![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thescoutmasterminute.files.wordpress.com\/2011\/06\/bshanbook.jpg\" "\\"BSHanbook\\"")
<\/a>There are many out there that feel that there is no place for electronics in Scouting.. no phones, ipods, or gps units.\u00a0 Well I tend to disagree with those folks, but with this caveat, training, skills, and appropriate time and place.\nTraining.\u00a0 IF you are going to use a gps\u00a0unit you need to know how to read a map and compass.\u00a0 Goecaching\u00a0has made\u00a0gps\u00a0very popular and has taken away some of the map and compass skills that we use in the field.\u00a0 The game of geocaching\u00a0on the other hand has gotten lots of folks out in the woods and hiking from point to point.\u00a0 I love this idea, but\u2026 add the map and compass skill to your list when hunting for your next treasure.\u00a0 Total reliance on the gps may leave you stranded when the batteries die.\u00a0 the compass and map will never fail you.\u00a0 So map and compass training is a must.
\nTraining in basic camping (outdoor) skills are a must.\u00a0 Knot tying, First aid, and setting camp, cooking, and the principles of leave no trace are all must have skills.\u00a0 Your iPhone can help in those endeavors.\u00a0 There are great apps out there that teach skills.\u00a0 The Boy Scout handbook is a nice tool on the iPhone to take Scouting where the Scout is\u2026 on his phone.
\nIn my troop we do not discourage the use of electronics.\u00a0 Game units, gps, iPhones, etc are all welcome.\u00a0 We do not have a written policy or a guidebook on how and when to use these items, it is understood however that there is an appropriate time and place.\u00a0 Once a Scout understands the when and where and the fact that we welcome technology the instances of abuse are rare.\u00a0 It is a matter of teaching, trusting, and letting them lead in the use of their electronics.
\nI think that there is a place for electronics in Scouting\u2026 and Scouting thinks so too.\u00a0 If you trust your Scouts to do the right thing, train them in the proper use, and then establish the appropriate time and place that it all can be used, it will naturally find its place in your unit.
\nThere recently was a good article in Backpacker magazine about skills and the iPhone.. check it out here<\/a>.
\nLet me know what you think.\u00a0 Leave a comment or drop me an email.
\nHave a Great Scouting Day!<\/strong><\/p>\n
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