RE: I Was Indoctrinated As A PREPPER From Age 5
I had my boys join the scouts for a year. Unfortunately the volunteer scout leaders either had no idea what to do or just couldn't really be bothered ( I'm not really sure why they were even there.) They spent around 10 minutes working on tying knots, which they only did around 3 times during the year. They went camping once for a 2 night camp. the first night they sat around doing absolutely nothing, some of the parents went home and brought back board games so they would have something to do. For most of the following day they did nothing, so I took them for a hike (I'm not even a scout leader) Another scout leader from a different town turned up later that day and had them do a couple of other activities which was ok but after that there was nothing for them to do again. My sons were tired and bored so I took them home, they didn't stay the second night. They had Scouts once a week and most nights they either coloured in pictures or played the same cricket type game which my sons hated (they didn't like playing sport that's why they joined the scouts) At the last minute they entered a raft in an Australia day beach event. The life jacket straps were damaged so they couldn't do them up. Which was a worry as my sons couldn't swim at the time. (Tried to get them into swimming lessons but couldn't because they were always fully booked) After 12 months we decided it was pointless as the boys were bored and hadn't learned a thing. I know there are many great scout groups out there that are doing a wonderful job with there members, really wish we had one of those here. After the boys left scouts we joined the local Archery club. First few lessons they loved but then the men that run the club started to get very vocally abusive especially with the children and those that volunteered to teach them. On our last day a lovely man that volunteered his time was abused in front of everyone for not hanging up a bow correctly and a little 4 year old was screamed at for doing what an adult told him to do. I'll never forget that poor little boy crying and huddled into his mum in fear as this man screamed at him. We left after that day. I would love for my boys to learn survival techniques but unfortunately there are no groups where we live that are willing to teach them or make it enjoyable for them. So I've tried my best to teach them what I can from online information and courses. Not as good as joining a group but better then nothing.
That is really unfortunate. I have to admit I was pretty lucky to have had good leaders. From my experience a lot of the leaders had kids of their own in the group, so they actually cared enough to come up with good activities and learning. A few of these same leaders were also Vietnam Vets so they had very good survivalist skills and experience to pass on. They didn't talk about their war experience but it was known that they were Vets and they were highly respected and looked up to.
If you don't have good leaders in your area that is a shame. But maybe there are some Gulf War vets with kids who aren't too messed up to become leaders for the new generation?