hiking and camping

Applebome writes a nice historical overview of Scouting and a great tale of how a father and son ventured into new territory together through the program. The problem with this book is two-fold. First, Applebome's Troop is obviously NOT boy run as is the ideal of a Scout Troop. Adults plan, lead and execute the programs cheating the boys out of the full experience. Secondly, Applebome gives his lofty suggestions for how to "improve" the program after a grand total of a couple years' experience as an adult. No youth experience and writes that HE NEVER EVEN OWNED OR WORE A SCOUT UNIFORM during his entire experience. Yet he believes himself to be a suitable person to recommend scrapping the uniform.

Ths story was nice, but Applebome ventured into territory where he is simple incapable of providing intelligent dialog -- namley how to improve the program. His own inexperience creates this barrier to what would have been a great sotry about a boy and his dad.

It should be noted that Applebome's highlight moment at summer camp came not because he changed anything in the Scouting program, but rather he finally did what he was supposed to do -- let the boys set a goal and achieve it. Perhaps HE should re-examine his recommendations with greater experience and understanding.

Those not previously connected in some way with the Scouting movement will likely find this book highly entertaining nonetheless. I was disappointed to reach its end.

Those that were or are Scouts / Scouters (as I was & am,) and who, like me, have experienced very painful internal conflict with the public unpleasantness the BSA has experienced in recent years will, in all likelihood, find a soothing balm in Mr. Applebome's ruminations on the issues at hand: God, Gays & Girls.

Sharing Peter & Ben's (father & son's) journey via this book elicited queries from my wife: "What in the world are you reading that you're laughing out loud at?"

Thank you Peter. Good night Scouts.

I absolutely loved this book! I bought it for my husband's Xmas present but read it the night I bought it. My husband read it without putting it down and my Boy Scout, age 15 read it. It really presents how Scouting really is with weird and wonderful boys and adults. We were surprised at how much his experience in scouting was like ours.