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Ask Joe the Pro Archives
Q. I am confused, about our troop hiking boot policy on all campouts.
A. Well, although it seems a bit on the "overkill" side, there is nothing that says this cannot be made a troop "rule" because it does not violate any BSA policy. We have to acknowledge that it does help assure that everyone is wearing the right footgear when they need to be, and eliminates the "Oh, did you mean for THIS event?" These sorts of baloney excuses. The boot policy was endorsed by the parents committee in response to the many Scouts that refused to wear boots on campouts and even hikes. Hiking boots prevent twisted/broken ankles, injured knees and broken legs. The thick soles on a hiking boots provide better traction and protection against sharp items from puncturing through the boot into the foot. While shower shoes or Crocs should be used in the areas that they were designed for and not for walking around camp or on hikes. With that said, if you need more clarification or have more issues with the policy than take it to the parent’s committee meeting.
Q. I am confused, does the troop allow snack on campouts?
A. All food and snacks are provided by the troop. Scouts are ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED from bringing these items from home and into the campsite. The "NO Snacks, Candy" policy was put into play to assure the safety and wellbeing of the Scouts and adults who participate in our campouts. Bears and other creatures can sniff out these products with ease and then can enter our sites and tents. End of story.
Q. How can I stop getting blisters from my hiking boots?
A. Make sure your boots fit properly. Improper fit causes blisters and may contribute to frostbite by limiting circulation. You can use duct tape especially on those areas that are prone to blisters. In addition, there is an old trick that some serious hikers use to toughen up the skin of their feet by soaking them in tea and warm water days before hiking.
Q. Can a merit badge counselor require a Scout to work beyond the specific requirements of the merit badge?
A. No, a merit badge counselor can’t change the requirement for any reason. If you encounter this or any problem, please inform the advancement chairperson as soon as possible. However, a merit badge counselor may share additional information and resources that the Scout could use on his own to learn more and challenge himself.
Q. When can a new Scout start working on merit badges?
A. Unless he attends summer camp, the new Scout should concentrate on earning his ranks before working on the merit badge program.
Q. What can I do for my smelly hiking boots?
A. Keep your feet clean and dry, by changing your socks often. In addition, wear only socks made of a wool and polyester blend that will wick moisture away from your feet. Powders like cornstarch and baking soda can also help keep your feet dry and less sweaty. Most hiking boots have removable insoles. Take those out and wash them with a mild detergent, but rinse them really well so you do not get suds the next time you hike in the rain. Let them air dry. It’s also O.K. to fill your shoes with water and rinse them out. This will actually enhance the boot’s life by getting rid of the salts from your body’s sweat. To dry them out, stick newspaper inside. That will help pull moisture from the lining. Finally, borrow some dryer sheets from your mom and stuff those inside your boots overnight.
Q. What is a Klondike Derby?
A. The Klondike Derby is a District Event and usually held in February or March. It is a day long adventure trail themed along the lines of the Klondike Gold Rush. Along the trail, the Scout patrols complete against each other in upwards of ten Scout skills.
Q. What are examples of “Temporary insignia".
A. Temporary insignia: This consists of badges, pins or other items which does not fall into the advancement, position or title, unit, personal achievement, service, tenure, aquatics, or equipment decoration insignia categories.
Q. What is the Order of the Arrow?
A. The purpose of the Order of the Arrow is to recognize those Scout campers who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. And also to develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit and to promote Scout camping. To become a member, a youth must be a registered member of a Boy Scout Troop or Varsity Scout team and hold First Class rank. The youth must have experienced 15 days and nights of camping during the two years before his election. The 15 days and nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of six consecutive days and five nights of resident camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. The balance of the camping must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps. Their fellow Troop or Varsity team members, following approval by the Scoutmaster or Varsity Team Coach, elect scouts to the Order.
Q. Must individuals who are serving as a merit badge counselor register as a merit badge counselor with the Boy Scouts of America?
A. Yes, an Adult Application must be completed for each position in which the individual wants to serve. The application allows only one position per form. For instance, an individual who wants to serve only as a merit badge counselor will need to complete only one application. However, a Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster who wants to serve as a merit badge counselor must complete two applications one for the Scoutmaster position and one for the counselor position.
Q. Why can’t the Scouts keep their Scout cap or hat on when saluting the American Flag?
A. Scouts should keep their caps on and employ the three-finger (or two-finger if they're Cub Scouts/Cub Scout leaders) salute – Right hand to brim of cap. For more good information on flag-and-anthem etiquette and protocols, go to: http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html#171
Q. Does Magnetic declination (the deviation between true north and magnetic north shown on maps) never change?
A. Variable navigators have long had to reckon with, declination varies with both geography and time. Over the past 36 years, for instance, the declination at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico has changed from 13.5 degrees to less than 9 degrees. For more information about declination visit the U.S. Geological Survey Web site at www.usgs.gov.
Q. What is Flat wood?
A. Flat wood or Pitch wood: When sap floods into a tree wound, permanently saturating the root, trunk or limb fibers, the wood becomes heavy and brittle as pitch wood is formed. (Commercial substitutes, such as Fatwood, are available at many hardware stores.) A few slivers of pitch wood stuck into a tinder bundle or in among the kindling almost guarantee success in starting a fire. Sap itself works well, too.
Q. My brand new tent leaked in the rain. Should I return it?
A. Maybe not. Your new tent may have performed just as the manufacturer planned. Did you seal the seams before using the tent? The seams on all nylon tents must be sealed before using the tent, and periodically thereafter. Seam sealer is sold in applicator bottles which you rub along the inside of all waterproof seams. It is always wise to setup a new tent at home before your trip. This lets you check its condition, and learn how to set it up without the pressure of darkness or rain at camp. It is also the best time to seal all the seams.
Q. Why does the troop insist that the Scouts keep the windows open in their tents even in the colder months?
A. This is to prevent a buildup of frost on the walls and ceiling from exhaled moisture. Plus, many times campers will awake to find the sleeping bag and clothes wet or damp which could cause hypothermia. Also the tents are designed to keep you out of the elements and your sleeping bag is designed to keep you warm. Keep your tent windows open at least 3" to 6” to provide good ventilation.
Q. Why are my feet always cold when sleeping outdoors?
A. Always change your socks with a fresh pair of dry socks preferable wool, if possible. Also, make sure your feet are as dry as possible, before changing your socks. I suggest wearing either Smartwool socks or polarguard booties, which I keep in my sleep bag just for sleeping. If these solutions have not solved your problem then you need to speak to the Scoutmaster!
Q. What is Woodsman’s Thong?
A. This is a hands on program that takes the outdoor skills from the Scout handbook and brings it too life. This course runs from Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon, and was developed by Scouters from our own Council. This program is open to Scout that is 13 years old and Star Rank, and to all registered adult leaders. This year the program is scheduled for November 3-4, for more information please contact your Scoutmaster Mr. Lewis.
Q. Where should I purchase needed camping equipment?
A. I strongly recommend that you purchase your camping equipment like sleeping pad or bag at high end store like Campmor on Rt. 17, North Saddle River, NJ, Eastern Mountain Sport at most shopping malls, Blue Ridge Mountain Sports in Madison, NJ, and Cabelos in Hamburg PA. Please check with the Scoutmaster or one of his assistant Scoutmasters before purchasing any camping requirement just in case you won’t need it like a tent or a stove.
Q. What is the Baden-Powell Patrol Award?
A. In 1999, the name of the Award was changed to National Honor Patrol Award for some reason. I don't know why, but it was changed. This special award recognizes patrol team building and togetherness. The requirements have only been modified to reflect the program changes within the Boy Scout Division over the years. Only Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts may earn the Award.
Q. What is balaclava?
A. A balaclava, also known as a balaclava helmet or ski mask, is a form of headgear covering the whole head, exposing only the face to the cold weather.
Q. What is a yurt?
A. A yurt is defined as: Asian tent; a collapsible circular tent of skins stretched over a pole frame, used by Central Asian nomadic peoples [Late 18th century. Via Russian yurta from, ultimately, Turkic jurt .]Westernized, it becomes: Y ear-roundU niversal R ecreational T ent
Q. Is there a product that can water poof breathable fabrics?
A. Nikwax has products that waterproof boots and fleece and breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex. It also sells cleaners that restore loft to down sleeping bags and other outdoor clothing. You can purchases it at Campmor, Eastern Mountain Sport and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports.
Q. My son is constantly complaining that he is cold in his sleeping bag and yet this new bag is rated 0 degrees, why?
A. There is a laundry list of reasons why one would still be cold after purchasing a 0 degrees sleeping bag. While I cannot address all the reasons I will attempt to put you in the right direction. First if you can, take the sleeping bag back to the store and exchange it for a better one like a Goose down sleeping bag. Check with your son if he wears sweats, socks, wool cap to bed on those cold nights and uses a sleeping pad or matt. All these factors play a big role in solving the problem, but if the Scout continues to be cold, please contact the Scoutmaster.
Q. What is a Scout-O-Rama?
A. It is an annual weekend event usually held by a local BSA Council or District. Scout Troops set up booths to display Scouting project or skills. Luckily our council does not run one of these events.
Q. What is a sleeping pad or matt?
A. A sleeping pad or sleeping matt is a simple device used in conjunction with a sleeping bag. Its purpose is to provide padding and heat insulation. The pad acts as an insulation layer between you, your sleeping bag, and the ground. Without a ground pad, the ground will continuously pull heat out of the bag, rendering the bag useless. The ground may become quite cold at night, and is often covered with sticks, small rocks, and other objects that may make sleep difficult. A sleeping bag does not provide adequate protection against either hazard, but a sleeping pad does.
Q. What is balaclava?
A. A balaclava, also known as a balaclava helmet or ski mask, is a form of headgear covering the whole head, exposing only the face to the cold weather. These are great for cold weather camping and specially when used with your sleeping bag
Q: Is hypothermia as much of a threat on a spring paddling trip as it is on a winter ski trip?
A: Yes, and perhaps more so. Water saps heat from the body 25 times more efficiently than air, which is why when the Titanic sank almost no one in the sea survived, though the water's temperature was nearly the same as the air. Even 50-degree air temps can be deadly if you're wet.
Q. What is a Camporee?
A. This is a district sponsored weekend event featuring Troop competition utilizing Scouting skills and is usually held in the fall and or spring.
Q. What is Wood badge?
A. It is an advanced Training for Boy Scout adult leaders. Any adult who has taken Basic Leader Training (Acorn Training) can attend this advanced training course to expand their knowledge of the scouting program and be of more help to the troop.
Q. Who decides on the food menu for our troop campouts?
A. Essentially the Scouts pick the meals for the coming year, usually on a January campout. The Scoutmaster and the Senior Patrol leader make the final decisions.
Q. Are multipurpose tool knives allowed in the troop?
A. The troop knife policy reads: All folding knives must have a lockable system. Most important Scouts must have earned the totin' chip card to be able to carry a knife on campouts.
Q. Why are there fundraisers for our Boy Scout Troop and not one yearly flat fee?
A. While it’s true that a growing numbers of troops do a yearly flat fee, some of them still have at least one fundraiser. Eventually our council or the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America will make the popcorn sale mandatory. Those troops that have yearly flat fees can fluctuate between two and four hundred dollars putting scouting out of reach for many boys and their families.
Q. Are the troop leaders trained?
A. Yes. The Scoutmaster and seven Assistant Scoutmasters are trained in Youth Protection, standard first aid and Scoutmaster Fundamentals. The Scoutmaster and two Assistant Scoutmasters each have over ten years Scouting experience.
Q. What is a Council Roundtable and who should attend?
A. The Roundtable is a monthly opportunity to get together with other Scout leaders to learn, have fun, share experiences, and get your program questions answered. It gives you the opportunrty to go back to your packs, troops, and crews with renewed enthusiasm for the program, and with knowledge of upcoming council and district activities, with program ideas that you can implement for your Scouts at your next meeting or throughout the year!
Q. Who should attend Roundtables?
A. Roundtables are designed for all troop leaders, i.e., Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, and troop committee members, interested parents, Webelos den leaders, and all commissioners. So welcome! Don't worry about asking questions, that's what they are there for and don't forget the most important thing, have fun.
Q. What is COPE?
A. COPE stands for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience. (Boy Scout activity involving heights, trust and team building). This program is found at most Boy Scout Camps and there is an age requirement.
Q. What type of sleeping bag should I buy?
A.- There are two types of sleeping bags, a mummy and a rectangular bag. Most Scouts prefer the rectangular bag to the mummy bag, because there’s more room in the bag. The mummy bags are warmer, because less body heat escapes from the bag. Our troop strongly suggest buying a sleeping bag that is zero rated or lower and a sleeping bag that has Hollofil II or Quallofil filled. Goose down filled sleeping bags are great except when they get wet. Our own Scoutmaster uses a goose down sleeping bag, but he carries another sleeping in case his bag gets wet!
Q. Who buys the Merit Badges books?
A. You do, and they can be purchased from council. The troop does have a merit badge book library. The merit badge books are available on a 30-day loan program to all active troop members. Scouts can only borrow one merit badge book at a time.
Q. What camping gear does a Scout absolutely need?
A. Compass, Mess Kit, Sleeping Bag, good footwear (hiking boots, a must), Scout Handbook, Personal First Aid Kit, and a sense of humor. If you still need more information on what to pack, than use the list in the Scout Hand Book on pages 224-225.
Q. Why can’t the troop play Paintball and Laser Tag as troop activity?
A. Pointing any type of firearm (including paintball, dye, or lasers) at any individual is unacceptable. However, law enforcement departments and agencies using firearms in standard officer/agent training, may use their training agenda when accompanied with appropriate safety equipment in the Law Enforcement Venturing program. This is Boy Scouts America’s policy, which we uphold. End of story.
Q. What is the Green Barr or Patrol Leaders Council (PLC)?
A. Is made up of the youth leadership of the troop. They meet once a month to plan the following month’s activities and annually to plan the upcoming year.We are using this new column to respond to the many questions from our Scouts and parents.
Q. What is a Totin' Chip card and how does one get the card?
A. The totin’ chip card is treated like a driver’s license. It is a privilege, not a right, which you must earn. Once a year, the troop holds totin’ chip classes usually on a campout and where Scouts learn how to use a knife, axe, and bow saw safety. After the adult instructor feels that the Scout understands the serious responsibility of using a knife, axe, and bow saw in an appropriate manner the card will be awarded. In this troop, the Scoutmaster will cut a corner off a scouts totin' chip card if they use a knife or a wood tool improperly. When all four corners are cut, the Scout will lose the right to carry his knife and use of any wood tools.
Q. What is a lean-to?
A. Lean-to or Adirondack shelters are both three-sided buildings with a sloping roof and a floor. These types of buildings do not have any type of heat source. These shelters can be found in most Scout camps and on the Appalachian Trail.
Q. What is Cracker Barrel?
A. A scout term for a social gathering with refreshments after a meeting or activity. Often an evening activity at camp before taps.
Q. Why is the troop coming back from monthly campout so late?
A. For years we have tried to return to the church around 11 o’clock. At this time the troop equipment would be unloaded and secured into the troop room all before noon. Now our troop has more than doubled in size and we use a trailer for the troop equipment. We began to cause traffic jams in the church parking lot and the noise level would carry into the Sunday worship. Both the church and the parents committee agreed that modifications needed to be made. Now the troop has and will arrive at the church parking lot after 1 pm. This should give the parking lot a chance to clear out. Instead of waking up on Sunday morning, having a cold breakfast, and then packing up for home, Scouts now have more time to slow down and enjoy Mother Nature and work on their rank requirements. End of story.
Q. Are Sheath knives permitted on campouts?
A. No! They are prohibited for Scouts and adults in this troop. There is no official BSA policy about them but most Scout camps and troops do not allow scouts to carry them and our troop is one of them.
Q. What is a blood Circle or blood Zone?
A. It’s a safety zone around the user of a pocket knife, hatchet, ax, or other sharp tool. Basically it is an arm’s length plus the length of the tool in all directions. No one should be in another person’s Blood Zone when a sharp tool is in use.
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