Tag: Be Prepared

A Return to Our Roots

by abscadabs, posted in Camping Trips, Community Service, Troop 100 G

On September 19th, Troop 100 G was able to finally start back camping like normal–or at least as normal as could be expected while still following social distancing guidelines.

While options are limited for camping at the moment, our Scout group overcame the setbacks the Coronavirus has caused and decided to tough it out at Camp Horne, which is the base camp for most activities in the Black Warrior Council.

Joined by a new Scout who had just received her Arrow of Light, Troop 100 G wanted to focus a lot of the activities they’d be doing around rank advancement and really reinforcing those fundamental skills that all Scouts should possess, such as first aid and fire building.

Troop 100 G practicing First Aid
Scout Kaycee using a backpacking stove

To cap off a quite peaceful trip, two of the older scouts completed an essential environmental conservation project at Camp Horne to prevent erosion and pollution, and the Troop came together towards the end to clear a trail that had become overgrown during the quarantine.

The Scouts clearing a trail

They made progress in several areas this weekend which is a testament to their resilience in these trying times.

All in all, in the words from the Patrol Leader Isabel, “It was a very normal camping trip, and it was nice to get back into the swing of things.”

10 Essentials for your backpack

by Jim Gleason, posted in Be Prepared, Camping Trips

Before every camping trip, a scout or scouter will ask, “What do I need to bring?” Well, each trip is a little different, but one thing remains the same: the 10 Essentials.

10 Scouting Essentials:

  1. Pocketknife or multi-tool
  2. Rain Gear
  3. Snack
  4. Flash light
  5. Extra clothing
  6. First-aid kit (including a whistle)
  7. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, lip balm)
  8. Map & compass
  9. Matches & fire starter
  10. Water bottle

You may be thinking, Hey! It’s the 21st century. Aren’t there a few more essentials? Absolutely!

  1. Cell phone (and a power bank if you will need to recharge).
  2. Handheld GPS (and a few extra batteries). A map and compass are great, but the accuracy of a reliable GPS is far better.
  3. Pen or pencil

You may be thinking, Hey! I’m a girl. Aren’t there a few more essentials? As a female scouter, here are a few more items I consider essentials:

  1. Bandanna
  2. Feminine hygiene products
  3. A FUD

While almost all of the listed items are good to have on every outing (especially the outdoor outings), be smart and use common sense when considering what items will be appropriate for a specific outing. Depending on where you’re going, some of the items will not be allowed. For example, having a pocket knife with you is a good way to be detained at a museum, airport, or government building.

Be smart and be prepared.