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How to sharpen a pocketknife
A pocketknife is a very useful camp tool. It can cut a rope, open a can and whittle a tent stake. But it’s useful only if you keep it clean and sharp. A dull knife can slip and get stuck, making it...
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Explore Philmont’s backcountry camps
By Aaron Derr Photographs by W. Garth Dowling and Philmont staff Philmont Scout Ranch is known for its backpacking opportunities across 140,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo...
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Cold School: How to go camping in the snow
With only some basic knowledge and inexpensive gear, you can have a safe, fun outdoors experience in even the coldest weather. By Aaron Derr Photographs by Jim Evans If you live in a climate like...
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Frozen Fishing: Cub Scouts go ice fishing
Just because a lake is frozen, it doesn’t mean there aren’t fish to catch. By Aaron Derr Photographs by Jim Evans In the winter, some lakes get so cold that the surface freezes over. In the summer, it...
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Prepare for hiking with these 4 simple foot exercises
Training for a big hike? Perform these simple exercises a few times a week to reduce the risk of ankle sprains, aching arches and other foot-related injuries. Achilles Stretch Stand on a step with...
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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...
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How to tie a square knot
Click to view slideshow. Click here to watch a video tutorial. Tying a square knot is as easy as right over left, left over right. Here’s how: Hold an end of the rope in each hand. Pass the right end...
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How to tie the bowline knot
Click to view slideshow. Click here to watch a video tutorial. You can learn to tie a bowline around yourself, around a post, and in the free end of a rope. Here’s how: Make a small overhand loop in...
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How to tie the sheet bend knot
Click to view slideshow. Click here to watch a video tutorial. The sheet bend won’t slip when ropes of dissimilar material and size are tied together. Here’s how to tie the sheet bend: Make a bight in...
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How to tie the clove hitch
Click to view slideshow. 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....
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How to tie the timber hitch
Click to view slideshow. 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....
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How to tie the two half-hitches knot
Click to view slideshow. Click here to watch a video tutorial. Use two half-hitches to tie a rope to a tree, ring or dock. Two half-hitches are commonly used to tie guy lines onto a dining fly. Here’s...
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How to tie a taut-line hitch
Click to view slideshow. 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...
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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...
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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. Those are fire ants,...
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Seven Ways to Make Pancakes Pop
Add these ingredients to spruce up your next batch of pancakes. Trail Mix Add trail mix to your batter for a nice flavor and texture variation. This also packs extra energy that can help you on a long...
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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....
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How to Make a Tacos in a Bag
Everyone will love this Tex-Mex recipe, and not just because it starts with chips. Servings: 6 Equipment: Small cook pot and stove Challenge Level: Easy INGREDIENTS 1 15-ounce can chili or seasoned...
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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. Hammocks are...
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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...
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