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Camping Merit Badge Booklet

1. 1 SERIES aie READY TO BE A PARTNER ON YOUR TRAIL TO EAGLE THROUGH HIGH ADVENTURE THE ADVENTURE IS YOURS AND WE ARE READY WITH THE GEAR YOU WILL NEED YOU CAN DEPEND ON THE LATEST IN LIGHTWEIGHT DURABLE QUALITY GEAR THAT WILL MEET AND SURPASS NORTHERN TIER f EAGLE SCOUT YOUR TOUGHEST REQUIREMENTS FAC A 2 7 SUPPLY GROUP WA S UNS WWW SCOUTSTUFF ORG i 1 me a bh Z gt amp lt T Ba 5 22 Je Ex 2 Moy smouts oF AMERICA 30176 35866 ORIDA SEA BASE HOW TO USE THIS PAMPHLET lhe secret to successfully earning merit badge is for you to use both the pamphlet and the suggestions of your counselor Your counselor can be as important to you as a coach is to an athlete Use all of the resources your counselor can make available to you This may be the best chance you will have to learn about this particular subject Make it count If you or your counselor feels that any information in this pamphlet is incorrect please let us know Please state your source of information Merit badge pamphlets are reprinted annually and requirements updated regularly Your suggestions for improvement are welcome Send comments along with a brief statement about yourself to Boy Scout
2. Names of participants A trip plan also will let the leaders know where you will be and will enable them to provide support if it is needed Route going Route returning Why Purpose of the trip What 7 Gear and other items to be taken Outdoor Essentials Other clothing and gear Include the following information in your trip plan Where you are going Permits required Special equipment needs Special clothing needs From where and when you will depart How List the principles of Leave No Trace that relate to your trip For each write a sentence explaining what the patrol will do to follow that principle How you will reach the camp What you will be doing Who is going along When you will return When and how you will obtain permits or permission required by land management agencies or landowners of the places you wish to travel and camp A brief emergency response plan that includes the location and telephone number of the clinic or hospital closest to your camp and route of travel the phone number of the local emergency response authority in most areas 911 and the name of the person in your group who will take charge in an emergency Scout troops and patrols sometimes attach gear lists menus and duty rosters to their trip plans With all the paperwork together patrol leaders can more easily a
3. e Water and stoves Maintain the water supply for cooking and cleanup Establish a safe place for stoves to be fueled and used and have them ready to light before the cooks need them Cooking Assemble ingredients and follow recipes to pre pare and serve meals Have wash water heating on the stove before serving meals Cleanup Set out wash and rinse water oversee the washing of group cooking gear stow pots and utensils and dispose of garbage For more on washing dishes in camp see the Boy Scout Handbook and Fieldbook Food storage Maintain a bear line or other food storage system to protect provisions from animals and weather Secure all food items at night and whenever camp will be left unattended Many groups also develop a list of assignments to be completed before a camping trip begins Duties may include e Assembling crew equipment Developing menus shopping for food and repackaging provisions Getting maps and planning routes Securing permits or other forms of permission CAMPING GEARING UP 30 CAMPING Gearing Up Each outdoor adventure is different and the equipment you take may change from one camping trip to the next For times when you want to travel light and move quickly through the backcountry pack exactly what is required for safety and comfort but not an ounce more On other campouts especially those requiring little or no foot travel to reach the site you may
4. and Venturers each high adventure base of the BSA s National Council offers the training equipment and support you need to set out on wilderness treks that will challenge your skills strength and willpower Scouts at Philmont Scout Ranch can embark on backpack ing treks into the high country of northern New Mexico Expeditions from the bases of the Northern Tier National High Adventure Program paddle canoes along the lakes and rivers of the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota and southern Ontario and Manitoba in Canada Headquartered in the Florida Keys the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base is the start ing point for oceangoing expeditions that include camping on the islands and distant coastlines of the Keys and the Bahamas Many BSA local councils have their own high adventure bases Among the activities they may offer older Scouts are backpacking camping rock climbing canoeing and river rafting Visit a directory of the high adventure bases located across the nation at http www scouting org boyscouts directory CAMPING 24 PREPARATION PREPARATION Trip Plan Trip Plan Trip plan of Wherever you decide to camp Where you will need to prepare a written Destination trip plan Well before your depar ture share the plan with your Scout leaders and parents or When guardian They may have ee eras suggestions that will make your Wio time in the outdoors even better
5. compact shapes make these packs good for use while skiing able fit then carry climbing and traveling cross country They fit more easily into canoes than do packs with external frames External frame packs are popular among Scouts who prefer them for backpack ing along open trails or for carrying heavy loads shoulders adjust it for a comfort it around the store for a while to get a feel for it That will help you know when you have found the right pack for you ADJUSTABLE STRAP PAD EXTENDS LOW PRESSURE JUST BELOW CHEST ON SHOULDER BELT ON HIP REST 36 CAMPING pi GEARING UP No Fires in Tents Keep all flames away from tents Never use candles matches stoves heaters or lanterns in or near tents No tent is fireproof All of them can burn or melt when exposed to heat Use flashlights only Tents development of synthetic fabrics has opened a new era of possibilities for tent designers Nylon and breathable fabrics lend themselves to roomy shelters that pack small and weigh little Flexible poles made of aluminum or fiberglass make possible geometric tent shapes that stand up to tremendous amounts of wind rain and snow A ground cloth underneath the tent floor protects it from abrasion and provides an added barrier to moisture Most tents used by Scouts today have a tent body made of breathable nylon The tent body is shielded from rain snow and wind by a waterproof rain fly Moisture cre
6. 2006 Bird Study 2005 Geology 2005 Safety 2006 Bugling see Music Golf 2002 Salesmanship 2003 Camping 2005 Graphic Arts 2006 Scholarship 2004 Canoeing 2004 Hiking 2007 Sculpture 2007 Chemistry 2004 Home Repairs 2002 Shotgun Shooting 2005 Cinematography 2001 Horsemanship 2004 Skating 2005 Citizenship in the Indian Lore 2003 Small Boat Sailing 2004 Community 2005 Insect Study 2002 Snow Sports 2007 Citizenship in the Nation 2005 Journalism 2006 Soil and Water Citizenship in the World 2005 Landscape Architecture 2002 Conservation 2004 Climbing 2006 Law 2003 Space Exploration 2004 Coin Collecting 2002 Leatherwork 2002 Sports 2006 Collections 2003 Lifesaving 2001 Stamp Collecting 2007 Communications 2003 Mammal Study 2003 Surveying 2004 Composite Materials 2006 Medicine 2002 Swimming 2002 Computers 2005 Metalwork 2007 Textile 2003 Cooking 2007 Model Design and Building 2003 Theater 2005 Crime Prevention 2005 Motorboating 1992 Traffic Safety 2006 Cycling 2003 Music and Bugling 2003 Truck Transportation 2005 Dentistry 2006 Nature 2003 Veterinary Medicine 2005 Disabilities Awareness 2005 Nuclear Science 2004 Water Sports 2007 Dog Care 2003 Oceanography 2003 Weather 2006 Drafting 1993 Orienteering 2003 Whitewater 2005 Electricity 2004 Painting 2002 Wilderness Survival 2007 Electronics 2004 Personal Fitness 2006 Wood Carving 2006 Emergency Preparedness 2003 Perso
7. Frontcountry camping is ideal for Scouts learning the basics of living out of doors With several frontcountry campouts under their belts they will have a much better idea of what to carry when they travel farther from the road and how to manage camps at more remote destinations Concentrate camp activity in high use areas such as this frontcountry campsite BSA Summer Camp A highlight of the year for many Scout troops is a week at a BSA summer camp It is rare for a Scout to come home without having gained more knowledge about living in the out of doors and great enthusiasm for doing more of it as soon as possible Backcountry Camping The nature of a camping trip changes dramatically when you leave the road behind and venture into the backcountry Everything you need for a night or more must be carried in a pack on your back stowed in duffels tied into a canoe or loaded onto a horse burro or mule As you leave civilization behind a great world of possibilities and responsibilities opens before you Backcountry camping can take you to places that few peo ple ever reach You can spend time near remote lakes in deep forests and in desert terrain Best of all you can rely on your own skill and determination to make the most of living for a while beyond the usual bounds of civilization BSA High Adventure Bases BSA high adventure bases feature backcountry camping adven tures Designed for older Boy Scouts Varsity Scouts
8. Keep the noise down The Outdoor Code The Outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts of America reminds Scouts of the importance of caring for the environment The code s ideals have special meaning whenever you are camping hiking or taking part in other outdoor events Outdoor Code As an American will do my best to Be clean in my outdoor manners Be careful with fire Be considerate in the outdoors and Be conservation minded CAMPING 21 PREPARATION 22 CAMPING PREPARATION Where to Camp With Leave No Trace principles and the Outdoor Code in mind consider where you want to camp Your choice of a campsite depends upon what you want to do and see how much time you have and the kind of camping that appeals to you Frontcountry Camping Frontcountry sites are those that can easily be reached by auto mobile public transit or bicycle Frontcountry camping loca tions include campgrounds in national state and local parks and forests property owned by the BSA and with permission many private lands Developed campgrounds may have desig nated tent sites and fireplaces public rest rooms and sources of clean drinking water Because these sites are usually near roads Scouts taking part in frontcountry camping often can carry more gear and provisions than they might on trips that require backpacking Meals can include fresh ingredients and involve more elaborate preparation such as baking in Dutch ovens
9. a 15 Gene E AAA ENA 30 Making Camp Breaking Camp 47 Giving Full Meaning to 61 Campin eyRESOULCESIer 62 CAMPING 11 Pzd INTRODUCTION 12 CAMPING INTRODUCTION Introduction Camping For nearly a hundred years Scouts have been camp ing in open country They have felt the sun on their backs and the wind in their faces When storms broke overhead they have used their skills to stay dry and warm When a morning dawned brisk and clear they were sure there was no better way to live Robert Baden Powell new that as well When he ounded the Scouting move ment in the early 1900s he encouraged every Scout to earn the art of living out of doors He believed a young person able to take care of himself while camping would i ave the confidence to meet ife s other challenges too Times are different now he wonders of modern tech nology have shaped for us a way of life that Baden Powell would barely recognize But something that has not changed is the joy of going camping Boy Scouts every where are still eager to head out for a night under the stars They look forward to camping as part of longer adven tures journeys by watercraft on foot or saddled up to ride When you go camping with your fellow Scouts you have the time of your life working playing learning together and enjoy ing on
10. a Campsite Much of the success of a campout depends upon the campsite you choose A good place to camp offers plenty to see and do Also by following the principles of Leave No Trace you can be sure your camp will be easy on the land Safety Don t pitch a tent under dead trees or limbs that might fall in a storm Stay out of gullies that could fill with flash floods Find a site away from lone trees mountaintops high ridges and other likely targets of lightning Camp some distance from game trails especially in bear country Size site must be large enough for members of your camping party to pitch their tents and cook their meals When hanging ood to keep it away from animals find the trees you need at least 200 feet from where you will be sleeping Terrain Does the site you have chosen for camp slope gently for good drainage Leaves pine needles and other natural cover can keep the ground from becoming muddy An area open to the t and south will catch sunlight early in the day and perhaps drier than slopes facing north CAMPING 49 MAKING CAMP BREAKING CAMP 50 CAMPING Privacy Respect the privacy of others Trees bushes and the shape of the terrain can screen your camp from trails and neighboring campsites Keep the noise down when other campers are stay ing nearby Permission Check well ahead of time with land managers of public parks forests and reserves They can issue any permits
11. all unit leaders should be familiar Unit leaders may want to use the following BSA publications to help make campouts safer and more enjoyable Boy Scout Handbook 11th edition chapter 4 Second Class Scout map and compass orienteering chapter 8 Hiking clothing and layering cold weather clothing outdoor essentials chapter 10 Cooking water treatment menus camp cooking camp kitchen cleanup chapter 11 First Aid first aid preparedness Fieldbook 4th edition sections on Leadership and Trek Preparation Leaving No Trace Trek Adventures and Appreciating Our Environment e Leave No Trace conservation environmental ethics Passport to High Adventure local council high adventure opportunities Topping Out and Climb On Safely climbing and rappelling CAMPING 5 6 CAMPING Requirements Jy Show that you know first aid for and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur while camping including hypothermia frostbite heat reactions dehydration altitude sickness insect stings tick bites snakebite blisters and hyperventilation Learn the Leave No Trace principles and the Outdoor Code and explain what they mean Write a personal and group plan for implementing these principles on your next outing Make a written plan for an overnight trek and show how to get to your camping spot using a topographical map and compass OR a topograp
12. decisions First Aid Preparedness Managing risk includes being prepared to handle emergencies that might occur Camping can take you far from urban areas where emergency medical care is close by In the field your group might need to care for an injured or ill person for a few hours or even a day or more until help arrives That requires thinking about first aid in different ways than you would when you are in a city Completing the first aid requirements for the Tenderfoot Second Class and First Class Scout ranks can help you prepare to deal with illnesses and injuries that could arise while you are camping So can earning the First Aid merit badge The current editions of the Boy Scout Handbook and Fieldbook include descriptions of the symptoms and treatment of hypothermia heatstroke heat exhaustion frostbite dehydration sunburn insect stings tick bites snakebite and blisters In addition famil iarize yourself with the symptoms prevention and treatment of altitude sickness hyperventilation asthma and food allergies PREPARATION Altitude Sickness Camping may take you to high places where altitude sickness also known as AMS or acute mountain sickness can be a concern Fortunately altitude sickness is seldom a problem for people at elevations of less than 8 000 feet above sea level Going to a place that is higher than you are accustomed may leave you short of breath because the atmosphere around you becomes t
13. in the top layers of earth will break down human waste Fill the cathole with soil when you are done and replace any ground cover Push a stick into the earth to warn others against digging in the same spot Latrine A patrol troop or other large camping group may be able to lessen its impact on the land by digging a single latrine rather than making many catholes Check with a ranger or other local expert for guidance To make a latrine use a shovel to dig a shallow trench a foot wide and 3 to 4 feet long Remove and save any ground cover As with a cathole go no deeper than the topsoil so that waste will be buried in organic earth where it will turn into soil nutrients Sprinkle a layer of soil into the trench after each use to keep away flies and hold down odors Return all the soil to the latrine when you break camp and restore the ground cover 52 CAMPING MAKING CAMP BREAKING CAMP Cleaning Up After Meals Whether you cook with a stove or over an open fire put on a pot of water before you serve a meal That way you will have hot dishwater by the time you finish eating Each person can wash his own eating gear If everyone also does one pot pan or cooking utensil the work will be finished in no time Use hot pot tongs to dip plates and spoons in the hot rinse water Lay clean utensils on a plastic ground sheet and let them air dry Begin cleanup by setting out three pots e Hot w
14. interest On winter trips try cross country skiing or snowshoeing Build an igloo or a snow cave Look in the snow for the footprints of wildlife and follow them to discover the habits of different animals Bike along trails open to pedaling Go canoeing rafting or fishing With proper supervision take part with your group in orga nized climbing and rappelling activities Learn the correct skills and safety procedures from qualified instructors MAKING CAMP BREAKING CAMP Stormy Weather Camping When the weather turns bad your camping skills can be put to a real test Draw on previous outdoor experiences and stay focused on the task at hand and you should be able to make the most of a campout no matter what the clouds throw at you Here is one way to go about it First look after your personal safety and that of your group Take steps to stay warm and dry and be on the lookout for signs of hypothermia Secure your camp If you have just arrived at a campsite set up a dining fly and use it to shelter your gear while you pitch the tents Fire up a camp stove heat a pot of water and soon you can lift everyone s spirits with hot drinks bowls of soup and other kitchen delights Enjoy the outdoors while the weather rages Storms bring with them a magic that you can t experience when the sun is shining Be patient You won t be able to change the weather so t
15. is corrected only once a year in January Any number of merit badge pamphlets may be revised throughout the year others are simply reprinted until a revision becomes necessary If a Scout has already started working on a merit badge when a new edition for that pamphlet is introduced he should continue to use the same merit badge pamphlet to earn the badge He should fulfill the requirements listed in the pamphlet he was using when he began In other words the Scout need not start all over again with the new pamphlet and possibly revised requirements Merit Badge Pamphlet Year Merit Badge Pamphlet Year Merit Badge Pamphlet Year American Business 2002 Engineering 2000 Photography 2005 American Cultures 2005 Entrepreneurship 2006 Pioneering 2006 American Heritage 2005 Environmental Science 2006 Plant Science 2005 American Labor 2006 Family Life 2005 Plumbing 2004 Animal Science 2006 Farm Mechanics 1997 Pottery 2002 Archaeology 2006 Fingerprinting 2003 Public Health 2005 2004 Fire Safety 2004 Public Speaking 2002 Architecture 2004 First Aid 2007 Pulp and Paper 2006 Art 2006 Fish and Wildlife Radio 2001 Astronomy 2004 Management 2004 Railroading 2003 Athletics 2006 Fishing 2002 Reading 2003 Auto Mechanics 2000 Fly Fishing 2002 Reptile and Aviation 2006 Forestry 2005 Amphibian Study 2005 Backpacking 2007 Gardening 2002 Rifle Shooting 2001 Basketry 2003 Genealogy 2005 Rowing
16. mix Filters Camping stores and catalogs offer water treatment filters that are effective and easy to use Some operate by pumping water through pores small enough to strain out bacteria Others contain chemicals or carbon Follow the instructions that come with the filter you plan to use Managing Your Campsite Once you arrive at a site the first order of business is to figure out the best way to set in while causing little impact on the land Set up a dining fly first That will provide shelter for food and you in case of rain and will give a sense of where you will center most of your camp activities Pitch your tents Use established tent sites whenever possible In bear country tents should be 200 feet or more from the cooking area and from areas where food will be stored Establish a plan for personal sanitation and be sure everyone understands what he is to do CAMPING 1 ST SS MAKING CAMP BREAKING CAMP Sanitation Getting rid of human waste outdoors requires special care In campgrounds that have rest rooms or outhouses be sure to use them Where those don t exist dig a cathole or use a latrine Wash your hands with soap and water or use a waterless hand cleanser when you are done Cathole Find a private spot at least 200 feet 75 steps from water campsites and trails Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep with your heel a stick or a shovel Organisms
17. you will need and may suggest how you can make the most of your campouts Get permission from owners before camping on private property Water You will need water for drinking cooking and cleanup several gallons a day for each Scout Public water supplies faucets and drinking fountains are safest and can often be found in frontcountry campsites Water taken from streams rivers or lakes must be properly treated before use Camping in dry regions can be very rewarding though you must carefully plan how you will transport the water you need to your camp MAKING CAMP BREAKING CAMP Open Water Water taken from streams lakes and springs may contain bacteria and parasites too small for you to see Treat any water that does not come from a tested source using one of the following methods Boiling Bringing water to a rolling boil for a full minute or more will kill most organisms Treatment tablets can quickly lose their strength after a bottle has been opened Find the date on the label and use only fresh tablets Bo SH Treatment Tablets Water treatment tablets are sold small bottles just right for hikers and campers The label usually instructs you to drop one or two tablets into a quart of water and then wait 30 minutes before drinking Tablets may leave a chemical taste in the water After the tablets have had a full 30 minutes to do their work you can improve the flavor by adding some drink
18. Division Boy Scouts of America 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane Box 152079 Irving TX 75015 2079 me WHO PAYS FOR THIS PAMPHLET This merit badge pamphlet is one a series of more than 100 covering k all kinds of hobby and career subjects It is made available for you to buy as a service of the national and local councils Boy Scouts of America The costs of the development writing and editing of the _ merit badge pamphlets are paid for by the Boy Scouts of America in order to bring you the best book at a reasonable price BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA MERIT BADGE SERIES CAMPING OF AMERICA Note to the Counselor The Camping merit badge challenges Scouts mentally and physically Camping helps the Boy Scouts of America deliver the promise of outdoor adventure to Boy Scouts At all times that Scouts participate in a BSA activity they must have the of age who understands the potential risks associated with the trek This person knowingly accepts responsibility for the well being and safety of the youth in his or her care Keep fit Require evidence of fitness from youth and adults by having each participant fill out a current BSA Personal Health and Medical Record Class III form No one should participate in a trek or activity for which he or she is not physically prepared Plan ahead For travel of more than 500 miles submit the National Tour Permit Application to the loca
19. ING PREPARATION Menu and Recipe Ideas Once you know how many meals you need write down what you want to prepare and eat for each of those meals The menus and recipes here will give you some ideas Other ideas might come from your parents other Scouts in your patrol the Boy Scout Handbook Fieldbook or the Cooking merit badge pamphlet SAMPLE MENUS Trail breakfast instant hot cereal mixed dried fruits cocoa Camp breakfast pancakes apple milk or orange juice RECIPE FOR INSTANT PANCAKES e Pancake mix complete variety that needs only water Large resealable bag Before leaving for camp measure the necessary amount of pancake mix in a plastic bag On the bag write how much water to add At camp add water seal the bag knead to mix and pour in small dollops from the bag onto the hot griddle Watch the pancakes closely When the small bubbles at the edges of the pancake begin to burst turn the pancakes Continue until you have as many pancakes as needed Save leftover pancake batter by carefully resealing the bag for later use and placing it in a cooler Trail lunch peanut butter and jelly sandwich carrot sticks chocolate pudding juice canned or boxed Camp lunch hot dogs with condiments pickle relish mustard ketchup pork n beans sliced pears choco late milk Camp lunch tomato soup grilled ham and cheese sandwich with pickles on the side corn chips app
20. It can bring out the best in everyone as sroups of friends put their energies into practicing outdoor kills solving problems and having great times together You can increase your understanding of personal health and safety onservation and the citizenship responsibilities of caring for the land Most of all camping allows your Scout spirit and the meaning of the Scout Oath and Law to shine through in all that you do Scout Oath On my honor will do my best To do my duty to God and my country And to obey the Scout Law help other people at all times keep myself physically strong Mentally awake and morally straight Scout Law Scout is trustworthy loyal helpful friendly courteous kind obedient cheerful thrifty brave clean and reverent CAMPING 61 CAMPING RESOURCES Camping Resources Scouting Literature Boy Scout Handbook Basic Illustrated Camping Okpik Cold Weather Camping Don t Get Sick Leave No Trace Passport to High Adventure Fieldbook Conservation Handbook Topping Out Backpacking Bird Study Canoeing Cooking Cycling First Aid Fishing Fly Fishing Hiking Mammal Study Nature Orienteering Rowing Small Boat Sailing Snow Sports Whitewater and Wilderness Survival merit badge pamphlets Visit the Boy Scouts of America s official retail Web site at http www scoutstuff org for a complete listing of all merit badge pamphlets and other helpful Scouting mat
21. amping Task Force for their practical and technical expertise James Bean James Blair Jim Erwin Marshall Hollis William Kane C Mont Mahoney Edwin Morrison M D Gene Schnell David Shows Ph D and Darrell Winn The BSA is grateful to the Quick list Consulting Committee of the Association for Library Service to Children a division of the American Library Association for its assistance with updating the resources section of this merit badge pamphlet 64 CAMPING Photo and Illustration Credits Omega Studios cover sleeping bag and page 35 Photos com cover knife pages 13 14 18 21 31 top 50 59 and 60 All other photos are the property of or are protected by the Boy Scouts of America Dan Bryant pages 32 top 34 36 bottom 51 top left and 52 top John Fulton cover pack and page 45 top Daniel Giles cover GPS receiver and page 56 Roy Jansen cover compass John McDearmon page 4 both Christian Michaels page 7 Brian Payne pages 22 25 29 30 45 bottom and 55 Randy Piland pages 26 46 54 top and 57 MERIT BADGE LIBRARY Though intended as an aid to Boy Scouts Varsity Scouts and qualified Venturers in meeting merit badge requirements these pamphlets are of general interest and are made available by many schools and public libraries The latest revision date of each pamphlet might not correspond with the copyright date shown below because this list
22. and always leave gates exactly as you found them 6 Treat the landowner s livestock and other animals with respect 7 Keep noise to a minimum especially at night and follow the rules on building fires in camp 8 Practice Leave No Trace 9 Thank the owner as you leave or send a thank you note 10 When obtaining permission to enter a property never underestimate your departure time and if you specify an exit time leave at that time 11 Do not repeatedly frequent the same sites limit camping in the backcountry at one location to no more than three days 12 Clean up and remove trash and whenever possible repair damage left by inconsiderate visitors Hantavirus This deadly airborne virus is spread through con tact with the urine and feces of infected rodents Symptoms include fever chills muscle aches nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain and a dry nonproductive cough If you suspect someone has been infected seek medical treatment immediately Rabies prevention Remind Scouts to steer clear of wild animals and of domestic animals that they do not know If someone is scratched or bitten by a potentially rabid animal wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water Immediately seek med ical attention Get a description of the animal and notify local animal control officials police or board of health The guidelines mentioned here are discussed in greater detail in the Guide to Safe Scouting with which
23. ar the weight of the pot 3 Never leave a burning stove unattended 4 Let a stove cool completely before you put it away In preparation for long term storage a month or more empty the fuel tank 5 Do not open the fuel cap of a hot stove or attempt to refuel a hot stove 6 Store liquid fuel only in well marked metal fuel bottles designed specifically for that use 7 Even if they are empty keep fuel bottles and canisters away from sources of heat 8 Reduce fire danger at home by storing all fuel containers in a shed garage or other uninhabited structure not inside your house CAMPO GEARING UP A few utensils will help you turn out tasty meals with ease Depending on your menus consider taking a spatula ladle stirring spoon vegetable peeler and can opener 44 CAMPING Cook Kits and Utensils As you plan meals for a campout list the pots and pans you will need for preparing each dish Your list might include a frying pan and pots of various sizes each with a lid to hold in heat and keep out insects and dust Your troop may have its own Boy Scout cook kits If not check secondhand stores and garage sales for good buys on used pots and pans Complete the kit with a pair of hot pot tongs for safely lifting pots and pans from the stove To carry cooking gear divide the items among the members of your group Save space by stuffing the pots with spare clothing or food packets befo
24. ated by people breathing inside the tent passes through the tent body keeping the interior dry and comfortable Because of the great variety of tents on the market today be sure you follow the manufacturer s instruc tions on how to pitch your tent Practice pitching your tent before you go camping Here are a few tips for pitching a tent e At the campsite choose a level site that drains well Remove stones and large sticks but try not to disturb the natural ground cover Spread out a ground cloth to protect the tent floor from dirt sharp objects and moisture Unfold the tent on top of the ground cloth Pull out the corners of the floor and stake them to the ground then assemble the poles and put them in place Use taut line hitches to tie the free ends of guylines around stakes you have pushed into the ground and pull the lines tight Puta rain fly over the tent and stake it down Modern tents are often rated as three season good for spring summer and autumn use or four season reliable in any conditions including winter camping Four season tents may have additional poles and more durable fabric thus making them sturdier but heavier CARIES GEARI Dome tent 38 CAMPING Common Tent Shapes Tarps The simplest of all tents a tarp can be pitched in many ways as a lean to for instance or a pyramid or a pup tent The advantages of a tarp are its ligh
25. ater wash pot hot water with a few drops of biodegradable soap e Hot water rinse pot clear hot rinse water Cold water rinse pot cold water with a sanitizing tablet or a few drops of bleach to kill bacteria Dealing With Leftovers Carry food scraps home in a trash bag Don t bury leftover food or scatter it in the woods Animals will almost always find it and it is not healthy for them to eat Food scraps can draw animals close to campsites where they may lose their fear of humans That can be danger ous for them and for you MAKING CAMP BREAKING CAMP Wash out jars and cans and carry them home for recycling Save space by cutting out the ends and then flattening cans 54 CAMPING Dishwater Disposal For campouts lasting no more than a couple of days use a small kitchen strainer to remove food bits from your wash water and put them in your trash Carry the wash and rinse water away from camp and at least 75 steps from any streams or lakes Give it a good fling spreading it over a wide area For longer stays at one site dig a sump hole at the edge of camp and at least 200 feet from streams lakes or other open water Make the hole about a foot across and 2 feet deep Pour dishwater through the kitchen strainer into the hole or place a piece of window screen across the hole and pour the water into the sump through that The strainer or s
26. creen will catch food particles so that you can shake them into a trash bag Fill the sump hole when you break camp and replace any ground cover Food Storage Store your food where it will be safe from animals insects dust debris and bad weather Frontcountry campers can use vehicles coolers or plastic buckets with tightly fitted lids as storage units In the backcountry and any where that bears may be present a bear bag is often the answer Not only will your food be secured hanging any thing with an aroma will give bears no reason to linger in your camp Land managers of camping areas frequented by bears can give you further information about the best ways to store your food Their suggestions may include using metal bear boxes or other storage canisters that cannot be opened by wildlife are three ways to suspend food and other smellables 1 Find a tree with a sturdy horizontal branch about 20 feet above the ground Put a couple of handfuls of soil in a bandanna or plastic bag and secure it to the end of a 50 foot length of nylon parachute cord Toss the weight over the branch Stash your provisions in a sturdy plastic trash bag or waterproof stuff sack Twist it closed and secure it to one end of the cord with a clove hitch Pull the other end of the cord to raise the bottom of the bag at least 12 feet off the ground and 8 feet away from tree trunks well beyond the reach of any bears Secure the f
27. d dishwater 4 Leave what you find Preserve the past examine but do not touch cultural historic structures and artifacts Do not pick plants or disturb natural settings animals and archaeological artifacts Enjoy them where they are It may be illegal to remove or disturb wildlife and artifacts Leave rocks plants and other natural objects as you find them Do not dig trenches or build lean tos tables or chairs 5 Minimize campfire impacts Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light Where fires are permitted use established fire rings Keep fires small Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand Burn all wood and coals to ash put out campfires completely then scatter cool ashes 6 Respect wildlife Observe wildlife from a distance Do not approach them Never feed animals Feeding them damages their health alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely Avoid wildlife during sensitive times mating nesting raising young and enduring winter 7 Be considerate of other visitors Respect other visitors privacy and property Be courteous Yield to other users on the trail Camp away from trails and other visitors Let nature s sounds prevail
28. e of the greatest Scouting traditions What Is Camping When the naturalist John Muir began hiking into the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada in the 1870s he carried little more than bread or crackers some grain meal and a bit of sugar and tea He had several cans he could use as pots At night he rolled up in a couple of blankets and built a fire to keep warm With his light load Muir ranged far and wide among the rugged California peaks Today members of a Scout troop in a small Midwestern town hike through farm fields and along dusty roads to a patch of woods where they settle in for the night Scouts from a com munity in the mountains climb a steep trail to an alpine lake their backpacks filled with just the right gear for a wilderness trek A Scout patrol makes itself comfortable for an exciting week of long term camping at a favorite council camp On foot in canoes rafts and sailboats or with strings of pack animals expeditions of older Scouts set off on challenging itineraries at BSA high adventure bases across the country And every four or five years Boy Scouts by the thousands gather for the national Scout jamboree They pitch their tents in circles or rows cook their own meals and spend their days building friendships and sampling a wide range of Scouting skills and events John Muir was camping So are all of these Scouts Camping is such a wide open activity that it has room for everyone from 10 backpackers m
29. ents must let group lead ers know ahead of time the exact nature of their situa tion and how they should be treated for an asthma attack or an allergic reaction They also should consult with their physicians to prepare themselves for outdoor activities with strategies and treatment kits and should share that information with their group leaders Leave No Trace and the Outdoor Code From the Appalachians to the Cascades and from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes America is blessed with magnificent open country As a camper you will have many chances to enjoy America s expanses but with that privilege comes a great responsibility to cause no harm to the environment The BSA has adopted the principles of Leave No Trace to help Scouts enjoy their experience to the fullest but in ways that protect the areas where they travel The rewards of leaving no trace are well worth learning new skills The future of unspoiled territory and the continuing opportunity to visit it depends in large part on how responsibly Scouts today conduct themselves In order to write a personal and group plan for implement ing these principles on a camping trip become familiar with the seven principles of Leave No Trace The Principles of Leave No Trace 1 Plan ahead and prepare In advance obtain information concerning geography and weather and plan accordingly Know the regulations and special concerns of the area you ll visit and keep
30. erials and supplies Books Adare Sierra Backcountry Cooking Feasts for Hikers Hoofers and Floaters Tamarack Books 1996 Birkby Robert Lightly on the Land The SCA Manual of Backcountry Work Skills Mountaineers Books 1996 Forgey William Basic Essentials Wilderness First Aid 2nd ed Globe Pequot Press 1999 62 CAMPING Gorman Stephen AMC Guide to Winter Camping Globe Pequot Press 1999 Graham John Outdoor Leadership Technique Common Sense amp Self Confidence Mountaineers Books 1997 Hampton Bruce and David Cole Soft Paths How to Enjoy the Wilderness Without Harming It Stackpole Books 1995 Harmon Will Leave No Trace Minimum Impact Outdoor Recreation Falcon 1997 Hart John Walking Softly in the Wilderness The Sierra Club Guide to Backpacking 3rd ed Sierra Club Books 1998 Harvey Mark The National Outdoor Leadership School s Wilderness Guide The Classic Handbook Fireside 1999 Jacobson Cliff Map and Compass 2nd ed Basic Essentials Series Globe Pequot Press 1999 McGivney Annette Leave No Trace A Guide to the New Wilderness Etiquette 2nd ed Mountaineers Books 2003 CAMPING RESOURCES Pearson Claudia editor NOLS National Outdoor Leadership School Cookery 4th ed Stackpole Books 1997 Randall Glenn The Outward Bound Backpacking Handbook Lyons Press 2000 Viehman John editor Trailside s Hints and Tips for Outdoor Ad
31. g is sheltered from the wind and chilly or wet weather and has had enough to eat and drink If the person does not rapidly improve and the elevation is above 8 000 feet treat for altitude sickness as well Hyperventilation Stress and anxiety about outdoor adventures can sometimes cause a person to suffer from hyperventilation quick shallow breathing that can upset the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body Someone experiencing hyperventilation can become light headed faint and sometimes feel tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes Treating Hyperventilation The symptoms of hyperventilation usually will go away if the person relaxes and slows his breath ing Removing the causes of his anxiety is important too either by moving to a different location or by talking through the situ ation Extensive or repeated episodes of hyperventilation might be signs of other medical concerns and should be checked out by a physician Managing Asthma and Allergic Reactions Asthma and allergies are seldom barriers for Scouts to participate fully in troop campouts For example if a Scout is severely allergic to peanuts his troop can operate as a peanut free zone during meetings and camping trips That will create a safe environment for everyone and will show the values of Scouting in action by making opportunities for adventures available to everyone Scouts who have asthma or allergies to certain foods bee stings or other ag
32. he difference between internal and external frame packs Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each Discuss the types of sleeping bags and what kind would be suitable for different conditions Explain the proper care of your sleeping bag and how to keep it dry Make a comfortable ground bed CAMPING 7 ze 7 Prepare for an overnight campout with your patrol by doing b On any of these camping experiences you must do the following TWO of the following only with proper preparation a Make a checklist of personal and patrol gear that will and under qualified supervision be needed 1 Hike up a mountain gaining at least b Pack your own gear and your share of the patrol equip 1 000 vertical feet ment and food for proper carrying Show that your pack 2 Backpack snowshoe or cross country ski for is right for quickly getting what is needed first and that at least 4 miles it has been assembled properly for comfort weight bal 3 Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at ance size and neatness least four hours 8 Do the following 4 Take a nonmotorized trip on the water of at a Explain the safety procedures for least four hours or 5 miles 1 Using a propane or butane propane stove 5 Plan and carry out an overnight snow camping experience 2 Using a liquid fuel stove 3 6 Rappel down a rappel route of 30 feet or more roper storage of extra fue Pe
33. here s no need to become upset even if the rain has cut short other outdoor activities Now and then there is nothing better than tent time in a storm With a dry tent a warm sleeping bag and a good book you in settle in for a few relaxed hours Add good friends to share tories and games and you will find that being weather bound in of camping s great pleasures Don t forget that requirement 9c calls for you to perform a conser vation project approved by the landowner or land management agency Your merit badge counselor will be a good source of information as you plan and carry out your project See the Environmental Science and Soil and Water Conservation merit badge pamphlets for ideas too 56 CAMPING CAMPING 67 AAKING BREA 3 CAMP s G CA BREAKING CAMI MAKING CAMP BREAKING CAMP Back Home Going to just leave that pack on the floor when you get home Taking care of your gear lengthens the life of your gear too Clean and air out all of your gear including sleeping bags Then hang up the sleeping bags or store them loosely in large cotton sacks Set up tents or hang them from a clothesline or indoors Wash your dirty clothes Scrub all pots and pans clean Brush any dirt or mud from your boots and treat them with boot dressing to keep the leather flexible and water repellent Lastly start planning another adventure The next t
34. hical map and a GPS receiver If no GPS receiver unit is available explain how to use one to get to your camping spot Do the following a Make a duty roster showing how your patrol is organized for an actual overnight campout List assignments for each member b Help a Scout patrol or a Webelos Scout unit in your area prepare for an actual campout including creating the duty roster menu planning equipment needs general planning and setting up camp Do the following a Prepare a list of clothing you would need for overnight campouts in both warm and cold weather Explain the term layering b Discuss footwear for different kinds of weather and how the right footwear is important for protecting your feet Explain the proper care and storage of camping equipment clothing footwear bedding List the outdoor essentials necessary for any campout and explain why each item is needed Present yourself to your Scoutmaster with your pack for inspection Be correctly clothed and equipped for an overnight campout 6 Do the following a Describe the features of four types of tents when and where they could be used and how to care for tents Working with another Scout pitch a tent Discuss the importance of camp sanitation and tell why water treatment is essential Then demonstrate two ways to treat water Describe the factors to be considered in deciding where to pitch your tent Tell t
35. hinner and contains less oxygen Within a few days your body will acclimate to higher altitudes by producing extra red blood cells to carry more oxygen to your tissues and organs and you should feel fine Taking steps to help prevent altitude sickness is far better than suffering from it during a camping trip The following sug gestions can make your alpine adventures more comfortable and more fun too Drink plenty of fluids As a rule take in enough water so that your urine remains clear rather than dark yellow Give your body time to acclimate gradually as you go higher Spend a few days at 5 000 to 7 000 feet and then a few more at 8 000 to 10 000 feet e Climb high sleep low Use this mountaineer s trick for acclimating by hiking upward during the day and then descending to a lower camp for a good night s rest Altitude Sickness Symptoms and Treatment Watch for any or all of these symptoms of altitude sickness headache nausea unusual tiredness loss of motivation Going down a few thousand feet in elevation will almost always relieve these symptoms Rest fluids and food may also help If symptoms persist or worsen seek medical assistance CAMPING 17 ss PREPARATION 18 CAMPING Hypothermia The symptoms of altitude sickness also can be warning signs of hypothermia Begin treatment for hypothermia by making sure that the person is warm is wearing dry clothin
36. home after the sun has m gone down Carry spare batteries and an extra bulb Trail food You ll burn a lot of energy the outdoors A stash of nuts raisins and dried fruits will help keep you going especially if a trip lasts longer than expected Matches and fire starters Camp without relying on an open fire but be prepared to build one in an emergency by carrying several fire starters that are reliable durable and protected from the elements Sun protection Sunburn is a common injury in the outdoors Repeated burns can cause long term dam age and skin cancer Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 Map and compass Use them to find your way through unfamiliar terrain when visibility is poor and where expected trail signs are missing CAMPING 11 GEARING UP GEARING UP Carry your outdoor essentials on every Scout outing When you want to camp out under the stars add Clothing Checklist personal and group overnight gear Personal Overnight Camping Gear Clothing for the season see box for warm and cold weather camping Backpack Rain cover for backpack Sleeping bag or two or three blankets Ground cloth and pad Eating kit spoon plate bowl cup Cleanup kit soap toothbrush toothpaste dental For Warm Weather Camping Tshirt or short sleeved shirt lightweight Hiking shorts Underwear Socks Long sleeved shirt lightweight Long pants lightweight Sweate
37. ice For backcountry treks depend more upon grains pastas and dehydrated or dried ingredients When you in the frontcountry or travel by watercraft or with pack animals the weight of your food may not be a critical factor Besides taking items that are fresh or canned you might be able to include additional cooking gear too a Dutch oven for stews and baking desserts for example or a griddle for a big breakfast of flapjacks bacon and eggs Trim the weight of your backpack by eliminating water from your provisions Grains pastas cereals and dried or dehy drated fruits vegetables soup mixes and sauces provide plenty of punch per pound Repackage food in resealable plastic bags to reduce clutter and weight On a piece of tape attached to each bag write the contents of the bag and the meal for which it will be used Cook Safely The first item involved in safe cooking is of course the food Meats and dairy foods must be kept cold during storage and once meat is removed from its protective wrapper the cook must take care to keep it separate from other food items Because bacteria can grow in meat the meat must be cooked thoroughly as soon as it is no longer kept cold Likewise any uneaten cooked meat must be properly stored and kept cold to eliminate the tisk of growing bacteria For more information on protecting food from contamination see the Cooking merit badge pamphlet 26 CAMP
38. ime you want to go camping and it won t be long you will already be well on your way to the great out of doors Breaking Camp All good things must come to an end and that includes camp ing trips As you break camp keep in mind these suggestions Leave the dining fly in place until you are almost ready to go It can serve as a last minute shelter for people and gear With the doors open shake out the tents before stuffing them in their storage sacks Check the locations of catholes and latrines to be sure they have been buried and ground cover has been restored If you used an established fire lay dig through the cold ashes Remove and pack out any bits of food metal and other litter and trash e Inspect the areas used for cooking food storage and tents and be sure you have picked up everything you brought to camp Leave the campsite looking better than you found it 58 CAMPING CAMPING 59 GIVING FULL MEANING TO CAMPING Giving Full Meaning to Camping Whether you pitch your tent in the same place many times or you enjoy a campsite and then move on everywhere that you sleep in the open becomes part of your personal outdoor history You will be surprised over the years how often these adventures come to mind and with what pleasure you remember the places that at least for one night you called home Camping is a central activity of the Boy Scout experience ind for good reason
39. k kit pots and pans spatula large spoon and or ladle plastic sheets two 4 by 4 foot matches and or butane lighters in waterproof containers Cleanup kit sponge or dishcloth biodegradable soap sanitizing rinse agent bleach scouring pads no soap type plastic trash bags toilet paper in plastic bag Repair kit thread needles safety pins Group extras optional hot pot tongs camp shovel plastic water container washbasin grill pot rods patrol flag small U S flag ax camp saw 32 CAMPING CAMPING 33 GEARING UP 34 CAMPING Footwear for Camping Almost any durable shoes will do for a frontcountry camping trip When your plans include walking to a backcountry campsite with all your food and gear in your pack hiking boots can give your feet and ankles protection and support In addition to boots for hiking you might want to carry a pair of running shoes or other comfortable lightweight shoes to wear around camp Any shoes or boots you use for camping must fit well Your heels should not slip much when you walk and your toes should have a little wiggle room Clean your boots or shoes after every outing Use stiff brush to remove mud or wash them off with water and mild soap then allow footwear to dry at room temperature Placing shoes too close to a campfire can dry out leather and damage nylon The manufac turers of leather boots might recommend treatment with a boot dressing or water
40. l council service proper supervision By following the guidelines under III Camping in the BSA s Guide to Safe Scouting unit leaders can help ensure the well being of Boy Scouts under their supervi sion Those guidelines are discussed here briefly center at least a month before the departure date For activi ties off the local council property and within 500 miles of home base submit the Local Tour Permit Application Units should anticipate a range of weather conditions and tem peratures and develop an alternate itinerary Wilderness camping Have plan to help minimize risks and manage a crisis should one occur Involve Scouts and Scouters 4 Gear up Procure topographic maps as well as current trail in this process so that they all know of and know how to avoid maps for the area of the trek Take equipment and clothing potential dangers Camping takes proper planning leadership that is appropriate for the weather and unit skill level is in and good judgment good condition and is properly sized for each participant Trail safety Stay alert take care in everything that is done 5 Communicate clearly and completely Communication is on the trail and plan activities within the group s ability and a key to a safe outdoor adventure Complete and share a trip maturity level Alert youth members to the dangers of unusual plan of the trek with a contact person in the home area At 4 environment with proper instructi
41. le juice CAMPING 27 4 PREPARATION 28 CAMPING Trail dinner instant chicken and rice soup heated sliced beef on wheat rolls carrot sticks milk Camp dinner black bean soup Texas hash lettuce and tomato salad fried bananas milk RECIPE FOR TEXAS HASH 1 tablespoon cooking oil 1 pound ground meat 1 large onion chopped 1 medium bell pepper chopped Garlic powder to taste 1 8 ounce can stewed tomatoes 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 cup cooked rice Salt pepper to taste Grated Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese optional In a Dutch oven heat oil over the campfire or stove and brown the meat stirring to break up chunks Set meat aside on a plate Add onion bell pepper and garlic powder to pan Cook just until tender Add tomatoes tomato sauce meat and chili powder mix well Add rice season to taste Bake until hot 20 to 25 minutes Sprinkle grated cheese on top during the last five minutes of baking Duty Roster Cooperation keeps a camp running smoothly So does having one or two people in charge of each essential activity A duty roster lists the work that needs to be done and assigns tasks to each member of a group During long term camping Scouts can switch chores each day after lunch On overnight outings each Scout can perform one duty then take on a different responsibility for the next campout PREPARATION A typical duty roster might break camp tasks into these tasks
42. metimes used to make tents Because they do not need a rain fly these single wall breathable tents are lightweight yet strong enough to stand harsh conditions On the other hand they are usually small can be clammy in warm weather and may be very expensive around your tent they leave scars on the ground that can take a long time to heal Wall tent Wall Tents For long term frontcountry outings such as a week at a BSA council camp your group may use wall tents Large enough for several Scouts to unroll their sleeping bags on the floor or on cots modern wall tents are constructed of canvas a polyes ter cotton blend or nylon A ridgepole running between two upright poles holds the tent erect Windows or the side walls of nany large tents can be opened in hot weather to allow interior entilation Most wall tents are too heavy and cumbersome for se on backcountry campouts CAMPING w GEARING UP 40 CAMPING Tent Care Take off your boots before crawling into a tent Stocking feet are kinder to tent floors and you won t track in mud Store your boots by the tent door under the shelter of the rain fly The stitched seams in the rain flies of new tents may need to be sealed to prevent moisture from leaking through New tents usually include seam sealer and the manufacturer s instructions for applying it Tent fabric can be harmed by too much exposure to sunlight Of course your tent may be
43. n be reached with the help of a topographical map and a compass The Boy Scout Handbook can provide you with guidelines for using compass and a map to find your way The Fieldbook and the Orienteering merit badge pamphlet contain more detailed information on route finding in all kinds of terrain Ran CAMPING 4 MAKING CAMP BREAKING CAMP Global Positioning System The global positioning system or GPS gives travelers a powerful electronic means of navigation A GPS receiver small enough to fit in your pocket accurately calculates the longitude and latitude of any spot on the globe by taking bearings on satellites orbiting 12 000 miles above Earth With it you can identify where you are plot a course to a campsite or other destination and keep track of your elevation above sea level As you move you can program a GPS receiver to plot the record of your route then use it later to retrace your steps Refer to the user s manual that comes with a GPS receiver to explore its many capabilities Be aware though that just as having a calculator does not eliminate the need to know how to add and subtract a GPS receiver especially one with dead batteries is no substitute for being able to navigate the backcountry with traditional tools Develop confidence in your ability to use maps and compasses and then if you wish use them with a GPS receiver 48 CAMPING MAKING CAMP BREAKING CAMP Selecting
44. nal Management 2003 Woodwork 2003 Energy 2005 Pets 2005 BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA SUPPLY DIVISION NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER DIRECT MAIL CENTER 2109 Westinghouse Boulevard P O Box 909 P O Box 7143 Pineville NC 28134 0909 Charlotte NC 28241 7143 For fast credit card orders VISA MasterCard American Express call BSA operators toll free 1 800 323 0732 www scoutstuff org O i
45. on on fire safety orienteering any time the itinerary changes a leader relays the changes and safe travel On the trail instruct group members to stay to the contact person who then relays them to the Scouts together and avoid loose rocks and dangerous ledges cliffs parents The leader should carry the telephone numbers or and areas where a fall might occur When Scouts understand contact information of medical and emergency services in the reason for rules of safety they more willingly abide by the area of the trek Leaders should constantly communicate those rules with each other and the entire crew It is strongly recommended that at least one person in the group be currently trained in first aid through the American Red 6 Monitor conditions Leaders are responsible for making Cross or any recognized agency good decisions during the trek conservatively estimating the capabilities and stamina of the group If adverse conditions develop the group is prepared to stop or turn back Trek Safely Fun and safe overnight trekking activities require compliance with Trek Safely by both adult and youth leaders 7 Discipline Each participant knows understands and respects the rules and procedures for safe trekking and has been oriented in Trek Safely Adult and youth leaders must be strict and fair showing no favoritism 1 Qualified supervision All backcountry treks must be supervised by a mature conscientious adult at least 21 yea
46. oving lightly through a wilderness area to 10 000 Scouts pitching their tents in campsites reachable by a road Scouts setting off on camping trips share an eagerness to live simply and well and to put the values of Scouting in motion by doing all they can to protect the environment they are privileged to enjoy gt m PREPARATION Preparation Of all that you can take with you on a camping trip the most important thing is knowledge Plan ahead and you can be fairly sure that you will have everything you need both in your pack and in your head to make a camping trip a success Start by thinking about how you will manage risk Risk Management Risk management is so much a part of camping that we often don t notice we are doing it When we fill bottles with water from streams and lakes we deal with the potential risk of parasites by treating the water with a filter boiling it or using chemical treatment When we share the backcoun try with bears we protect them and ourselves by hang ing our food out of their reach eliminating odors from our sleeping areas and keeping campsites spotless When foul weather blows in routes become uncomfortably exposed streams swell or snow loads make ava lanches a possibility we make decisions that keep risks at acceptable levels Perhaps the greatest risk to be managed in the backcountry is also one of its real attractions the simple matter of di
47. proofing agent follow their instructions Be sure to break in new boots before using them in the field Wear them several times gradually extending the length of time you wear them until they feel like a nat ural part of your feet Sleeping Bag On clear summer nights a ground bed made up with a blanket or two may provide all the warmth you need For most camp ing though a sleeping bag is the way to go The outer fabric of a sleeping bag is called the shell Usually made of nylon it can shield you from gusts of wind and may be treated by the manu facturer to repel dew and light mist Contained within the shell is an insulating fill material that traps your body warmth and holds it close to you Thin fabric walls called baffles are sewn into the shell to keep the fill mate rial spaced evenly throughout the bag GEARING UP The warmest fill material per ounce is goose down the fluffy underfeathers of waterfowl Explorers mountaineers and campers through the decades have relied on down when they expected to sleep out in the cold Down bags are expensive cannot keep you warm when they are wet and are difficult to dry in camp unless the sun comes out With all of that in mind it s still a fact that down bags are good when campers want to travel as lightly as possible and have the experience to keep their bags dry Synthetic fill can be almost as light as goose down but it seldom is as costly Its greatest advantage i
48. r or warm jacket For Cold Weather Camping Long sleeved shirt Long pants fleece or wool Sweater fleece or wool Long underwear polypropylene Socks wool or synthetic blend Warm hooded parka or jacket Stocking hat fleece or wool Mittens or gloves fleece or floss comb washcloth towel Brimmed hat wool with water resistant shells Personal extras optional watch camera and film Bandannas Wool scarf notebook pencil or pen sunglasses small musical Rain gear Rain gear instrument swimsuit gloves Group Overnight Camping Gear Tents with poles stakes ground cloths and lines Dining fly Nylon cord 50 feet Layering For the most comfort in the outdoors with the least weight in your pack use the layering system Choose layers of clothing that when combined will meet the most extreme weather you expect to encounter On a chilly autumn day for example you might set out from the trailhead wearing long pants a wool hirt a fleece sweater mittens and a stocking hat As you hike the effort will cause your body to generate heat Peel off the weater and stuff it in your pack Still too warm Loosen a few uttons on your shirt or slip off your mittens and hat You also can use layering to keep cool in hot climates by ripping down to hiking shorts a T shirt and a brimmed hat sitweight long pants and a long sleeved shirt will shield you insects brush and the sun Backpacking stoves and fuel Coo
49. re might include several pots part of a tent camp stove and some food Arrange soft items in your pack so they will cushion your back Keep your rain gear flashlight first aid kit water bottle and hike food near the top of your pack or in its outside pockets where you can reach them easily If there is room stow your sleeping bag inside your pack Otherwise cover it with a ground cloth or a plastic trash can liner to protect it from the elements Tuck it under the pack s top flap or strap it to the external frame Some Scouts put a trash can liner inside a stuff sack first then stuff the sleeping bag into it The resulting bundle is neat waterproof and easy to pack With everything in place try on your pack Is it comfort able Does it feel balanced Are the straps and hip belt properly adjusted Are the items on the outside of the pack secured so that they won t swing around or fall off as you hike Make any changes now so that you can hit the trail with a pack that is balanced neat and easy to carry CAMPING At _ MAKING CAMP BREAKING Making Camp Breaking Camp Getting There here are many ways you can travel to camp Often you will hike in perhaps a short distance perhaps many miles Your group may journey to frontcountry camp by automobile van bus or bicycle Where lakes and streams abound you may go in canoes or a raft guided with oars Many campsites ca
50. re you put them into your packs Carry large pots by slipping them over the ends of sleeping bags strapped to external frame packs Cook kits may vary depending on the type of camping your troop or patrol has planned Plastic Sheets A couple of plastic sheets about 4 feet square can serve as clean surfaces for food preparation and equipment storage Water Containers Besides individual water bottles you may find it convenient to have a few collapsible plastic water con tainers for use in camp Common container sizes are 1 gallon and 2 gallons Cleanup Materials Dishwashing is easier if you have the right supplies Several soapless scouring pads a rinse agent and a little biodegradable soap will take care of most of your needs A convenient way to stow pots pans and personal eating gear is by placing items as soon as they are washed in a small fishnet hammock strung between two trees or in a mesh bag tied to a branch Trash Bags Large plastic trash can liners come in handy as storage sacks as emergency ponchos and pack covers and for suspending food on bear lines They can also be used for carry ing trash home at the end of a trip Pack Your Pack You have planned a campout and gathered your food and gear After loading everything into your pack there should be little left to do except head out the door and let the adventure begin Besides your own gear you probably will carry some group equipment Your sha
51. ree end of the cord to a tree 2 If there is not a good branch nearby find two trees about 20 to 30 feet apart Toss a line over a branch close to the trunk of one tree then toss the other end of the line over a branch of the second tree Tie your bear bag to the center of the line and hoist it high between the two trees 3 Bears accustomed to raiding campsites may be smart enough to claw loose the tied end of a cord To prevent that divide your provisions equally between two bear bags Raise one up to a high branch as you would in the first bag hanging method Tie the free end of the cord to the second bag and lift it overhead Use a stick or hiking staff to shove it out of reach of animals The bags will counterbalance one another and your food will be safe To retrieve the bags use a stick to push one bag even higher causing the other to come down within your grasp CAMPING MAKING CAMP BREAKING CAMP MAKING CAMP BREAKING CAMP Fun in Camp Setting up and managing a camp takes time but there is more to camping in the outdoors than that A campout can get you close to an area where you can enjoy an exciting activity swimming for example or kayaking photography or environ mental studies As you plan a trip think about the opportuni ties for adventure within easy reach of your campsite Other possibilities include Take day hike to a lake the top of a mountain a scenic vista or another point of
52. rform a conservation project approved by the landowner or land managing agency b Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of lightweight cooking stoves Prepare a camp menu Explain how the menu would differ from a menu for a backpacking or float trip Give recipes and make a food list for your patrol Plan two breakfasts three lunches and two suppers Discuss how to protect your food against bad weather animals and contamination d Cook at least one breakfast one lunch and one dinner for your patrol from the meals you have planned for requirement 8c At least one of those meals must be a trail meal requiring the use of a lightweight stove 9 Show experience in camping by doing the following a Camp a total of at least 20 days and 20 nights The 20 days and 20 nights must be at a designated Scouting activity or event Sleep each night under the sky or in tent you have pitched You may use a week of long term camp toward this requirement If the camp provides a tent that has already been pitched you need not pitch 10 Discuss how the things you did to earn this badge have your owniteni taught you about personal health and safety survival public health conservation and good citizenship In your discussion tell how Scout spirit and the Scout Oath and Law apply to camping and outdoor ethics CAMPING CAMPING 9 Contents TO GU GH ODT eaten ween ens 12 PEDAGO S araa AS E EEA
53. rs 2005 Boy Scouts of America 35866 ISBN 978 0 8395 3256 9 2008 Printing CAMPING 3 4 CAMPING Beware of lightning During lightning storms avoid the sum mits of mountains crests of ridges slopes above timberline and large meadows If you see a storm approaching quickly descend to a lower elevation away from the direction of the approaching storm Instruct Scouts to squat down and keep their heads low Avoid isolated trees and trees much taller than adjacent trees and water metal objects and other substances that will conduct electricity over long distances If the threat of lightning strikes is great group members should spread out at least 100 feet apart and squat with feet close together Remove back packs with either external or internal metal frames In tents stay away from metal poles Treat all drinking water Serious illness can result from drink ing or cooking with untreated water Treat all water obtained along the trail or carry water from home BSA property smart Remember the three C s care courtesy and cleanliness Follow these guidelines 1 In advance obtain permission from landowners 2 When visiting public lands obtain a permit in advance from the land management agency 3 Park only in designated areas 4 If you must mark a trail bring small signs that can be placed as the group enters and removed upon leaving 5 Obtain permission to cross private property
54. s that it can keep you warm even when your sleeping bag gets wet You will of course much more comfortable dry synthetic fill than in a wet one so don t be careless with it in stormy weather The useful ife of any sleeping Jag be extended if you remove it from its stuff sack between trips Store it by anging it in a closet or by placing it oosely in a large cotton laundry bag That will prevent the fill material from being overly compressed and circulating air will help keep the bag fresh Sleeping Pad Increase your comfort at night with a sleeping Jad Made of foam a pad will give you a soft surface on which to lie and will prevent the cold earth beneath you from drawing away your body heat Foam pads are often lighter and more durable than air mattresses and they insulate better Ground Cloth Keep moisture away from your bedding with a ground cloth a plastic sheet cut to the size of your sleeping bag or tent floor Tuck the edges of the ground cloth beneath the floor of your tent so that rainwater will not collect on the cloth and run under the tent CAMPING 1 GEARING UP When shopping for a new back pack ask the store clerk to load it with 20 to 30 Internal frame pack External frame pack pounds of weight Swing it onto your Packs can be either external or internal framed Many people feel that packs with internal frames fit better Streamlined
55. set up in a sunny place for a day or two during a campout but try to avoid leaving it pitched in the open when it is not in use or when you can put it in a shaded campsite instead Clean out your tent by sweeping it or if it is small by tipping it up and shaking out litter and debris To stow a tent in a storage sack first place the bundle of collapsed poles in the tent s stuff sack Next push a corner of the tent all the way to the bottom of the sack Continue stuffing the fabric alongside the poles A tent that seems dry in camp may have absorbed dew or ground moisture For that reason it is important that you always unpack your tent when you get home and set it up hang it over a clothesline or suspend it from nails in the rafters of a shed or basement Allow it to dry completely before storing it GEARING UP Stoves For much of Scouting s history no campout was complete without a wood fire Scouts prided themselves on their ability to kindle a blaze in any conditions even in a rainstorm They used fires to cook their meals and in the evenings as the center of a camp s activities There are times when a campfire is still appropriate and there are campsites where open fires will do little or no harm However Scouts today are wiser in knowing when not to build a fire Through Leave No Trace they understand that fires can leave scars on the land blackening stones and sterilizing soil Lighting campfires in hea
56. ssign to various Scouts the tasks of gathering equipment shopping for food and taking care of the other details of preparing for a camping trip 24 CAMPING Menus Camping builds big appetites With planning and practice you can match that hunger with mouth watering meals sure to keep you and your crew going strong all day When the key activities of an adventure take place away from your campsite rappelling for example or conservation projects float trips canoeing or wildlife photography make meal preparation quick and easy so that you can get back to the action as soon as possible On more leisurely campouts cooking can take center stage In stormy weather there is no better way to pass the time than firing up the camp stove and fixing something good to eat Dried Dehydrated Foods Much of the weight of many foods is water Remove it and the result is a selection of lightweight ingredients just right for campers Most grocery stores carry pow dered milk instant cocoa dehydrated potatoes and other vegetables soup mixes and many other dried foods Some camping stores sell entire camp meals that require only the addition of boiling water 1 PREPARATION SS Keep these suggestions in mind as you plan meals for a camping trip Select foods that will not spoil In the frontcountry you may be able to bring fresh fruits and vegetables and keep meat and dairy products safe in a cooler with
57. stance The farther you travel from clinics physi cians and rescue squads the more you must rely upon yourself and your compan ions to maintain your safety Of course the best response to risk is to avoid it That requires good planning leadership and an awareness of your surroundings so that you can make wise decisions every step of the way gt PREPARATION 16 CAMPING The more responsibility every Scout takes for personal health and safety the more each of you can contribute to a successful camping trip You also will be in a stronger position to provide assistance if an emergency does arise Here are some ways you can increase your role in risk management Stay in good physical shape so you are ready for the demands of camping Know where you are going and what to expect Adjust clothing layers to match changing conditions e Drink plenty of water e Protect yourself from exposure to the sun to biting insects and to poisonous plants Take of your gear Lastly let others know when you are having difficulties or are aware of a concern that might affect you or the group Stopping for a few moments to deal with a hot spot on a heel can help avoid bringing the group to a long halt later in the day when blisters break out Speaking up about changes you notice in the weather or asking questions you have about whether a campsite is appropriate can help everyone make the best
58. t weight and versatility However it has no floor offers little protection against insects and must be pitched well in order to protect campers from rain Tarps often are used as dining flies to shelter group cook sites A Frames Seen from the front this tent is shaped like the let ter A thus its name Most A frame tents are equipped with mosquito netting a rain fly and a waterproof floor A frame tent Domes Tents with a dome shape can be spacious with lots of headroom The arrangement of poles bending over the tent body gives a dome plenty of stability even in strong winds Domes are often freestanding requiring no tent stakes Since dome tents are usually larger than A frames they also can weigh more eee GEARING UP Hybrids Mix geometry modern materials and the imagina tions of tent makers and you get an astounding variety of shapes Among the most interesting are hybrid tents that combine features of A frames and domes Some look like rounded A frames tunnels or domes cut in half Doors may be at the ends or sewn into one or both sides Many include a vestibule a porchlike extension of the rain fly that provides shelter outside the tent body for storing packs crew gear and muddy boots Never dig ditches Breathable Tents Lots of rain gear today is made of fabric that protects you from precipitation and at the same time allows moisture given off by your body to escape The same material is so
59. to maintain a steady supply of vaporized fuel More advanced white gas stoves are equipped with pumps to pressurize their fuel tanks That can be a real advantage in cold weather Cartridge Stoves Simplicity safety and convenience are features of butane and propane cartridge stoves Cartridge stoves need no pumping or preheating simply attach a fuel canister turn the control knob and light the burner Cartridge stoves work well in warm weather and at high altitudes but they lose efficiency as the temperature drops Propane Tank Stoves Two burner propane stoves are too heavy for backpacking but can be just right for larger groups on river rafting expeditions and for Scout groups camping close to a road Cartridge stove Propane tank stove Kerosene Kerosene is a hot burning nonexplosive fuel available almost anywhere in the world While kerosene camping stoves are unusual in North America they are a familiar sight on international expeditions A kerosene stove must be preheated before it can be lit 42 CAMPING m GEARING UP Using Stoves Safely Stoves of different designs operate in different ways Before lighting any stove read and understand the manufacturer s instructions Then follow the instructions exactly In addition always heed these stove safety rules 1 Never use a stove inside or near a tent 2 Don t overload a stove with a heavy pot Instead set up a grill over the stove to be
60. venture Rodale Press 1993 Organizations and Web Sites Your local library state parks and state conservation lands may also serve as good resources for camping in your area U S Bureau of Land Management Office of Public Affairs 1849 C St Room 406 LS Washington DC 20240 Telephone 202 452 5125 Web site http www blm gov Florida National High Adventure Sea Base P O Box 1906 Islamorada FL 33036 Telephone 305 664 4173 Web site http www bsaseabase org National Park Service Web site http www nps gov Northern Tier National High Adventure Base Box 509 Ely MN 55731 lelephone 218 365 4811 Web site http www ntier org Philmont Scout Ranch 17 Deer Run Road Cimarron NM 87714 Telephone 505 376 2281 Web site Attp www scouting org philmont U S Fish and Wildlife Service 1849 C St NW Washington DC 20240 Toll free telephone 800 344 9453 Web site http www fws gov USDA Forest Service 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington DC 20250 0003 Telephone 202 205 8333 Web site http www fs fed us CAMPING 63 CAMPING RESOURCES Acknowledgments The Boy Scouts of America thanks Robert Birkby author of the 10th and llth editions of the Boy Scout Handbook and the fourth edition of the Fieldbook for his assistance in revising the Camping merit badge requirements and his work in revising the Camping merit badge pamphlet Thanks also to members of the BSA C
61. vily used campsites can mar surround ing forests as people gather up every stick of dead wood and break off tree branches for fuel Instead most Scout campers now use stoves for cooking and that means they can prepare meals where there is little firewood or none at all With camp stoves they can make themselves comfortable in nearly every sort of weather and on almost any terrain Selecting a Stove The stove you choose depends upon the kind of cooking you will do the type of fuel you wish to use and the amount of weight you are willing to carry Of the many stoves on the market those burning the following fuels are most useful in camp Always read and follow the manufacturer s instructions for carrying fueling using and storing camp stoves Carefully follow stove manufacturers instructions when selecting fuel Some stoves operate only with white gas while others also burn unleaded gasoline kerosene or even jet fuel S y CAMPING 41 GEARING UP White Gas White gas is a highly distilled fuel used in many North American backpacking stoves Some white gas stoves must be preheated often by squeezing a dab of flammable paste into a depression at the base of the burner stem Preheating increases the pressure inside the fuel tank forcing vapor ized fuel up a stem and into a burner where it can be ignited with a match Once the burner is roaring it will keep the fuel tank hot enough
62. want to add extras to enhance the pleasure of your time in the out of doors Personal Gear Use the following checklists as reminders of the gear and cloth ing you and your group may want to pack for a camping trip Beyond the outdoor essentials you might not need every item every time By considering everything on each list though you can decide whether something will be useful and you will be less likely to forget what could turn out to be an important piece of clothing or equipment for the trip you are about to begin Outdoor Essentials Ss Pocketknife Cut a cord trim a bandage slice some cheese tighten a screw on a camp stove a pocketknife is the all purpose tool for the out of doors First aid kit Carrying a few first aid items a self sealing plastic bag will allow you to treat scratches blisters and other minor injuries and to provide initial j care if more serious emergencies arise 7 Extra clothing and rain gear Weather conditions in the outdoors can change quickly Have the clothing you need to deal with extremes of weather heat cold and storm Water bottle The amount of water you need to carry depends on the activities of the day and the sources of water you will encounter While heat and humidity can make you more thirsty it is very important to drink plenty of fluids in cold weather too Flashlight A flashlight will help you set up camp in the dark or find your way
63. your group s size within allowed limits Allow enough time to reach your destination Go to areas appropriate for your activities and skill level 2 Travel and camp on durable surfaces Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites rock gravel dry grasses and snow Protect areas near water by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams e Good campsites are found not made Altering a site is not necessary In popular areas use existing trails and campsites Walk single file in the middle of the trail even when it is wet or muddy Keep campsites small Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent In pristine areas spread out to prevent the creation of campsites and trails Avoid places where impacts are just beginning PREPARATION CAMPING 19 ss PREPARATION 20 CAMPING PREPARATION 3 Dispose of waste properly pack it in pack it out Pack it in pack it out Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods Pack out all trash leftover food and litter Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water camp and trails Cover and disguise the cathole when finished Where necessary pack out toilet paper and hygiene products To wash yourself or your dishes carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegrad able soap Scatter straine

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