The best navigation tool.

Altimeter, GPS, compass, digital compass, map, pace-counting beads, cell phone apps, map measuring tool, UTM ruler, etc.  The list is long for devices that can potentially help you with your orientation, navigation and routefinding.  However, the best navigation tool is right between your ears - that's right, your brain!  Just consider what would happen if you were to get separated from your backpack or otherwise damaged your navigation tools (bug repellant and water have been the culprit many times).  In short you would be fine but only if you keep calm and concentrate on what you know.  The sun, moon, stars, water and vegetation can all help you navigate without the use of a map, compass or other conventional tools.  Check out your Scout Handbook to find out more about how to use these, and other, methods of navigation.  If you study different ways to navigate, with and without tools, you will become more confident when faced with changing conditions, locations and resources.

Compass anatomy.

There are many tools in your camping equipment that can prove crucial in an emergency situation.  Your compass is just such an item, but only if you know how to use it and its different parts.  Take at look at the image in this post then write down the numbers on a piece of paper.  Try to label the parts of the compass next to their corresponding number.  When you are done click the image to see the answers and check your work.  You can study your Scout Handbook to get more familiar with your compass as well as how to use it both by itself and with a topographic map.  Navigation is a technical and perishable skill - practice often and well!

What you might not know can hurt you!

Topographic maps have the most detail when it comes to ground features (topography) and are most useful when on an outing - but only if you know how to correctly interpret the information.  This detail means that there are many topographic features to distinguish and understand.  Unfortunately, most topographic maps have a limited legend that indicates the features found on a particular map sheet.  This makes sense for two reasons: 1. If there was a master legend printed on every sheet there might not be room for the actual terrain features and 2. Not every sheet has the same terrain features (many map legend items might not be necessary).  Your Scout Handbook has a brief legend of some common topographic map features that you may encounter when you look at your next map.  If you would like to see a more inclusive legend you can check out this link.  If you pay attention to contours, ground density features, types of trails and distinct geological features such as mountains, rivers and lakes you will help yourself to be prepared to navigate on your next outing and you will also be able to understand more of the environment around your next encampment.

A tale of two...norths?

Odds are that anyone who has held a map in their hands has tried to make it point north.  But did you realize that there is more than one north?  Both "true north" and "magnetic north" are represented on a topographic map.  True north is the direction along the earth's surface towards the geographic north pole (indicated by the star in the image).  Magnetic north is the direction along the earth's surface towards the magnetic north pole (MN in the image).  In the margin of a topographic map there will be a small graphic that depicts the difference between true and magnetic north.  This value will have to be added to or subtracted from your compass bearings for the best accuracy.  There are also other ways to compensate for this difference (declination).  Check out your Scout Handbook for procedures that involve drawing magnetic north lines on your map and for calibrating a declination-adjustible compass, if you have a compass with this feature.  Once you have a good sense of the difference between the "two norths" and how they relate to using your map and compass together you will not have to worry about following skewed bearings and getting lost due to poor accuracy.

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Bonus: The declination key above is from the 2011 7.5' USGS Quadrangle for Everett.  You can view the map by clicking on the image (it may take a few moments to load).  You can then view the map in your browser or download it to your computer to explore the map features.  If you download the map use the zoom feature to find the "Scout Shack" and most importantly have fun!

Invasion of the little body snatchers.

As Winter slowly gives way to Spring and hiking season gets into full swing many people become concerned, and rightly so, about bugs.  From Deet to Permethrin and from lemon eucalyptus to eating garlic (or garlic supplements) there are many products available for making yourself less tasty to insects.  A few precautions should be taken to make sure that your invisible armor works most effectively: 1. Never apply around the eyes, nose or mouth; 2. Do not store for long periods of time; 3. Do not expose to high heat; 4. Do not store around food or water; 5. Apply carefully around fabrics and sensitive equipment (such as climbing rope, compasses and electronics); 6. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating or drinking; and 7. Read all precautions and directions on the product label.  With the right product and sensible application you can make your outings more enjoyable since you will not be bothered by becoming dinner for the winged, walking and wriggling critters of the woods!

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!