"I THOUGHT SCOUT UNIFORMS WERE FIREPROOF: Putting the Fun in Scouting," by Shane Barker, Bonneville Books, $8.99, 105 pages
The pilot light is out on the nuclear reactor.
Racing against the clock, and with only one match, a rope and a few poles to get the job done, Scout leaders send in their only hope — the Cub Scouts — to light the pilot light.
In a game called "Get out of that," author Shane Barker, in his book "I thought Scout Uniforms were Fireproof: Putting the Fun in Scouting" (Bonneville Books, $8.99), shows how a challenging game creates situations that compel boys to think and develop team work.
Barker uses personal experiences, helpful hints and suggestions to show how to put the fun in cooking, uniforms, meetings, merit badges, Scout crafts, patrols, night activities, service and winter.
Using the story of David and Goliath from the Old Testament, Barker notes that David fought and slew the giant without armor or protection, but with only a sling and a few small stones.
"The scriptures don't tell us where David learned to use his slingshot," Barker writes. "But today that's exactly the sort of thing a boy might learn in Scouting. As a Scout leader, you're teaching boys to use tools they need to face the Goliaths in their lives."
"I thought Scout Uniforms were Fireproof" shows how to get boys involved and excited about Scouting by using creative activities that will keep them interested and eager to participate. Each chapter includes a list of ideas and how to get started in your own troop. From the personal examples and stories that illustrate each chapter, it is clear that Barker is a Scout who has the experience and love of Scouting to share useful advice.
Barker writes that his reasons for keeping Scouting fun and exciting for boys is because he knows how much it can affect their lives for good in all aspects. Scouting " turns boys into men, developed exceptional leaders and instilled character, integrity and direction in millions upon millions of young men," he said.
This creative and resourceful book will surely inspire great ideas to those who are first-time Scout leaders to those who have been in Scouting for many years while reminding that leaders are in a position to make a "tremendous difference" in the lives of their Scouts.
