Topic: In case you're interested...

[Tamer]

Sounds like a fun trip. Let us know how it works out Volker!

[Commander_Kurgan]

There's surely going to be a ton of pics covering this expedition.
I'll keep you updated.

Next Friday we'll go over the equipment and correct packing of the rucksacks so everybody knows what to bring and how to pack the stuff.

Here’s the kit list:

Uniform
Hiking boots
Change of clothes (T-Shirt, undies, woollen socks)
Sweater/softshell jacket/fleece jacket
Anorak
Rucksack
Personal hygiene kit
Small towel
Sewing kit
Shelter half, poles and stakes
Poncho
Isolating mattress
Sleeping bag with compression bag
Canteen or drinking system
Messkit
Cup
Spoon
Pack of matches
Tinder box
Flashlight
Jackknife
Belt knife
Watch
Songbook

[DocOutlands]

No food??  Selous Weight-Loss Programme - 320k hike in four days with no food!  Burn off that fat!!  ROTFL  I crack me up...especially before I've had me coffee. (takes sip #2)

[Commander_Kurgan]

We'll be buying provisions on the way daily. That way we won't have to carry the food with us.
No need to go hungry, though.

[narceron]

buying?   How "roughing it" are you?

I kind of hike from meal to meal, myself,

Two knives?  Man, I like your style<

[DocOutlands]

We'll be buying provisions on the way daily.

That right there says, "We're European!" to me.  See, us Yanks try and figure out how the heck to pack 4 days of food and fishing gear for a trip like that.  Europeans?  Bah, we'll just knock at the next farmhouse and buy some bread, etc!  I need to convert to Eurpoeanism...much lighter on the ruck!

[Commander_Kurgan]

buying?   How "roughing it" are you?

Keep in mind, the oldest kids are just 13.
I can't ask them to steal a cow, butcher it and cut us some steaks...

[DocOutlands]

buying?   How "roughing it" are you?

Keep in mind, the oldest kids are just 13.
I can't ask them to steal a cow, butcher it and cut us some steaks...

Then you've got the wrong kids...   

[narceron]

oh don't get me wrong, I would be whining and crying the entire time,


My idea of roughing it is driving to pick up my pizza instead of delivery, so. . .

[Tamer]

Teaching that age as my chose profession I can associate with the sheer mental effort Volker is going to have dealing with the young ones this weekend. The world needs more folks like him who are willing to lend some of thier own personal time to show those kids there are better things to do with free time than get into trouble. I applaud your effort Volker.  Those kids will never forget it even if you don't get to steal and butcher a cow!
 

[narceron]

and no video games, yeah, I hope I can find someone to take my kids camping. . .mostly because I don't want my kid to have to drag my body out of the woods,

[Commander_Kurgan]

Sometimes I feel more like a Drill Instructor in Boot Camp...
Seriously now.

I do run a pretty tight ship, but they are kids and a big part of Scouting is playtime. The Old Chief didn't call it the "great game" for nothing.
But the kids do learn a lot. During Troopnight we sing and play and they learn basic bushcraft. These tricks of the trade are applied on hikes like the one we are going to do and in camp.
Part of the learning is also discipline and a certain sense for good order, both in behaviour and regarding their equipment.

The secret is that as a leader you gotta be authentic.
If you put on a mask, the kids will find that out in notime and you're done.

[Commander_Kurgan]

Check out the photos of yesterday's activities:
http://frederickselous.blogspot.com/2009/09/wandern-fur-hannah.html

We started with a 7.5 km hike in memory of Hannah.
Almost two years ago this 14-year-old girl was kidnapped only 300 meters away from her home by a pervert, dragged onto the grounds of a neighbouring Ford car dealership, was held there all through the night, repeatedly raped and stabbed to death the following day. This happened two villages away from our town.

Her parents founded a foundation against sexual violence and started many great activities to help those children and adolescents who are in need or have become victims of sexual violence.
Support of the foundation is our Troop's permanent good turn so it was a matter of course to take part in the memorial hike.

[DocOutlands]

Great pics!  I wish I could get my son reinterested in Scouting.

[Commander_Kurgan]

Send him over to Uncle Volker's Misguided Children or show him the pics so he'll see how much fun Scouting can be if he chooses the right Troop.
I bet there are some BSA Troops in your area which focus on High Adventure activities.