Packing Checklists for Camping Trips
Download a checklist for a warm-weather outing Download a checklist for a cold-weather outing Download a checklist for a paddling trip Download a checklist for a bicycling trip THE SCOUT OUTDOOR...
View ArticleCan You Identify This Animal Poop?
Droppings, known as scat, can tell you which animals have been in the area. See if you can identify which animals left the scat in these photos.
View ArticleThe Wimpy Kid’s Guide to Outdoor Survival
Greg Heffley might be the “Wimpy Kid” of book and big-screen fame, but he’s no wimp when it comes to camping. (Or is he?) Greg politely declined our offer of a Boy Scout Handbook and Fieldbook,...
View ArticleAll About Avalanche Safety
Avalanches are a serious concern for all travelers whose outings take them into snowy, mountainous regions. An avalanche occurs when snow breaks loose on a slope, or when a cornice of snow collapses...
View ArticleHow to Make an Oven for Solar-Powered Cooking
You don’t need four burners and a gas line to make some great-tasting trail food. All you need is plenty of sunlight. Make your own solar oven and feed the whole group. Solar ovens work by bouncing...
View ArticleGeocaching Takes You on a Modern-Day Treasure Hunt
On treasure maps of old, X marked the spot. Today’s treasure might be marked N 41 51.649 W 085 46.433. Confused? Then you probably haven’t heard about geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing). Geocaching,...
View ArticleCan You Identify These Animal Tracks?
Animal track illustrations are courtesy of Lynn Levine and Martha Mitchell. For more information see Mammal Tracks and Scat: Life-Size Tracking Guide or click on Heartwoodpress.com.
View ArticleCheck Out This Ridiculously Awesome Camping Stuff
Camping gear is awesome, and we’re always looking for the latest outdoor tools, gadgets and equipment. But sometimes we discover camping stuff that makes us pause. Is this tool useful or over-the-top?...
View ArticleMake Hiking Less Tiring With These Simple Strategies
Up one hill and down another: Before you know it, your pack weighs a ton and you’re panting like a dog. But a hike does not have to be this tiring. A steady pace will conserve energy by ironing out...
View ArticleHow to Build a Hand Wash Station
This wash station is sturdy, portable and very useful when camping away from washroom facilities. Here’s how to build it. Click here for more detailed directions and information about the lashings...
View ArticleHow to Use an Ax to Chop Wood
The ax is one of the oldest tools humans have ever used. It’s still one of the best for gathering wood. But you must know what you’re doing. The ax is one of the oldest tools humans have ever used....
View ArticleHow to Build a Stand-Alone Camp Table
This small camp table stands up by itself and provides a convenient raised surface for cooking and other uses. Here’s how to build it. Click here for more detailed directions and information about the...
View ArticleSpotted an Animal in the Wild? Add It to Our Wildlife Photo Gallery
One of the most memorable experiences you can have in the outdoors is spotting a wild animal in its natural habitat. Even better is getting a photo of it. Check out these wildlife photos taken by Boys’...
View ArticleDon’t Forget These 6 Essentials on Your Next Outdoor Adventure
For all you first-time campers – or veterans who need a refresher – here’s a list of six items you need to make your outings the best and safest they can be. We call them the Cub Scout Six Essentials....
View Article10 Tips to Take Your Camping Trip to the Next Level
Camping is always fun, but these expert tips and ideas can make your camping trip even better. 1. GET FIT THE BASICS: Prepare for your trek — be active for 60 minutes or more on most days. This...
View ArticleHow to Start a Campfire Without Matches or a Lighter
The time to perfect your fire-making skills isn’t when you’re stranded in the wild. It’s right now. It’s especially important to learn the art of starting a campfire without using matches or lighters....
View ArticleHow to Start Hammock Camping Without Spending Too Much Cash
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. Hammocks are simple, comfortable, easy to pack and a lot of...
View Article8 Expert Tips for Comfortable Hammock Camping
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. Some of the primary reasons people like...
View Article12 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...
View ArticleHow to Roast a Turkey in a Dutch oven
Thanksgiving Dutch-Oven Turkey 2 tablespoons canola oil Three large onions: Two sliced into half-inch-thick rings and one quartered Six large sprigs of fresh rosemary (can substitute 6 tablespoons...
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