It's come to this

“Why the rule?” Wendell writes. “A Scouter once told me this explanation I liked quite a bit: ‘A Scout is kind. What part of pointing a firearm [simulated or otherwise] at someone is kind?'”

Of course, the scouts maintain other policies, such as a kicking out gay people once they turn 18, that might not hold up to a strict reading of this part of the law.

When it comes to other types of water weaponry, the rules are a bit more lax. Water balloons can be used for combat provided that they are biodegradable and filled to a size no bigger than a ping-pong ball, Wendell says.