Knowledge: The original multitool.

There are many things to consider when you are taking stock of your camping equipment or making a holiday wish list: Titanium tent stakes, high tech stoves, ultralight air mattresses or sleeping pads, backpacks with more features than a luxury car, new boots, compact water filters and much more.  There are many ways to improve your comfort on the trail or simplify regular camping tasks with additions of new equipment but don't forget the most important thing, knowledge!  Keep your skills sharp and be prepared.  Knowledge does not add any weight to your load and is the original multitool.

Getting it tied without having fits.

Setting up camp is difficult if you don't have a good array of hitches at your disposal.  To help you develop your rope skills check out these two excellent hitches.  The elder Siberian hitch is very useful for setting a ridge line and can be easily set at awkward angles or while wearing gloves.  The modern Farrimond friction hitch is another easily tied "slipped-hitch" that is reminiscent of a Prusik knot or Lark's Head/Cow Hitch.  Study the diagrams and videos then practice these two hitches until you can tie them with your eyes closed so that you can have the best chance of securing your shelter and camp with the least amount of frustration.

Tent designs: Staked or freestanding?

Shelters are important when camping for obvious reasons.  Unfortunately, when trying to find a good value on a tent many people overlook a basic tent design feature; whether it requires staking or is "free standing."  A staked tent requires staking (and usually guy lines) as the primary support for the tent whereas a freestanding tent does not.  Some tent models, such as the MSR Fling tent (picture at left), allow for both pitching options and will have different packed weights depending on the configuration.  Overall, your choice of tent design should depend upon your terrain and weather more than anything else.  If you remember to try to anticipate where and when you will be camping you will also give yourself the best chance of not waking up in a collapsed, flooded or destroyed shelter!

How to avoid becoming a popsicle!

Camping is enjoyable.  Freezing, on the other hand, is not!  When you are sleeping your body can lose heat in a variety of ways.  Read through these basic gear guides on sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and bivys to learn more about the interchangeable parts of a basic sleep system so that you can be prepared for inclement weather and give yourself the best chance of comfort while sleeping on the trail.  After all, a good night's rest makes for a good day's hike!

Wherever you go, there you are.

Many people are reluctant to venture into the woods for a very simple reason: They are worried about getting lost.  As a Scout you have an advantage if you bring your map and compass (they are part of the ten essentials for a reason) and know how to use them.  Together they will help you become familiar with your locations and routes and will help you feel confident when you explore or try to find a specific features on an outing.  Check out this wiki on compasses as well as these helpful USGS links on map education, using map and compass together and map symbols.  Use them with your Handbook to develop your understanding then go get the Orienteering Merit Badge or set up a navigation or orienteering course with other Scouts to help you practice your skills.

Looking good while doing good.

Ceremonies are an important part of Scouting as is your uniform.  Review the included videos for some helpful tips for adding and removing patches and keeping your uniform looking current and clean.  These forms for adult and Scout uniforms should also help you prepare for our upcoming inspection as well as Nathan's Eagle Court of Honor.

A brave new digital world.

Here are couple of the newer badges that signify the growing influence of technology, computing and safety in Scouting.

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Worn attached to your right pocket flap, the Cyber Chip emblem is renewed annually and certifies that you have passed Scouting's cyber safety training program which addresses blogs, cellphones and more.  The training program can also be customized to fit your specific Troop's digital safety training requirements.

The Troop Webmaster is an official position of responsibility (similar to Historian, Scribe, etc.) and is involved with maintaining and and updating the Troop's website.  The Scout Handbook describes the position in more detail.