Staying sharp.

Having a good pocket knife to help with a daily tasks is essential (actually its one of the 10 Essentials) but it is also important to realize that using and maintaining your knife safely requires a great deal of responsibility.  Fortunately, there are many methods and tools that can be used to maintain your knife and keep it performing reliably.  Check out your Scout Handbook (pg. 402) to learn more about taking care of your camp tools, including your knife.  Just remember to always keep your knife clean, sharp and ready and you will be able to trust its performance as it helps you to be prepared.

Got snow?

Everyone has a favorite outdoor winter activity.  Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing usually round out the top five winter sports.  There are many options for having fun in the snow as well as many opportunities for advancement through related Merit Badges.  Go and have some fun outside this winter.  Watching the snow fall is great but it's not nearly as much fun as enjoying it outside.

Scouting: Over 100 years of reality television...without the television!

Chances are that you can't surf through your TV programming guide without seeing at least one survival-related reality show.  Shows such as Survivorman, Man vs. Wild, Dual Survival, Mountain Men, The Colony, Into the Wild and a large selection of others are all over the listings.  But did you realize that Scouts have been doing it longer, even predating the invention of television?  Just think about it, the skills that people have been exploring and popularizing lately, from urban to wilderness survival, are practiced by Scouts regularly through their training, outings and adventures.  Take a good look at the skills through First Class and the wide selection of Merit Badges, many of which deal specifically with survival skills.  When you have a chance to take a break during the busy holiday rush be sure to check out some behind the scenes information about The National Geographic Channel's new series Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout? and try not to say "been there, done that!"

Christmas cookies.

Almost everyone has a favorite holiday food.  Some people enjoy a turkey, ham or roast while others appreciate pie or cakes or maybe a special holiday treat handed down through generations.  Cookies also make easy smiles with a warm drink after a family dinner.  Enjoy this version of an on an old Christmas classic, Gingersnaps.  Eat well, have fun with family and friends and most of all enjoy your holiday season and the preparations that make it all possible.  Happy holidays!

Space camping.

If a person mentions "space technology" and camping most people think of a wide variety of things from Tang drinks to freeze-dried ice cream and foods but do you know that there is another space technology that can significantly impact your comfort while camping?  A reflective space blanket can provide additional comfort to your sleep system if you wrap up in one before getting into your regular sleeping bag.  By using a space blanket, with the reflective side oriented toward your body, you can reduce your body's radiant heat loss by an estimated 80-95%!  These blankets are also relatively inexpensive, compact, lightweight and are capable of performing multiple functions in camp.  Space blankets are not one of the ten essentials but when used with some cordage and ingenuity they certainly make good candidates for number eleven.

Reaching higher ground.

Today is the day!  Indoor climbing is a good way to keep limber and practice your faith in your knots and rope work while staying fit and pushing yourself to greater heights.  While you are getting excited to test your skills take some time to watch the videos on belaying and climbing basics.  Remember to wear flexible and protective athletic clothing and shoes (not your uniform) and get your waiver signed on site or online.  Now go have some fun while you help each other reach higher ground!

Turkey time.

Happy Thanksgiving!  While you are enjoying your holiday with friends and family take time to appreciate the meal and good company while you think about all of the things for which you are thankful.  With all of the cooking and preparation that usually goes into the holiday season also think about how you can gain some new cooking skills by helping out in the kitchen then go test yourself with the Cooking merit badge.