Were/are you involved in scouts? Military?

**steene** · 02-07-2009, 03:03

Currently, I am involved in both the local Pack and Troop. Heading off to Woodbadge C-04-09 in two weeks. I'm really looking forward to it.

Did my 4 years in the Army from 84 - 88. 45B10 Small Arms Repairer

Got hooked on tying hammocks as a Peace Corp Volunteer in Guatemala.

**Narwhalin** · 02-07-2009, 21:11

I voted neither...

Although I spent every vacation outdoors as a little kid, I was never involved in scouts. Seems right up my alley, but no need...my dad would always have us at the lake where there are endless things for a kid to get into!

**Greg Dunlap** · 02-08-2009, 10:31

Cub Scouts San Rafael, California, Boy Scouts, Pampanga Providence, Luzon Island, Clark AFB, Philippine Islands and Colorado Springs, Colorado. US Air Force Sentry Dog Handler, Oxnard AFB, California and Da Nang AB, Vietnam.

"Incoming fire always has the right of way"

**tirediron** · 02-08-2009, 22:57

Navy: 62-69

Never in the Scouts as a Youth. Started hanging alone: 1953

Had 3 boys: Now 33, 31, 26 years old.

Became involved in Scouting. when the first entered Cubs.

All three are nows Eagles.

The best time investment I ever made in my life. I honestly believe
that Scouting was a better character building experience than College.

College, which truth be told, was probably a character under mining experience.

**MacEntyre** · 02-09-2009, 06:26

Originally Posted by tirediron

College ...probably a character under mining experience.

I can't say from my own experience, because I paid my own way, lived off campus, and studied all the time.

However, growing up in a college town was risky as a character building experience. Many of my contemporaries succumbed to drugs, alcohol, thievery and counter culture influences.

I think you're right about Scouts being one of the most positive experiences available.

**Chrisp70** · 02-09-2009, 09:07

I started scouts a little later than most kids. My family was very active in the outdoors fishing mainly. (Big Large Mouth Bass in Texas) I started in 89 and Eagled in 94. I worked for the council as a Merit Badge Counselor for about 3 or 4 years. Around 92 my family camped out every month we were a quality troop so we camped out once a month as a camp counseor I camped out 6 weeks in the summer and 1 week at a winter camp and went to Philmont all in one year. I think I slept in my bag more that year then I did in my bed.

Now my son is a Tiger Scout and we camp with the Boy Scout Troop almost monthly. There going to a rock crawling gym this month. Were not going since my son will only crawl up the back of the couch.

**Lone Wolf** · 02-09-2009, 09:16

Former Den Leader & Cub Master, Current Pack Committee Member, Asst. Scout Master.
USAF(4yrs).

My youngest will be a tiger in 2 yrs and I will go back through the pack . My oldest (12) loves scouts and also volunteers as a den chief.

**bristolview** · 02-09-2009, 10:04

No scouts and no Military for me. I'm always the outsider. ;-)

**howiez3** · 02-09-2009, 12:21

Just one hour a week right guys ? Ha! Heard that line over 15 years ago ,Lead cubs ,been Scoutmaster ,troop Chaplin, now ***.SM. Son now in collage is an Eagle with 3 palms and very proud to say National Medal of Merit. I should have know there would be lots of Scouters here ,we are old and need a good nights sleep! My other Leaders are realy digging my hammock ,may wind up changing thr "old goats"patrol to the old possums ! The first Scoutmaster I volenteered with also worked part time at EMS (outdoors shop).so we allways pushed for the newest backpacking trends .I wound up doing the same ,and it's troop traditon to have a new gear demo at least once a year. We try to stay away from the "this is the way we did it when we were kids " mentality. As long as it's safe ,we try new things.

**Fiddleback** · 02-09-2009, 12:39

Originally Posted by MacEntyre

I can't say from my own experience, because I paid my own way, lived off campus, and studied all the time.

However, growing up in a college town was risky as a character building experience. Many of my contemporaries succumbed to drugs, alcohol, thievery and counter culture influences.

I think you're right about Scouts being one of the most positive experiences available.

Of course, not all counter-culture influences are bad. 'We're' in the process of some over due 'countering' right now on Wall Street and in the board rooms...hopefully.

Most behavior patterns are set by age 12...it's doubtful that later association with the college crowd sank your contemporaries. And, to keep this on topic, just think about all the Boy Scouts in college...

FB