From: w.keller (wkeller@www.mebbs.com)
Date: Thu Dec 19 2002 - 10:31:23 CST
I have been reading all the posts lately regarding water purification, night
hiking and obeying rules. I thought I would throw my two cents in on how I
personally approach this with our scouts.
A slight preface however. Much of my POV is colored by 21 years in the
military. When the word "training" is said to me, I am afraid it is very
difficult for me to step out of the military box and all its assorted
baggage. And, honestly John, I could have gone another lifetime without
hearing the word "halizone"!!! LOL It seems we visited the same tropical
spot about the same time and the memory of the taste of the water is
probably why it is my drink of last resort today!
Anyway, back to the topics.
I find I view all our campouts and High Adventure trips as training
"missions". There IS a right way and a wrong way to teach a Scout proper
outdoor technique. And, basically, it boils down to "how can you accomplish
your mission safely and according to your mission plan". Key word here is
safely. And the mission plan is usually to have fun, enjoy the experience
and learn.
Either chemical treatment or filtering works fine for water. Both are safe.
Chemical is somewhat more efficient, but for me personally, it will be a
long time before I use chemical treatment. I will gladly bear the extra
weight of a filter and replacement cartridge. I use the MSR filter and have
had great success with it. What is important here is to teach the Scout to
take water treatment seriously. This also takes into account the idea of a
water budget as well. Think ahead, plan and be aware of where you are and
what is coming. If we can keep them thinking about the little stuff, they
will certainly enjoy the whole experience much more.
Night hiking, to me, is a fool's errand. This whole process is so fraught
with hazards and dangers that I am amazed a Scout Leader would engage it in.
As to the one comment about the son who rode out into the night to rescue a
lost scout, whoever authorized that was simply stupid. Now, if the scout
had been found, badly injured and in a life-threatening situation unless
moved immediately, I could justify such a journey. But to embark on such a
journey on a search mission simply abandons everything I personally would
try to teach a Scout. The process not only endangered more Scouts, is did
nothing to guarantee the safety of the lost Scout. It is the responsibility
of the individual lost Scout to keep themselves safe, else why even teach
wilderness survival?? If they cannot survive for a night and help in
getting themselves found the next morning, I would view it as though I had
failed the Scout.
And, to embark on such a trip for the pleasure of seeing a sunrise??? I can
't even bring myself to believe leaders would be so reckless with the safety
of their crews.
And, finally, following rules. An old friend of mine used to have a saying:
"Ya know ya know." Each and every adult and Scout knows how to act, whether
the action is within the guidelines of BSA and troop policy or whether the
"line is being pushed". There is no grey area.
Geezz, I am beginning to sound like an old fart!! Ah well, my thoughts for
what they are worth.
A Merry Christmas to all!!
Bill Keller
Troop47, Iowa
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As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
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