From: Johnlebl@aol.com
Date: Sat Feb 08 2003 - 07:08:17 CST
In a message dated 02/07/2003 6:52:28 PM Central Standard Time,
rcenci@twcny.rr.com writes:
> Beam me up Scotty I want to have a civilized dinner, I'll
> come back down for the campfire program.
>
> Chip Cenci IWTGBTP
>
Chip,
Amen brother! We'd make a fine team teaching some of the "olden days
skills".
I've worked for years teaching my daughters these. They just grew up
learning these things. They are ages 16 and 24. The oldest is carrying them
out into her own world. The youngest is my Venturing daughter.
When I came home today, it was cold and rainy. My 16 year old, a PhilTrail
2002 graduate was building a fire in the fireplace. Did she have "Scout
starter" like I use? No!
Scout starter is a mixture of ashes and kerosene placed in a small cast iron
frying pan slid under the wood and lit with a match. Works every time.
No, she had split her kindling outside on the porch and it ranged from logs
to pine needle sized pieces.
"Dad, I just wanted to build it the "right way" she told me as she lay a
perfect teepee in the fireplace, then laid bigger pieces log cabin style
around it and lit it with one match.
We sat there and reveled in the moment.
Later that evening, while drinking Buffalo Chip tea (another story for
another day) I dug around in my Scout box and came out with an old Official
BSA flint and steel fire making kit and challenged her to build it the
"really old fashioned way" the next time.
She will, but only when the time is right which is another cold, rainy day
and dad is due home any minute.
After that, I'll challenge her to use the friction method with a bow, leather
thong and a yucca stalk.
Encourage a kid, show them how and encourage them to practice their skills
when they can and then sit back and stay out of the way while they grow.
My Scout leaders did it with me. I'm just paying back the loan.
There is no reason an advisor can't do the same on the PhilTrail, but get
started before you go.
It just doesn't get any better.
John LeBlanc
Eagle Class of 1959
Phirst Phil Ptrek 1959
PhilTrek 2002 630H2 Trek 16
My latest adventure was yesterday,
Today is not over yet!
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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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