Topic
Campouts, cooking, backpacking and Leave No Trace. The outdoors is where Scouting happens, and these posts are full of gear lists, Dutch oven recipes and lessons learned on the trail.
540 posts · 2006–2020
Showing 101–150 of 540 posts
Okay, I admit I’m a Boy Scout Handbook junkie. I don’t collect patches, mugs or a lot of other memorabilia, but I do love old Scouting books, especially old editions of the handbook. Perhaps it is because the handbook is such an iconic classic, or maybe because each edition evokes the smell of wood smoke…
After spending the winter months getting the trailer ready for camping duty, we were itching to get out and put it through it's paces. What better place to do that than the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park ? Day 0 We left Denver after work on Friday, with a slight delay as we waited…
There’s nothing quite like that amazing feeling you get when you finally pry the lid off a Dutch oven and peer down into its depths. Your nostrils fill with a heavenly aroma and your mouth begins to water as your gaze falls lovingly on a hearty dish you’ll soon devour around a campfire.
Outdoor Code + Leave No Trace + Tread Lightly + Land Ethic = Outdoor Ethics Just like that little equation might be confusing, there's been some confusion about the Outdoor Ethics part of the Boy Scouts of America program. I've heard BSA is breaking ties with Leave No Trace.
Before my Hike through Florida last month, I contacted some troops in towns along the trail. I hoped to visit with the scouts, share some hiking stories and advice, and encourage them to get out and enjoy the trail in their neighborhood.
When preparing for a campout, one of the most common questions from less experienced campers is "What should I bring?" This article from Boy's Life magazine is a good list of must haves for that campout. It covers the outdoor essentials you should always take on a campout or hike.
Like I state in the video this is a Super Stove for all Scouts, especially the first year Scouts looking to get a stove that will last a long time. The Snow Peak Giga Power Auto Stove is light weight, compact, and is tough as nails.
I used to think our camping options were limited once winter came and our favorite hiking and backpacking trails got buried in snow… until I rented a pair of snowshoes! It started with my daughters wanting to do something during Christmas break in 2014 and me casually saying: "let's go rent some snowshoes".
Its that time of the year when we break out the winter gear and head out for some chilly, exciting winter camping adventures. I thought it was a good time to throw out some things to consider when getting out there in the cold.
Here is our year-end camp summary for 2015: 1) Jan – Backpacking with snowshoes in Little Cottonwood Canyon* 2) Feb – Klondike 2015 at Soldier Hollow (District-sponsored event) 3) Apr – White Rock near Dugway 4) May – Backpacking to Rudy's Flat 5) Jun – Traditional Goblin Valley trip to hike slot canyons ** 6) Jul – Summer Scout Camp at Bear…
It's been a busy year. Here's a list recapping all of our events and links to the ones I've posted about. Date, Unit, Event, Category 1/10, Pack 700, Pinewood Derby, event 1/17, Troop 117, Rocknasium trip, Campout 1/23, Pack 700, Webelos Bridging, event 1/24-1/25, Troop 117, OKPIK, training 1/31, Troop 117, Eagle COH, Troop Meeting…
Do you love campfires and the stories told around them? Does dining in the woods sound like a five-star meal to you? Well get ready to celebrate! Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, camping requirements for First Class Boy Scouts will increase.
Exciting updates are coming in 2016 for BSA camp programs, including new activities and changes to shooting sports and aquatics programs. New shooting sports activities will be offered such as sporting arrows, chalk balls, cowboy action, and more. Aquatics programs will also be seeing changes due to new Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.
One of our top priorities for 2016 is to find new and innovative ways to reach out and provide a quality Scouting experience for underserved youth. So it’s always inspiring to see how some of our units are already working creatively with community partners to get a head start on that important goal.
Tents, tarps and sleeping gear form the foundation of your camping kit, here are my choices for adequate shelter and a good night's sleep. Kelty Noah Tarp In most camping situations I prefer a tarp to a tent. The tarp can be pitched in more places, configured in different ways, and provides plenty of space.
You can spend as little or as much as you like on camping gear and accumulate lots of things you may use once or twice and lay aside. My choices here are all personally tested and proven, with a good balance of cost for value and durability.
Cooking over an fire is probably the thing I like most about camping. Over the years I've tried a number of tools and techniques – here's some of my current favorites – You can send a wishlist from this post too! You'll find it after the descriptions below.
Here are time-tested and reliable choices that make great gifts for Scouts and Scouters! You can send a wishlist from this post too! You'll find it after the descriptions below. Pocket Knives High quality Victorinox Swiss Army Knives will last a lifetime.
Imagine, for a moment, there is nothing called "Scouting", no program, no troops, no councils, no districts, no uniforms, no badges. Someone comes up with an idea for helping young people develop character by getting outdoors and going camping. They share this idea with young people who get pretty excited about it.
Can a Scout fulfill more than one requirement with a single activity? The answer is always clear after a careful reading of the Scout requirements and the directions in the Guide to Advancement 2015 – 4.2.3.6 Fulfilling More Than One Requirement With a Single Activity From time to time it may be appropriate for a Scout…
When's the last time you went on a night hike? Nighttime is a great opportunity to learn about wildlife, to conquer fear of the dark, and to understand how our eyes work. Night hikes build important outdoor skills and hone your powers of observation.
The successful Scoutmaster is a big brother to the scouts in his charge. His role is important but, when done correctly, appears to be easy and not very crucial to what is going on. These 10 skills will help a Scoutmaster succeed in his role: Fire Starting - Every boy likes fire.
When preparing for Philmont, you’ll no doubt have a ton of questions. What gear do I bring? What’s a typical day like? How do I get in “Philmont shape”? How do I select leadership positions for my crew? What’s a smellable?
A full year of Scout campouts has come to a close for the 2014 -2015 Camping Report, so now is the time to track those fun experiences within your councils! The Camping Manager Tool is available for councils to report camping statistics for the past year.
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
This Wolf den outing covers three of the seven requirements for the Call of the Wild Wolf adventure. The other requirements will be covered in a meeting about outdoor skills and a meeting about safety . Some of you might not have much outdoor experience.
How was your troop's week at camp this summer? Summer camp can be the most important week in a patrol and troop's year – it's challenging, adventurous, and full of possibility. How well did the camp you attended this summer provide those sorts of opportunities for your Scouts?
This is is fifth in a series of posts abut the new rank requirements that take effect on January 1, 2016. Scout | Tenderfoot | Second Class | First Class | Star | Life | Eagle (these links will be active as each installment is published ) Exactly how the new requirements are phased in is explained in this PDF document – Notes…
This is is fourth in a series of posts abut the new rank requirements that take effect on January 1, 2016. Scout | Tenderfoot | Second Class | First Class | Star | Life | Eagle (these links will be active as each installment is published ) Exactly how the new requirements are phased in is explained in this PDF document – Notes…
This is third in a series of posts abut the new rank requirements that take effect on January 1, 2016. Scout | Tenderfoot | Second Class | First Class | Star | Life | Eagle (these links will be active as each installment is published ) Exactly how the new requirements are phased in is explained in this PDF document – Notes on…
This is is second in a series of posts abut the new rank requirements that take effect on January 1, 2016. Scout | Tenderfoot | Second Class | First Class | Star | Life | Eagle (these links will be active as each installment is published ) How the new requirements are phased in is explained in this PDF document – Notes on…
The BSA’s marketing intelligence manager Scott Olson is back on the scene to give you insights on what drives the masses to head outdoors this season. Use the information he’s sharing below to help plan for your recruiting season and round out your summer camping plans.
I saw this post today on Scouting Magazine about what counts as a night of camping for the Camping Merit Badge and what does not. Funny, this topic comes up in my unit at least once each year…right around the Stake Fathers & Sons campout.
Creative ways to cook your favorite foods in the outdoors Camp cooking doesn't have to be weird or boring. Check out how recipes for some of your favorite foods can be adapted for your next campout. PIZZA WHEREVER Pizza delivery where you're camping?
I often get emails recommending one summer camp or another. While I cannot personally visit each of these camps to review them, I'd like to give readers the opportunity to recommend camps to other Scouts and Scouters. So here is your opportunity.
A couple months ago, we wrote about just what constitutes a Scout campout. Scout camping, as you're aware, is different from ordinary-folks camping because it aims to fulfill a purpose besides recreation and just getting outside. Scout camping is where the values of Scouting come to life and is the end result of a month's
One good thing I like about the new Cub Scout program is its stronger push for outdoor activities, including camping. Only a couple years ago, Tigers were finally allowed to camp, now every rank except Tiger requires camping. This may mean a scramble for some Packs to offer the needed camping opportunities over the next…
It's a privilege for adults to accompany Scouts to summer camp. Camp is a great place that may well be the most important week in a patrol and troop's year. While at camp I put myself and the other adults of guests and observers.
It's a good thing I just ate, because the recipes in The Scout's Dutch Oven Cookbook sound delicious. This was a book I picked up around Christmas, just after our ditch oven cook off with another troop. I could really get into dutch oven cooking I think, as the recipes are usually fairly simple, there…
How to tent leaks Q. Dear Gear Guy, I have a summer pup tent, and whenever it rains, the tent leaks. The tag says not to waterproof it, but I need to stop the leaks. What do I do? – Distressed Dylan, from the Internet Hmm, that's a tricky one, Dylan.
3 Mexican-inspired Dutch oven recipes Enjoy a taste of Mexico on your next campout with these three tasty Dutch Oven recipes. EASY ENCHILADAS A winning recipe in the Scouting and Boys' Life magazines' Campout Cuisine Contest. Created by Scouts Nathan Rose and Clay Cochran.
I was dumbfounded when the parent of a Webelos visiting our troop asked; "What about a Scout who doesn't really like camping?" How would you answer that question? The best I could come up with was; "I don't really know what Scouting is if we aren't camping, I don't think it's an option."
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
As recounted by Jackie Freeman (adult leader, trek 813 E 1991): Day 8. [Aug. 20] Day 8. We got up, ate, packed, and were on the trail by 7:30am. A record for us. The hike up to Shafer's Pass was very UP and very slow.
As recounted by Jackie Freeman (adult leader, trek 813 E 1991): Day 2. [ Aug. 14.] Met Teri for breakfast and then off for the rest of the processing. We started at the Health Lodge, then we were issued our crew gear, tents, and first day of food.
Every so often I hear from a Scouter or parent about a Scout who has a problem with bedwetting. It goes without saying that I am not a medical expert, but I did a little research and several sources agree an estimated 3.75 -5.25 million boys (and a smaller number of girls) in the United…
Home is where your Tent is. The Gear Guy brings you the latest, greatest - and most affordable! - tents for backpacking and car camping. When you're out on the trail, a tent is one of your most valuable pieces of gear.
During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters. Each Sunday I'll publish a selection from his writings in the hope that you'll draw inspiration and understanding from his timeless ideas.
The better part of valor is discretion, in the which better part I have sav'd my life." – Falstaff in the Henry IV, William Shakespeare. It is not often that we get placed in situations in Scouting that call for serious decisions to be made, decisions that may be the difference between fun and adventure and…
