Rating: 
Summary: Nice, but he didn't experience Scouting at its fullest
Review: Applebome writes a nice historical overview of Scouting and a great tale of how a father and son ventured into new territory together through the program. The problem with this book is two-fold. First, Applebome's Troop is obviously NOT boy run as is the ideal of a Scout Troop. Adults plan, lead and execute the programs cheating the boys out of the full experience. Secondly, Applebome gives his lofty suggestions for how to "improve" the program after a grand total of a couple years' experience as an adult. No youth experience and writes that HE NEVER EVEN OWNED OR WORE A SCOUT UNIFORM during his entire experience. Yet he believes himself to be a suitable person to recommend scrapping the uniform. Ths story was nice, but Applebome ventured into territory where he is simple incapable of providing intelligent dialog -- namley how to improve the program. His own inexperience creates this barrier to what would have been a great sotry about a boy and his dad. It should be noted that Applebome's highlight moment at summer camp came not because he changed anything in the Scouting program, but rather he finally did what he was supposed to do -- let the boys set a goal and achieve it. Perhaps HE should re-examine his recommendations with greater experience and understanding.
Rating: 
Summary: Good narrative and history ruined with liberal editorials
Review: Applebome writes a very entertaining and interesting account of his experiences as his son joins Boy Scouting. His stories of his son's and his introduction to camping trips and outdoor adventure are funny and very true-to-life for others to enjoy. Further, the history he gives of the origins of Boy Scouting, first in England and then in the United States, is a valuable lesson all Scouts and their dads should hear. However, he then ruins the book, in my opinion, by interjecting his liberal politics into the book by bashing the Boy Scouts as "intolerant" and "discriminatory" for taking a stand that the majority of its members (although certainly not his or others who agree with his liberal opinions) support, namely that homosexuality is morally wrong and therefore is not accepted in Scouting. Why is it that when liberals disagree with an opinion, those who support it are discriminatory while if there opinion is agreed with, those persons are "principled"? Would it be "discriminatory" to exclude alcoholics from leadership in Scouting?
I also feel he displays a typical liberal attitude by presuming that as a parent who admittedly never owned a uniform and only was involved with Boy Scouts for a total of three years, can offer all of the solutions to its problems. Simply put, it would have been a better book if he stuck to telling stories instead of editorializing.
Rating: 
Summary: Right on the Money!
Review: Having been greeted with "Guess what! They made me the Cubmaster!" about nine years ago, I can honestly say that this book accurately portrays my and my husband's experience and opinion of Scouting. It's bittersweet today, with my son (an Eagle Scout) leaving high school and entering the Air Force (an institution into which he will enter at a higher rank thanks to his Eagle achievement). We would never trade our Scouting experience, including the both the ups (upon his "crossing over" to Boy Scouts, presenting my son the axe his grandfather had machined before Kyle was born and realizing the sheath was made for a left-hander--which Kyle is) and the downs (watching the Weather Channel for days before a campout). Mr. Applebome also hit home with his reluctance to support an organization which practices intolerance. My brother is an Eagle Scout (after all, you're an Eagle Scout forever, right?), but as an openly gay man, could never become involved with troop leadership. Although the BSA has all the problems associated with any large organization (dependency on enrollment numbers, outside pressures, funding, etc.), it still can be a valuable experience for any young man in this country. If you want to know what Scouting is all about, grab a copy of Scout's Honor and set aside some time. Just like Scouting, you'll be glad you made the effort!
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read!
Review: I absolutely loved this book! I bought it for my husband's Xmas present but read it the night I bought it. My husband read it without putting it down and my Boy Scout, age 15 read it. It really presents how Scouting really is with weird and wonderful boys and adults. We were surprised at how much his experience in scouting was like ours.
Rating:
Summary: Mr.Applebome has captured todays scouting experience
Review: I have accused the author of having a mole in our troop. Can the experience for boys and parents associated with Boy Scouting be so universal? I have purchased 6 copies to provide to eagle scouts from 18 yr.s to 60 yr.s.,agree or disagree with the author's opinions on today's scouting image, Peter has us laughing and talking about today's and tomorrow's scouting experience.
Rating:
Summary: A four star Foray
Review: I hesitated to buy this book, but a friend told me he loved it--so I gave it a shot. Glad I did. Very funny in parts, really informative about Scouting and the history is fascinating. The writer has a great style that mixes a kind of ironic detachment with an almost naive openess to fresh experiences and adventure. Don't let the title confuse you. the book isn't just about scouting, it's really about fatherhood, boys, nature and how our mainstream consumer/suburban culture has sheltered us from some of the kinds of experiences that can broaden our minds, give purpose to our lives and make us feel alive in ways we never thought possible. And you don't have to be a parent to enjoy it, but if you are, you'll probably love it.
Rating: 
Summary: the education of an urban sophisticate
Review: If you have a kid in the scouts, this is a must read. If not, read it to see why your kid SHOULD be in the scouts. Peter tells about how scouting came to be what it is, and what it should be, based on its founders ideals. He also shows how parents can do something to bond with their children, and discover a lot about themselves. I found it to be a perfect beach read.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful story of a Scout and Scouters Journey Together
Review: Outstanding Read, I caught myself reflecting on all of the experiences I valued while growing up in scouting. I'm pleased those same experiences are still around for my son and I to share and enjoy some 25 years later. What a program! For those who have a hard time digesting the political inferences and self-analysis that Mr Applebome makes in his book, I say to you; the story is only about a dad learning and growing with his son and ultimately becomes a better person for having those experiences. That is precisely what the scouting experience was designed for. I'm pretty conservative in my world view and found that if everyone thought like me, what a boring life we would live. Cheers to you Mr. Applebome, just let us know when "Ben" makes Eagle.
Rating:
Summary: I wish I had enrolled my sons in the Boy Scouts
Review: The warmth, the humor, the insight made this a joy to read. I have spent much time with my children, but the experience of camping and watching them grow as scouts would have been something special in this hectic world. Thank you for this book. I urge all parents to read this as soon as possible.
Rating:
Summary: Highly entertaining...and very well written
Review: Those not previously connected in some way with the Scouting movement will likely find this book highly entertaining nonetheless. I was disappointed to reach its end. Those that were or are Scouts / Scouters (as I was & am,) and who, like me, have experienced very painful internal conflict with the public unpleasantness the BSA has experienced in recent years will, in all likelihood, find a soothing balm in Mr. Applebome's ruminations on the issues at hand: God, Gays & Girls. Sharing Peter & Ben's (father & son's) journey via this book elicited queries from my wife: "What in the world are you reading that you're laughing out loud at?" Thank you Peter. Good night Scouts.
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