Hi Tech Scouts Using Smart Phones And Credit Cards

Scouting was a part of my growing up, and, although I'm sure I resisted going to all of the meetings, I ended up enjoying learning how to do important things like CPR and tying knots (I still remember how to make a sheepshank---anybody?).

But going door to door selling things was horrible. People constantly turning you down saying that they didn't have money on them. Well I guess that excuse might be old news soon. Did you know that the Girl Scouts now accept credit cards?  Yea!  They swipe your card now using their Iphones!   According to USA Today, there's a troop in Ohio that's starting the trend.  And they have found that sales have spiked because, hell, you might as well buy 3-4 boxes of mints if it's going on your card!  You won't even notice it at the end of the month, right?  Check it out...

So I guess the compass thing is old news.  Now there's GPS.  And who needs to remember all of those knots.  I'm sure there's an app for that.  Wow.  I was just kidding.  But I went on my iphone and there are 8 apps for that!    There's also a Merit Badge Tracker app.

I wonder if there's a dodgeball tracker that warns you if the ball is coming toward your skull?  (We used to play that at ever y meeting, but I'm sure that's illegal now!)

Anyway, here's to scouting.  A great learning experience, and how geared up for the 21st century.

Let's see if I can remember the Scout's oath.

A Scout is:

Trustworthy,  loyal,  helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Man, how can I remember that, but can't find my car keys?