When I was a kid our version of Survivor was Gillian's Island. Was just as "reality" as current shows. They had constructed huts, beds, table and chairs. Difference between earlier generations and today’s.
How could The Professor make a radio from coconuts but not fix the boat?
M
Posts: 1245 | Location: Arizona | Registered: 09 January 2005
You know, the Boy Scouts of America has recently become a punching bag in many circles, but as a Scoutmaster I can attest that my Scouts are not likely to sit and wait for help. By the time they have spent a couple years in the program, they know what it's like to be cold, tired, and hungry, and then to do something about it. More youth should participate in such activities.
_____________________ A successful man is one who earns more money than his wife can spend.
Posts: 3304 | Location: Southern NM USA | Registered: 01 October 2002
I had the honor + privilege of being a Boy Scout in a Troop in Va. when our Scoutmasters were retired Navy that was WW2 vets. They taught us a lot + I still recall most of it. The emphasis was always on survival. That early training came free (in a way) for me I am grateful for everything I learned + retained. Not like the scouts of today but I will pass on that subject.
during the recent storm we had the grandkids 8 and 10 here with us. we try to get em out of austin as much as possible. they can drive a kawasaki mule, 98 chevy PU, track wolf prints (the dogs), build a fire, build a small lean to against a tree, plant, shoot a 410 etc etc. they love it. were supposed to be here for a weekend when they storm hit. they endured little water, spotty electricity, a cold house and food for 6 days. at one point i said see kids, this is how the pioneer kids lived, and worse. at which the 8 yr old said yea but at least they got to watch tv. my wife still thinks it was funny.
Posts: 1546 | Location: south of austin texas | Registered: 25 November 2011
John, I can relate. When we had our big ice storm in the 90s we were without power or water for 3 days. Most folks were out for 2 weeks. I heated with wood + cooked with gas so we were O.K. but with no power, the kids were going through the D.T.s because of no video games. Guess what kids, it's storytime.
I had the honor + privilege of being a Boy Scout in a Troop in Va. when our Scoutmasters were retired Navy that was WW2 vets. They taught us a lot + I still recall most of it.
Yep. Scouting back then was not only a great adventure, but it truly prepared you for life if you actually took a serious part in it. Can't say enough about Scouting from back in the day. I became an Eagle Scout in 1964, and until just recently, was active as an adult Scouter in the program, in such things, among others, as Wood Badge Course Director, OA Lodge activities, numerous Council and District committees and leadership positions, Eagle Council Board of Reviews, Scoutmaster at the National Jamboree, Trek Leader to Philmont Scout Ranch, Mountain Man Rendezvous booshway, etc. etc. etc. To paraphrase from a Hank Williams Jr. song: 'This country boy/scouter can survive'
Yes indeed! These pansies today that espouse that the boy scouts are not a paramilitary unit in training are full of shit. That is exactly what Baden -Powell had in mind. Oh well, no use of preaching to the choir.
Originally posted by NormanConquest: Yes indeed! These pansies today that espouse that the boy scouts are not a paramilitary unit in training are full of shit. That is exactly what Baden -Powell had in mind. Oh well, no use of preaching to the choir.
Yep, 1970. Knife and three matches. Make a fire or stay cold. Still have the knife. I'm no Bear Gryllis or some Mountain Man, but I am darned proud of my ability to be self-sufficient.
Doug Wilhelmi NRA Life Member
Posts: 7503 | Location: Texas Hill Country | Registered: 15 October 2013
I was a Boy Scout. Never destined for greatness there though. I earned every shooting badge available, as well as first aid, lifesaving and everything to do with water, but I was single minded so never advanced much in rank. During summer camp, I spent most nights catching snakes. During the day, I caught bats. They generally ignored the curfew violations and the snakes were generally welcome. They didn't like the bats much because of the rabies concerns. Understandable today, but didn't understand it at the time. I ran out of what I was interested in and dropped out. But it was a good experience overall. I shot A LOT.
When I was in the Boy Scouts my crowning achievement was the "God + Country" award that went along with the merit badges. I think my German heritage was partly responsible for wanting that medal. As for shooting when I was a kid on base, I could go to the indoor range to shoot + was given 30 22 rnds. per day. You could bring more of your own but the 30 was free gratis. That really promotes a young man shooting.
I was your worst nightmare as a scout when you were a scoutmaster. I realize that now. Climbing down the banks of the Arroyo Colorado alone at night looking for snakes wasn't a great idea. But it was a lot of fun. I did avoid the water moccasins and rattlesnakes.
