This is Pretty darn close to my EDC bag. You should really look into getting him a Nice Heavy duty flashlight. Good options i would suggest is the Streamlight stylus pro. Its not Big but its bright enough to get around in the dark. I was also looking at a Rayovac light at home depot for 15$ that runs on 2 AA's. Looked decent enough for the price and is still pretty lightweight.

http://www.rayovac.com/Products/Lights/Work/Virtually-Indestructible-LED-2AA-Flashlight.aspx

Right on all counts, Izzy! The outdoors is like a magical elixor. One part fresh air + one part nature + one part independance + one part accomplishment accomplishment + a little excitement = a happy kiddo and happy parents.



Absolutely right! At least in our case. One of the many things I love about Scouts is the sense of accomplishment it gives him. He's earned 6 merit badges in 6 months, and learned valuable skills along the way, which is encouraging more and independance and responsibility in him. He stands a lot taller since he joined!

I agree Frisket. He's got a few lights but prefers headlamps - handsfree and all that. The LED glowstick is new but he likes it because he can use it like a flashlight and chem light AND - his favourite reason - because he can use it as a lightsabre! He is still 8 afterall.

I'm walking the line between teaching him what components he needs in his kit and telling him what exactly to put in it. My philosophy is give him lots of options to cover all his bases, teach him how to use them, give him ample practice time, and then let him pick his own.

Nice setup for the cubbies!

Just thought I'd pipe in and say that chemical light sticks and their ilk can possibly have a longish shelf life. Last year I came across an unopened pack of round sticker-backed chem lights that I'd forgotten in a decade old box of Peace Corps stuff and tried a couple out on a whim. And they worked, despite being stored in a dry but not too air-conditioned room.

Granted, I've since bought new sticks for my kits, but it's kind of nice to know that some don't die at the stated three year mark.

OK, so it wasn't an emergency but... as 8 year olds will do when surrounded by mud on an innocent hike, DS got covered head to toe in it on a hike tonight. He would have been just fine in our nice warm truck, but that change of clothes saved me having to clean the truck too!