January-February 2013: Letters to the Editor

Humor is Subjective01_2013_L
When I opened the cover of the current issue (January-February), I was not impressed to see two Eagle Scouts choking (in fun) another person. Though the caption explained the situation, the photo truly expressed a “thousands words.” We have stringent “no contact” policy in our troop, and though the photos was posed for the article, it did not convey the rules and policy we attempt to maintain. You do a wonderful job with Scouting magazine, and I enjoy reading the articles and advertisements. Stick with what works and leave the “humor” for others.

Dallas G. Pope
Easton, Md.

Not everyone agreed with us that the photo was “all in fun,” but we believe taking a few liberties to promote the competition on a reality TV show—not reality—won’t lead to instances of this behavior among adults, let alone Eagle Scouts. But we applaud your real no-contact policy. 

Ski Tips
I really liked the article on the emergency ski tip, about how to stop on a steep ski run (Control Issues?, January-February). My troop is going skiing in March, and this would be helpful to us. I have never been skiing before, and after reading this article I will know how to stop if I lose control while going down a mountain.

Jalen Waller
Newport News, Va.

Thanks, Jalen. Glad we could help.

Cubs and Cars
In the “Rules of the Road” article (January-February), I was very disturbed by the picture in the print edition with the boy standing behind the vehicle that was backing up. I know it was a still picture, but the vehicle’s reverse lights were on and brake lights were lit. So the vehicle was obviously in reverse. One mistake by the driver (hit the gas instead of the brake), and the boy could be seriously injured.

Aaron Anderson
Valrico, Fla.

The simulation you reference teaches drivers about the blind spots when backing up, taught by automobile safety professionals. And you’ll note in a photo, on page 30, that an adult trainer was standing next to the Cub Scout during the exercise.

Poppy Protection
The Dutch Treat (“Satisfy Sweet Tooths,” January-February) looks very good, and I hope to make it soon. Perhaps the magazine should warn readers of the possible problems with poppy seeds. Consumption of poppy seeds can cause a drug test to show a positive result. This could cause problems for Scouts and adults alike.

Jeff Beutal
Calhoun, Ga.

You are correct. It’s possible. Anybody want to figure the odds on that?

What’s Cooking?
In your January-February issue (Trailhead), you inform us that Cooking merit badge will become an Eagle-required badge in a year. Is this an additional required badge, with one less optional, or is a current required badge being retired? If one is being retired, which one? Will there be an overlap period when either is accepted?

Jack Phillips
Windsor, Conn.

The total number of merit badges required for the Eagle Scout award will remain at 21. In other words, instead of 12 Eagle-required badges and nine elective badges, a Scout must earn 13 Eagle-required and eight elective badges.

Print at Will
Is there any way I can get a printable copy of the “Out in the Cold” quiz in the January-February issue of Scouting. I think it would be a great test to hand out during our upcoming Klondike Derby.

James W. Wagner
St. Louisville, Ohio

Yes, you will find the printable version here. Most stories that appear in Scouting magazine are available on our website. 

Location, Location, Location
Re: Are You Tougher (Than a Boy Scout, January-February): Camp Whitsett (Western Los Angeles County Council) is in Sequoia National Forest (U.S Department of Agriculture) not Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park (U.S. Department of Interior). The only Boy Scout camp in a national park, to my knowledge, was Camp Wolverton of Crescent Bay Area Council. The base camp was opened in 1939 and closed by order of the National Park Service in October 2011.

Lucien (Lu) Plauzoles
Santa Monica, Calif.

Thanks, Lu, for setting the record straight.


Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*