Posted on 08/02/2007 10:07:51 AM PDT by foolscap
Youngsters celebrating the 100th birthday of the scouting movement have been banned from eating burgers and bangers - because they might offend youngsters of other religions.
And the scouts have been banned from having campfires and instead have to sit round a potplant - because of safety fears.
The traditional camping food made way way for vegetarian dishes - a hundred years after Scout founder Lord Baden-Powell took his first group of 20 boys to the great outdoors.
The 1907 boys caught rabbits and cooked them on an open fire on Brownsea Island, in Poole Harbour, Dorset.
But in 2007, as 300 Scouts travelled back to the site where their movement was born, meat was whipped off the menu in favour of vegetarian cuisine because it might offend the different faiths of youngsters from 162 countries if it wasn't Halal or Kosher.
And wood and flint were dropped for safer gas stoves because of the fire risk to plant and wildlife.
Instead Scouts sat around a pot plant.
Clare Haines, spokesman for The Scout Association, said: "It was really to do with religion that we were not able to provide sausages and burgers and all that kind of food.
"We have been very careful though to make sure food is provided to everybody's tastes and beliefs, so no one feels left out. They enjoyed their vegetarian meals, especially vegetable chilli, fresh salads and jacket potatoes."
She said camp fires were banned on the island, owned by the National Trust, because of a devastating woodland blaze 30 years ago.
One adult at the Brownsea Island site revealed: "The boys couldn't sit round a traditional camp fire with sausages on sticks. It seems crazy, but what can you do?
"Instead groups sat around a 3ft bay tree in a plant pot and exchanged stories."
More than 40,000 youngsters from 162 countries at the same time gathered at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex, for a two-week World Jamboree, which draws to a close next week.
Scouts at this jamboree, however, were allowed to tuck into meat as Halal and Kosher meat was on offer.
They watched 300 fellow Scouts on Brownsea Island renew their vows to build a tolerant and peaceful society at the poignant Sunrise Ceremony, on Brownsea Island, via a live satellite link on Wednesday.
The ceremony was broadcast around the globe to 28 million youngsters.
One Scout who took part in the ceremony said: "I was really disappointed we couldn't have what we liked to eat.
"I thought we should have been given the choice. And not being able to light fires was silly. I go camping with my mum and dad and we always have a small fire. It's not hard to be safe if you're sensible."
Duuuuude....
That wouldn't happen in my sons troop.
L
I hope this is satire....
We need to start a religion where we are offended by all the things the Muslims want.
I’m offended when pork is NOT served. Who’s going to cater to my quirks?
What’s a banger?.......or should I ask?.........
Really - this is preposterous!
banger is a sausage or hot dog in Yank terms...
Why? Wouldn't last that long?......
Is this satire?
Well, there’s always Rats on a Stick!...........
It’s a sausage, probably includes frankfurters.
Be prepared! that's the boy scout's marching song,
Be prepared! as through life you march along.
Be prepared to hold your liquor pretty well,
Don't write naughty words on walls if you can't spell.
Be prepared! to hide that pack of cigarettes,
Don't make book if you cannot cover bets.
Keep those reefers hidden where you're sure
That they will not be found
And be careful not to smoke them
When the scoutmaster's around
For he only will insist that it be shared.
Be prepared!
Be prepared! that's the boy scouts' solemn creed,
Be prepared! and be clean in word and deed.
Don't solicit for your sister, that's not nice,
Unless you get a good percentage of her price.
Be prepared! and be careful not to do
Your good deeds when there's no one watching you.
If you're looking for adventure of a
New and different kind,
And you come across a girl scout who is
Similarly inclined,
Don't be nervous, don't be flustered, don't be scared.
Be prepared!
Indeed. No solution occurs to me. Obvisouly, a hopeless situation that cannot possibly be remedied. Sure.
I’m a Meatatarian — and I’m offended. I believe that each and every meal should include at least some meat. Now, what are you going to do about it.
Thank G-d this is in the UK. I would like to think no parent of a Scout in this country would put up with this kind of shiite.
I guess no one cares about my beef!
I’m not sure what to even make of this story yet. Pinging more more awake digestion.
This was not satire, it’s a serious article. I think bangers are hot dogs? The British have gone mad.
Duuuuude....
That wouldn't happen in my sons troop.
Yeah, but what would they eat once they got done with the pot plant?
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