Dear Pedro, I thought "Aboard the Titanic" (April) was good. I like how "Be Prepared" was put into context in the story. I never thought about a Scout being on the Titanic, but I guess some probably were. I wonder if they used their Scouting knowledge to help themselves and others. If so, being prepared was definitely in effect that night.
—Alex A., Sugar Land, Tex.
Thanks, Alex. We're glad you enjoyed the fictional account of that tragic night.
Dear Pedro, I have been a Boy Scout for a long time, and I have always wanted to write you. I have been a fan of the comics and jokes in Boys' Life and I truly appreciate the hard work you and the editorial staff put into creating the magazine. In my house I treasure Boys' Life. I support all the ideas that have been put forth in the magazine and consider myself a true Scout a follower of the Oath and Law. I just wanted to say thank you again for all the work you do, and keep doing what you do because you're great at it.
—Reuben B., Atlanta, Ga.
The Boss would take issue with you about my "hard" work, but thanks anyway, Reuben. I'll pass it along to the hard-working staff.
Hey, Pedro, Boys' Life is a great Scouting magazine—funny jokes, informative articles and pretty cool camping gear you can buy. I also love "A True Story of Scouts in Action" (very suspenseful).
—Pierre W., Surprise, Ariz.
Thanks, Pierre. We do it all for our readers.
Dear Pedro, When and where is the next national jamboree?
—Zachary M., Kissimmee, Fla.
Head to the Summit Bechtel Reserve July 15-24, 2013, Zach. This is the new permanent home of the jamboree in West Virginia. Whitewater, climbing, zip lines, mountain biking—wild adventures are waiting. Go to summit.scouting.org to find out more (and to register).
Dear Awesome, Purple Sweater-Wearing, Alfalfa-Loving, Strange-Looking Burro Named Pedro, I just became patrol leader in my troop, and we have named our patrol in your honor. We are the Pedros!
—Alex P., Hanford, Calif.
I am truly honored, Alex. I hope your patrol call is a loud hee-haw.
Dear Pedro, My grandpa recently told me that there was no other mail animal besides you. So would that mean that you are over 100 years old?
—Anthony M., Mathersville, Ill.
I'm a proud successor to the days of the Pony Express, Anthony. But instead of galloping halfway across the country, I trot down the hall. I don't know what they did without me, but I'm certainly not a centenarian.
Dear Mail-Carrying, Alfalfa-Eating, Purple Sweater-Wearing Burro Named Pedro, I have to do an editorial on a newspaper or magazine and decided to do it on Boys' Life. Any suggestions or pointers? And do you know if there are different flavors of alfalfa?
—Josh McC., Ringgold, Ga.
Just remember yours truly and my vast contributions to the magazine when you prepare your write-up, Josh. Alfalfa comes in varieties, but only one flavor—you know, alfalfa.
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.
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!
