ScoutingNovember-December 1998


Letters Letters

Lantern in an unsafe location

I enjoy reading Scouting magazine because it reminds me of all the great times I had as a Boy Scout and it shows today's Scouts learning and having fun.

However, the advertisement on page 60 in the September issue shows a brightly shining lantern sitting inside a tent. One of the first things I learned as a Boy Scout was to never place a lantern (or light a candle) inside my tent.

Paul M. Clark
Cottageville, W.Va.

Thank you for pointing out that the scene in the photograph does not conform with BSA safety standards as stated in the Guide to Safe Scouting (BSA Supply No. 34416A): "(1) Only flashlights and electric lanterns are permitted in tents. No flames in tents is a rule that must be enforced. (2) Never use liquid-fuel stoves, heaters, lanterns, lighted candles, matches, and other flame sources in or near tents."

Scouting magazine's new look

Long before World War II I took my doctorate in journalism with a specialty in the evaluation of print advertising, [and] I have kept an eye on your magazine, continuing to skim it for special-interest items.

But when I opened the September issue, I was surprised. The layout and content are usually effective, but September was especially attractive and with great illustrations. I [particularly] liked pages 42 and 43 ("Carving Memories and Identities," about Texas Scouts making totem poles). Classy stuff. I must have dozed through the last few issues, because I had not noticed the design changes.

Keep up the good work. I look forward to my next issue.

Henry J. Engler Jr.
New Orleans, La.

The editors hope all readers enjoy Scouting magazine's new look, which premiered with the September issue. The changes in typography and layout design are intended not only to make the magazine more visually appealing but also easier to read.

A father remembered

It was great reading the article "Scouting Magazine Comes of Age," in the March-April 85th anniversary issue. my father (Bert E. Marsh) loved the opportunity he was given as art director to develop the magazine, [and] I was glad to learn that he is still considered an important contributor to the magazine.

Bert's widow, children, and grandchildren thank you for remembering a man we have never forgotten and will always love.

Scott Bert Marsh
Petaluma, Calif.

A record for Eagle Palms?

Our son recently received his fifth Eagle Palm, bringing his total of merit badges to 65. Rather than working mainly on merit badges, he has chosen to take on leadership positions; but he probably will have earned eight Eagle Palms (maybe more) by his 18th birthday.

Is it possible to find out the number of the most Eagle Palms earned?

Mary Langsdorf
Greensboro, N.C.

Each Eagle Palm worn on the Eagle Scout Award ribbon represents being active in the troop and patrol for at least three months since becoming an Eagle Scout or receiving a previous Palm. To receive each Palm a Scout must earn an additional five merit badges, show Scout spirit, make a satisfactory effort to develop and demonstrate leadership ability, and take part in a Scoutmaster conference.

The kind of information you seek, however, is not readily available, because the Boy Scouts of America does not keep records, nor do councils, on Eagle Palms or the total number of merit badges earned by any one Scout.

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