Outdoor Skills

From MeritBadgeDotOrg

Here are resources for Camping, Backpacking, Hiking,Cooking, and Wilderness Survival.
Troop Program Features let you make each a part of your troop program.
These are also the resources for Webelos Outdoorsman.
Other skills include: First Aid, Swimming, Cycling and Scout Skills.

Contents Basics  Sun Protection  Insect Protection  Hygiene  Safety Backpacking  Backpacks  Preparation  Packing  Reducing Weight  Stoves  Food  Shouldering a Pack   Backpacking Gear Campfires  Knife Skills  Ax and Saw Skills  Building  Types  Starting  Safety Campsite Clothing  Footwear  Socks  Layering  Cold Weather  Warm Weather   Wet Weather  Cooking Skills  Meal Planning  Recipes  Food Handling  Outdoor Cooking  Cooking Gear  Dutch Oven Cooking  First Aid Gear  Lights  Checklists Hiking Skills Hydration Leave No Trace Navigation  Without a Compass  Map and Compass  GPS  Geocaching Outdoor Code Sleeping Bags Sleeping Pads Tent Types Tent Setup Water Purification Weather Skills Wilderness Survival  Survival Kit  Survival Shelter  Signaling

Outdoor Skills are important parts of the Cub Scout, Webelos, and Boy Scout programs:

• Cub Scouts can camp with their Pack or at Cub Scout Resident Camp.
• Webelos earn their Outdoorsman care for their bikes as a part of the Webelos Handyman Activity Badge.
• Boy Scouts earn their Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, and Wilderness Survival Merit Badges.

Notes

• See: Camping, Backpacking, Hiking, Cooking, and Wilderness Survival Merit Badges. Make these a part of your Troop Program.
• BSA Videos: The BSA Video: Skills Lessons are excellent but are large files that require Apple QuickTime.

Outdoor Basics

Shortcut: Outdoor Basics

• Video: Camping Lesson Videos: BSA Skill Lesson Videos - REI: Health Topics - REI: Before You Leave Home -

Sun Protection

Shortcut: Sun Protection

• Video: Sunscreen - REI: Sun - REI: Sunglasses - REI: Sun-Protection Clothing - REI: Sun, Bugs, Plants -

Insect Protection

Shortcut: Insect Protection

• Video: Insect Repellent - REI: Insect Repellent -

Hygiene

Shortcut: Hygiene

• REI: Hygiene and Sanitation -

Outdoor Safety

Shortcut: Outdoor Safety

• Buddy System - Video: Buddy System - Amer. Hiking Soc: Hiking Safety - Hiking Dangers - Video: Hiking Regulations & Permits - REI: Security

Backpacking Skills

Shortcut: Backpacking Skills

See: Backpacking Merit Badge and Philmont Scout Ranch. Make Backpacking A Part of Your Troop Program.

Backpacks

Shortcut: Backpacks

• Video: Internal vs. External Frame - Internal Frame vs External Frame - Internal vs.External Frames - REI: Backpacks - Video: Buying a Backpack - Long Trip Backpacks - Video: Selecting a Backpack - Video: Selecting a Pack Cover -

Backpacking Preparation

Shortcut: Backpacking Preparation

• Video: Backpacking - Video: Planning - REI: Kitchen Checklist - REI: Backpacking for Beginners - How to Condition for a Backpacking Trip - REI: Repair Kit -

Packing a Backpack

Shortcut: Packing a Backpack

• Video: How to Pack for One Night - REI: Backpacks: How to Pack - Video: Packing -

Reducing Weight

Shortcut: Reducing Weight

• REI: Ultralight Checklist -

Backpacking Stoves

Shortcut: Backpacking Stoves

• Video: Backpacking Stove Options - Video: Cooking Gear - REI: Stoves

Backpacking Food

Shortcut: Backpacking Food

• Video: Backpacking Food -

Shouldering a Pack

Shortcut: Shouldering a Pack

• How to Wear a Backpack - REI Video: Backpacks: Adjust the Fit - REI Video: Backpacking: Find Torso/Hip Size - REI Video: Backpacks: How to Hoist - Video: How to Wear a Backpack

Backpacking Gear

Shortcut: Backpacking Gear

• Video: Backpackign Gear - Video: Clothing - Video: Food - REI: Tents - Video: Camp Shoes - Video: Boots - Video: Jackets - Video: Pants - Video: Shirts - Video: Sleepwear - Video: Synthetics - Video: Underwear - Buying Hiking Boots - Video: Breaking in Hiking Boots -

Campfires

Shortcut: Campfires

• See: Fire Safety merit badge and Firem'n Chit.

Knife Skills

Shortcut: Knife Skills

• Video: Cleaning a Knife - Video: Sharpening a Knife - Video: Pocket Knife Care - Video: Knife Sharpening Devices - Video: Knife Sharpening Safety - Video: Knife Sharpening Mistakes - Video: Knife Sharpening: Edges & Goals - wikiHow Video: How to Sharpen a Knife - Knife Sharpening Tricks - How to Sharpen a Knife

Ax and Saw Skills

Shortcut: Ax and Saw Skills

• Video: Knife and Ax Safety - Knives, axes, and saws to take to the wilds

Campfire Building

Shortcut: Campfire Building

• REI: Campfire Basics - Video: Fire Site - Video: Where to Build a Campfire - Video: Types of Fires - Video: Fire Pits - Build a Fire - Video: Kindling -Video: Picking Kindling - Video: Wood - Campfire building - Video: Arranging The FIre - Video: Keep a Fire Going - Video: Sparking a Campfire Flame - Video: What Not to Burn in a Campfire - Video: Put Out a Campfire -

Campfire Types

Shortcut: Campfire Types

• Video: Log Cabin - Video: Tee Pee - Video: Building a Speed Fire

Campfire Starting

Shortcut: Campfire Starting

• Video: Video: Fire Starting - Video: Flint & Steel - Video: BlastMatch - Video: Steel Wool - Video: Fire Piston - Video: Magnifying Glass -

Campfire Safety

Shortcut: Campfire Safety

• Video: Safety - Video: Dangers

Campsite

Shortcut: Campsite

• Video: Campsites - Video: Finding Practical Campsites - REI: Campsite Selection - Video: How to Choose a Campsite - Video: How to Choose a Location - Video: Understand the Importance of Checking Your Campsite for Hazards - REI: Setting up Camp
• Camps Database

Clothing

Shortcut: Clothing

• Video: How to Choose Clothing - Video: Learn What Clothes to Pack for a Camping Trip

Footwear

Shortcut: Footwear

• REI: Breaking in New Hiking Boots - REI: Hiking Boots - Amer. Hiking Soc: Footwear - Video: Breaking In Hiking Boots - Video: Buying Hiking Boots - Video: Choosing Hiking Boots & Hiking Shoes - REI: Hiking Boots Care & Repair -

Socks

Shortcut: Socks

• Video: How to Select Socks - Video: Packing Socks - Video: Backpacking Socks - REI: Socks -

Layering

Shortcut: Layering

• Video: Layering - REI: Layering - REI: Temperature Extremes

Cold Weather

Shortcut: Cold Weather

• Video: How to Dress for Cool-Weather Hiking - Amer. Hiking Soc: Cold - REI: Wool Clothing

Warm Weather

Shortcut: Warm Weather

• Video: How to Dress for Warm-Weather Hiking -

Wet Weather

Shortcut: Wet Weather

• Video: Dealing with Rain - Video: Wet Weather - Video: Rain Gear to Stay Dry When Hiking - Video: Testing Rain Gear - REI: Rainwear - REI: Water Repellency Care & Repair

Cooking Skills

Shortcut: Cooking Skills

See: Cooking Merit badge. Make Cooking A Part of Your Troop Program.

Meal Planning

Shortcut: Meal Planning

• USScouts.Org - MacScouter - Scoutorama - Food Pyramid - USDA Nutrition - REI: Planning a Menu - REI: Energy Foods - AAFCS

Recipes

Shortcut: Recipes

• RecipeSource.com - CampRecipes.com - Scouter.net - Foil-Cooking - Cub Scout Cookbook - NetWoods.com - Scout Cooking - The Trailside Cookbook - Buckskinner Cookbook - Ol' Buffalo Outdoor Cooking Page - Food Network - Meals.com - The Recipe Link - Exploratorium - The Cook's Thesaurus - The Recipes Folder - MyRecipe.com

Food Handling

Shortcut: Food Handling

• USDA Camping Food Safety - Fight Bacteria - REI: Food Handling/Storage - REI: Food Organizing Tips - REI: Bear Canisters - Video: How to Prevent Bears from Getting into Your Food Supply While Camping - Video: How to Keep Food Safe from Animals When Camping & Hiking - Video: How to Pack Food for a Camping Trip

Outdoor Cooking

Shortcut: Outdoor Cooking

• Outdoor Cooking Videos: Food Selection - Food Quality - Stoves - Utensils - Water Purification - Leave No Trace

Cooking Gear

Shortcut: Cooking Gear

• Backpacking Stoves - REI: Cookware - BSA Cooking Gear - Stove Safety - Video: Picking a Stove

Dutch Oven Cooking

Shortcut: Dutch Oven Cooking

• Make Durtch Oven Cooking A Part of Your Troop Program.
• International Dutch Oven Society - USScouts.Org - MacScouter - dutchovencookware.com

First Aid

Shortcut: Outdoor First Aid

• See First Aid Skills, First Aid Kit, and First Aid Merit Badge.

Gear

Shortcut: Outdoor Gear

• Video: Packing - REI: Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs - REI: Binoculars - REI: Two-Way Radios - Video: Gear - Video: Cold Weather - Video: Warm Weather - Socks - Video: Layering -

REI: Lightweight Hiking

Lights

Shortcut: Lights

• Video: Lighting Needs - REI: Flashlights - REI: Headlamps - REI: Lanterns -

Checklists

Shortcut: Outdoor Checklists

• Camping Checklists - More Checklists - REI: Adventure Travel Checklist - REI: Backpacking Checklist - REI: Snow Camping Checklist - REI: The Ten Essentials

Hiking Skills

Shortcut: Hiking Skills

See Hiking Merit Badge. Make Hiking A Part of Your Troop Program.

• Hiking Videos - Videos: Planning - Videos: Footwear - Packing for Day Hikes - How to Choose & Use a Backpack for a Day Hike - Video: Keeping a Hiking Pace - Video: How to Keep Your Feet Dry - Video: Hike Planning - Video: Hiking for Beginners - Video: Advanced Hike Plans
• Hiking Links: Amer. Hiking Soc: Food - Myths - REI: Day Hike Checklist - REI: Daypacks

Hydration

Shortcut: Hydration

• REI: Hydration - Video: Hydration - Video: Hiking Water Gear - REI: Hydration System - REI: Water Bottles - REI: Cleaning Water Bottles - REI: Water - REI: Water Treatment: Backcountry - REI: Water Risks

Leave No Trace

Shortcut: Outdoor_Skills#Leave No Trace

• Leave No Trace - Leave No Trace LNT Site - BSA Leave No Trace - BSA's Teaching Leave No Trace - Video: Leave No Trace - REI: Minimum-Impact Travel
• Leave No Trace Awards: Cub Scouts - Boy Scouts and Venturers

Navigation

Shortcut: Navigation -or- Map and Compass

See: Orienteering Merit badge. Make Orienteering A Part of Your Troop Program.

Navigation Without a Compass

Shortcut: Navigation Without a Compass

• Video: Find the North Star - Video: Find North Without a Compass - Video: How to Use Growing Moss - Video: How to Use Moving Water - Video: How to Use the Sun

Maps

Shortcut: Maps -or- Topographic Maps

• Video: How to Read a Topographical Map - Video: Map Features - Video: Map & Compass - Video: Maps & Guidebooks - REI: Maps - REI Video: Map Basics - Free US Geological Survey Topographic Maps - Topozone.com - Google Satellite, Street, and Terrain Maps

Compass

Shortcut: Compass

• Video: How to Use a Compass - Video: Compass & GPS When Hiking - REI: Compasses - How a Compass Works - REI: Declination - REI Video: Navigation Basics - Map & Compass - REI Video: Parts of a Compass - REI: Staying on Course - REI: If You Become Lost - REI Video: Map to Compass - REI Video: Compass to Map - REI Video: Triangulation

GPS

Shortcut: GPS

• REI: GPS Glossary - REI: GPS Initialization Process - REI: GPS Receivers - REI Video: GPS - How to Use

Geocaching

Shortcut: Geocaching

• to promote scouting.aspx BSA: Geocaching to Promote Scouting - Video: What is Geocaching? - REI: Geocaching - REI: Geocaching: Expert Q&A

Outdoor Code

Shortcut: Outdoor_Skills#Outdoor Code

• Outdoor Code

Sleeping Bags

Shortcut: Sleeping Bags

• Wikipedia: Types of Sleeping Bags - Video: Sleeping Bags - Video: Choosing a Sleeping Bag - REI: Sleeping Bags for Camping - REI Video: Sleeping Bags for Backpacking - Video: Buying Sleeping Bags - Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag - Video: Selecting a Sleeping Bag - REI: Sleeping Bags Care & Repair - REI: Bivy Sacks - Video: Bivi Bags

Sleeping Pads

Shortcut: Sleeping Pads

• Video: How to Choose a Sleeping Pad - Video: Sleeping Pads - REI: Sleeping Pads - Video: Selecting a Ground Mat -

Tent Types

Shortcut: Tent Types

• Tents: Types of Tents - Video: Tents - Video: How to Choose a Tent - Video: How to Pitch a Tent - Video: How to Set Up a Tent - REI: Tents: Family/Base Camp - REI: Tents: Backpacking - REI: Tent Care Care & Repair

Tent Setup

Shortcut: Tent Setup

• Campsite Selection - Video: Where to Set Up a Tent - Video: Clearing an Area for a Tent - Video: How to Stake Down a Tent - Video: Laying Out Ground Tarp for Tents - Video: Laying Out a Tent - Video: Putting Tent Poles Together - Video: Raising a Tent -

Water Purification

Shortcut: Water Purification

• Video: Importance of Water Purification - Video: Safe Drinking Water - Water Video: Purification Process - Video: Finding Fresh Water
• Video: Water Purification - Water Treatment - Video: Purifying Water - Video: Methods of Water Purification - Video: How to Select a Water Purification System -
• Videos: Water Treatment Options: Filters - Chemicals - UV - Bottle Filters - Boiling Water - Cleanable Filters - Water Tablets

Weather Skills

Shortcut: Weather Skills

• REI: Weather Basics - Video: Adapting to Weather - Video: How to Gauge the Weather - Video: How to Check the Weather -

Wilderness Survival Skills

Shortcut: Wilderness Survival Skills

See: Wilderness Survival Merit badge. Make Wilderness Survival A Part of Your Troop Program.

• Survival Lesson Videos: Video: Wilderness Survival Tips - Video: Assessing the Surroundings - Video: Identifying Plants & Food - Video: Patience & Making Decisions - Video: Using Personal Possessions - Video: Desert

Survival Kit

Shortcut: Survival Kit

• Video: Survival Kit - Video: Survival Kit - Video: Using Pinecones

Survival Shelter

Shortcut: Survival Shelter

• Video: Build a Shelter - Video: Using Straw Grass - Video: Finding Shelter - Video: Lean-To Shelters

Signaling

Shortcut: Signaling

• Video: Signaling

Related awards

Outdoor Skills Awards

Outdoor-related awards

• Boy Scout ranks: Tenderfoot - Second Class - First Class
• Boy Scout awards: Firem'n Chit - Totin' Chip - Paul Bunyan Woodsman
• Boy Scout Merit Badges: Astronomy - Backpacking - Camping - Canoeing - Climbing - Cooking - Cycling - Fire Safety - Hiking - Orienteering - Pioneering - Rowing - Weather - Water Sports - Whitewater - Wilderness Survival
• Venturing: Outdoor Bronze Award; Ranger Award electives: Backpacking
• Webelos Activity Badges: Forester - Naturalist - Outdoorsman
• Cub Scout Belt Loops & Pins: Astronomy - Map and Compass - Weather