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BSA Bans Alcohol
- Did you know handmade alcohol stoves are against BSA policy?
- Did you know it is against BSA policy for your OA chapter to use handcrafted smudge pots?
- Did you know that huge closing bonfire at summer camp that springs to life quickly because of the liquid fuel 'starter' is against BSA policy?
These and many more restrictions can be found in the BSA Policy on Use of Chemical Fuels
Also, that way cool cross-over ceremony for Webelos where you burn a neckerchief is against the rules - see this alert on scouting.org
I suppose the troops that still ignore the policy that paintball is prohibited in Scouting will probably ignore these policies as well.
There are some policies in place that may seem silly, but as long as they are there and we're aware of them, we should follow them. Working towards changing those policies is a better course of action than simply ignoring them.
"If I know it's not right, it must be wrong."
Scout On
Posted: 20:52 05-28-2010 502
Comments:
Oct 31, 2013 - Rich
I am aware of the BSA rules on Alcohol stoves, and have built many of these stoves that are far safer than the white gas type stoves (coleman). I used a white gas stove a few years back and it was faulty and caused a grass fire along with some minor burns. This is one of the reasons why I ditched the gas stove and have been experimenting with Alcohol Stoves and Wood burning stoves, I have shown our boys the benefits of a wood burning stoves and how it adheres to the leave no trace guidelines (Solo Stove).
When I'm backpacking I use the Solo Stove and and alcohol stove that nests inside the solo stove, this gives me the option of using Bio Mass or use the Solo stove as a holder and windbreak.
Alcohol stoves can be fashioned from a can and made in a few minutes, and fuel can be found right in the house such as, everclear and rubbing alcohol. Fuels can be found at Drug Stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, gas stations, try to find propane at theses stores!
I will continue to show my son what I do for backpacking but wil honor the BSA rules on Scout trips, because I feel that this is something everyone should learn in case of extreme situations, such as Steve makes clear in his post.
I totally agree with Steve and Al
Is there a way to appeal this rule as I think its counterproductive? Theres more chance of injury with gas stoves!
If I get a reply I will post back here.
Rich
Oct 31, 2013 - Edge
Unfortunately, this sounds too much like an insurance liability thing rather than being driven over concern for the safety of the boys. I can imagine what an insurer might say regarding the thought of a homemade stove or liquid fuel. As other posters have mentioned, many of these homemade stoves are available commercially, so it may be possible to have that alcohol stove on that scout campout and comply with the rules. I guess if something bad happened, there is a stove manufacturer that would be held liable instead of BSA.
Too bad, but just a part of the litigious world we live in today.
Jan 02, 2014 - Jason Reedy
Jan 02, 2014 - Scouter Paul
@Jason - You are correct that the current BSA policy does not prohibit alcohol as a fuel. But, the policy does list liquid alcohol fuels, including isopropyl alcohol, denatured ethyl alcohol, and ethanol under the "Chemical Fuels not Recommended" category.
I use an alcohol stove all the time on my long hikes, but we won't be using them in the troop since the BSA has listed them as not recommended.
Oct 26, 2015 - David Urban
Oct 28, 2015 - Scouter Joe
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