Introducing Boy Scouts to the world of hanging

[jasonb986]

Hi everyone, do yall have any tips on a good way to introduce the Boy Scouts to the world of hanging?

Should I buy an extra setup to let a given boy the chance to try it out for the night. Or should I just let them be jealous of my setup and have them buy their own to test it out?

[zukiguy]

When you figure that out...let me know too. I brought my hammock setup to camp about 3 years ago. A lot of the scouts were interested but sort of confused. I changed jobs so I didn't volunteer much with the troop for almost 2 years. Next thing I knew I went on a hiking trip with over a dozen scouts/adults and there was only one guy in a tent. So the troop flipped from ground dwellers to hangers in a pretty short time.

I think it was more about getting the parents on board than anything else. Young kids can curl up on a rock and get a good night's sleep. Their parents on the other hand will be amazed at the comfort the hammock provides.

Good luck

[timabababaluka]

Oh yeah! I say go for jealous (it's a great motivator). Then reluctantly tell them, "Well, I GUESS I can show you how to make your own."

Once you've got them hooked, papasmurf's thread about getting a scouting starter kit going is extremely helpful: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=22174

Good luck! They'll love you for it

[jasonb986]

When you figure that out...let me know too. I brought my hammock setup to camp about 3 years ago. A lot of the scouts were interested but sort of confused. I changed jobs so I didn't volunteer much with the troop for almost 2 years. Next thing I knew I went on a hiking trip with over a dozen scouts/adults and there was only one guy in a tent. So the troop flipped from ground dwellers to hangers in a pretty short time.

I think it was more about getting the parents on board than anything else. Young kids can curl up on a rock and get a good night's sleep. Their parents on the other hand will be amazed at the comfort the hammock provides.

Good luck

Well it sounds like you have a big influnce on getting them started down the right track.

And you are so right about getting the parents involved, but im thinking that it could also be some type of school project for the kids.

[jasonb986]

Oh yeah! I say go for jealous (it's a great motivator). Then reluctantly tell them, "Well, I GUESS I can show you how to make your own."

Once you've got them hooked, papasmurf's thread about getting a scouting starter kit going is extremely helpful: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=22174

Good luck! They'll love you for it

Thanks for that link, it looks like there is some good information there

[wyleone]

Our scoutmaster was the first one to show up in a HH. Then I bought my ENO, then he bought a WBBB. Then My son Bought his ENO. I bought a spare rig off of the FS section and used it as a loaner to several adults. Then one decided he like my loaner instead of having his own made (6'10" tall) so my extra long loaner is gone to him. One other leader bought himself and his son hammocks. The tents are dwindling. LOL It is a natural progression.

What seems to limit how many hang, is the quantity of hangable spots. The scouts are required to stay together. The adult leaders hang in their own group away from the scouts, which helps.

I would say, show up with your rig. Then see who is interested, they will ask. Don't buy a hammock for one scout to borrow. Let them get their own, some will end up with them some will stay in the tents regardless.

[ChristDriven]

Definitely the "jealous/curious" route. Of course, be open about inviting them to inspect the setup as some may be quite meek.

[jasonb986]

It's just a smaller boy scout troop, so it will be hard to show it off to the parents.

[grantizzle]

if enough interest, why not set up a DIY hammock building night?

[jasonb986]

It would be fun to do a campout to have the boys test out their diy hammocks.

Hopefully they wouldn't end up on the ground more than once. lol