Weighing My Backpack
There are several techniques to find out how heavy your backpack is before a trek. The most common method is to stand on a scale with and without the pack on. The differences between the two numbers is the weight of the pack.There is another way. For years my dad keep looking in stores at fishing scales. The problem was none of them handled more then like 40 pounds. Eventually when in San Diego I... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2010-08-31How To Cook Seven Simple Recipes Over a Campfire
This is a nice video chopped full of campfire cooking idea. It has some great ideas on how to cook over the fire. A few ideas I had not seen before. Check it out. ... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2010-08-28Teaching How to Hold and Pass a Knife
First, let me get the disclaimer out of the way the best way for the Scouts to pass any knife is to lay it down and let the other person pick it up. However, if it can't be laid down they need to know how to pass a non-folding blade properly. Of course if the knife can fold, then it is always past when folded.As you can see in the first picture, you hold the... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2010-08-26All Weather Blanket
First, let me get this straight, this is not one of those flimsy tin foil emergency blankets. What is it? An all-weather space blanket is a half tarp and a half emergency blanket. On one side it is a tarp that comes in an array of colors. On the other side is a shiny foil – kind of like a durable emergency blanket. Just like the emergency blankets these provide you 90% of your... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2010-08-24
A Really Cool Chuck / Patrol Box
Looking at the video I bet this thing weights a ton, but I love all the fold out table space. The leg systems seems reasonable. And the wheels on bottom to make it easier to move is genius. Ok maybe I am easily impressed...... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2010-08-21Alvin Townley
I recently had the honor of talking with Alvin Townley, who is the author of two Scouting related books and is actively taking a role in spreading the word about Scouting. You can check out his website at http://www.alvintownley.com/ ... What follows are some questions I asked him, and his answers are in caps.... Why did you decided to write "Spirit of Adventure" and "Legacy of Honor"? Where can people find them?I HAD SOME REAL... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2010-08-19Tacos In A Bag
This is a very neat and simple idea that the Scouts could do it themselves. The jest of the idea is taking a bag of corn chips and mixing in the taco meat and other items that make up a taco.... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2010-08-17Meet Dean Whinery
I am pleased to announce that Dean Whinery has agreed to occasionally write blog posts for us. What follows is his bio of sorts, so that you know the person behind future posts. Please make him feel welcome... Born in East L.A., I lived in South-central LA until the family moved to Whittier during hgh school sophomore year. Sold newspapers on corners and in industrial areas of South-central. One of my sometimes customers was a... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2010-08-15How toastmasters helps me as a Scout Leader
Hello again from ptsteve or aka Pack Trainer Steve,What is Toastmasters? It is Toastmasters International and I have been a member of this organization for more than 25 years. Has it made me a better Adult Leader, YES!!! How, now that is the secret sauce and you need to read on.First, Active Listening, you never know when you will hear that important moment from your Cubs or Parents. Always listen while talking. You are in... [More]
By: Steve O'Connor On: 2010-08-14AX v.s. Hatchet
What is the differences between an ax and a hatchet? Is it the length of the handle? Is it the size of the tools head? No! The differences is actually the shape of the tool. Take a close look at this picture. On the right you see four axes, the smallest has maybe an 18 inch handle and weighs around a pound. Yet its still an ax.On the left side there is a tomahawk, with... [More]
By: Scott Robertson On: 2010-08-12