Dib dib don't  Why do we subject our kids to the misery of
sodden, smelly camping trips with the Scouts? Could it be
because they love it?     • theguardian.com,     • Jump to
comments ()  Ever since my son became a Scout four years ago I
have bought the line that this century-old movement is a very
good thing for boys, as he buzzes off on wide games, woodman's
courses (they learn to chop up trees, make posts for fences) and
regular camps. In fact my son's troop is booming so much it has
had to move the annual meeting to a bigger venue.  But right now
the doubts are coming thick and fast.  For the second year
running I'm starting to question what is character-forming or
even much use about spending 10 days under canvas in the middle
of boggy fields as the rain pours down relentlessly.  (Yes, I
note, by the way that Blacks Leisure has just reported a boom in
sales of tents and outdoor equipment as people trade down to
cheaper holidays. But I bet the weather will soon dampen their
resolve.)  The early days of s