Some of the finest teachers aren't in schools
My old Scout leader, for example. For thirty-odd years, he was a Scout leader, taking kids camping, hiking, cycling, and much more, and difference this man must have made to kids lives is almost incalculable.

I joined Scouts when I was about 13 (~~wavy lines~~), and became totally immersed in it. Previously, I had been a bedroom-haunting shy nerd, more into Fighting Fantasy books, heavy metal and computer games. But gradually I learned how to read maps, do First-Aid, put up a tent, light a fire, cook on a fire, look after my bike, and all those Scouty things. I got a chance to try kayaking, archery, mountain biking, abseiling, orienteering, and more. We built bridges from pioneering poles and rope, we did backwoods cooking (the old banana and chocolate), we hiked up several Munroes, we camped in some of the most beautiful natural scenes in the north of Scotland, we made a sauna out of a brazier, pioneering poles and tarpaulin, and we won just about every competition we took part in. Twenty years later, I'm still in touch with a substantial number of the friends I made there. And most importantly, I learned how to work in a team, how to stand up and take responsibilty, and to have a laugh while working hard.

This Scout leader of mine, who I'll leave nameless, spent countless hours of his life planning and arranging camps, hikes, training events, competitions and your regular weekly meetings. He was a man of great humour, daftness, knowledge and skill, and is one of the finest people I've had the pleasure to meet. The best teacher I ever had by a fucking country mile.
(McChinaman banned, Mon 21 Mar 2011, 12:12, 5 replies)

I expected this to end:
"...until the townfolk lynched him, suspecting he was a nonce."

glad it didn't.
(leviticus no longer likes the cut of your gib on, Mon 21 Mar 2011, 12:35, closed)

I was going to say, it reads
blah blah blah blah . . we made a sauna out of a brazier . . . blah blah blah.

Scoutmasters. Not as trusted as they used to be.
( Not Pineapple anymore, Mon 21 Mar 2011, 14:20, closed)

I'm just waiting for someone to come in and mention sore areseholes or something.

Oh.

Bugger.
( jim_bob can herd cats., Mon 21 Mar 2011, 17:06, closed)

Have a Click, Sir!
Me, too! Scouting stood me in great stead, taught me skills I still possess. Ramrod of a man called "Skip", (but then they all were!) was always there for us. Met my best friend in cubs, and 46 years later we're still best friends!
And I'm damn sure my son would agree, too. Only 27 and in a fabulous job Affable, hard working and a success at everything he does. He swears by his scouting days too!
( The Lone Groover has mal des nuts., Mon 21 Mar 2011, 21:59, closed)

I start talking about Scout and you all start assuming there's a paedo joke in there
Imagine.
(McChinaman banned, Tue 22 Mar 2011, 10:25, closed)