101 - Camping Know How

Learning Objectives

As a result of this experience, each participant should be able to:

• Complete advancement requirements J1e, T1ac, T5bc, S1b, F1b.
• Learn the Outdoor Code, principles of Leave No Trace, and Tread Lightly
• Know what to bring and what not to bring on a campout.
• Know how to pack a pack.
• Know how to make a ground bed
• What equipment is necessary for sleeping comfortably in to outdoors.

Materials Required

• Sleeping bag.
• Sleeping pad.
• Pack.
• Overnight clothes for the season.
• Usual equipment for an overnight (see Boy Scout Handbook pages 268-269, 281).
• Poster sized diagram of proper weight distribution of a packed backpack.
• Outdoor Code posters

Discovery

Before the presentation, arrange the overnight gear on a table or the floor. Allow scouts to examine the gear. Take note of those who know what the equipment is and what it is used for and does that do not. Ask scouts how many times they have been camping before and what type of camping it was.

Teaching-Learning

1. Equipment:
   • Tell the name and explain the purpose of each item of equipment you've have brought. Tell the Scouts that they can find more information in their Boy Scout Handbook (beginning on page 267)
   • Tell the scouts about the parts of the pack.
   • Show the diagram of proper packing. Show scouts how to pack the pack properly. Have each scout try on the pack to see how it feels.
2. Clothing:
   • Tell Scouts that proper clothing is important. Ask them what they might bring.
   • Show the Scouts the clothing that you have brought and explain what its advantages are.
3. Show the Scouts where in their handbooks they can find out what clothing and equipment to bring with them on this month’s outing. Tell them that there will be a gear ‘shakedown’ beforehand and if they come prepared they will be able to complete requirement T1a.

Application: Equipment Game

Arrange a selection of the equipment on the table when scouts are not looking. Cover the table with the sleeping bag. Uncover the table for a short period of time and ask scouts to remember as many items as possible. Then recover the items with the sleeping bag and ask the Scouts to make a list of as many items as they can and their uses.