I, the undersigned, hereby request the United Kingdom respectfully consider stopping Lord Baden-Powell from spinning in his grave.
New advice published in Scouting, the official in-house magazine, says neither Scouts nor their parents should bring penknives to camp except in "specific" situations.
Scouts have traditionally been taught how to use knives correctly, using them on camping trips to cut firewood or carve tools.
At one point Scouts were allowed to carry a sheath knife on their belt as part of their uniform although this is no longer the case. In recent years the Scout Association guidance has been that parents should carry knives to camps or meetings.
"I think it is safest to assume that knives of any sort should not be carried by anybody to a Scout meeting or camp, unless there is likely to be a specific need for one. In that case, they should be kept by the Scout leaders and handed out as required."
Since it is unlikely that the United Kingdom will restore freedom and common sense to their country, I request they consider exhuming Lord Baden-Powell's remains and sending them to a country that still allows a modicum of freedom.
Respectfully,
An American Scouter
