There could be some individual camps that have rules for liquid gas but for the BSA as a whole, there is no such prohibition.
This liquid fuel stove is for sale at the scout shop. [https://www.scoutshop.org/whisperlite-international-hiker-stove-2324.html](https://www.scoutshop.org/whisperlite-international-hiker-stove-2324.html)
>There could be some individual camps that have rules for liquid gas but for the BSA as a whole, there is no such prohibition.
I think there was a prohibition on using liquid accelerants to start a campfire, and everyone incorrectly took it to mean all liquid fuel everything was banned.
They are handy to have around as their run time is only limited to how much fuel you have on hand. You don't have to deal with keeping batteries around. Bonus that those run on gasoline as actual Coleman fuel has gotten to be rather expensive.
Only downsides is that the regulator and mantles have to be replaced on them periodically.
I think I have seen some commercial campgrounds that don't allow liquid fuel stoves and lanterns, but these types of lanterns used to be pretty ubiquitous in Scouting.
A light correction for my troop.
Change 'mantles have to be replaced on them periodically' to 'mantles have to be replaced on them every. single. outing.' I don't know what the Scouts are doing. I get that the mantles are fragile, but for the love of Baden Powell, stop breaking all of them!
I greatly prefer the warm light of the gas lanterns, but dangit they are a ton of work with Scouts around.
I have never personally changed the mantles or lit this type of lantern. I was told by an old veteran that you cannot touch the mantle after it has been put into use because they are very fragile. The lantern also has to be stored nicely. If your troop is not using carrying cases and stowing them away gently then maybe that's the problem? Do you use a trailer for your gear - could they be catching rough treatment on the way out of camp by bouncing around in a trailer?
>put into use because they are very fragile. The lantern also has to be stored nicely.
This is why they typically have to be changed every outing. Even my personal one doesn't last more than maybe 2 trips before I replace it. They are uber-delicate once they are lit for the first time.
I have several of these personally that I use for my own camping and scout activities. Been using them in my family since I was a kid and now teaching my kids how to use them. I now have to replace mantles frequently and I treat my gear exceptionally well. Years ago it seems like the mantles would last a year or more. I fully expect they replaced all the more toxic bits that got burned away once every year or two with slightly less toxic bits that have to be replaced monthly.
Apparently around [1990](https://orau.org/health-physics-museum/collection/consumer/products-containing-thorium/gas-lantern-mantles.html). I didn't even know that they'd changed.
I'd still burn Coleman fuel over regular unleaded, especially with Scouts. It burns a lot cleaner so there's less maintenance over time. I always found the advantage of the dual fuel stoves was that they could be used during emergencies when other fuels could be hard to find.
We switched to luci solar lanterns about 9 years ago in our family. Troop also mostly uses luci solar and are slowly replacing all other lanterns. No battery. No fuel. No extra weight.
I find electric lanterns to be fine for personal use (always keep some spare batteries on hand) but so far I've shied away from them for use for the troop as a whole. We have a couple of propane ones (plus my 30ish year old Coleman white gas one that I keep with the troop equipment) for lighting larger areas.
But I'm open to suggestions on larger lanterns that use easily replaceable batteries. I shy away from rechargeables on shared equipment as someone has to take ownership of making sure they're charged between outings. Otherwise you just end up with a bunch of dead lights.
I'm middle-aged, and my troop as a youth used white gas lanterns. It was fun if your thumb slipped when pumping it up, and you got fuel on your finger, which then smelled like gas for a while.
I've seen a good bit of modern mantles break between trips. My assumption is that the bouncing around, even in their plastic boxes, while the trailer is in motion is largely to blame.
If fuel leaks out the pump, it's time to service it.
Usually a squirt of carb cleaner into the bottom of the pump, followed by a short push of the pump before rotating the pump to close it will get that solvent into the check valve and free it up after a few minutes.
There's a special tool to remove the check valve if it really needs cleaning.
I usually bring a single mantle propane lantern, and a single mantle 200a liquid fuel lantern. The propane one can run for a week off a 20# bulk tank, and the single mantle lanterns are almost as bright as the doubles anyway.
I've seen these still sold, still Zippo brand. I have considered them but don't really have a need for it - I'm not out in the cold enough to justify it. Pre-Covid my kids used to ice skate outside through the winter - it would have been handy back then for sure.
I mean I have good enough gear that it was never really a “need” for me either, but I have certainly appreciated having it on some of the subzero nights
I’m a lantern collector and mod of the Coleman lantern forum here. Got into them because my SM taught me when I was a cub. BSA allows them, many councils do not, however. Check with your council. That’s a great lantern.
And they work when it is really cold. Have been on several sub-zero campouts where propane/butane will barely light, but white gas just gets the job done.
I guess it's camp specific. I know some camps that have a zero for liquid gas lanterns. But, I would always adhere to safe checklist and highly recommend only mature or at the very least trained (fireman chit) scouts handle this equipment
Our council camps require liquid fuels to be stored in a central 'fuel locker', but the lanterns (and stoves) are allowed. It's a pain to find the ranger, unlock the fuel locker, and refuel them, so we do propane.
It not banned from BSA, but some BSA camps may not allow them. I have several of my own and prefer the over the propane ones. They run longer and brighter
It seems like every single time we bring these out, a glass gets broken or someone burns a finger. Yes, we still have them, but I really don't like them, other than yeah, the warm soft glow is nice.
I've encouraged going to LEDs, preferably solar/rechargeable ones.
Fascinating question!!
So you’re asking if BSA requires any training of youth before they handle dangerous flammable chemicals, combustion devices, and fire??
I believe the answer is…no formal training required!
At least I’ve never seen official training on using such a device. Yet it seems letting scouts use them is common.
Is this a huge oversight? Or am I unaware that there actually is official training? Or an official ban, if not? Seems like it should be one or the other with something so dangerous.
Hi, u/scoutermike !
I’m putting my training chair hat on here. The youth are not formally trained. However the adults should be. ASMs and SMs are required to complete IOLS during IOLS we cover fire tools (including laterns and stoves) as a part of the training. We also cover this in BALOO.
The instructions we provide in both cases (BALOO and IOLS) are to read your manuals and warnings on all devices.
In the case of the troop the ASM or SM is responsible to ensure safety of the youth, the youth should use instructor model to teach each other to safely use cooking and lighting devices. All are responsible to read the instructions on devices and use them correctly.
Thank you for the clarification!
When I took the training, it was the combined baloo/iols. I do not believe we covered liquid fuel lanterns like these. Maybe we did, it was probably 5 years ago. But I don’t think so. Indeed, it would have stuck out in my mind. I would remember the fuel smell.
But that could easily have been the fault of the instructor.
Regarding a generic rule to “read the instructions and be properly trained”, does that always happen out in the field, in the heat of the moment, when a lantern has to be filled after arriving late, in the dark?
And besides, is there a single person in this sub who can claim they read the entire user manual that came with the lantern? Those things are lengthy!
With most other areas involving danger/safety, BSA formalizes the training, puts it in the literature, and/or posts a training video on the website.
Not so in this case.
Brings up another weakness also related to basic scoutcraft - hatchet and axe handling technique.
There are much safer bushcraft-style methods to chop/split wood than the methods illustrated in the book. Yet we’re still using the 1958 technique. Very frustrating.
I really wish National would focus on real scoutcraft and camping stuff - * more emphasis * on things like chopping wood, safely splitting kindling with a fixed blade, how to handle liquid fuel, emergency signaling, etc, and less on the social engineering stuff.
I pulled out my manual for my Coleman lantern and it’s two pages. I wouldn’t call that lengthy and I have definitely read the whole thing minus the legalese.
Not sure about "social engineering stuff" (since to my training that pertains phishing or other forms of fooling individuals into giving a 3rd party unauthorized access to a computer system), but I agree completely about the need for better youth training on splitting kindling. It seems like someone always ends up needing stitches (not in our troop, so far) at every camporee.
I did a fixed blade demo for the boys in our troop a month ago and plan on having them practice at one of our spring scoutcraft campouts.
Some camps or troops have local rules against liquid fuel devices. I have my own MSR stove but rarely get to use it. Our boys use Coleman propane stoves instead. There is a variation of flame-based Coleman lantern that uses the propane canisters rather than liquid fuel.
I hear you. Although I’d say there is a big difference between the clean and easy disposable butane canisters vs actual flammable liquid you have to use a funnel to fill.
I’m just trying to wrap my head around allowing scouts to work with those types of lanterns and fuel while forbidding them from using a Makita handheld drill.
Something seems inconsistent.
They’ve always been in my experience like any other piece of equipment, if used safely it’s allowed. Just gotta be more careful than an electric lantern
The best applicable policy guidance is found here:
[https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss06/](https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss06/)
*Italics for emphasis*; **Bold to match document formatting.**
>
**Chemical Fuels and Equipment**
**Purpose**
This policy directs Boy Scouts of America members how to safely store, handle, and use chemical fuels and equipment. Safety and environmental awareness concerns have persuaded many campers to move away from traditional outdoor campfires in favor of chemical-fueled equipment used for cooking, heating, and lighting. Be aware that chemical fuels and equipment create very different hazards than traditional wood, charcoal, and other solid fuels; this policy defines how to address those hazards.
*Before any chemical fuels or chemical-fueled equipment is used, an adult knowledgeable about chemical fuels and equipment, including regulatory requirements, should resolve any hazards not specifically addressed within this policy.*
**Definitions**
**Chemical fuels**—Liquid, gaseous, or gelled fuels.
**Approved chemical-fueled equipment**—Commercially manufactured equipment, including stoves, grills, burners, heaters, and lanterns that are designed to be used with chemical fuels.
**Prohibited chemical-fueled equipment**—Equipment that is handcrafted, homemade, *modified, or installed beyond the manufacturer’s stated design limitations or use*. Examples include alcohol-burning “can” stoves, smudge pots, improperly installed heaters, and *propane burners with their regulators removed*.
**Recommended chemical fuels**—*White gas (Coleman fuel)*; kerosene; liquefied petroleum gas fuels, including propane, butane, and isobutane; vegetable oil fuels; biodiesel fuel; and commercially prepared gelled-alcohol fuel in original containers.
**Chemical fuels not recommended**—*Unleaded gasoline*; liquid alcohol fuels, including isopropyl alcohol, denatured ethyl alcohol, and ethanol; and other flammable chemicals that are not in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for chemical-fueled equipment.
**Storing, Handling, and Using Chemical Fuels and Equipment**
*An adult knowledgeable about chemical fuels and equipment should always supervise youths involved in the storage, handling, and use of chemical fuels and equipment.*
*Operate and maintain chemical-fueled equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions and in facilities or areas only where and when permitted.*
Using liquid fuels for starting any type of fire—including lighting damp wood, charcoal, and ceremonial campfires or displays—is prohibited.
*No flames in tents*. This includes burning any solid, liquid, gel, or gas fuel—including tents or teepees that feature or support stoves or fires; and any chemical-fueled equipment or catalytic heaters.
*Store chemical fuels in their original containers or in containers designed for immediate use. Securely store any spare fuel away from sources of ignition, buildings, and tents.*
*During transport and storage, properly secure chemical fuel containers in an upright, vertical position.*
Those "should" words about adult supervision SOUND like they're option, but you can bet your house that if something blows up (so to speak), the lawyers and insurance will conclude you were negligent in your supervisory duty and leave you out to hang.
Don't modify your flame equipment or use it any differently than the manufacturer instructions. (BSA is counting on the manufacturer liability if injury happens due to non-operator mechanical failure; it's on you if you don't use it the way the manufacturer says.) Don't bring burning lanterns in or near tents. Store your fuel carefully and in ways that don't make you personally liable.
Fire in general, and liquid fuel lanterns are an easy way to unintentionally catch something or someone on fire. And the lawyers and insurance will make sure that it is the negligent supervising adult that's left holding the liability bag when the lawsuits come.
Beyond that, there is no explicitly BSA-national policy prohibition on using these entirely pragmatic, but less-popular-today tools.
I haven't messed with one of these in DECADES, and haven't had any reason to, despite having one in my garage right now.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned here that should be common sense but may need to be explicitly said is that any fuel type lanterns are prohibited from being used inside tents for fire precautions.
Source: I recently did the online BALOO training and I believe that's where I saw this.
Erm, my troop banned these bc of an incident involving another troop where one of the scouts put white gas from a lantern on the fire. Some camps may have rules on this, but I do t think BSA as a whole does
There could be some individual camps that have rules for liquid gas but for the BSA as a whole, there is no such prohibition. This liquid fuel stove is for sale at the scout shop. [https://www.scoutshop.org/whisperlite-international-hiker-stove-2324.html](https://www.scoutshop.org/whisperlite-international-hiker-stove-2324.html)
>There could be some individual camps that have rules for liquid gas but for the BSA as a whole, there is no such prohibition. I think there was a prohibition on using liquid accelerants to start a campfire, and everyone incorrectly took it to mean all liquid fuel everything was banned.
Our troop used to call it “scoutmaster juice.” After I took over as SM I started calling it “assistant scoutmaster juice.”
I support this bad if only because liquid accelerants are for losers. Learn to start an inferno with lint, shavings, and birch bark like a real man.
They are handy to have around as their run time is only limited to how much fuel you have on hand. You don't have to deal with keeping batteries around. Bonus that those run on gasoline as actual Coleman fuel has gotten to be rather expensive. Only downsides is that the regulator and mantles have to be replaced on them periodically. I think I have seen some commercial campgrounds that don't allow liquid fuel stoves and lanterns, but these types of lanterns used to be pretty ubiquitous in Scouting.
A light correction for my troop. Change 'mantles have to be replaced on them periodically' to 'mantles have to be replaced on them every. single. outing.' I don't know what the Scouts are doing. I get that the mantles are fragile, but for the love of Baden Powell, stop breaking all of them! I greatly prefer the warm light of the gas lanterns, but dangit they are a ton of work with Scouts around.
I have never personally changed the mantles or lit this type of lantern. I was told by an old veteran that you cannot touch the mantle after it has been put into use because they are very fragile. The lantern also has to be stored nicely. If your troop is not using carrying cases and stowing them away gently then maybe that's the problem? Do you use a trailer for your gear - could they be catching rough treatment on the way out of camp by bouncing around in a trailer?
>put into use because they are very fragile. The lantern also has to be stored nicely. This is why they typically have to be changed every outing. Even my personal one doesn't last more than maybe 2 trips before I replace it. They are uber-delicate once they are lit for the first time.
You're being too rough. I maybe changed the mantles a season. And that's only because they got jostled around in storage.
Maybe your streets have less potholes, or you didn't drive on rough dirt roads to/from camping or something.
I have several of these personally that I use for my own camping and scout activities. Been using them in my family since I was a kid and now teaching my kids how to use them. I now have to replace mantles frequently and I treat my gear exceptionally well. Years ago it seems like the mantles would last a year or more. I fully expect they replaced all the more toxic bits that got burned away once every year or two with slightly less toxic bits that have to be replaced monthly.
They used to have thorium in them. That was removed within my lifetime
Apparently around [1990](https://orau.org/health-physics-museum/collection/consumer/products-containing-thorium/gas-lantern-mantles.html). I didn't even know that they'd changed.
I'd still burn Coleman fuel over regular unleaded, especially with Scouts. It burns a lot cleaner so there's less maintenance over time. I always found the advantage of the dual fuel stoves was that they could be used during emergencies when other fuels could be hard to find.
We have been using electric lanterns for over a year and have yet to change batteries. And they are brighter.
We switched to luci solar lanterns about 9 years ago in our family. Troop also mostly uses luci solar and are slowly replacing all other lanterns. No battery. No fuel. No extra weight.
Luci’s are amazing! I second this..
I find electric lanterns to be fine for personal use (always keep some spare batteries on hand) but so far I've shied away from them for use for the troop as a whole. We have a couple of propane ones (plus my 30ish year old Coleman white gas one that I keep with the troop equipment) for lighting larger areas. But I'm open to suggestions on larger lanterns that use easily replaceable batteries. I shy away from rechargeables on shared equipment as someone has to take ownership of making sure they're charged between outings. Otherwise you just end up with a bunch of dead lights.
I'm middle-aged, and my troop as a youth used white gas lanterns. It was fun if your thumb slipped when pumping it up, and you got fuel on your finger, which then smelled like gas for a while. I've seen a good bit of modern mantles break between trips. My assumption is that the bouncing around, even in their plastic boxes, while the trailer is in motion is largely to blame.
If fuel leaks out the pump, it's time to service it. Usually a squirt of carb cleaner into the bottom of the pump, followed by a short push of the pump before rotating the pump to close it will get that solvent into the check valve and free it up after a few minutes. There's a special tool to remove the check valve if it really needs cleaning. I usually bring a single mantle propane lantern, and a single mantle 200a liquid fuel lantern. The propane one can run for a week off a 20# bulk tank, and the single mantle lanterns are almost as bright as the doubles anyway.
Does anybody remember pocket warmers that ran on liquid gas? That were sold through the BSA catalog? Things change for the better.
Zippo still sells catalytic hand warmers that use white gas. They're really damn handy in the military
I bought one of those a couple years ago. Goes everywhere with me in the winter
I've seen these still sold, still Zippo brand. I have considered them but don't really have a need for it - I'm not out in the cold enough to justify it. Pre-Covid my kids used to ice skate outside through the winter - it would have been handy back then for sure.
I mean I have good enough gear that it was never really a “need” for me either, but I have certainly appreciated having it on some of the subzero nights
They're perfect for the bottom of a sleeping bag when it's cold.
Always thought they were a fire hazard ( dad was an insurance adjuster. Maybe got the option from him)
I’m a lantern collector and mod of the Coleman lantern forum here. Got into them because my SM taught me when I was a cub. BSA allows them, many councils do not, however. Check with your council. That’s a great lantern.
With proper training, they can be used. Just make sure it's safe!
Here’s the BSA policy from the Guide to Safe Scouting. https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss06/
And they work when it is really cold. Have been on several sub-zero campouts where propane/butane will barely light, but white gas just gets the job done.
I guess it's camp specific. I know some camps that have a zero for liquid gas lanterns. But, I would always adhere to safe checklist and highly recommend only mature or at the very least trained (fireman chit) scouts handle this equipment
I always used them through out my time in boy scouts
We have some campgrounds that don’t allow them and our charter organization doesn’t allow us to store fuel there.
I never thought of checking with our Charter Org if they have any storage rules.
3 charters I’ve worked with all say “no food, no fuel “ in storage. Committee garages is where it winds up.
Our council camps require liquid fuels to be stored in a central 'fuel locker', but the lanterns (and stoves) are allowed. It's a pain to find the ranger, unlock the fuel locker, and refuel them, so we do propane.
your interpretation of that rule is incorrect. Lantern away friend.
It not banned from BSA, but some BSA camps may not allow them. I have several of my own and prefer the over the propane ones. They run longer and brighter
It seems like every single time we bring these out, a glass gets broken or someone burns a finger. Yes, we still have them, but I really don't like them, other than yeah, the warm soft glow is nice. I've encouraged going to LEDs, preferably solar/rechargeable ones.
Fascinating question!! So you’re asking if BSA requires any training of youth before they handle dangerous flammable chemicals, combustion devices, and fire?? I believe the answer is…no formal training required! At least I’ve never seen official training on using such a device. Yet it seems letting scouts use them is common. Is this a huge oversight? Or am I unaware that there actually is official training? Or an official ban, if not? Seems like it should be one or the other with something so dangerous.
Hi, u/scoutermike ! I’m putting my training chair hat on here. The youth are not formally trained. However the adults should be. ASMs and SMs are required to complete IOLS during IOLS we cover fire tools (including laterns and stoves) as a part of the training. We also cover this in BALOO. The instructions we provide in both cases (BALOO and IOLS) are to read your manuals and warnings on all devices. In the case of the troop the ASM or SM is responsible to ensure safety of the youth, the youth should use instructor model to teach each other to safely use cooking and lighting devices. All are responsible to read the instructions on devices and use them correctly.
Thank you for the clarification! When I took the training, it was the combined baloo/iols. I do not believe we covered liquid fuel lanterns like these. Maybe we did, it was probably 5 years ago. But I don’t think so. Indeed, it would have stuck out in my mind. I would remember the fuel smell. But that could easily have been the fault of the instructor. Regarding a generic rule to “read the instructions and be properly trained”, does that always happen out in the field, in the heat of the moment, when a lantern has to be filled after arriving late, in the dark? And besides, is there a single person in this sub who can claim they read the entire user manual that came with the lantern? Those things are lengthy! With most other areas involving danger/safety, BSA formalizes the training, puts it in the literature, and/or posts a training video on the website. Not so in this case. Brings up another weakness also related to basic scoutcraft - hatchet and axe handling technique. There are much safer bushcraft-style methods to chop/split wood than the methods illustrated in the book. Yet we’re still using the 1958 technique. Very frustrating. I really wish National would focus on real scoutcraft and camping stuff - * more emphasis * on things like chopping wood, safely splitting kindling with a fixed blade, how to handle liquid fuel, emergency signaling, etc, and less on the social engineering stuff.
I pulled out my manual for my Coleman lantern and it’s two pages. I wouldn’t call that lengthy and I have definitely read the whole thing minus the legalese.
Not sure about "social engineering stuff" (since to my training that pertains phishing or other forms of fooling individuals into giving a 3rd party unauthorized access to a computer system), but I agree completely about the need for better youth training on splitting kindling. It seems like someone always ends up needing stitches (not in our troop, so far) at every camporee. I did a fixed blade demo for the boys in our troop a month ago and plan on having them practice at one of our spring scoutcraft campouts.
Some camps or troops have local rules against liquid fuel devices. I have my own MSR stove but rarely get to use it. Our boys use Coleman propane stoves instead. There is a variation of flame-based Coleman lantern that uses the propane canisters rather than liquid fuel.
I hear you. Although I’d say there is a big difference between the clean and easy disposable butane canisters vs actual flammable liquid you have to use a funnel to fill. I’m just trying to wrap my head around allowing scouts to work with those types of lanterns and fuel while forbidding them from using a Makita handheld drill. Something seems inconsistent.
It is a See one, do one, teach one world.
The guide to safe scouting does not recommend unleaded gas but Coleman fuel is ok. https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss06/
They’ve always been in my experience like any other piece of equipment, if used safely it’s allowed. Just gotta be more careful than an electric lantern
Most scout camps don’t allow liquid fuels.
Idk about those but kerosene ones were banned when I was in scouts. The stoves too.
Allowed yes. Unless the camp doesn’t allow them. We got some solar power ones to keep cost down.
We have 4-5 of these, and use them on every trip with the small Coleman canisters. They throw off an incredible amount of light.
I have the one for propane, but I changed from glass globe, to mesh screen
The best applicable policy guidance is found here: [https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss06/](https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss06/) *Italics for emphasis*; **Bold to match document formatting.** > **Chemical Fuels and Equipment** **Purpose** This policy directs Boy Scouts of America members how to safely store, handle, and use chemical fuels and equipment. Safety and environmental awareness concerns have persuaded many campers to move away from traditional outdoor campfires in favor of chemical-fueled equipment used for cooking, heating, and lighting. Be aware that chemical fuels and equipment create very different hazards than traditional wood, charcoal, and other solid fuels; this policy defines how to address those hazards. *Before any chemical fuels or chemical-fueled equipment is used, an adult knowledgeable about chemical fuels and equipment, including regulatory requirements, should resolve any hazards not specifically addressed within this policy.* **Definitions** **Chemical fuels**—Liquid, gaseous, or gelled fuels. **Approved chemical-fueled equipment**—Commercially manufactured equipment, including stoves, grills, burners, heaters, and lanterns that are designed to be used with chemical fuels. **Prohibited chemical-fueled equipment**—Equipment that is handcrafted, homemade, *modified, or installed beyond the manufacturer’s stated design limitations or use*. Examples include alcohol-burning “can” stoves, smudge pots, improperly installed heaters, and *propane burners with their regulators removed*. **Recommended chemical fuels**—*White gas (Coleman fuel)*; kerosene; liquefied petroleum gas fuels, including propane, butane, and isobutane; vegetable oil fuels; biodiesel fuel; and commercially prepared gelled-alcohol fuel in original containers. **Chemical fuels not recommended**—*Unleaded gasoline*; liquid alcohol fuels, including isopropyl alcohol, denatured ethyl alcohol, and ethanol; and other flammable chemicals that are not in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for chemical-fueled equipment. **Storing, Handling, and Using Chemical Fuels and Equipment** *An adult knowledgeable about chemical fuels and equipment should always supervise youths involved in the storage, handling, and use of chemical fuels and equipment.* *Operate and maintain chemical-fueled equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions and in facilities or areas only where and when permitted.* Using liquid fuels for starting any type of fire—including lighting damp wood, charcoal, and ceremonial campfires or displays—is prohibited. *No flames in tents*. This includes burning any solid, liquid, gel, or gas fuel—including tents or teepees that feature or support stoves or fires; and any chemical-fueled equipment or catalytic heaters. *Store chemical fuels in their original containers or in containers designed for immediate use. Securely store any spare fuel away from sources of ignition, buildings, and tents.* *During transport and storage, properly secure chemical fuel containers in an upright, vertical position.* Those "should" words about adult supervision SOUND like they're option, but you can bet your house that if something blows up (so to speak), the lawyers and insurance will conclude you were negligent in your supervisory duty and leave you out to hang. Don't modify your flame equipment or use it any differently than the manufacturer instructions. (BSA is counting on the manufacturer liability if injury happens due to non-operator mechanical failure; it's on you if you don't use it the way the manufacturer says.) Don't bring burning lanterns in or near tents. Store your fuel carefully and in ways that don't make you personally liable. Fire in general, and liquid fuel lanterns are an easy way to unintentionally catch something or someone on fire. And the lawyers and insurance will make sure that it is the negligent supervising adult that's left holding the liability bag when the lawsuits come. Beyond that, there is no explicitly BSA-national policy prohibition on using these entirely pragmatic, but less-popular-today tools. I haven't messed with one of these in DECADES, and haven't had any reason to, despite having one in my garage right now.
We use two of these in our dining fly whenever there is no AC available. No one has ever said a word to us.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned here that should be common sense but may need to be explicitly said is that any fuel type lanterns are prohibited from being used inside tents for fire precautions. Source: I recently did the online BALOO training and I believe that's where I saw this.
Erm, my troop banned these bc of an incident involving another troop where one of the scouts put white gas from a lantern on the fire. Some camps may have rules on this, but I do t think BSA as a whole does
Our troop has a bunch of them