ScoutingMay-June 1999



Letters Letters

Pancake 'recipe' was a winner

Hats off and a big thanks to Troop 547 of Cerritos, Calif., for supplying the information in "Pancakes for Profit" in the November-December 1998 issue of Scouting. Our Cub Scout pack was able to pull off a very successful money-earner using the troop's "recipe for success."

And our success was measured not only by the amount of money earned ($746) but also by the amount of compliments that our Cub Scouts received, the comradery that developed between our parents and leaders, and the enthusiasm shown by all who participated.

Noreen Logel
Committee Chairman, Pack 258
Portland, Mich.

Thanks for Klondike sledge plans

We are an inner-city district and are trying to reinvigorate and enhance our program for youth. It has been some years since we had a Klondike derby, and, after reading your January-February article on the subject, I am considering holding the event next winter. I look forward to receiving the plans for building a typical Klondike sledge [that you offered] and sharing them with my fellow Scouters.

Thank you for the article and for making the plans available. We may never reach the 50 years of derby longevity that New Jersey's Essex Council has achieved, but next winter could see us restart our own fine tradition.

Stewart Hawk
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 213
Thunderbird District, Chief Seattle Council
Seattle, Wash.

... thanks for making available the plans for a Klondike derby sledge - and for providing your great magazine. We get a lot of ideas from it.

Mike Sullivan
Streator, Ill.

For those who missed the offer, free plans for making a typical wooden Klondike derby sledge (sled) and a second, more elaborate, model are available by sending a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope to Klondike Sledge, Scouting Magazine, S204, 1325 W. Walnut Hill Ln., P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.


Correct wearing of sashes

Articles in both the January-February Scouting and the January Boys' Life had photographs showing a Scout wearing the Order of the Arrow sash in the proper, over-the-right-shoulder position while also wearing a folded merit badge sash on his belt.

I tell the boys not to wear their OA and merit badge sashes on their belts. Although [they say] it is easy to place [sashes] there so one does not lose them, I tell them they should either wear the sash correctly or not at all.

Larry Sherman
Troop 344
Scranton, Pa.

The merit badge sash is worn only on formal occasions, and its correct position is over the right shoulder. The Order of the Arrow sash also goes over the right shoulder (but under the epaulet). It is worn on formal Order of the Arrow occasions or service projects and, according to the Order of the Arrow Handbook, "it is not to be worn in any other manner."

Both sashes should never be worn simultaneously.


The best issue in years

Congratulations on the January-February issue of Scouting magazine.

I read it with growing interest and excitement ... the articles extolled pure achievement and old-line Scouting in a modern, yet impressive, way ... older Scouts were shown winning over the elements [and] the illustrations were meaningful. Good equipment of lasting quality was described, with instructions and explanations about the activities, especially the Klondike derby.

In all, the best issue in years.

John H. Coussens
Assistant Scoutmaster (and Scoutmaster Emeritus), Troop 923
Chicago, Ill.

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