TROOP NEWS

Q: What backpack should I get to hold all my stuff? — Shyaam, Ashburn, Virginia A: Will you be going on short day hikes or weeklong treks into the wilderness? The farther away from civilization you are, the more gear and clothes you’ll want to take. Backpack capacity is measured in liters. Many daypacks hold 15-30 liters, perfect for fitting all your essentials. For weekend trips, look at packs with 40-60 liters. Longer treks might call for even larger packs. The Gregory Focal 48 ($220, gregorypacks.com) has 44 liters of space. This includes six zippered pockets. Stuff those pockets with…

There’s an old camping trick of transforming an empty tin box used for mints into a tiny, lightweight kit for a few first-aid, survival or fishing items. You can use that same idea with Whiskware Snacking Containers ($14, whiskware.com), and you’ll have a lot more room than what you’d get from a 1.7-ounce tin. Two of the three plastic containers have a cup’s worth of volume, while the other is a one-third cup. All three stack on top of each other and interlock. The twist-on lids stay secure, keeping your gear (or snacks for the trail) from spilling. The reusable…

Q: I lost my sunglasses on my troop’s last campout. What should I get to replace them? — Jackson, Minneapolis, Minnesota A: To protect your eyes, you’ll want a pair that blocks ultraviolet rays. These sunrays, which can contribute to cancer and sunburns, can also damage every part of your eyes. Many sunglasses have some degree of UVA/UVB protection, but check the label to see how much. For clarity and protection, shop for sunglasses that have both 100% UVA/UVB protection and polarized lenses. Even in the winter, it’s a good idea to wear shades because snow reflects sunlight. Polarized lenses…

What’s going on in this picture? What is that duck doing or thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at the bottom of this page. After we approve it, your funny caption will be on this page for everyone to read. Click here to write captions for more funny photos.

Cheese Patrol is back, and it’s even cheesier! Help your mouse buddy rescue his friends by finding the keys, collecting coins and avoiding the cats. Cheese Patrol is back, and it’s even cheesier! Help your mouse buddy rescue his friends by finding the keys, collecting coins and avoiding the cats..

Here’s what you’ll find inside the January-February 2023 issue of Scout Life magazine. Remember, many articles are only available to subscribers and are not available online. Please visit scoutlife.org/subscribe to subscribe to the print or digital editions of Scout Life magazine. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2023 FEATURES SHRED IT On black diamonds or the bunny slope, these guys made the most of their mountain time. • Colorado Scouts Conquer Slopes on Ski Weekend GEAR GUY: SLIDING AND TREKKING Not only are sleds fun, but they’re also a great way to carry gear in winter. • How to Use a Sled to Make a…

Twelve-year-old Erick Cole was sick at heart, and scared. Erick and his little brother, Andy, 4, had been sledding together out in the Nebraska snow. When it came time to go home, Erick decided to make another run; Andy said he’d wait for his big brother at the bottom of the hill. But as Erick reached the end of his final slide, he discovered Andy had vanished! The temperature was dropping quickly, and soon Erick was desperate in his search for Andy. Where could he be? The older boy walked near an abandoned construction pit, calling “Andy! Andy!” That’s when…

Instead of getting rid of your old Scout Life issues, recycle them in a creative way! WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE MAGAZINE WALL ART Canvas, construction paper or posterboard Cardboard Craft glue Old magazines Paper straw or pencil Scissors Tape Printable design (lion, flower, heart, etc.) Crayons, markers and paint (optional) WHAT YOU’LL DO TO MAKE MAGAZINE WALL ART Step 1: Print and cut out the design of your choice. Glue it on a thin piece of cardboard. Cut off any excess cardboard surrounding your design (ask a parent for help if needed). Step 2: Tear out 25 magazine pages.…

You can prepare meals at camp a few different ways: by camp stove, open fire, charcoal grill, solar oven or Dutch oven. Dutch ovens are heavy cast-iron pots that make baking outdoors easy. You can also steam, fry, sauté or boil food in them. Some Dutch ovens are made with aluminum, which makes them a lot lighter. The design of both is the same: a round pot with legs and a rimmed lid to hold hot coals. This design lets you evenly cook by placing coals above and below the oven. You can adjust the temperature by adding or removing…

Sledding is a super-fun winter activity, but you can do more with your sled than race downhill. Some sleds can make winter backpacking easier by helping haul your gear. Polar explorer Eric Larsen, who has trekked to the north pole many times, says carrying gear in a sled or “pulk” is more efficient than carrying gear on your back. “Not only do you not get as sweaty when you’re pulling your gear instead of carrying it,” Larsen tells SL, “but it’s easier to manage moisture and adjust layers.” HOW TO MAKE A PULK It’s easy to make any toboggan-style plastic…