Plants, animals and First Aid...oh my!

There are many aspects of First Aid, some of which deal specifically with how to treat a person for exposure to poisonous plants as well as animal bites and stings.  While the probability of these encounters is remote, it does happen and usually when it is least expected.  One of the first steps to preventing what could become a First Aid emergency relies upon correct identification of the dangerous plants or animals that are suspected in an area.  You should know how to identify the dangerous plants or animals in your area (or where you are going on an outing) and specifically how they are dangerous (touch, ingestion, sting, bite, etc.).  Next, you should be able to identify what actually caused the incident - only after you identify the plant or animal can the correct treatment be applied.  Check out your Scout Handbook for more information on treating a person who has had contact with dangerous plants or animals then study the local plants and animals that pose risk in your specific area.  You can then rest assured that you have information that will help you prevent, identify and treat someone (or yourself) when the need arises.

Proper preparation prevents panic.

First Aid is one of the most crucial Scouting skills and is also good demonstration of how being prepared can have a dramatic effect on a person's treatment for a variety of medical issues or complications.  It should come as no surprise that First Aid is an essential part of all advancement through First Class and is also involved in great number of other Merit Badges.  Check out the requirements for the First Aid Merit Badge and review the rank requirements through First Class to see the importance of knowing how to respond in a medical emergency.  You can also click the image in this post to learn more about what some commercial medical kits contain as well as the variety of kits that exist for different activities and group sizes.  Finally let's not forget, proper preparation prevents panic.  Study well!

Scouts of the Roundtable?

According to Arthurian legend the round table was a place where King Arthur and his knights congregated to discuss the realm - where every knight had an equal voice regarding the business of the court and kingdom.  Scouting has adopted the same idea for use with Scout programs by making a Roundtable Meeting a place where Scout leaders can exchange ideas about activities and programs.  You are cordially invited to attend a very special Roundtable meeting tonight beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the LDS Church in the Viewridge neighborhood (110 50th Street Southwest  Everett, WA 98203 - directions can also be found from the map link on our calendar for tonight's meeting).  Come and visit us at the Roundtable and see what the Scout units in the area have to offer.  We hope to see you there!

Gram crackers.

There are many ways in which technology has influenced the business of hiking, backpacking and camping.  Ultralight materials, multipurpose items, improved insulation materials and smaller and simpler stoves are all examples of the relationship between weight and comfort on the trail.  Check out this Wiki on ultralight backpacking and start to think of ways that you can revise your gear to increase your enjoyment while on an outing.  Remember that there are always options for improving your gear and reducing your pack weight, not the least of which being with information and skills training - after all, "the more you know, the less you need."  In the final analysis, carrying a lighter load on the trail will allow you to hike further and faster with reduced risk of bodily injury and strain.

It's not cool to be cold.

Hypothermia, frostbite, dehydration, exhaustion, cold food...the list goes on and on. Many things can make winter camping difficult if you are not properly prepared. Check out this simple winter camping quiz (from Scouting Magazine) to test your knowledge. Then review the basic camping gear lists in your Scout Handbook (pgs. 270 & 292) to get an idea of how to set up your kit for success. Remember to plan ahead and prepare to adapt to changing conditions so that you will have the best chance of enjoying the weather that usually keeps everyone else on the couch.

The wild outside your door.

Nearly everyone is interested in some particular type of animal and its natural habitat.  From feeding wild birds to viewing animals during seasonal migrations, people like to get a glimpse of the wild outside their door.  Discover some interesting facts about local wildlife species by viewing the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife's species profile pages to learn about animals that you have seen (or are trying to see).  Always respect the nature around you and do not attempt to touch, trap or scare the animals that you might be lucky enough to encounter.  To help hone your nature observation skills keep a journal of your wildlife experiences, learn about animal tracking by reading about it in your Scout Handbook or explore relevant Merit Badges such as Nature, Mammal Study, Bird Study or Reptile and Amphibian Study.

Heavy duty.

Nobody likes to hike while feeling like they are packing a boulder on their shoulders!  Knowing how (and how much) to pack will make a significant impact on your comfort while moving on the trail as well as your energy and recovery when in camp.  Check out the infographic from REI (click to see the full version then click again to zoom) to learn more about how to choose and load your pack.  Pay attention to how things should be arranged in your pack and how proper loading can help to save your shoulders, back and hips from unnecessary strain or injury.  Now go experiment with your pack and gear to find the configuration that works best for you.