Tag Archives: Scouting

Rochelle Park Troop 114 Goes to the Catskills

Two scouts from Rochelle Park Troop 114 admiring the view from Blackdome Mountain in the Catskills.
Two scouts admiring the view from Blackdome Mountain.

April 29, 2017 – East Jewet, NY

On a cool spring morning, 7 members of Rochelle Park Troop 114 traveled to the Catskills for a weekend of adventure. After scoping out camp, 4 boys and 2 adults immediately went on a 6 mile hike along the Blackhead Range. The troop  went up Black Dome Trail into the col between Blackhead and Black Dome mountains, then turned west and went over Blackdome, Thomas Cole, and Camel’s Hump mountains to be picked up by a waiting assistant scoutmaster. Along the way the scouts learned skills that will count towards advancement and merit badges. Continue reading Rochelle Park Troop 114 Goes to the Catskills

Sample Day Hike Plan

Trail map showing campsites, pit stops, supply points, and possible bailouts for each day of a hike.

Whenever venturing out into the wilderness, I have a plan.  My plan details the “who, what, where, why, when, and how” of my trip.  I always leave my plan with a responsible friend at home, with instructions on what to do if I don’t return. Putting together a trekking plan is an important part of any trip into the wilderness, no matter the length.

Continue reading Sample Day Hike Plan

I Made My Own Backpacking Tarp, Part 4

The best part of sleeping under a tarp is the view when you wake up in the morning. In the first installment of this series, I discussed the events that led me to ditch my tent in favor of sleeping under a backpacking tarp.  In Part 2 I talked about buying that first tarp, what it was like to sleep under it, and some of the advantages it had over a tent.  In the most recent chapter, I explained my rationale for making my own tarp, and some of the considerations that went into its design.  Continue reading I Made My Own Backpacking Tarp, Part 4

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Shopping

A happy camper with a bag full of goodies from Campmor.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Shopping

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Accessories

Here I am adding a pair of micro-spikes to my boots.   As you can see, I'm already wearing my gaiters.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Accessories

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Layers

CampingMeg stops to adjust her layering system after warming while climbing this hill.

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Layers

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Footwear

My Trail Running Shoes
My Trail Running Shoes

A Message to Parents about Outdoor Clothing for Scouts

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve given several lectures and gear talks, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Footwear

Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Materials

CampingJay
CampingJay

A Message to Parents about Outdoor Clothing for Scouts

For the past 9 months, I have volunteered to mentor my old Boy Scout Troop.  I’ve attended several meetings to give lectures, lead a hike for some of the beginners, and gone on a winter camping trip with the boys and their leaders.  One of the lessons I’ve really been trying hard to teach is how to select safe and comfortable outdoor clothing for scouts. Continue reading Outdoor Clothing for Scouts: Materials