Boy Scout 10 essentials: Items every Scout needs in the outdoors

By Stephen Regenold
From the March-April 2013 issue of Scouting magazine 

 

Before you answer the call of the wild, pack these 10 emergency essentials.

Prepared. For Life. It’s more than a motto for Scouting; it’s a way to plan and execute each outing, even if it’s just a Saturday morning hike. In the woods, the products here (stowed in a daypack) can keep you comfortable, warm, hydrated, safe, and, most of all, prepared to face what nature puts in your path—whether you asked for it or not.

POCKET KNIFE: SWISS ARMY SERRATED SPARTAN

WATERPROOF SACK: SEALLINE BAJA DRY BAG

FIRE STARTERS: REI STORMPROOF MATCHES

HEADLAMP: PRINCETON TEC FUEL

COMPASS: SILVA POLARIS 177

WATER: PLATYPUS BIG ZIP SL

WATER PURIFICATION: POTABLE AQUA TABLETS

HAT: OR DRIFTER CAP

WATERPROOF SHELL: MARMOT PRECIP

FIRST AID: AMK MEDICAL KIT .9

Facebook Connection

Hello Scouts and Scouters.  Social media like Facebook, Twitter, and so many more seem to be the way to "plug in" these days.  Although this site will remain several administrators including Troop officers (SPL, ASPL, and PL's) will have access to our new Facebook page.  You can find us by clicking here: Facebook Page

Blister prevention and treatment

Hiking does not have to hurt.  Blisters are one of the most common injuries encountered while hiking and they can quickly ruin your trip through pain, infection and a reduced ability to hike.  However, they are relatively easy to prevent and treat.  Prevent blisters by wearing appropriate footwear that fits properly.  New or poorly fitted boots are a common cause of foot pain and blisters.  Be sure to break in new boots and to get refitted for boots if your feet are in a period of growth.  You can also prevent blisters by treating "hot spots" immediately.  You can deal with emerging blisters or hot spots by changing socks (to keep your feet dry), wearing sock liners (to reduce friction) and/or removing your boots as soon as possible (to let your feet cool).  If you do get a blister treat it as soon as possible by cooling, cleaning and properly dressing the wound.  If you take special care to do this properly you will reduce the chance of complications due to pain or infection.  Check out this link to learn more about how to treat blisters.  Remember that your feet are the only parts of you that touch the ground if take care of them you will have a much more enjoyable outing and will be able to hike without foot pain.

The electoral collage.

There are many ways in which elections can happen successfully and, unfortunately, many ways in which they can fail.  As a Scout you have a the unique opportunity of participating in elections by nominating and voting for other Scouts that run for positions of leadership in the Troop.  For government elections it is important that candidates represent their constituency or electorate.  As a Scout this is already taken care of due to the fact that the Scouts running for positions are already representative of your Troop and its Patrols.  It is also crucial, just as it is with other types of elections, that Scouts who apply for elected positions fully understand the duties of the positions for which they are candidates.  As we prepare for the upcoming Troop elections take time to review the responsibilities of the positions that will become available, think about how you can contribute through an elected or appointed position and most of all take the elections seriously since they will have a direct influence on the leadership and activities of the Troop.

"You are here."

Here is a quick quiz.  Are you ready?  Go!  What is the state tree?  What is the state motto?  Do you know the state bird?  How about the state nickname?  What is the state flower?  Do you know the approximate population (rounded to the nearest million)?  What is the state capital?  How about the largest city?  In what year did the state join the union?  Finally, what is the highest point in the state?  If some of the questions had you stumped check out the answers at the end of this post.  Many states have distinct features, names and official symbols.  Get to know more about The State of Washington by clicking on the flag image and take pride in its diversity and history.  From temperate rainforests to deserts and from mountains to the ocean there is much to explore when it comes to your home state.  (Answers: Western Hemlock, "By and by", American Goldfinch, "The Evergreen State", Coast Rhododendron, 7 million, Olympia, Seattle, 1889, Mt. Rainier [14,411 ft]).

Active citizenship.

There are may ways in which you can demonstrate active citizenship.  Try to understand the layers of your government, from your community to the nation-at-large.  Envision how you are a unique part of your community and how you can embody its values in your daily life.  Read the U.S. Constitution and the U.S. Bill of Rights (they are quite interesting).  Visit with an elected official to learn more about their responsibilities.  You can also meet your neighbors and begin learning about how you can work to improve your community together.  You can start the process by exploring the Citizenship chapter of your Scout Handbook.  Overall, be active and be thankful that you live in a country where you can participate!

Old Glory

The most valuable object in the Troop's possession is the American Flag.  While most people get to see the American Flag daily few will have the opportunity to touch the flag or present it on a regular basis.  As a Scout you have the unique honor of doing this regularly as part of every Scout meeting.  However, there some occasions when the flag is directly handled and folded for presentation, storage or special commemorations.  Navigate to this link to learn the proper procedures for honoring the American Flag by handling it properly while it is being folded.  Remember that you have sworn to do your duty to your country every time you recite the Scout Oath.  One of the many ways in which you can embody this oath is to treat the American Flag with the respect that it justly deserves.