Hey, Pedro, I tried making an alfalfa milkshake, and to be truthful it kind of tasted good (probably because I put a ton of other stuff in it though). But I want to try your recipe. What do you put in it?
—Paul V., Custer, Wash.
My recipe is a closely guarded secret, Paul (even though The Boss says he doesn't know why—no one gets near the stuff). Let's just say I keep it simple and "earthy."
Dear Pedro, Our troop meetings are boring. The games are my favorite part. Do you have any suggestions to make the meetings more fun and interesting?
—Joshua B., Bonita, Calif.
Read the jokes in "Think & Grin" at your meetings, Joshua. They keep my hee-hawing. Or discuss the latest "A True Story of Scouts in Action" or an outing featured in the magazine. Boys' Life can brighten a meeting (and my cartoon will no doubt light up the room).
Dear Pedro, You're always talking about how good alfalfa milkshakes are, and I kind of want to see what it tastes like, but for now, I prefer vanilla. How about I'll try alfalfa if you try vanilla?
—Sterling W., Pittsburg, Tex.
If it's not green or brown, it's probably not going to make it onto my menu, Sterling. But knock yourself out with the alfalfa—it's full of fiber and protein. Let me know what you think. Nobody around here touches my tasty treats.
'Sup, Dog (I Mean Burro), Just wondering if the mailbag is ever so heavy you can't haul it?
— Baylee A., Green Bay, Wis.
I manage to get it hauled every day, Baylee, but it can be exhausting work. I need periodic alfalfa milkshakes and tumbleweed tacos to keep my strength up (or at least that's what I tell The Boss).
Hi, Pedro, One of the requirements for eighth graders at our school is to publish something in a magazine or newspaper. I thought of Boys' Life almost instantly. I think it would be completely awesome if I were to show up in Boys' Life!
— Joey S., Corbett, Ore.
Well, Joey, you made it into my e-bag. I think that's completely awesome (hope your school does too).
Hey, Pedro, You are awesome and I hope it stays that way. I love your game "Pedro and the Pearls of Peril." It is one of the best computer games I've every played. I hope that more new things from you will be just as good.
—Daniel D., Yorktown, Va.
Thanks, Daniel. Being a video game star does add to my aura of awesomeness. (However, hauling the mailbag, which keeps me fed, keeps me humble.)
Dear Wacky, Purple Sweater-Wearer Pedro, You can sleep forever, but I can't sleep a wink at times. How do you do it?
—Nolan W., Strongsville, Ohio.
The Boss says it's my uncanny ability to relax and keep my mind empty, Nolan. For some reason that doesn't sound like a compliment, does it?
Dear Pedro, I just became a Boy Scout and want to know what's the best merit badge to earn?
—Haydn S., Mancos, Colo.
They're all worth earning, Haydn, if you have an interest in the subject. I submitted an idea for a Cactus Raising merit badge (the blossoms are very tasty). Haven't heard back on that one yet.
Dear Awesome, Alfalfa Milkshake-Loving Pedro, I love all the camping articles in Boys' Life, particularly the one about the Grand Canyon. Just the thought of seeing the Grand Canyon made me wonder, what is the longest camping trip you've ever been on?
—Todd P., Tomball, Tex.
My stint at Philmont hauling gear-laden panniers was like one long camping trip, Todd. The Philmont staff eventually discovered my true mission in life, and sent me to, ahem, assist the editors here at Boys' Life.
Dear Awesome, Alfalfa-Loving Pedro, Why doesn't The Boss ever show himself? I mean, you've got your own comic strip, so why doesn't he? Is he camera shy? Does he have an ugly face? What's the deal?
—Caleb C., Menifee, Calif.
The Boss is more of a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, Caleb. That's the most delicate way I can put it. (I don't want him reading anything derogatory I might write about his appearance—he's always lurking around and peeking over my shoulder.)
Dear Pedro, Is Pedro your real name? This is a question that has me stumped for ages.
—Jordan E., Warrenville, Ill.
Of course, it's my real name, Jordan (short for Don Juan Pedro Ladino de Philmonte, which I only use on formal occasions).
Pedro celebrates the 100th birthday of Boys’ Life magazine with this exclusive look behind the scenes of how the Boy Scouts’ monthly magazine is published. And don’t miss the last scene for a special bonus!
I don’t know what this is.
P.S.
Explain…