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Outdoor Skills

The Eight Basic Camping Skills Getting Lost Camp Checklist Ways to Teach the Basic Eight Camp Challenges Introduction to Outdoor Adventure Leave No Trace Camping Etiquette of the Woods Sensing Environmental Clues Simple First Aid and First Aid Kits Knife Safety Knots Scavenger Hunts How to use the Compass Orienteering Basic Rules for all Hikers Hiking Hiking and Safety Hikes to Take Day Outdoor Cooking Outdoor Cooking Basics Kapers for Cookouts Fire Building Basics Cooking Fires and Methods How to Build a Foundation Fire Fire Starters Lighting the Fire Start a camp fire in the rain? Campfires Campfire Rules Campfire Stories Camp Captionary

Camp Checklist

PLANNING TO CAMP

You've talked about going, you've made up your minds - this is it you're going to go camping! Now what? Just pack your bags and hope for the best? Now is the time to sit down together and make a plan for your camping trip. A well planned camping trip is usually the most successful one.
Where to start? How about when are you going?
You need to check on a few things before nailing down the date:
Is this date good for everyone in your group?
What are the weather predictions?
How long are will you be camping?
Where are you staying?
Once you have answered those questions, you then need to think about the type of camping you plan on doing:
Will you be staying at a State, County or Federally run park, a Girl Scout (or other organization) owned site, or a privately owned campground Will you be staying in cabins (lodges), in platform tents, pitching a tent or just sleeping under the stars?
Are you hiking to your campsite or just walking in from the parking lot?
What are you eating?
Now you know when your going camping, where you are staying and what type of camping you are doing - you're ready to hit the trail! Not quite yet. What will you do for food for this trip? You need to preplan all of your meals and who will be cooking or preparing them and who will be cleaning up after the meal.
What to bring?
Now you have your menu and who is responsible to prepare the meals, now your ready to pack your bags. What should you pack? Common sense goes with packing for camping. Bring only what you will need and try not to bring extra. The more you bring the more you have to carry. You will need:
* sleeping bag (bed roll)
* clothes (warm pair of pants and sweatshirt and other clothes for the weather)
* toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo (if you plan on showering while at camp) towel)
* extra pair of shoes (in case the pair your wearing gets wet)
* bug spray
* sunscreen
* first aid kit
* mess kit (unbreakable dishes and utensils)
* water bottle ( a lot of the time you do not want to drink the camp water)
* rain gear (rain suit or poncho)
Making a plan helps you to prepare for the unexpected and helps to insure that everyone has a safe and fun camping trip. Once you have your plan in place, you are ready to go camping!
The above is a simple plan to get you started. Sit down together and make your own plan for your trip. You need to adjust your plan to fit the trip that you want and are going to take. Make sure that having fun is one of the things on your plan!

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Start a camp fire in the rain?

Fire needs 3 elements to survive: Fuel, Air, and Heat. This is known as the “Combustion Triangle”. Deprive a fire of any one of the elements and it dies. Water does two things; it deprives a fire of oxygen and it cools the temperature to below the combustion point of the fuel being used.

Our job is to create a campfire when everything in the environment appears to be wet. Notice that the operative word is “APPEARS”. Even after a rainstorm there is tinder and firewood that is dry. Knowing where to look and what to look for are the keys to success.

Let’s start with tinder. Look around your site for fir trees. The smaller lower branches that have died as a result of being denied sunlight by the larger upper branches are the first choice. The same branches that shielded these dead branches from sunlight have probably shielded them from the rain. These smaller branches are usually dry and will break off in your fingers. Collect a good amount of these. Take a little extra time to fray and shred these with your knife or fingers. Also look for dry grass under these trees. Look for birch trees as the bark is impregnated with oil and will not absorb moisture. Bird nests and wasp nests (unoccupied of course) are also good sources of tinder. The wasp nests look like brown golf balls and the unoccupied ones are usually found on the ground. The bird nests are a little trickier and you will have to look for them. Also you can use a piece of cloth from a shirt or other article of clothing if necessary. Do not overlook the contents of your wallet. All those useless business cards burn very nicely.

The next step is kindling. Look for trees known as “Dead Falls”. These are trees that have fallen and are now in various stages of decay. Locate one that has been down for a while. Strip off the outer bark and cut chunks out of the rotting trunk. This will burn fast, so gather as much as you can. The larger branches can also be stripped of bark and the wood below used. Do not forget to look under and around these “Dead Falls” for wood that has been protected from the moisture.

Another tip to be mindful of when foraging for dry wood is: look for pine trees. Many of these trees will have a sticky sap running down the bark. Collect this sap or pitch. It acts as an accelerant for your fire.

Before you start a fire make sure you have collected enough fuel to keep it burning for a length of time. Whatever you collect, protect it from getting wet with pieces of bark, stones, or a piece of plastic (if it is available).

Firewood is the main staple of any fire. Here again, the Dead Falls” are your best bet. You can use logs up to 3 feet in diameter. Even if you cannot cut them into a usable length, just strip the bark off them and insert the end into the fire. As the log burns, just keep pushing it into the fire.

Building the Fire - There are 2 ways to start a fire in a wet environment. The first is to create a bed for the kindling to rest on. This is a very simple operation. Choose 2 sticks about 1 foot long and about 1 inch in diameter. Lay them parallel to one another. Loosely stack kindling in 3 layers on top of these base sticks. Alternate the direction of these layers (i.e. the first layer at right angles to the base, the next layer parallel to the base and the third layer again at right angles). Next place your tinder material underneath this stack. There should be openings at either end of the base. This opening will also serve as a vent for the fire once it is started.

The other method of building a fire is to place the tinder in the center and construct a Tee Pee around it with the kindling you have collected.

Igniting the Fire – Here too, there are several methods of accomplishing this task. Hopefully you came into this experience prepared. If you brought a disposable lighter, waterproof matches, or have book matches that are not wet, simply light the tinder. Once the fire is burning add small pieces of wood a few at a time from your kindling stock. Be careful not to add too much as this might smother the fire. Gradually increase the size of the wood until the fire is burning. Only add the larger logs after the fire is firmly established.

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Camp Captionary

Words used at camps and when camping

All Camp - an activity that involves the whole camp at one time
Biffy- Bathroom In the Forest For You
Buddies- partners in activities
Camper time- quiet time spent in unit during day
Campfire- a small group or all-camp gathering around a campfire with songs, stories, skits, wishes, poems, s’mores, and other sharing
Colors- flag raising ceremony
Cookout- meals cooked and eaten in the unit or on a hike (not with rest of camp in dining area)
Flag- Flag raising/lowering ceremony
Friendship circle- Traditional closing ceremony, hands are right over left
Girl Scout Motto- “Be prepared” and “Leave a place cleaner than you found it”
Grace- a blessing sung before meals
Instant Program- things done when you have a few minutes before next activity to keep campers occupied (games, songs, etc) should have no real prep
Kapers- division of responsibility to clean up and care for the site and environment.
Lashing- a method of fastening sticks together by binding with a cord/rope Nosebag- picnic lunch in a paper bag
Overnight- hikes or trip involving sleeping out overnight
Patrols-smaller groups in group to do activities or for cookouts
Program-everything that happens at camp
Retreat- flag lowering ceremony
Scout’s own- Inspirational, quiet camp program
S’mores-Favorite cookout snack, graham cracker with a toasted marshmallow and melted chocolate
Tajar-Camp mascot
Taps-Goodnight or quiet signal at the end of the day

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Camp Challenges

CAMP CHALLENGES

These are camp challenges that you can do at camp; these are things that can help raise awareness for the environment, and make camp more enjoyable for yourself and others.

1. Recycle an object into something useful
2. Identify 5 trees
3. Identify or describe 8 items with a magnifying glass
4. Find nature items beginning from A to Z
5. Construct a simple shelter and spend time in it with a friend
6. Be the first to fall asleep
7. Pick up 15 pieces of garbage and be prepared to talk about a human’s influence on the environment
8. Create a poem and read it at Scout’s Own
9. Make a treasure keeper
10. Don’t complain for one day
11. Make a nature centerpiece for the table
12. Lying on your back, observe the night sky
13. Do a good turn
14. Don’t speak during one meal
15. Complete Fire Safety questions
16. Search for a tadpole
17. Find the most interesting pebble
18. Lie on your back and record every sound you hear in 15 minutes.
19. Make notes about wind, clouds and other weather data and make a forecast for the next day
20. Find a plant that is useful to humans
21. Turn over a stone or a log and sketch what was under it
22. Collect leaves of different shades of green and arrange them from darkest to lightest
23. Sleep under the stars for 1 night
24. Complete an acrostic using the letters in N A T U R E
25. Sketch your favorite area of camp
26. Follow an insect for 5 minutes
27. Using one match, light a fire and keep it going for 10 minutes
28. Identify 8 wildflowers
29. Build a bird’s nest
30. Find a spider’s web. Tell where you found it, how big it is and what it looks like
31. Find different nature objects that start with the letters in your first name
32. Make a sundial
33. With your group, carry out a 10 minute exercise before breakfast
34. Be the first group to have lights out and all quiet at night
35. Make a tent peg
36. Invent a new camp gadget
37. Teach a new song
38. Keep your gear tidy for one day
39. Do your duties/kapers without being told
40. Find north without a compass
41. Help plan a Scout’s Own
42. What is the worst thing that can happen at camp? Present in mime
43. Tell how to start a fire without using matches
44. How many reef (Square) knots can you tie in a minute?
45. Learn a new knot
46. Play an observation game
47. Help plan a campfire
48. Write a short letter to another camper
49. Watch a sunrise
50. Go for a walk with a friend. Find five things you have in common
51. Eat a meal blindfolded
52. Make up a cheer or yell for your group
53. Learn a new camp grace
54. Build a chair for a leader to use at campfire
55. Lay a trail for someone else to follow
56. Make up a song or rap about camp
57. Make a nature mobile
58. Make a kite and fly it
59. Draw a map of the campsite
60. Hide a treasure and give at least 5 compass clues to find it
61. Make your site comfortable using gadgets you have made
62. Feed a leader
63. Build a woodpile and keep it dry
64. Make and play an instrument
65. Do a 30-second commercial for Scouting or Camping
66. Construct a Liquid Disposal Unit
67. Make a stretcher and carry someone on it
68. Teach a game
69. Design a craft
70. Add a new challenge to the list

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Introduction to Outdoor Adventure

Planning is essential to any successful outdoor adventure. Both the leaders and the campers must take an active roll. A group should make camping plans through its government (patrol system, steering committee, or town meeting).

One of the first steps will be to clearly define the purpose of the trip. Does the group want to learn camping skills? If so, which ones? Do the campers intend to complete some sort of activity or badge requirements? If so, which ones? Other group activities should also be considered. For example, campfires are a good time for learning songs, playing charades and doing shadow plays. Many badges require participation in a “Scouts Own.” Outdoor ceremonies are often the ones that are the most memorable. Also, campers often enjoy a great sense of pride in holding flag ceremonies. Raising or lowering the flag before the entire camp assembly can be a great team builder. Before this activity is planned, be sure the campers know proper flag etiquette. Include a rest hour, and after lunch is usually a good time for a break. The campers and the leaders appreciate “Quiet Time” or “Me Time”. It’s equally a good idea to get to bed early so that the next day can be full of activity, discovery and enjoyment.

While you’re camping it is important to know what jobs must be done and who will do them. The use of a Kaper Chart should eliminate all discussions about job responsibilities during your adventure. Review kapers prior to the trip, in addition to camp operations, the program you have planned, and camping skills.

What is a Kaper Chart?
This is a chart listing all the activities and all the days with one person or group assigned to each one of the activities every day of the trip. Try and rotate so the same person or group isn’t doing the same activity every day. You should split up the meals among them, one cooking, one cleaning, one preparing, one for grace, etc., for each meal. It is important to be fair and you should make this up at the meetings prior to the trip.

All campers should know: proper use and care of camp equipment, various tent and cabin living accommodations, camp night noises, animals found in that area, and of course the type of terrain. Always be a buddy, especially as night because the buddy system is very important. The buddy system is used for safety; it can be used with two or more. Whenever anyone needs to go somewhere you should take a buddy or two, so if someone gets hurt or lost there is someone with them to get help. Don’t lose your buddy because we want to be safe and there is safety in numbers. Each camper is responsible not only for themselves but for the welfare of others at camp.

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The Eight Basic Camping Skills

1. Outdoor Manners and Rules of the Road
A. Care and respect for public property

B. Do not pick flowers or other plants

    C. Cross private property only with the permission from the owner
    D/. Leave things as you find them or better – “Leave only footprints, Take only pictures”
    E. NEVER accept a lift from anyone you don’t have permission to go with
    F. Walk facing oncoming traffic
    G. Wear something white when walking on a well traveled road on a gray day, always carry a flash light at night
    H. Avoid walking or playing in railroad tracks and trestles and boggy or doubtful areas
    I. Wait at an intersection or crossing until the entire group is together
    J. Insist on the BUDDY SYSTEM

2. Proper Clothing
    A. Wear sturdy, low heeled shoes with socks
    B. Be well covered (from head to toe) in layers. Protects against brush, bugs, and sunburn
        1. Hat or bandana
        2. Long pants
        3. Shorts
        4. T-shirt
        5. Jacket or long sleeved shirt
        6. Sunscreen/ bug repellent
    C. Bring an extra jacket
    D. Boots suitable for rain and a raincoat
    E. A sit-upon

3.Knots and their uses
    A. Square Knot
        1. Bandages
        2. Mends broken shoe laces
        3. Make one long rope from several pieces
        4. End lashings
    B. Clove Hitch
        1. To put up a clothes line
        2. To start lashings

4.Use and Care of the Knife
    A. Know how to open and close correctly
    B. Know how to pass an open knife properly
    C. Know how to clean and oil the knife properly
    D. Know how to sharpen the knife safely
    E. Know how to use the knife, taking care that nothing is in the path of the blade as you are cutting with it (at least an arms length in every direction)
    F. Know how to care for the knife when it is not in use
    G. Never walk about unnecessarily or run with an open knife
    H. Do not use the knife to carve initials in anything
    I. Have respect for the possible uses and dangers of the knife

5. First Aid
    A. Simple cut or scratch
    B. Simple burn (this includes sunburn)
    C. Recognition of poison ivy and treatment if you come in contact with it
    D. Insect bites
    E. Something that is in the eye
    F. Simple shock treatment and awareness that shock may be present in even a minor accident
    G. Prevention

6.Fire Building and Safety
    A. Where to build
        1. Away from trees
        2. Clear are of sand, rocks and dirt
        3. In a fireplace, permanent or temporary
        4. With the wind at your back to create a draft
    B. What to use
        1. Tinder, dried weds, bark from dead trees, evergreen twigs, pine cones, fuzz sticks
        2. Kindling
        3. Fuel
        4. Keep fire building materials in a neatly stacked and separated pile away from the fire
    C. Safety 1. NEVER leave a fire unattended
        2. ALWAYS have a bucket of water, shovel, broom or rake, or sand at hand to put out the fire
        3. NEVER touch the fire when it is still burning or the coals even after its out with your bare hands
        4. Always tie back your hair if needed and don’t wear baggy or loose hanging clothing

7.Simple cooking
    A. Individual cooking in one pan or on a buddy burner with tin can stove

8.Protecting the Natural World
    A. It’s more than good outdoor manners or a good outdoor turn
    B. It’s . . .
        1. Finding out what happens to places when people use them
        2. Finding out what hurts the areas
        3. Finding out what helps the area’s nature
        4. Doing an eco action project
        ~Conserving resources like water, fuel, or wood
        ~Preventing soil erosion
        ~Noticing how you set up your site (ask yourself does it harm nature?)

C. Making sure that everyone can enjoy the beautiful like out –of- doors in years to come

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Ways to Teach the Basic Eight Camping Skills

Skill 1:
Know and practice good outdoor manners and the rules of the road.
Discuss how far camp is from home. Look at a map of the camp. Talk about how you will get there and back. Discuss proper traveling behavior. Vote on where to take a walk and then do it.

Skill 2:
Know how to dress for the outdoors in your locality, considering weather forecasts.
Discuss the weather and what kinds of clothing are appropriate for camping. Learn to make a bedroll. Close you’re meeting by sitting in a circle and singing. End with Taps . . .

Skill 3:
Know how to tie, use, and release knots.
Divide the boys/girls into groups. Give each boy/girl two pieces of rope, each about a foot long. Clothesline or Venetian blind cord is the best, but any rope is adequate. Line the boy/girl up, back to back. Show one group how to make a square knot. Another person shows the other group how to make a clove hitch. When the boy/girl has mastered their knot, they will raise it in one hand. When the boy/girl behind masters their knot. The “partners” then turn about to face each other and teach their knot to the other.

Skill 4:
Know how to handle and care for a knife.
Discuss some of the important rules of knife-handling use and care to half the group while the other half does some other project. When the second half returns to the circle, have the first half explain what they learned to them. Practice opening and closing the knife and whittling a point on a stick. Let each boy/girl try. Practice proper handling by carving a soft bar of soap.

Skill 5:
Know simple first aid for cuts, insect bites, skinned knees.
Play “Kim’s Game” with first aid kit items. Cover with a cloth before the group arrives. Pass out paper and pencils. Uncover the items for a minute and give the group a chance to look them over, and then recover. Have the group silently list all the items they can remember. After five minutes let the girls share their lists and discuss what each item would be used for.

Talk about Poison Ivy, personal hygiene, and basic first aid skills.

Skill 6:
Know how to cook something for yourself, something for the patrol or troop.
Have one lunch or dinner meeting for the whole group. Have one group cook, one set the table, and one sing grace and prepare the beverage. Make s’mores for dessert and share the clean up duties.

Skill 7:
Know how to make, use, and put out a fire for outdoor cooking.
Learn to waterproof matches. Learn about tinder, kindling, and fuel. Learn about different types of wood fires. Demonstrate a foundation fire. Learn the do’s and don’ts of fire building. You may break the boys/girls into smaller groups for this and then they each have to do a group demonstration.

Skill 8:
Know how to protect the natural world.
Discuss what measures should be taken to protect the natural world and how you can preserve the environment when you go camping. Discuss ways you can camp without disturbing the environment too much.

Remember: “Don’t put your hands or feet where your eyes can’t see.”

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Leave No Trace Camping

LEAVING A MINIMAL IMPACT
Camping is great fun and such an adventure, but it also takes its toll on the land and other natural wonders. Out of control campfires, harvesting pretty flowers and berries, and hiking on the land all leave damage to the places we are still intending to enjoy. How can we keep the damage to a minimum while still enjoying the land?

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) has the Leave No Trace (minimal Impact) courses and philosophies that we can all follow. The seven basic ideas behind this philosophy are:

Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Proper trip planning and preparation helps hikers and campers accomplish trip goals safely and enjoyably while minimizing damage to nature and cultural resources. Campers who plan ahead can avoid unexpected situations, and minimize their impact by complying with area regulations such as observing limitations on group size.

Proper planning ensures
* Low risk adventures because campers obtained information concerning geography and weather and prepared accordingly

* Properly located campsites because campers allotted enough time to reach their destination

* Appropriate campfires and minimal trash because of careful meal planning and food repacking and proper equipment

* Comfortable and fun camping and hiking experiences because the outing matches the skill level of the participants

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Damage to land occurs when visitors trample vegetation or communities of organisms beyond recovery. The resulting barren areas develop into undesirable trails, campsites, and soil erosion.

Concentrate Activity, or spread out?
* In high use areas, campers should concentrate their activities where vegetation is already absent. Minimize resource damage by using existing trails and selecting designated or existing campsites.

* In more remote areas, campers should generally spread out. When hiking, take different paths to avoid creating new trails that cause erosion. When camping, disperse tents and cooking activities – and move camp daily to avoid permanent looking campsites. Always choose the most durable surfaces available: rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow.

These guidelines apply to most alpine settings and may be different for other areas, such as deserts. Learn the Leave No Trace techniques for your crew’s specific activity or destination. Check with land managers to be sure f the proper technique.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out)
This simple yet effective saying motivates backcountry visitors to take their trash home with them. It makes sense to carry out of the backcountry the extra materials taken there by your group or others. Minimize the need to pack out food scraps by carefully planning meals. Accept the challenge of packing out everything you bring.

Sanitation: Backcountry users create body waste and wastewater that require proper disposal.

Waste Water: Help prevent contamination of natural water sources: After straining food particles, properly dispose of dishwater by dispersing at least 200 feet away from springs, streams, lakes and other water sources. Use biodegradable soap if possible but at least 200 feet or more away from any water source.

Human Waste: Proper human waste disposal helps prevent the spread of disease and exposure to others. Cat holes which are 6 to 8 inches deep in the ground and at least 200 feet away from water sources, but trails, and campsites are often the easiest and most practical way to dispose of feces.

4. Leave What you Find
Allow others a sense of discovery: Leave rocks, plants, animals, archaeological artifacts, and other objects as you find them. It may be illegal to remove artifacts.

Minimize Site Alterations: Do not dig ten trenches or build lean-tos, tables, or chairs. Never hammer nails into trees, hack at trees with hatchets of saws, or damage bark and roots by tying horses to trees for an extended period of time. Replace surface rocks or twigs that you cleared from the campsite. On high impact sites clean the area and dismantle inappropriate user built facilities such as multiple fire rings and log seats or tables.

Good campsites are found, not made. Avoid altering a site, digging trenches, or building structures.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
Some people would not think of camping without a campfire. Yet the naturalness of many areas has been degraded by overuse of fires and increasing demand for firewood.

Lightweight camp stoves make low impact camping possible by encouraging a shift away from fires. Stoves are fast, eliminate the need for firewood, and make cleanup after meals easier. After dinner, enjoy a candle lantern instead of a fire.

If you build a fire, the most important consideration is the potential for resource damage. Whenever possible, use and existing campfire ring in a well-placed campsite. Choose not to have a fire in areas where wood is scarce at high elevations, in heavily used areas with a limited wood supply, or in secret settings.

True Leave No Trace fires are small. Use dead and downed wood no larger than an adult’s wrist. When possible, burn all wood to ash and remove all unburned trash and food from the fire ring. If a site has two or more fire rings, you dismantle all but one and scatter the materials in the surrounding area. Be certain all wood and campfire debris is dead out.

6. Respect Wildlife
Quick movement and loud noises are stressful to animals. Considerate campers practice these safety methods:

* Observe wildlife from a far too avoid disturbing them.

* Give animals a wide berth, especially during breeding, nesting, and birthing seasons.

* Store food securely and keep garbage and food scraps away from animals so they will not acquire bad habits. Never feed wildlife. Help keep wildlife wild.

You are too close if an animal alters its normal activities.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Thoughtful campers,
* Travel and camp in small groups (no more than the group sized prescribed by land managers).

* Keep the noise down and leave radios, tape players, cd players, and pets at home

* Select campsites away from other groups to help preserve their solitude

* Always travel and camp quietly to avoid disturbing other visitors

*Respect private property and leave gates (open or closed) as found

* Make sure the colors of clothing and gear blend well with environment Be considerate of there campers and respect their privacy

Making it happen
Planning ahead and preparing mean just that. When you are going camping you need to consider several factors:

How large is your group?
How will you eat?
Where will you go?
How will you camp?

Importance of group size
Your group size should be small, as smaller groups make less of an impact. You need to pick a campsite that can accommodate everyone in your group. You need to plan out your meals while camping and who will bring what and who will do what. A well thought out and planned camping trip is almost guaranteed to be a successful one.
Durable surface
To travel and camp on durable surfaces means that you should set your camp up on established sites and keep with in the cleared sites so as not to disturb the natural surroundings. You should not nail anything into trees or move natural features to make a campsite. Most state, county, and national parks have established clearings for camping with fireplaces all in places. If you are hiking into the woods or the back county, and need to make your own site, try to do so with out damaging the area. When hiking in the woods stick to the trails. Veering off the trails can cause damage to the foliage around. Once one-person veers off the trail, others may follow thinking it is a fresh trail. Several people making a new trail can leave lasting damage.
Waste disposal
Disposing of waste properly helps to insure that the land and waterways stay unpolluted by our garbage and waste. The best thing to do is take out what you bring in. Be prepared to take out any garbage you create while out camping. Some facilities have disposal places for garbage, but for those that don’t, bring it back home with you for proper disposal. Bury or scatter any human or animal wastes so as not to lean an unpleasant surprise for other visitors. Human waste should be buried about 6 inches deep to insure proper bacterial decomposition. Make sure you bury any waste far away from any water sources.
Leave only footprints, take only pictures
Leave what you find in nature, don’t pick the beautiful flower or take home that wonderful crystal you found. Please do admire all nature has to offer and maybe take them home in a photograph. If everyone were to pick the flowers, eat the berries, or remove the natural wonders, there would be none for us to admire.
Minimize campfire impact
Minimize your campfire’s impact by using established campfire rings. Keep the fire small and away from brush that could catch on fire. Use only wood that you can find on the ground, do not cut down trees to make your campfires. Bring in some wood of your won so that you can leave wood for the next visitor also. Many areas now require that you must bring in your own wood. Or, better yet, cook only with canned fuels and tell stories with out the campfire.
Respect Wildlife
Respect wildlife by keeping your distance. Animals may be cute and look harmless, but they are wild animals and you are in their homes when you camp. Observe them from a distance. Take pictures of them but keep a safe distance way to protect you and the animal.
Be considerate
Be considerate of other visitors and be friendly when you see other people on the trail or camping, respect the fact they may want to be alone. If you must bring electronic equipment such as a cellular phone, electronic games, or radios, use them discreetly and away from the other visitors.
It takes common sense and some respect to leave a minimal impact when you are out enjoying all Mother Nature has to offer. So before you go on your next outing keep the above in mind and make a well thought out plan before you leave.
Happy Camping!!

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Etiquette of the Woods

Camping, more than other life, develops thoughtfulness, courtesy, generosity and comradeship. One may be well mannered in his/her own home and yet wear out his/her welcome on the trail. Ignorance of the laws of the trail is the means by which the old campaigner spots the “greenhorn” and the “tenderfoot”. The code of the wood is simple. IT is strict. It is mostly knowing what not what to do.

The Trail Hog: One rule of the road is to leave it as least as beautiful as you find it. Some trails could be followed by means of tin cans, string, eggshells, banana peelings, paper plates and other pieces of trash, which are strewn along the way. The trail hog blazes these trails. The path of the trail hog is most offending to the woodsman. One of the golden rules of camping is to leave no trace. All refuse is either burned or buried.

The Fire Criminals: The greenest of the “greenhorns” is the fire criminal. He builds a big roaring, smoking fire that he cannot get near. He fails to clean up and burn the leaves around the fire and does not put the fire out when leaving it. Many states do not allow the building of a fire without a permit. Campers disregarding these laws are subject to arrest. Fire building is an art and the quickest way to size up a woodsman is to look at his fire.

The Ignoramus On the Farm: It is not in good form to romp in a hayfield, to cut up fence rails for fire, to leave the gate open or bars down, to throw stones in the grass, to pull hay from a stack to make a bed, to steal apples that fall by the roadway, to troop across the lawn for a drink from a farmer’s well. Let us adopt the old law of neighborliness. Give a work of kind greeting when you meet him on the road. Pay a compliment to the water from his well and enjoy the view from his porch.

The Garrulous Member: Every group usually has someone who talks much and says little. He sees nothing in the surroundings and hears less. HE may be full of garrulity and giggles but the remainder of the group may wish to see the lake or hear the wood thrush. A woodsman sees and hears and is a man or woman of few words. “A wise old owl lived in a oak: the more he heard the less he spoke, the more he spoke the less he hear; why aren’t we all like that old bird.”

The Night Hawk: Most animals take great care in making their beds. A “tenderfoot” does not and is sure to show off all night. He discovers a sharp stone early in the night; he does not make a hip-hide, and he does not know that for warms he needs more blankets under him than over him. He shifts and rolls, tosses and moans, and spends most of the night before the fire. If he has not awakened everyone in the camp, he surely will. About dawn the green horn, sleep and haggard, routs the camp with his “gentle” whispers or his “soft” tread.

Borrowers: Never borrow a toothbrush, drinking cup, knife, axe, or gun. The first two may spread disease. The last three are the backwoodsman’s chief tools. A novice is sure to appropriate the axe and try it out on the cherry tree or strike it onto the roots of the tree. The chances are 99 to 1 that he doesn’t know how to sharpen it. If you are tenderfoot. Do not let this fact out by borrowing the personal belongings of a forester.

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Getting Lost

The Hug-A-Tree Foundation began as a result of the tragic death of a young boy during a family campout in San Diego County. The boy got lost on a popular trail and was found dead four days later. His parents and some searchers formed the Hug-A-Tree Foundation to help kids stay safe if they do get lost in the wilderness.

One of the biggest concerns of children when they get lost is that their parents or who ever is in charge will get mad at them and may not want to pay searchers to look for them. How many of you really think that your parents would want you to stay lost? While it may feel that way it is far from true. The answer is that your parents want you back no matter what. IN many countries there are rescue teams and volunteer search groups that look for lost people and they do it as a service to their communities.

Lots of people get lost in the wilderness – including adults! No one will be mad, and the rescuers are more than happy to help you. To them it is a fun challenge, something they want to do.

It is recommended that whenever you go on an outing to the wilderness you carry with you, in your pocket, a garbage bag and a whistle

If you get lost here is what you do:

Scenario #1: You are prepared

1. As soon as you realize you are lost – HUG A TREE! Stop sit by or even hug, a tree and relax.

2. Look around and see if you are near a clearing. If so, see if it is possible to make a big arrow from sticks or dirt to point to where you are. This is helicopters can see you.

3. If is cool or rainy, pull out you TRASH BAG and use it for shelter. T do this you need to make a hole near the bottom of the bag for your face or else you will suffocate

4. If a helicopter is going over – lay down in the clearing, or where ever you are, and MAKE YOURSELF BIG

5. If you hear something near you, BLOW YOUR WHISTLE. An animal will run away and a searcher will know where you are

6. Remember to stop, stay warm and dry, and THINK you will be found

7. Your best weapon for surviving if your lost is YOUR OWN BRAIN. This is something you will have with you no matter what. It is your best tool for getting out of a situation like this alive and well.

Scenario #2: You are not prepared

1. You still need to stop and HUG A TREE as soon as you know you are lost. STOP MOVING IMMEDIATELY.

2. Look around to see if you are near a clearing. If so, see if it is possible to make a big arrow from sticks or dirt to point to where you are. This is so helicopters can see you.

3. Whether you have a trash bag or not, you still need shelter. DO NOT throw away or discard any items of clothing like a jacket. Even if you don’t need it now, you may need it later. If it is cold or rainy, try to stay as dry as possible and if you roll up into a ball you will stay warmer.

4. If a helicopter is going over – lay down in the clearing, or wherever you are, and MAKE YOURSELF BIG

5. If you hear something near you, yell. An animal will run away and a searcher might hear you.

6. If it is hot out, you want to stay cool, and if it is cold out, you want to stay warm.

What you DON’T need if you get lost:

Food – you will be found way before you get to the point where you are really starving
Water – if you follow the Hug-A-Tree guidelines, you will not be lost long enough to suffer from dehydration
Matches or a fire – You can keep warm by rolling up into a ball and staying out of the wind, or by using your garbage bag as a shelter

What about animals?

Different areas have different animals, but animals are not too excited about getting near humans. Yelling or blowing your whistle is usually enough to chase an animal away, if one even has the guts to come near you!

Do avoid snakes – never try to handle them or pick them up.

Above all, don’t panic. Understand that shortly after you realize you are lost, so will the groups you are with. They will tell the ranger, or call the sheriff or the police and all sorts of people will begin to look for you.

Spend time in the wilderness. There is nothing like it. But, be prepared and remember to Hug-A-Tree and survive, should you get lost!

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Scavenger Hunts

There are many different activities to enjoy while camping. Hiking is probably one of the most popular. Kids love to learn and explore. Here are just a few ideas to make your hikes more interesting and enjoyable. These scavenger hunts will also help to improve your child's observation skills and will increase their interest in and understanding of our natural environment.
Be sure to set some basic rules. Here are a few examples. Set the boundaries. Stay close by and supervise your children. Hunt with a buddy. Be sure to leave nature as is and don't destroy the natural surroundings. Pick up trash as you search.

Scavenger Hunt -- Make a list of items that would most likely be found in the area you are camping and/or hiking in. Here are a few suggestions. You'll need to select items that are age appropriate and also available in your location. Be creative. This activity is a lot of fun for everyone.

Look For:
__Wild Flowers
__Dead tree
__Pine cone
__Berries
__Vine
__Poison ivy(oak)
__Stream or creek
__Blade of grass
__Clover leaf
__Moss
__Pine tree
__Seeds or seedpod
__Eroded soil
__Smooth/shiny rock
__Mud
__Grain of sand
__Fern
__Y-shaped twig
__Trash
__Pine needles
__Acorn or other nuts
__Tree with blossoms
__Hole in a tree
__Pond area in a creek
__Dark or light green leaf
__Small pebble
__Unusual shaped leaf
__Rocks with many colors
__Different shades of green or brown
__Dew on a flower or leaf
__Fungus on a tree
__Shows next season is coming
__Animal tracks
__Worm
__Caterpillar
__Squirrel
__Bird
__Ant
__Butterfly or moth
__Snail
__Beetle
__Feather
__Lizard
__Ladybug
__Spider web
__Birds nest
__Insects on a tree
__Deer tracks
__Animal hole in the ground
__Deer
__Frog
__Leaf with insect holes
__Evidence of the presence of animals
__Evidence of the presence of people

Listen to:
__Leaves under your feet
__Wind in the trees
__Sound of a bee
__Birds singing
__Cricket
__Water running in a creek
__Noises in the woods

Feel:
__Tree bark
__Prickly plant
__Wet mud
__Rotten wood
__Wind blowing on face
__Texture of various rocks

Smell:
__Pine tree
__Flower
__Mud
__Green grass
__Fresh air
__Cedar tree

Watch:
__Animals eating
__Leaf falling to the ground
__Spider web w/insect
__Ant moving something
__Wind blowing the leaves
__Fish jumping
__Clouds going by
__For something funny
__For something unusual
__Sunlight coming through trees
__Sunrise or sunset
__Stars in the sky
__Lightning Bugs
__Reflection in the water
__Trail markers
__Animal homes or shelters

Scavenger Hunt using a Camera - Use a disposal camera. Take pictures of the items on the list. This is a great way for collecting and also for keeping memories in a photo journal.

Other related ideas
Draw a picture of a:
__Tree
__Flower
__Butterfly
__Bird
__Animal

Identify different types of:
__Birds
__Leaves
__Trees
__Flowers
__Plants

Do a leaf rubbing

Identify foods eaten by various animals

Play the game -- "Twenty Questions" or "What am I?" Make your subjects relevant to what you seen on your hike or about the animals that live in the area

Write a story about what you saw on your hike

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Sensing Environmental Clues

Our five senses help us to be detectives in our environment. The senses help us tune in our brains, perceive more, and remember more. When we use all of our sense, we can focus on our environment and thus become more aware of things we usually pass by without noticing. Try a few of these on you next outdoors experience. Use them constantly to heighten your awareness. One caution: know what the poisonous plants and animals in your area; Learn to identify these plants in all seasons.

Focusing Sight
Limit the area of looking: Using a wire coat hanger stretched into a circle. Put it n the ground and examine carefully what you find within the wire circle
Lie on your back and look up. What do you see? Branches? Stars? Birds? Meteors?
Lie on your stomach and look down
Crawl on the ground and look at things from an animal’s point of view
Look for colors, patterns, textures, curves, and lines
Look for shapes- squares, circles, and triangles. Plant stems come in each of these shapes. Can you find one of each?
Look for the different sizes- shells, waves, clouds, and leaves
Look for movement, evidence of change, cycles. Take a picture with your eyes.
Look at a scene and try to remember everything about it.
Look at a pebble, seed, and bird: try to remember everything about it
Smelling
Inhale deeply outdoors. Try smelling flowers, leaves, ferns, bugs, soil, mud, and water
Pinch a leaf, stem and root, then smell it
Feeling
Examine the texture of bark, leaves, soil, feathers, pebbles, a turtle shell, and your sneakers
How do you feel in the shade? In the sunlight?
How many ways can you feel the wind? Can you find things that the wind has changed?
Lead a blindfolded friend on a trust walk. Use your sense of touch to feel a variety of unseen things
Listening
Sit blindfolded or lie down, close your eyes and listen for
. . . Morning sounds, evening sounds, day sounds

. . . Sounds you like or dislike

. . . Occasional and consistent sounds

. . . Sounds that make you feel angry, sad, beautiful, afraid, happy, tough, relaxed

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Simple First Aid and First Aid Kits

Simple First Aid
Remember, whenever you are treating an injury on someone else, wear protective gloves. They protect you from infection and they protect the person you are helping. Use them when you practice so that you will remember to use them when the real thing comes along.

Care of blisters:
Don't break the skin. How often have you heard that? For blisters, this is the best advice that anyone can give you. Blisters are formed when something rubs so long on a part of your body (usually somewhere on your foot) that your body tries to make the hurt go away by inserting fluid under the skin. This is kind of like a pillow. If you pop the blister, you have opened up the area to bacteria in the air and on your clothes and skin.

Instead of letting the fluid out of the blister, protect it. Clean the blister, gently with soap and water. Dry the area thoroughly. Cover the blister with a bandage to reduce the rubbing and then try to get the rubbing to stop as soon as you can.

To prevent blisters, break in your shoes slowly. Hiking boots and sandals need time to soften up and conform to your feet. Don't wear new shoes for hours the first time you wear them. Make sure you clean your shoes out: rocks, dirt and twigs can cause blisters and don't feel too great in your shoes. Remember to change your socks daily.

Care of burns:
Anytime you have to care for a burn, there are four steps to follow: cool the burned area, cover the burned area, prevent infection and minimize shock. Okay, one at a time.

1. Cool the burned area: get away from the source of heat and cool the area with lots of cool water. Keep cooling the burn until the pain eases and the edges of the burn are not warm. Be patient.
2. Prevent infection: wash with soap and water unless the burn is severe. If there are open blisters or the burn is just on the skin, use an antibiotic ointment and bandage.
3. Cover the burned area: this will keep air out and reduce pain. Use sterile dressings if possible. Don't use ointments of any kinds on burns that have blistered or needs to be seen by a doctor. Don't put any pressure on the burn.
4.Minimize shock: Burns cause a loss of body fluids that can cause your body to feel awful. Let the burned person stay in the most comfortable position with the burned area above the heart. Protect the person from drafts or getting chilled.

Simple cuts and scratches:
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Place a sterile dressing over the wound. Apply direct pressure for a few minutes to control any bleeding. Once the bleeding is controlled, remove the dressing and apply an antibiotic ointment. Apply a new sterile dressing and hold the dressing in place with a bandage or dressing tape.

How to take out a splinter:
Wash the area with soap and water. If the splinter is extended past the skin, use tweezers to pull the splinter out. If the splinter is under the skin, use a sterile needle across the splinter to expose the end and then pull it out with tweezers. Treat the area with antibiotic and bandage.

Sunburn and sunstroke:
One of the best things scouts can do is to be prepared when outdoors. Be prepared for the sun to burn by wearing sunscreen; by wearing a hat and sensible clothes for the temperature. If someone has a sunburn, treat it just as you would a burn: cool it, cover it, prevent infection and minimize shock.

Sunstroke or heatstroke is a different matter. Sunstroke occurs when your inside body temperature gets too hot. Signals of heat stroke include a high temperature; red, hot, dry skin; progressive loss of consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. The body is overwhelmed. It can't sweat because it has run out of fluids and then can't cool itself. Sun stroke is a very serious matter. Get the person out of the heat, cool them down by giving them cool water to drink and minimize shock by letting them lie down. If the person is losing consciousness, don't let them drink anything, call for help.

Insect bites:
Do you know what bit you? If the stinger is still there, you will need to scrape it out. Don't use tweezers to pull it out because you could force more poison into the sting. Wash the area with soap and water, cover it and apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain. Check for allergic reactions. If you know that you are allergic to whatever bit you, make sure that you have told your parents, troop leader and an adult in charge.

Snake bite precautions:
You can walk up on a snake without knowing it!! They like to sun themselves on rocks and hide in high weeds. On hot days they like to find cool spots under rocks and other dark places. Most snakes are more scared of you than you are of them. If you find a snake, back away from it. Once you are out of strike range, stay away.

There are four poisonous snakes found in the United States: rattlesnake, copperhead, water moccasin, and coral snake. Australia has the most poisonous snakes. Most deaths from snakebites are from an allergic reaction or weak immune system or from waiting too long to get medical help. If someone is bitten by a snake: Wash the wound, if possible. Immobilize the area and keep it lower than the heart. Call for medical help. Carry the victim instead of letting her walk, if you can. Do not do anything to the bite unless you cannot get help for 30 minutes.

First Aid Kits
It is a good idea to carry your own first aid kit whenever you are camping or on an outdoor event. The simplest way to do this is to pack supplies from home into a fanny pack. Here is a list of items that we have put into ours:

* Chap stick
* Soap
* Small sewing kit
* Triangular bandage
* Stretch gauze
* Gloves
* Small tube of antibiotic ointment
* Band-Aids in various sizes
* Moleskin
* Various gauze pads
* Alcohol swabs
* Beta dine swab sticks
* Tylenol tablets
* Benadryl tablets
* Sunscreen
* Cold pack
* 50 cents
* safety pins
* Empty zip lock bag
* toilet paper
* tweezers

All the items are bagged in zip lock bags and packed into the belt pack. We marked a big red cross on the top and every time we head out, everyone grabs their first aid kit.

Miniature First Aid Kits

In each canister (use m&m mini’s tubes they work good and have a hinged lid) you put:

* a band-aid
* a small sterile gauze pad (in wrapping)
* a cotton ball
* half a cue-tip
* an alcohol swab ( in packet)

Around the outside you wrap six to eight inches of bandage tape (the white stuff)...making sure to trap a loop of twine so the whole thing can be hung on your hat.

Then write "First Aid" (the red cross symbol is copyrighted by the Red Cross) on the outside, and hang from your hat with a large safety pin! (note that the bandage tape and safety pin are also part of the kit)

Always contact our local health unit - they always make stickers available to us for sticking on the outsides of the canisters - use the 911 Red stickers. That seems to be a great ID to put on the outside.

And always put a quarter at the bottom of the canister - of course to make the 911 call (though I think 911 calls from a pay phone are free) - but anyway, a telephone call in an emergency is available if needed.

Another version of the kits contained:
* 2 Band aids
* 2 Alcohol Swabs (in the little packages)
* 1 2" x 2" Sterile Pad (again, in the little packages) (we used the ones that have the adhesive already on them, some people get the ones without adhesive, and wrap 6" - 8" of bandage tape around the outside of the container)
* 1/2 Q-Tip
* 1 Rubber Glove
* enough change for a phone call

You also need a safety pin.

Prep:
Cut out pieces of paper measured to fit around the outside of the bottle (the labels), which we (the guiders) wrote "First Aid" on in red permanent marker. (Note: "First Aid", not a "Red Cross" symbol, thereby not violating any copyright laws, the meaning is still abundantly clear).

Take a large needle, threaded it with yarn, drew the needle through the lid from bottom to top and then back down again, making a loop on the top of the lid, tie a knot on the inside of the lid so it won't pull through the lid. Take all the supplies in to your meeting.

Have the girls fill their containers with the items (explaining the purpose behind each if necessary). Then have them decorate the "label" as they choose, then glue them onto the outside of the bottle. Put the safety pin through the loop of yarn and pin to camp hat. (The safety pin is considered part of the kit, because it can be sterilized and used to remove splinters).

A couple of other things that we have seen suggested that can be added to the kit, if desired are:

* A Cotton Ball
* A Waterproofed Match (glue part of an emery board on the lid to strike the match on)
* A Tylenol

We're sure everyone can think of other things they could add if they wanted. Depending on the size you want, you could even start heading into more of an idea of a "survival kit", which the "first aid kit" would play an integral part in, of course.

First Aid Kit
* Emergency telephone numbers for EMS, your regional poison center, and personal physicians. Include the home and office numbers of people who can help.
* Sterile gauze pads (dressings), in small and large squares to place over wounds (for 250 people, 48 each of 3", 4", and 2"
* Adhesive tape
* Roller and triangular bandages to hold dressings in place or to make an
* Arm sling (for 250, 12 triangulars, and 8 rolls each of 2" and 4" gauze)
* Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes (100 plastic and 100 elastoplasts)
* Scissors
* Tweezers
* Safety pins
* Ice bag or chemical ice pack
* Disposable gloves (BTW, throw these out when they start to yellow)
* Flashlight, with extra batteries in a separate bag
* Antiseptic wipes or soap
* Pencil and pad
* Emergency blanket
* Syrup of ipecac
* Eye patches
* Thermometer
* Coins for pay phone
* First aid manual

To this basic list also added:

* Kling bandage
* Pressure dressings
* Splint and splint padding
* Ziploc bags (a million uses)
* Glucose tablets (if you have diabetics)

Backpacking First Aid Kit List

This is a small kit that will fit into the smallish size zip lock bags. It is lightweight and you can throw it in your backpack when you are hiking, have it with you at your meeting, keep one in your car, etc. It is inexpensive , too. It is separate from a survival kit.

Use two Ziploc bags, approximately 8" x 7".
Put into the first one:

* triangular bandage
* paper
* pencil
* gauze
* tape * sanitary napkin (great for absorbing blood from a wound that is bleeding profusely)
* elastoplasts
* band aids
* moleskin
* 25 cents
* alcohol wipes
* tweezers
* safety pins
* Q-tips
* crepe
* bandage
* baking soda.

You will also need a small container of clean water, but I suggest you carry it separately from your first aid supplies, as it tends to leak and get them soggy!

Take the second Ziploc bag, and put it over the first, but the other way, so the opening is at the other end. If you use just one bag, it tends to get easily punctured--two seems to give it enough strength so that it holds together.

And I hope you never have to use any of these things!! A condom is a great carrier of water! Holds about one litre. Be sure to get the non-lubricated kind.

Hiking First Aid Kit

All of the items below fit into a 7x7x2.5 inch plastic container:
2 rolls 1" roller gauze
1 roll hypo-allergenic adhesive tape
1 pkg moleskin (for blisters or sores on feet)
12 regular and 6 small non-latex band-aids
1 small pair scissors
4 small and 4 large safety pins
1 medium sized tensor bandage
2 triangular bandages
4 non-stick telfa pads (2x2" or 3x3")
1 small container with baking soda (labeled)
Pencil and paper
3 quarters
2 pairs non-latex disposable gloves
1 medium zip lock bag (to store used bandages, etc)
1 mouthpiece/mouth shield for breathing emergencies
1 solar blanket (folded)
Waterproof matches
2 packages of sugar in sealed plastic bag
2 packages of salt in sealed plastic bag
Tweezers
2 needles
2 sanitary napkins
Small bottle of hydrogen peroxide (labeled)
Small bottle of calamine lotion (labeled)
Cotton balls
Handy wipes (individual packages)
Alcohol wipes (individual packages)
Candle
Fire starter
Dental floss
Whistle
Pocket emergency first aid booklet

Survival Kit Ingredients

Basically a survival kit contains emergency supplies that should keep you alive in case you get lost in the woods, etc. Here is a list:

* METAL CONTAINER: those Maxwell House gourmet coffee tins, the little ones, are PERFECT. The container should be metal so it can be used to heat water over a campfire.
* SMALL LENGTH OF DUCT TAPE: I use this to hold the top of my kit on firmly, plus it's a great water proofer. Duct tape also works great when you don't have a triangular bandage: it holds on dressings, works well for fastening a splint, etc.
* EMERGENCY (SPACE) BLANKET: these are those little aluminum-looking blankets you can buy at any camping store. They are good for making into an emergency shelter, keeps you warm, and is reflective (i.e. can be spotted from aircraft).
* CANDLE STUB: makes a great fire starter, and can keep you warm in an enclosed space if you can't light a fire.
* BANDAIDS: always have one or two!!
* CHOCOLATE SQUARE, HERBAL TEA BAG, and AND A SUGAR CUBE: you can use any or all of the above. Each will give you much-needed energy and in the case of tea or stock cube, something warm to drink. Please note!! Regular tea has caffeine that will act as a dehydrator, herbal teas don't.
* WATERPROOFED MATCHES: for starting fires, of course!
* LARGE SAFETY PIN OR FISH HOOK: for fishing, if you're hungry.
* SMALL SAFETY PINS: good for holding slings together, etc.
* PIECE OF CRAYON: will act as a fire starter; you can also mark trees. If you're on the move in the woods to let searchers know you've been there. Of course, in most cases, if you're lost in the woods it's better to stay where you are, i.e. hug a tree!
* BAKING SODA: a little of this mixed with water will help rehydrate a dehydrated person; mixed into a thick paste it helps on mosquito bites and bee stings.
* RUBBER GLOVES: anytime you're administering first aid to someone, you should wear gloves!!
* ANTISEPTIC WIPES: to clean out cuts etc.
* FIRST AID GAUZE: for any larger cuts
* TINFOIL: can be used in lieu of a mirror to signal planes or boats, and takes up less space. Can also be modified into a water carrier if needed.
* SMALL JACKKNIFE: a blade always comes in handy!
* FISHING LINE OR DENTAL FLOSS: to use with fishhook for fishing, or to make into snares for animals.
* SALT PACKETS: again, when you're dehydrated, your body needs to regain salt as well as water. Mix with water and drink.
* HAL ZONE TABLETS: these will help purify your drinking water... check their expiry date before leaving on a trip! Most tablets are only good for a year or so once the bottle's been opened.

Yet another version of a First Aid Kit:
* Snake bite kit
* Cable saw
* Small mirror
* Needles and thread
* 20 feet of nylon cord
* 2 fishhooks and line
* Whistle/match case (with matches)
* 1 gal size baggie (to hold water)
* Iodine tablets (to purify water)
* Very large red plastic bag (for signal flag, shelter, etc)
* Fresnel lens (type of magnifying glass to start fires)
* Space blanket
* No food! (Humans can go 14 days without food) it spoils
* Collapsible cup
* Compass

All this is in a small belt pack (orange with reflector tape)

First Aid in the Out of Doors
When you are out in the great outdoors it is wise to "be prepared" in many ways.
One of the most important is knowing how to take care of yourself should something go wrong.
This is a very basic outline of personal first aid. We hope it encourages you to learn more!

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Knife Safety

Most people are fascinated with knives. A knife can be a wonderful tool to use but you need to know how to properly use, pass and care for your knife to be safe. The best way to start is by making a cardboard knife and practicing with that. Then when you have learned all the rules that apply to knives you are ready to move to the real thing.

Here are some rules for using a knife First use a paper knife before you try the real thing.

There are two types of knives you will be learning to use. The jack knife (a knife that the blade folds into a casing) and a paring knife (a knife with a stationary blade).

KNOW THE SAFE USE OF A KNIFE ALWAYS have a "circle of safety"!

Pass a jack knife closed not open.

Offer the knife to the intended receiver. The receiver should acknowledge that she has received it and has a grip on it by saying “Thank you”. Let go of the knife and say, “You’re welcome”.

Keep the jack knife closed unless you are using it as a tool.
Teach yourself and other girls that a knife is a TOOL not a TOY!
Use only a sharp knife.
Hold a knife only by the handle or casing. DO NOT place thumb or fingers on the blade!
Always use push strokes that push the knife away from the body.
Keep knife dry and off the ground.
Keep the knife a way from dirt and sand.
Never disfigure any plant or animal life.
Never throw a knife.
Do not use a knife when you are alone.
Never walk or run with an open knife.
Never put a knife in the fire.
Do not use a knife to pry.

KNOW HOW TO OPEN AND CLOSE A JACK KNIFE.
Always use both hands.
Keep fingers on the side of the knife.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR KNIFE
Always clean your knife before closing it.
Oil your knife on a regular basis.
Clean knife with a soft cloth.
Keep knife dry and off the ground.
Keep the knife away from dirt and sand.
Do not use a knife as a hammer.
Sharpen a knife with a sharpening tool called a “whetstone”.

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Knots

When you tie your knots you will want to tie them as tight and neatly as possible.
Knots in General Knots are invaluable for various things, including tying your shoes. But which other ones should you know? Depending on your age level, these are the knots that you should be working on: Brownies: overhand knot, square knot, half hitch, clove hitch, sheet bend Juniors: overhand knot, square knot, half hitch, clove hitch, sheet bend, whipping the ends of a rope, and lashing Cadettes and Seniors: overhand knot, square knot, half hitch, clove hitch, sheet bend, bowline, fisherman’s hitch, sheepshank, whipping and lashing
Bowline A commonly used knot to tie a loop in the end of a rope. IT has the advantage of not jamming, compared to some other loop forming knots (for example when using an overhand knot on a large bight to form a loop). Form a small loop (the direction is important), and pass the free end of the knot up through the loop, around behind the standing part of the rope, and back down through the loop. A chant used by many to remember this knot is “The rabbit comes out of the hole, round the tree, and back down the hole again”, where the hole is the small lop, and the rabbit is the running end of the rope.
Reef Knot (Square Knot) An excellent general-purpose knot for tying two pieces of string or twine together, the reef knot is possibly the most commonly used to knot for the job, and is easy to learn. However, it cannot be overly stressed that the Reef knot is not a long term or secure knot, and it should only be used to finished parcels or bindings. Holding one end of each rope in each hand, pass the left rope over the right, and tuck under. Then pass the same rope, now in the right hand, over the left rope, and tuck under. It is common to chant, “Left over right and Under, Right over Left and under” when tying the knot. Gripping one loose end, and pulling it back over the knot, in the opposite direction, thus straightening the rope, which is pulled, can easily undo the square knot. The other rope forms a Lark’s Head Knot, and slips off the tugged rope.
The overhand knot This is not really a knot but half a knot. An easy way to remember this is to say the first half of the square knot: right over left and under. Those are the actions that your hands take.
The Square Knot This knot is also called the Reef knot. It is used for tying knots, which can be easily untied, especially first aid bandages. It is not meant to carry a lot of weight so it is generally used as a temporarily knot. If the ends are knot pull through all the on the last half of the knot, then the knot is called a slippery square knot or a shoestring tie.
The steps for tying a square knot: right over left and under; left over right and under.
After you tie the square knot, notice that it lays flat: the ends are right on top f the standing part. (If the ends and the standing parts make the shape of an X or a +, you’ve tied a granny knot instead. Go back and reverse what you did on the last half of the knot.) Take the end and standing part that is together in each hand and you can slide the knot apart and tighten it. This is what makes the square knot easy to untie.
Half Hitch This is the knot to use when you are putting up your tent. It is similar to an overhand knot but it slips. The slip is what makes it good for tents; you can tighten or loosen it easily.
To tie a half hitch, leave the standing part hanging over your shoulder. Pass the working end thought a ring or around a post; wrap the end around the standing part and through the loop. To continue tying half hitches, repeat the instructions going in the same direction. You can leave a bow on the last one if you like.
Clove Hitch The clove hitch is one of the most widely used and most useful knots. It is used to start any lashing, to tie a clothesline up or to secure a boat to a dock. Wrap the working end around a post twice, slip the end under the cross over and pull tight.
Clove hitch poem: ‘Around the post cross over behind The post duck under a head, legs arms What do you get – A ballet Dancer’s Pirouette’
Sheet Bend The sheet bend is used to join two ropes together (usually they are not the same size or thickness’).
There is a story too help you to remember how to tie it. How the Sheet Bend was invented – a likely story! One night a snake came up the plughole. It went down behind the bath, Wriggled underneath, and came up the other side. It ate the soap, and then tucked its head under its body and went to sleep. In came the man for his bath. He saw the snake. He ran outside, grabbed the snakes tail (by the way this snake was so long his take was poking out still the drainpipe outside!) and he pulled! And of so of course the snake couldn’t move ‘cause he was tied in a sheet bend.
Try it out. Use the sheet bend to tie ropes together. If one rope is thicker it should form the ‘bath’ and the thin rope should be the ‘snake’.
Sheepshank The sheepshank is used to shorten a piece of rope with out cutting it. You are bending the rope and tying a half hitch or a clove hitch around the bends to keep them from coming loose.
Bowline The bowline forms a loop, which will not slip or jam. It is used in lifesaving and first aid, sailing and climbing. TO tie this knot, loop the standing part over a shoulder so that it comes down in your front like a tree trunk. Make a small overhand loop (this is the rabbit’s hole) but leave a long tail. Use the under (now called the rabbit) to come up and out of the rabbit’s hole, round around the tree and go back into the hole. Grab hold of the rabbit and the trail he make heading out of the hole in one hand and the tree in the other and pull the rope tight. There should be a loop at the bottom that won’t slip.

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How to use the Compass

USING THE COMPASS
The first thing you need to learn, are the directions. North, South, East, and West. Look at the figure and learn how they are North is the most important.

The compass needle is always pointing towards the earth’s magnetic north pole

But if you don’t want to go north, but a different direction. You’ve got this turnable thing on your compass. We call it the Compass Housing. On the edge of the compass housing, you will probably have a scale. From 0 to 360. Those are degrees or the bearing. And you should have the letters N, S, W, and E for North, South, West, and East. IF you want to go in a direction between two of these, you would combine them. If you would like to go in a direction just between North and West, you would like to go Northwest.

Let’s use that as an example: You want to go northwest. What you do is that you find out where on the compass housing northwest is. Then you turn the compass housing so that northwest on the housing comes exactly there where the large direction of travel-arrow meets the housing.

Hold the compass in your hand. And you’ll have to hold it quite flat, so that the compass needle can turn. Then turn yourself, your hand, the entire compass, just make sure the compass housing doesn’t turn, and turn it until the compass needle is aligned with the lines inside the compass housing.

Now, time to be careful! It is extremely important that the north part of the compass needle points at north in the compass housing. If south points at north you would walk off in the exact opposite direction of what you want! And it’s a very common mistake among beginners. So always take a second look to make sure you did it right!

A second problem might be local magnetic attractions. If you are carrying something of iron or something like that, it might disturb the arrow. Even a staple in your map might be a problem. Make sure there is nothing of the sort around. There is a possibility for magnetic attractions in the soil as well, know as “magnetic deviation”, but they are rarely seen. Might occur if you’re in a minining district.

When you are sure you’ve got it right, walk off in the direction that the travel-arrow is pointing. To avoid getting off the course, make sure to look at the compass quite frequently, say every hundred meters at least. But you shouldn’t stare down the compass. Once you have the direction, aim on some point in the distance, and go there. But this gets more important when you use a map. There is something you should look for to avoid going in the opposite direction: The Sun. At noon, the sun is roughly in the South (or in the North on the southern hemisphere), so if you are heading north and have the sun in your face, it should ring a bell.

When do you need this technique?
If you are out there without a map, and you don’t know where you are, but you know there is a road, trail, stream, river, or something long and big you can’t miss if you go in the right direction. And you know in what direction you must go get there, at least approximately what direction.

Then all you need to do is to turn the compass housing, so that the direction you want to go in, is where the direction of travel-arrow meets the housing. And follow the above steps.

If you are taking along hike in unfamiliar terrain, you should always carry a good map that covers the terrain. Especially if you are leaving the trail. IT is in this interaction between the map and a compass, that the compass becomes really valuable.

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Orienteering

History

Orienteering was first practiced in Norway in 1897. The sport became very popular in the Scandinavian countries after World War I (1918). It has since grown in popularity and has traveled the world, gaining aficionados (fans) wherever it went. Orienteering was introduced in the US in 1941, and in 1946 Bjorn Kjellstrom held events for Boy Scouts. The first public orienteering meet in the United States was in 1967 at Valley Forge, PA- a full 80 years after the sport began.

OK, that's nice, but what IS orienteering?

Orienteering is a sport that can be enjoyed by men and women and boys and girls from 6 to 96. All you have to be able to do is to follow a map and read a compass. In some beginner courses, you don't even need the compass! It is like a race and a puzzle at the same time.

The idea is that you are given a map of the course, which shows the terrain. It also shows where all of the controls, or stops, are. The controls are there to show you that you have gotten to the right stop on the map. A 3-dimensional flag represents each control. When you start you are given a card and at each control you use a hole punch, found at each control, on the card. The hole punch usually has a unique design for each stop, so the judges know you went to the right places!

The compass is used because you are given a map. Using the compass, you can figure out which direction to take based on the map. It is kind of like a scavenger hunt

What's in it for me?

This is a great sport if you like puzzles, like to be out of doors, like having fun and enjoy a challenge. The neat thing about the orienteering courses is that they are set up so that there are separate courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced participants. That way you get to have fun at your own level and have something to aspire to.

This sport is great exercise, but not boring, like a lot of exercise can be. You are always thinking and planning your next move. It gives you a chance to spend time in nature, because the courses are usually designed to move through a natural area like a forest or woodland.

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Basic Rules for All Hikers

BASIC RULES FOR ALL HIKERS

1. Plan your trip in advance
*Know where you are going, and how long it takes to get there. Use a map, plan your route, be sure the distances between rest stops are realistic and within your abilities
*Check the weather predictions

*Wear and take clothing suitable to the place and to the weather. Wear socks without holes, sturdy shoes, dress in layers, have a hat for protection
*Have a prearranged plan - - what to do if separated from group. Prearranged signals, place to meet, etc.
*Plan personal and group gear, pack so your hand can be free: Wear things on your belt; use a knapsack, jackets with large pockets
*Plan food and drink suitable to the place and the weather. Plan to carry back all garbage and trash
*Check and refill first aid kit, take it with you, and a First Aider
2. While your hiking
*Protect living things - - look, and leave for others to enjoy
*Hike in small groups - - one leader at the head of line, one (the first aider) at the end of the line, keep together
*Rest - - a series of brief stops is better than fewer long stops
*Use the buddy system
*Walk single file or in tow; stay on sidewalk, roadside or trail
*On sidewalks, keep to the right. On roadsides, keep to the left and face oncoming traffic
*Leave fence and road gates as you found them
*Obey all signs and traffic signals
*Cross roads and streets at marked crossings, cross as a group
*Give vehicular traffic the right of way - - cars are bigger than you are!
*After dark, wear white or reflective clothing and/or use a flashlight when walking on roadways
*Play it safe. Do not feed wild animals you meet
*Be courteous to all persons
*Be responsible - - for your own safety, for the safety of your buddy, and of the group
*Wear protective clothing and take some with you. Wool shirts and pants are a must in a high altitudes or wet weather. Also pack a windbreaker, extra socks, long sleeves, pants, rain gear and extra shoes.
*Pack lightweight, take some extra spoil proof, high-energy food
*Know skills, have plan for setting up emergency overnight camp when you can’t travel because: 1) You have a fatigued or injured person who can't travel; 2) Visibility is restricted by fog, storms or darkness (you should hike after dark); 3) You are completely disoriented
*File a hiking plan (route or schedule) with Forest/Park officials, check in and out of the register. Get required permits
*Check your position - - orient yourself frequently. Make note of special landmarks as you hike
*Give trail right-of-way to faster hiking groups, to bikes and horses. Step off trail (to uphill side for horses)
*Minimize impact on the environment: 1) Keep groups small 2) No short cutting on steep trails; 3) Use individual “cat holes” toilets
*During thunder storms, avoid tall trees, sheer cliffs; seek high ground during flash flood type rains; know how to build a shelter
*Watch pace and rest breaks, especially in cold weather. Perspiration doesn’t evaporate easily in winter. Wet clothing is a winter hazard
*At all times, keep warm, calm, rested and keep up your energy up

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Hiking

One of the greatest ways to enjoy the outdoors is hiking. Trails can take you through beautiful areas and can showcase the most spectacular views. Small streams, waterfalls and wildlife are also common. The scents and sounds of nature are all around. Hiking provides time for reflection and can be very relaxing. Walking is good exercise and is a good way for families to spend quality time. Learning and sharing along the way makes for a very enjoyable outing.
Hikes can range from very short trails to extremely long adventures over mountains and through the backcountry. Day hiking is most popular and offers a wide choice in trail length, difficulty and destinations. Overnight backpacking can be quite challenging and requires more extensive planning and preparation. The following will provide some useful information that will help you plan a safe and enjoyable day hike.

Hikes to Take

ALPHABET HIKE- Find objects in nature that have names beginning with each letter of the alphabet.

BIRD HIKE- Look for different birds. See if you know them by sight. Look for nests, but don’t touch.
COLOR HIKE- Find things all the same color. If you walk in buddies, one side could look for one color and the other side another color.

COMPASS AND TRAIL SIGN HIKE- Using the compass and trail signs, lay a trail for a group to follow. If each person is given written directions, it is fun to go until all have arrived at the chosen spot.

COOKOUT HIKE- Hike to a location and cook your meal then sit and enjoy the scenery and your meal.

FIVE SENSES HIKE- Smell, taste, see, touch, hear – find something with each sense

GYPSY HIKE- Have lunch tied in a kerchief. Wear Gypsy costumes and jewelry made from seeds, berries, grasses, etc.

INCH HIKE- Find things that are only an inch long- no more- and still complete

INDIAN STEALTH HIKE- a short listening hike- goes through the woods without making any sounds.

INSECT HIKE- you can just look for and examine the insects you find and take pictures if you have a camera.

PENNY HIKE- Heads, left; Tails, right; flip the penny to tell you which way to go

RAINY DAY HIKE- All decked out in rain gear, go out for a half an hour walk in the rain.

SCENT HIKE- See how many scents you can identify. Find scented plants like wild garlic and dandelions

SEALED ORDERS HIKE- several sets of orders places over an area. Different colors to indicate teams. Teams set out to follow their orders. All groups go different directions to reach all points along the way. All end at a Treasure. Often a skill must be practiced at the end of the rail.

SEED HIKE- Look for plants bearing seeds. Bring some of each back if possible. Mount, label and display for other’s enjoyment

SOUND HIKE- Listen for all kinds of sounds in nature; close ones, far away sounds you hear.

TRACK HIKE- Look for clear animal tracks that you know or don’t yet. If possible find out the tracks you don’t know and what animal they belong to.

WOOD HIKE- If you have to have wood for your fire, what could be more fun than everyone going out together to accumulate a pile? Make sure it is legal to collect wood.

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Day hiking and Safety

* Proper planning is important. Obtain trail maps, guidebooks, trail distance, estimated time required and any other information before you leave on a hike.
* Keep trail maps and guidebooks in a waterproof ziplock bag.
* Check weather conditions and forecast.
* Consider the ability level of everyone in your group, when choosing a hike. * It's very important to tell someone of your plans and when you expect to return. In an emergency, this could help with the rescue. Check in with them when you get back.
* Never hike alone. Always go with a friend.
* Don't pack to heavy. Keep your pack weight as light as possible.
* Take plenty of water--2 or 3 quarts per person. Staying hydrated will help maintain your energy level.
* The temperature is always cooler in the mountains. Plan and dress accordingly. Dress in layers.
* Start early so that you have plenty of time to enjoy your hike and the destination. Plan to head back so you finish your hike well before dark.
* Hike only as fast as the slowest member of your group.
* Pace yourself. Don't hike too quickly. Save your energy.
* Stay on trails unless you have excellent navigational skills.
* Never approach wild animals. They may look cute and harmless but they are very unpredictable and can be very territorial and protective. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. In most cases, the animals are more afraid of us and will run away. Do not attempt to feed wild animals. Most injuries occur when people try to feed them.
* Look out for snakes, spiders and other critters. Watch where you are walking, be careful when picking up sticks or rocks and look around before taking a seat. Again, snakes are usually more afraid of us, but if they feel threatened or if you make sudden movements they may strike. Stay calm and slowly move away from them
* Be careful where you are walking. Watch out for low branches and loose rocks. Take it slow through mud and water and be careful of loose leaves on the trail. Stay away from steep cliffs and other

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