You're a Scout Leader. What's in your backpack?

Hello All,
I have a question / scenario for you to ponder...

I'm a new Cub Scout Den Leader this year and have put together a number of my own BOB's, shelter-in place kits, car kits, FAK's etc. over the last number of years. Thanks to this forum, I've been far more prepared than I was previously.

Last summer at scout camp I was prepared with a small First Aid Kit (FAK) and was able to help out with a few minor bumps & bruises. One Scouter dad was pretty impressed that, to his surprise,I had some children's tylenol along in my kit. He ended up giving some to his kid. I told him my kit was customized for that weekend activity, and that I had tried to "be prepared". In this case, the camp was run by a quality staff with medical training and plenty of medical supplies with a few minutes walk. I just happened to have My FAK on me, in my backpack when it was needed.

I'm starting to think that as my son grows older (he's 8 now), I should create a kit that's more appropriate to the activities we'll be doing together. This includes Cub Scout camping activities like easy hiking, outdoor games, fishing, boating, etc.

For those of you who don't exactly push the high adventure boundaries of the great outdoors, what ingredients are in your day hike backpack? I know the Boy Scouts of America has their recommended essential items. I also know that sometimes those lists can be oversimplifications. Since I'm comfortable building my own kits, I'd like to hear your thoughts. I already have one of those small Adventure Medical Kits - Ritter Pocket Survival Pack (I think that's what it's called?). I also have a few other "essentials" like a whistle, flashlight, compass, etc.

As part of this effort, I'd like to create a small FAK small enough to not weigh me down. I'd especially like your suggestions for a pocket first aid book, booklet, guide, (or Internet downloadable sheet) to keep in the FAK.

My goal is to never be the leader of one of those scout groups we see from time to time in the news... you know the ones... "that guy" who decided to take the boys on a short hike in a national forest, got a little lost, or got slowed down by someone who got hurt and didn't have a FAK ... and then the worried parents dispatched the SAR team to go find them. I know i dont want to be the leader who didn't have a compass, a bottle of water or a change of clothes with him.

Please help me not be "that guy".

So the question is.... What's in your Cub Scout leader backpack? (Even if you're not a Scouter ... theoretical rsponses welcome too)

Thanks in advance!

If you never want to be that guy - take the 2 day Wilderness First Aid course from NOLS or another provider. Knowledge and training and experience pack down fairly small in your bag. Repeat every 2 years while you have a son or daughter in Scouts. Encourage other Scout leaders to take WFA. And if you find a capable Scout aged 15 yrs or more interested in WFA, by god pay his way, you might be launching him into careers in medicine or an EMT. Surprise! You're a repeater, and someone the Scouts can really rely on when the chips are down. And you no longer think so much about squeezing down your FAK, WFA teaches you your FAK is the sum of what you carry (insulation, webbing, foam pads, etc etc)

My FAK fills a gallon zip lock. I say never think small when it comes to wilderness first aid, not when you are responsible for bringing Scouts back to the trailhead intact. You are better off searching for lists that contain what you know how to treat with, and adapting when you gain knowledge.

Oh yeah, when you go more than ~5 miles or ~24 hours of self-powered evacuation to a TH (~your comfort zone for reaching advanced medical assistance) - purchase a PLB and take it with you. Spend a half hour at a troop meeting introducing Scouts to what it is and when you activate, and show them where you keep it in your pack. You will have just made you scouts that much braver and more capable in an emergency.

I think Lono has nailed it - training is key. It is your prime requirement, first and foremost. Your attitude is exemplary - if only more Scout leaders felt the same way!

This subject always gets my attention.My introduction to SAR was an extensive search for three Boy Scouts over fifty years ago. We found them all right - about two weeks after they had perished in an epic storm. They were unprepared, to say the least. I will never forget my memory of a distraught Scoutmaster breaking down at the command post (we called them base camps back then).

Later in my NPS career, I have met other troops. While many were great, far too many were not. I never encouraged my sons to engage in the Boy Scouts.

I like the You Tube video series by USNERDOC... variety of different levels of kits, and I think he puts them together for sale

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P60_sELRkqw

I'm with Lono, get as much training as you can. The more you know, the more clearly you'll think, both before and during anything that might arise. Scouts Canada offers lots of training throughout the year, and many leaders fail to take advantage of it. It can be daunting to give up family time to go to training but from first aid, to planning, to equipment, to training your youth, networking, etc... the payoff is worth it.

Beware that that confidence doesn't become complacence though. A lot of the horror stories we hear seem to stem from overconfidence, or an under appreciation for the risks. As for basic equipment, I'm sure to carry a cell phone, group-sized FAK, extra water, snacks, sheltering (i.e. blanket, tarp, etc.) and paperwork, regardless of what we're doing. In the summer I add a kid-sized hat, sunscreen and bug spray to my must carry list, and in the winter I add kid-sized hats, mitts and socks.

We also have group supplies, like whistle lanyards for everyone, and a group equipment backpack. We could probably spend hours talking about all the bits and pieces...

Training and preparation, added to our detailed trip plans and excellent communication, a attention to the weather forecast, make me much more confident taking the man-child and his peers out for adventures.

Cub Scouts is pretty much community-based, so they don't really go too far from their area until the last few years - and until Boy Scouts. Given that, help is simply not that far away - usually.

I first got into equipped.org when I was a new Cub Scout leader and my worse case scenario was a lost (missing) boy. I knew I could deal with first aid issues, but the horror of realizing that a boy was missing haunted me.

While visiting a local county event I came across a search and rescue team, chatted with them, and came away determined to teach "my boys" how to prepare for - and react to - finding themselves lost.

Given that, besides the excellent advice already provided in this thread, I would suggest you find the "Survival For Kids" link on the left side of Equipped.com, read it carefully, and help you boys (and their siblings?) gear up and prepare. I found orientaltrading.com an excellent source of cheap little fanny packs and whistles. Go to you local highway department and ask for orange plastic trash bags. If you tell them its for Cub Scouts they'll by more than happy to help.

I also had my boys create SIMPLE little first aid kits with wet wipes, band-aids.

Now that my son - and Eagle Scout - has aged out of Boy Scouts and is in college, and I think back to those days...

The best advice I ever got was to avoid letting my excitement about exposing the boys to outdoor skills try to do too much too soon. The Boy Scout program is VERY carefully designed to expose boys to age-appropriate skills. Eventually they will be amazingly independent and able to prepare, buy, pack, and carry out adventures with limited input from adults. It doesn't have to all come in the first few years of Cub Scouts.

Oh, my other bit of advice is to try to get the other Cub Scout parents involved too. Not as helicopter parents, but to bring their own experiences and talent to the boys. I had an amazing group of parents that came with even more amazing boys. Great times!

Just a frame of reference, I am a Boy Scout Scoutmaster. Cub Scouts do not camp in primitive camp sites, and they rarely hike very far from help. That said, I think they should first be trained to "hug a tree", carry signaling devices, and remain in buddy teams, and I prefer groups of three over two. Cub Scouts should always have a parent with them, for safety (required for campouts) and as Ken said, it makes the experience that much better for the scout. Survival training for Cubs is to remain in place, protect their body temperature, and signal for help.

For my pack on hikes, in addition to the ten essentials:

Shelter (poncho, tarp)

Signaling (sound, light for night and day, orange panels, cell phone, PLB for more serious hikes)

Water purification

Trauma Kit (over and above a first aid kit, for major bleeding, obstructed airways, anaphylaxis, etc.)

Night vision scope (I have all of my scouts carrying more than one light, and at times I mark them with red lights; The scope helps me keep track of them)

Push to Talk Radios (for the scout leadership and for the adults on the trip)

Not a comprehensive list, but the stuff I need to handle the more extreme emergencies. I am with Hikermor, I have seen too many scout groups going far beyond their true capabilities. I am fortunate to have the background I have, and other Assistant Scout Masters with similar backgrounds and skills.

This may not map to other packs/troops, or bear out statistically, but at our last bridging ceremony for Webelos we found that the Cub leaders had been busier in terms of administering first aid: one case anaphylaxis, one concussion, one dislocation from a cub who took a tumble running down a hill, and one bad encounter with a likely peanut allergy. All required trips to the ER. Pin a medal on any adult who took on all that!

Not being a Scout guy, I can only offer crazy hypotheticals/theoreticals. I always like the idea of having a healthy dose of paranoia and pessimism. I try to visualize the event and invite Mr. Murphy along for comedic relief. I then start to build the kit/pack from there. There is a lot to be said for being Eeyore - anxiety-ridden, paranoid, and pessimistic

My $.02
YMMV
IMHTAO (In my humble, though accurate, opinion)

Murphy is always present at Scouting activities!

Always pack an extra 1-2 quarts more than the outing requires. More than once we've had scouts go down when they were dehydrated, or temps were higher than expected.

The 10 E's covers most of what you need. Just beef up the FAK as you have, with kid doses of meds. I'd be leary about handing out meds if you don't have permission slips, though, with today's culture.

An extra beanie, gloves, a few AA batteries. Invariably there's a kid that forgets something. I mean, hell, I once forgot a sleeping bag and I was 16. Oops.

Definitely be good w/ first aid, and be killer w/ a map and compass. GPS are nice, but batteries fail. Plus you don't want ot be the putz that needs to check the GPS every time there's a trail junction. Kind of makes it hard for the kids to get their orienteering badges if you're clueless.

Don't be a helicopter dad. On our backpacking trips (Weblos and higher), most of the time after we set up the tent, we were gone ... for hours ... until it was getting dark and dinner needed to be made. Just buddy system, make sure the kids pack their 10E's (we usually had a fanny pack or smaller backpack to keep them around) and enjoy your coffee as they scramble around and explore.

"I'd be leary about handing out meds if you don't have permission slips, though, with today's culture. " Indeed, one should be. Going by the manual, medications are not within the scope of first aid, other than items prescribed for the individual and carried by that person. I am sure there may be a few minor exceptions, but they don't come readily to mind.

After spending 5 years in cub scouting with my son, and now getting close to wrapping up his first year in a boy scout troop, here is my .02 worth.

First and foremost, get a guide to safe scouting. You can find the free PDF here: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34416.pdf

You will find this quick reference guide to age appropriate scouting activities helpful as well: http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34416_Insert_Web.pdf

As you can see, under aquatics, any boating activity is only approved for district or council events for cub scouts.

I agree with everyone else about not dispensing medications, even over the counter meds, to a scout (required personal medications should be administered by the parent attending the event). I would go so far as to say don’t even give it to a parent to give to the child. If something goes wrong, guess who is liable? Don’t think for a second giving it to the parent first removes you of any/all liability. Consider this as well: If something goes wrong, and you have not followed BSA guidelines, you will not be covered under the BSA umbrella insurance liability policy. Leave it up to the parents to bring medications to administer themselves to their own child. At the Cub Scout level parents should be there with their child anyway. If you are at a district or council run event, and they don’t have medications with them, send them to the first aid station. DO NOT under any but the direst circumstances take that liability on yourself. At the Webelos and Boy Scouts you may need to administer personal meds as you may go camping independently, but as others have suggested, get permission slips as needed.

I agree what others have mentioned about training. Make sure you also include all the appropriate BSA training for Cub Scout Leaders.

Ken has it spot on. You won’t be doing much with cub scouts that will take you very far from having access to your vehicles or medical help. Cub Scouts, even Webelos, may only camp where they have access to running water and working bathrooms. This usually means car camping at an established campground. That said, now is a great time to be getting the knowledge, training and gear together for when your son does cross over to a Boy Scout Troop. The knowledge and skills you pick up now will be a HUGE help.

So what’s in the pack? Well, when the troop put their packs together for the First Tenderfoot requirement, we went by the checklists in the BSA handbook. First were the ten essentials: Pocketknife, First aid kit (per the BSA personal first aid kit list), Extra clothing, Rain gear, Water bottle (1 liter/quart), Flashlight or headlamp, Trail food, Matches/Fire starter, Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and finally Map and compass. Additionally we added the personal camping items: Sleeping bag or blankets, sleeping pad, ground cloth. Eating kit (Knife, Fork, Spoon or Spork; Plate; Bowl; Cup), Clean-up Kit (Soap in sealed container, Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Dental Floss, Comb or hair brush, Washcloth & Towel). I added a few other items per what I have learned over the years from all the wonderful folks here at ETS. A small fixed blade knife, folding hand saw, a couple of contractors size garbage bags (one as a rain cover for my pack, an extra as a makeshift shelter, poncho, ground cloth, or whatever), some assorted Ziploc bags, a beefed up first aid kit, extra emergency blankets, extra disposable ponchos (new troop, young boys, not always following the motto of being prepared), a 100 foot hank of ¼” rope (I find it a bit odd that this is not on the list), a 200 ft spool of jute twine (for guy lines and additional tinder if needed), extra assorted fire starters in a dry box, a small backpacking stove (recently added, still need to get a fuel canister), and a couple of chemical hand/body warmers.

Oh, and one last thing, on page 63 of the BSA Wilderness Survival Merit Badge Pamphlet, you will find this website listed as an online resource. I thought I was in the right place when I discovered ETS back in 2009, it's a good feeling to know that BSA agrees.

Thanks everyone for all the thoughtful responses! And yes, this is Cub Scouting... not the more advanced Boy Scouting. I'm sure you'd all agree it's never to early to start thinking about the right way to do this... so we're ready in the future.

I plan to take the training issue more seriously for all the reasons stated. The BSA does offer training courses too, and I'll further investigate those options along with the other ones mentioned. A number of the dads in our pack & den have completed the BSA's BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) training course. I was also considering the BSA's IOLS (Intro to Outdoor Leader Skills) training. There are also some first-aid type classes available at our Council's "University of Scouting".

The meds issue, and the associated pitfalls, are a little clearer to me now. Just to clarify, I gave the meds in their original packaging to the kid's dad (who was with us at camp, and he administered it to his kid). I can see how that could still be problematic from a liability standpoint.

Thanks for all your insight!

I think you are definitely on the right track.

Cub Scouting vs Boy Scouting is exactly why I suggest the guide to safe scouting and the age appropriate activities guide. Many dad's get into Cub Scouts, thinking it is Boy Scouts, and expect the boys to go on a hike/campout miles from any facilities, or go on a multi-day canoe/camping trip along the local river, or ... well, you get the picture, and yes, I was guilty of thinking all of that. When my son was a Tiger I was really turned off by all the artsy craftsy stuff, enough so I almost pulled him out of the program, but the reason I didn't was the simple fact that my son liked it, and that was what was most important. Looking back, and looking at where we are now, I realize many of the reasons why it is structured this way. Still, it can be difficult for dads (and sometimes the kids as well) who expect more of the hardcore outdoor stuff during the Tiger year (or the wolf or bear year). That doesn't mean you can't work with your own son on these things at home outside of scouts tho, that's what we ended up doing. It also doesn't mean you can't have a strong outdoor program, you just have to be careful and be aware of what you can and can't do. See the next point.

You should also be aware of what kind of activities can and can't be done at each level, and at different events. For instance, Webelos are the only ones allowed to camp as a Den, and you cannot do shooting sports at a Den or Pack event or camp out. Just a couple of examples, there are many more you need to be aware of.

Training is good, and you can't really start too early, but just an FYI, there are TWO different OLS trainings that I am aware of. There is an OLS training that is geared towards the Boy Scout Program, and one that is geared toward Webelos Leaders (referred to specifically as OLS for Webelos Leaders). The Boy Scout version is still not bad to have, but it can wait if need be. Make sure when the time comes you sign up for the right one.

Keep up the good work and most importantly enjoy this time with your son. Mine is 12 now, he'll be 13 soon, it went by WAY too fast.

Mark,

Mine is 34 now -- WAY too fast!

Respectfully,

Jerry

I'm an Assistant Scoutmaster and have been an Assistant Cubmaster. For both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts I try to emphasize everyone bringing adequate gear for the activity, as thinking it through and getting the gear and experiencing the results of being prepared are valuable in so many ways. In a way that might be hard for many on this forum to imagine, some Scouts (and their parents) come to this with little practical knowledge, so that, e.g., despite your instructions to bring a quart canteen in a day pack, they show up for a day hike hand-carrying a too-small bottle of water. In more serious outings there may be mandatory gear checks, but for situations like a day hike, especially for a newcomer, it is a gentle real-life instruction to go ahead and let them get tired of carrying that water bottle. And, when they drink it all and are thirsty again, to offer some of the extra water I brought just for that purpose. So, in that spirit, here is a list of some extra gear I often take on outings:

Water
Knit hats/caps/beanies
Disposable rain ponchos
Fleece pullovers
Blanket
Moleskin for blisters

Another hint... On an overnight outing I sometimes put a chemical light stick at the outhouse and another at the campsite, so Scouts don't get lost going to the bathroom in the night (they should have a buddy anyway, but, hey, even two can get turned around at night).

Best...
Steve

Not hard at all Steve. Even the parents who DO know a thing or two can be just as bad, in many cases worse. Case in point, a few of the Dad's were talking about the packs the boys put together for their Tenderfoot requirement, bare minimum equipment from what I can tell, and they were talking about how, after a few camp outs and figuring out what they did and did not need, the boys could LIGHTEN their packs and take LESS equipment. I can't IMAGINE what these dads think they can eliminate from the pack. It's hard to get everyone on board with realizing that to be prepared means you HAVE to take it with you. One of our scouts has even been talking about how LITTLE gear he takes when he goes hiking outside of scouting events (presumably with a buddy or a family member(s) I hope??).



That is an excellent teaching opportunity to take advantage of, and bringing the extra yourself adds a margin of safety, however what do you do when the next event the scout does the same thing? Maybe he knows you are bringing extra and he doesn't have to worry about it? Maybe he couldn't convince his parents that he needs a bigger water bottle? Once people realize someone else will be prepared for them, it can get even harder to get them to do it.



That is a GREAT idea.

One thing to keep in the back of your mind, is that some parents and kiddos are just never ever going to get it. (We had one family who, for years, always forgot something, ended up getting soaked, etc. The parents were split up and kids rotated houses, mom and dad couldn't agree, etc. etc.) We're responsible for them when they're out there with us though, so I and our group, always always go prepared for the inevitable "I forgot..." or "I didn't think I needed...." or "It was too heavy..." etc.

As leaders, we all pack and carry our own gear but, additionally, on Pack trips we do one of two things, in terms of group gear, depending on the nature of the outing:

For hikes, without an over-nighter, we bring a pack that's got a group FAK, a couple of 2-way radios, extra water, tarp, cordage, some emergency ponchos, extra hats/mitts/necker, paperwork, and enough flashlights and lanyards with whistles for everyone in the group. All the leaders know what's in that kit, and we rotate through the parents, assigning one to carry it each time. We review the contents with them before we hit the trail, and explain why we carry what we do. That way, we're helping train them to be better prepared for their family outings. We also bring a second pack with a big jug of hot chocolate and enough cups for everyone, to help with hydration and warmth, and also to help keep smiles on everyone's faces.

For over-nighters, we bring one of our gear trailers with us. It's loaded with tents, sleeping bags, stoves, FAKs, and just about anything we could possibly need out there. As one example of how I/We do it, here's a trip report I submitted about one of our camping trips last year, with a lot more details:

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.ph...true#Post253574

Take Training, especially a "Wilderness Fist Aid Course", and pack extra clothing and Good/Redundant Fire Lighting Gear always.

Another hint... On an overnight outing I sometimes put a chemical light stick at the outhouse and another at the campsite, so Scouts don't get lost going to the bathroom in the night (they should have a buddy anyway, but, hey, even two can get turned around at night).


We used to tack one, on a short piece of string, at the top of the outhouse door: leave it out for homing, flip it inside with you, so you can see what you're doing. Please, no magnifying glass jokes. ;-)

I've marked the Latrine and the support lines when we are using tents that require support lines.

I was a Cub Master for three years, I have been an Assistant Scout Master for five. I had had the please of being an adviser on a Philmont trek.
As far as training goes I was an EMT for 7 years and currently teach OLS (outdoor leader skills) and OWLS outdoor WEBELOS leader skills), WFA (wilderness first aid), and Orienteering at our University of Scouting.

It is not what I carry that decides the outing. It is what the boys carry that is the key.

There is noting you or the boys can carry that is lighter or more versatile than knowledge.

I made a point during my time as Cubmaster to lay the foundation with the boys starting as early as possible. Even Tigers can impress us if given a chance. Although the boys should carry no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight in their packs they can do there part and learn to use the ten essentials. I carry a full complement of the ten essential systems with me on every outing. I ensure the boys at minimum have enough water to avoid serious problems and the key systems to cover our plan and the weather.

The earlier the scouts and their parents learn the personal in personal first aid kits and personal gear the earlier they will be able to truly enjoy their time outdoors.

I was given a 2 up 2 sided set of medical forms what I became Cubmaster and I have kept current medical forms with me for all youth and adult leaders since. I also have the parents provide any listed medications in individual snack bags per administration and in a clearly labeled larger bag with the scouts name. The key is knowing the parents wishes and having them is writing on the scouts forms. You are wise to try an steer clear of becoming "that guy". It sounds like the unit has a valuable resource available. Take the training you can and continue to help out where needed. One hour a week only works if we all do our part and accept the assistance available within our units.

Yours in Scouting,
Jim

Good points bpj, too many Scouts these days come from broken homes. When DS and I moved on to the Troop, the Pack we left behind folded because all that was left were 4 Scouts, 3 of them from broken homes and had Grandparents taking care of them and bringing them to meetings. The Grandparents couldn't step up to run things. The last remaining Scout had Parents who worked all the time just trying to make a living and didn't have the time to take over. It was a sad time, but there really wasn't anything else we could do to keep it going.

At the Troop, I also find many parents of scouts who seem surprised they have to provide ANYTHING for their sons. As a new troop, we have virtually no troop equipment, so we NEED the boys to provide a great deal of their own personal equipment, at least for now. It surprises me that a lot of the boys don't have a lot of the equipment already, and that their parents are not really willing to get it for their sons. I guess I see it differently than they do. I recognize that the gear I buy for myself and my son will be useful for much more than just scouting. I wish they would too, and have as much fun getting new equipment as my son and I do together.

I can totally relate to your situation, Mark. Although my troop is more than 50 years old, it had dwindled to almost nothing, almost dying, before I was placed as the Scout Master. We are still small, but most of the boys are fairly motivated. the trick has been in getting the parents involved more. This has been part education (benefits for the scout), part making the participation enjoyable (we have activities for the parents, joint activities for scouts and parents, and just good company for the parents during camp-outs as we have some good cooking going on). Involving the parents more has been the most difficult part of the job.

We still have some that do nothing, and I am generally the one who must do what is necessary for the scouts in that situation. I have built up a stock of camping gear that I issue to the scout and make them responsible for. It is not cheap, but I will not stand by and see a scout suffer for something that is not their fault. That alone has helped get some parents more involved, out of gratitude if nothing else.

For some of the parents it is necessary to see the tangible benefits of scouting before they really become motivated to get involved. The look on the faces of some at a court of honor when they see their son receive a promotion and some merit badges in front of the rest of the troop is an indicator of how it affects them. When the scout proudly tells their parents of how much work was involved and how much they learned is one of the most motivating things for many parents.

Our cub scout pack folded for about a year, due to the same reasons you mention, but I went out and recruited a cub master, and he went out and recruited more scouts. It is a small pack, but growing.

I like what the program can do for the boys, and I believe in the program. there are times, as in any large organization, that I get frustrated with the larger scouting organization. It seems that the district and council levels, and even higher, lose sight of the real purpose, the boys, and demand more organizational support than they give to the troops. I saw that in the Army as well, with the headquarters demanding more support from the subordinate units than they gave to those units. It is a natural progression, but not a positive one, and it must be fought.

There does seem to be less interest in scouting now, and much more competition for the time of the scouts and their parents. This will never end, and maybe get even more difficult. Most of the scouts we have came to scouting because of a direct relationship with one of our scouts. Other types of recruiting does not seem to work very well. Most of ours required a hard sell to the parents of a prospective scout, along with invitations to visit activities and watch the scouts in action.

Bottom line, I am in it for the boys (and yes I have two of my own in the troop), and most of the my troop I have known since they were very young, so we have established relationships with the parents. All of our parents have a great deal of trust in me and my assistant scout masters. This is a rare thing though. But as the troop gradually grows, more boys are attracted to the troop.

Too long winded, I know. It is a passionate subject for me. I have found that talking to other scout leaders does help. There are many ways of solving any problem, and most of the ways have been tried before by someone you probably know. Talk to them.

I can relate as well Montanero. In spite of some recent bad publicity the scouting program still has much to offer. Everything from citizenship to outdoor skills to learning about possible career paths. I can get rather long winded myself.

Part of the problem with the old pack, was that the previous leadership did nothing but run off parents and scouts. When DS's leader quit as well, I had two choices: 1) Let the pack fold then, or 2) Step up and work within the bounds they created to make it the best experience I could for the boys. I chose the latter. Sadly, we never had much in the way of pack camping supplies, or much of anything else, other than bows and arrows and bb guns which we weren't allowed to use anyway. I operated with no budget, planning activities with materials I could scrounge up at home, or borrow, or ... well, you get the idea. That was my sons Bear year, and I continued this for his first year as a Webelo. The Cub Master's son aged out so I was promoted to Cub Master for my son's second year as a Webelo. I had to recruit two former leaders to come back and help, and also enlisted the help of our remaining grandparents as well. If it hadn't been for them we would not have had a scout year.

By this time we had dwindled down to a much smaller group, we had 5 returning scouts and 8 new scouts come to recruitment night. After the dust settled we ended up with only 9 altogether. By Christmas we had dropped to 7. By spring, we still had the 7, although one had already planned on transferring to a different pack for the fall, so that essentially left us 6. All 7 came to the advancement/crossover ceremony. We planned an elaborate ceremony, complete with parts of a native American Indian chief's head dress and accessories borrowed from the local museum. I had some imitation eagle feathers and home made arrows for the arrow of light ceremony (two received that including my son) and face painting for all the advancing scouts during the ceremony. The leaders AND parents/grand parents were all involved in the ceremony in some way. A few other packs heard about it and wanted to borrow the ceremony (which I had borrowed from several different sources off the internet and combined with mine and the other leader's own ideas into one). I later heard that many of the boys slept that night without washing the paint off their faces.

I thought we had the best year ever. We started a Webelos Woods event for our district. We had a HUGE flag retirement ceremony at the school. A lock in "camp out" at the school. Camping at the district events. The best and most elaborate obstacle course we had created to date. All culminated with the advancement ceremony. After it was over, and we were packing stuff up to go home, one of the grandparents I was pretty close to told me one of the other grandparents asked him, "Now why didn't we ever get a ceremony like that when the other guy was in charge?" As good as the year was, it just wasn't enough to inspire anyone to keep it going. One year was just not enough time to repair all the damage the previous leader had done over the previous four years. I once overheard his wife say to him "Oh no, another summer ruined by scout activities." There just wasn't enough interest or support left to continue the scouting program there.

The pack has been gone for almost a year now, but the troop we moved to is local, with a strong local pack to keep feeding new scouts into it. The boys who were left in our pack were supposed to transfer to the same pack, 2 of them did not, 1 paid but never came back, another came to meetings until Christmas break and never came back after. My son is the only one from our original bunch that is still active in scouting, but the pack/troop we are involved in now is actually more centrally located, and a much bigger and more involved group so the adults get more help and the kids have LOTS more fun. We recruit at and get scouts from the school our old pack used to operate at. It seems to be easier to keep the scouting program going from a central location like we have now. All in all it has worked out for the best.

paper and phone list of all the scouts and their contact info; When we're out I'm responsible for all of them - and this includes getting them home or to a parental unit. ( which might involve as many as 6 possible contact phone numbers)

Great point. On outings we're supposed to have all the membership information, which includes contact info, as well as a hard copy of our emergency plan (and a couple other pieces of paper I'm probably forgetting!).

Spare whistles (they wear them all the time on hikes),

spare leaf bags for shelter/rain coat.

Extra water

two way radios


In snowy weather I bring a batch of bread bags for lining boots.

Your word Murphy reminds me of interstellar's Murph =(