Q: Every time I use my propane stove, it leaves black soot all over my cookware. How can I stop this from happening? What is causing that soot? — Alicia, Peoria, Arizona A: Flames on propane stoves should burn blue. Check the color of your flames — are they yellow? That’s a sign the fuel…

Sleeping pads provide cushioning to help you get a good night’s sleep. Most are either inflatable, like the Therm-a-Rest Trail Scout ($60, thermarest.com), or are made with closed-cell foam, like the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL ($40, thermarest.com). Closed-cell foam pads are usually more durable, but they’re bulkier. The Z Lite SOL’s foam is softer on…

Who is this Super Mario baddie? Dry BonesSpinyDeath KoopaBoney Who is this Super Mario baddie? KonkThwompWhompBlocky Who is this Super Mario baddie? RockyHawkeyeHip HawkRawk Hawk Who is this Super Mario baddie? BlinkyRexFrightyShy Guy Who is this Super Mario baddie? YarggBlarggToastyTorchy Who is this Super Mario baddy? BloopyToadstoolGoombaBowser Who is this Super Mario baddie? BlinkyBlooperBlimpyBonk Who…

You can take your own fingerprints or the fingerprints of others by using a pencil, a sheet of paper and some clear adhesive tape. WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO TAKE FINGERPRINTS Pencil Sheet of white paper 3/4-inch-wide clear adhesive tape WHAT YOU’LL DO TO TAKE FINGERPRINTS 1. Draw a 2-by-1-inch rectangle on the paper with a…

Citizens — including youth — play an important role in crime prevention in the community. Here are easy ways that you can help make your neighborhood safer. Find out more by earning the Crime Prevention merit badge. 1. INSPECT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD With a parent or other trusted adult, take a tour of your neighborhood and…

Spring means it is time for the arrival of several billion feathered visitors from Mexico, Central America and South America. Many of these birds make incredible journeys every year to find the perfect place to nest and raise their young in the U.S. and Canada. The wide variety of migratory birds includes many colorful songbirds:…

Relax around camp by building a comfortable camping chair. It’s easy if you have the pioneering skills. WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE A CAMP CHAIR Three spars about 4 inches in diameter, two 8 feet long and one 12 to 15 feet long Four sections of rope, one 30 feet long and three 3 to…

Whether you’re taking a break mid-hike, kicking back around the campfire or sitting down to eat a meal, a camp chair keeps you comfy and off the ground. Which chair is best depends on how you’ll use it. The best one for backpacking isn’t always the one you’ll want for car camping. If you’re backpacking,…

You can use an old neckerchief (or any fabric you like) to make a fun coaster for your drinks. WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE A DRINK COASTER Fabric glue Construction paper or foam tile Ruler Scissors Neckerchief (or any fabric you like) Permanent marker Tape WHAT YOU’LL DO TO MAKE A DRINK COASTER STEP 1.…

Q: The survival kit my parents gave me came with a little sewing kit. What is that for? — Connor, Franklin, Tennessee A: Survival kits should include the Scout outdoor essentials, along with some gear to help you signal for help, protect you from the elements and make repairs. The sewing kit is for repairs.…