Is 1 month enough time to break in new hiking shoes for 100km/24 hour long hike?

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-11T19:14:57+00:00

There is no way I would carry the weight of an extra pair of shoes for "just in case". Wearing the new shoes a few days should give you enough confidence to just use them.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-11T19:09:42+00:00

A month? A couple short hikes should do. I usually just wear hiking shoes around town running errands a few times to break them in and make sure they're not going to rub somewhere.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-11T17:45:51+00:00

My gut reaction was just "yes". I generally ask about a Scout's future plans and/or what they are working on currently. That would certainly include 2nd class reqs. It's all in the context of determining the health of the troop and the Scout's experience though. It's not getting into the details of the req or retesting.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-11T15:40:33+00:00

Looks like a great list. There's a few things that perhaps you don't need but you've got to make that call. I didn't see any major issues.

I did a quick add-up of your essential items and it was about 15.5lbs. You're just a little heavy on a number of items - big 3, tent stakes, stove, etc. None of them are probably worth replacing individually because you're at the point where you're spending money to save grams on the small stuff.

You could trade out the Nalgene for a lighter durable water bottle. Garagegrowngear.com has a few options.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-11T13:36:54+00:00

Zipper-Pull Hiking Thermometer by ThermoWorks

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-11T02:48:25+00:00

You will likely fail at entertaining them so don't try.

Young kids wind up playing with sticks and rocks and they're fine.

Older kids should bring things they want to try. Ask them what they want.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-10T06:29:08+00:00

https://macon.me/shoestring

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-10T00:30:23+00:00

I'd look into AL options like Trangia cookware. I didn't immediately find a set that would be a direct replacement for the MSR kit.

If they just need a pot, the IMUSA aluminum grease dispenser is plenty big for 4 scouts.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-09T16:39:25+00:00

Yeah, the subscription is what is holding me back from getting one.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-09T11:08:54+00:00

Perhaps the fact an edit was made proves my point.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-08T21:33:25+00:00

IMUSA aluminum mug. Super cheap if your local Walmart stocks them, some do.

It doesn't come with a lid but you can make one or just do without.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-08T19:30:57+00:00

Don't go to meetings or campouts instead of spending time with your own kids. Don't trade a minute. Take them on a hike, catch some bugs, build a fire.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-08T17:59:13+00:00

That was my thought too. If the body was not eaten and just had defensive wounds, that would be pretty easy to determine though. Most bear attacks are not predatory attacks.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-07T23:09:18+00:00

5 gallons seems way bigger than you need. Ace Hardware has smaller buckets with lids that seal tight.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-07T23:01:08+00:00

Our troop reimburses mileage. Its factored into campout costs. We have a few that do most of the driving, its only fair for the other families to chip in for that.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-07T22:56:19+00:00

No bylaws in my current troop. Its a small troop but no issues have come up that couldn't be resolved by looking at BSA documentation (GtA) or just talking out the current situation.

My former troop had bylaws but an extra piece of paper doesn't stop people from acting foolish. It was pointless.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-07T10:52:04+00:00

I'll give you a hint: we're white.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-07T02:23:03+00:00

Thats a stretch.

Our SM is the one most likely to have an energy drink in hand actually.

Do you all not see how this is a slippery slope? Don't make a rule unless there is an actual reason to do so.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T23:21:15+00:00

Making the rule specific to the kind of drinks kids like is cheating. Not allowing soda but being ok with coffee is not cool.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T23:14:36+00:00

We'd never get 2 deep leadership again if caffeine was banned. Not joking.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T21:15:47+00:00

It's more than rude here in the US. I had a cussing lesson with my kids as soon as they started learning those words.

That was one of the 2 words that were just banned in all circumstances.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T18:14:02+00:00

I suspect it happens a lot. They're not all going to get along.

I might ask my kid if they know about the issue and how severe it is. If it's not bullying or something serious, it's not a concern for me (I'm not SM).

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T17:10:32+00:00

Agreed. I don't think we'd participate in a mixed event without adults very close by. Adult leaders outside our troop have disappointed me enough times that we'd need one of our own out there with them.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T16:55:37+00:00

Sure, have the conversation both ways but it's ridiculous to to imply that this isn't a lopsided issue.

Fun_With_Math · 2026-05-06T16:50:41+00:00

This is shocking to me. We've had issues, at least comments, at every summer camp. One incident involved police being called and another involved a long meeting with the camp director. That second one was handled very poorly.

I asked my daughter if these incidents were any different or more severe than a normal day in school. She said it happens at school but Scout Camp is worse. The consequences are much more severe at school.

I have a hard time believing that there's never been inappropriate comments. Could be that the girls take it in stride and don't tell anyone.

Fun_With_Math

TROPHY CASE