The following is a handout that has information and helpful hints for the new
scout leader. However, this is not to be used as a replacement for the Scoutmaster's Handbook or the training that is offered to the new leader. The subjects to
be covered are:
1. Advancement 3. Fund Raising
2. Camping 4. Equipment
THE MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE THAT IS AVAILABLE IS A FELLOW
SCOUTER. ALL ONE NEEDS TO DO IS ASK. FEW WILL OFFER HELP
FOR FEAR OF OFFENDING THE NEW LEADER!
ADVANCEMENT
1. When: It is the decision of the scoutmaster when a scout is ready to advance.
Members of the committee may have input into this, but they do not have the
final word. If the scoutmaster does not feel that a boy is ready to advance or has
not shown the proper scout spirit (i.e., has not participated in enough functions),
then the leader does not have to recommend him for advancement. Time in a
unit alone does not have to be the only criteria that is used for advancement. Do
not become intimidated and advance a scout before he has shown that he is pre-
pared to move forward.
Some troops, however, will have written guidelines that supplement the BSA's
advancement policy; while this is not policy, it is highly recommended that there
be written guidelines for units. One guideline might state that a boy must meet
a percentage of activities to be considered for the next rank. The guidelines might
also point out what is considered an "active scout." This is especially helpful
when a young man gets close to the rank of Eagle. An example of this might be
the boy must have met the troop's guidelines for participation in the troop's
activities in the time period immediately prior to going for the next rank. It is best
to have written guidelines for this rather than allowing the youth to pay his dues
for the time missed and have him come back to the troop and say, "here I am,
advance me." While the leader does not have to do this, it is helpful to have it in
writing so there are no accusations of unfair treatment.
Remember that there are scouts with "special needs" and that there can be
substitutions made to the advancement guidelines. The professional staff or unit
commissioner can offer advice on proper substitutions that will be acceptable on
the scout's trail to Eagle.
2. Scoutmaster's Conference: This is the time when the leader can show
that he is interested in the scout in more ways than just his performance in the
troop. Ask how his school work is going; and if it is not going well, remind him
to "do his best." If grades are low, scouting is one of the first things that parents
will take away from the youth. Do not ask a lot of personal questions; if he wants
the leader to know something, he will tell him. Let the boy know that the leaders
are there to listen to him if he needs to talk to someone impartial. The Scoutmaster's Handbook tells how to handle serious situations, or call any of the professional scouters for guidance.
The scoutmaster's conference, however, should not be behind closed doors. This
is to be a one-on-one conference with the scout; but for the leader's protection,
hold the conference in a room that is easily accessible to casual observation.
If the leader does not feel that the scout is ready for the rank, explain what is
expected. Explain any unfavorable habits to him and point out the scout's strong
points also. Set a time period for the next conference; this sets a goal for the boy
to improve himself and to show his improvement. Ask the scout to explain what
has been discussed so the leader knows the scout understands what is expected
of him. Have the scout put down in writing what has been agreed upon. There
should be two copies; one for the scout, and one for the scoutmaster. Remember
to always end the scoutmaster's conference on a positive note.
However, if the scout is trying to improve; but he has not fully mastered the
requirements for advancement, does the scoutmaster give him the benefit of the
doubt? It is important that a scout not be turned off from scouting because a
leader is too hard on advancement requirements. Remember, it is more important
for a boy to learn a little of a lot of things than to just be proficient in one area.
Each scout will have his "special thing" he does well. There are Eagle Scouts who
are hard pressed to start a fire, but can teach a new scout all the knots in one
evening.
Judge each scout as he is. Each one is an individual and should be treated as
such. Do not ever feel a rank should be given to a scout, but be fair in any
decisions.
3. Relatives: Scout policy states that a parent can be the merit badge counselor
for a boy. However, the local council or troop's rules may state otherwise. In
addition, some units only allow a parent to sign off on their son's merit badge if
that parent was teaching the badge to a group of scouts, and the son was a
participant. The scout leader assigns a merit badge counselor to a scout from the
list of counselors approved by Scout Council. Ask scouts after they have finished
their merit badge about the knowledge and fairness of the counselor. This can be
the basis for a guide as to which merit badge counselors to assign in the future.
While this is not scout policy, it is a wise policy, nonetheless.
Furthermore, it is difficult for a boy to have his father as scoutmaster. The
scoutmaster expects the son to set an example for the other scouts and do every-
thing right. Remember that he is in scouting to have fun too, and one of the
worst things that he can be accused of is having his "Daddy" give a rank, merit
badge, or show special treatment to him. This can be avoided, however, simply
by appointing another leader to take care of all of the son's advancement and
discipline needs. While this will not end all problems, the boy and the troop's
members will know the boy has earned the advancement he has received. It
might be helpful also to spell out the troop's policy in writing as to how this will
be handled.
4. The leader's responsibility is to lead, and in doing so, it will be impossible to
please everyone.
CAMPING
1. Where: There are numerous places to camp within an hour's drive. The
"Order Of The Arrow's Camping Guide" is one resource to find many of these
camps. In addition, most states will list private campgrounds in a guide from the
State Tourism Agency. Don't forget the troop can use camps from other councils
convenient to it. Camping at a variety of locations and taking different types of
trips will help keep the youth's interest in the unit.
2. Tour Permits: A Tour Permit, besides being required, should never
be forgotten. The tour permit protects the scoutmaster, the other leaders, and
the sponsoring organization. The permit is often inconvenient; however, the
benefits far outweigh any inconvenience.
When BSA guidelines are followed and a tour permit is procured, and if an
accident does occur, the leaders will receive the backing of the BSA. Rules seem
silly and they take up some valuable time; however, a lawsuit could be avoided
by following and insisting that established rules and guidelines be followed.
3. Liquid Fuel Policy: National policy states that scouts may light liquid fuel
stoves and lanterns only with adult supervision. A better and safer rule is: Boys
are not to handle liquid fuels (gas, kerosene, charcoal lighter) at any
time, nor are they to light equipment using said liquids. An adult
should light a gas stove (propane or gas), and then the boy may use it with super-
vision after proper instructions have been given to him. Lanterns are handled the
same way, though it is generally best if they are fueled and hung where needed
before they are lit (the mantels break). Lighting a stove or lantern is the most
dangerous part of using one. If there is to be a problem, this is generally when
it will happen.
4. Two-Deep Leadership: One leader should never attempt to take a troop on
an outing by himself. What would happen if one of the boys is hurt and must be
taken to a doctor? Who is going to stay with the other scouts in camp? That is
the primary reason behind two-deep leadership. Therefore, it is best if more than
two leaders go on an outing. Besides it is more enjoyable for the leaders and safer
all around.
The other more ominous reason is that one should have someone else there to
confirm that "yes, we did tell him not to go near the cliffs. He fell and hurt
himself, because he did not follow precise, clear instructions."
5. First Aid: More than likely, sooner or later, someone will get hurt on an
outing or at a meeting. The most important thing to remember is for the leaders
not to treat over their capabilities. IF IN DOUBT, GO TO THE DOCTOR.
There are no requirements in BSA policy that say that a leader must be proficient
in first aid to be a scoutmaster, but the Red Cross Standard First Aid course and
CPR training are excellent courses for many of the emergencies in scouting. Good
common sense is the best rule to follow in most situations. Remember the more
qualified a person is the more responsible he is for his actions. ALWAYS CARRY
THE SCOUTS' MEDICAL FORMS ON ANY OUTING. These not only give a
medical history of the scout, but also gives permission for treatment in case of
emergency and a parent cannot be reached.
6. Transportation: The biggest headache a scoutmaster will work with is
transportation. Are there enough cars to get all of these boys to camp and then
back again? Find someone that will make the necessary arrangements and back
that person completely. A member of the committee is a good choice for this
position. If the person does not do the job, then replace him. It is better to make
an adult angry, then to tell a boy that he cannot go camping because of lack of
transportation.
7. Permission Slips: It is a good idea to have a permission slip for any outing.
It is the best way to be sure that parents are aware of what is going on, the costs,
where the troop is going, when to leave, and most importantly, when to come
pick up their son. An example is included on page 27 of this booklet.
8. High Adventure: The older scouts in the troop will enjoy the challenge of
a high-adventure camp. This activity also aids in the retention of boys older than
age 14. The National High Adventure Bases are Philmont, Florida Sea Base, and
Charles L. Sommers. There are other local high-adventure bases in all sections
of the country. A troop can also plan its own high-adventure trip as needed. This
could be a week-long canoe trip or a 50-mile hike in the mountains.
FUND RAISING
How are we supposed to earn money to do all of these things, and buy all of the
troop equipment we need? That is a problem that has been around as long as
scouting. There are no easy answers; but here are a few suggestions, along with
the ground rules of fund raising.
The fund raising form needs to be filled out and turned into scout headquarters to
get approval for the fund raising project. Unless it is a scout sanctioned project,
then NO UNIFORMS will be allowed while selling the product. Scout show tickets
and Trails End Popcorn are two examples of projects that allow scouts to wear
uniforms when selling the product.
In addition, it is better to give the boys an incentive to get out and sell the
product. Splitting the profits with the scouts is one form of incentive. A 50/50
split of the proceeds works for some units. The boys do not get actual cash for
their efforts, rather their funds are put aside for them for use towards summer
camp or other approved scout activities. The purchasing of needed equipment is
a very good reason to have a fund raiser. If presented properly, and the boys can
see the fruits of their labors, then a split of funds is not always needed.
Scout Show and Trails End Popcorn are but a few of the many fund raising
projects that are approved by scout headquarters. Donuts, fertilizer, and
numerous other possibilities can be found in Scouting magazine. Also, scout
headquarters can give other suggestions.
EQUIPMENT
The equipment that the leader purchases will depend on the type of camping done
by the troop. If the troop is going to DUMP-N-CAMP, then the troop members
will not be concerned with the weight of the equipment. If the troop will be doing
a lot of backpacking trips, then weight will be of primary concern to the troop
members. Remember, there are no products designed for both types of camping.
This doesn't mean, however, that the troop cannot make do, but it will sacrifice
something in the trade off. Purchase equipment for what the troop will mainly
do, and then buy the rest of the "toys" at a later date. Remember boys never
grow up; the toys only get more expensive!
While there are numerous places to purchase equipment locally, REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) P.O. Box 88125, Seattle, Wa 98138-2125, Ph.1-(800)-426-4840, and CAMPMOR, P.O. Box 997-Q, Paramus, N.J. 07653-0997, Ph.1-(800)-526-4784, are good mail-order houses. In addition, the Scout Service
Center, if equipped with an outlet store, is an excellent place to purchase camping
equipment.
The following are suggestions to help in purchasing first-time equipment.
Remember that the most expensive equipment is not always the best buy.
1. Boots: The best way to break in a pair of boots so they will not cause
blisters when wearing them is to fill them with water, let them soak for a few
minutes, and then put them on and wear them until they are dry. This will
soften the boots and let them stretch and bend to the contours of the feet. After
the boots are broken in, then it is time to waterproof them. The method of
waterproofing depends on the material that the boots are made of. For leather
boots, there are many products on the market. Mink oil is one of the best and is
available in the grocery store. If the boots are made of canvas and leather, or
gortex and leather, then Scotch Guard works very well. Several treatments of
protector are required for both types of boot. Remember, waterproofing does not
last forever and should be reapplied (one coat) each time the boots are worn to
ensure continued protection.
Boots should be purchased one-half (1/2) size larger to allow room for socks: two
pairs are recommended. High tops are recommended to protect the ankles if any
hiking on rough terrain is expected.
2. Tents: Personal preference is the rule to follow in the purchase of a tent. A
free standing A-frame tent is more expensive than a standard "pup" tent, but it
is more versatile. The size of the tent is optional, but remember that no scout,
other than the scoutmaster's son, should ever be in the tent with the leader at any
time. A good tent that will last for many years will cost $100 or more. A nice
feature to look for in a tent is a rain fly. Don't forget the ground cloth--a piece of
plastic to go under the tent to help keep it and the person dry.
3. Backpacks: A person gets what he pays for in a backpack. Features to look
for are volume, a good hip belt, sternum strap, welded joints and the guarantee
that comes with it. A pack should be the proper size for the person. There are
many good packs on the market, and they come with instructions on how to buy
the correct size pack. There are also packs that will "grow" with a boy as he gets
bigger. In addition, a backpack cover is real nice to have. They cost about $20
but will pay for themselves the first time they keep everything dry.
4. Sleeping Bags: Two things need to be figured in when purchasing a sleeping
bag: weight and the temperature that the bag is rated to. If living in Florida, the
odds are that an extremely cold-weather sleeping bag is not needed. Any sleeping
bag can be made warmer with the addition of a liner or blanket, so purchase a
bag for the average coldest weather that is expected while camping. If the
average is 30 degrees, then the person might want a bag with a rating of 20
degrees. A 20-degree bag will weigh about 5-7 pounds and is bulky. Most bags
are filled with synthetic materials of Hollofil or Quallofil. The best thing about
these fill materials is that they will keep the person warm even if they get wet.
A bag filled with down will weigh less and will take up one-fifth of the space.
However, down bags are not the bag to get a boy; they require extra care and
down will not keep a person warm if it gets wet.
When purchasing a sleeping bag for personal use or recommending one to a
scout, be sure to recommend the purchase of a stuff sack to put the bag in. These
are made of nylon and are durable. It is better to tear the stuff sack while on a
trip, then to tear the sleeping bag and possibly make it unusable.
On the following pages are helpful hints that will aid the new scout leader. In
addition, the list includes instructions on how to make helpful camp objects.
HOMEMADE EQUIPMENT
1. If the bag that a hand warmer came in has been lost, replace the bag with
a sock.
2. A length of chain and a piece of coat hanger bent into an "S" shape will
allow the hanging of a lantern from a tree limb.
3. A cookie tin can be used as a Dutch oven.
4. Keep batteries in an appropriate size prescription bottle to ensure they
cannot run themselves down by accident.
5. Prescription bottles make good warm weather match safes.
6. Prescription bottles or 35mm film containers make good storage places for
small items.
7. Grills from old ovens can be used for fire grills; refrigerator shelves cannot
be used as they will release toxic gases when heated.
8. A frisbee will add support to paper plates when the plate is placed inside the
frisbee.
9. Make a camp washing machine from a 5-gallon bucket and a toilet
plunger.
10. Placing a plastic garbage bag over a tripod will create a wash basin.
11. Making a slit in a trash bag, large enough for a head to go through, will
make an emergency poncho. Do not forget to make holes for the arms also.
12. Laundry lint makes good tinder.
13. Save candle stubs for fire starters or to use as paraffin to make other fire
starters.
14. Melt snow in a black trash bag by filling the bag with snow and laying the
bag in the direct sun. (Water can be warmed by the same method.)
15. Channel lock pliers make good pot holders.
16. Make an oven by lining a cardboard box with aluminum foil and pushing
coat hangers through both sides about half way up the box to form a grill.
Put coals in a pan and put the pan on three stones on the bottom of the
box. Close the doors (lid) and bake away. Be sure to start charcoal and let
the flames die down before putting them in the oven.
17. Canning rings can be used to cook eggs in when making egg sandwiches.
This also works well for English muffins or hamburger buns.
18. If going to summer camp where the mosquitoes are a problem, make sure
that everyone has mosquito netting.
19. Nylon rope can be used as shoe laces.
20. Use a large zip-lock plastic bag filled with air as a pillow.
21. Plastic butter tubs make good storage containers for camp kitchens (not a
good idea to use in a backpack).
22. An old, closed-cell foam exercise pad will make a passable sleeping pad.
23. Plastic bottles can be used for canteens. Make sure the lid does not leak
before using in backpack.
24. The pins which hold the backpack and shoulder straps to the frame can be
replaced, in an emergency, with a small piece of coat hanger threaded
through the hole and twisted around itself.
25. Twist ties can be used to hold up another tarp from a dining fly to form a
wind screen.
26. A small automotive water hose clamp can be used as a stop for the upright
poles of a dining fly.
27. Drill a hole in the bottom of nested poles and put a screw in it to stop inner
pole from sliding out.
28. Short lengths of coat hanger or wire can be threaded through the holes and
springs of the summer camp cots to replace the missing springs.
29. When going to summer camp, carry several pieces of lumber cut into 2-inch squares to use in leveling platforms, tents, and cots.
30. If for health reasons one must sleep on a cot in cold weather, insulate the
person from the cold air by placing several layers of newspaper under the
sleeping bag on the cot.
31. Old worn out nylon tents can be recycled as stuff bags, tent bags, bear bags,
etc., with a seam across the bottom and up the side to form a bag. In
addition, to make a drawstring, just sew the top over on itself and thread
a thin nylon rope through the hole. Use a coat hanger to do the threading.
32. Add a cap full of carburetor cleaner to the tank of a white gas stove or
lantern every once in a while when filling it. This will help reduce the gum
deposits and help keep the generator clean.
33. If fuel has been stored in a white gas stove or lantern for a long period of
time, empty and refill the tank with fresh fuel; water and gum deposits will
affect the efficiency of the stove.
34. A couple of drops of vegetable oil can revive the leather or rubber gasket
in a lantern or stove long enough for the troop to complete the trip.
Replace the plunger unit as soon as possible as there is a limit to the
number of times this trick will work.
35. Use a 2 1/2-gallon compressed air insect sprayer as a shower. However, it
is not wise to use one that has been used for insecticide.
36. Use zip-lock bags for mixing foods. Be sure it is closed tight and the top is
held shut before shaking or kneading.
FIRE HINTS
1. Treat fire with the respect it deserves; it is a deadly tool.
2. Waterproof matches by dipping them in melted paraffin.
3. Carry plastic bags to pick up tinder that is found; take extra bags and carry
in a pack.
4. Use laundry lint as tinder.
5. Cut slivers off scrap pine boards to use as tinder. Store in plastic bags.
(Cedar siding also works.)
6. If ground is wet or snow covered, start fire on aluminum foil.
7. Burning paper creates a lot of floating ash which can still start a fire; it is
not a wise choice of tinder.
8. In cold weather carry a 6" x 6" x 1/4" board to set the backpacking stove
on in order to insulate it from the ground.
9. Use metal match safes; plastic may shatter in cold weather if dropped.
10. Carry matches distributed throughout clothing and pack. In this way, not
all matches will be affected by the same conditions (i.e., when the person
gets wet and the pack stays dry).
11. Learn alternative methods for lighting fires in emergencies (flint & steel, fire
by friction, etc.).
12. Use a 9-volt transistor radio battery and fine steel wool to start a fire by
laying the steel wool across the battery terminals. (If carrying a battery in
pocket, make sure the terminals are not crossed by keys, coins, etc., by
putting it in a large empty medicine bottle.)
13. Before lighting a fire, look up to see if there are any branches overhanging
the area.
14. Use existing fire circles when possible.
15. Leave a wood pile for the next campers. Most campers arrive at night and
finding wood can be difficult. Also if it is raining, the campers should be
able to dig dry wood from the wood pile.
16. Use only field stones for a fire ring; stones from creek beds, washes, etc.,
contain water and could explode when enough heat is applied.
17. Use nonporous rocks for a fire ring, because porous rocks may contain
water.
18. In windy weather keep fires small in order to reduce the amount of sparks
being blown from the fire. Also try to build the fire in a protected area.
19. Camping is to commune with nature and the light from a fire sets up an
artificial barrier between campers and nature. Try camping without a
night fire and see the difference. (This is also true with lanterns and flashlights.)
20. When laying a fire, especially in cold or wet weather, take stock of tinder.
Another fire may be needed before more dry tinder can be found.
21. After a fire is started, dry wet tinder by the fire and store in a plastic bag for
the next fire.
22. Learn the various fire lays and the advantages to them. A fire lay for one
set of weather conditions may not work as well when those conditions
change.
23. Dry wet wood beside the fire before putting it on the fire to burn; wet wood
causes a good deal of smoke.
24. Watch the position of feet when sitting near a fire; many a boot has been
ruined by melting the soles. The same holds true for plastic coolers, water
jugs, etc.
25. When burned, styrofoam releases toxic gases; so it is not a good idea to
burn it.
26. When burning garbage, place it under wood in the fire in order to reduce
the amount of floating ash created.
27. Use matches to light fires rather than butane lighters. If the lighter is
burned long enough, the top becomes hot and it could explode. The lighters
also are made of plastic; and if left near a fire, they could explode. (This
could also happen while the lighter is in a pocket while the person is
cooking.)
28. When collecting wood try to do it in daylight; it is safer and the wood is
easier to find.
29. Check ROUGHING IT EASY: I & II for more ideas.
30. Also examine other camping and survival books for additional ideas.
COLD WEATHER CAMPING TIPS
The most important thing to remember about cold weather camping is to KEEP
DRY. Moisture will reduce the insulating properties of almost everything. Cold
weather camping, as defined by BSA, is "camping in weather where the average
daily temperature is below 50-degrees Fahrenheit and conditions are cold, wet,
or windy."
To keep warm, remember the word COLD.
C - Keep body and clothes Clean.
O - Avoid Overheating.
L - Wear clothes Loose and in Layers.
D - Keep Dry.
CLOTHING
1. Layer clothing. Wear several layers of lighter clothing instead of one heavy
layer. By regulating the amount of insulation, control of temperature can
be accomplished. If warm, take some clothing off; and if cold, add more
clothing.
2. Keep dry, both from the weather and perspiration.
3. Wear loose-fitting clothing to optimize insulation.
4. Remember that rain gear is waterproof and will not allow perspiration to
exit. During rainy weather, change clothing several times a day.
5. Athletic shoes and nylon hiking boots do not provide enough insulation.
Wear either leather hiking boots or rubberized boots. Boots made of gortex,
though more expensive, are very good.
6. When wearing rubberized boots, remember they do not allow for ventilation; therefore, it will be necessary to change socks several times a day.
7. Wear mittens instead of fingered gloves when independent use of fingers is
not needed. This will allow the fingers to help keep each other warm.
8. Wear a stocking cap. Most heat loss is through the head.
9. Remember, when buying clothes for cold weather, wool retains most of its
insulative properties while cotton loses most of its insulative properties
when wet.
10. There are manmade fibers that retain their insulative properties better than
wool. Ask a salesperson to explain the advantages and disadvantages of
these materials.
11. Waterproof leather hiking boots with a commercial treatment after each
outing.
12. Wear a pair of cotton and a pair of wool socks to increase insulation and
take the perspiration away from feet.
13. Wear a scarf to reduce heat loss around the neck. Use a scarf over face for
protection from the cold and wind.
14. If dressed properly, a fire is not needed to keep warm. If heat can get in, so
can the cold.
15. Use a pair of socks to cover hands if mittens get wet.
16. Paper is a good insulator and can be wrapped around the body (under
clothes) to add insulation.
17. Use a neckerchief to cover ears, nose, or mouth.
BEDDING DOWN
1. Natural fiber sleeping bags do not maintain their insulation properties
when damp; down bags are also applicable to this statement. A 3-to-4
pound synthetic bag will take care of most cold weather needs.
2. Remember to air out sleeping bags and tents, when weather permits.
Perspiration and breath condense in the tent at night and the water will
reduce insulating properties of a sleeping bag.
3. A mummy-style bag is warmer than a rectangular bag, as there is less
space to heat. Also, most mummy bags have a hood to help protect heads.
4. If a rectangular sleeping bag is what is owned, bring an extra blanket to
pack around shoulders at the opening of the bag to keep air from getting in.
5. Wear a stocking cap to bed in order to reduce heat loss.
6. Wear a loose fitting, hooded pullover-type sweatshirt to sleep in.
7. Make a loose-fitting bag from an old blanket to put both feet in when in
sleeping bag.
8. Breathing inside of a sleeping bag will increase the humidity and reduce the
insulation properties of the bag.
9. Insulate the sleeping bag from the ground as much as possible to avoid cold
spots at the shoulders and hips. Try to have two to three times more
insulation below as above a sleeping bag. This will provide padding and
keep the cold from seeping up from the ground.
10. Use a sleeping pad of closed-cell foam instead of an air mattress.
11. Cold air will be above and below the person while sleeping on a cot, so plan
to keep warm accordingly.
12. Build a wind break outside of tent by piling up snow or leaves to a height
sufficient to protect the bodies of persons who are lying down inside the
tent.
13. Remove all clothes that were worn before bedding down; they
are damp with perspiration. Put on dry clothing or pajamas.
14. Exercise before bedding down to increase body heat. Be careful not to start
perspiring.
15. Use a ground cloth to keep ground moisture from sleeping bag. A body can
warm frozen ground to a point where moisture can become important.
16. Hang sleeping bags up or just lay them out, between trips, so the filling will
not compress and lose its insulating properties. An old pillowcase works
well as a storage bag.
17. In very cold situations, it is best to triple up in a tent to provide more body
heat in the tent.
18. Take small bottles (1 pound) of propane into the leader's tent at night. This
will keep the bottles of propane warmer and make it easier to light stoves
for breakfast. Large bottles of propane are not affected by the cold as much,
therefore, do not need such protection.
19. Heaters inside a tent can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. NO
HEATING DEVICES SHOULD EVER BE USED IN A TENT.
20. Before getting out of bed, bring the clothing for the day inside the sleeping
bag to warm them before beginning to dress.
21. Fill a canteen with hot water (not boiling) and place at foot of sleeping bag
to help warm it. Be careful with plastic canteens. Make sure to remove
canteen before going to bed. As it cools, so will the bag.
ODDS AND ENDS
1. Recommend the use of solid fuel hand warmers. They are cheaper and
scouts can light them themselves. Adult leaders must handle all liquid fuel.
2. For a while after burning, the solid fuel hand warmers tend to have a flair
up of heat; then they start to cool down. Placing them in an old sock will
add protection from this "hot spot."
3. Stress to the scouts that if at night a scout gets cold, let the adult leadership
know so action can be taken before injury from cold-weather health
problems occur.
4. Drink 2 quarts of fluids (water) per day besides what is consumed at meals.
5. Keep off ice on streams, lakes, and ponds.
6. Learn to recognize and treat cold-weather health problems. These include
