Backpacker magazine recently did a quick blurb about the best 50.4 miles section of the hike. I couldn’t agree more with their vote - the Mount Mansfield section is a classic trek. Consult you Long Trail Guide Book, then head off to the trail head near the Waterbury area. A nice one week outing with the troop/crew. Backerpacker provides the following visual: I’d link [...]

  Trip leaders take this necessary step far too casually. I’m somewhat scared to death that when I, as a volunteer doing something nice for other people, put myself, home and assets in jeopardy every time some kid jumps in my car for a ride. I am not an attorney so I don’t know if this [...]

  The patrol method is the only way to run a troop. It is difficult if a troop does not have this ingrained in their collective psyche and SOP already. Older scouts often drop the ball, then younger scouts never learn. Maybe this sheet will help when the scoutmaster talks to the new patrol leaders and discusses expectations. I’ve [...]