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.

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!"