| The Boy Scout Handbook 1990 edition |
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| The following are excerpts from The Boy Scout Handbook of 1990 |
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| Scout Law |
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A Scout is TRUSTWORTHY. A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his
promises. Honesty is a part of his code of conduct. People can always
depend on him.
A Scout is LOYAL. A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders,
school, nation, and world community.
A Scout is HELPFUL. A Scout is concerned about other people. He
willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.
A Scout is FRIENDLY. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to
other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with
ideas and customs that are different from his own.
A Scout is COURTEOUS. A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of
age or position. He knows that good manners make it easier for people
to get along together.
A Scout is KIND. A Scout
A Scout is OBEDIENT. A Scout
A Scout is CHEERFUL. A Scout
A Scout is THRIFTY. A Scout
A Scout is BRAVE. A Scout
A Scout is CLEAN. A Scout
A Scout is REVERENT. A Scout
promises. Honesty is a part of his code of conduct. People can always
depend on him.
A Scout is LOYAL. A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders,
school, nation, and world community.
A Scout is HELPFUL. A Scout is concerned about other people. He
willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or reward.
A Scout is FRIENDLY. A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to
other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with
ideas and customs that are different from his own.
A Scout is COURTEOUS. A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of
age or position. He knows that good manners make it easier for people
to get along together.
A Scout is KIND. A Scout
A Scout is OBEDIENT. A Scout
A Scout is CHEERFUL. A Scout
A Scout is THRIFTY. A Scout
A Scout is BRAVE. A Scout
A Scout is CLEAN. A Scout
A Scout is REVERENT. A Scout
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| Roam through forests and explore open country with your map and compass. Cook mouth-watering meals over a fire or backpacking stove. Sleep out under the stars. As a Scout, you will master the art of living simply and well outdoors. You can also discover much about the plants, animals and other wonders of nature all around you. Outdoor adventures are at the heart of Scouting. So is responsible use of our environment. The Handbook's Outdoor Adventures section contains all you need to know for outings packed with challenge and excitement. |
MEET THE LOW-IMPACT/NO TRACE CAMPING CHALLENGE
In the early days of our country, you could have camped almost anywhere.
Most of the land was a wilderness of vast forests, rivers, mountains, and
plains. There was few towns and not many roads.
The needs of a growing nation have turned much of that open land into
farms and cities. Dams have tamed many rivers. Trees have become
lumber for buildings.
The wild country that remains is home to a rich variety of animals and
plants. It supplies clean water for you to drink and freshens the air you
breathe. Wilderness reminds us of how the land once looked. When you
want to get away from the city, you have the freedom to enjoy parks, forests
and Scout camps across the nation.
With that freedom comes your duty to care for the land. That means
enjoying the outdoors, learning from it, and then leaving it just as your found
it. Scouts call this low-impact camping. On outings with your troop, you will
discover how to hike and camp without leaving a trace.
Millions of Scouts before you have hiked and camped in the American
outdoors. In the years to come, many more will visit the backcountry you
have enjoyed. Do all you can to leave them an outdoors as wonderful as
the one you are about to find.
TRY THESE DIFFERENT KINDS OF CAMPING
Short-term camping includes overnight campouts and weekend trips.
Most troops go camping at least once a month in nearby country and state
parks or in Scout campgrounds. By camping as often as you can, you will
have plenty of chances to master good outdoor skills.
Long-term camping takes you on outings of more than a few days. Spend
a week with your troop at Scout camp, or plan an expedition that includes
hiking, boating, and other Scouting know-how. Longer trips usually take
place in the summer when you are out of school, but don't pass up
opportunities for winter trips in the backcountry.
Venture camping combines camping with backpacking, orienteering,
canoeing, snow travel, long-distance bicycling, wilderness conservation
projects, and dozens of other challenging activities. Older Scouts may join a
Venture crew whose planning and practice leads to ultimate adventures
deep in the backcountry, on rivers and lakes, in wilderness areas, and over
the open road.
High-adventure camping takes you to adventure bases run by the Boy
Scouts of America. On wilderness treks of a week or longer, you can push
yourself toward a mountaintop, wrestle a canoe through thundering rapids,
sail a ship on a open sea, try scuba diving, and experience many other
exciting adventures.
In the early days of our country, you could have camped almost anywhere.
Most of the land was a wilderness of vast forests, rivers, mountains, and
plains. There was few towns and not many roads.
The needs of a growing nation have turned much of that open land into
farms and cities. Dams have tamed many rivers. Trees have become
lumber for buildings.
The wild country that remains is home to a rich variety of animals and
plants. It supplies clean water for you to drink and freshens the air you
breathe. Wilderness reminds us of how the land once looked. When you
want to get away from the city, you have the freedom to enjoy parks, forests
and Scout camps across the nation.
With that freedom comes your duty to care for the land. That means
enjoying the outdoors, learning from it, and then leaving it just as your found
it. Scouts call this low-impact camping. On outings with your troop, you will
discover how to hike and camp without leaving a trace.
Millions of Scouts before you have hiked and camped in the American
outdoors. In the years to come, many more will visit the backcountry you
have enjoyed. Do all you can to leave them an outdoors as wonderful as
the one you are about to find.
TRY THESE DIFFERENT KINDS OF CAMPING
Short-term camping includes overnight campouts and weekend trips.
Most troops go camping at least once a month in nearby country and state
parks or in Scout campgrounds. By camping as often as you can, you will
have plenty of chances to master good outdoor skills.
Long-term camping takes you on outings of more than a few days. Spend
a week with your troop at Scout camp, or plan an expedition that includes
hiking, boating, and other Scouting know-how. Longer trips usually take
place in the summer when you are out of school, but don't pass up
opportunities for winter trips in the backcountry.
Venture camping combines camping with backpacking, orienteering,
canoeing, snow travel, long-distance bicycling, wilderness conservation
projects, and dozens of other challenging activities. Older Scouts may join a
Venture crew whose planning and practice leads to ultimate adventures
deep in the backcountry, on rivers and lakes, in wilderness areas, and over
the open road.
High-adventure camping takes you to adventure bases run by the Boy
Scouts of America. On wilderness treks of a week or longer, you can push
yourself toward a mountaintop, wrestle a canoe through thundering rapids,
sail a ship on a open sea, try scuba diving, and experience many other
exciting adventures.
Take Care of Yourself
Part of the joy of camping is not worrying about getting dirty. But at the end of the day,
you'll want to clean up. You will feel better, and your sleeping bag will stay fresher. Bring
the following items with you. As long as you have them, don't forget to use them.
Soap. You won't need much. A bar that's nearly used up is plenty. Store it in a plastic
bag.
Small towel and washcloth. Soil won't show up on these quite so soon if they are dark
in color.
Toothbrush and toothpaste. A little toothpaste goes a long way. Get the smallest tube
you can find, or save a family tube when it's almost empty.
Dental Floss. Flossing every day helps keep your gums and teeth in good shape. Floss
is also a strong sewing thread for emergency repairs.
Part of the joy of camping is not worrying about getting dirty. But at the end of the day,
you'll want to clean up. You will feel better, and your sleeping bag will stay fresher. Bring
the following items with you. As long as you have them, don't forget to use them.
Soap. You won't need much. A bar that's nearly used up is plenty. Store it in a plastic
bag.
Small towel and washcloth. Soil won't show up on these quite so soon if they are dark
in color.
Toothbrush and toothpaste. A little toothpaste goes a long way. Get the smallest tube
you can find, or save a family tube when it's almost empty.
Dental Floss. Flossing every day helps keep your gums and teeth in good shape. Floss
is also a strong sewing thread for emergency repairs.
| Keeping Clean Hard work and play can leave you dusty. Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling food. On an overnight campout, you won't need to do much more than brush and floss your teeth before bed. You can clean up when you get home. On longer adventures, you and those around you will be much happier if you take a bath once in a while. Doing it the right way will prevent any harm to the environment. Many kinds of soap contain chemicals harmful to aquatic plants and animals. Biodegradable soaps are safer, but keep all soap at least 200 feet (75 steps) from any stream, lake or spring. Fill a basin or pot with water, carry it away from the source, and use it to bathe. Scatter the water when you are done, or pour it in a sump hole. Take the same precautions if you do laundry. Carry water 200 feet or more from streams, lakes or springs. Stir a little biodegradable soap into a pot of water and soak soiled clothing in it to loosen dirt. Then scrub your laundry, rinse it, and hang it on bushes or a clothesline strung between two trees. |
Make Your Camp Bed
You've reached camp and eaten
supper. Now you're getting settled for the
evening. What's the best way to arrange
your sleeping gear for a comfortable night
outdoors?
Start by finding a fairly level spot. If it's
under a tree, less dew will form on your
blanket or bag. Out in the open, though
you can see the stars. Boulders and
bushes can act as windbreakers. Toss
aside stones and sticks that might poke
you, but don't rake away pine needles or
leaves. They will cushion your bed and
lessen your impact on the campsite.
Spread out your ground cloth and lay
the sleeping pad on top of it. Arrange
your sleeping bag or blankets on the pad.
Want a pillow? Stuff extra clothing inside
a sweater or sleeping bag sack and tuck it
under your head. In damp weather, some
Scouts leave their bags and blankets
rolled up until they are ready to sleep so
that their bedding won't absorb moisture
from the air.
When you crawl into bed, keep your
shoes or hiking boots close. Store your
watch, glasses, and other small items in
one of them. Drop your flashlight in the
other so you can find it in the dark. Have
a water bottle nearby, too, in case you get
thirsty before dawn. Shake out your
boots in the morning before you put them
on. Small animals sometimes creep inside
in search of shelter and warmth.
You've reached camp and eaten
supper. Now you're getting settled for the
evening. What's the best way to arrange
your sleeping gear for a comfortable night
outdoors?
Start by finding a fairly level spot. If it's
under a tree, less dew will form on your
blanket or bag. Out in the open, though
you can see the stars. Boulders and
bushes can act as windbreakers. Toss
aside stones and sticks that might poke
you, but don't rake away pine needles or
leaves. They will cushion your bed and
lessen your impact on the campsite.
Spread out your ground cloth and lay
the sleeping pad on top of it. Arrange
your sleeping bag or blankets on the pad.
Want a pillow? Stuff extra clothing inside
a sweater or sleeping bag sack and tuck it
under your head. In damp weather, some
Scouts leave their bags and blankets
rolled up until they are ready to sleep so
that their bedding won't absorb moisture
from the air.
When you crawl into bed, keep your
shoes or hiking boots close. Store your
watch, glasses, and other small items in
one of them. Drop your flashlight in the
other so you can find it in the dark. Have
a water bottle nearby, too, in case you get
thirsty before dawn. Shake out your
boots in the morning before you put them
on. Small animals sometimes creep inside
in search of shelter and warmth.
| What Gear Do You Need? In 1803, the explorers Lewis and Clark set out on a 3-year journey that took them across America. They hoped they could get the food they needed by hunting and trading with native Americans. But they had to carry everything else with them - tools, blankets, and pots and pans. There were no stores where they were going. You will take gear and clothing on your camping trips, too. Since you may be carrying everything on your back, you will want a light load that allows you to move easily over the trails. Pack just what you need to keep yourself safe and to make good camp, then leave everything else at home. Like those explorers of old, you will quickly learn the joys of living simply and well. SCOUT OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS __________ Pocketknife __________ First Aid Kit __________ Extra Clothing __________ Rain gear __________ Canteen or water bottle __________ Flashlight __________ Trail food __________ Matches and fire starters __________ Sun Protection __________ Map and compass __________________________________________ The Scout Outdoor Essentials The Scout Outdoor Essentials listed below are the basic tools and supplies you should carry on every scout outing. Always have them with you in your pockets or pack. They often make a pleasant journey even better. In an emergency, they could even help save a life. Pocketknife. A pocketknife is the most useful tool you can own. Keep yours clean and sharp. First aid kit. In addition to the complete first aid kit carried by your patrol, bring along your own first aid supplies to treat minor injuries. Include the following: * moleskin for blisters * a few adhesive bandages * a small roll of adhesive tape * several sterile gauze pads * enough change for a few emergency phone calls Finally, keep a large gauze compress where you can reach it quickly to stop severe bleeding. Extra clothing. Getting chilled during an outing can be miserable and sometimes dangerous. Carry a wool shirt or windbreaker, a stocking cap, and mittens for cold-weather wear. On colder days, add a jacket or parka. You won't need as much warm clothing in hot weather, but you should always be equipped for a surprise storm or cool evening winds. Rain gear. A raincoat or poncho will shield you from showers and storms. In warm weather or in an emergency, you can turn a plastic trash bag into a poncho by cutting holes in it for your head and arms. Canteen or water bottle. A 1-quart canteen or plastic water bottle will get you from one water source to the next. Add a second container in hot weather. Flashlight. Finding your way down a trail in the dark is tough without a flashlight. A sturdy one that uses a couple of AA-cell batteries doesn't weigh much and it gives out a strong beam. Reverse the batteries during the day or put tape over the switch to prevent the light from coming on in your pack and draining the power. Trail food. Your body burns a lot of energy during outdoor adventures. Patrol or crew cooks will prepare tasty camp feasts that will satisfy your hunger. In addition, include a piece of fruit, a small bag of granola, or some raisins and nuts in your Scout Outdoor Essentials. Snack on them if you need an energy boost between meals. Matches and fire starters. Wooden strike-anywhere matches can be made waterproof by painting them with clear fingernail polish or dipping them in melted paraffin. Or you can store your matches in an empty plastic aspirin bottle with a tight lid. Fire starters help you get a blaze going when the weather is windy or wet. Sun protection. Doctors warn that too much exposure to sun can be harmful, especially if you have fair skin. A broad-brimmed hat will shade your face. Lip balm helps keep the wind and sun from chapping your lips. At high elevations or on snow, protect your eyes with sunglasses. Guard your skin with a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Map and compass. A compass and a map are essentials whenever you travel in areas unfamiliar to you. Of course, they aren't much good unless you know how to use them. |
MEANING OF THE OUTDOOR CODE
Whenever you are outdoors, use the Outdoor Code as your guide. It has four important
points.
As an American, I Will Do My Best to:
Be clean in my outdoor manners. I will treat the outdoors as a heritage. I will take care
of it for myself and others. I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields,
woods, and roadways.
A heritage is a gift given by one generation to those that follow. For thousands of years,
the lands of America has been the heritage of all people living on the continent. Today,
that gift is yours. One day you will pass the land on to your children and to all future
generations. Do everything you can now to take care of the land, both for your own
enjoyment and for use by people hundreds of years from now.
Be careful with fire. I will prevent wildfire, I will build my fires only where they are
appropriate. When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold-out. I will leave a
clean fire ring, or remove all evidence of my fire.
In the right setting, an open fire is a wonderful part of an outdoor adventure. However,
not every outdoor spot can withstand the impact of a campfire. Sometimes there is not
enough firewood. Dry weather may create a danger of wildfire. The ashes and blackened
stones left by open fires can spoil the beauty of an area.
Build a campfire only if you are sure its impact on the land will be small. Use established
fire rings whenever you can. Make your fire no larger than necessary. Watch a fire at all
times to prevent sparks or flames from spreading into surrounding grass and trees. Where
fires are not appropriate, cook your meals over backpacking stoves.
What you do after you douse a fire is as important as getting it cold-out. Properly
dispose of ashes. Follow low-impact methods to erase every sign of your fire.
Be considerate in the outdoors. I will treat public and private properly with respect. I will
use low-impact methods of hiking and camping.
Public lands belong to every one of us. You are one of millions of owners of all national
parks and forests, state lands, and even a small city park near your home. Ownership
carries with it a great responsibility to look after your possession.
Begin by learning all you can about nature and the outdoors. The more your
understand, the easier it will be for you to make wise choices. Leave no trace of your
outdoor adventures. That may mean keeping your groups small, camping only in
designated sites, and maintaining reasonable levels of noise. Respect the rights of others
by doing nothing that would spoil their backcountry experiences.
Be conservation-minded. I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters,
forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy. I will urge others to do the same.
Throughout America, Scouts like you enjoy outdoor adventures. Many also take pride in
rebuilding trails, repairing damaged meadows, and restoring eroded hillsides and
shorelines. By volunteering to help forest and park managers, you can give something
back to the land that has given so much to you.
Of course, your need not limit your efforts just to the backcountry. In cities and towns,
along highways, and in farmlands, you will find many opportunities to protect the
environment.
When it comes to conservation, the efforts of a single Scout are of great value. The
combined energy of millions of Scouts across the nation is making a tremendous
improvement in the quality of America's parks and forests. Many Scouts are being
recognized for knowing how to use the land wisely and how to lend a helping hand for the
environment. Strive to be one of them.
Whenever you are outdoors, use the Outdoor Code as your guide. It has four important
points.
As an American, I Will Do My Best to:
Be clean in my outdoor manners. I will treat the outdoors as a heritage. I will take care
of it for myself and others. I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields,
woods, and roadways.
A heritage is a gift given by one generation to those that follow. For thousands of years,
the lands of America has been the heritage of all people living on the continent. Today,
that gift is yours. One day you will pass the land on to your children and to all future
generations. Do everything you can now to take care of the land, both for your own
enjoyment and for use by people hundreds of years from now.
Be careful with fire. I will prevent wildfire, I will build my fires only where they are
appropriate. When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold-out. I will leave a
clean fire ring, or remove all evidence of my fire.
In the right setting, an open fire is a wonderful part of an outdoor adventure. However,
not every outdoor spot can withstand the impact of a campfire. Sometimes there is not
enough firewood. Dry weather may create a danger of wildfire. The ashes and blackened
stones left by open fires can spoil the beauty of an area.
Build a campfire only if you are sure its impact on the land will be small. Use established
fire rings whenever you can. Make your fire no larger than necessary. Watch a fire at all
times to prevent sparks or flames from spreading into surrounding grass and trees. Where
fires are not appropriate, cook your meals over backpacking stoves.
What you do after you douse a fire is as important as getting it cold-out. Properly
dispose of ashes. Follow low-impact methods to erase every sign of your fire.
Be considerate in the outdoors. I will treat public and private properly with respect. I will
use low-impact methods of hiking and camping.
Public lands belong to every one of us. You are one of millions of owners of all national
parks and forests, state lands, and even a small city park near your home. Ownership
carries with it a great responsibility to look after your possession.
Begin by learning all you can about nature and the outdoors. The more your
understand, the easier it will be for you to make wise choices. Leave no trace of your
outdoor adventures. That may mean keeping your groups small, camping only in
designated sites, and maintaining reasonable levels of noise. Respect the rights of others
by doing nothing that would spoil their backcountry experiences.
Be conservation-minded. I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters,
forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy. I will urge others to do the same.
Throughout America, Scouts like you enjoy outdoor adventures. Many also take pride in
rebuilding trails, repairing damaged meadows, and restoring eroded hillsides and
shorelines. By volunteering to help forest and park managers, you can give something
back to the land that has given so much to you.
Of course, your need not limit your efforts just to the backcountry. In cities and towns,
along highways, and in farmlands, you will find many opportunities to protect the
environment.
When it comes to conservation, the efforts of a single Scout are of great value. The
combined energy of millions of Scouts across the nation is making a tremendous
improvement in the quality of America's parks and forests. Many Scouts are being
recognized for knowing how to use the land wisely and how to lend a helping hand for the
environment. Strive to be one of them.
SEVEN KEYS TO LOW-IMPACT AND NO-TRACE CAMPING
Pretrip plans
a. Wear a uniform or other clothing that will blend into your surroundings.
b. Stow food in containers you will carry home at the end of a trip.
c. Take along trash bags and use them.
d. Plan 12 or fewer in your group or patrol.
e. Select areas that are right for your activities.
Travel
a. Stay on the trail.
b. Avoid cutting across switchbacks.
c. Select hard ground or snot for cross-country travel.
Campsites
a. Choose sites free of fragile plants.
b. Camp out of sight of trails, streams, and lakes.
c. Do not ditch tents.
Fires
a. Build fires only where appropriate. Otherwise, use backpacking stoves.
b. Use existing fire rings rather than making new ones.
c. Burn small wood gathered from the ground.
d. Make sure your fire is cold-out.
e. Replace sod or ground cover to erase burn scars.
Sanitation
a. Use all soap and detergent at least 75 steps away from streams, lakes, and springs.
b. Pour wash and dish water into a sump hole.
c. Dig latrines at least 75 steps from camps, trails, and any source of water.
d. Bury sump holes and latrines when you are through with them, and restore ground cover.
e. Pack our all garbage and trash you have not burned.
Horses
a. Keep number to a minimum.
b. Tie to sturdy trees or rope.
c. Hobble or picket in dry areas.
d. Scatter manure.
Courtesy
a. Hikers step off a trail to let horses pass.
b. Do not pick wildflowers. Enjoy then where they are, then leave them for others to see.
c. Keep noise down when you are around other campers and hikers. Leave radios and
tape players at home.
Pretrip plans
a. Wear a uniform or other clothing that will blend into your surroundings.
b. Stow food in containers you will carry home at the end of a trip.
c. Take along trash bags and use them.
d. Plan 12 or fewer in your group or patrol.
e. Select areas that are right for your activities.
Travel
a. Stay on the trail.
b. Avoid cutting across switchbacks.
c. Select hard ground or snot for cross-country travel.
Campsites
a. Choose sites free of fragile plants.
b. Camp out of sight of trails, streams, and lakes.
c. Do not ditch tents.
Fires
a. Build fires only where appropriate. Otherwise, use backpacking stoves.
b. Use existing fire rings rather than making new ones.
c. Burn small wood gathered from the ground.
d. Make sure your fire is cold-out.
e. Replace sod or ground cover to erase burn scars.
Sanitation
a. Use all soap and detergent at least 75 steps away from streams, lakes, and springs.
b. Pour wash and dish water into a sump hole.
c. Dig latrines at least 75 steps from camps, trails, and any source of water.
d. Bury sump holes and latrines when you are through with them, and restore ground cover.
e. Pack our all garbage and trash you have not burned.
Horses
a. Keep number to a minimum.
b. Tie to sturdy trees or rope.
c. Hobble or picket in dry areas.
d. Scatter manure.
Courtesy
a. Hikers step off a trail to let horses pass.
b. Do not pick wildflowers. Enjoy then where they are, then leave them for others to see.
c. Keep noise down when you are around other campers and hikers. Leave radios and
tape players at home.
USING YOUR POCKETKNIFE
The best knife for outdoor use has one or two folding blades
for cutting, and special blades for opening cans, driving screws,
and punching holes. Always follow these rules for safe knife use:
DO
* Keep the blades closed except when you are using them.
* Cut away from yourself.
* Keep your knife sharp and clean. A sharp knife is easier
to control than a dull one; a clean blade will last longer.
* Close the blades before you pass a knife to someone else.
DON'T:
* Carry a knife with the blade open.
* Cut toward yourself. If the blade slips, you may be injured.
* Pound on a knife handle or blade with another tool. The
knife may bend or break.
* Throw a knife.
* Pry with the point of a cutting blade. It can snap off.
* Put a knife in a fire. New knife blades are hardened, or
tempered, with just the right amount of heat. Reheating
them may ruin the temper and weaken the knife.
The best knife for outdoor use has one or two folding blades
for cutting, and special blades for opening cans, driving screws,
and punching holes. Always follow these rules for safe knife use:
DO
* Keep the blades closed except when you are using them.
* Cut away from yourself.
* Keep your knife sharp and clean. A sharp knife is easier
to control than a dull one; a clean blade will last longer.
* Close the blades before you pass a knife to someone else.
DON'T:
* Carry a knife with the blade open.
* Cut toward yourself. If the blade slips, you may be injured.
* Pound on a knife handle or blade with another tool. The
knife may bend or break.
* Throw a knife.
* Pry with the point of a cutting blade. It can snap off.
* Put a knife in a fire. New knife blades are hardened, or
tempered, with just the right amount of heat. Reheating
them may ruin the temper and weaken the knife.