TROOP NEWS

Not every outing goes according to plan. Some problems happen that are out of your control, like the weather. But in many cases, your decisions impact an outing’s outcome. It’s important to Be Prepared, and you can start doing that right after an event — or, if you’re on a long trek, after every day. Recapping and evaluating everything that happened and how everyone felt about it can help you adjust for the future. Maybe everyone loved fishing and wants to do it again. Great! Make a note of that for future outings. Or maybe most people didn’t like a…

Dutch ovens make baking at camp easy and expand your menu options. You can make biscuits, cornbread, pizza, lasagna, stew and a whole lot of desserts. A Scout favorite is peach cobbler. Here’s how to make Philmont Ranger Cobbler: INGREDIENTS: 2 large (28-ounce) cans of peaches 2 cups of dry biscuit mix 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon Heat a Dutch oven over a bed of coals. Pour the juice from one can of peaches into the oven. Use the juice from the other can in place of water to stir into biscuit mix to make a dough. Put the…

What do you want to be when you grow up? You’ve probably asked yourself that question. For auto engineers and designers, they ask it in their work: “What does this project want to be when it grows up?” The Rivian R1T took 11 years to grow from an idea to an all-electric adventure truck powerful enough to tow 11,000 pounds, drive through 3 feet of water and speed up to 60 miles per hour in 3 seconds. Guiding the project over the years were Eagle Scouts Mason Verbridge and Brian Gase. “It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever owned — not…

Q: What is the best option for buying cheaper gear? — Alyssa, Camarillo, California A: First, check the Scout Shop. It sells high-quality camping gear with Scouts in mind: They carry what you need at affordable prices. You can find discounted gear at outdoor equipment outlet stores like REI Outlet. Some sporting goods stores and gear companies also offer discounts for Scouts. You might find great deals at thrift shops or large retail stores like Walmart and Target. When you’re shopping, look for brands you’ve seen reviewed in Scout Life or gear that a friend or Scout leader has recommended.…

Ronin Ricks cuts through the powder. Experienced skiers can tackle basic slopes without ski poles, but if you’re a beginner, poles can help you balance. After a day of skiing, you might be pretty tired. Navigating a snowy slope over and over calls on your abs, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, ankles, biceps and triceps. Although the Scouts in Troop 77 of Canton, Massachusetts, felt the burn of using those muscles on a ski trip last January, they were eager to do it again. “I usually go skiing for a day. I’ve never gone two days in a row,” says Cayden Farrington,…

Here’s what you’ll find inside the January-February 2024 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 2024 FEATURES PUP POWER These dogs love mushing through the snow — and taking Scouts with them. • Ride Along as These Scouts Go Dog-Sledding in Wisconsin GEAR GUY: GEAR UP FOR WINTER Stay warm and Be Prepared for camping in the cold. • How to Gear Up for Winter BETCHA CAN’T SKI JUST ONCE What’s better than…

This 2-pound kit could save your life for at least three days in the wild. We suggest storing these items in a single zip-close bag. You can find many of these items at your local Scout Shop or at www.scoutshop.org Remember, a survival kit does not replace the 10 Scout Outdoor Essentials. STAY SHARP: You should have a pocketknife during most outings, anyway, but never go into the wild without a dependable, easy-to-use blade. https://www.scoutshop.org/outdoors/tools-accessories/knives.html TAKE COVER: Even in wilderness survival situations, you need a good shelter. A tube tent is a great lightweight option that’s easy to pack and…

DECATHLON’S FORCLAZ MT500 AIR BACKPACK Winter camping is a great way to have fun outside. It’ll also help you learn to stay warm and dry when you’re out in the elements. “Everyone hates being cold,” says Kristin Arnold, American Mountain Guides Association guide and trainer. “You can repurpose a lot of the gear you use for three-season camping for winter camping. You don’t need to buy all new gear.” STAYING WARM OUTDOORS Arnold’s top tip for staying warm is to layer wool, fleece, down and synthetic clothing you already own so that if you sweat, the fabric wicks the moisture…

The Scouts in Troop 247 of Shakopee, Minnesota, were excited to go dog-sledding — but not nearly as excited as the dogs were. “When they’re ready to run, they jump really high,” says Ellie Ward, 16, a Second Class Scout. Meghan Steffen (driving) and Eliana Sagstetter (riding) are all smiles as sled dogs pull them across a snowy trail at Tomahawk Scout Camp. The bouncing soon turned into mushing as the Scouts hopped on the sleds and signaled the huskies to start running. For 20 minutes straight, the sled dogs pulled the Scouts across snow-covered trails. After a brief break,…

  Pushups strengthen chest, arm, shoulder and stomach muscles. Correct form helps you avoid injury and get the most from your workout. 1. Lie facedown with hands slightly rotated inward at mid-chest, slightly wider than shoulders. Look at floor to avoid neck strain. 2. Starting position: Rise, balancing on hands and toes while keeping legs, back and rear end flat. (Too hard? Try knees on the floor with legs bent and feet up.) 3. Inhale as you slowly lower yourself until elbows are at 90 degrees, keeping body in a straight line. 4. Think of pushing the floor away from…