Boy Scout Hammocking...

**PapaSmurf** · 08-11-2010, 08:34

DavidWa,
I'd also like to offer my scouts the opportunity to upgrade their gear. Please post details if you get the chance.

**billvann** · 08-11-2010, 08:58

Originally Posted by DavidWa

My son attended the BSA National Jamboree in Va. His troop purchased 36 Expedition hammocks to use during the Jamboree and are looking to sell them, for I think $60.

I'm curious why they are selling them. It would seem to be something they would want to use on future campouts. I can easily see a patrol setting up a pod, perhaps with a dining fly over the middle, as a cool place to hang out when camping. Plus the hammocks make great high adventure gear.

Bill

**TinaLouise** · 08-11-2010, 14:02

Originally Posted by billvann

I'm curious why they are selling them.

Bill

a lot of equipment was being sold after the Jamboree, like kayaks, canoes, water jugs, tables, ect.... I knew about the sale but couldn't get up there. I think this is done after the Jamboree's are finished. Not sure about the hammocks though as they look like they belonged to a particular troop/council. Maybe that council just doesn't want the up-keep of keeping track of them??? Our scouts (my son) were in canvas tents that are now going to our Scout Camp for Summer camp use. I guess if that council doesn't have a use for it, then it's cheaper to sell it and make some money back.

**billvann** · 08-11-2010, 14:31

I get it. It's the Council that owns them, not a Scout troop. That makes sense that they wouldn't want the equipment.

**mike777** · 08-11-2010, 14:52

I'd buy one at $60 if given the opportunity (assuming they aren't trashed).

My son is a new boy scout and we are just getting started with hammocks.

**stoikurt** · 08-11-2010, 16:03

Originally Posted by billvann

I get it. It's the Council that owns them, not a Scout troop. That makes sense that they wouldn't want the equipment.

All that is true. If it is equipment the Council will not use then it is surplus and sold. IMO, the Jamboree participants should have first option to purchase surplus equipment.

That being said, I have issues with all the Councils that USE the participants to pay for equipment for the Jamboree and then Council either keeps it or sells it and reaps the benefits. The profits should be divided back out to the participants. Sorry, I know this is not the place for this.

**linksgard2** · 08-11-2010, 16:31

Not sure if you knew this but the BSA has a limit on how high up your hammock can be up on a tree. Our troop found out the hard way. In the whole camp site there were only 2 spots to put up hammocks, so we put up a "tower" of them 5 hammocks tall. Then some staff members came by to inspect the camp and told us to take them down because they were over the height limit (4 feet).

**Just Jeff** · 08-11-2010, 17:43

Originally Posted by linksgard2

...so we put up a "tower" of them 5 hammocks tall...

Pics or it didn't happen.

Seriously...got any pics of this?

**Triggerhpy** · 08-11-2010, 18:41

Originally Posted by Just Jeff

Pics or it didn't happen.

Seriously...got any pics of this?

Ditto that.
And any pics of those surplus hammocks.

**DavidWa** · 08-11-2010, 18:45

Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

DavidWa,
I'd also like to offer my scouts the opportunity to upgrade their gear. Please post details if you get the chance.

I have emailed a couple of the council members who can provide the details about their process for selling the hammocks. To find out if they intend to give in-state or in-council troops first dibs on purchasing them or if it will be first come first served, who the contact person will be , if they would want the contact information posted here or not, etc.

I have received a couple of private messages in addition to the public interest messages posted here. I have not yet received a reply from the people who have the hammocks with a count of hammocks remaining or the process they want to use. When I hear back from them I will update those interested.

As to why they are selling them. I assume the information posted by others is correct. They were purchased for use at the Jamboree, now that it is over they, the Council, wants to have the money available for other uses or to fund the next Jamboree which will be in 3 years, hopefully here in-state at the new Becthel Summit site currently under construction near the New River Gorge.