds good from what I'm hearing. I highly recommend a tool like Airtable.com which will make maintaining that list a bit easier and allows you to share the information out externally. I have used it in several professional capacities and for something like this it would be perfect.

We have had these for over 5 years now and they have been great. They even survived freezing solid once when they were left forgotten and full of water in the trailer over the winter.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001IV8IYA/

Camping solo? With troop or patrol? With Pack? What is the camping site like? This all plays into what I'd recommend. I would suggest finding a way to take a hike, bring jet boil and cook some food on the hike, maybe a sketchpad or something to draw nature, binoculars to go birding or watch the stars, just don't forget a good star wheel (don't use phone app).

Maybe also try something like cooking with nothing cold, so bring all food that needs no cooler. I really want to do this myself to be honest.

I picked this book up from the library this weekend, and it has SO many ideas I want to do on a future pack campout. Maybe if you can find a copy it would have some ideas.

https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Adventures-Have-Before-Grow/dp/1493041401

I'm just bemoaning the fact that merit badges aren't what they used to be. When BSA was new, earning a merit badge was often really hard. And yes, it did involve a certain level of mastery.

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/29558/29558-h/29558-h.htm

> se one for python called https://repl.it, however, depending on the language in particular, there are others. And there’s almost always one that you can install as a program. I’d recommend doing some research into this. It was fun for me to focus

Good advice. My kids love scratch.

See if you can get in touch with someone who works with code, perhaps see if your school’s technicians have a contact you could reach out to. Having a professional talk about what the scouts are interested would be a good idea, ie; have them write down questions & then the meeting leader sends them to the programmer to prepare a general presentation or activity to do with the scouts. If you can get permission for scouts to bring in specific electronics, having them do hands-on work with some ahh, what’s the term? They’re effectively a sandbox that allows you to piece in code, with the thing helping you. I use one for python called https://repl.it, however, depending on the language in particular, there are others. And there’s almost always one that you can install as a program. I’d recommend doing some research into this. It was fun for me to focus on it.

TRAININGMASK Training Mask 2.0-36 Levels of Resistance | Workout Fitness Mask for Running and Breathing Resistance Training, Elevation Mask, Cardio Mask https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07B118FMZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_C9P8GC9KM5J31TG150Z8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

There many good and bad ‘hawks for throwing out there

Be sure to read the reviews

For example, my Troop found poor ones while these proved to work quite well …

Cold Steel Trail Hawk American... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014BMBA6

Hey finally something up my alley! Take a look at r/knives, r/knifeclub, and r/budgetblades (definitely this one) for some great ideas.

Personally I’d follow the other commentor in recommending ESEE, but I’m curious as to what your primary use is, as that will affect recommendations. In addition, what size do you think you’re looking for?

Other simple knives that fit the bill are the okc old hickory 5.5” blade (this one has pretty thin bladestock, so chopping wood isn’t ideal, but you should have a hatchet anyway). It sits around $20ish on knifecenter . Made in the USA.

The BPS knives HK1S is very similar to a mora in that it is a true scandi grind (no secondary bevel), but unlike a mora, it has wooden handles and is full tang. The HK1S has a 4.4 inch blade. It sits around $30 on Amazon . Made in Ukraine, although still of very nice quality.

Both of those recommendations are carbon steel, so they will need a greater level of care (cleaning, oiling) in order to prevent rust.

IMUSA USA 1.5 Quart Aluminum Grease Dispenser, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018EA048/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_BH0QJGTP8KBVSNDKCDDH?psc=1

I have used his little grease pot for years, does about 60% of my personal cooking. Pretty tough, it survived a deployment. I can't remember the YouTube channel I saw it on but it was a Bushcraft guy who used one for stews, cooked bread in it, used it as a coffee pot, and a lot of other things. After that, a cast iron pan handles the rest of what I need to do.

For myself? Something nice and rigid. I have a personal vendetta against Silicone "dining implements". The only place I want Silicone in my camping equipment is surrounding a nice glass tupperware thing or water bottle. Spring for the weight and space of something Aluminum or some kind of fancy rigid plastic.

For a Cub Scout? Cheap Stainless Steel. It's gonna see a ton of abuse and parts of it will 100% get lost, and food will get baked on like epoxy. Consider it disposable.

When he makes First Class, get him the same set as you have or get both of you an even better one that you've found on the adventures you've had getting that far.

If you can find one its great for summer or winter I love mine the down side is that its not good for backpacking. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014JQIS6I/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My troop was one of the crews that got our trek cancelled. We instead decided to make a road trip out to Colorado (from North Carolina) and do a 4 day backpacking trail in the Lost Creek Wilderness Loop. It was a great trip and I would recommend it to anyone. It also has a peak that is the same height as Mt. Baldy, so we got to get out 12,000+ mountain in.

Skribbl.io -- FREE -- create a list of "scout" words and invite people to play a Pictionary-like game. (Probably works best with patrol sized groups, not troop sized groups.

Jeopardy -- Not sure if there's a way to do this for free; I paid a one-time $20 fee to when I created my account. Create Jeopardy-like Scouting trivia game, or modify an existing one -- there are dozens of existing games out there that are easy to modify for your own use.

Not that easy. You have to be on a paid plan and apply to slack to allow export. That exports all messages in the workspace in bulk. Typically it requires use of a third party tool and a darn good reason for export. See: https://slack.com/help/articles/201658943-Export-your-workspace-data#use-corporate-export

I stumbled on to Prezi that allows people to make and upload presentations on different topics. Lots of people have already made ones on different merit badges.

You have to subscribe to create new presentations but you can access existing ones from here.

Stop sewing and try this.

Badge Magic Cut to Fit Freestyle Patch Adhesive Kit (2-Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MHZ8BBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_4ZKX2KBP0HPVC1QE22TK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Been using it for years and will never turn back.

I picked up the 1/5 person version of this back in march and have used in on a few campouts - so far I love it. Still small and relatively light, easy to get in and out of.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0893PGBK9/

Paired with a lightweight water kettle is the safest way I found for young scouts to boil and use water. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B083JTL2YX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As a Scoutmaster, I had my Troop buy these remote cannister stoves just for the Camping and Cooking merit badge, plus rank requirement. A Wisperlight stove takes a long time to master lighting and use, these stoves are simple and stable https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H231668/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We have done the five mile hike with a stop for lunch, boil water, make oatmeal, mashed potatoes with beef jerky, or Ramen.

The Coleman Sundome is a really good car camping tent. It may not be the easiest to set up, however.

Shop around for this tent:

https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Sundome-Tent/dp/B004J2KDHK?th=1&psc=1

I have one, going on 9 years and with care it'll last.

Remember a four person sleeps two adults comfortable.

Our troop had something similar to these. They are 4 person ~10'x10'. Fits 2 campers plus gear very comfortable. We had big cots and totes and there was more than enough room to change without being cramped.

Mini Swiss Army knife is my favorite.

Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife, Black, 58mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004YVB3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_Krv1FbE20HB04?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

As I write this, the troop I'm affiliated with is doing a virtual campout, and is doing a trivia game. Everyone is having fun.

So something like this: https://www.amazon.com/University-Games-Mystery-People-Questions/dp/B07FRDFMN4

Other activities included pitching a tent indoors (it's cold here now) and making a meal with a theme ingredient. They picked hot dogs, and each scout shared their meal with the troop.

Check out Clarke Green's wealth of information, especially "So Far, So Good, a New Scoutmaster's Story"

scoutmastercg.com

Amazon

u/Gojira629, I believe the ResQLink + has been discontinued and replaced with the 400. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PPJ8RRM/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_QwAWEb330PBG1

Beware of unscrupulous sellers. Junk copies are being sold for under $70 and Amazon is listing a typical price.

I have had good luck with an 80$ dollar down bag from Amazon. I took it to Philmont last June and it worked great. Do be careful with no-name brands as quality is not amazing and there is no warranty.

https://www.amazon.com/Anyoo-Sleeping-Ultralight-Portable-Backpacking/dp/B071WFY7VY/ref=sr_1_28?crid=2XRJVDFKDGI05&dchild=1&keywords=down%2Bsleeping%2Bbag&qid=1573066720&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=down%2Bsl%2Csporting%2C183&sr=1-28&th=1&psc=1

Here's mine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W32PIK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_E2NgDbCAQAV15

I've had mine for 28 years and when my son crossed over, I got him one.

I'm fairly certain that in 22 years I'll hand mine to him and he can hand his to his son.

They are bomb proof.

On a side note, you should see a Bear Scout batoning wood for the first time. Their facial expressions when they first grasp it, it's like it's them against the world in a fair fight.

I have a cpap. I actually have pretty bad apnea. I've used the same resmed for several years. I want one of the newer lighter ones but the insurance stuff was enough of a hassle that I've put it off. One thing, depending on your cpap unit, do not take the humidifier with you. Just run the cpap part without it. I used to use one of the big lead acid type batteries, that have a car jump start on them. It worked fine. At first it would last a couple of nights, but it got to where it only lasted one night, then less than a night. So before last year's summer camp I decided to treat myself to a new battery. OP, please listen to me. Battery technology has improved so much in the past few years since I bought that lead acid battery. You want to get a lithium ion battery like this https://smile.amazon.com/Webetop-42000mAh-Portable-Generator-Emergency/dp/B073J61T3Y/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1522954171&sr=8-22&keywords=lithium+ion+portable+charger There are different brands of these but all are basically the same. It is so small and light compared to a lead acid battery. It weighs maybe 3 pounds. It lasts two nights on my resmed 9 (without the humidifer) running on AC not using a DC connector for the resmed (this would improve time since it wouldn't have to invert to AC, but they cost a lot) plus a phone charge. This is so what you want. It is easy to carry and go recharge it. It costs a lot less than the "CPAP batteries" because they aren't marketing it as a medical device.

We rotate between three scout summer camps. All of had a place to go charge, some closer than others, and some have had lead acid battery packs exactly like the one in my garage to loan out. I'm encouraging our council camp director to just get the lithium ion ones. They will easily last a weekend trip, one or two charges gets through a week of summer camp, and they are comparatively inexpensive.

My personal first-aid kit is a small heavy-duty zip-loc baggie, but for Cub Scouts, I like the idea of having an actual container of some kind - mostly because they'll be more likely to take care of it.

I like the clear zipper pouches - like these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073TSP7XT/ref=pd_luc_rh_sspa_dk_huc_pt_sub_2?th=1 (and as a bonus, they're 10 for $10)

I think we can safely conclude that FACT is no more. There is a copy of the program guide on Amazon being sold by a reseller for $120, which typically means it’s out of print and hard to find.

https://www.amazon.com/F-C-T-First-Children-American/dp/0865362068

We have a set of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYOLZMM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

they are small and bright and cheap.. we still have propane lanterns, but the boys seem to dig these out of the trailer first.

Give LEDs another try. By far their best quality is their efficiency and durability.

A burned out LED should never be a problem with an adequately designed system. And if the entire lamp fails than its more than likely just a bad product or an unlucky lemon.

My choice of brand is Coast. They're a bit expensive, but they don't pad their specs and they have really good optics.

Here is a cheaper AA sized flashlight that looks pretty good.

http://www.amazon.com/Coast-HP1-Focusing-Lumen-Flashlight/dp/B00IEMUOWU

But if you're getting a flashlight for yourself that'll let the boys know who's boss, you're going to want to get this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Coast-HP17-Focusing-lumen-Flashlight/dp/B0037K830E

The link below is just about the best flashlight you can buy for under $5, in my opinion.

Bright as you'll ever need for most tasks, I doubt it's really 300lm as advertised but more like in the 150-200lm range. Focusable lens so you can make it a REALLY wide beam or a SUPER tight spotlight beam. Runs on a single AA.

Practically indestructable, waterproof, very reliable. Occasionally you'll get a bad one but for $3.30 who cares - buy a dozen of them and they'll last you a lifetime. In my experience, they take a couple weeks to ship.

http://www.amazon.com/UltraFire-300lm-Flashlight-Torch-Adjustable/dp/B011YQNE7O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1462264845&sr=8-4&keywords=focus+zoom+light

Ultimate Werewolf is a GREAT quite game. It does require a "moderator". Sometimes the talking gets loud, but that is when the moderator puts signs up and gets the group quite again. Its a fun game and the youth love it. (Just be sure to remove the 'Town Drunk' card. That would be a phone call from a parent that would be awkward)

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Werewolf-Deluxe-Board-Game/dp/B00MHWUJA0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458322196&sr=8-1&keywords=Werewolf

What we usually do for new scouts is to start by giving them their own 3ft long practice rope. The rope will be freshly cut, so their first lesson is fusing and whipping the ends. This is also one of the first knot requirements. Once they have their own personal ropes they can start to learn the knots. It also gives them something that they need to be responsible for not losing or abusing.

You may also want to check out Knot Cards. These are weatherproof plastic credit card size cards that boys can leave in their packs. The cards are under $5 and make a good thing to give out for a prize or to include in the cost of a knot focused event.

On My Honor by Jay Mechling talks about it a bit, as well as a bunch of other things, if you are deeply interested.

Basically the idea is that it allow them to be a bit more like themselves with less pressure to impress their peers. The example he states in the book involves the troop at a summer camp realizing a Girl Scout camp was across the way. Just that knowledge changed the way the scouts interacted with each other. And while I don't think Boy Scouts is anyway perfect, I feel it provided me as a Scout, and those now that I see involved, a place where they can act themselves more so than other places.

I think ideally I would like to see Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts that have comparable quality of organizations that work together often, but not a single unit. Combined with co-ed Venture Scouts, I think that would be the best end result.

It's on my list to read - it's just too damn expensive! The last time I was down at the scout shop it was at least $20! (...not a Kindle user - I prefer books with paper pages and such...)

Another great read is I Thought Scout Uniforms Were Fireproof! - funny, good stories with some great ideas for Scoutmasters (and assistants) .

You should take a loot at some of the Mountain Hardwear tents especially the Drifter series amazon. They seem pricey now but maybe look for some sales and check out cheepandsteep I managed to snag a drifter 3 for $120.

They are amazingly well ventilated and the material (especially the floor) is just great quality. I live in WY and have set it up everywhere including flat granite it has held up for 2 years now one of those with a dog. It's basically a more ventilated gunnison that is a bit more bulletproof and totally worth it especially if you can find it on sale.