Author: Scoutmaster

Hammocking

Hammocking

When done correctly, hammock camping can result in a better night’s sleep, a lighter backpack, and a smaller impact on the environment. On the other hand, an improper hammock setup can cause an idyllic scene to come crashing down — often literally.

Hammock camping has certain advantages over tents. They can be cooler during the summer due to increased air-flow. They can be more supportive for your back, they don’t disturb the ground cover underneath, they’re lighter than a lot of tents and they can be set up quickly.

Due to an increased interest in hammock camping, Troop 279 has created the following hammock guidelines to help scouts embark in the wild world of hammock camping.

Equipment

There’s only a few needed pieces needed to enter into the fun world of hammock camping, including:

  • A hammock – A simple single-person hammock can cost as little as $15, pack down to a 4″x4″ ball and weigh only 5 oz.
  • Suspension System – 1″-2″ wide straps will securely anchor your hammock to the trees.
  • Tarp and Bug Net – Sleeping under the stars is lovely, but mosquitoes and rain can quickly ruin your night.
  • Sleep System
    • Sleeping Bag & Pad – When night-time temperatures are over 60F, using a simple sleeping bag with a pad can be a low-cost way to start hammocking.
    • Over & Under Quilts – When temperature drop below 60F, it’s time to consider a more appropriate sleep-system to keep you warm at night.

Knots for Hammocking

Although there are countless gadgets and tools to help hang your hammock, all one needs is to know is how to tie a few knots, including:

Tarp KnotsHammock Setup
Hammock Tarp KnotsHammock Setup

Hammock Safety

  1. Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Each hammock has specific guidelines for hanging distances between solid supports like trees. Always adhere to these instructions to ensure safe setup.
  2. Secure Hanging Locations: Only hang hammocks to secure and immovable objects like trees or solid posts. Avoid attaching hammocks to objects that might move, such as vehicle bumpers. When attaching to a tree, check for any elements of the tree that may fall on you, too, such as damaged or dangling branches and animal nests. Click here to learn more about hazardous trees.
  3. Check Ropes, Knots and Fastenings: Before entering a hammock, double-check all ropes, webbing, knots and fastenings. Ensuring there are no fraying or damage before use and that you have a secure setup is crucial for your safety. Replace with manufacturer-approved replacement ropes/webbing, if needed.
  4. No Hammock Stacking: Never stack (bunk) hammocks on top of each other. It compromises their stability and increases the risk of accidents.
  5. Height Considerations: Hang hammocks no higher than 1.5 to 3 feet above the ground to prevent severe falls and injuries.
  6. Hang Over Clear Ground: The ground under your hammock must be free of sticks, rocks, sharp objects — or anything else that could be dangerous. The ground below your hammock should be as smooth and even as possible and clear of debris.
  7. Stay Away from Water: Hammocks should not be hung over water bodies like rivers, lakes, or streams. Avoid accidents by staying clear of waterfront areas.
  8. No Swinging or Standing: Never swing, spin or stand in a hammock. Falls from hammocks can lead to serious injuries, so use them only for their intended purpose.
  9. Weight Limit: Don’t exceed the weight limit specified by the manufacturer. Overloading the hammock compromises its safety.
  10. One Person per Hammock: Even if you have a two-person hammock, only one scout is allowed in a hammock at a time.
  11. Be Prepared for Rain: Hammocks must have a rain-fly regardless of weather forecasted. Overnight moisture/dew can also ruin your sleep comfort and promote hypothermic conditions.
  12. Avoid CBS: When the forecasted overnight temperatures are 60F, scouts must use a temperature-appropriate under quilt. Learn more about “cold butt syndrome“.
  13. Animal-Proof Your Hammock: Just like a tent, never keep food and other “smellables” in your hammock.

Leave No Trace

When using live trees as anchors, be sure not to damage the outer bark with the hammock mounts. Consider the use of wider straps (1-2″ wide) to disperse the pressure on the bark. Rope and paracord should not be used to anchor your hammock to a live tree.

When looking for appropriately spaced trees to anchor your hammock, do not select trees that you’ll need to remove branches to hang your hammock.

Expert Tips

Whether you’re a veteran “hanger” or just starting out, here are some tips to make the most of your hammock.

Hang your hammock with a good sag. Too many people attempt to string up a hammock as tightly as possible between anchor points. This can cause a cocooning effect that can squeeze your shoulders and bow your back uncomfortably. Instead, try hanging your hammock with a good sag, as in a smiley face. If you really want to geek out, a good starting angle is 30-degrees from horizontal. This is the most important tip to make your hammock more comfortable. A deep sag also lowers the center of gravity, making the hammock more stable and harder to fall out of.

hammocksleepdiagonal

Lay diagonally across the hammock. Once you’ve got a good sag (see tip No. 1), you can lay diagonally across the fabric. You’ll be amazed at how comfortable this will feel as your head and feet drop down and your body reclines ergonomically flat across the fabric. This is how hammocks were designed to work.

Raise the foot end higher. In some cases, your body may naturally slide to the middle of your hammock, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. To prevent any sliding, try hanging the foot side of the hammock about 8 to 10 inches higher. This helps keep your heavier torso from sliding into the middle.

Try a knee pillow. Depending on the size of your hammock (and how tall you are), you may feel a tight ridge under your legs when lying diagonally. This can cause hyperextension on your knees. Ouch! To relieve this pressure, place some padding under your knees. Extra clothes or a small pillow would work great. (Remember: Longer, not wider, hammocks are generally more comfortable, allowing you to lie diagonally without leg hyperextension.)

Use a bug net. During summer nights (June-Aug) or anytime when overnight lows are above 70F, a bug is highly recommended. While some jungle hammocks come with sewn-on bug netting, simple recreational hammocks do not. No one enjoys bugs buzzing around your face, especially if those bugs bite. A full-length bug net can completely surround your hammock and create a roomy pod to read, rest and relax.

Use a sleeping pad (or under quilt). A lot of folks think all you need is a sleeping bag to stay warm in a hammock. After all, you’re off the ground, so you don’t need a pad for comfort. What that pad does help with, however, is warmth. You’ll compress the sleeping bag insulation under your body in a hammock just like you would on the ground, so you’ll feel cold in a hammock without some uncompressed insulation beneath you. To keep the sleeping pad from slipping out from under you, try putting it inside your sleeping bag.

hammockdripline

Use a drip line on your suspension. On really rainy days, water can seep down your suspension and get your hammock wet. To prevent this, tie a drip line on your suspension, positioned under your tarp (you are using a tarp, right?). See illustration for more details.

Fold in the edge of the hammock for a more comfortable chair. Sitting in a hammock can feel like a deep bucket seat. This can be comfy, but if you want a chair that doesn’t cut the circulation off your knees and lets you sit up squarely, take the edge of the fabric and fold it toward the center of the hammock. Sit down on this doubled-over area for a nice, flat seat.

Additional Resources

Leadership Projects

Leadership Projects

Leadership development is one the methods of Scouting, directly helping a Scout learn how to develop, nurture, and guide a team to accomplish a goal. Scouting is one of the finest examples of leadership training for our youth and once you are working on the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle, leadership becomes not only a requirement, but a cornerstone of your progress.

For the ranks of Star and Life you must hold a position of responsibility, or carry out a Scoutmaster approved leadership project to help the troop. Unlike the position of responsibility, there is no time frame for the length of a leadership project; however, it is expected that the leadership skills shown by a scout doing a project are the equivalent of those shown by someone who has served in a position for several months. A leadership project can not be used to replace the position of responsibility requirement for the rank of Eagle Scout.

What follows are the guidelines for what Troop 279 would like to see for a leadership project.

 

Scope

The intent of the leadership project is not to be compared to an Eagle Scout project. If a scout brings an acceptable leadership project idea to the Scoutmaster which could be considered similar in size and scope to that of an Eagle project, the scout will be cautioned; however, the scout will not be discouraged. We will not hold back a scout who wants to provide a lasting and large impact to their troop!

A leadership project must benefit the troop in some manner. This can be a direct benefit, or it can be something a little less direct. An example of an indirect benefit might be a community based service project. This benefits the community, but it also benefits the troop in that it raises the awareness of the troop within the community, which can be seen as recruiting and provides an opportunity for service hours for scouts within the troop.

Before a leadership project can begin it must be approved by the Scoutmaster.

 

Steps for a Leadership Project

In order to complete a leadership project you must do the following things:

  1. Write a proposal and get approval for the leadership project from the Scoutmaster.
    • You can have your own idea, or if you can’t think of anything, talk with the Scoutmaster. There are always projects and tasks that the troop needs done.
    • Write up a short proposal for the project. This doesn’t not have to be anything elaborate. Touch on the highlights of the project, what impact you see it having on the troop, and why you think it shows leadership. Just a few paragraphs is fine.
    • You and the Scoutmaster should agree on expected outcomes for the project, or criteria in which means the project was successful.
    • You may be assigned a project coach to help you out.
       
  2. Once you have approval, plan and carry out the project.
    • This portion of the project will usually require you to think through your plan, organize your tasks and communicate with others that you will be leading.
    • It will help a lot if you take notes of your plans and communicate often with those you are working with.
    • If you have questions, or get stuck, please reach out to your project coach, the other Youth Leadership or Scoutmasters for guidance. You have access to a lot of experience and we are here to help you succeed.
       
  3. Complete an after-project report.
    • Write up a report detailing the outcome of the project. Include a brief description of how your project was organized, how you thought it went and what you learned from leading it. You should also include a list of all those that helped you on the project and how many hours each helper spent on the project.
      • What do you think went well?
      • What didn’t go according to plan, and how did you fix it?
      • Who was involved or helped, and how many hours did they help?
      • How do you feel you showed leadership in this project?
         
  4. Request the requirement be signed off by the Scoutmaster.
    • Once you complete you project and turn in your project report you should meet with the Scoutmaster to have them sign off the requirement. An Assistant Scoutmaster can sign off on the project if they are designated to do so by the Scoutmaster.
    • In order for the requirement to be signed off the Scoutmaster must be able to see the leadership skills you have performed as part of the project. Understand that if you do not actually lead, or put forth effort to do your best for the project, the requirement will not be signed off and you may may have to perform another leadership project, or wait for an open role of responsibility to complete the requirement.
       

Note the requirement for a leadership project is simply that it must be approved by the Scoutmaster, and must benefit the troop. If for some reason a scout is unable to write out the project proposal, or after project report, the Scoutmaster can replace those steps with a discussion with the scout covering the same information at their discretion. The purpose for requesting the steps of writing out the proposal and report is so that scout will be more inclined to think through the project before them, as well as give them have a deeper understanding to what they have accomplished. It will also help prepare them for the greater amount of paperwork required for an Eagle Scout project.

Scout Gear

Scout Gear

Being thrifty when shopping for camping gear is an essential skill for Scouts, as it allows them to make the most of their resources while still acquiring high-quality equipment.

Here are some ways a Scout can demonstrate thriftiness when shopping for camping gear:

  1. Research and Comparison Shopping: Before making a purchase, Scouts should research different brands, models, and prices of camping gear to find the best value for their budget. They can compare prices from different retailers and look for sales, discounts, or clearance deals to save money.
  2. Prioritize Essential Items: Scouts should prioritize purchasing essential items that are necessary for their camping trips, such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment. They can avoid spending money on unnecessary gadgets or luxury items that may not be essential for their outdoor adventures.
  3. Buy Used or Discounted Gear: Scouts can save money by purchasing used camping gear from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or gear rental programs. They can also look for discounted or clearance items at outdoor retailers or attend gear swap events to find gently used equipment at a fraction of the cost of new gear.
  4. Take Care of Gear: Scouts should take proper care of their camping gear to extend its lifespan and avoid the need for frequent replacement. They can clean and maintain their equipment regularly, store it properly when not in use, and make necessary repairs to prevent damage or wear and tear.
  5. Borrow or Share Gear: Scouts can borrow or share camping gear with friends, family members, or fellow Scouts to reduce costs and maximize resources. They can also consider renting equipment for specific trips or activities instead of purchasing it outright.
  6. DIY and Repurpose: Scouts can use their creativity and resourcefulness to make their own camping gear or repurpose household items for outdoor use. They can sew their own gear repairs, build DIY camping stoves or shelters, or repurpose containers for storage and organization.

By practicing thriftiness when shopping for camping gear, Scouts can stretch their budget, maximize their resources, and enjoy more outdoor adventures without breaking the bank. Additionally, learning to be thrifty teaches valuable life skills such as budgeting, resourcefulness, and sustainability.

Mess Kits

Mess Kits

A Mess Kit is a scout’s personal eating containers and utensils. While the Troop does have some spare items to lend, we expect all scouts to bring their own gear for eating on every camping trip. Scouts will also responsible for the cleaning and storing for their the gear during an outing.

At a minimum, a Mess Kit should include:

  • Plate
  • Bowl
  • Cup
  • Fork and Spoon (or a Spork).
  • Mesh Drawstring Bag

Having a knife in your mess kit may come in handy, but for most meals, it isn’t necessary. To store and hang your mess kit, all of your gear should fit into a mesh drawstring bag. These bags are hung in camp to allow the gear to dry in between meals and to keep them safe and out of the way as well. If your kit does not come with one, they can be purchased separately, just be sure that the bag will fit the size plate you purchased.

Important Note: Be sure to write your name on each piece of the kit so we can tell yours apart from the others at camp. Also, although scouts wash their personal gear after each meal while camping, mess kits should be thoroughly washed and sanitized once they are home. The troop has seen some interesting science experiments when the kits are left to ferment between campouts.

Some commonly used kits and accessories are shown below. All affiliate links below are just for informational purposes only and these items are not required in any way.


Aluminum 5-Piece Outdoor Cooking Set (NOT RECOMMENDED)









Fozzils Snapfold Solo Pack


MSR Folding Camping Spork



Olicamp Space Saver Metal Cup


12″ X 18″ Mesh Bag


The options for mess kits are endless. The items above and many other types of kits can be found online or at camping retailers. Search for “Camp Eating Kit” or “One Person Mess Kit” online to explore additional options.

The Patrol Dining Fly

The Patrol Dining Fly

For the Troop, the dining fly is a basic piece of equipment, but an extremely important piece of equipment. During the warmer camping seasons, it provides a comfortable shaded area for the scouts to congregate under, and they usually place it right over their camp kitchen. It also provides us a place to take cover if it rains and protects the patrol’s kitchen equipment.

Commercial versus Home-Made

The Troop has used some commercially manufactured flies and “pop-up” canopies but have not been impressed with the strength of the tarp or poles they provide. It has been the troop’s experience that the commercial canopies, although costing $120 or more, will fail at the first heavy rain or gust of wind.

With a little effort and much less money, the troop can make its own dining fly that will be custom sized to its needs. A simple home-made dining fly with tarps, poles, ropes, and stakes that easily stores and transports only cost less than $60, and can last for years. Furthermore, a home-made setup is far stronger and sturdier than the pop-up shade tents that can be purchased for double the price.

Once you have properly prepared your equipment and practiced the set up a few times, you will be able to set up your own dining fly in less than 10 minutes. It should take you no more time than it does to set up your tent.

The Equipment List….What You’ll Need

The Tarp

Camping tarps can be purchased cheaply at most hardware stores, including Home Depot, Lowe’s or Harbor Freight. Wal-Mart and Target also have them. The tarp size for this set up can be as large as 10’ by 20’, though a slightly smaller tarp may be more manageable (ex: 10′ x 15′). The tarp will need to have grommets at each corner and midway on the 2 long edges.

Most tarps are manufactured with the grommets already in place, however, you can also install your own with a simple grommet installation tool. If you are able to find a tarp with a cord sewn into the edge of the tarp, this is a better choice than one without as the cord adds strength where you need it most. Also tarps with re-enforced corner grommets are recommended.

Setting Up The Poles

The poles are typically made of pressure treated 2X2s with a 3” deck-screw, sunk 2″ into the top of each pole. The exposed screwhead is what passes through the grommet on the tarp and is where you tie the guy-lines.

The four 6′ poles are for the corners and allows most scouts to walk under any side of the fly with ease. The two longer 8′ poles are for the ridge-line and gives the fly a nice pitch for any rain to run off.

Staking It Down

Selecting stakes for your dining fly is one of the most important tasks you will have when designing your setup. Matching the stakes to the soil is very important. For example, metal 12″ galvanized nails work well in hard, rocky ground, while wide plastic stakes work best in soft, sandy soils

12” long galvanized nails can be purchased, typically for less then $1 each at a local hardware store.

Guy Lines Complete The Picture And Hold It Tight

The final element you need is the guy-line. A total of 100’ of rope is required, which can be purchased at most stores that sell hardware, or camping supplies. Each pole takes a single rope and each guy-line needs to be long enough to run from the top of the pole to the ground at about a 45-60° angle and be tied at both ends.

Lark’s head Knot
Bowline Knot
Bowline Knot

For the 8’ ridge-line poles, the 12’ rope is needed. Tying a permanent bowline loop on one end to secure to the pole’s stud and then extending the line perpendicular from the tarp’s edge to your ground stake.

For the 6’ corner poles, a 19’ rope will work, folded in half, connected to the pole’s stud with a Lark’s Head knot. You can then extend each of the 9′ working ends of your rope in two directions, paradelle with the tarp’s edges to your ground stakes.

Taut-Line Hitch

All guy-lines will be connected to a ground stake using a Taut-line Hitch, pulled tight to keep your canopy taught, allowing it to shed rain.

You can use ¼” manila rope, however the troop prefers to use 550 paracord. While the natural fiber ropes will stretch less under strain, the synthetic paracord is stronger, more durable and resists mildew. Regardless of the type of rope used, the ends of the ropes need to be “whipped” or “fused” to prevent the rope from unraveling.

Foil-Pack Cooking

Foil-Pack Cooking

Want to leave the pots and pans in the chuckbox? Then give foil-pack cooking a try. Wrap food in a piece of heavy-duty foil and fold over the edges to make a packet from which liquids and steam can’t escape. Place the foil packet on a bed of coals and turn it at least once while it cooks. When you unwrap your dinner, you can eat it right out of the foil.

Tools for Foil-Pack Cooking

Not much is needed for foil-pack cooking… Just 18-24″ of heavy duty aluminum foil, a marker to id your meal pack and a pair of long tongs to work your foil-pack over the fire. …that’s it!

Note: If you don’t have heavy-duty aluminum foil, just use two sheets of normal foil.

Foil-Pack Ingredients

ProteinCarb / StarchVegetableSpice / Seasoning
Ground BeefFrozen Hash BrownsCarrots, SlicedDiced Onion
SausageChopped PotatoesBroccoliLemon Wedges
Ham SteaksCooked PastaCherry TomatoesPineapple Rings
Hot DogsCooked RiceMushroomsChopped Apple
ChiliSliced Sweet PotatoesFresh/Frozen CornSalsa / Hot Sauce
Tuna / Tilapia FiletCorn ChipsGreen / Red PeppersSalt / Pepper
EggsBaked BeansFrozen VeggiesButter / Olive Oil
Tofu / TempehCanned PeasDiced CeleryWorcester​​​shire Sauce
Boneless Chicken BreastInstant Stuffing (moistened)Chopped / Sliced ZucchiniGarlic (fresh or powder)

Creating Your Foil-Pack

With your 18-24″ sheet of foil, lightly spray the center with non-stick cooking spray, arrange your desired ingredients and fold to create tight seal. The recommended folding method, the “drugstore wrap” (shown below) will provide you with the tightest seal and even cooking of your food.

Cook Your Foil-Pack

Ideally, you want to place your foil-pack over a good bed of hot coals, not over roaring flames from newly added wood to your campfire. Flip and rotate your foil-pack every 8-10 minutes to help ensure your food cooks evenly.

Estimated Cook Times (minutes)
Ground Beef15-20
Chicken Pieces20-30
Hot Dogs5-10
Pork Chops30-40
Raw Carrots15-20
Ear of Corn6-10
Whole Potatoes45-60
Potato Slices10-15
Whole Apples20-30

Enjoy!

Frost Points & Winter Camping

Frost Points & Winter Camping

Between the months of November and March, Troop 279 often cabin-camps in rustic lodges and heated shelters. However, to encourage scouts to experience winter camping at its finest, during every campout scouts have the opportunity to earn “Frost Points”. If a scout chooses to sleep outside, one point is awarded for each degree below freezing recorded during that night. The degree of temperature is determined by the “official” weather bureau station nearest the campsite; however, a leader’s thermometer reading is accepted. Degrees (points) are then accumulated during each calendar year.

Requirements

  1. Six or more continuous hours must be spent between sunset and sunrise in a lean-to, snow shelter, tent, or in the open.
  2. No stoves or heaters are permitted in the tents or shelters.
  3. Open fires are permitted, if they do not constitute a hazard to the shelter or the surrounding area and are permitted by the camping facility.
  4. Scouts may earn Frost Points at organized troop activities with leadership supervision, adhering to the principles of two-deep leadership and the Guide to Safe Scouting.
  5. Scouts may earn Frost Points at home and backyard camping for those who miss outings due to illness, etc.. As above, Scouts must have parental supervision and adhere to the Guide to Safe Scouting.
  6. All equipment to be used by the scout (tent, ground pads, sleep-system, clothing layers, etc.) must be reviewed by an adult and approved to be appropriate for the outside temperature.

Though Frost Points are not an official BSA award, scouts take great pride in the points they’ve accumulated, which serve as an acknowledgement of their cold-weather camping skills. Additionally, each year at our January “Casino Weekend“, scouts can cash-out their Frost Points for prizes.

Winter Camping Tips

Some tips to keep in mind when you and the troop take on winter camping.

  • Fail to Plan = Plan to Fail
    • Remind Scouts about having the correct gear months in advance. Then remind them again as you get closer to your winter outing.
    • Hold “shakedown” events to review each scout’s gear and packing methods.
    • In the days before the trip, check the forecast regularly and adjust your plan accordingly.
    • Make sure the SPL and PLs have a “Plan-B” to address the unknowns (ex: unpredicted weather, equipment failures, injuries, etc.).
  • Always bring a bit more than what you think you’ll need – water, food, clothes.
  • Make sure that you have a good knowledge of the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. You should be able to recognize it in others and in yourself. Tell someone right away if you or another scout is showing signs of cold-related problems.
  • Keep out of the wind if you can. A rain fly for a tent can be pitched to serve as a wind break. The wind chill factor can often be considerable and can result in effective temperatures being much lower than nominal.
  • Bring extra WATER. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the winter. You aren’t visibly sweating, so you don’t think to drink water, but since the air is so dry, you lose a LOT of water through breathing. Drink lots of water!
  • Keep a pot of hot water available for cocoa or Cup-a-Soup – these warm from the inside.
  • Always eat hot meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner.) Dutch ovens are the best – they keep the food hot longer. Meals should be one-pot meals to keep cleanup to a minimum. Don’t get too fancy with the meals – it’s hard to chop onions & carrots at -10F with gloves on. Prep all meals at home in the warmth of the kitchen.
  • Shelter the cooking area from wind (walls of tarps, etc.)
  • Fill coffee/cook pots with water before bed. It’s hard to pour frozen water, but easy to thaw it if it’s already in the pot.
  • Remember C. O. L. D.:
    • CClean – dirty clothes loose their loft and get you cold.
    • OOverheat – never get sweaty, strip off layers to stay warm but no too hot.
    • LLayers – Dress in synthetic layers for easy temperature control.
    • DDry – wet clothes (and sleeping bags) also loose their insulation.
  • Remember the 3 W’s of Layering
    • Wicking for inside layer – Wicking should be a polypropylene material as long underwear and also sock liner.
    • Warmth for middle layer(s) – Warmth layer(s) should be fleece or wool.
    • Wind/Water for outer layer – The Wind/Water layer should be Gore-Tex or at least 60/40 nylon.
  • COTTON KILLS! Do not bring cotton. Cotton absorbs and retains sweat and water. Staying dry is the key to staying warm. Air is an excellent insulator and by wearing several layers of clothes you will keep warm.
  • If you’re camping in the snow, wear snow or rain pants over your regular clothing – STAY DRY!
  • Bring extra hand covering – mittens are warmer than gloves.
  • Bring 2 changes of socks per day. (…and actually change your socks!) Dry socks equal dry feet, which means warm feet.
  • Everyone must be dry by sundown. No wet (sweaty) bodies or wet inner layers of clothing.
  • Use plastic grocery bags or bread bags over socks. This keeps your boots dry and you can easily change those wet socks.
  • Keep your hands and feet warm. The body will always protect its core, so if your hands and feet are warm, your core will also likely be warm. If your hands or feet are cold, put on more layers, and put on a hat!
  • Dress right while sleeping. Change into clean, dry clothes before bed. Your body makes moisture and your clothes hold it in – by changing into dry clothes you will stay warmer and it will help keep the inside of your sleeping bag dry. Wearing wool socks and long underwear (tops and bottoms) in the sleeping bag is OK.
  • Put on tomorrow’s t- shirt and underwear at bedtime. That way you won’t be starting with everything cold next to your skin in the morning.
  • Wear a stocking cap to bed, even if you have a mummy bag.
  • Put tomorrow’s clothes in your bag with you. This is especially important if you’re small of stature. It can be pretty hard to warm up a big bag with a little body, the clothes cut down on that work.
  • Put a couple of long-lasting hand warmers into your boots after you take them off. Your boots will dry out during the night.
  • Fill a couple of Nalgene water bottles with warm water and sleep with one between your legs (warms the femoral artery) and with one at your feet. Or use toe/hand warmers. Toss them into your sleeping bag before you get in. Some of the toe/hand warmers will last 8+ hours.
  • Eat a high-energy, high-protein snack before going to bed. The extra fuel will help your body stay warm.
  • Use a sleeping bag that is appropriate for the conditions. Two +20F sleeping bags, one inside the other. This will work to lower the rating of both bags.
  • Use a bivvy sack to wrap around your sleeping bag. You can make a cheap version of this by getting an inexpensive fleece sleeping bag. It isn’t much more than a blanket with a zipper but it helps lower the rating by as much as 10 degrees.
  • Use a sleeping bag liner. There are silk and fleece liners that go inside the sleeping bag. They will lower your sleeping bag’s rating by up to 10 degrees. Or buy an inexpensive fleece throw or blanket and wrap yourself in it inside the sleeping bag.
  • Most cold weather bags are designed to trap heat. The proper way to do this is to pull the drawstrings until the sleeping bag is around your face, not around your neck. If the bag also has a draft harness make sure to use it above the shoulders and it snugs up to your neck to keep cold air from coming in and warm air from going out.
  • Down and synthetic down sleeping bag work by creating air pockets to trap heat. Don’t throw a heavy blanket overtop your down bag. It will compress the down, minimizing your bags effectiveness.
  • Don’t burrow in – keep your mouth and nose outside the bag! Moisture from your breath collecting in your bag is a quick way to get real cold. Keep the inside of your bag dry.
  • A zipped up coat pulled over the foot of a sleeping bag makes an extra layer of insulation.
  • Don’t sleep directly on the ground! Get a closed cell foam pad to provide insulation layer between your sleeping bag and the ground. A foam pad cushions and insulates. The air pockets are excellent in providing good insulation properties. Use more than one insulating layer below you and make sure you don’t slide off them during the night.
  • In an emergency, cardboard makes a great insulator. Old newspapers are also good insulation. A layer of foam insulation works too.
  • Bring a piece of cardboard to stand on when changing clothes. This will keep any snow on your clothes off your sleeping bag, and help keep your feet warmer than standing on the cold ground.
  • A space blanket, silver lined tarp or a piece of Reflectix on the floor of the tent or under your sleeping bag will reflect your heat back to you.
  • No cots! Better to lay on 30F earth instead of -10F air.
  • Remember your buddy(ies)-system! Multiple scouts sleeping in a shelter will be warmer then just one.
  • Sleep in quinzees or igloos. These are warmer than tents since you’ve got an insulating layer of snow between you and the outside air, instead of just a thin nylon layer.
  • If in tents, leave the tent flaps/zippers vented a bit, it cuts down on interior condensation and frost.
  • Finally, drain your bladder before you go to bed! Your body has to expend energy to heat the extra fluid. Also, having to go in the middle of the night when it is 5 degrees out chills your entire body. Drink all day, but stop one hour before bed.
Earning Your Cyber Chip

Earning Your Cyber Chip

Though no longer required by Scouts, BSA, Troop 279 still STRONGLY encourages scouts to complete the Cyber Chip requirements. There are several resources below that will help you work through the Cyber Chip.

  1. Cyber Chip Requirements – The key to the Cyber Chip is completing the correct requirements, based on your school grade. You can use the Cyber Chip worksheet to help organize your work. NOTE: When first earning your Cyber Chip (not renewing), one of the requirements is to use the E.D.G.E. method to teach internet safety rules, behavior, and “netiquette” to either your patrol or to the troop. Please work with your Patrol Leader or your SPL to schedule this time with your patrol or the troop.
  2. The first, and most important requirement of the Cyber Chip is to read and follow the Internet Safety Pledge, which reads:
    • I will think before I post
    • I will respect other people online
    • I will respect digital media ownership
    • I won’t meet face-to-face with anyone I meet in the digital world unless I have my parent’s permission
    • I will protect myself online.
  3. One of the Cyber Chip requirements is to write and sign a “contract” that outlines rules for using electronic devices. The Cyber Chip worksheet contains an outline of rules for using the a computer and mobile device. The troop also has made available a good template to create a Digital Technology Contract. There are even more examples of tech contracts that can be found here.
  4. You must review and discuss with one of the scoutmasters, the Troop’s “electronics free” policy. This may be completed during your Scoutmaster Conference when nearing the completion of both the Scout and Star Ranks.
Cyber Chip Recharge Pin

In addition to earning the Cyber Chip for the Scout and Star Ranks, and your Cyber Cyber also needs to be “recharged” yearly. To recharge your Cyber Chip, you will need to go to Netsmartz and complete at least two more, grade-appropriate resources (i.e. watch two new videos) and recommit to net safety and “netiquette”.

Finally, the last step to earning or recharging your Cyber Chip is to meet with one of the scoutmasters to add the date to your Cyber Chip pledge card (example card pictured below).

Outdoor Essentials

Outdoor Essentials

Prepared. For Life. It’s more than a motto for Scouting; it’s a way to plan and execute each outing, even if it’s just a Saturday morning hike. On an outing, the items listed below (stowed in a daypack) can keep you comfortable, warm, hydrated, safe and, most of all, prepared to face what nature puts in your path — whether you asked for it or not.

This list is based upon the Scout Basic Essentials included in the Scouts BSA Handbook (pg. 268) with a few twists.

  1. POCKET KNIFE – A pocket knife is the all-purpose tool of the outdoors. Use it to cut cord, trim a bandage, slice cheese, whittle a tent stake, open a can, tighten a camp stove screw, and take care of hundreds of other tasks. Choose a quality knife that includes one or two sharp blades, a can opener, a screwdriver and possibly a scissors. Invest in a good knife now, and it will serve you well through years of adventures. Scouts must first earn their Totin’ Chip before carrying a pocket knife
  2. RAIN GEAR – Be prepared to face the elements with rain protection in the form of a poncho or a shell jacket and pants. Rain gear can also be very beneficial to your clothing layering system, by providing a wind-stop layer.
  3. TRAIL FOOD – You will be very happy to have an emergency supply of trail food if a trip in the field lasts longer than planned or if your provisions run out sooner than you expected. Rely on foods that are compact, high in energy and unlikely to spoil — a small bag of GORP (good ol’ raisins and peanuts) or beef jerky, for example, and perhaps an energy bar or two (do not pack candy or junk food).
  4. FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP – (or both) – You might intend to be home before nightfall, but things don’t always go as planned. A flashlight will illuminate a site as you set up camp in the dark or light up a trail as you find your way after the sun has gone down. Carry spare batteries, as well. A handheld flashlight can be heavy and sometimes awkward to use, but they are fine for trips not limited by the amount of weight you can carry. A compact headlamp powered by AA or AAA batteries, with an elastic band that fits around your head, will free your hands for hiking when visibility is limited, for dealing with emergencies after dark and for reading in a tent.
  5. EXTRA CLOTHING – Weather in some backcountry can change — sometimes with startling swiftness. Have the clothing you need to deal with the extremes of heat, cold and storms. For summer campouts close to home, you can probably find most of the clothing you need in your closet. Using a layering system allows you to stay comfortable by adding or removing clothes as the weather changes. During hot or wet weather, something as simple as a dry pair of socks can drastically improve your outdoor experience. Falling temperatures and the possibilities of snow require more attention to what you wear and the additional clothing you carry.
  6. FIRST AID KIT – Having basic first-aid items on hand will allow you to treat minor injuries and to provide initial care if more serious emergencies arise. Zippered into a self-sealing plastic bag, a personal first-aid kit has what you need to treat a blister, clean a wound and bandage a cut. Use the list provided in your Scouts BSA Handbook (pg. 108) to create your personal first aid kit.
  7. SUN PROTECTION – Sunburn is among the most common injuries suffered by people who enjoy being outdoors. Repeated sunburns can cause long-term skin damage and the potential for skin cancer. While people with fair skin are the most at risk, everyone should be aware of the dangers of too much sun and should take steps to protect against it. Use sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants to provide more complete protection. UV-blocking sunglasses are also a good choice.
  8. MAP AND COMPASS – Staying found is an important responsibility for anyone traveling outdoors. Learning to navigate on trails, over water and across open country can bring a great sense of enjoyment and confidence. Carry a map of the area you are exploring, along with a simple compass to help make your way through unfamiliar terrain. Even when they aren’t essential for route-finding, practicing with navigational tools can be fun. Practicing will help prepare you for times when you might need to rely on these tools.
  9. MATCHES AND FIRE-STARTERS – Plan your clothing, shelter and meals well enough that you won’t need a campfire. But be prepared to build one in the event of an emergency. Carry several different kinds of fire sources so if one fails, you’ll have a backup. Matches, butane lighters, tinder aids, traditional fire starters are all good examples. Scouts must first earn their Firem’n Chit before carrying matches and fire-starters
  10. FILLED WATER BOTTLE/CANTEEN – How much water you’ll need depends upon what you will be doing and whether you can replenish your supply along the way. Hot and humid conditions increase your thirst, but you need to drink plenty of fluids in cold, dry weather, too. An inexpensive option is to simply rinse plastic water or soda bottles and fill them with drinking water. Or, you can choose a wide-mouthed plastic bottle that’s easy to fill and clean. Other options include a hydration bladder/pack or collapsible water jug. REMEMBER to fill your water bottle prior to departing, because an empty water bottle will not quench your thirst. 🙂

Additional Scoutmaster Recommendations

The 10 items listed above are the bare-minimum for going outdoors, but with a few more items, you can greatly improve your safety, comfort and enjoyment in the outdoors.

  • WHISTLE – There are many uses for a whistle, but one of the most useful ways to use a whistle is to stay alive. In an emergency situation, when you need to signal for help, a whistle can be heard further away than your voice, and takes much less energy to use. The most recognized distress call with a whistle is a series of three short blasts (about 3 seconds each with a second in between). Allow a few seconds in between each series to allow your sound to travel and so you can hear if anyone is responding.
  • INSECT REPELLANT – The outdoors are great, but they are enjoyed so much more if you’re not having to swat, swoosh, and chase bugs away. When it comes to types of insect repellants, there are numerous choices. Some for your skin, some for your cloths, some pre-treatments and some for the air around you. To help decide which is best for you, REI has a great guide for choosing insect repellants.

  • PREPARATION – Know what you’re doing out there. Be well-trained. Also, for each trip, know where you are going and what your plans are. Feel free to ask your SPL for details and he’ll be happy to share the information. The more people know what we’re doing and where we’re going, the less time we waste milling around aimlessly.
  • A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE – The best thing you can bring on any trip—helps you truly enjoy any outdoor adventure and it is the key to survival in any sticky situation.

Grubmaster Guide

Grubmaster Guide

Buying Food for Your Patrol

Attention Grubmasters:  Managing the food-buying task for your patrol is a very important job!

Your patrol members are going to be hungry and unhappy if you don’t buy enough food and leftover food is often wasted if you buy too much.  A Scout is Thrifty is an important Scout Law to remember.  You must keep track of which patrol members are going and if they have paid their money. Knowing your budget, planning your meals, and managing your funds are a big part of being successful in this leadership task.

Plan the menu with your patrol

Get a firm count of how many patrol members are going at the outing prep meeting. If you have 10 patrol members and 7 have said they are going, your budget is $140, not $200. Once you know the number going camping, use the Menu Planner and plan to buy only as much food as your patrol will need.  Buying too much food will cost your patrol extra money and is often wasteful.  Stay within your budget.

Save all your receipts

Place them in an envelope labeled with your name and Patrol, and the total cost of the food, ice and supplies. Buying food for the patrol is supposed to be a break-even proposition. As Grubmaster, it is your responsibility to stay within your food budget.  Spending beyond your budget must be approved by your patrol members.

Packing the food

Do you like squished bread for sandwiches?  Pack the food in ways to protect it in the coolers and totes so it can be safely transported to the campsite.  If needed, the troop will provide a cooler and food tote for the Grubmaster

Remove excess wrappings to reduce weight and trash at the campsite. Zip-lock type plastic bags are an excellent choice.  Instead of purchasing bagged ice, fill one or more clean one-gallon jugs ¾ full of water and freeze several days before departing. Remember to keep the jug’s cap off during the freezing process. By having frozen water jug(s), you can avoid melting ice making your patrol’s food in the cooler all soggy and, if need, you’ll have another source of cold drinking water

At-home preparation will also make cooking at camp easier and quicker.

  • Scrambled eggs? Scramble the raw eggs at home and placed in a tightly sealed container.
  • Diced meats and veggies (chicken, carrots, celery)?  Wash and dice at home and put in separate zip bags.
  • Bacon, ground burger or sausage?  Pre-cook at home. Works great and eliminates grease to make clean-up easier.

It is easier to prepare meals inside in a nice warm kitchen with running water than outside in a barren cold campsite with pouring rain!

During the campout

Patrol leaders – if your Grubmaster will be preparing any food at home, prior to the campout, be sure to remember this effort when planning the duty roster for the weekend.

After the campout

The Scout who bought the food is responsible for removing all food from the food totes and coolers and disposing of it.  Spoiled or ruined food is thrown out.  Food that is okay should be offered to be split among the patrol members.

The Parent’s role

Parental advice, input, and transportation are important to the Grubmaster’s success.  The Grubmaster is the Scout.  He is expected to plan and purchase for the outing.  This means that the Grubmaster goes to the store, not just the parent(s).  Parental advice about nutrition and price comparison at the store is important. 

Note: There are several tips for parents on the back of the Menu Planner to help you during your shopping trip. Tips for parents include:

  • Let your scout do the shopping.  While it’s okay to give your scout a ride to the store (and a little free advice), the scout needs to choose the food and make the decisions.
  • Follow the patrol’s plan.  At least five days before the campout, the patrol is supposed to develop a menu and shopping list for your scout to use.  Our menu planner worksheet helps facilitate the planning process.
  • Make sure you know how many people to shop for. Again, our menu planner worksheet should list a firm head-count for the patrol members attending the outing.
  • Shop early. Part of the logic behind the five-day-out policy is that it gives you several weeknights on which to shop.  You shouldn’t have to shop the day of the campout.
  • On the day of departure, you may pack your cold items in a personal cooler for the weekend or your scout may borrow one of the troops coolers.  Dry goods are best packed in a tote or box to avoid items getting damaged during transport to the camp site.
  • For ice, it is recommended to fill a gallon water jug ¾ full of fresh, clean water and freeze it.  For best results start the freezing process several days prior to the campout.  During really hot months, multiple frozen jugs may be necessary. Avoid bagged & loose ice. They end-up making the cooler a soggy mess by the end of the weekend.
  • Plan to spend between $15 to $20 per scout for a weekend campout. That includes a Friday cracker barrel, three meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. For longer or shorter trips, adjust accordingly.
  • Don’t overbuy items like milk, fruit, and vegetables.  While we all want our scouts to eat right – and we strongly encourage them to plan balanced menus – the fact is that we end up throwing away a lot of healthy stuff on Sunday.
  • Don’t buy things we already have. Your scout’s patrol should have checked supplies in the scout trailer before going shopping; we usually have items left over from previous campouts that can be reused.
  • Control costs. You can do this by purchasing store brands, avoiding individually-packaged items, and picking raw ingredients over prepared foods.
  • Turn in your receipts when you drop off the food. The sooner we get your receipts, the sooner we can reimburse you and close out the event budget.
  • Don’t worry. Since the BSA was founded in 1910, there have been absolutely no recorded cases of scouts starving to death on a weekend campout.