5 Minute blogs with tips on camping, the outdoors, and Scout Advancement.
1- There are four main topographic terrain features to be familiar with. Hill, Hilltop, Mountain top, Peak, Summit, Prominences, Knoll Ridge, Ridge Line, Ridge Top, Mountain Ridge Saddle, Defile Valley, Canyon, Gorge, Ravine, Gully 1.1 Hilltop has several names. It is where the land slopes downward in all directions from the immediate vicinity. 1.2 Ridge, … Read more
1- When planning your backpacking trip; please note if you are planning to do a water crossing. A waterproof backpack that is prepared for a soaking rain is very different from a waterproof backpack that goes in for a dunking swim. Plan and prepare your gear. Pack accordingly. 2- Unbuckle your waist belt and slightly … Read more
1- Surveying the water crossing point: Look and walk downstream to see if there are any hazards. Stream or river junctions where currents become unpredictable. Downed trees, undercut rocks or banks, “washing machine” eddies, waterfalls, low water dams. Snags and strainers kill! Change in current speed caused by narrowing of the banks. Steep, slick, icy, … Read more
1- Cooking methods. Some methods are in Sit. Rep. #75. Spit Cooking – Think Kabobs, run a skewer through the meat &/or vegetables that you need to heat up and cook. Rotate to keep from burning. Rock Frying – Get a flat, thin rock (not from any body of water), heat it up with fire … Read more
1- One habit I installed into my Troop was to do a “Hot Wash” after a camping trip. Some folks call it a “debrief.” It was simply a few questions that asked: What went well? Did learning take place? What was missing? What could we have done better? Were there any weak links in the … Read more
1- Camping for the first time? Let’s walk through some considerations together. A: Shelter, do you have a tent or are you staying at some other kind of shelter? What is your backup plan if the shelter is not available? B: Water, do you know how to treat or filter to make the water safe … Read more
1- Backpacking or a car camping tent is another large expense against your budget for gear and clothes. My constraints for a 3 season backpacking tent are: Under 7 lbs – under 5 lbs is better, There are a few under 4 lbs. 7-foot floor dimension or longer. Room for 2. A 2 person tent … Read more