WEBELOS
Outdoorsman

What do most boys want to do on a campout?

(1) Use their knife

(2) Start a fire

Knife Safety

For (1) use their knife

It will be best if no boy even brings a pocketknife if they haven’t earned their “whittlin chip”.  Before camping or on a campout teach the “whittlin chip” class, (this is in the Bear Book as an activity) so scouts have the opportunity to learn the safe way to open, close, sharpen and use their knife.  Until this chip is earned, have them leave it at home or in the adult’s care.  Know also – any infraction of the rules of knife handling allows a corner of the chip to be removed.  If & when the forth corner is lost – so is the use of the knife until he retakes the whittlin chip class & proves he can handle it responsibly.  He will have to take a similar class as a Boy Scout to earn his “totem chip”.  The same rules apply.  Boy Scout rules do not encourage sheath knives.  A small pocketknife (3 ½” or less) is very functional.  The Boy should keep their whittling chip card on their person to be able to show to anyone who asks that they have earned it.

To Open And Close A Pocket Knife

To open a pocketknife, hold in left hand, put right thumbnail into nail slot.  Pull blade out while pushing against hinge with little finger of left hand.  Continue to hold on to handle and blade until blade snaps into open position.  To close pocketknife, hold handle with left hand with fingers safely on the sides.  Push against back of blade with fingers of right hand, swinging handle up to meet blade.  Let knife snap shut; "kick" at base of blade keeps edge from touching inside of handle. 

Ways to Use a Knife

For course cutting, grasp handle with whole hand.  Cut at a slant.  Always cut away from you.  You can cut brush with a pocket knife if you bend the stem until grain is strained, then cut close to the ground with a slanting cut. Trim a branch by cutting twigs from thick end toward end.  Push knife against twigs, or pull twigs against blade.

Pocket Knife Safety Circle

To establish a safety circle, grasp a closed pocketknife in your hand, extend your arm and with the closed knife straight in front of you, rotate body to either side while continuing to extend the closed knife-arm.  No one or thing should be in the imaginary circle you have created. Also check your overhead clearance as this is part of your safety circle.

To Pass An Open Knife

You should ALWAYS close a pocketknife before passing it. If you can not close it, then you should lay it down and let the other person pick it up. If you can not lay it down, then you should hold knife by the blade, passing the handle to the other person.  In this way the handler has control of the edge of the knife.

Whittling Chip Card

After completing Shavings and Chips Achievement #19 in the Bear Cub Scout Book and demonstrating knowledge of and skill in the use of a personal pocket knife, a Cub Scout earns a Whittling Chip Card which states he has earned the right to carry a pocketknife at Cub Scout functions.

Care Of Your Knife

All Cub Scouts should learn that knives are valuable tools and how to take care of them.

• Knives should be kept clean, dry and sharp at all times.
• Never use it on things that will dull or break it.
• Keep it off the ground. Moisture and dirt will ruin it.
• Keep it out of fire. The heat draws the temper of the steel.  The edge of the blade becomes soft and useless.
• Wipe the blade clean after using it.  Then close it carefully.

Knife Sharpening

A dull knife won't do its work. And what is more, it is dangerous.  More fingers are cut by dull knives than by sharp knives.  A sharp knife bites into the wood while a dull one tends to slip off.  A camper should always carry a little sharpening stone in his pocket along with his knife. The knife and the stone are partners and where one is the other should be also.  Such stones are called whetstones or carborundum stones.  One measuring 3/4 of an inch by 3 inches is large enough and is a handy size to carry.  A whetstone using water is more practical in camp than one requiring oil, for water is always at hand, but there never seems to be any oil when it is needed.  Whetstones are made to provide a grinding surface, and come in varying degrees of coarseness.  Coarse stones are used for heavy tools, like axes; fine stones for knives or for finishing the edge.

Rules for sharpening a knife

1. Place the stones on a level surface.
2. Wet the stone with a little water or oil.
3. Place the blade of the knife flat on the stone, then raise the back edge about the width of the blade itself, keeping the cutting edge on the stone.
4. Draw the knife straight back toward you, or move it straight back and forth putting pressure on it only when you pull it toward you.  This is always better than moving it in a circular fashion.
5. Turn the blade over and repeat on the other side an equal number of times.
6. Finish off on the sole of your shoe.

It will take half an hour to sharpen a dull knife, but once sharp, a minute a day will keep it in perfect shape.

Building a Fire Outdoor Fire Safety Rules

• Follow all the rules of your campsite.
• Clear all burnable materials from your 10-foot fire circle.  Don’t build the fire under overhanging branches of trees or shrubs or near roots of trees.
• Never leave your fire unattended.
• Should always have two water buckets at your fire ring at all times in case sparks start a fire away from the fire circle.  There should also be a water bucket near each tent.
• When you are finished cooking, make sure the fire is out. Spread the coals and ashes and sprinkle them with water stir and sprinkle until the site is cold.  Feel it with your hand to make sure.

The universal indicator of a dead fire is a stick stuck up in the middle of the dead fire.

A fire needs three different kinds of fire material.  

Tinder – Kindling – Fuel

Tinder – should start to burn as soon as it is touched with a lighted match.  Use thin twigs (pencil lead size), tops of dried weeds, thin wood shavings, dead or dry pine & cedar, etc.  Remember to keep it tiny tinder.  At least enough to make the size of an adult fist (two fists is even better).  If you are in a forested area – look down – tinder is everywhere. Gently poke a small “cave” into the center of the tinder pile for an ignition place.  Now start stacking the kindling on top of the tinder. 

Kindling – small sticks about the size of a pencil.  The Webelos book says thumb size –get a good size stack of pencil size first.  Stack it about as tall as a big coffee can and then start with the thumb size pieces.  If you will take the time to do the tinder & kindling, this is the most work involved in fire building.  Do not attempt to light it until you have a supply of fuel ready.

Fuel – the larger pieces of wood needed to keep the fire going.  Arm size & up – a saw is usually needed to cut them to useable size.  Always collect up enough in the evening so you’ll have plenty for your morning fire.  Keep a tarp or plastic sheet over the woodpile in case of rain. Keep a large coffee can full of tinder in a dry area – wet tinder just won’t do well.  You’ve kept the ignition cave open through the kindling – if the wind is blowing, place your back towards the wind to block it & cup your hands around the match.  Place the lit match through the kindling into the tinder – gently blow to help it ignite. Once the tinder has started, the kindling burning – gently keep feeding larger fuel to it.  Too much too fast could put it out.  Take your time – do it right. Take all the steps & do it once.  Impress your friends & relatives. If you learn this skill well – you will be one of the minorities that will always be able to start and keep a campfire going.  Most good cook-fires are the coals that have just enough fuel wood added to keep the coals going.  Flame cooking is a good way to ruin food.

Campfire Safety

• Keep scouts at least a leg-length away from the fire.
• Have a designated fire guardian, otherwise they all want to feed and poke the fire.
• Everyone stays clear of the fire during cooking time except the cooks.
• Absolutely no horseplay around the fire.

Charcoal Cooking - Charcoal is a very efficient source of heat, particularly when used with cast iron pans & Dutch ovens.  However, a #10 or larger tin can (large coffee can) makes a very adequate stove to use for the scouts.

Cooking with Charcoal - to start charcoal fires, make and use fire starters or a starter can.  Charcoal starts slowly. Allow at least 30 minutes before fire is ready to use.  Charcoal will be grey-white in the daylight and red at night when ready.  To start charcoal, use one of the following methods:

1. Place small twigs or fire starters close together as a base. Leave an air space beneath starters. Place charcoal on top of this.  Light the fire starters and gradually add a few more briquettes, one at a time.
2. Use a Starter Can.  Cut both ends from one-gallon can, or large juice can.  Make vent holes with a pop can opener around one end of the large can.  To use, place can inside grill or on a pan or tray, crumple three full size sheets of newspaper into balls.  Place newspaper in bottom of starter can or fill it halfway with twigs.  Cover with charcoal.  Light the newspaper through the vent holes.  When charcoal is glowing, remove can with a pair of pliers.  One charcoal briquette equals 40 degrees of temperature.

   Charcoal Stove
   You need:

   • Tin can (#10 or larger)
   • roll-type can opener
   • punch opener
   • wire for handle
   • three pieces sturdy wire screen
   1. Remove top of can with roll-type can opener.  Punch air holes with punch opener around top and bottom of can.
   2. Stick ends of wire through two of the holes at top and twist to make a handle.
   3. Push wire screen halfway down into can to make a grate.  This holds charcoal near top for cooking and keeps air under charcoal.  To keep screen from slipping, curl second piece of screen into a coil, and put between grate screen and bottom of stove.
   4. Set the stove on cleared ground and put tinder on the grate. When tinder is burning briskly, drop charcoal into fire. Swing the stove by the handle now and then to keep the charcoal burning.

   Vagabond Stove
   You need:

   • #10 tin can
   • pair of tin snips
   • gloves
   • roll-type can opener
   • punch opener
   • hammer
   1. Remove lid from tin can using roll-type can opener. This open end will be the bottom of your stove.
   2. Cut door in stove. Wearing gloves, take the tin snips and cut from the open end two slits three inches apart and three inches long.  Bend this piece of tin back into can and hammer it flat.
   3. Punch with the punch opener two or three small holes at the top of the can on the side opposite the door.  These are your air holes and serve as a chimney.
   4. Find a level spot for the stove so food will not run over the side.  If stove is not level put a twig under the low edge.  Press the stove in the dirt so that it makes a ring.  Then put it aside.
   5. Make a small fire of twigs in the ring.  Keep fire small but steady.  You can also use a sterno can or other form of fuel.
   6. Put the stove over the twig fire.  The stove will get very hot so do not touch it.

   *The first time you use your stove you will have to wipe the finish off the tin can after the stove has heated up. Hold stove with a potholder and wipe off with a paper towel.

    

   Webelos Outdoor Cooking

   Cooking and eating are an adventure. Eating is fun and so is fixing food to eat.  There are so many activities that offer an opportunity to cook and eat.  There is just something about camp cooking that is special.  Cooking outdoors requires a different set of rules and equipment. Take time to plan some activities that will include food preparation, whether it is brought in a paper sack or food that will be prepared by the boys.  Even cooking a hot dog or marshmallow can be a real challenge - having it cook just right and not burnt.  Cooking is a skill and cooking outdoors with charcoal, wood or a buddy burner will take some skill. Take time to talk about what you plan to cook, discuss safety and practice fire building.  It is fun to beat eggs, mix pancakes, make a milkshake or cherry cobbler. It can be lots of fun as long as you know what you are doing.  Don't be too ambitious to start with, remember the age of boys you are working with.  Do simple recipes and progress as their skills develop.  Outdoor food does not have to be cooked.  A good lunch can be part of the day without having to take time out to cook.  Maybe the first venture could be an after school snack.

   Safety And Good Cooking Habits

   • Protect your clothes from spills by putting on an apron; then wash your hands.
   • Read the entire recipe carefully.
   • Organize the bowls, spoons, pans and other equipment that you will need.
   • Read and know about making fires and fire safety.
   • Have all the ingredients for the recipe.  Measure ingredients accurately.
   • Follow the recipe mixing the ingredients.
   • While the product is cooking, put things away and clean up your work area.
   • Stay near your food. If you forget them, they will cook too long and burn.
   • Turn pot handles away from the edge so no one will bump the handle and cause pot to spill.
   • Always use potholders when handling hot pans. Keep all towels, pot holders, clothes and hair away from the flames.
   • Learn how to use a knife.

   Outdoor Cooking Hints

   • Pack charcoal in a paper egg carton and tie shut.  When ready to use, just light the carton.
   • For a wood fire, use candle pieces wrapped (like candy) in wax paper.  Light the paper and the wax will keep it going long enough to ignite your kindling.
   • Handy fire starters (never-fail) can be made by placing one charcoal briquette in each section of an egg carton (paper kind).  Cover with melted wax.  Tear apart and use.
   • Handy fire starter.  Save lint out of lint filter in clothes dryer.  Place lint under kindling and use as tinder.
   • Put a burger fresh from the grill into the bun and place in a plastic bag for about a minute.  The bun will be steamed warm.
   • Let a pan or bucket of water heat on the fire while you eat and your dish water will be ready when you are.
   • Melted paraffin, applied inside and outside a cooler leak will seal it.
   • A bar of soap will stay clean on a cookout if kept in the end of an old stocking and hung in a tree.
   • For safety, always keep a bucket of water nearby when cooking outside.
   • When camping, choose foods that keep well with little or no refrigeration.  Check out instant and dehydrated foods.
   • Cool the ice chest before you fill it. The ice will last much longer.
   • Cans of frozen juice can help keep other foods cold when packing your ice chest.
   • Freeze fresh meat before putting in cooler.  It will last longer and also help keep other foods cold.  Even make hamburger patties and freeze with double paper between each.
   • Give yourself plenty of time to start a fire and wait for wood or briquettes to be ready.
   • Brush grates of a grill with oil to prevent meat from sticking.
   • Don't forget to rub the outside of metal pans with liquid detergent - it sure helps when it comes time to clean up.

   Cooking Tricks

   You won't want to spend your whole day cooking while in camp.  In the beginning, cooking will take up a lot of your time, but soon you'll learn a number of tricks that will get you out of the "kitchen" quickly.  One of the most important tricks in camp cookery is to have exactly the right kind of fire ready for the job on hand when you start cooking --quick flames if you have boiling to do, low flames for stewing, a bed of glowing coals for frying and broiling.  In the kitchen at home, your oven can be set for the exact temperature called for in a recipe.  When camping, you can come close to determining correct temperature by learning the trick of counting seconds while holding your palm in at place where food will go.  A cookbook will call for specific measurements by the teaspoon, tablespoon, or cup. In camp, your fingers and palm will do.

   Foil Cookery

   Foil Cooking Hints

   Use two layers of light-weight, or one layer of heavy duty aluminum foil. Foil should be large enough to go around food and allow for crimping the edges in a tight seal. This will keep the juices and steam in. This wrap is know as the "drugstore" wrap.

   Drugstore Wrap

   Use heavy foil three times the width of the food. Fold over and roll up the leading edges. Then roll sides for a steamproof seal. A shallow bed of glowing coals that will last the length of cooking time is necessary.

   Cooking Times:

   Hamburger 8-12 minutes

   Carrots 15-20 minutes

   Chicken pieces 20-30 minutes

   Whole apples 20-30 minutes

   Hotdogs 5-10 minutes

   Sliced potatoes 10-15 minutes

   Foil Dinner

   Lay slices of potatoes, onion, and carrots on a sheet of heavy-duty foil then place hamburger patty on top. Cover with slices of potato, onion, and carrots. Season with butter, salt and pepper. Cook 20-30 minutes over hot coals, turning twice during cooking.

   Cardboard Box Oven

   A cardboard box will make an oven. Cut off the flaps so that the box has four straight sides and bottom. The bottom of the box will be the top of the oven.

   Cover the box inside and out COMPLETELY with foil, placing shiny side out.

   To use the oven, place the pan with food to be baked on a footed grill over the lit charcoal briquettes. The grill should be raised about ten inches above the charcoal.

   Set the cardboard oven over the food and charcoal. Prop up one end of the oven with a pebble to provide the air charcoal needs to burn - or cut air vents along the lower edge of the oven. Control the baking temperature of the oven by the number of charcoal briquettes used. Each briquette supplies 40 degrees of heat (a 360 degree temperature will take 9 briquettes).

   Experiment! Build an oven to fit your pans - or your menu: Bake bread, brownies,

   roast chicken, pizza or a coffee cake. Construct a removable oven top or oven door.

   Punch holes on opposite sides of the oven and run coat hanger wire through to make a grill to hold baking pans. Try the oven over the coals of a campfire.

   Recipes

   Aluminum Eggs (Foil Breakfast)

   Sausage

   Egg

   Hash brown potatoes

   Salt, pepper and spices to taste

   Place potatoes, scrambled egg (doesn't need to be cooked) sausage patty and spices in foil. Wrap securely. Place on coals for 15 minutes.

   Egg On A Raft (Vagabond Stove)

   Bread

   Egg

   Salt and pepper

   Grease the cooking surface of the stove. Cut two-inch hole in a slice of bread. Place bread on burner and break egg into the hole. Season and turn over once while cooking.

   Aztec Toothpicks

   Heat a white flour tortilla in skillet or top of vagabond stove. Spread cream cheese on tortilla; sprinkle on brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up tortilla and pig out. Great breakfast, sweet roll or night time snack.

   French Toast (Vagabond Stove)

   3 eggs

   1/2 cup milk

   1 tablespoon sugar

   4 slices bread

   Butter, syrup, jam or powdered sugar

   Beat eggs, milk and sugar together with a fork. Grease the top of a hot vagabond stove with margarine. Dip both sides of a piece of bread in egg mixture, and lay it on the stove. Be careful that the fire is not too hot. When bottom browns, turn the toast over with a fork or turner. You may need more margarine. When the second side is brown, remove the toast to a plate.

   Vienna Toast

   Make a jelly sandwich. Beat two eggs per person (4 pieces of toast). Add a little sugar, cinnamon and milk or water. Dip sandwich in egg mixture; fry the sandwich like french toast. Dip fried sandwich in (or sprinkle on) powdered sugar instead of syrup. Tastes like a giant jelly donut.

   Punch Donuts

   Canned biscuits

   Cooking oil

   Cocoa

   Jello

   Sugar (white, brown, powdered, w/wo cinnamon)

   Take a biscuit, punch hole through it with finger. Shape into donut shape. Drop into hot oil. Flip over when brown. Remove from oil; dip into sugar, cocoa or jello. Eat slowly, they are really hot.

   Sausage Balls

   1 lb sausage

   3 cups bisquick

   1 8 oz jar Cheese Whiz or shredded cheese

   Combine sausage (cooked), bisquick and cheese; shape into balls. Bake in preheated 300 degree oven for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

   Nelson's Stew

   Box of macaroni and cheese

   1 can of chunky ham

   Heat water to boiling. Add macaroni and cook until soft. Follow directions on box. Crumble can of chunky ham into mixture, mix thoroughly. This is very easy. Feeds 2 scouts per box of macaroni and cheese, 1 can of ham can be mixed with each 2 boxes of macaroni.

   Camp Stroganoff

   1-1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef

   Onion soup mix

   2-3 tablespoons of ketchup

   1 cup sour cream

   1 can cream of mushroom soup

   Noodles

   Bring pot of water to a rolling boil and cook noodles until done. Brown meat and drain off grease. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until meat is tender. If necessary, thin sauce with a little milk. Serve over cooked noodles.

   Taco Casserole

   2 pounds hamburger

   6 tortillas

   cheese grated

   2 cloves garlic, minced

   2 cans enchilada sauce

   1 small can tomato sauce

   Brown meat and garlic. Add enchilada sauce and tomato sauce. Simmer for 30 minutes. Tear tortillas and layer pan with tortillas, meat, cheese. Repeat with cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

    

   Fire Starters

   Buddy Burner

   This is a fire starter, which is used with a tin-can stove. They can also be used as emergency road flares (keep one or two in your car). You’ll need:

   • One 6-ounce tuna or cat food can
   • Strip of corrugated cardboard
   • Paraffin wax
   • String
   1. Cut a long strip of corrugated cardboard. The width should be slightly less than the height of the can. Remove the paper from one side. Roll the cardboard in a tight coil and place on edge in tuna can. The tighter the cardboard is rolled, the longer it will burn.
   2. Insert a piece of string in the center for the wick.
   3. Melt paraffin in a clean 1-pound coffee can set in a pan of water. Pour melted paraffin over cardboard in can until can is three-quarters full. Let wax harden.

   Trench Candles

   These are also called paraffin logs or “fire bugs” and are useful in building wet-weather fires. Tear several thickness of newspaper into 2-inch strips. Roll to make a log about 1-inch thick and tie with a string. Melt paraffin in a double boiler. Holding the newspaper roll with tongs, dip it into the melted paraffin. The saturated string becomes a wick. Trench candles produce a high, steady flame to help get the fire going.

   Another way to make “fire bugs” is to roll up four newspaper sheets, beginning at the short side. Tie strings 2 inches apart. Cut between the strings to make 2-inch “bugs.” Soak in paraffin as directed above.

   To provide a little more burning area, create a candle effect with the “fire bugs” using your finger to push out some of the middle. When completed, you can use the string for a wick and also light the small “top” end of the candle.

   Egg Cup Burner

   Mix ¾ cup sawdust with enough melted paraffin to saturate it. Put in a 3-ounce paper cup or a cup cut from a cardboard egg carton. Insert a string in the center for a wick.

   Match Bundle

   Tie six to eight kitchen matches together with a string and dip in paraffin.

   Ingredients of a Successful Campfire Program

   Before we discuss sample campfire ceremonies, songs, stunts, and games in more detail, let’s take a bird’s eye look at the ingredients of a successful campfire:

   • Song - Scouting, action, quiet, novelty, special occasion songs can all be used.
   • Stunts, Skits – No campfire program is complete without stunts and skits. These are primarily for fun and entertainment, but they can also include physical or mental contests and educational stunts.
   • Ceremonies – The opening ceremony sets the tone of the whole program, so it must be good! It should be attractively staged to capture and hold the attention of the audience. The closing ceremony should be quiet, inspirational, and challenging.
   • Stories – A story can the high point of the campfire and make it something to remember. It could be an old-timer telling of adventure in faraway places; it could be a Boy Scout telling of his jamboree experience or tales of the Philmont trails; it could be a storyteller spinning a ghostly yarn. (But remember many younger boys are easily frightened by “horror” stories and care must be exercised to edit out extremely “ghostly” yarns.)
   • Games – They help build enthusiasm and help the boys let off some steam so they will be ready for the more serious moments of the campfire.

   Sample Campfire Program

   1. Gather scouts in a circle or semicircle around the firelay with parents behind them. A denner or den chief can light the fire while the Cubmaster or other leader declares the campfire open and welcomes the group.
   2. Sing one or two lively songs that everyone knows something like “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain” or “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” If someone plays the guitar or harmonica, they can accompany the song.
   3. Play a campfire game, such as the Laughing Game.
   4. Lead an audience-participation stunt such as “Story of the Moor Monster” (Group Meeting Sparklers).
   5. Sing an action song such as “Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes”.
   6. Play another game.
   7. Tell a story such as “The Gift of Trees”
   8. Lead a quiet song such as “Scout Vesper Song” or “Scout’s Good-Night Song”
   9. Close with the Scout benediction, with boys and adults standing around the fire.

    

   Where To Go And What To Do

   • Demonstrate how to make an improvised bedroll.
   • Practice building a fire for cooking and for a campfire, and have a den cookout.
   • Webelos - Parent-Son campouts
   • Camporees
   • Contact a local Boy Scout troop and arrange to camp with them.
   • Take hikes at different times of the year and have boys notice the differences in their surroundings.
   • Have a knot-tying contest or play knot-tying games to learn and improve skills.
   • Make some camp gadgets.
   • Invite a member of the district or council camping committee to talk about low impact camping.
   • Study and learn fire safety rules including no flame lights in tents and no liquid starter for charcoal fires.
   • Learn aluminum foil cooking techniques.
   • Build charcoal stoves. Vent them at top and bottom with can opener. Teach boys how to build a fire in them.
   • Make a first aid kit.
   • Practice camping in the back yard.
   • Practice laying fires for regular wood fires or charcoal, so boys will know how to lay fires for cooking or campfires.
   • Have a tent-making project of a simple tarp tent, which will provide shelter for two boys.
   • Make lists of item needed for backyard camping and adult partner and Webelos Scout camping.
   • Learn the Outdoor Code.

   Planning An Overnighter

   Everything must be planned ahead. The original planning session should be conducted by the Webelos leader and attended by the assistant Webelos leader(s) and several adult partners who will be going on the overnighter.  At the start of the planning meeting, consider the following:

   Health and Safety – follow the Camping Health and Safety Rules found in Chapter 8, Cub Scout Leader Book.  Fill out and submit a tour permit to the reservation desk at the council office.  If camping at a council camp, a camping permit must be turned in two weeks prior to leaving to reserve your campsite.

   A Big Event – Point out that the Webelos adult partner –Webelos Scout overnight campout will be a big event in the life of each boy.  It should be a good experience for him.  A well-run overnighter will whet his appetite for the more advanced fun of scouting.  A poorly planned, poorly run campout could discourage him from becoming a Boy Scout.

   Have A Written Plan - Planning is simply being able to “see” with the mind’s eye the things that are going to happen.  Imagine the experience and write down the things that need to be done.  A written plan is essential. Make sure everyone know his responsibilities.

   Location - If a privately owned campsite is selected, arrangements should be made with the owner well in advance.

   Alternatives - Stress that the campout plan should be flexible and provide alternatives, such as what to do if first choice of sites is not available, what to do in case of bad weather, etc.

   Campouts Should Include activities that boys enjoy.  The following are good activities to schedule:

   • U.S. Flag - Explain that Boy Scouts of America camps fly the U.S. Flag. Have a ceremony as it is raised and again as it is lowered.
   • Activity Badge Work - The campout is a good time for boys to complete the requirements for several badges, especially the Outdoorsman.
   • Campfire Program - This is one of the most exciting parts of a campout. It should be planned carefully so it will be successful.
   • Outdoor Games - Games such as “Three-legged races,” “Tug of War,” and “Sack Races,” are good.  Involve both adult partners and boys in the games.
   • Worship Services - Remember, Duty to God is a big part of the Boy Scout program.  The campout can be planned to end early enough to have everyone back home in time for Sunday worship.  If not, be sure to include an evening vesper or Sunday worship service as part of the campout program.  It does not need to be a long drawn out service just sing a few songs, say a prayer, and read a short devotion.  Since Scouting is non-sectarian, the worship service should be non-denominational and attendance optional but encouraged.  “When Scouts Worship”, “The Scout Oath in Action”, and “The Scout Law in Action” are good resources for worship.
   • Fishing - If there is a lake or stream nearby; this is a good adult partner-Webelos Scout activity.  Be sure dads have fishing gear and licenses.  Teach good citizenship by stressing conservation-keep only the fish intended for a meal and release all others.
   • Swimming - If facilities are available; these are good activities, which the boys will find enjoyable. Use Safe Swim Defense when in the water.  See the Webelos Scout Book for the Safe Swim Defense Plan.

   Preparing The Adults

   Hold a meeting with the adults two or three weeks prior to the outing.

   1. Attendance - All adult partners should be invited. Often not everyone is able to meet at one time so be sure that those not in attendance get all the necessary information as soon as possible after the meeting.  Communication is important. Since this meeting is for the adults, more will be accomplished if the boys do not attend.
   2. Particulars -
      1. Date of outing
      2. Location. Give detailed directions and a map.  Decide on transportation, usually car-pooling.
      3. Time and place of rendezvous and estimated time or return.
      4. Schedule of event during campout. Include the boys’ suggestions with the adults’ ideas.
      5. Menu for outing: Keep menu simple, remember each team cooks, eats and cleans up together.  Suggest that similar meals be planned for all involved. This avoids some eating steak while others have hot dogs.  At least two meals involving group cooking should be planned. (Often Saturday evening and Sunday morning.)
   3. Equipment - Each adult partner should have a personal equipment checklist similar to the boys.  Don’t forget First Aid kits.  Most camping equipment can be expensive, so ask you local Boy Scout troop if you can borrow tents, propane stoves, lanterns, etc.

    

   Preparing The Boys

   Preparing the boys goes beyond informing them about the campout that has been planned.  This period of preparation for the campout offers many opportunities to introduce materials, which will be helpful to the boys in their Webelos training. Some of the opportunities are:

   1. Discuss and plan the campout with the boys. This is one of the requirements for the Outdoorsman Activity Badge.
   2. Discuss fire safety and its need.  This is another requirement for the badge.  An excellent set of fire safety rules in contained in the Webelos Scout Book.  A review of the Outdoor Code will help prepare the boys to be good campers and will complete one of the requirements for the Webelos Badge.
   3. Teach the scouts the taut-line hitch. They will need to know this to set up their tents. Practice all knots and have a knot-tying relay race.
   4. Include the Den Chief in the campout planning. His experience in Scouting will be helpful. He could help teach the taut-line hitch and the basic rules of fire safety. He should go along on the campout.
   5. About one week before the campout, send home an individual checklist with each boy, along with a letter giving final details as to when and where to meet, when the boys will return, etc.

    

   Sample Schedule For Campout

   Saturday

   Arrive at the campsite

   Erect tents, prepare bedding, check cooking area and fuel supply

   Raise U.S. Flag while all salute. Repeat Pledge of Allegiance.

   Take a Nature hike

   Fishing

   Adult partner-Webelos Scout buddy teams prepare own lunch

   Lunch

   Clean-up and dishwashing

   Adult partner-Webelos work on badge requirements or take tour

   Swimming (Use Safe Swim Defense Plan)

   Free time

   Adult partner-Webelos Scout buddy teams assist in preparing group dinner

   Dinner

   Clean-up and dishwashing

   Games

   Lower U.S. Flag while all salute

   Campfire program

   Lights out and camp quite

   Sunday

   Reveille

   Air bedding and clean up

   Raise U.S. Flag while all salute. Repeat Pledge of Allegiance

   Non-denominational worship service

   Adult partner-Webelos Scout buddy teams prepare group breakfast

   Breakfast

   Clean-up and dishwashing

   Strike camp. Leave campsite in good condition

   Your Campfire

   Your campfire should be the highlight of your overnight campout.  Few, if any of your Webelos Scouts have enjoyed the fellowship of a campfire. Plan it to be something more than just a casual gathering around a sputtering fire.  This doesn’t mean that it’s necessary to have a formal program with an M.C. and a split-second schedule of snappy acts.  Here is a suggested program which has variety and doesn’t require hours of preparation.

   Assign a parent-son team or two to lay the fire an hour beforehand. A council fire lay is suggested. If there is a fire-ban on, use a lantern.

   Gather the boys and their parents around Before the fire is lit. Ask the Denner to light it while the Den

   Leader formally declares the campfire open. Be dignified and ceremonious, but keep it simple.  There are more elaborate fire-lighting ceremonies, which the boys will see when they become Scouts.

   Sing a song familiar to most something like “Comin’ Round the Mountain”.

   Play a campfire game

   Ask anyone with a guitar, harmonica or other instrument for a solo. Or the musician could accompany a song.

   Tell a story or read an audience participation tale.

   Ask a boy to lead some action songs from the Cub Scout Songbook. Parents enjoy singing too.

   Have the boys perform skits

   Sing a closing song such as “Scouting We Go” or “Scout’s Good Night Song” in the Cub Scout Songbook.

   End with Scout benediction with boys and parents standing around the fire: “And now may the Great Master of all Scouts be with us till we meet again”.

    

   Here is a story good for a campfire or quiet den meeting. Hone your storytelling skills or find someone who’s a natural at it.

   The Gift Of Trees

   The Indians believe that the secret of happiness comes from giving to others.  Many, many moons ago when the Great Spirit first put man on the earth, man was frightened.  “Where will I find food and water?” He asked.
   The trees laughed softly. “We are your brothers,” they said. “We will help you.”
   The maple tree spoke up:  “I will give you sweet water to drink and make into sugar.”
   The elm tree said, “Use my soft bark to make your baskets and tie them together with my tough muscles.”
   The hickory tree said, “My cousins and I will fill your baskets with sweet nuts.”  And he called the chestnut, pecan, and walnut to help him.
   The great pine whispered softly, “When you get tired, little brother, I will make you a soft bed.  My cousins the balsam and cedar will help me.”
   There was sunshine in man’s heart as he set out to explore his new world.  But soon he came to a deep, wide river.  “How will I ever cross the river?” man asked.
   The trees laughed and laughed. “Take my white skin,” said the birch.  “Sew it together with the muscles of the elm tree and you can make a boat that will carry you across the widest river.”
   When the sun crossed the sky to his lodge in the west, man felt cold.  Then the balsam fir tree whispered to him, “Little brother, there is much sun fire in my heart. Rub my branches together and you will make a fire.” So man made fire. And that night he slept soundly on the branches of the great pine tree.  The north wind blew cold, but there was sunshine in the heart of man.
   Now when Indian children ask how they can repay their friends, the trees, a wise man answers, “They do not ask for payment. But you can give them careful attention. You can give love and care to every plant and flower that makes your life beautiful.

    

   Good Eats

   Tired of cooking hot dogs on a stick? Nothing kills a trip like bad food. Nothing saves a trip like great food. With a little imagination you can make meals nutritious, easy and entertaining, too.

   How about pizza (or anything else for that matter) made in a homemade oven? Or beef-stew made by each Webelos and brought to an outing in a coffee can. Cooking is more fun when it’s not too expensive and it’s easy to clean up!

   Make “coffee-can” stew.  Each Scout brings from home a 1-lb. Coffee can. Inside the can, all your ingredients for stew, meat and vegetables packed separately (you need to brown the meat).  You can also prepare everything at home and just do the simmering on the campout.  Dutch ovens-Nothing beats Dutch-oven main courses, unless it’s a Dutch-oven dessert. My two favorites are cobbler and pineapple upside-down cake.

   Stop buying ice for your cooler. Freeze water in old soda or milk bottles at home instead. These keep your food cold longer and also prevent the dreaded soggies at the bottom of your cooler.  Bring along a large zip-loc bag with ice cubes if you’ll want them for drinks, but don’t depend on these to keep your cooler cold.

   Here’s a new one: Omelets in Zip-locs. Mix your eggs and other ingredients; place them in a sealed zip-lock bag and drop in almost boiling water. It works great and there’s no clean-up.

   Foil packs-Complete meal in one container that can be thrown away after use. Use ¼ lb of ground beef, sliced potatoes, sliced carrots, slice of onion, one or two teaspoons of water, salt, and pepper.  Use heavy foil.  Fold over edges, leaving space for steam. Make sure it is sealed tightly so that the moisture and steam stays in the foil pack.  Place directly in hot coals and avoid puncturing the package while handling. Use tongs or leather gloves. Turn after 15 minutes and cook another 20 minutes. Test to see if sufficiently cooked. When done, unfold pack and eat directly from the foil.

   There are as many variations on this meal as there are people with imaginations. Use meats such as ham, sausage, meatballs, canned chicken, or even shrimp. When using raw meat, cut into small pieces or patted into thin layer so it will cook all the way through. Instant rice can also be used as long as the seal is tight and enough water is added to cook the rice.

   Other Fun Recipes

    Stuffed Potatoes-Core small potatoes, insert a small pre-cooked sausage or wiener. Wrap in foil and set in hot ashes to bake. Takes 45-90 minutes.

   Banana Boat-Slit a banana lengthwise twice, being careful not to cut lower skin. Peel back skin, cut out and remove fruit between slices, and replace with peanut butter, mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Close by replacing skin, wrap in foil, and broil in hot coals for 8 minutes.

   Hobo Popcorn-In center of 18 X 18 inch square of heavy aluminum foil, place one teaspoon cooking oil and one tablespoon popcorn.  Bring foil centers together to make a pouch.  Seal the edges by folding, but allow room for the popcorn to pop.  Tie each pouch to a long stick with a string and hold the pouch over hot coals.  Shake constantly until all corn has popped. Season with margarine and salt.

   Baked Apples-core an apple and place it on a square of aluminum foil. Fill the core with raisins, brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon. Or fill with cinnamon candies. Wrap and bake for 10 minutes in hot coals.

   Hot Dog Plus-slit side of wiener, insert wedge of cheese, and wrap with bacon. Broil over coals until cheese melts and bacon is crisp. Serve in a toasted wiener bun.

   Fruit Cobbler- Place three cans of fruit pie filling in the bottom of a foil lined Dutch oven. Pour in one box cake mix, distribute evenly but do not stir into fruit. Add some cinnamon and small amount of butter. Place coals under Dutch oven and some on the lid for about 45 minutes until done.

   Tent Camping

   Tent Hints:

   Each tent should have its own bag and should be labeled.

   Never pull a stake out by pulling on the grommet or canvas.

   Never leave a stake in the ground without a rope.

   If tents must be packed away wet, be sure to set them up to dry out as soon as possible.

   Loosen ropes when canvas is wet so the canvas won’t tear while drying.

   Waterproofing solutions are available through Sears, Wal-Mart, and other distributors of tents.

   Use a ground cloth under your tent, but be sure to tuck in the edges under the tent’s floor.

    

   Outdoorsman
   (Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)

   Webelos are outdoorsmen,

   Up the hill and down the glen,

   Through the trees and in the stream.

   Always working as a team.

   We love being outdoorsmen

   And would do it all again!

   Den First Aid Kid
   

   A number of kits are on the market, but as a Webelos den project, you can make one for the den. The first aid kit is best pack in a waterproof container such as a plastic refrigerator box. Here are some items that can be considered standard; soap, box of adhesive bandages (assorted sizes and waterproof), adhesive tape, sterile gauze pads (small and Large), burn ointment, small scissors, tweezers, a packet of needles, safety pins, ammonia inhalant capsules, chopsticks, salt tablets, snakebite kit, poison ivy lotion, tablets for digestive upsets.

    

   Hand Washer
   

   You will need: 1 large bleach bottle or milk jug; 1 bar of soap; leg of old panty hose; string and knife; 1 roll of paper towels; 1 sturdy stick and small twig.
   Punch a hole in each side of the bottom of the bleach bottle or milk jug. Run a string through one hole and out of the other. Wrap each end of the string around the ends of a sturdy stick. (First slide the roll of paper towel onto the stick.) Bring ends of the string together and tie. Then hang over tree limb.

   Slip the bar of soap into the toe of the panty hose. Tie to the handle of the bottle. Punch a small hole about 1 inch from the bottom and plug with a small twig. Remove the twig when in use. You may wish to tie the twig to the handle with the string so as not to lose it.

    

   Paper Towel Holder

   Materials:
   Hanger

   Paper Towels

   Untwist hanger. Slip paper or roll onto straight part of hanger. Use hook on hanger to suspend from tree limb.

    

   Knot Games
   

   Learning to tie various knots is a very important part of camping and outdoors skill. Here are some games to play that will help you teach knot tying and have fun too.

   Giant Square Knot
   Each Webelos Scout holds the free end of a 10-foot rope in his right hand. He tries to tie and tighten a square knot without letting go of the rope.

   "Snatch"
   The object of this game is to snatch the ball (or other small object) off the box without being caught in the 1-foot diameter loop that's held about a foot from the ball. If the Webelos Scout tries to feint a move with his hand he will be disqualified. An 8 to 10 foot length of rope will do.

   Knot Trail
   Tie several pieces of rope of varying thicknesses together, using several different know (square, sheet bend, bowline, two half hitches, etc.) You may use one knot more than