Comments for Dad of All Trades

Comment on SALE: Slida v2 Sheaths by Chris

Chris — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:05:58 +0000

See post http://www.dadofalltrades.com/2012/03/not-happening/

Comment on SALE: Slida v2 Sheaths by Lee

Lee — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:16:43 +0000

Still making these sheaths?

Comment on Old Town Guide 119 Canoe by Eddie

Eddie — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:37:48 +0000

Nice boat, I have tried every Dicks in my area (within 100 miles), and can not find one. Looks like Im gonna have to pay the $240. shipping charge.

Comment on Scouting by Christopher McCain

Christopher McCain — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:03:57 +0000

Hello, as a longtime scout leader and the proud father of two eagle scouts, I read your comments on scouting with great interest. While I completely agree with your assesment of girl scouts, I would like to know what component of BSA you have found discriminatory?
I also have my father's old BSA manuals….from the 1940's, and I must say that our troop still teaches those skills, and that as a result my two sons are two of the most accomplished woodsmen that I know.
You don't have to be a christian to be a scout, there is one in our troop, as well as some with no conviction whatsoever on either side of the issue.
An issue that Brian put in his post… I am a public school teacher and a Special Educator at that and work with "different" kids every day. We have had, and do currently have "different" kids in the troop….and there is no issue with it.; some of them earning their Eagle, just like anyone else.
You might think about visiting a few different troops before you write off the whole program. Please do not misunderstand me, I am not painting a rosy picture of the BSA, I have my own disagreements with it as well. However, that said I would not trade the adventures that I have had with my sons for anything.
Thanks,
Christopher Mccain

Comment on Scouting by Paul

Paul — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:13:33 +0000

BP Scouts in the UK are really good. The reason for the split was basically in the seventies they wanted to re-write Scouting For Boys. BP scouts in the UK still wear the original uniform, and also have girls though all branches.

One of the things that gets me is the way they re-write history. BP did not start scouts, the kids did. The camp at Brownsea island was to see if the book made sense, a book that was actually written for the boys brigade, it got published because of who BP was.

My number one survival/bushcraft read is Scouting For Boys. Keep in mind you need the original, the 1908 version. Once you get past some of the language, it is an amazing read for now and especially its time.

There is no reason why you cannot start your own group because that is how it started originally. All you need is the book, that is how scouts started.

The big problem for me is the way a lot of so called scout groups have become good little soldier creators, the point was to create special forces. The point was to create people who think for themselves, and lead the way.

Comment on What’s in your pocket? by Brandon

Brandon — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:38:14 +0000

While waiting in line at Best Buy over the holidays I picked up (impulse buy) an Energizer keychain light for $7.99. It has three setting; bright, dim, and flashing. They could probably get away with only having bright and flashing as the dim isn't too far off the bright. For what it is I'm happy with it. For now it is my primary carry flashlight. I've been thinking of a Streamlight Stylus Pro as an option, but am a touchy-feely type and haven't seen one in any stores (when I think to look around for it). Here is the product link on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-High-Keychain-Light-Modes/dp/B002NGAXNI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325870891&sr=8-1

Comment on Scouting by Eric

Eric — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 03:35:04 +0000

I am an Eagle Scout and third generation Boy Scout. Even as a fraternity brother I can easily say that Boy Scouting has affected me more than any other organization. The love of the outdoors I learned through backpacking trips are just one aspect – I learned a myriad of skills and interests through merit badges, leadership of peers, and service to my community (not just a love of it, but how to do it).

That being said, I know how political the organization can be. My dad (and Scoutmaster) certainly agreed with the discriminatory principles, but as I have grown up I have realized how absurd they can be. Luckily, being a Boy Scout does not force you under the politics. Indeed, our troop didn't even participate in Boy Scouting as a whole. We never went to jamborees or summer camps – we were a group of guys united in our love of our Scouting purpose.
Boy Scouting brings way more than outdoor skills and their system and organization allows young guys to really grow up. You may not agree with the politics, but I would advise you (and anyone) to give Scouting a try. It'll change your life.

Comment on Scouting by Chris

Chris — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 03:36:48 +0000

I joined the scouts in the early ’80′s after seeing my Dad’s manual from 1957. Boy was I disappointed. All I took away from the experience was a deep seated loathing of the organization. Now I work in natural resources and each experince I have makes me more and more disgruntled. I have been tempted to start my one scout type group based on the skills shown in the old manuals, but I just don’t have the time with two little girls (4 years old & 2 years old). I look forward to hearing how this turns out for you, I’ll be in the same boat in a few years.

Comment on What’s in your pocket? by Eric

Eric — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 03:50:29 +0000

Car key & fob in one pocket, all other keys on seperate ring, opposite pocket. Older cell phone Motorola, cant beat old phones for land-line talk quality. Toss an old Apple iTouch in the car for checking e-mails at wi-fi locals on the road if needed.
On the key ring with all other keys, also a small can opener and a Freedom Micro light with covert nose shield. When a better light is needed that day, I carry a 4Sevens Preon 1 with alternate clicky switch or an Olight i3 EOS, both lights are single AAA.
Olfa Touch-Knife for every day cutting, I dont mind if I have to trash a $1.29 Olfa. Victorinox Rambler in Alox for other work. One small/short plastic pen, five packs sold in most dollar stores. (Fisher pen knock-off)
Wallet is that AL-ETT nylon thing. Best wallet Ive ever had, I bought spares, but have not needed to replace first one yet. Keep hard copy of phone numbers in wallet incase cell phone disapears or dies. Laminate type-written side of phone list with clear packing tape and it will last years.

Comment on Scouting by Robin

Robin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:09:07 +0000

I understand your situation completely; I have a boy 10 and a girl 13. nbsp;Boy scouts were out for various reasons; my girl is in girl scouts and to say it is watered down in a big understatement. nbsp;I#039;m sure it depends somewhat on the troop but for us it has been a big joke. nbsp;On top of that the girls sell the cookies to raise money (required by girl scouts before doing any other fund raisers) and the troop gets only 60 cents on a $4 box of cookies!! Some child labor abuse going on in my view.
If you can get a small group of like minded people, starting your own local group is the way to go.
Robin