First Campout!

Activity description: Thanks to all who attended our first campout at Alder Dunes. We learned first aid, cooked some delicious meals and enjoyed a fun bike ride. Unfortunately, we forgot the camera!

Tenderfoot Rank Requirement #2: Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.

Tenderfoot Rank Requirement #3: On the campout, assist in preparing and cooking one of your patrol's meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup, and explain the importance of eating together.

Tenderfoot Rank Requirement #12: a) Demonstrate how to care for someone who is choking. b) Show first aid for the following:

• Simple cuts and scrapes
• Blisters on the hand and foot
• Minor (thermal/heat) burns or scalds (superficial, or first-degree)
• Bites or stings of insects and ticks
• Venomous snakebite
• Nosebleed
• Frostbite and sunburn

Backpacking 101

Activity description: We started off with a brainstorming session. Each boy compiled a list of items he would like to bring to our upcoming camp out. Then we talked ounces and pounds. We learned that packs should be less than 25% of your body weight. So we hopped on the scales and filled each boys pack with weights equal to his max capacity. We then hit the Munsel Creek Bike Trail for a 20 minute test walk. We spotted two raccoons! We also learned a valuable lesson: be prepared but pack light.

Tenderfoot rank requirement #1: Before going on an overnight camping trip, show the camping gear you will use. Show the right way to pack and carry it.

Home assignment: With your father, prepare your packs for our overnight camp out this weekend.

Camp Preparation Day

Activity description: We planned our first camp out. Boys accepted assignments to choose a camp site and arrange for preparation of a dinner, dessert and breakfast. We prepared the dessert we would like to make for our camp out in the dutch oven. While it was cooking, we learned how to tie basic knots and how to light a backpacking stove. We served our dutch oven apple cobbler ala mode (with vanilla ice-cream). Yum!

Boy Scout joining requirement #6: Demonstrate tying the square knot (a joining knot).

Tenderfoot rank requirement #4: Demonstrate how to whip and fuse the ends of a rope. Demonstrate that you know how to tie the following knots and tell what their uses are: two half hitches and the taut-line hitch.

Second class rank requirement #4F: Demonstrate how to light a lightweight stove.

Home assignment: Invite your father or other adult to the camp out and involve him in your planning and assignments. Teach him how to tie the knots you just learned.

Tents & Campfires

Activity description: We started by pitching a tent in Merritt's living room. We then gathered around the tent to review the Scout Law, motto, and slogan and agreed to live by them (see Scout Oath). We discussed how these values strengthen families and prepare young men to become effective fathers. We then learned how to light a fire, and enjoyed roasting marshmallows and eating s'mores.

Boy Scout joining requirement #7: Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, Law, motto, and slogan.

Tenderfoot rank requirement #2: Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.

Second class rank requirement #2F: Demonstrate how to light a fire.

Faith in God: Preparing for the Priesthood. Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Make a list of things you can do to help strengthen your family and make a happy home. Share the list with your parents.

Home assignment: For family home evening, pitch a tent in your living room or backyard then review King Benjamin's council to families (see Mos. 4:11-15). Complete the Faith in God requirement above. Prepare a treasure hunt using your list for the clues. See example in The Friend ("Family Treasure", July 2000, pg. 38).