Jim’s Daily Rant. The Scoutmaster; “Never let My Mamma.. . “

When I was 22 I was tricked into becoming a long-term Scoutmaster by covering for one needing surgery and a little time to recover. It was one of the greatest gifts the Universe ever gave me. In order to teach them I had to learn a hell of a lot real fast!

One thing I learned was never talk to a new scout on weekend camp outs until after lunch on Saturday. This forced them to take their questions to their boy leaders, not me, and pressuring their new leaders.

On one camp-out a newby was the smallest 11 year old I had ever seen. He arrived and discovered he had to hike a mile into camp. Along with his backpack that hung down to his ankles and carrying a rolled up sleeping bag, he had to also carry Patrol camping equipment.

In my usual place as Drag in the column, I saw him drift back to the rear from dropping equipment and having to pick it up. He was loaded to the hilt like a pack mule. Needless to say, he was exhausted and the last boy to reach the destination.

After his patrol finished lunch I went over to welcome him. As I sat on the ground near him I noticed his overloaded pack had fallen over near the tree it was against. On the ground was two pairs of shoes, two books and an unopened family size box of Colgate toothpaste.

I asked if he was having a good time. “Yes Sir.” Did you learn anything Joey? “Yes Sir.” “Great”, I said, “What did you learn?” “Never let my Mamma pack my pack!”

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We are about to come out the backside of the Chaos and welcome our new Republic. Are we going to allow our “Mamma, a Central Government, pack our pack again or will we do it ourselves?

Will we become as smart as an eleven year old experienced boy?