Introducing Boy Scouts to the world of hanging

**Triggerhpy** · 10-02-2011, 23:26

So far I have 3 boys and 3 leaders off the ground. I started by having an extra one I could lend out. But the big selling point came when we went snow camping and we had a storm blow through that night. So bad that we 3 broken tents

afterwards. And I was warm and dry in my hammock and under my tarp.

**adkmcmahon** · 10-02-2011, 23:42

Worked for me that way. Now I have most of the Troop Hanging from the trees.

**WLMiller54** · 10-03-2011, 06:04

There is a thread here about the Unofficial BSA Hammock Camping Merit Badge. It has helped several troops introduce hammock camping.

**DocTheo** · 10-03-2011, 08:47

Originally Posted by Triggerhpy

So far I have 3 boys and 3 leaders off the ground. I started by having an extra one I could lend out. But the big selling point came when we went snow camping and we had a storm blow through that night. So bad that we 3 broken tents

afterwards. And I was warm and dry in my hammock and under my tarp.

Nice lookin' setup from what I can see of it!

Working on getting my Troop (and Lodge) off the ground - mostly by getting up in the morning and saying what a great sleep I had and how wonderful my back feels

I've got all the zeal of the new hammock convert - but I love it.

Just got to find a way to rig up in Florida State Parks.

Love your avatar as well, by the way.

WWW

Ted

**Notare** · 10-03-2011, 08:59

Went on cub scout camp out. Many parents seemed interested in me and my son's DIY hammock camp. I place both hammocks on same tree like bunk beds with tarp over top. Had several parents come check it out. My son and I were last to wake up but we didn't miss breakfast.

**RootCause** · 10-03-2011, 09:21

For our troop, I have taken the "lead by example" route and not tried to "convert" anyone. But I am always willing to explain my setup and why I find it superior to tent camping! After 3 years, there are three other hanging leaders and 3 scouts with hammocks.

As a troop, we are not advocating hammocking for the younger scouts. The benefits of: (1) using troop gear, (2) shared setup/takedown/cleaning, (3) tent camaraderie, and (4) "we all use the same gear" communism outweigh the individual comforts of a hammock. We're letting them get comfortable in the woods with BSA-standard sorts of processes before we 'graduate' them to individual setups. (Where I'm sure an "arms race" mentality will develop. We've got some kids with deep pocketbooks, and others without.)

My troop asked me to set up a DIY Hammocking weekend, in part because so many leaders and kids have been watching my progression through lighter gear, increased comfort, and fun DIY stuff like whoopie slings and alcohol stoves. We're aiming it for the 1st Class & higher scouts with a lot of camping nights.

For the class, we're planning to explain the reasons to hammock, basic component. Then we'll have stations to build/sew a basic gathered-end with SRL, whoopies & tree straps. We'll cover tarps but probably won't make them in the first go-round. (I'm really looking forward to DEJOHA's NEW BOOK!!!!!) (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=39739)

**Walking Dead** · 10-03-2011, 11:41

All it really takes is just being the first. I started hanging on troop trips about 2.5 years ago for my own comfort and slowly the boys started doing the same. We just had a camping trip in September where we were 100% hanging.

**harrell79cj5** · 10-03-2011, 12:31

Originally Posted by WLMiller54

There is a thread here about the Unofficial BSA Hammock Camping Merit Badge. It has helped several troops introduce hammock camping.

I have been using this hammock camping merit badge (unofficial) to get my scouts interested. They all like my setup but unless you get them something to put their hands on and use they seem to loose interest. I have also come up witha kit for hammocks and we are making some cheap tarps! kits cost $20 (just the materials) and the tarps are tyvec ($12 each). I just posted a thread describing these.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...506#post560506

**The RidgeRunner** · 10-03-2011, 16:12

I went backpacking with a Venture Crew last Thanksgiving, they didn't know i was bringing a hammock. They all snuggled into the shelters and i snuggled into my hammock. Most of them got up the next morning sore and cold, i jump out of the hammock and ask who's ready to go.

The first thing i heard after that was "weren't you cold in that thing last night, it got down to 26 last night?" To which i replied "Hmmmm, it was 86 in the hammock". The next thing i hear is the entire venture crew saying "i'm sleeping with him tonight".

I have seen a few of them pick up ENO's for college, but none of them have fully joined me on the dark side yet.

**dejoha** · 10-03-2011, 17:11

+! on leading by example. I think that's the scouting way.

I also agree with RootCause about transitioning young scouts. We have a new scout/11-year-old patrol and they focus on the basics. Tenting works well for them because a lot of their experiences are more "plop-and-drop" camping. As the boys get older and activities like backpacking, canoeing, and other high adventure opportunities come their way, then hammocking becomes an attractive option.

I took my troop backpacking up the Bull Run Occoquan Trail in Virginia. I convinced two boys to hammock, besides myself and another leader. That night we had a big rain storm and it was drizzly in the morning. Those in tents woke to find themselves in a small lake, completely soaked. All of us in hammocks were dry. For our backpacking trip on the AT the following month, everyone was in hammocks.