[philmont] canister disposal

Picking up on a small bit of what Jim had to say, I have encountered Scout camps that will not allow liquid fuel stoves. All of the camps operated by Greater New York Councils, for instance, have this prohibition.

We here in South Jersey often camp at GNY's Alpine and have stayed at GNY's Camp Pouch. (We use Ten Mile River every 3 years for summer camp and its trek program, but they relax the prohibition for the treks, even supplying the stoves and gas).It is not permitted to drive to the campsite for weekend camping at Alpine or Pouch, yet Whisperlites are banned. I got "caught" at Alpine using the troop's Whisperlites, as I had told our Scouts they were allowed one trip from the parking lot to the campsite, not back and forth and back and forth. I thought it was a valuable lesson in carrying everything on one's back, even for the first time camper. I simply forgot the "no liquid fuels" prohibition. It was not an intentional breaking of the rules.

The campmaster (who was entirely understanding and supportive) suggested various models of "carts" to haul in gear, which was entirely against what I wanted to teach.I don't think our kids should be limited to "car camping". I'm sure council doesn't want its cabins or leantos burned down by some kid who can't resist the exciting combination of playing with matches with a handy supply of liquid fuels. However, I don't relish the thought of buying single burner canister stoves for use on one weekend, when liquid fuel stoves, properly handled, are completely safe. The safe.use of such stoves should be in every Scout's repertoire.

This "no liquid fuels" prohibition is by no means confined to this one council's camps. (It may even apply to my own council's camps. I wouldn't know-rather embarrassing to admit that. We usually travel a bit farther afield, even on the weekends). It is widespread and, I think, in need of re-examiniation.

Well, that's all I've got. I think liquid fuel one burner stoves are the way to go.

Bill Sheehan, ASM
Troop 55, Pitman, NJ
Philmont '70,'72, Autumn Adventure '01,'03,'05

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Received on Wed Apr 4 08:30:16 2007