>> I wonder why the scoutmaster insisted on a wood fire in the rain??? <<

No data. We are not exactly overrun with experienced woodsmen, for what that's worth. Most truly competent outdoorsmen prefer to do their own thing instead of invest in the future of a bunch of other folks kids (yeah, that's bitter - but the truth). I guess I'm a wierdo.

I'm in the midst of a revolt I started here about a lot of that stuff, so I'm not going to comment further. I'll tend my own fire. At least some adult males took those guys out... and it is a heck of a lot of time spent by active scouters - time with other folks kids. My neck fur goes up when capable guys NOT active in Scouting lob all-knowing grenades at it, and by association, the folks who try to make it work for the lads. (No, no one in this thread is doing that.)

Tom