Hi Tom,<br><br>Your thoughts on having a staff with you to begin with are valid and I certainly have no issue with starting out with one. I've also toyed with the idea of making one for myself.<br><br> My thinking on the flagpole was more along the lines of not having an extra item to keep track of as part of a kit, and the thought that it would give a lost child (even an adult child ;>) BIG Grin) something to focus on doing in a positive manner, which would provide a sense of accomplishment (as well as a potential protection device & signaling means).<br><br><br>Regards,<br>Comanche7

Bill,<br><br>Very well stated, your preparations appear very thorough and logical. <br><br>Good job.<br>Comanche7

SORRY Again for revbiving ANOTHER old thread!

Now i don't know you guys went about life as a kid but since the age of 7 i had a 4inch full tang blade in sheath hanging from my waist and a lifeboat whistle round my necvk, i thought this was normal! I was brought up in the countryside where like me my dad loved the outdoors! Now perhaps i'm opening a can of worms and maybe people will disagree with my parents buying me a knife at that age BUT i had a lo of respect for thsat knife to the extent that till iu was 10 i kissed it good night before i went to bed!!! I ALSO NEVER took it to school, and my partenmts were usually aropund when in use!!!

mark

Mark, It is called political Correctness, which has nothing to do with the real world :O( . Societies seem to reach down to a lowest common denominator. You as a 7 y/o could be trusted with a knife. There are people in their 'maturity' who are dangerous with spoons.

lol-i get your point!

Mark