Quote:
Originally Posted by red-beard
I loved scouting. The problem for me was my troop wasn't very good and fell apart eventually. It was a well to do community and I guess none of the parents could bother.
I joined another troop which was far far better. It focused on camping, canoeing and survival type things. Everyone in the troop, all of the leaders, were accomplished hikers and campers. It was more "inner city". I was teased for being the "rich boy". Great experience for me.
Younger scouts were taken on smaller hikes with the older scoutmaster. The bigger boys (13 and up) did the harder hike. Every summer was a 1-2 week canoe trip (50 miler). Winter was winter camping to sub-zero temps.
Don't just join the local troop. Look around and find one which matches the personality of you and your son.
|
Red Beard's experience is the way to do it. Scouts is what you make of it. It is an incredible oportunity for boys. Cub Scouts does seem corny to an adult, but it is not corny to a 7 year old. As the boys get older they get to do more, start camping, building fires, whittling, etc. By the time he's 12 or 13 and in a good troop, he'll be able to lash poles to make his own structures, build his own emergency shelters, and survive in the wilderness for a couple of days witout hardship.
It really is amazing what Scouts can teach a kid. Stick with it.