Yes, you're right. I guess it's better that SOMEONE get the kids out there, even if they're not very qualified. Even if the kids don't learn anything (although they usually learn something, even if it's what NOT to do), it may get them thinking about what they might be able to do in more extreme circumstances.
My scoutmaster and all the aother adults are qualified, they just wanted this campout to be a more primitive one.

Ah the perjorative and misunderstood word 'primative' again. A black, rotary phone that weighs 5 lbs and reads made in the USA by MA BELL is primative vs a Cellphone that alerts you to an incoming message with Scooby Doo theme songs. Drop both from a 3 story building <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> or find a 'primative' person who would go to sleep wet and cold on that island <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

While a young Scout - many many years ago - I was taught that the first priority was to put up the dining fly and get the rain-sensitive gear - usually charcoal, sleeping bags, & packs - underneath it. I would think that would include at least some dry firewood (if it had just started raining).

We would typically try to wait out the rain a bit before putting up tents in hopes that the rain would let up. Sometimes it did, but more often it didn't.

We still do that - when they have a dining fly along. They are about to make the connection (later this month) with the same concept when we're backpacking. A donated roll of Tyvek turns into backpacking crew tarps tonight...

I am going to post over in the Camp Fire Forum our experiences this past weekend regarding fire in the rain.

Pete