Literature
Outdoor Literature
Outdoor knowledge and skills are highlighted throughout Scouting literature. Publications that are most pertinent to Boy Scout outdoor activities include the following:
Boy Scout Handbook, No. 34554: Organized by the levels of rank advancement, the Boy Scout Handbook guides a Scout through levels of outdoor skills development leading to the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
Fieldbook, fourth edition, No. 33104: The Fieldbook is a comprehensive resource providing knowledge about nature and the elements, outdoor activities, and skills. It includes sections on leadership and trek preparation, Leaving No Trace, trek adventures, and appreciating our environment.
Passport to High Adventure, No. 34245: Designed to empower a unit to prepare for a council, national, or unit high-adventure experience, this guidebook contains information about trip planning, travel and budget, equipment, skills, trail procedures, and trek safety.
Insignia Guide, No. 33066: The insignia guide presents detailed information to enable BSA members to wear the correct complete uniform on all suitable occasions. Find more information here.
Nationally Approved Historic Trails: The Boy Scouts of America publishes a compendium of historic trails operated by Scout councils throughout the United States.
Okpik: Cold-Weather Camping, No. 34040: This book provides information on camping comfortably in cold weather by wearing proper clothing, eating nutritious food, and staying hydrated. Techniques for constructing a variety of snow shelters and traveling across the snow are also featured.
Knots and How To Tie Them, No. 33170: This booklet describes how to tie various knots, hitches, and lashings commonly used in outdoor activities.
Merit Badge Series: Climbing, No. 35873: This merit badge pamphlet describes and illustrates recommended techniques for top-rope climbing, belaying, and rappelling, including anchoring and climbing movements.
Guide to Advancement, No. 33088: The Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all BSA programs: Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, and Sea Scouts.
Project COPE, No. 34371: This manual describes facilities and equipment for council low- and high-course Project COPE activities that help develop communication, planning, teamwork, trust, leadership, decision making, problem solving, and self-esteem in the participants.
Cub World Planning and Program Guide, No. 430-023: This reference provides information and resources to councils that are considering establishing a Cub World. It includes topics such as financial planning, facility maintenance, promotion, and programming.