There are a lot of Boy Scouts and leaders who read this forum. Check out the Close out section at Scoutstuff.org (under Collectors Corner). They have a few nice close out items at some great prices. January 2007, this stuff probably won't last long at this price.

They are closing out the Photon LED lights with BSA logo for $5.44. That is a super price with or without a BSA logo. These would make a great cross over gift or appreciation gifts for your supportors.

Another closeout is the Coleman Taos 25 degree sleeping bag at $22. 44. A good bag for a Boy Scout on a budget.

Suunto MB-6 Compass - $18.44. This small high quality matchbox compass will cost you $40+ at REI or similar stores.

32 oz Nalgene Bottles (Yellow only) - $3.44. Always need another Nalgene.

Also, a good time to replace the troop's lantern cases - $6.44

Do you have to be a scout or scout leader to buy from them? (Logos can always be removed from a bargain item <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> )

I don't think so...pretty sure not.

No, I don't think so.

Why are you worried about logos, anyway? You only use a Photon in the dark. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

There are some things at Scout Stores, like rank badges that you have to earn, that there are restrictions on buying and lots of the "official" scout gear is rather expensive, but there are some good items in Scout stores that a non-scout might be interested in.

For example, the Scout "Hot Spark" at a regular price of about $2.50 is nice and I would suggest that the Boy Scout Field Book, about $20, has more practical information in it than most of the "survival guides" on the market.

I was in a West Michigan Scout Store last week picking up awards for our next pack meeting and picked up a couple of real bargains on Camillus locking folding knives. One with a saw and one without. Both were on "close-out" for much less than their retail. Great knives to boot.