Scout Leaders?

**Kahuna935** · 02-16-2012, 12:47

Wow, how awesome to read about so many Boy Scout leaders that are hangers as well. I am an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 10. I've been a leader for the last 7 years when my son started as a Tiger Cub, but, just started hanging in a hammock last year. I am surprised that more Scouters haven't made the switch in my area.
Maybe I can show them there is a better way

**Bondo** · 02-16-2012, 12:52

I have my first hammock outing coming up with our troop. Hope to get some more hangers on board. I also have a leadership training outing two weeks after that. That will be my chance to show it off to other leaders.

**perdidochas** · 02-16-2012, 15:00

Originally Posted by Kahuna935

Wow, how awesome to read about so many Boy Scout leaders that are hangers as well. I am an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 10. I've been a leader for the last 7 years when my son started as a Tiger Cub, but, just started hanging in a hammock last year. I am surprised that more Scouters haven't made the switch in my area.
Maybe I can show them there is a better way

I think most of us Scout leaders who hang begin doing so when our boys become become Boy Scouts. I have a big family tent (great for camping with Cub Scouts), and didn't want to go through the hassle of putting it up (although the cot is great :-) ). I also have a cheapy 2 person dome tent. One night in it on a pad was enough to persuade me that I needed to try something else. The hammock proved to be that great alternative. Quick to put up/take down. Easy to carry. Easy on the back for sleeping. I'm thinking about making a Turtle Lady stand, so I can always use it.

**perdidochas** · 02-16-2012, 15:04

Originally Posted by wizardofhaws

Thanks for sharing the reply Dallas. I can see the concern with impact on the trees but that could be addressed with proper strap usage. The argument about sleeping area is a more valid concern. As I understand it Philmont has very strict rules on camp locations to deal with all the bears. So having a few campers in a different location messes with that.

Will keep an eye on it to see if it changes before 2013 when we go with our Scouts.

From what I've heard, the Philmont campsites get pretty heavy usage. The same few trees would be used for hammocks, and would get pretty worn out.

**wizardofhaws** · 02-16-2012, 16:10

Perhaps I can build a free standing hammock stand that comes apart and then convince my scouts to each carry a part of it.

**Bondo** · 02-16-2012, 16:20

Really all you need to do is lash together 2 tripods from logs and bam your hanging.

**PokeEm** · 02-21-2012, 14:56

I understand that Philmont does not allow hammocks. Any similar restrictions in the Northern Tier canoe areas?

**woodhunter** · 02-21-2012, 16:36

ASM 3313 here. I just got myself a Clark this past fall after going to Webelos Experience with my boys and had to put up six different tents. I decided that was enough on the ground for me and since the boys are in the troop now they can do their own tents from here on out.

I also am hoping to get the boys interested when they see me sitting around watching them put up their tents. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

**beasty-beast** · 03-11-2012, 17:42

SPL Troop 54, sedalia MO, Great Rivers Council
me and some other experienced scouts have started making diy hammocks mainly for high adventure

**fishbait** · 03-12-2012, 07:47

ASM Troop 54 Jamesburg

Originally Posted by PokeEm

I understand that Philmont does not allow hammocks. Any similar restrictions in the Northern Tier canoe areas?

Not sure about Northern Tier, Try contacting them via email [email protected]

Hammocks are a requirement for Seabase's Out Island Adventure. My son had a blast 2 years ago when our troop made that trip. We're sending to 12 boys and 4 adults again this year.

We'll be doing some hiking and camping this weekend, were planning on bringing the troop hammocks and a few tents (for those who can't wrap their brain around the idea of sleeping in a hammock)