Yes, things are reinvented often. Point well taken.

Ironraven,

I pretty much agree with everything you've said regarding cell phones and people's dependency on them. True, there are people that rely heavily on a cell phone instead of common sense, but the same could be said for almost anything we (as in the people on this forum) carry daily. Do we depend on having a compass rather than using the sun or the stars to tell direction? Why do we carry lighter, matches, and a magnesium rod to start a fire, rather than starting one from scratch? Even a knife, paracord, plastic sheeting, and iodine tablets, compasses, etc, all of that would seem like pretty modern luxuries for a Native American who survived for generations without any of those items. What we think of as being prepared, might be someone else's idea of being gear dependent.

All I'm saying is that it's just the natural evolution of gadgets. It can be really useful to have in an emergency, but it's no replacement for basic skills. I personally don't own one, but I will borrow one on occasion if I think it's really necessary. for example, if driving on a long trip. I carry that in addition to the right equipment, but a working cell phone out in the middle of nowhere when your car breaks down is worth more than all the knives and signal flares you can carry.

I think we've gone a bit off topic now, it might be a better subject for another thread. To answer the original question, I think you've covered most of the bases. You can only teach so much knowledge to a group of boy scouts at one time, no need to go into every detail. The Boy Scout Handbook covers a lot of this stuff pretty well, so anything you teach them in addition to this will be great.

ironraven
Your post about math reminded me of something I read the other day:

Teaching math


Last week I purchased a burger and fries at Wendys for $3.58.

The counter girl took my $4.00 and I pulled 8 cents
from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there,
holding the nickel and 3 pennies. While looking at the
screen on her register, I sensed her discomfort and
tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but
she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to
explain the transaction to her, she stood there and
cried.

Why do I tell you this?

Because of the evolution in teaching math since the
1950s:

Teaching Math In 1950

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His
cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his
profit?

Teaching Math In 1960

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His
cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What
is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1970

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His
cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

Teaching Math In 1980

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His
cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20 Your
assignment: Underline the number 20.

Teaching Math In 1990

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is
selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the
habitat of animals or the preservation of our
woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of
$20. What do you think of this way of making a living?
Topic for class participation after answering the
question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the
logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong
answers.)

Teaching Math In 2005

Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera para $100.
El cuesto de la produccion era $80. Cuantos tortillas
se puede comprar?

A lot of modern tills have exactly 7 buttons on them. $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, Cheque and Card. No button for exact money. If you want to be nasty to a Sales Assistant, give them the EXACT money. Then enjoy the look of panic.

Ok, I didn't read the whole thread, so this might have been mentioned. It might be targeting younger children than your group but the concept is very good: Hug A Tree

RCMP Hug A Tree

Add to the "STAY PUT"...if searchers are looking for you, they are your friends.

(From the incident where the Scout who, not too long ago hid from rescuers because he was trained "Not to Talk to Strangers")