Troop 101's policy is "if even one Scout wants to go camping, we go." There is no reason to take the "Outing" out of Scouting simply because other members of the troop are sick, on a school trip, have homework to do, or are at a family affair.
Sometimes though, we do need to cancel.
In the case of the February camping trip, we had only one Scout able to attend. In events like this, as Scoutmaster I am faced with the decision of either making the call myself, or (as I've been doing lately) letting the available Scout make the decision (hopefully without any outside influence). The Scout in question was asked if he would like to go - and he declined (not that I can blame him.)
There are those out there that think going camping is a leisure event, time used to sit around the campfire and trade "ghost stories" and roast marshmallows. Yes, there is downtime, usually at the end of Saturday, when the troop is eating and shooting the breeze around a nice warm fire. However, during the rest of the weekend, we are working - and working hard. We don't use propane stoves unless there is adverse weather that doesn't allow us to light a fire - all our cooking is on an open flame.
Do you know what it takes to have one meal?
Wood needs to be gathered in abundance, so that not only can you get the fire going, but also keep it going while you cook - until the food is finished. Sometimes that requires leaving the site to collect the wood, most times with a saw, to bring it back and cut it up more or split it. If you are fortunate enough to have several people on the trip, someone else is prepping the food for the fire. The fire needs to be lit, and built up so that it can burn down into cooking coals - we don't cook over a roaring inferno, unless we want charcoal briquettes to gnaw on. Then, cook, eat (hopefully before it gets to cold out in the open), then heat water for dishes, do the dishes, and then put it all away.
Sure we could use propane - but the Boy Scout handbook doesn't teach us how to make a fire for just ambiance does it? The program is about building confidence and skills that can be used in the home - maybe not building fires, but the same method can be applied to the stove - too much heat, burn the chicken on the outside and its raw in the middle!
As you can see for one meal, there is a lot involved - we've always said camping is not for the weak. The more Scouts you have, the lighter the work is. If in the morning one Scout collected wood while another built the fire, then they can trade places for the evening meal. Everyone works or does every job that needs to be done - even our adults. We work
with the Scouts, not
for them.
If there are enough Scouts that they can build the fire and cook the meal, but everyone was involved, then the adults do the dishes - and visa versa. The adults don't sit around sipping coffee - we are either helping with the work, or working with the Scout to accomplish his task. If a Scout is having issues with using a bow saw, and adult jumps in and
assists him - without doing it for him. In the end, the only way the Scout will get better with the saw is by practicing - though in this case it won't get him to Carnegie Hall.
Where am I going with this? Well, as you can see, with more Scouts the work is not only easier, but is more fun because they can talk about friends, school, video games or the cute redhead that sits next to them in class. What is one 11-year-old Scout going to talk to a bunch of adults about? Mortgages? Oak trim? Two inch conduit?
Now you can see why the young Scout opted to stay home. (Though we have had older Scouts decide to go with the adults - which was interesting when he decided to cook for himself
all the food he brought for 4 people...)
I hate canceling a camping trip. Its one of the many aspects of this job that I truly enjoy - and I think most of the Scouts would agree.
How to solve the problem? RECRUITMENT.
There are plans in the works to recruit more Scouts. The adults are always working on it. Its part of the reason we do events like Scout Sunday and the Rotary Fruit Sale. We get out there, and we are seen. However, its unlikely that someone will walk up and want to join "off the street".
Our best recruitment route is and always will be active Scouts and their families. You are the ones who can give an honest, un-biased (and hopefully glowing) opinion of Troop 101, our leaders, and our program. How many people do you know who, if you ask them what they did this weekend, they say something like "Oh, nothing much, just hung out."
Wouldn't it be great if the answer was "I went camping! I cooked around an open fire, and went on a hike, and saw all kinds of wildlife, made these terrible deep-fried-pancake-battered-bacon-wrapped pieces of Taylor Ham, and then played capture-the-flag with Glow Sticks! At night!"
In a world of computers, video games and the internet, its hard to get your boy out and doing things. Here is the opportunity! One night a week, one weekend a month, one week a year. Deep down, those instincts to run through the mud, catch salamanders, go fishing and be a kid are still there! They just need a jump start!
Do you know someone in a troop already but they aren't happy? Or left a Cub Pack and didn't join a troop? (or worse yet, were turned away?) That's ok! A few fun facts about Scouts:
1. Yes, you can join a troop without having been in a Cub Pack.
2. Yes, you can transfer to another troop, and keep all your merit badges, ranks and awards.
3. No, you don't have to commit! Try if for a few months, see how he likes it before you buy a uniform and camping equipment.
4. Dishwasher safe!
Hmm... okay, I got a little carried away there. You get the picture. Know a young man between 11 and 17, or finished the 5th grade and has no extracurricular activities other than playing PS3?
Then why haven't you given us a call?
