12 Tips for Sustainable Hammock Camping Campouts are at the heart of Scouting, and hammocks have become a popular way to sleep comfortably under the stars. In addition to being relaxing, hammocks are a lot of fun - especially when everyone in your patrol hangs their hammocks together.
8 Expert Tips for Comfortable Hammock Camping By Derek Hansen Photograph courtesy of Grand Trunk Illustrations by Derek Hansen Recreational hammocks are fast becoming "must-haves" for Scouting campouts, and many are small and light enough that folks bring them on day hikes, as well.
How to Start Hammock Camping Without Spending Too Much Cash By Derek Hansen Photographs by Derek Hansen Hammocks: you have probably seen them at a recent Scout camp, or maybe you've tried one and you'd like to get started with one of your own.
Write a Funny Caption For This Photo What's going on in this picture? What is that deer doing and what is it thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at the bottom of this page.
30 Funny Cat Jokes Here are 30 funny cat jokes by Boys' Life readers that will make you howl with laughter. Do you know a funny cat joke? Click here to send in your joke . Comic by Scott Nickel Two robins stuffed themselves with worms until they were too fat to fly.
Storing Backpacks During Wintertime Q. Hi, Gear Guy. What do you recommend when it comes to storing backpacks during wintertime? I want to store our new backpacks properly so they'll be in good condition for many years. - Mountain Mom, St.
Pedro Meets the Chief When we set out to interview The Boss' boss, we knew of only one intrepid reporter up to the task. Unfortunately, that reporter was not available, so we had to settle for … Pedro the Mailburro. Please prepare yourselves as the hungry, happy hairball interviews the Boy Scouts of America's Chief Scout…
24 of the Greatest Toys of 2016 Play on! After hours and hours of testing, here are some of the latest and greatest from the toy world. WIN! Enter for a chance to win these toys in the Play On Giveaway.
3 Wild Plants That Relieve Minor Stings, Burns and Itches These common plants can help if you have a minor scratch, burn, sting or itch. FOR BUG BITES AND STINGS Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) is common in yards, sunny meadows and woodland clearings.
Write a Funny Caption For This Photo What's going on in this picture? What is that chicken doing and what is it thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at the bottom of this page.
Looking For a Lightweight, Packable Electric Lantern Q. I am looking for a lightweight, packable and budget-friendly electric lantern. Suggestions? - Jasper Inthedark, Los Angeles, California A. I think this is exactly what you're looking for: the Luci Outdoor Inflatable Solar Light ($14.95, scoutstuff.org ).
Inside the October 2016 issue Here's what you'll find inside the October 2016 issue of Boys' Life magazine. Remember, many articles are only available to subscribers and are not available online. To subscribe to the print or digital editions of Boys' Life magazine, please visit http://boyslife.org/subscribe .
Write a Funny Caption For This Photo What's going on in this picture? What is that dog doing and what is it thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at the bottom of this page.
How to Make Dutch-Oven Baked Apples Servings: 9-12 Total time: 1 hour What you'll need: ½ cup rolled oats ¾ cup brown sugar (divided into ½ cup and ¼ cup) 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature) 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon lemon zest, fresh ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ cup diced dried cherries ¼ cup…
Test-Taking Tips and Strategies to Help You Test Best It's back to school, which means it's back to tests. Which also might mean it's back to being majorly stressed out. It doesn't have to be this way. Here are some simple ways to prepare thoroughly for tests - and to stay cool while you're taking them.
Explore Your Future with Exploring Some people know the answer when they're little. Some people don't figure it out until later. (Sometimes much later.) It's a question all of us are asked at some point: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
By Aaron Derr Photographs by W. Garth Dowling Sailing is tricky. For first-timers, there's lots of stuff to learn. Even the language - words such as bow, starboard and port - is confusing at first. But once you get the hang of it, there are few things cooler than cruising across the water, powered only by the…
By Aaron Derr Photographs by W. Garth Dowling When you are a Boy Scout, you will get to do all kinds of amazing things on the water. Things like sailing, kayaking and rafting on fast-moving water, as well as sailboarding and scuba diving.
7 Ways Pokémon Go Changed the World Pokémon Go became so popular so quickly, even Nintendo was surprised at its success. Here's how Pokémon Go is changing things beyond games. 1. Pokémon Go is being used for tourism. The Swiss city of Basel made a video that showcases the town's beauty and resources.
Read 'Here's Hank: Robot on the Loose' Don't miss this exclusive short story by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. Plus, win a copy of the latest book in the "Here's Hank" series, "The Soggy, Foggy Campout."
Laugh at 25 funny Olympic jokes Let the Olympic groans begin! Here are 25 funny Olympic jokes sent in by Boys' Life readers that deserve a gold medal in humor. Do you know a funny Olympic joke? Click here to send your joke to us .
Pokémon Cars in the Pinewood Derby Pokémon-themed pinewood derby cars are always popular. In pinewood derbies across the country, Cub Scouts are racing Pikachu, Turtwig and Charizard cars inspired by the Pokémon universe. Take a look at these awesome Pokémon pinewood derby cars built by Boys' Life readers, and then send us a photo of…
6 Unusual Summer Olympic Events Here are six fun sports you might not know are in the Summer Olympics. HANDBALL This Olympic sport is a lot like soccer, only you use your hands instead of your feet. Handball pits two teams of seven players against each other in an effort to get the ball into…
Why Pokémon Go Is Gaming Magic Pokémon Go is the mobile phone hit that's sweeping the world. Here's why everyone's playing, along with some tips, too. Gotta Catch 'Em All - Outside! Summer's the perfect time of year for an augmented reality game that has you searching for Pokémon on the sidewalks and parks of your…
For the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, only 14 countries sent teams, with 14 athletes representing the United States. When this summer's Games open Aug. 5 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 206 countries and more than 10,500 athletes will take part.
Write a Funny Caption For This Photo What's going on in this picture? What is that chicken doing and what is it thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at the bottom of this page.
Find a Good Sleeping Bag for Under $100 Q. I need a good summer sleeping bag. What should I get with $100? A. An affordable, good summer-weight sleeping bag? Try the Marmot NanoWave 55 . It's less than $70; weighs 1 pound, 8 ounces; and packs down to about the size of a cantaloupe.
7 Fun Moments in Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens The long-awaited Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens just hit store shelves. Here are some of the most excellent moments in a game that's very good, but actually needs even more humor than you get.
How to Identify and Deal with Dangerous Insects • Take the insect quiz and see if you can identify these dangerous bugs Letting a line of ants crawl up your arm might seem kind of cool, unless they happen to be small red ones.
7 Coolest Video Games for Summer Here are Games Guru's best picks for the season. Japanese Railroad Sim 3D (Sonic Powered for 3DS eShop) The top screen features a cool 3-D train ride through Japan. The bottom screen lets you drive as the train's engineer.
Is it a good idea to wear cowboy boots on a hike? Q. Is it OK to wear cowboy boots on a hike? I have a pair that is very comfortable. - B.J. the Cowboy, LeHigh Acres, Florida Interesting question. I've definitely never been asked that one before.
Fishing the Summit lives up to hype Whether you're headed to jamboree next summer, or on any trip to the Summit Bechtel Reserve, you owe it to yourself to try a little fishing. And that's not just a load of hype.
Peek inside the July 2016 issue of Boys’ Life magazine Here's what you'll find inside the July 2016 issue of Boys' Life magazine. Remember, many articles are only available to subscribers and are not available online. To subscribe to the print or digital editions of Boys' Life magazine, please visit http://boyslife.org/subscribe .
On a Sea Scout long cruise - defined as an on-the-water activity that lasts two or more weeks - everybody has a job to do. At the top of the list: Get along. It's not all about you and what you want and what benefits you the most.
Read BL's interview with the designer of The Last Guardian The Last Guardian is one of the most highly-anticipated games of 2016. In it, you'll explore mysterious temples with a young boy and Trico, a giant monster that's both delightful and ferocious.
Try these 3 cool gadgets Eyeball these new gadgets. And you'll see, we do mean eyeball! The Rolling, Rocking TMX Force Feedback Racing Wheel It's the ultimate dream of every gamemaker. If you create a more realistic experience, players can feel inside the game.
How to dig a cathole in the backcountry It's hard to talk about it without getting the giggles, but how we go to the bathroom in the backcountry is important. Peeing is pretty easy: Just find a spot away from trails, camps and places where people gather, and take care of business.
DIY gift ideas for Mother's Day Mother's Day is May 8. Show Mom she's the best with a handmade gift. Build-a-Bag Make Mom this fancy purse out of a placemat. What You'll Need: A durable placemat in Mom's favorite colors Heavy-duty thread A needle that can handle thick thread Scissors Sewing pins What You'll Do…
Make 5 handmade gifts that Mom will love on Mother’s day Mother's Day is May 8. Show Mom you care with these handmade gifts. HEART ART Mom can always keep you close to her heart with this matchbox locket. What You'll Need: Scissors Matchbox Paint Colored paper 28-inch ribbon Small photo of you Glue What…
This slideshow requires JavaScript. Click here to watch a video tutorial. To create an adjustable loop that stays in place, use the taut-line hitch. This is the knot to use for staking out the guy lines of your tent or dining fly.
This slideshow requires JavaScript. Two half-hitches form a loop that can secure a rope to a post or grommet. It is commonly used to tie guy lines onto a dining fly. Here's how to tie this knot. Pass the running end of the rope around the post or through the grommet.
This slideshow requires JavaScript. Click here to watch a video tutorial. The timber hitch is the perfect knot to use for dragging a log across the ground. It is also the knot that starts a diagonal lashing. Here's how to tie a timber hitch: Pass the running end of the rope around a log.
This slideshow requires JavaScript. Click here to watch a video tutorial. The clove hitch is used to begin and end many lashings. Here's how to tie it: Bring the running end of the rope over and under a pole. Take the end around a second time, crossing over the first wrap to form the shape…
This slideshow requires JavaScript. Click here to watch a video tutorial. The sheet bend is the preferred knot for tying together two ropes of the same or different diameters. Here's how to tie the sheet bend: Make a bight in the end of the thicker rope and hold it with one hand.
Scout Program: Fitness and Nutrition … Get FITT Not only is good fitness essential to many of the most fun Scout activities, it's also a major contributor to a long, healthy life. Improve your fitness by keeping track of the frequency, intensity, time and type of exercises you do.
By Aaron Derr Photographs by Beth Wald and Rachid Dahnoun When the young men of Troop 16 in Columbus, Ohio, went west last summer, they did it in style: 13 days, thousands of miles on a train, six major cities, two national parks … and one giant adventure.
5 reasons why the new Ratchet & Clank is so cool Ratchet & Clank are two of the most beloved characters in the world of games. Here's why their first game for the PS4 is one of the year's best family-friendly games.
Ouch! How to remove a fishhook without making it worse It's happened to almost every fisherman at some point. Those fishhooks are sharp, and when they get stuck in your skin, you're going to feel it. First, don't panic. Let a doctor remove the hook, and it'll be fine.
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