Dear Pedro, I enjoy the Fitness First feature in Boys' Life, which brings me to my problem: My troop is not very health conscious, and on outings the Scouts eat a lot of junk food. How can I help them eat better?
—Talon K., Tacoma, Wash.
Show your fellow Scouts the articles, Talon. Outings certainly are more fun when you're eating the right foods to have the energy to do the activities. I can pack away the groceries, but at least the stuff is good for me (and that mailbag is heavy).
Dear Pedro, I have been chosen for the St. George Trek next year at Philmont. I was wondering if you, awesome burro, have any tips for me.
—Matthew G. Marietta, Ga.
As a matter of fact, I do, Matthew: Get in shape, and if you have burro on your trek, be extra nice to him.
Dear Pedro, What do you do all day? Does The Boss ever give you a vacation? You are the best part of Boys' Life, so why don't you get promoted?
—Kirk T., Flower Mound, Tex.
I'm supposed to be hauling the mailbag all day, Kirk, but I fill my day with mini-vacations to the cantina and the snoozing spot (wherever The Boss won't find me). The Boss says I don't really need a vacation, since that's all I seem to do anyway. He just doesn't understand my special need for rest and nourishment. So the absence of a promotion isn't entirely shocking.
Dear Pedro, Will Pee Wee Harris ever get his own TV series?
—Philip T. Highland Park, Mich.
Right after I get my own series, Philip (so don't hold your breath).
Hi, Pedro, What TV shows do you like to watch in your free time? What is the recipe for an alfalfa milkshake? How come you never show The Boss?
—Noctowl T., San Jose, Calif.
There's not a TV in my corral, Noctowl. The recipe for deliciousness is a closely guarded secret (and rightly so, according to you-know-who). And you don't want to see The Boss….you really don't.
Dear Almighty Pedro, On "Boss Around Pedro" on this site (which I go to every day), you kind of look like a moose mixed with a donkey. I thought you were a burro. What gives?
—Thomas W., Keller, Tex.
The Boss keeps telling me I should shed a few pounds, Thomas, but at least I don't have antlers.
i thought the newest one was robotics! PEECHTIVAL!
Dear Awesome, Alfalfa-Munching Mailburro, What are the newest and the oldest merit badges?
—Evan R., Roseville, Mich.
The first Handbook for Boys listed requirements for more than 50 merit badges, Evan. Most of them are still around — such as Camping, First Aid and Swimming — but with updated requirements. A few have changed names — Angling (Fishing) and Ornithology (Bird Study). Others have disappeared over time — such as Blacksmithing, Dairying, Poultry Farming, Taxidermy. The newest merit badge is Search and Rescue.
Yo, Pedro, I was at the new high adventure camp, the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. Man, was that a blast. We got to test out some of the events that they are going to have at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree—BMX, skateboarding, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, zip lines, canopy tour, hiking to the top of the summit and rock climbing. We all had a great time there and are looking forward to the jamboree next year. Hope you will be able to attend.
—Patrick G., Mint Hill, N.C.
That sounds like a terrific experience, Patrick. As long as no one is tempted to slap a heavy pack on my back, I might show up.
Dear Pedro, Did you ever got to summer camp when you were younger? I went to camp last month, and it was really cool. Being in the water is my favorite part.
—Sean H., Portland, Ore.
I hauled heavy gear at Philmont when I was young, Sean, so my experience in the great outdoors was probably a bit different than yours. I'm happy to hear you had a great time, though.
Dear Pedro, Do you like scuba diving or swimming better?
—Jack W., Jacksonville, Fla.
I've never seen scuba apparatus that would fit my particular physique, Jack. Burros can swim, but there's not a pool in my corral. (And I won't be holding my breath that The Boss will have one installed.)
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!
uh, he’s right. you guys should go on tv.
ok i guess.