[…] planning. Materials and Preparation Materials A backpack packed with one-pot meals (see menus in this section) and snacks such as trail mix, fruit sticks, hard candies, and dried fruit. All meals items in this pack should be repackaged into resealable plastic bags to reduce bulk, secure food, and reduce garbage. For example, transfer items […]

[…] Keep the fire small and burning only for the time you are using it. Allow wood to burn completely to ash. Put out fires with water, not dirt. Avoid building fires next to rock outcrops where the black scars will remain for many years. Mound Fire Construction of a mound fire can be accomplished […]

[…] camping and outdoor activities. Use the “C-O-L-D” method to stay warm. C = Clean: Insulation is only effective when the insulating layers are kept clean and fluffy. Dirt, grime, and sweat can reduce the ability of a garment to keep you warm. O = Overheating: Avoid overheating by adjusting the layers of your clothing […]

SUMMARY Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature that is dangerous and potentially fatal if not properly cared for. Hypothermia most often occurs when individuals are exposed to extremely cold temperatures for extended periods of time. However, it can also occur in warmer environments in situations such as wearing wet clothing in windy conditions, becoming […]

The New Troop’s First Campout This guided campout and training session for new Scout troops is designed to give them a good beginning in their first camping experience. This program can be done under the supervision of the campmaster corps. An effective and satisfying outdoor program is vital to the success of any Scout troop. […]

[…] from getting drenched, it can be used to block the wind. Flashlight or headlamp: Finding your way in the dark is critical. Trail food: Snacks like granola, dried fruits, and trail bars can give you the energy you need to complete your hike. Water: Staying hydrated is important, regardless of whether it is a […]

Activity Plan for Minimize Campfire Impacts—Exploring Fires and Stoves Grabbing Your Group’s Attention (10 minutes) Share this scenario with the group. Imagine you are camping in the mountains. The air is a bit chilly as the group prepares the evening meal. You plan to build a fire to cook hot dogs and heat cans of […]

[…] a traditional campfire. After heating the water and making the hot chocolate, group members will attempt to remove all evidence of the fire (e.g., traces of ash, dirt, firewood, etc.). This process will help participants think about the advantages of stoves, mound fires, or fire pans over traditional campfires. Explain to group members that […]

[…] only 4 to 6 inches deep. This will allow the heat and sun to hasten the decay process. 3. When finished, fill the cathole with the original dirt and disguise it with native materials. A Note About Urine Urine does not hurt plants and soil directly. Sometimes, the salt in urine may attract wildlife. […]

[…] 24″), shallow box or container with an open top. An outdoor sandbox or similar area will also work well. If a box is used, collect enough sand, dirt, or similar material to fill the box to a depth of about 1 inch. Small paper cutouts or other objects to simulate natural features such as […]

[…] Two cups of warm water in container “1” Three teaspoons of warm water in container “2” Quart-size zippered storage bag Two teaspoons white school glue Pinch of dirt, flour, glitter, or cocoa Food coloring Paper plate Protective gloves Build a birdhouse with a milk carton! Grab these supplies from around your house to make […]

ATV Safety Program Polaris is the Official ATV Provider of the Boy Scouts of America About the Collaboration All-terrain vehicles combine dirt and a motor — what’s a Scout or Venturer not to like? Recognizing this winning mix, the BSA launched council-level ATV programs at camps across the country. In March 2014, Polaris — a leading […]

SUMMARY Millions of Americans—many of them Scouts and Scouters—will be affected by poisonous plants each year. Almost everyone has heard the warning “leaves of three, let it be.” Despite training to identify them on sight and efforts to avoid them, almost everyone has stumbled through a patch of poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, or […]

[…] Before refueling, turn off the chain saw and let the motor cool down. Never attempt to fuel a running or HOT saw. Chain Saw Safety Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs, and rocks from the saw’s chain path. Look for nails, spikes, or other metal in the tree before cutting. Always have a […]

[…] some small items that would show future archaeologists how you and your family lived. Use a plastic bottle or glass jar as the vessel and Play-Doh sand, dirt, etc., to form layers. Place the gathered items in different layers. Think about which layers would hold the older items compared to newer ones. Show it […]

[…] a larger open area, determined by the pilot. The open area should be fairly level, grassy, and free of debris and mud. If a vacant lot or dirt area is used, the area must be cleared of any material that could snag or tear the balloon envelope, such as broken glass, nails, and barbed […]

The principles of Leave No Trace might seem unimportant until you consider the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire may have little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone’s responsibility. 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare Proper trip […]

Contents What is a Service Project? Planning a Service Project Service Project Ideas Public Relations Frequently Asked Questions Recording Service Hours Ideas for Everyday Kindness and Good Turns What is a Service Project? Who: All Scouting groups are encouraged to participate in this service project initiative. What: This is a time for all Scouting groups […]

Resource Material Aquatics Supervision is the primary resource for aquatics at the unit level. Aquatics activities at district and council day and short-term/long-term (overnight, resident) camps must follow appropriate National Camp Accreditation Program (NCAP) standards. Aquatics Leadership Training Programs Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training programs are available online at my.scouting.org and may also […]

This common saying is a simple yet effective way to get backcountry visitors to take their trash home with them. There is no reason why people cannot carry out of the backcountry the extra food and packaging materials that they carried in with them in the first place. Trash and litter in the backcountry ranks […]

The Leave No Trace principles might seem unimportant until you consider the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire may have little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone’s responsibility. Leave No Trace Awareness Instilling values in young […]

The Leave No Trace principles might seem unimportant until you consider the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire may have little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone’s responsibility. Leave No Trace Awareness Instilling values in young […]

C: The Unit Leader’s Role  IN THIS MODULE CAN DO ATTITUDE BECOMING AN ACCEPTING UNIT BUILDING EMPATHY BUILDING A UNIT LEADERSHIP TEAM TRAINING & SUPPORTING YOUTH LEADERS COUNTERING MYTHS ABOUT DISABILITIES HELPING VOLUNTEERS FROM OUTSIDE YOUR UNIT OUTING AND ADVENTURE PLANNING SUPPORTING SIBLINGS Can Do Attitude As a Scout leader you will continue to be […]

SUMMARY Who doesn’t love a glowing campfire at the end of the day? However, to make sure it won’t be your tent that burns, let’s look at some good fire safety practices. GENERAL INFORMATION Handbooks for each program have useful tips for campfires. Here are a few highlights: Environmental conditions Leaders should understand the local […]

SUMMARY Are you getting ready for your Philmont Trek and a summit of Baldy Mountain? Perhaps you live close to sea level and plan to hike the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada range, Kings Peak in the Uinta range, or some 14ers in Colorado. These trips might result in symptoms or effects of […]

Adult Audience Only   SUMMARY Portable generators are a common tool when temporary or remote power is needed. In Scouting, these could be used at large district or council events, or at summer or winter camps. Generators can be incredibly helpful but do have some inherent dangers. GENERAL INFORMATION Always consult and follow the manufacturer […]