Troop Program Features

Troop Program Features
VOLUME I
Troop Program Features
Volume I
Aquatics.................................................................... 15
Athletics.................................................................... 25
Backpacking.............................................................. 35
Boating/Canoeing...................................................... 45
Business.................................................................... 55
Camping.................................................................... 65
Citizenship................................................................ 75
Communications........................................................ 85
Cooking..................................................................... 95
Cultural Awareness...................................................105
Emergency Preparedness........................................... 113
Engineering............................................................. 123
Volumes II and III cover the following program features.
Volume II Volume III

Environment Physical Fitness
First Aid Pioneering
Fishing Public Service
Forestry Safety
Health Care Science
High Adventure Shooting
Hiking Special Cooking
Hobbies Sports
Leadership Tracking
Mechanics Wilderness Survival
Nature Wildlife Management
Orienteering Winter Camping
Troop Program
Features
Yearly Program Planning
A successful troop meeting begins with advance plan-

ning. In recent research, the Boy Scouts of America
determined that inadequately planned and executed
troop meetings were the number one cause of boys
leaving Scouting.
Troop meetings should focus on a monthly program
feature, be fast-moving, and start and end on time. The
program feature should be interwoven with the program
at all experience levels: the new-Scout patrol, experi-
enced patrols, and the Venture patrol.
Planning a troop program on an annual and a
monthly basis is a new task for many leaders. Good
planning and execution depend on (1) a Scoutmaster
who understands the process, (2) trained youth leaders
who can plan meetings and successfully execute them,
(3) sufficient personnel in the form of assistant Scout
masters and troop committee members, and (4) parents 1. D o yo u r h o m e wo r k .
who are knowledgeable and informed.

2. G e t pat ro l i n p u t .
Your first step in planning is to utilize the resources
available to set goals for the troop. The next step is to 3. C o n d u c t t h e a n n ua l t ro o p
train your youth leaders in the planning process. Then p ro g r a m p l a n n i n g c o n f e r e n c e .
give them the responsibility and authority to plan and
implement the troop program. The final step is to get 4. O bta i n t ro o p c o m m i t t e e s u p p o rt .
your troop committee and parents to “buy in” to sup-
port this “Scout-planned” program. 5. D i s t r i b u t e i n f o r m at i o n .
The program planning guide in chapter 8 of the

Scoutmaster Handbook will guide you through the
basics of planning, from doing your homework to
securing parental support for your program. The STEP 1: Do Your Homework
monthly troop program features found in Scouting
magazine are the other principal resources needed to As Scoutmaster, you serve as the “advance” person. You
run the program planning workshop. check out and pull together certain things before your
In addition, enhance the troop meeting by using troop’s annual planning conference. Neither difficult
games, Scoutmaster’s Minutes, ceremonies, and other nor time-consuming, the tasks listed below make a lot
support materials from the Troop Program Resources for of sense because they pay off in a smoother, more effec-
Scout Troops and Varsity Teams, No. 33588. tive conference, and they result in a better annual plan.
1. Gather district, council, community, and

The Annual Planning Process chartered organization dates for events that will
affect the troop.
The Scouting program year begins in September, so you Begin by picking up a calendar of key school dates from
should start troop planning during the summer. There the local school. Check with the local chamber of com-
are five basic steps in the annual process. merce for dates of community activities. Don’t forget to
5
Volume III, No. 33112); issues of Boys’ Life and Scouting
magazines; program feature supplements from Scouting
magazine; the Scoutmaster Handbook, No. 33009;
the Boy Scout Handbook, No. 33105; the Patrol Leader
Handbook, No. 32502; Senior Patrol Leader Handbook,
No. 32501; and Troop Program Resources for Scout
Troops and Varsity Teams, No. 33588.
Citizenship in Citizenship in
the World the Community 3. Review the advancement status of each Scout.
Look carefully for basic skills needed by your Scouts
and also for key merit badges that should be introduced
through the troop program.
4. List some goals for the troop.

Take a look at successful areas from last year’s program,
Citizenship in
the Nation like the number of Scouts who made First Class or the
super Good Turn you did for your chartered organiza-
tion. You probably will want to continue those things,
but also consider some other challenges to address
during the coming year. The list could get lengthy, so
you may have to prioritize your choices, selecting only
Personal Personal a few challenges for this year. After all, there is always
Management Fitness next year. Here are some areas to consider:
• Centennial Quality Unit Award
• National Camping Award
• Service project or Good Turn
• Summer camp
• Special weekend events

obtain dates of key chartered organization activities. • Troop membership growth
Personal dates, such as anniversaries or birthdays, also
• Troop equipment
may affect troop activities, so be sure to include those.
During the summer, be sure to attend the annual • Advancement
council or district program planning conference. This
is where you will be able to get the council and district 5. Review the program features available to
calendar, as well as information on activities, training the troop.
courses, summer camp, etc. Using the Troop Program Planning Chart, list your
Now put all these dates on one calendar to share suggestions for a program feature for each month of
with the troop committee and for use at the unit pro- the coming year. Be sure to keep in mind the troop
gram planning conference. goals and advancement status of your Scouts. Share the
list of program features with the senior patrol leader
2. Review the resources needed to plan the prior to presenting them to the patrol leaders’ council.
annual program. (Hint: List your program feature suggestions in pencil
Pull together your Scouting library. The items needed to emphasize that input is also expected from the senior
to plan your troop program include: Troop Program patrol leader.)
Features (Volume I, No. 33110; Volume II, No. 33111;
6
6. Meet with the troop committee to review the
calendar and potential troop goals.
Share the calendar with the committee to ensure
you haven’t missed any important dates. Many com
mittee members will be involved in troop activities,
so they will want you to note any conflicts in their
personal calendars.
Review the goals you have set for the troop. Now
is the time the troop committee “buys in” to its role in
making your troop successful. There will be a lot of dis-
cussion and some compromise, but the result will be a
set of troop goals to which everyone feels committed.
Remember, these goals will not be finalized until
after the youth leaders have also “bought in” at their
annual planning conference.
______ Review the agenda and preparation needed to
7. Meet with your senior patrol leader to plan the conduct the conference.
next steps leading to the annual troop program
planning conference.
This can be time-consuming, and you may need more STEP 2: Get Patrol Input
than one session. If so, devote the second meeting with
the senior patrol leader to the sole task of mapping out This second step in the annual planning process is
the agenda for the troop planning conference. where the senior patrol leader takes charge. At the next
You and the senior patrol leader should cover the fol- patrol leaders’ council meeting, the senior patrol leader
lowing items at your meeting: introduces the suggested annual troop plan. The patrol
leaders need to understand that this is only a proposed
______ Review the steps to planning an annual
program. The final program will be developed and voted
troop program.
on at the annual troop program planning conference.
______ Review the calendar for any missing items. Each patrol leader is asked to review this plan with
______ Discuss troop goals. Allow the senior patrol his patrol members at the next troop meeting. The
leader to have input; the only way to achieve the patrol leader should seek ideas from his patrol on what
troop’s objectives will be with everyone’s help. proposed programs they like or dislike and what addi-
tional programs they might be interested in.
______ Review the resources needed to plan the troop The senior patrol leader then announces the date of
program. the planning conference. He should briefly review the
______ Discuss the program features suggested for the agenda and make assignments for physical arrange-
coming year. ments, meals, etc.
______ Discuss what major events and activities the

troop might do during the coming year. STEP 3: Conduct the Annual
Program Planning Conference
______ Record these recommendations on the Troop
Program Planning Chart for presentation to the patrol
This is the step where your troop program comes alive.
leaders’ council.
The success of this conference began when you, the
______ Discuss the presentation of this information at Scoutmaster, prepared your senior patrol leader. Be alert
the patrol leaders’ council meeting and the role of patrol throughout the conference to help out the senior patrol
leaders in the planning process. leader. Don’t wait for him to fail, but be careful not to
take over for him. Careful, nonintrusive coaching will
______ Set a date for the annual troop program plan-
help your senior patrol leader build confidence. Share
ning conference.
your leadership with him.
7
Who attends the conference? The troop’s annual Annual Troop Program Planning
lanning conference is attended by the Scoutmaster,
p Conference Agenda
assistant Scoutmaster for the new-Scout patrol, assistant (Note: No time limits have been placed on the agenda,
Scoutmaster for the Venture patrol, senior patrol leader, but working sessions should last no longer than 45 min-
assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leaders, and utes without a break.)
troop guide.
I. OPENING ACTIVITY SCOUTMASTER
Physical arrangements. Careful planning should
Conduct All Aboard or other team-building activ-
ensure that this planning conference is a first-class
ity. This helps foster a spirit of working together
experience for your youth leaders. Pick a location that
to solve a common problem.
would be special to your Scouts, possibly one offering
opportunities for other activities, such as swimming, II. REVIEW CONFERENCE GROUND RULES
boating, etc. You can make it a weekend experience, SENIOR PATROL LEADER
although the conference is easily completed in a day. A. Write down the conference objectives:
Whichever you do, don’t involve the youth leaders 1. To decide on troop goals for the
in a lot of housekeeping chores that distract them from coming year
the primary purpose of planning the troop program.
2. To develop a program that represents
Consider using other troop adults to cook and clean up;
ideas from the entire troop
let your patrol leaders’ council concentrate on the task
B. Review ground rules:
at hand.
Make sure the facilities are suited for a conference. 1. The senior patrol leader presides.
Is ventilation good? Is there sufficient lighting? Are the 2. Each event and program is voted on.
chairs comfortable? Are there tables to work on? Is there 3. The majority rules.
a way to hang calendars on the wall? Use the checklist III. DEVELOP TROOP GOALS SCOUTMASTER
on page 9 to make sure your facilities will work. A. The Scoutmaster leads a discussion on goals
Setting up the conference facility should have been for the coming year. These could deal with
previously assigned to members of the patrol leaders’ such topics as advancement, service, or troop
council. A checkup by the senior patrol leader prior to money earning. (These are the same goals dis-
the conference ensures that nothing is forgotten. cussed earlier with the troop committee and
Follow the agenda. When directing a session, your senior patrol leader.)
senior patrol leader should be aware that it’s easy to get
B. The patrol leaders’ council votes to approve
sidetracked. If the group starts to drift away from the
the goals.
agenda, a gentle nudge from you may be in order to put
them back on course. IV. CONSIDER MAJOR EVENTS
SENIOR PATROL LEADER
Remember the conference ground rules: A. Review dates for items such as these:
1. Scouting shows
2. Camporees
3. Summer camp
4. Special troop events
1 . T h e s e n i o r pat ro l l e a d e r p r e s i d e s .
5. Good Turn
2 . E ac h e v e n t a n d p ro g r a m i s vot e d o n . 6. Patrol suggestions for special activities
B. Vote on events. (Delete from the calendar any
3 . T h e m a j o r i t y ru l e s .
activities the troop will not participate in.)
C. Insert events on the Troop Program Planning
Chart.
D. Backdate necessary preparation time for
each event.
8
Annual Troop Program Planning
Conference Checklist
Literature
■ Troop Program Features, Volume I, No. 33110
■ Troop Program Features, Volume II, No. 33111
■ Troop Program Features, Volume III, No. 33112
■ Troop Program Resources for Scout Troops and
Varsity Teams, No. 33588
■ Scoutmaster Handbook, No. 33009
■ Boy Scout Handbook, No. 33105
■ Patrol Leader Handbook, No. 32502
■ Senior Patrol Leader Handbook, No. 32501
■ Program features from Scouting magazine
■ Scouting magazines
■ Boys’ Life magazines
■ Troop Program Planning Chart
V. GAME BREAK
■ District/council calendar
VI. DISCUSS PATROL SUGGESTIONS FOR ■ School calendar
PROGRAM FEATURES ■ Chartered organization calendar
A. Discuss the program features suggested for ■ Community calendar
the coming year. ■ Information on council and district events
B. Will they meet the goals of the troop? ■ Complete copy of next month’s program feature, for
the final part of the workshop (one per participant)
C. What are the advancement opportunities?
■ Troop Resource Surveys completed by parents and
D. Decide where program features best fit troop leadership
into the calendar. ■ Troop/Team Record Book, No. 34510
E. Vote on the final list of program features. ■ Troop Advancement Chart, No. 34506
F. Insert the approved features into the Program Supplies
Troop Program Planning Chart. ■ All Aboard activity (supplies needed)
VII. LUNCH OR GAME BREAK ■ Game (supplies needed)
■ Flip-chart stand and pad(s)
VIII. SCHEDULE SPECIAL TROOP ACTIVITIES
■ Twelve large calendar pages
A. Decide on a schedule for the following: ■ Felt-tip markers
1. Board of review ■ Writing pads for participants
2. Courts of honor ■ Pens or pencils
■ Thumbtacks
3. Recruitment night(s) ■ Masking tape
4. Webelos Scout graduation ■ Extension cord
B. Add these dates to the Troop Program Food/Refreshments
Planning Chart. ■ Refreshments for morning and afternoon breaks
IX. FINALIZE THE TROOP PLANNING ■ Additional food (lunch, etc.)
WORKSHEET
Conference Facility Setup
Put the Troop Program Planning Chart into final ■ Tables set in horseshoe or square, depending on
form for presentation to the troop committee. number of people
X. GAME BREAK ■ Flip-chart stand placed for easy viewing and use
XI. MONTHLY PROGRAM PLANNING ■ Calendar pages hung on wall
■ Troop Program Planning Chart hung at front
Plan next month’s program.
center of room
XII. SCOUTMASTER’S MINUTE ■ Table at front of room for resource material
9
TROOP PROGRAM
program features troop
district/
outdoor/
month council
camping
activity
new-scout experienced venture activity
patrol patrols patrol
sept.
oct.
nov.
dec.
jan.
feb.
mar.
apr.
may
june
july
aug.
10
PLANNING CHART
chartered
board of
leaders’ meetings
organization dates special
(For Troop review district/
charter renewal/ events/ patrol
Use) court of troop council
charter presentation/ holidays leaders’
honor committee roundtable/
service project council
training
11
STEP 5: DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION
Now that you have a great troop program planned,

don’t keep it a secret, share it with everyone.
The best way to do it is at a parents’ night program.
Have some good fun and fellowship, and then share
the troop’s plan for the year. Let the Scouts announce
the plan, but let the troop committee talk about what
kinds of help will be needed from parents to make the
program work.
This is the final phase of the buy-in talked about
earlier. Here is where you get those extra hands for the
garage sale, transportation for outings, and maybe even
a consultant for Venturing.
Ask a computer whiz in the troop to design an origi-
Conference Assignments nal troop calendar. Give everyone a copy. (If it is nice
______ Develop menus and purchase food. enough, troop families may use it to record all their
______ Prepare food and clean up. family activities.)
______ Gather supplies (see checklist). Don’t stop the sharing at the troop level. Make sure
the chartered organization and your unit commissioner
_______ Set up conference facility.
have a copy of your troop’s plans. Develop a news
_______ Prepare large blank calendars with months,
article for the local newspaper, highlighting the special
days, and known dates.
activities the troop has planned for the coming year.
_______ Prepare flip chart with conference objectives
Some potential Scouting parent might read it and be
and ground rules.
inspired to join your troop.
_______ Prepare Troop Program Planning Chart with
correct months.
STEP 4: Obtain Troop

Committee Support
At the completion of the annual troop program planning

conference, you and your senior patrol leader should
prepare a clean draft of the Troop Program Planning
Chart for presentation to the troop committee. Arrange
with the committee chairman for this important topic
to be placed on the meeting agenda. Then you and the
senior patrol leader present the troop’s annual program
to the committee.
Try to anticipate questions and prepare your senior
patrol leader to answer them. (Remember, it’s a Scout-
planned program.) The critical question the committee
must resolve is: Does the troop have the resources to Planning the Monthly
carry out this program? If not, can the resources be Troop Program
obtained, and are the troop members willing to do their
share in obtaining these resources? Developing an annual plan is really just the first step
There may be need for compromise. In those cases, in planning the troop program. On a quarterly basis,
the senior patrol leader should present the options to the patrol leaders’ council should review the annual
the patrol leaders’ council for its approval. plan and make any adjustments necessary to ensure
The finished product from these discussions will be a the smooth implementation of all programs. These
troop program that is accepted by everyone and has the quarterly checkpoints are also important because some
necessary support to make it work. programs require more than a month to plan.
12
Your Program Assistants
Besides offering their readers entertaining, well-written

fare, Boys’ Life and Scouting magazines support the
nationally suggested Boy Scout troop program features.
In each monthly issue, Boys’ Life provides ideas and
inspiration to Scouts about how they can enjoy the
BSA-suggested program for the following month.
Scouting provides adult leaders similar tools to
strengthen the BSA program with special articles about
packs and troops that have used the monthly program
feature successfully.
In addition, five of the six issues of Scouting
magazine contain a total of 12 segments called “troop
program features.” These represent one-third of the
36 monthly features found in Troop Program Features
(Volume I, No. 33110; Volume II, No. 33111; and Volume
III, No. 33112). Another program tool, Boy Scout Leader
Program Notebook, is a pocket-size publication that
contains space to jot down ideas and plans for troop
activities. It is available at your BSA local council
service center.
Weekly Meeting Plan
Each program feature includes four weekly troop meet-

ing plans that can be used to plan activities in detail.
As a part of the annual program planning conference, The blank chart shown on the next page is an example.
you are asked to plan the next month’s troop program.
Even if your troop is very experienced, this session
should be used to teach your youth leaders to use the
troop program features found in Scouting magazine.
Once they are comfortable in using these, you can give
them the option of adding flexibility to the program.
But be careful. (Too much departure from the suggested
troop meeting activities could result in less exciting
meetings and poor advancement.)
Each program feature provides detailed information
on four weekly meetings, a monthly highlight activity,
advancement requirements that can be satisfied, and
some good skills suggestions.
Activities incorporating all basic and intermediate
skills your Scouts need for the monthly program are
woven into each weekly meeting. Detailed use of pro-
gram features will ensure regular advancement of your
Scouts and provide troop meetings that are fun and
exciting, not dull and boring.
13
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________________
Activity Description Run By Time
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction
______ minutes
Patrol Meetings
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity
______ minutes
Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute. SM
______ minutes
Total 90 minutes of meeting
After the Meeting
14
Aquatics
In any camp where a waterfront is within a half-mile, in swimming, lifesaving, and aquatic sports, and the
Scouts will gravitate there like bees to honey. Most Snorkeling, Mile Swim, BSA, and BSA Lifeguard awards.
Scouts like nothing better than a swimming session or a The big event will be a water show for the troop’s
couple of hours in canoes or boats. families or a water expedition with canoes or rafts.
In this program feature we will capitalize on that The patrol leaders’ council’s choice of events for the
interest by providing a month of fun and, at the same show will depend on how many Scouts have earned the
time, encouraging the boys to become stronger swim- swimmer designation.
mers and better boaters and canoeists.
If possible, hold all troop activities this month at a Scouting Outcomes
waterfront or swimming pool. The troop meeting plan
This month’s patrol and troop activities should give
for this month suggests both water activities and
your Scouts
alternatives to use if you must meet at your regular
meeting place. • A better understanding of physical fitness
If the troop does not have access to a waterfront or • Greater swimming skills, and perhaps greater skill in
pool, ask for help from your unit commissioner or dis- handling canoes, boats, or other watercraft
trict activities committee. They might suggest municipal • Enhanced self-confidence
pools, facilities at a YMCA or YMHA (Young Men’s
Hebrew Association), or even school or motel pools that Advancement Opportunities
could be used. For these facilities, you will probably
have to hold troop activities in off-hours. By month’s end, all Scouts should have met the major-
At a minimum, the troop’s goal should be to have ity of their physical fitness requirements through First
all Scouts advance from the nonswimmer class by Class rank. Depending on the activities, they may also
month’s end. If most of your Scouts are already good complete all or part of the following rank requirements:
swimmers, urge them to work toward the merit badges
15
Tenderfoot Parent/guardian Participation
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law program feature this month by
• Physical fitness—health, conditioning, swimming • Asking qualified parents to assist with
swimming instruction
Second Class
• Inviting parents to come along on the
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership water expedition
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law • Inviting the whole family to your water show
• Physical fitness—health, conditioning, swimming
Patrol Leaders’ Council
First Class
The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on
the following agenda, continue your planning at patrol
leaders’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the • Older boys may want to plan a canoe trip at one of
Swimming merit badge this month; they should be able the BSA’s high-adventure bases.
to complete many of the requirements. Depending on
• Decide whether to make the big event a water expe-
activities during the month, they may also complete
dition or water show. Remember that for a canoe
requirements in Lifesaving, and if the facilities permit,
or raft trip, only Scouts who have been classified as
other aquatic-related merit badges such as Canoeing,
“swimmers” are eligible to go, since the BSA Safety
Rowing, and Small-Boat Sailing.
Afloat plan bars nonswimmers from all watercraft
except rowboats and motorboats. So, if many of your
Scouts cannot be expected to earn the swimmer des-
ignation before the big event, better plan for a water
show. See the ideas on these pages.
16
• Choose a site or watercourse for the big event. Assign swimming pool or at a waterfront. If it is held at a
someone to secure the necessary permissions; ask the waterfront and canoes and boats are available, the pro-
troop committee for help, if necessary. gram can be more varied. The day might end with a
• If the big event will be an expedition, arrange to troop family picnic and campfire.
borrow or rent equipment. (Some BSA local councils The following are some suggested activities.
will rent canoes.)
SAFE SWIM DEFENSE. Remember to use this for
• If possible, arrange to secure a waterfront or pool for
all swimming activities. Demonstrate the Safe Swim
all troop activities. (Remember that it may be neces-
Defense and explain its value for safety. Prior planning
sary to change regular meeting dates or hours to use
is needed for any swimming or boating activity. It is
these facilities.)
required that at least one adult must be certified in Safe
• Plan the details of troop meetings for the month. Swim Defense and/or Safety Afloat, which also requires
Consider inviting Swimming merit badge counselors CPR from any community agency. See the Scoutmaster
to help with swimming instruction. You might also Handbook.
ask counselors for other aquatics merit badges to
help, depending on available facilities and equipment. RESCUE BREATHING. Have a patrol demonstrate
rescue breathing and invite family members to try it.
Feature Event CANDY HUNT (for Scouts and their brothers and
Water Show or Expedition sisters). Drop a number of foil-wrapped hard candies
into the water at chest level. On signal, children jump
The patrol leaders’ council should plan the big event
in and retrieve as many pieces as they can.
based on the swimming ability and desires of the
Scouts. The patrol leaders’ council will probably prefer WATER RESCUES. Have a patrol demonstrate the
a water expedition, such as a canoe or raft trip, but only Reach, Throw, and Go With Support methods of water
those classified as swimmers will be eligible to go. rescue (Boy Scout Handbook).
If the troop has a lot of nonswimmers or beginners,
it is best to have a water show—or have both events, NAIL-DRIVING UNDERWATER (for parents). Have a
with only swimmers taking part in the expedition. hammer, five nails, and a piece of 2-by-4 for each parent.
The object is to go underwater with the block, nails, and
Water Show hammer, and pound as many nails as possible within
This is a day of water fun and water safety demon a specified period—say, three minutes. Obviously, your
strations for the whole family. It could be held at a parent can come up for air between strokes.
17
LIFESAVING WITH CANOE. Have a patrol demonstrate Unless all participants—both Scouts and leaders—
how to right a capsized canoe and how to save a strug- are experienced canoeists or rafters, hold at least one
gling swimmer using a canoe. See the Canoeing merit practice session before the big trip. This is especially
badge pamphlet. important if it is an overnighter and troop members will
be carrying packs and other equipment in their craft.
MOTHER-DAUGHTER/SON BALLOON TOSS. Each
Consider the capabilities of all participants in choos-
mother-daughter/son team is given a balloon filled half-
ing a river or other watercourse. If all are inexperienced,
way with water. Partners face each other about 10 feet
avoid difficult courses with white water. Save those for
apart in the water and begin tossing the balloon back
Scouts who have earned the Canoeing merit badge.
and forth. After each catch, the thrower takes one step
If you plan an overnight camp en route, you might
backward. When a player misses, the team is elimi-
arrange to have Scouts who are not eligible to go on the
nated. The team with the most successful tosses wins.
trip join you at the campsite so that they can take part
Patrol Relays in the fun.
Run swimming relay races in chest-deep water so that Start your planning for a water expedition by read-
nonswimmers can take part by walking their lap. ing “Swimming Skill and Safety” in the Canoeing merit
badge pamphlet. That section tells how to prepare for
UP AND UNDER (for Scouts and brothers and a safe, enjoyable expedition.
sisters). Have a volleyball or beach ball for each team.
All teams line up relay fashion in waist-deep water. The Special Aquatics Awards
first player in each line is given the ball. On signal, he Scouts who are already good swimmers may begin to
passes the ball back over his head to the next player in work toward any of four special awards this month.
line, who passes it between his legs to the next player, Although these are not advancement awards, they will
and so on to the end of the line. The last player runs encourage Scouts to improve their skills and have some
to the head of the line and passes it as before. The first additional fun. The awards are:
team back in its original order wins.
Mile Swim, BSA. The requirements call for the Scout
GREASED WATERMELON (for Scouts and older to swim a mile over a measured course after four hours
brothers and sisters). Divide players into two teams. of training and to know safety rules for swimming in
Have each team form two lines about 15 feet from the open water.
center of the pool or playing area. In the center, float a
Snorkeling, BSA. The requirements call for the Scout
medium-sized watermelon greased with shortening. On
to demonstrate the use of a mask, fins, and a snorkel
signal, each team tries to bring the watermelon to its
in deep water, to know diver’s signs and signals, and
starting line. The successful team gets first crack at the
to understand hyperventilation and hypothermia. The
melon when it’s time to eat.
full requirements are outlined in the Application for
BIG BLOW (for Scouts and brothers and sisters). Play Snorkeling, BSA, No. 19-176.
this game in chest-deep water. Each team lines up, relay
BSA Lifeguard. The requirements call for the Scout to
fashion, and is given a table tennis ball or toy boat. On
know the requirements for the Swimming, Lifesaving,
signal, the first player on each team swims or walks to
Rowing, Canoeing, and First Aid merit badges, the Safe
a turning line and back while blowing the ball or boat
Swim Defense, and Safety Afloat, and be able to demon-
ahead of him. The following players repeat the action.
strate specific skills. The full requirements are outlined
The first team to finish wins.
in the Application for BSA Lifeguard, No. 34435.
For more swimming contests, see the Games section
of Troop Program Resources for Scout Troops and Varsity 50-Miler Award. Scouts are eligible for this award if they
Teams, No. 33588. take part in a canoe or boat trip (or wilderness trek) of
at least 50 consecutive miles in at least five days and do
Water Expedition conservation work en route. The full requirements are
A day or weekend trip in canoes or rafts is a great outlined in the 50-Miler Award Application, No. 34408.
adventure for Scouts, but it is not for everyone. Do not
Boardsailing, BSA. Scouts are introduced to basic board-
permit any nonswimmer or beginner to make the trip.
sailing skills, equipment, and safety precautions and
Also insist that a U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD
will build a knowledge foundation for participation in
(personal flotation device) be worn by every partici-
more advanced and demanding activities on the water.
pant. Enforce the Safety Afloat guidelines as explained
The full requirements are outlined in the Boardsailing,
in the Scoutmaster Handbook.
BSA Award Application, No. 19-935A.
18
aquatics
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Meet at the waterfront or pool, if possible. Set up the Safe

Swim Defense (Boy Scout Handbook). If the meeting is held at
______ minutes your meeting place, make buddy tags (Swimming merit badge
pamphlet).
Opening Ceremony Test the swimming ability of all Scouts and classify each as a
nonswimmer, beginner, or swimmer. Pair up buddies. Have
______ minutes instruction for nonswimmers.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts can begin working on strokes that are needed
for Second and First Class ranks.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts can work on the Lifesaving or
Swimming merit badges.
• Older Scouts can work on the Venture program or on
Snorkeling, BSA; BSA Lifeguard; Mile Swim, BSA; or assist
with the instruction of less experienced Scouts.
Patrol Meetings Schedule a patrol practice for the water show. Work with
nonswimmers on swimming skills.
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Practice one of the events for the water show.
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting Patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and plans for
the water show. Begin work on next month’s program feature.
19
aquatics
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts continue working on strokes that are needed
for Tenderfoot through First Class ranks.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts continue work on the Lifesaving or
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or on
Patrol Meetings Continue work on swimming skills.
______ minutes
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting Patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and plans
for the water show. Continue work on next month’s program
feature.
20
aquatics
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
______ minutes
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or on
______ minutes
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
for the water show. Continue work on next month’s program
feature.
21
aquatics
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
______ minutes
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or work on
______ minutes
______ minutes
Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute—reflection on the experiences of SM

the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
After the Meeting Patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and checks
last-minute details for the water show. Finalize work on next
month’s program feature.
22
aquatics
Troop Outdoor Program Plan
Date ______________________
Time Activity Run By
Saturday Arrive at pool or swimming area, set up equipment. SPL/PLC

9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m. Rest of troop arrives.
10:00 a.m. Aquatic activities begin.
Noon Sack lunch
1:30 p.m. Continue aquatic activities.
3:30 p.m. Family swim
4:30 p.m. Present awards, leave for home.
23
Athletics
Physical fitness has always been one of the aims of the Scouting Outcomes
Boy Scouts of America, so this program feature is right
on target. Our objective in athletics is not to produce
your Scouts
super athletes but to promote fitness; to encourage
Scouts to make steady improvement in strength, coordi- • A greater understanding that physical fitness is
nation, and agility; and, of course, to have fun. essential for a fulfilling life
Troop meetings will include plenty of physical activ- • An awareness that they can improve their fitness
ity, as well as some instruction on the importance of with regular exercise, adequate diet and rest, and
good nutrition and abstinence from smoking, alcohol, abstinence from smoking, drugs, and alcohol
and other drugs.
• Enhanced self-confidence as a result of improved
The big event will be a field day with various types
physical fitness
of athletic competition. The patrol leaders’ council may
want to arrange for an intertroop competition by invit- • Practice in teamwork and decision-making
ing other troops. The objective should be physical fit- • An appreciation for the concentration that top
ness and fun, not just winning. The field day can be a athletes require
one-day event or the highlight of a weekend campout;
ideas for both are included on these pages. Advancement Opportunities
By month’s end, all Scouts should have completed most
of the basic camping and cooking requirements through
25
First Class rank. Depending on the campout activities, • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
they may also complete all or part of the following rank • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
requirements:
• Physical fitness—health, conditioning, drug
Tenderfoot awareness
• Outdoor—hiking, camping Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies Athletics merit badge this month and should be able
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification to complete many of the requirements. Depending
on activities during the month, they may also cover
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
requirements in Camping, Cooking, Cycling, Hiking,
• Physical fitness—health, conditioning Skating, Skiing, Sports, Swimming, and other outdoor-
related merit badges.
Second Class
• Outdoor—camping, hiking Parent/guardian Participation
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification program feature this month by
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law • Asking qualified parents to serve as judges, scorers,
• Physical fitness—health, conditioning, drug timekeepers, etc.
awareness • Inviting families to the outing
First Class • Asking parents to provide transportation to the
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking outing site
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies • Recruiting parents to coach specific sports
26
Patrol Leaders’ Council • Make a list of possible patrol Good Turns to perform
for the community.
part of the previous month to plan troop activities for • Coordinate any intertroop competitions.
this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on
the following agenda, continue your planning at patrol Feature Event
leaders’ council meetings after each troop meeting. Athletics Field Day
• Decide whether to make the field day a one-day event Here are some possible events for your field day.
or the highlight of a weekend campout. Choose a site
for the field day and secure permissions if needed. FRISBEE GOLF. Lay out a 9- or 18-hole course. The
“holes” are trees, small buildings, large rocks, patrol
• Plan the events for the field day. See the ideas on the
flags, etc. Mark each one with a colored cloth. Make the
following pages.
course challenging by using such “hazards” as ravines,
• Secure the necessary equipment; ask the troop com- streams, and slopes. Players count their strokes from
mittee for help, if necessary. “tee” to “hole” as in real golf.
• Determine if you want to hold the outing in conjunc- Divide Scouts into foursomes or twosomes. The team
tion with other troops; if so, invite them. with the lowest score gets 100 points for its total team
score, or set some other value.
• Plan the details of troop meetings for the month.
Consider inviting counselors for the Personal Fitness Variation: Make it a speed contest. The winning team
or Athletics merit badge to help with instruction. is the one that finishes with the fastest time, regardless
of the number of strokes.
27
OBSTACLE COURSE. Use both serious and fun Each event needs not be physically challenging.
obstacles. Time each runner. Set point values for first, Some of the events should require reasoning and prob-
second, and third place, etc. lem solving. Thus, every member of the patrol should
be able to contribute to the achievement of the goal.
DOUBLE ACTION VOLLEYBALL. Have two balls in
Here are a few examples:
play simultaneously. (If possible, have different colored
balls.) A point is not awarded until both balls are dead. A. Move an object, such as a sandbag or a bale
Play 5- or 10-point games for faster action. of hay over a course with barriers, such as a
hill or wall.
FIVE-MAN SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL. The pitcher is on
The course need not be more than 100 yards long.
the same team as the batter. The other players in the
field may take any position they like. Play 2-out innings B. Patrol Dash.
and 5-inning games. Have them run a prescribed course depending on
conditioning and terrain. It could be a trail run or a
10-K BICYCLE RACE. Lay out a course about 10 kilo-
circular run.
meters long. Have races for various classes-size of
bikes, height and weight of Scouts competing. C. Canoe or kayak course.
Select the best patrol members to represent the patrol in
Variation: Make it a bicycle orienteering course.
this event, which should be across a lake, or a pool.
2-K ORIENTEERING RACE. Lay out an orienteering
D. Bike relay.
course about 2 kilometers long. The course could be
Select a course that some or all the patrol members
run by individual Scouts or two-man teams.
would have to complete.
ACTION ARCHERY DUATHLON. Set up an action
E. Erect a tent.
archery course, with a running course between archery
If you want to add some elements of difficulty, provide
sites. Make sure that all safety rules are observed at
blindfolds, or do not allow anyone to talk.
archery sites. Scoring may include both the number of
hits at archery sites and the time taken to complete F. Kim’s Game.
the course. Tape seven objects to a piece of cardboard. Allow each
patrol to look at the objects for five seconds, then name
Extreme Games all seven objects. Failure to name all the objects would
Extreme games can be extremely physically challeng- mean to wait a full minute before the patrol could view
ing events that require months of training or they can the objects again.
be competitive patrol events that can be done during
a troop activity. Boys will respond to the challenge of G. Other events could be created depending on
extreme games, and they can be easily planned and laid the terrain and resources available.
out without a lot of work. The event should involve the
entire patrol, and should be divided into at least three
events. The patrol with the total best time would be
the winner.
28
athletics
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Set up a 3-hole Frisbee golf course for Scouts. Also have a
fitness chart to test each Scout on basic fitness skills; check
______ minutes for improvement during this month.
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop into a semicircle.

• Repeat the Scout Oath.
______ minutes
• Present colors.
• Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on fitness skills. Record the best number
of push-ups, pull-ups, standing long jump, and 500-yard
______ minutes run/walk (Boy Scout Handbook).
• Experienced Scouts review a map of the area for the
outing and plan the action archery duathlon and Frisbee
golf course.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or begin
planning several intertroop games for field day.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for the outing this month and make sure
everyone knows what his assignments are and what to bring.
______ minutes Any Scouts who have not been camping yet will need extra
help. All other patrols plan activities to work on advancement.
Plan any meals that will be needed for the outing. If it will be
an overnighter, plan now for equipment distribution and
tent requirements.
Interpatrol Activity Play Everybody Up. (See the Games section of the
Troop Program Resources.*)
______ minutes
Closing • Have a Scout explain what sportsmanship means. SM

• Scoutmaster’s Minute.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
for the outing. Begin work on next month’s program feature.
*Troop Program Resources for Scout Troops and Varsity Teams, Supply No. 33588
29
athletics
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • For the new Scouts, have a local college athlete or health
club instructor demonstrate exercises and talk about a
______ minutes healthy diet and exercise plan. Also discuss the dangers of
drug and alcohol abuse.
• Experienced Scouts can plan a 20-K bike hike that includes
some sort of Scouting skill at several stops.
• Older Scouts can work on the Venture program.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for the outing. First-time campers con-
tinue to work on hiking and camping techniques. All other
______ minutes patrols continue to work on activities needed for advancement
while on the outing. Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Do Izzy-Dizzy Relay. (See the Games section of the

______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
for the troop outing. Continue work on next month’s program
feature.
30
athletics
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice reading topographic maps and

learn the symbols used on maps. Review the clothing and
______ minutes personal camping gear needed for camping (Boy Scout
Handbook). Play Map Symbol Relay. (See the Games
section of the Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts can test themselves against the five
groups on page 1 of the Athletics merit badge pamphlet,
No. 33324.
topographic map orientation with younger Scouts.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for this month’s outing. Practice two of the
events for the field day. All patrols plan activities to work
______ minutes on advancement.
Interpatrol Activity Play Dodgeball and Jump the Shot. (See the Games section of
the Troop Program Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
the outing. Continue work on next month’s program feature.
31
athletics
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts post their scores for the following activities to
show improvement: push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, standing
______ minutes long jump, and 500-yard run/walk.
• Experienced Scouts plan a menu of high-energy foods to
have during the outing.
• Older Scouts can work on the Venture program or help
younger Scouts.
Patrol Meetings Review all the events for the field day. If your patrol is small,
one or two Scouts might have to compete twice in the same
______ minutes event. Practice two of the events for the outing.
Interpatrol Activity Play Crossing the Alligator Pit. (See the Games section of
______ minutes

the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
last-minute details for the outing. Finalize work on next
32
athletics
Date ______________________
Friday evening Load gear at meeting location, leave for campsite. Plan only a light meal SPL
en route.
Arrive at the campsite. Off-load equipment. Set up patrol sites. Stow gear and PL/SPL
set up camp.
Saturday Cooks and assistants up. Prepare breakfast. (Cooks should be working on First Cooks,
6:30 a.m. and Second Class requirements.) assistants
7:00 a.m. Everyone else up. Take care of personal hygiene, air tents, hang out
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Clean up. Cooks
Patrols set up the gear for morning activities, clean up patrol site.
8:30–11:30 a.m. Conduct athletics skill events. SPL
11:30 a.m. Sack lunch
Noon Continue events.
4:30 p.m. Start dinner preparation. Cooks
5:30 p.m. Meal SPL
6:00 p.m. Clean up. Cooks
8:00 p.m. Campfire
9:00 p.m. Cracker barrel
10:00 p.m. Lights out
Sunday Cooks and assistants up. Prepare breakfast. (Cooks should be working on First Cooks
6:30 a.m. and Second Class requirements.)
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Worship service
33
9:00–11:00 a.m. Hold play-off games for team events.
11:00 a.m. Break camp.
Special equip- Cameras, pens, troop camping equipment, athletic gear needed for events
ment needed
34
Backpacking
Long before backpacking became a popular sport, the • A sense of communion with nature and God
Boy Scouts of America was promoting this exhilarat- • A greater appreciation for the outdoors and a
ing activity. For many years, Philmont Scout Ranch in determination to follow the Outdoor Code
northern New Mexico has provided hundreds of miles
of trails for thousands of Scouts across the country. In • Enhanced self-confidence in their ability to be
addition, BSA high-adventure bases and local coun- comfortable on the trail and in camp
cils throughout the country can provide Scouts with a
Advancement Opportunities
stimulating backpacking experience.
Backpacking can be a single-day activity of several By month’s end, all Scouts should have met the
miles or a weeklong trip of 50 miles or longer. But no majority of their basic hiking and camping requirements
matter what length, participation requires hikers who through First Class. Depending on the outing activities,
are in top physical condition and prepared to meet the they may also complete all or part of the
challenge. New Scouts can learn the basics of hiking following rank requirements:
and low-impact camping so that many thousands of
Tenderfoot
people can enjoy the same trail for decades to come.
• Outdoor—cooking, hiking, camping
Scouting Outcomes • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
This month’s patrol and troop activities should give • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
your Scouts
• Improved physical fitness
35
Second Class Parent/guardian Participation
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies program feature this month by
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification • Asking qualified parents to assist with instruction in
camping and hiking skills
• Inviting parents on the backpacking outing
First Class
• Asking parents to provide transportation to the
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking
starting point for the hike, if necessary, and pick up
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies at the end
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the
part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
Backpacking and Hiking merit badges this month;
they should be able to complete many of the require-
the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead-
ments. Depending on activities during the month, they
ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
might also cover requirements in Camping, Cooking,
Orienteering, Pioneering, Wilderness Survival, and • Decide on the route and destination for the hike.
other nature-related merit badges. If permission will be needed, assign someone to
secure it.
36
• Decide whether it will be a day outing or a Conduct various activities along the route.
longer trek. Depending upon the needs of the group, you may want
• Review skills needed for the hike. to consider one or more of the following highlights:
• If the troop will be camping overnight, plan special NATURE NOOK. Select a spot along the trail. Have
activities. If special gear will be needed, assign some- each Scout select a 3-square-foot area and study wildlife
one to obtain it; seek the troop committee’s help, within those boundaries. Note the plant life, animals,
if necessary. insects, etc.
• Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign ENVIRONMENT PROJECT. Check with local conserva-
patrol demonstrations, covering skills that will be tion authorities for an appropriate Good Turn. Here are
needed for the hiking activities. some possibilities.
• Plant tree seedlings or shrubs to provide food and
Feature Event
cover for wildlife.
Backpacking Outing • Build a check dam, deflector, or cover device to
Backpacking offers a multitude of program adventures provide shelter for fish and to reduce streambank
for your troop. A hike or trek allows Scouts to interact erosion.
with nature, test their physical abilities, presents photo
• Build and set out nesting boxes for birds and small
opportunities for any camera bugs, and helps new
mammals like squirrels and raccoons.
Scouts meet their hiking and camping requirements
through First Class. • Plant hedges or windbreaks to provide winter cover
You may want to organize the hike in stages, for wildlife.
based on the skill levels and physical capabilities of • Protect a streambank by planting grass or trees.
the Scouts. One part could be relatively easy so that
• Control erosion on hiking trails by constructing water
inexperienced Scouts can get a taste of backpacking.
bars or spreading a layer of an organic material such
The second stage would give the more experienced
as sawdust, wood chips, pine needles, or leaves on
young men a more challenging trail. Finally, the third
the trail surface.
stage would be a challenge for the older Scouts—almost
a wilderness survival outing. HOW TALL, HOW FAR? Locate a tall tree, mountain
An unfamiliar route and destination would be best peak, cliff wall, etc., and have Scouts estimate its height
for the Scouts. Give them a topographic map and com- and how far away it is.
pass to find their way, or follow an established trail.
37
backpacking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Locate the North Star, if it is dark enough, or practice telling

directions without a compass. Set up a low-impact campsite
______ minutes for Scouts to see.
Opening Ceremony • Form patrols into an open square.

• Recite the Outdoor Code.
______ minutes
• Present colors.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on reading a compass and learn how to
set a pace. Do Blindfold Compass Walk. (See the Games
______ minutes section of the Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts work on choosing boots for backpack-
ing and begin planning a 20-mile hike.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program. Review the
principals of Leave No Trace and discuss ways they apply
to the troop’s next outing.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for this month’s outing and make sure everyone
knows what his assignments are and what to bring for the
______ minutes outing. Any Scouts who have not been hiking yet will need
some extra help. All other patrols can plan activities to work
on advancement. Plan any meals that will be needed for the
outing. If it will be an overnighter, plan now for equipment
distribution and tent requirements.
Interpatrol Activity • Play Hot Isotope Transport. (See the Games section of
______ minutes
• Run a mile and record the times.
Closing • Assemble patrols, repeat the Scout Oath. SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
After the Meeting Patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and the back-
packing outing. Begin work on next month’s program feature.
39
backpacking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on low-impact camping procedures,

including site selection and cooking with Peak-type stoves.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts work on packing procedures for the
backpacking outing and select some campsites based on a
topographic map of the camping area.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or make plans to
sleep under a shelter made from natural materials as part of
the troop outing.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for the campout. First-time hikers in

the new-Scout patrol continue working on troop procedures
______ minutes for hiking and camping. All other patrols continue to plan
activities for advancement. Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity • Run a mile and record the times.

• Do Silver Dollar Hunt. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
feature.
40
backpacking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on reading topographic maps and learn
the symbols used on maps; also what to do if they get lost
______ minutes (Boy Scout Handbook). Play Map Symbol Relay. (See the
Games section of the Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts plan projects that could be done along
the hike route.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or help younger
Scouts with topographic map orientation.
Patrol Meetings Finalize the menu for the hike this week and make sure
everyone knows what he will need to bring. Review clothing
______ minutes and equipment needs, and collect the necessary fees. Go over
the hike route.
Interpatrol Activity • Play Ball Over. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes
• Run a mile and record the times.

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
the hike. Continue work on next month’s program feature.
41
backpacking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on first aid for blisters, cuts, and sprains.
• Experienced Scouts bring packs to the meeting and have a
______ minutes
prehike inspection.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or assist in
teaching first-aid techniques.
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the hike/campout. Make
sure everyone knows the travel plans and equipment needs.
______ minutes Review the patrol duty roster. Practice any interpatrol activities
that will take place during the hike.
Interpatrol Activity • Do Star Hunt. (See the Games section of the

______ minutes • Run a mile and record the times.

the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
42
BACKPACKING
Date ______________________
en route.
Arrive at the campsite. Off-load equipment. Set up patrol sites. Stow gear and
set up camp.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Patrols clean up patrol site.
8:30–11:30 a.m. Give patrol leaders a topographic map to make a 2- to 3-mile hike. The SPL
new-Scout patrol could take a simpler hike. Older Scouts could begin a
15- to 20-mile weekend survival hike.
Noon Continue hikes.
5:30 p.m. Dinner SPL
8:00 p.m. Campfire
7:00 a.m. Everyone else up. Take care of personal hygiene needs, air tents, hang out
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
43
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games—run a 1-K orienteering course.
Special equip- Topographic maps, clipboards, compasses, troop camping equipment

ment needs
44
Boating/Canoeing
Activities on the water have been popular in Scouting Advancement Opportunities

since the founding of our organization. In this program
By month’s end, all Scouts should have met the major-
feature, your Scouts will have an opportunity to pursue
ity of their physical fitness requirements through First
several forms of aquatic activities.
Class rank. Depending on the activities, they may also
New Scouts can work on the swimming require-
complete all or part of the following rank requirements:
ments for First and Second Class ranks. If possible,
conduct all troop activities at a waterfront or swimming Tenderfoot
pool. If your troop does not have access to a waterfront • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
or pool, ask your commissioner or district executive
for help in finding one. Always enforce the Safe Swim
Defense and Safety Afloat guidelines. • Physical fitness—health, conditioning, swimming
Prior planning is needed for any swimming or boat- Second Class
ing activity. It is required that at least one adult be certi-
fied in Safe Swim Defense and/or Safety Afloat, which
also requires CPR from a community agency. • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
Scouting Outcomes
First Class
your Scouts
• A greater understanding of physical fitness
• Improved swimming skills
• Stronger boating and canoeing skills
Canoeing and Rowing merit badges this month; they
• Enhanced self-confidence should be able to complete many of the requirements.
45
Depending on activities planned for the campout, they • Make plans for the canoe trip.
may also cover requirements in Athletics, Small-Boat • Decide whether or not to make it an overnighter.
Sailing, and Swimming.
• Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if this has
Parent/guardian Participation not been done recently.
• Plan details of troop meetings for the month.
program feature this month by
Feature Event
• Asking those qualified to assist in aquatics
instruction Canoeing/Rowing Outing
This outing could be planned for a weekend or as a
• Inviting them on a canoe trip
daylong activity. Several other activities could be com-
• Asking them to provide transportation bined with it as well. Older Scouts could take a canoe
trip and join the rest of the troop on Saturday evening.
Patrol Leaders’ Council Experienced Scouts could plan a canoe trip and the new
The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early Scouts could go along for the ride, provided they are
part of the previous month to plan troop activities for classified as swimmers.
this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on Boating activities could take place on a lake. If you
the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead- have access to sailboats, a miniregatta could be run,
ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting. with parents included as crew members. Or, you could
46
have a fishing tournament using boats to get you to GREASED WATERMELON. Equipment: One medium-
your favorite fishing spot. If you have access to power size watermelon, greased with shortening.
boats that can pull water-skiers, you might conduct
Method: Divide Scouts into two teams and station them
some water show activities on skis.
in the water 25 feet apart. Float the watermelon half-
PATROL RELAYS. Run a swim relay in chest-deep way between the teams. On signal, each team tries to
water so that nonswimmers can walk their laps. bring the watermelon back to its own line.
UP AND UNDER. (For Scouts and brothers and sis- Scoring: The team that brings the watermelon back to
ters.) Use a volleyball or beach ball for each team. All its own line wins.
teams line up, relay fashion, in waist-deep water. The
BIG BLOW. (For Scouts and brothers and sisters.) Play
first player in each line is given the ball. On signal, he
in water that is chest-deep for the shortest member.
passes the ball back over his head to the next player in
Each team lines up, relay fashion, and is given a table
line, who passes it between his legs to the next player
tennis ball or toy boat. On signal, the first player on
in line, who passes it between his legs to the next
each team swims or walks to a turning line and back
player, and so on to the end of the line. The last player
while blowing the ball or boat ahead of him. The fol-
runs to the head of the line and passes it as before. The
lowing players repeat the action until all have run.
first team back in its original order wins.
47
boating/canoeing
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Meet at the waterfront or pool, if possible. Use Safe Swim

Defense (Boy Scout Handbook). If the meeting is held at
______ minutes your meeting place, make buddy tags (Swimming merit
badge pamphlet).
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction Test the swimming ability of all Scouts and classify each as
nonswimmer, beginner, or swimmer. Pair up buddies. Have
______ minutes instruction for nonswimmers.
• New Scouts begin working on swimming strokes needed for
Tenderfoot through First Class.
• Experienced Scouts (if they are classified as swimmers)
begin planning a canoe trip that could be held on a week-
end. (You may want to include new Scouts on the trip.)
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program, or, if you will
have access to sailboats on the troop outing, plan a regatta.
Patrol Meetings If you are planning a canoe trip, review Safety Afloat rules
(Scoutmaster Handbook). Note that only swimmers may be in
______ minutes canoes. Plan to follow these rules for all boating activities.
Interpatrol Activity Play Spoon Race. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
the outing. Begin work on next month’s program feature.
49
boating/canoeing
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts continue working on swimming strokes that

are needed for First and Second Class.
______ minutes • Experienced Scouts practice paddling and righting a
swamped canoe.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program, help with
the instruction of younger Scouts, or continue planning
the regatta.
Patrol Meetings Continue work on aquatics skills.
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Continue aquatics activities.
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
50
boating/canoeing
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts continue working on swimming strokes needed

for First and Second Class.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts practice packing and portaging a canoe.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program, help with the
instruction of younger Scouts, or have sailing practice.
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Continue aquatics activities.
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
51
boating/canoeing
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts are tested on swimming strokes needed for
First and Second Class.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts finalize plans for canoe trip and assign
all duties.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program, or finalize plans
for the regatta and assist with instruction of younger Scouts.
______ minutes
______ minutes

the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
52
boating/canoeing
Date ______________________
en route.
Arrive at the campsite; off-load equipment. Set up patrol sites. Stow gear and SPL/PL
set up camp.
Unload canoes for Scouts going on trip.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Launch for canoe trip.
8:30–11:30 a.m. Begin regatta, if you have planned one, or a fishing tournament. If the younger SPL
Scouts are not doing aquatic activities, have them take a nature hike.
Noon Continue activities.
8:00 p.m. Campfire. Share experiences on canoe trip.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
53
9:00–11:00 a.m. Play four games from the Games section of the Troop Program Resources,* or
have a runoff in the regatta or fishing tournament.
Special equip- Topographic maps, clipboards, compasses, troop camping equipment, canoes,
ment needed sailboats, rowboats, fishing gear
54
Business
In a few years, the Scouts in your troop will have the • A greater understanding of the importance of
right to vote, own property, and sign contracts. This conservation
month we will introduce them to the responsibilities • Enhanced self-confidence
they will have as adults in dealing with their business
affairs. They will also learn something about how busi- Advancement Opportunities
nesses operate in our society.
For one troop meeting, plan a visit to a local busi- By month’s end, all Scouts should have met the majority
ness or industry to learn how the free enterprise system of their basic citizenship requirements through First Class.
works. Make arrangements beforehand to have a guided Depending on the campout activities, they may also com-
tour or a meeting with a company official to discuss plete all or part of the following rank requirements:
business. The patrol leaders’ council might also want to Tenderfoot
invite a business person to a troop meeting.
• Outdoor—hiking, camping
The big event will be a campout to practice
Scoutcraft skills. • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
Scouting Outcomes
your Scouts Second Class
• A better understanding of the free enterprise system • Outdoor—camping, cooking, hiking
• Enhanced outdoor skills • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
55
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification Parent/guardian Participation
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law The patrol leaders’ council may involve parents in the
First Class
• Asking those qualified to assist with instruction for
• Outdoor—camping, hiking, cooking, nature
citizenship and business skills
• Inviting families on the outing
• Asking them to provide transportation for the visit to
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law a business and the outing
Merit Badges. Experienced Scouts may concentrate on
the American Business, American Labor, Citizenship Patrol Leaders’ Council
in the Community, and Citizenship in the Nation merit The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
badges this month. They should be able to complete part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
many of the requirements. Depending on activities dur- this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on
ing the month, they may also complete requirements in the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead-
Camping, Cooking, Hiking, and other outdoor-related ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
merit badges.
• Decide what business the troop will visit this month
and make arrangements for the visit.
56
• Make arrangements to invite a community or busi- Business Projects
ness leader to the second troop meeting to discuss his
Here are some ideas for patrols or individual Scouts.
or her work and moderate a discussion of the rights
and duties of a citizen. STOCK MARKET. Invite a stockbroker to visit the
• Plan the special activities for the outing. troop, and give a brief explanation of how the stock
market works. Have each patrol, or better still, each
• Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if this
Scout, select a particular stock or mutual fund and track
hasn’t been done recently.
it for a period of time. Compare the results, and see
• Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign which Scouts do the best—and the worst.
patrol demonstrations, covering skills that will be
needed for completion of advancement through First CREDIT CARDS. Explain how a credit card works.
Class rank. Explain how important credit is to an individual,
and why it is so vital a person should pay credit card
Feature Event charges in a timely manner. How a credit card charges
interest, and why it is a good idea to keep credit card
Business Outing charges under control.
Discovering the world of business and how business
LOANS. Find out how to get a loan from a bank. What
and government in our country work together can be
would the interest rate be? How much interest would
an exciting adventure. You have an opportunity to see
you have to pay if the loan was for six months?
how business works right in your own community. Take
the opportunity to get to know how your community BONDS. Look into the cost of purchasing a municipal
and local businesses work. Get a local business per- bond. How much interest would you earn by the time
son to meet with the troop and discuss how his or her the bond matures?
business operates.
“RUN” A COMPANY. Set up an imaginary company to
manufacture widgets. Develop a product plan, a mar-
keting strategy, and a sales plan.
PRODUCT SALES. Set up a sales campaign and a mar-

keting plan for some product—baseball gloves, hiking
boots, tents, etc.
57
business
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening A pair of experienced Scouts show how to fold and care for
the U.S. flag (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony • Form troop into parallel patrols.

• Present colors.
______ minutes
• Sing the national anthem.
• Hold a uniform inspection.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice U.S. flag courtesies, including

raising, lowering, and folding the flag. Plan and rehearse
______ minutes an opening flag ceremony to use at next week’s meet-
ing. Play How High? (See the Games section of the Troop
Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts visit a business and find out how it
operates. They learn what it takes to operate a business.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or begin
planning a 100-mile bike hike.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for a patrol outing this month. This outing could
be a 5- or 10-mile hike so that newer Scouts can work on their
______ minutes hiking skills. Or, plan a patrol Good Turn.
Interpatrol Activity Play Thurman Throw. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
59
business
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts meet with an elected public official, either at
the troop meeting place or the official’s office. Learn what
______ minutes he or she does. Discuss rights and duties of citizens.
• Experienced Scouts plan a community Good Turn. This
might be in support of something your community is
currently doing. Or it could be a get-out-the-vote campaign
for an upcoming election, or a park beautification project.
(The Good Turn need not be held this month.) Play
Steal-the-Bacon. (See the Games section of the Troop
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or continue
preparing for a 100-mile bike hike.
Patrol Meetings Review needs of Scouts in the patrol to participate in flag

ceremonies and service projects. Suggest activities that these
______ minutes Scouts can participate in to fulfill rank requirements.
Interpatrol Activity Play Kim’s Game. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
60
business
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic hiking skills.

• Experienced Scouts work on map and compass skills.
______ minutes
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program, help with
instruction in map and compass, or finish plans for a
100-mile bike hike.
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the campout. Make sure
everyone knows travel plans and equipment needs. Practice
______ minutes interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Play Sit-Down Dodgeball (regular Dodgeball played in

sitting position). (See the Games section of the Troop Program
______ minutes Resources.*)

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
for the next outing. Continue work on next month’s program
feature.
61
business
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction Visit a local business or industry and find out how its opera-
tions fit into the economy of your community, the country,
______ minutes and the world. See how the free enterprise system works in
your area. Or, visit a local government office or facility.
Patrol Meetings
______ minutes
______ minutes

the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
last-minute details for this month’s outing. Finalize work on
next month’s program feature.
62
business
Date ______________________
en route.
Arrive at campsite; off-load equipment. Set up patrol sites. Stow gear and SPL/PL
set up camp.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Patrols put up the gear for morning activities, clean up patrol site.
8:30–11:30 a.m. Give patrol leaders a topographic map to lead a three- to five-mile hike. Scouts SPL
working on First Class could take part in an orienteering race. Younger Scouts
could take a nature hike.
8:00 p.m. Campfire
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Patrols put up gear for morning activities, clean up patrol site.
63
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games—use four games from Games section of the Troop Program
Resources.*

ment needed
64
camping
Nowhere is the romance of the BSA more evident than patrol leaders’ council can also plan activities that will
in camp. Whether it’s an overnight campout or a week be enjoyable and enhance the troop’s Scoutcraft skills.
at summer camp, an outdoor setting promises fun and Add an evening program full of fun and inspiration to
adventure—two of Scouting’s great attractions. cap off this great outdoor adventure.
A troop that camps out almost every month of the
year will have a strong appeal to Scouts. On the other Scouting Outcomes
hand, a troop that rarely gets outdoors might have trou-
ble holding the interest of boys.
your Scouts
This month’s program focuses on camping skills.
Young Scouts learn the basics of living comfortably • The knowledge and skill to be comfortable in camp
and safely in the outdoors. Older Scouts can hone their • The ability to use Leave No Trace camping methods
knowledge of essential skills and tackle more advanced and the Outdoor Code to protect the environment
campcraft. Everyone in the troop will master Leave No • A sense of communion with nature and God
Trace camping methods so that they can live in the out-
doors in ways that are kind to the environment. • Growth in self-confidence
The big event of the month will be a campout that • The ability to work cooperatively with other mem-
encourages Scouts to improve their camping skills. The bers of the patrol and troop in an outdoor setting
campout might have another emphasis, too—perhaps
nature study, astronomy, conservation, fishing, or wil- Advancement Opportunities
derness survival.
By the end of the month all Scouts should have met the
Consider hiking at least a few miles to and from the
majority of their basic camping requirements through
campsite. That will increase the sense of remoteness
First Class rank. Depending on the campout activities,
for Scouts and allow them to practice backpacking as
they might also complete all or part of the following
well as camping. The patrol leaders’ council should
rank requirements:
plan the campout to emphasize Leave No Trace camp-
ing methods outlined in the Boy Scout Handbook. The
65
Tenderfoot requirements for Cooking, Hiking, Orienteering,
• Outdoor—cooking, camping Pioneering, Wilderness Survival, and other outdoor-
and nature-related merit badges.
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification Parent/Guardian Participation
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents and
guardians in the camping program feature by
Second Class
• Asking qualified parents and guardians to assist
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking
with instruction for camping skills and Leave
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn No Trace techniques
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership • Inviting parents and guardians to participate in
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law the troop campout
First Class • Asking them to provide transportation to and

from the campsite or the starting point of the
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking hike to camp
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership Patrol Leaders’ Council
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law The patrol leaders’ council should have met in the
middle of the previous month to plan troop activities for
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the this program feature. If they didn’t complete all of the
Camping merit badge this month, completing most items on the following agenda, they can continue plan-
of the requirements. Depending on activities planned ning at brief patrol leaders’ council meetings after each
for the campout, they might also fulfill various troop meeting.
66
• Decide on a campsite. If permission will be needed c omfortable in camp, and be enthusiastic about going
from private landowners or public land managers, camping again.
they should be secured by the Scoutmaster, a member The event can take place at one of the troop’s usual
of the troop committee, or other responsible adult. campsites, at the local council’s Scout camp, or at a
• Plan any special activities for the campout. public park or forest. Plan for the patrol leaders’ coun-
cil or the troop’s leaders to inspect each patrol’s site
• If special gear or tools will be needed, assign some- to ensure that all Scouts are following Leave No Trace
one to obtain them. Seek help from the troop quarter- camping methods. Use the campout as an opportunity
master and, if necessary, the troop committee. to recognize and praise good technique and to help all
• Inventory the troop’s camping equipment if this has Scouts become responsible campers.
not been done recently.
• Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign Campout Activities
patrol demonstrations for the month, covering The activity schedule of a campout will depend on
skills that will be needed for campout activities weather, what the site has to offer, whether or not the
and Leave No Trace camping methods. Scouts are hiking to the campground, and the interests
and needs of the troop members. Orienteering, nature
Big Event study, fishing, pioneering—there are plenty of possi-
bilities. A troop with many younger Scouts might plan
The Troop Campout
instruction and practice in outdoor skills including
The primary purpose of this campout will be to make
campcraft, cooking, estimating heights and distances,
all Scouts feel at home spending the night outdoors.
safely handling woods tools, using maps and com-
The patrol leaders’ council should take special care
passes, and so on.
to see that younger Scouts will have a good time, be
67
To add spice to the practice, the patrol leaders’ The Campout’s Evening Program
c ouncil could plan interpatrol competition in these A highlight of campouts is an evening program for shar-
skills. Try some of these contests from the “Games” ing stories, songs, skits, and ideas. In areas where open
section of Troop Program Resources for Scout Troops fires are appropriate, a campfire can serve as the center-
and Varsity Teams: piece of the program.
• Blindfold Compass Walk A troop’s evening program during a campout should
have elements of fun, inspiration, and good fellowship.
• Knot-Tying Relay
It should leave each Scout with pleasant memories.
• Nature Scavenger Hunt The program need not be an elaborate production, but
• Bow-Saw Relay it does require planning. Evening programs usually last
about an hour; it’s better to end a program while Scouts
• Wet-Weather Fire Building
are enjoying it rather than letting it drag on until they
• String-Burning Race become restless.
• Remote Clove-Hitch Tying The patrol leaders’ council should take the lead in
• Flagpole Raising planning an evening program and assigning its various
parts to the patrols. Scouts who have been to campo-
Wide Games for Camp rees and summer camp might have ideas for skits,
If your campsite has a large wooded area, the patrol stunts, and songs. The patrol leaders’ council might
leaders’ council might want to plan a wide game for also find it helpful to use the Campfire Program Planner
the troop. Most wide games require up to a half-mile- and the Patrol Leader Handbook, which contain infor-
square territory, and they last about 30 minutes. Several mation on planning effective evening programs.
wide games, including Capture the Flag, Deliver the As with all BSA events, an evening campout program
Message, and Infiltration are explained in the Games must be in good taste. Adult leaders should reinforce
section of Troop Program Resources for Scout Troops the fact that there is no place in Scouting for poor man-
and Varsity Teams. ners; racial, ethnic, or gender slurs; or vulgarity.
68
camping
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Meet outdoors. Have new Scouts practice whipping rope.

Other Scouts can work on splicing rope and lashings with
______ minutes Scout staves (Boy Scout Handbook).
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop into open columns of patrols.

______ minutes
• Repeat the Outdoor Code.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on tying the half hitch, taut-line and clove
hitches, square knot, and bowline. Play Knot-Tying Relay
______ minutes (under Games in Troop Program Resources*).
• Experienced Scouts work on shear, diagonal, and square
lashings. Disassemble when done.
• Older Scouts work on a Venture patrol activity or study a
topographic map of the troop campout area in order to lay
out an orienteering course.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for the campout this month and make sure
everyone knows what their assignments are and what to bring
______ minutes for the campout. Scouts in the new-Scout patrol need to know
what support they will provide for the campout. Any Scouts
who have not been camping yet will need some extra help. All
other patrols plan activities to work on advancement. Patrol
leaders should review the interpatrol activities that will take
place and decide what skills need to be worked on.
Interpatrol Activity Play Tangle Knot. (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes
Closing • Form the troop into patrols. Call the patrol leaders forward SM
to give patrol yells.
______ minutes
Total 90 minutes of meeting • Retire colors.
After the Meeting The patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and
plans for the troop campout. Begin work on next month’s
program feature.
69
camping
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening Meet outdoors. Have the Scouts practice pitching tents.
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony Recite the Outdoor Code.
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts continue practicing tent-pitching skills

(Boy Scout Handbook and Fieldbook).
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts work on Leave No Trace camping
methods and select some campsites based on a topographic
map of the troop camping area. Play Remote Clove-Hitch
Tying (under Games in Troop Program Resources*).
• Older Scouts work on a Venture patrol activity, serve as
instructors for other Scouts, or prepare necessary items for
merit badge work that can be done during the campout.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for the campout. First-time campers

continue working on troop procedures for camping. All other
______ minutes patrols continue to work on activities for advancement on
the campout. Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Do Tent-Pitching Contest. (See the Games section of

______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting The patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and plans
for the troop campout. Work on next month’s program feature.
70
camping
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice reading topographic maps and review
what to do if lost (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts work on first-aid treatment for
blisters, sprains, and other minor injuries possible during
a campout.
• Older Scouts work on a Venture patrol activity or plan an
orienteering course for the campout, using a topographic
map of the camping area.
Patrol Meetings Finalize the menu for the campout and make sure everyone
knows what to bring. Review clothing and equipment needs
______ minutes and collect any necessary fees. If you need to have a shake-
down campout with your patrol or an outdoor practice for the
patrol activities, schedule it now. Older Scouts might want to
shoot photos or slides at the campout to add to your troop’s
scrapbook or to show at your next family gathering.
Interpatrol Activity Play Blindfold Compass Walk. (See the Games section
of Troop Program Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
plans for the troop campout. Continue work on next month’s
program feature.
71
camping
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on the safe transport, fueling, and use of
camp stoves. Review Leave No Trace camping guidelines.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts work on map-and-compass skills in
preparation for the orienteering course laid out for the
camping trip. Review Leave No Trace camping guidelines.
• Older Scouts work on a Venture patrol activity or assist in
map-and-compass activities. They might lead the review of
Leave No Trace camping guidelines.
everyone knows the travel plans and equipment needs. Go
______ minutes over the patrol duties roster. Practice interpatrol activities that
will take place.
Interpatrol Activity Play Swat ’Em (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting The patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and any
last-minute details for the troop campout. Finalize work on
72
camping
Date ______________________
Friday evening Hike to campsite. Set up camp, stow gear, have an easily prepared meal. SPL
Saturday Cooks and assistants prepare breakfast. (Cooks should be working on Cooks,
6:30 a.m. First and Second Class requirements.) assistants
7:00 a.m. Everyone else gets up. Take care of personal hygiene, air tents, and hang
out sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast.
Patrols put up the gear for morning activities; clean up patrol site.
8:30–11:30 a.m. Patrol competitions (from the Games section of Troop Program Resources*) SPL
• Blindfold Compass Walk
• Flagpole Raising
• String-Burning Race
11:30 a.m. Cooks prepare lunch. Cooks
Noon Lunch.
1:30 p.m. Patrol competitions (from the Games section of Troop Program Resources*)
• Remote Clove-Hitch Tying
• Nature Scavenger Hunt
• Roman Chariot Race
• Capture the Flag
5:30 p.m. Dinner. SPL
8:00 p.m. Begin evening program. SPL
9:00 p.m. Bedtime snack.
10:00 p.m. Lights out.
Sunday Cooks and assistants prepare breakfast. (Cooks should be working on Cooks,
7:00 a.m. Everyone else gets up. Take care of personal hygiene, air tents, and hang
out sleeping bags.
73
8:30 a.m. Religious service.
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games—use four from the Games section of Troop Program Resources*)
Special equip- Topographic maps, clipboards, compasses, troop camping equipment.

ment needed
74
citizenship
A primary aim of the Boy Scouts of America is to guide The troop’s big event will be a heritage hike.
youth toward good citizenship. That goal is clearly The destination might be a historic site or trail in your
expressed in the Scout Oath pledges of “duty to God troop’s area. Or it could be a place that is significant
and my country” and “to help other people at all to the heritage of your region—a wildlife refuge, an
times.” The 12 points of the Scout Law are virtually a unusual geological formation, a zoo, or the location
checklist for good citizenship. of an ethnic festival. The heritage hike can be a day
The citizenship program feature is designed to outing or an overnight campout.
heighten a Scout’s appreciation of his rights and duties
as a citizen, to make him aware of his heritage as an Scouting Outcomes
American, and to acquaint him with the approved ways
of displaying and showing respect for the chief symbol
your Scouts
of our country—the flag. The suggested troop meet-
ing plans also include elements that apply to related • A greater understanding of their duty to country and
merit badges including Citizenship in the Community, their obligation to help other people
Citizenship in the Nation, American Cultures, and • Awareness of their rights and responsibilities
American Heritage. as citizens
As one highlight of the month, the troop could plan • Some knowledge of their heritage as citizens of their
to attend a meeting of a public body such as the city community and nation
council or school board, or a gathering of a private
group that is concerned with the public welfare, such • Growth in self-confidence
as a tenants’ or homeowners’ association or neighbor- • Increasing ability to work cooperatively with others
hood block-watch group. (Obviously the troop schedule in an outdoor setting
will have to be adapted to the schedule of the council,
board, or group.) While planning the event, the patrol Advancement Opportunities
leaders’ council can arrange for an official or officer of
By the end of the month, all Scouts should have met the
the group to answer questions after the meeting.
majority of their citizenship requirements through First
75
Class rank. Depending on the activities, they might also • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
Merit Badges. Older Scouts should be able to
Tenderfoot complete some of the requirements for one or more
• Outdoor—hiking, camping of the Citizenship merit badges. Depending on activi-
ties during the month, they might also complete some
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn of the requirements for American Cultures, American
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification Heritage, Camping, Cooking, Hiking, and other outdoor-
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law related merit badges.
Second Class Parent/Guardian Participation

• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents and
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies guardians in the program feature this month by
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership • Asking qualified parents and guardians to help with
troop meeting instruction (Give special consideration
to those involved in public positions—lawyers, history
First Class teachers, law enforcement officials, journalists, etc.)
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking • Inviting parents and guardians on the heritage hike
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership
76
• Asking them to provide transportation for the visit council member, school board member, city attorney,
to a community meeting or to and from the starting judge, or the leader of a civic or service group.
point of the hike
• Make patrol assignments for the following troop
Patrol Leaders’ Council meeting activities:
— Perform the opening and closing flag ceremonies.
The patrol leaders’ council should have met in the
middle of the previous month to plan troop activities for — Give a presentation on the history of the U.S. flag.
this program feature. If they didn’t complete all of the — Report on the history or significance of the desti-
items on the following agenda, they can continue plan- nation of the heritage hike.
ning at brief patrol leaders’ council meetings after each — Lead a discussion on the rights of Scout-age
troop meeting. youth—including the right to be protected from
• Decide which public body or private organization the assault and theft, to inform authorities if someone
troop will visit during the month. Assign a member is being treated unjustly, to use public facilities
to check on the date, time, and place of the meeting, on the same basis as all other citizens, and to
and arrange to have an official meet with the troop have adequate food and shelter. Also discuss
either beforehand or afterward. (The patrol leaders’ the duties of young people, including the duty
council may ask an adult on the troop committee to to attend school, to complete schoolwork to the
make these arrangements if that is more appropriate.) best of their ability, to pay for public services on
the same basis as other citizens, to avoid littering
• Make arrangements to invite a community leader to
or damaging public and private property, and to
the second troop meeting of the month to discuss his
follow traffic rules while bicycling. (See the Boy
or her work and to lead a discussion on the rights and
Scout Handbook for more ideas.)
duties of a citizen. The person could be a mayor, city
77
• Make a list of possible patrol Good Turns for the Learning the Public’s Business
community. (For ideas and guidelines, see chap-
The troop meeting plan for week three suggests that the
ter 19, “Community Service,” and “Conservation
troop visit a meeting of a public body, a private organi-
Projects” in chapter 9, “The Outdoor Program,” in
zation that works for the public welfare, or some other
the Scoutmaster Handbook. The BSA’s Conservation
agency or group that affects the lives of citizens. The
Handbook contains plenty of information about
goal is to show Scouts American democracy in action.
meaningful ways Scouts can complete projects on
Here are several possibilities:
public and private lands.)
• City council
Big Event • School board
The Heritage Hike • Municipal court
As with most other Scouting activities, this big event • County court for a naturalization ceremony
should be fun. It should have an educational purpose,
• Tenants’ or homeowners’ association or neighbor-
too, although not in a classroom sense.
hood block-watch group
The aim is to introduce Scouts to some aspect of their
American heritage. It might be a historic site of local, At meetings of this type, it is essential that the pre-
regional, or national interest. It could be a place where siding officer or other knowledgeable person meet with
Scouts can bask in America’s beauty or be awed by the the troop either before or after the regular meeting to
nation’s natural wonders—perhaps a pristine lake, a explain the proceedings. If not, the meeting’s business
wildlife refuge, a canyon or mesa, or an ancient forest. might not make much sense to Scouts.
If this program feature occurs during a national holiday, Check ahead of time with those in charge of the
your “hike” might take the form of participation in a meeting to determine the expected length of the ses-
parade, an ethnic festival, or other fitting event. sion. The meetings of some city councils and school
The big event can be a day outing or an overnight boards can last for hours, much longer than the atten-
campout. Based on the patrols’ interests, the patrol tion span of most boys. Arrange to have troop members
leaders’ council should determine the distance to be attend a particular portion of the meeting that is most
covered and the location of the destination or campsite. likely to hold their interest, and then have them quietly
An overnight stay increases the possibilities for Scouts file out. The “public comment” section of a meeting is
to complete outdoor-oriented rank and merit badge often lively and entertaining.
requirements. At the troop meeting following the visit, encourage
The senior patrol leader could assign a patrol the Scouts to discuss what they saw and heard. Reinforce
task of researching some facts about the heritage hike the idea that the meeting was a demonstration of
destination and reporting to the troop on its history representative democracy—the way Americans govern
and significance. For example, if the troop is going to a themselves.
historic site, what can the Scouts expect to see? What
happened at the site? This kind of advance information
Other Special Activities
will enhance the experience for the Scouts, especially if If the troop is using this feature around Memorial Day
there will not be a local guide at the site. (last Monday in May) or Independence Day (July 4),
the patrol leaders’ council might want to observe the
Historic Trail Hike
holiday by encouraging display of the U.S. flag or by
In most states Scouts can find historic trails marked taking part in local celebrations. The troop might march
and waiting for troops to enjoy. More than 250 such in a parade, assist at a ceremony, perform a public
trails have been approved by the Boy Scouts of America display of flag courtesies, or distribute fliers to remind
for their historical significance and the condition in residents when and how to fly the flag.
which they are maintained. For a list of these trails,
see http://www.scouting.org, or contact your local
council service center or the National Parks Service.
78
citizenship
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have a pair of experienced Scouts show how to fold and care
for the U.S. flag (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop into parallel patrols.

• Present the colors.
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice raising, lowering, and folding the flag.
Plan and rehearse an opening ceremony to use at next
______ minutes week’s meeting.
• Experienced Scouts visit a fire or police station to find out
how they operate and what it takes to become a police
officer or fire fighter.
• Older Scouts work on a Venture patrol activity or start plan-
ning the troop heritage hike. Consider planning several
stops that are of historical importance to your community.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for a patrol outing this month. This outing could
be a five- or 10-mile hike so that newer Scouts can work on
______ minutes their hiking skills. Or plan a patrol Good Turn. Consider work-
ing on items that Scouts need to advance to the next rank.
Interpatrol Activity Play “Rooster Fight.” (See the Games section of

______ minutes
Closing • Form the troop into patrols and sing “God Bless America.” SM
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
plans for the troop outing. Begin work on next month’s
program feature.
79
citizenship
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts meet with an elected public official, either at
the troop meeting place or in his or her office. Learn what
______ minutes the official does and how an election is conducted.
• Experienced Scouts plan a simple community Good
Turn project (chapter 19, “Community Service,” in the
Scoutmaster Handbook).
• Older Scouts work on a Venture patrol activity or, if pos-
sible, prepare for a campout on the troop heritage hike.
Patrol Meetings Identify Scouts in the patrol who need to participate in flag
ceremonies and Good Turn projects. Suggest activities that
______ minutes these Scouts can participate in to fulfill rank requirements.
Interpatrol Activity Play any of the “Steal-the-Bacon” games suitable for patrol
teams. (See the Games section of Troop Program Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting The patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and plans
for the troop outing. Work on next month’s program feature.
80
citizenship
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • Visit a public agency such as a night court, city council
meeting, or a school board meeting.
______ minutes
• Find out how the agency fits into the economy of your
community, the country, or the world.
• See how the government operates.
Patrol Meetings
______ minutes
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
plans for the troop outing. Continue work on next month’s
program feature.
81
citizenship
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on projects related to citizenship.

• Experienced Scouts review map-and-compass skills in prep-
______ minutes
aration for the heritage hike.
• Older Scouts work on a Venture patrol activity, assist with
map-and-compass activities, or continue planning for the
troop heritage hike (and campout, if approved).
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the historic hike. Make
______ minutes Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Select a game from Troop Program Resources. Pick a game
that will require teamwork within each patrol.
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
last-minute details for the troop outing. Finalize work on next
82
citizenship
Date ______________________
Friday evening Load gear at meeting location; leave for campsite. Plan only a light SPL
meal en route.
set up camp. Prepare camp stoves for breakfast.
Saturday Cooks and assistants prepare breakfast. (Cooks should be working on First Cooks,
7:00 a.m. Everyone else gets up. Take care of personal hygiene, air tents, and hang out
sleeping bags.
8:30–11:30 a.m. Give patrol leaders a topographic map to lead a three- to five-mile hike. SPL
Scouts working toward First Class rank could take part in an orienteering race.
Younger Scouts could take a nature hike.
11:30 a.m. Sack lunch.
5:30 p.m. Dinner. SPL
8:00 p.m. Campfire.
9:00 p.m. Bedtime snack.
10:00 p.m. Lights out.
Sunday Cooks and assistants prepare breakfast. (Cooks should be working on First Cooks,
7:00 a.m. Everyone else gets up. Take care of personal hygiene, air tents, hang out
sleeping bags.
83
8:30 a.m. Worship service.
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games—use four from the Games section of Troop Program Resources.*
Special equip- Topographic maps, clipboards, compasses, troop camping equipment.

ment needed
84
communications
Every human is constantly communicating through • A greater respect for the outdoors and a determina-
speech, reading, body language, even a raised eyebrow. tion to follow the Outdoor Code
We have many other means of sending and receiving • Enhanced self-confidence
messages, too—the telephone, television, radio, photo-
• Enhanced camping skills
graphs and drawings, computers, recorded tapes, and
compact discs.
This month your Scouts can explore some of the
older means of communication such as Morse code, Depending on the campout activities, all Scouts may
flags, and sign language. Each patrol might want to complete all or part of the following rank requirements:
become proficient in one means of communication and
Tenderfoot
teach it to the others.
The big event will be a send-the-word campout. • Outdoor—cooking, camping
Besides having contests in communications skills, the • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
troop can also work on other outdoor and nature skills.
To top off your activities, you will want to have a troop
campfire that provides an opportunity to use various • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
means of communication. Second Class
Scouting Outcomes • Outdoor—cooking, camping

your Scouts • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
• The knowledge and skills to be comfortable in a • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
variety of communications methods • Physical fitness—drug awareness
• A sense of communion with nature and God
85
First Class • Asking parents to provide transportation to the
starting point for the backpacking trek into camp,
if necessary
• Getting help in arranging to visit communications
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification businesses such as television and radio stations and
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law computer centers
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the Patrol Leaders’ Council
Communication and Computers merit badges this
month; they should be able to complete many of the The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
requirements. Depending on activities during the part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
campout, they may also complete requirements in this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on
Camping, Cooking, Hiking, and other outdoor-related the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead-
merit badges. ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
• Decide on the campsite for the send-the-word camp
Parent/guardian Participation out. If permissions will be needed, assign someone to
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the secure them.
program feature this month by • Plan the special activities for the campout. See the
• Asking qualified parents to assist with instruction for ideas on these pages. If special gear or tools will be
computer and signaling skills needed, assign someone to obtain them; seek help
from the troop committee, if necessary.
• Inviting parents on the campout
86
Campout Activities
Obviously the activity schedule will depend on the
weather and the length of your campout. There are
many possibilities for activities for the campout. Besides
working on communications skills, Scouts might work
on cooking, camping, and nature skills. Climax the
activities with a troop campfire.
The following are some good contests for communi-
cations practice:
GET THE MESSAGE
Equipment: Signal flag for each patrol, paper and pencil

for each Scout, secret message for each patrol to send.
Method: Each patrol has one signaler and one dicta-

tor. These two players are sent 100 yards or more away
from the rest of the patrol and given a secret message
of 30 letters.
Each receiver in the patrol writes the message on his
paper. (There must be no communication between receiv-
ers in the patrol.) The signaler may not repeat the mes-
sage, but he may send it slowly enough to be understood
by all his patrol members. When the message is com-
• Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if not pleted, the patrol leader collects the slips for the judge.
done recently.
Scoring: Correct letters received by all patrol members
• Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign are added together, then divided by the number of
patrol demonstrations, covering skills that will be receivers to get the patrol average. The patrol with the
needed for the campout activities. For example: highest average wins.
atrol A—Morse code with mirrors
P Variation: This same game could be played at night
or flashlights using flashlights and Morse code or during the daytime
Patrol B—trail signs using mirrors.
Patrol C—sign language MESSAGE RELAY
• Have an activity where Scouts working on the Equipment: None.

Communication merit badge can give a demonstration.
Method: A leader gives a message to a Scout, using
sign language. The Scout must relay it to the next mem-
Feature Event
ber in his patrol and so forth, until the last member of
Send-the-Word Campout the patrol repeats it to the leader.
The primary purpose of this outing is to use communi-
Scoring: The patrol getting the most words correct wins.
cations skills and have some fun. The skills you have
been working on all month will now come into play. WHO’S THAT?
Games and activities can be set up using certain
Equipment: None.
communications skills to achieve particular goals. These
activities can take place day or night, and they provide Method: A nocturnal hunt sometimes shows people as
an opportunity for related activities. As an example, you they aren’t. In an outdoor setting, split the troop in half.
might have an orienteering course where each station One team will be Hiders, the others Seekers. The Hiders
has directions written in Morse code. go outside to a well-known or an established trail, not
Each patrol will have an opportunity to instruct far from the main cabin or building, but not with dense
the rest of the troop in the communications skill it cover. No street lamps or building lights should be visible.
has learned. Tell the Hiders that motionless people in the dark
may take on other forms that appear to be rocks,
87
stumps, or logs. Indicate that, as Hiders, they should walking in the dark a little safer. The exercise is a natu-
cover all parts of their body that stand out (skin or ral lead-in to a discussion about how nocturnal animals
clothing), and camouflage their body to blend with sur- can see in reduced light. Mention bats, owls, and cats.
roundings. They then begin hiding along the trail, fol- Do not allow any flashlights to be carried, except by
lowing these rules and guidelines: the leader.
• Hide people individually unless there is reluctance to Variation: The trail could be laid out using trail signs.
stay alone; if there is, allow a pair to hide together.
Your Campfire Program
• A Hider must be in a partially exposed position.
Completely concealing a person behind something is A troop campfire program should have elements of fun,
not allowed. The Hider should try to blend in with the inspiration, and good fellowship. Each Scout should
natural surroundings; a rock, tree, stump, etc. A Hider leave with pleasant memories.
must be no more than 20 feet away from the trail. The campfire doesn’t have to be an elaborate pro-
duction, but it does require planning. You will want
The Seekers wait patiently in the building until the
lots of variety, including ceremonies, songs, skits and
leader of the Hiders returns and announces that all is
stunts, games, and usually a Scoutmaster’s Minute.
ready. Seekers should follow these guidelines:
The general rule is that the campfire program “follows
• The object of the game is to find as many Hiders the fire.” That is, while the fire is blazing, you have
as possible. lively songs, games, and skits. As the fire dies, you
• Point scores are kept for each team. have inspirational songs, the Scoutmaster’s Minute, and
other more serious elements.
• The Seekers are taken to the trailhead and told that
In many troops, the patrol leaders’ council plans the
from here on, they can expect to find hidden people
campfire and assigns elements to each patrol. In others,
on each side of the trail.
one patrol is assigned to build the fire lay and another
• The Seekers must stay on the trail. to plan the program. In either case, the Scoutmaster or
• When someone thinks he has spotted a Hider, he another adult leader should stay in touch with the plan-
calls others over to have a look. If the consensus is ners to make sure that many boys (not just the campfire
that there is actually someone there, the attending planners) will have a part, and that all activities, stunts,
instructor shines his flashlight directly at the spot and songs will be in good taste. If questions arise, the
indicated by the Seekers. If a Hider is revealed, the adult leader should make it clear that there is no place
Seekers get a point. If no one is there, the Hiders get in Scouting for poor taste, poor manners, or hurting
a point. anyone in body or spirit.
The campfire planners should figure on a program
• If all of the Seekers pass a Hider on the trail, the
lasting about an hour or a little less. It’s better to end
instructor calls the group back and points out the
the program while the Scouts are having fun than to let
Hider with a flashlight. The Hiders then get a point,
it drag on until they become restless. One way to ensure
and that particular Hider may join the group and
a fast-moving, well-planned campfire is to use the
silently cheer on his group.
Campfire Program Planner, No. 33696. With that sheet
This procedure continues until the last Hider has to guide them, the planners can estimate the time for
been found or is revealed. Points are tallied. The teams each element and end the program accordingly.
then reverse roles and the game is played again. If your troop has Scouts who have been to several
The reason the Seekers remain indoors until the big campfires at camporees, they will have lots of ideas
Hiders are set is to show how night vision helps make for skits, stunts, and songs.
88
communications
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have one or more computers set up for Scouts to use. Explain
how they work and what they can do. Also, have a telegraph
______ minutes key to practice Morse code.
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop using silent signals. Explain what you are
doing, and at the next meeting use only silent signals to
______ minutes gather the troop.
• Present colors.
• Repeat the Scout motto and slogan.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic map and compass skills for
orienteering and measuring heights and distances. Do
______ minutes Direction-Finding Relay. (See the Games section of the
• Experienced Scouts work on three computer programming
languages or prepare a flowchart to compute attendance
and dues paid for the past five troop meetings.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or prepare a
drug awareness program for the troop that could be used
as part of a troop opening or on the campout. The program
should not last more than five minutes.
everyone knows what his assignment is and what to bring
______ minutes for the campout. The new-Scout patrol needs to know what
support it will provide for the campout. Any Scouts who have
not been camping will need extra help. All other patrols plan
activities to work on advancement. Patrol leaders should also
review the interpatrol activities that will take place and the
skills Scouts need to work on for them.
Interpatrol Activity Play Human Obstacle Race. (See the Games section of
______ minutes
Closing • Repeat the Outdoor Code. SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
the campout. Begin work on next month’s program feature.
89
communications
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts review how to pack for a hike and work on
telling time without a watch. Play Silver Dollar Hunt.
______ minutes (See the Games section of the Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts begin work on a campfire program for
the campout, or if you have a court of honor in the near
future, plan the program.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or construct
several heliographs to use on the outing.

continue working on basic camping techniques. All other
______ minutes patrols continue planning activities for advancement during
the outing. Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Do Blindfold Compass Walk. (See the Games section of

______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
feature.
90
communications
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on tying knots: two half hitches, tautline,
bowline.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts make semaphore flags and practice
sending messages in code. Plan to tour a local television or
radio station to see how it operates, or have local ham radio
operators explain how they communicate around the world.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or get a map of
the campout area and lay out a nature trail. Plan to go early
to mark the trail for the campout.
Patrol Meetings Finalize the menu for the campout and make sure everyone
knows what he will need to bring. Review clothing and
______ minutes equipment needs and collect any necessary fees. If you need
to have a shakedown campout with your patrol or an outdoor
practice for the patrol activities, schedule it now. Older Scouts
can plan to take pictures at the campout to add to your troop’s
scrapbook, or plan to shoot slides to show at the troop’s next
family gathering.
Interpatrol Activity Play British Bulldog. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
91
communications
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on building fires or making fire lays
(Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts work on map and compass skills and
prepare an orienteering course for the campout. Practice
pacing. Do Direction Hunt (see the Games section of the
Troop Program Resources*), or continue work with sema-
phore flags.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or assist in map
and compass activities or in layout of an orienteering course
for the campout.
everyone knows the travel plans and equipment needs. Review
______ minutes the patrol duty roster. Practice interpatrol activities that will
take place.
Interpatrol Activity Play Hot Isotope Transport. (See the Games section of
______ minutes

the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
last-minute details for the troop outing. Finalize work on next
92
communications
Date ______________________
en route.
Arrive at campsite; off-load equipment. Set up patrol sites. Stow gear and SPL
set up camp.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Patrol competitions—signaling instruction and games; younger Scouts take SPL
nature hike.
Noon Lunch
1:30 p.m. Continue competitions—play Capture the Flag. (See the Games section of
8:00 p.m. Nighttime activity using communications game
9:00 p.m. Campfire program planned by experienced Scouts SPL
Sunday Cooks and assistants up. Prepare breakfast. (Cooks should be working on First Cooks,
7:30 a.m. Everyone else up. Take care of personal hygiene needs, air tents, hang out
sleeping bags.
93
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30–11:00 a.m. Patrol games. Older Scouts run orienteering course planned for this campout.
Younger Scouts play four games from Games section of the Troop Program
Resources.*

ment needed
94
cooking
With the possible exception of “It’s time for swim- • The skills and knowledge to cook nutritious meals
ming,” no call in camp is as welcome as “Come and get • Greater confidence in their ability to live comfortably
it!” There is something about the outdoors that adds in the outdoors
flavor and zest to the simplest meal. Even the lowly hot
dog and hamburger taste better in a camp setting. • Enhanced self-confidence
This month we will strive to broaden the Scouts’
culinary horizons by showing them how to prepare
varied camp meals without spending a lot of time Depending on the outing or campout, Scouts may com-
around the cooking fire. plete all or part of the following rank requirements:
Troop meeting demonstrations and practice will con-
Tenderfoot
centrate on the cooking skills that younger Scouts need
to learn—menu planning, use of woods tools to prepare • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking
fire fuel, fire lays, and cooking. Older Scouts can work • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
on more advanced cooking skills.
The big event will be a patrol feast. Each patrol will
be asked to prepare a real feast, well beyond the franks • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
and beans meal, and share it with other patrols. Parents
Second Class
may be invited, too.
The patrol feast could be the climax of a day hike • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking
or the centerpiece of a weekend campout. If the patrol • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
leaders’ council decides on a campout, younger Scouts
will be able to work on some of the Camping merit
badge skills. • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
First Class
Scouting Outcomes
your Scouts
• An understanding of the importance of a balanced
diet for good health • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
95
The aim is to test the Scouts’ cooking skills. Urge the
patrols to try new recipes and make their meals nutri-
tious and tasty. Many good recipes can be found in the
Cooking merit badge pamphlet. Others can be found on
these pages.
Invite the Scouts’ families to join in the feast. Each
patrol might plan to feed only its Scouts and their fami-
lies, or the patrol leaders’ council might decide to have
patrol dishes placed on a table and served buffet-style
to all comers.
Fires
Merit Badges. Experienced Scouts can concentrate on If wood fires are permitted at your site, use wood. Wood
the Cooking merit badge this month; they should be should be used, if possible, for basic cooking require-
able to complete most of the requirements. Depending ments. Build fires only in existing fire rings, and use
on the activities during the campout/outing, they may small wood gathered from the ground. If there are no
also complete requirements in Backpacking, Camping, designated fire sites, replace sod or ground cover. For
Pioneering, Wilderness Survival, and other nature- more information on Leave No Trace fires, see the Boy
related merit badges. Scout Handbook and the Camping merit badge pamphlet.
Parent/guardian Participation Campout Activities

If the patrol feast is the highlight of a weekend camp
The patrol leaders’ council may involve parents in the
out, the patrol leaders’ council must plan other activi-
ties. One of these could be fishing, if there is a stream
• Asking qualified parents to assist with instruction in or lake nearby. Successful fishermen could practice
cooking, fire preparation, and making meals cooking fish for one of the big meals of the campout.
• Inviting them to the patrol feast The patrol leaders’ council might also schedule
• Asking them to provide transportation to the feast activities and contests involving various outdoor skills,
especially those in which the troop is weak.
Main Courses
part of the previous month to plan troop activities for One-Potters
this program feature. If you do not complete all items Make the following base and you can vary it by adding
on the following agenda, continue planning at patrol ingredients to make eight different dishes. Each recipe
leaders’ council meetings after each troop meeting. serves eight.
• Decide whether the patrol feast will be a one-day The Base: Brown 3 pounds of hamburger. Add two to
activity or the highlight of a campout. four chopped onions, one or two chopped green pep-
• Decide on a site and assign someone to secure pers, two cans of tomato soup, and salt and pepper to
permissions, if needed. taste. To this base, add the following:
• Inventory the troop camping equipment, if you have For Yum-Yums: 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Serve
not done this recently. the mixture on hamburger buns.
• Plan details of troop meetings for the month. For Spanish Rice: two small packages of instant rice.
Feature Event For Macaroni Beef: 1 pound of macaroni, cooked

separately.
Patrol Feast
For Hunter’s Stew: four cans of vegetable soup.
The patrol feast ought to be just that—a full, tasty meal,
including soup or salad, a main course with meat, veg- For Chili: four No. two cans of red beans and 1⁄2 to 1
etables, potatoes or other starch, a bread, a dessert, and teaspoon of chili powder.
one or two beverages. Ask the patrols to use raw, dried, For Squaw Corn: two cans of corn and 1⁄2 pound of
or freeze-dried ingredients whenever possible, not diced cheese.
canned goods or prepared foods. (Mixes may be used
for bread, if desired.) For Hungarian Hot Pot: four cans of baked beans.
96
Shish-Kebab (In foil) Group A: thinly sliced onions, diced green peppers,
Have a clean, thin stick of sweet wood (taste it) for each celery sliced diagonally in 1⁄2 -inch slices.
diner. On each stick, skewer 1-inch cubes of beef or lamb, Group B: bean sprouts, shredded Chinese cabbage,
chunks of onion and tomato, pieces of green pepper, slices sliced mushrooms, sliced bamboo shoots, sliced water
of cucumber and bacon. Wrap kebabs in heavy-duty foil chestnuts.
and cook on coals for about 14 minutes, turning once. All ingredients must be ready before cooking starts
Pigs in a Blanket (In foil) because there is no time to stop once cooking begins.
For each diner, wrap slices of bacon around a frankfurter Place a frying pan over high heat until a drop of
and place in a frankfurter roll. Seal in heavy-duty foil, water sizzles on it. Add the peanut oil and let it bubble.
twisting the ends. Bake in coals for about 15 minutes. Then add vegetables from group A and stir-fry for
one minute; make sure vegetables are thoroughly mixed
Meat Loaf in Cabbage Leaves (In foil) and coated with oil. Then add vegetables from group B
For eight servings, mix 2 pounds of hamburger, two and stir-fry one more minute. Add the meat and stir-fry
eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, dash of pepper, an onion chopped one minute.
fine, and about 1 cup of bread crumbs. Mix thoroughly Add the soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth,
and mold into eight portions. mixing it well. Now stir the cornstarch paste and add
Cut four 1-foot squares of heavy-duty foil. On each it to the vegetables. Continue cooking until the sauce
square, place a large cabbage leaf. On top of the leaf, thickens—about two minutes.
put one meat loaf portion, then a slice of American or This can be served over noodles or rice (prepared
Cheddar cheese. Sprinkle a little onion soup mixture separately).
on the cheese, then top it with a second meat portion.
Close the cabbage leaf over the meat and wrap and seal Salads
in the foil. Cook in coals for 15 to 20 minutes.
Cheese Please Salad
Stir-Fry Vegetables with Meat One large head iceberg lettuce
Here is a Chinese recipe for advanced camp cooks. It Seven hard-boiled eggs
requires a very hot fire and careful timing. 3
⁄4 lb. Swiss cheese, shredded or sliced into thin strips
4 tablespoons peanut oil 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water 2 1⁄2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 cup chicken broth 11⁄4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar 11⁄4 teaspoons of poppy, caraway, or dill seeds
2 tablespoons soy sauce 11⁄4 teaspoons salt
2 cups chopped, cooked meat (chicken, beef, or ham)
1
⁄4 teaspoon pepper
6 cups of chopped vegetables from either or both of the Slice eggs into quarters, then cut each quarter in
groups below: half. Set aside. Mix together sour cream, mustard,
lemon juice, seeds, salt, and pepper. Add the eggs.
Line a salad bowl with lettuce leaves. Mound the
salad in the middle. Sprinkle Swiss cheese on top. If
desired, serve with crisp crackers or toast.
Potato Salad
Six medium potatoes
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
One finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3
⁄4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon celery seed
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika
Peel the potatoes and cut into small slices. Boil until
slightly soft but not mushy. Let potatoes cool.
97
Add parsley and onion. Mix the lemon juice and may- nuts and raisins. Pour the oil and honey mixture over
onnaise together and combine with the potato mixture. them and mix well. Spread mixture thinly on three large
Add celery seed, salt, and pepper. Spoon the salad on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 275°F for about 35
top of lettuce or spinach leaves. Sprinkle with paprika. minutes; stir after first 15 minutes, again after another
10. Add nuts and raisins and finish baking. Stir once or
Desserts twice while cooling. Cool completely before storing.
One teaspoon of salt may be added to the granola for
Dump Cake
taste before mixing.
This recipe requires a Dutch oven.
⁄4 lb. butter
1 Trail Food
18-oz. yellow, spice, or apple cake mix One box seeded raisins
1 can of apricot, mincemeat, cherry, or apple pie filling One box pitted prunes
One package dried figs
Use butter to lightly grease the bottom of the Dutch
1 cup dried apricots
oven. Pour in fruit. Spread the cake mix on top and 1
⁄2 cup chopped lemon peel
smooth out. Melt the butter and pour evenly over
1 cup or more sweet cider
batter. Add sugar topping if desired.
Put a lid on the Dutch oven and place over coals; The raisins, prunes, and figs should be ground
also put coals on top of the lid. Bake about 10 min- coarsely and put into a large bowl; then add coarsely
utes, then check to see whether the fruit is bubbling chopped apricots and lemon peel. Slowly pour the cider
up through the cake mix. When it is, remove the oven over the fruit until it is workable. Knead, then press
from the fire, but leave coals on top until the batter has mixture into a shallow cake pan lined with wax paper
browned. Slice and serve like brownies. and refrigerate until solid.
When firm, slice into bars and wrap each in wax
Peach Cobbler paper. Store in a cool place.
This also requires a Dutch oven. Dates may be used, but sugar crystals have a ten-
Two No. 2 1⁄2 cans sliced peaches dency to form on them, drying out the bars—the moist
2 cups biscuit mix consistency of the fruit bar is one of its best features.
1
⁄2 cup sugar Trail Salad
Put the Dutch oven on hot coals to preheat it slightly. Outdoors people who love salad are often stuck when
Pour in peaches, saving some of the juice so the cobbler trying to assemble the proper ingredients because let-
won’t be mushy. Mix the biscuit mix with water and roll tuce and other greens are perishable. Here is a salad
dough about a 1⁄2-inch thick to fit in the oven. Place the made entirely of nourishing ingredients that don’t spoil
dough over the peaches and sprinkle lightly with sugar. quickly and are easy to transport.
Put the lid on, place coals on top, and bake until the
Two cans (17 oz.) peas, drained
crust is golden brown.
Two eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
1
⁄2 medium onion
On the Trail
One small can pimentos, drained
Nutty Granola 1 tbsp. dried parsley flakes
1 cup honey Salt and pepper to taste
3
⁄4 cup vegetable oil
1
⁄2 cup mayonnaise
5 cups rolled oats (old fashioned) Place drained peas in bowl. Chop eggs, onion, and
1 cup shredded coconut pimentos, and add with other ingredients to peas.
1 cup raw wheat germ Mix well. Mayonnaise can be added just before serv-
1 cup dry milk (may be omitted) ing. (Note: Mayonnaise in a jar once opened is highly
1 cup sesame seeds or shelled sunflower seeds perishable without refrigeration. Carry tubes or the
1 cup chopped nuts (your choice) smallest jar you can buy.)
1 cup raisins (optional) Optional additions are finely chopped celery, car-
Warm the honey for easier mixing and stir into rots, radishes, garlic, and sliced mushrooms (fresh or
vegetable oil. Combine remaining ingredients, except canned). Serves four people.
98
cooking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Meet outdoors. Have several types of fire lays made and
possibly some items cooking in a Dutch oven, or demonstrate
______ minutes cooking without utensils (Boy Scout Handbook).
Opening Ceremony • Form troop into a horseshoe.

• Hold uniform inspection.
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on woods tools care and maintenance
(Boy Scout Handbook). Review Leave No Trace rules
______ minutes for fires.
• Experienced Scouts work on Dutch oven cooking.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or work with
younger Scouts on woods tools instruction.
everyone knows what they will need to bring and what their
______ minutes assignments are for the feast. The new-Scout patrol needs to
know what support it will provide for the outing. All other
patrols plan activities to work on advancement. Plan the
menu for the patrol feast.
Interpatrol Activity Play Tug-of-War. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes
Closing • Form troop into patrols, call patrol leaders forward to give SM
patrol yells.
______ minutes
• Repeat the Scout Law.
Total 90 minutes of meeting • Scoutmaster’s Minute.
• Retire colors.
for the troop outing. Begin work on next month’s program
feature.
99
cooking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts learn which woods make the best fires and
how to lay a fire using two different methods (Boy Scout
______ minutes Handbook).
• Experienced Scouts work on cooking with Peak stoves
(if available), repair and maintenance, and safe handling of
fuel. Or, work on procedures to dehydrate food.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or serve as
instructors for the other sessions, or prepare necessary items
for merit badge work that could be done on the outing.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for the feast. The new Scouts continue
learning the basics of cooking. Finalize the menu and set a
______ minutes time to practice making the meal that you will prepare for
the feast.
Interpatrol Activity Do Fuzz-Stick Relay. (See the Games section of the

______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
100
cooking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on preparing a simple dish. This should
be done with either a personal cook kit or patrol/troop
______ minutes cooking equipment.
• Experienced Scouts work on identifying wild edible plants
and how to prepare them.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or utensilless
cooking techniques, or plan games and competitions.
Patrol Meetings Finalize the menu for the outing this month and make sure
everyone knows what he will need to bring. Review cloth-
______ minutes ing and equipment needs and collect any necessary fees.
Announce the route for parents who will come and join
the feast.
Interpatrol Activity Play British Bulldog. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
feature.
101
cooking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on cooking techniques and camp

sanitation procedures, review Leave No Trace methods
______ minutes (Boy Scout Handbook).
• Experienced Scouts finalize the details for the games and
competitions for the outing and make sure that any required
equipment is gathered.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or assist in the
game preparation.
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the feast. Make sure
everyone knows travel plans and equipment needs. Review
take place.
Interpatrol Activity Play Swat ’Em. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes

the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
any last-minute details for the troop campout or outing.
Finalize work on next month’s program feature.
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cooking
Date ______________________
en route.
set up camp.
Saturday Cooks and assistants up. Prepare breakfast. (These Scouts should be working Cooks,
6:30 a.m. on First and Second Class requirements.) assistants
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–10:30 a.m. Patrol games—use four games from the Games section of the Troop SPL
Program Resources.*
10:30 a.m. Special patrol activities; could include fishing, if available. Work on
advancement such as lashings, map and compass, physical fitness.
11:30 a.m. Cooks and assistant cooks return to site to prepare lunch. Cooks,
assistants
Noon Lunch
12:30 p.m. Clean up.
1 p.m. Begin preparation for special patrol feast:

• Tenderfoot—prepare fire lays
• Second Class—assist in food preparation, clean up
• First Class—prepare meals, supervise cleanup
4 p.m. Prepare campfire for evening; gather tables in central location and set up.
4:30 p.m. Parents and guests begin to arrive; have entertainment prepared for parents. Cooks
4:45 p.m. Bring food to central location, set up buffet.
5:00 p.m. Feast SPL
7:30 p.m. Campfire
103
8:30 p.m. Parents return home.
Sunday Cooks and assistants up. Prepare breakfast. (These Scouts should be working Cooks
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games—use four games from the Games section of the Troop Program
Resources.*
Special equip- Dutch ovens, dining flies, charcoal starters, troop camping equipment,
ment needed eating utensils for parents
104
cultural awareness
• A sensitivity to people of other ethnic backgrounds
• A better understanding of their duty to help
other people
• Awareness of their rights and duties as citizens
By month’s end, all Scouts should have met many
of their citizenship requirements through First Class.
Depending on the activities, they may also complete all
or part of the following rank requirements:
Tenderfoot
Second Class
• Personal Development—Scout Oath and Law
The history of every community in the United States
has been influenced by many different groups: the First Class
native American Indians who lived here first, the vari- • Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking
ous peoples who have immigrated to this country over
the past 500 years, and those who continue to come to
this country today. Each nationality brings its own lan- • Patrol/troop participation—leadership
guage and customs. Initially these peoples settled near • Personal Development—Scout Oath and Law
their friends and family, forming neighborhoods with a
Merit Badges. Older Scouts may concentrate on the
predominant single-ethnic heritage.
Citizenship in the World merit badge this month;
By the time the Scouts in the troop reach midlife,
they should be able to complete many of the require-
most communities will no longer have a predominant
ments. Depending on activities during the month, they
single ethnic heritage, and many communities in the
may also complete requirements in Citizenship in the
United States will reflect the cultural diversity of the
Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Indian Lore, and
world. This month’s program feature will help Scouts
Genealogy merit badges.
to better understand the different ethnic groups repre-
sented in their communities.
Parent/guardian Participation
The troop’s big event this month will be either a
cultural fair or a cultural awareness campout. These The patrol leader’s council may involve parents in the
activities might be part of a daylong event or tied into program feature this month by
an overnight campout. • Asking parents of different ethnic backgrounds
to come talk about their culture or assist with the
Scouting Outcomes cultural fair
This month’s patrol and troop activities should give • Inviting parents on the outing
your Scouts
• Asking parents to provide transportation for
• A greater understanding of their community and the outing
its people
105
Patrol Leaders’ Council • American Indian tribes lived in virtually every area
of the United States. You might want to select a
The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the
specific tribe, study its background, and learn about
early part of the previous month to plan troop activities
its culture. Some tribes were farmers, others were
for this program feature. If you don’t complete all items
hunters. Some lived in adobe huts, others in teepees.
on the following agenda, continue planning at patrol
Their dress varied according to the climate in which
they lived and the resources that were available to
• If the event is a cultural fair or a cultural awareness them. On the campout, you may want to construct
campout, will the event be held for the public or will a structure similar to what that tribe lived in. Plan
it be just for the troop? Will it be part of an outing or a menu of what they likely ate, play the games they
a daylong event? played, and make clothing similar to what they wore.
• If the event is a cultural fair, discuss what ethnic The Indian Lore merit badge might be a natural for
groups are represented in the community and should some Scouts to begin working on.
be invited to attend. Scouts of those ethnic back- • The Hispanic culture is one that your Scouts might
grounds should be put in charge of that group. find interesting. Plan your campout around meals of
Hispanic origin, and work on learning some basic
Feature Events Spanish words. Invite a Hispanic person to tell about
The Cultural Fair his or her colorful culture. Soccer is the sport of
many Hispanics, and you might choose to have a
The purpose of the cultural fair is to make Scouts
soccer tournament among your patrols.
more aware of the many people who make up this great
country. Identify each ethnic group in your community • The African American culture would be an interest-
and invite each group to participate in your fair. You ing historical study for a troop. Invite an African
probably have many of the ethnic groups represented American person to tell about life in Africa, how his
in your troop. Ask each representative to display cloth- or her ancestors were brought to America as slaves,
ing, food, pictures, and any other items that show the and how they were liberated. Identify famous African
uniqueness of their culture. The fair should be educa- Americans, and show how they have influenced
tional, but it also can be fun! You may want to invite American music, food, sports, and literature.
Scout families to the fair and consider making it open • If you choose to study the Asian culture, ask a
to the community. person of Asian origin to tell the troop about his or
her ancestors’ immigration to America. Many Asians
A Cultural Awareness Campout
chose to come to America in the mid-1800s to help
If you choose cultural awareness as a monthly program build the transcontinental railroad.
feature, you will want to emphasize that a person’s eth-
nic background is something to be proud of, and that Your choice is not limited to the cultures above; they
Scouts should be careful not to make fun of another may be any that your Scouts are interested in, includ-
culture by making disparaging remarks or singling ing all nationalities and religious groups. Focus on what
out a person because of his or her ethnic background. makes each group unique and special to its members.
Some of your Scouts may not know their ethnic back- Leading up to the campout, you might choose to do
ground. If so, they should be encouraged to discuss a special event at each troop meeting. A few suggestions
this with a family member and try to learn more about might include:
their family’s history. This program feature might even • A food demonstration in preparation for the campout
lead Scouts to learn more about the genealogy of their
family. If so, challenge them to consider earning the • A guest speaker to tell about his or her culture
Genealogy merit badge. • A demonstration of the favorite sport of your country
The area of the country that you live in may affect of choice
the choice of ethnic group you choose to highlight, as • A study of famous people from the country of choice
you may want to plan a campout in an area that was
native to your choice. Study the resources of your area
and decide what is available within a hundred miles
of your home. Our country has many ruins that have
been preserved in national and state parks. Here are a
few suggestions.
106
cultural awareness
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Play Bell Tag. (See the Games section of the Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Present colors.
______ minutes
• Sing the National Anthem.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on raising, lowering, and folding the U.S.
flag. Plan and rehearse an opening ceremony to use at the
______ minutes next meeting. Play Overtake. (See the Games section of the
• Experienced Scouts visit a meeting of a local ethnic group.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program.
Patrol Meetings Identify Scouts in the patrol who need to participate in flag
ceremonies and Good Turn projects. Suggest activities that
______ minutes these Scouts can participate in to fulfill rank requirements.
Interpatrol Activity Play Submarines and Minefields. (See the Games section of
______ minutes
Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute—consider one that addresses people SM

of different ethnic backgrounds.
______ minutes
• Form troop into patrols and sing “God Bless America.”
troop outing. Begin work on next month’s program feature.
107
cultural awareness
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening Play Sleeping Pirate. (See the Games section of the

______ minutes

• Present colors.
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on the Heimlich maneuver.

• Experienced Scouts begin planning cultural fair by
______ minutes determining ethnic groups to be involved and selecting
Scouts to help.
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the cultural fair.
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Play Night Eyes. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
for troop campout or outing. Continue work on next month’s
program feature.
108
cultural awareness
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts prepare a personal first-aid kit.

• Experienced Scouts continue planning details for
______ minutes
cultural fair.
Patrol Meetings
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Have a blindfolded tent-pitching contest.
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting Patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting. Continue
work on next month’s program feature.
109
cultural awareness
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction
______ minutes
Patrol Meetings
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Do Knot-Tying Relay, wearing gloves or mittens.

(See the Games section of the Troop Program Resources.*)
______ minutes

the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
After the Meeting Patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and last-
minute details for the troop outing or activity. Finalize work
on next month’s program feature.
110
cultural awareness
Date ______________________
en route.
set up camp.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Clean up.
9:00–11:00 a.m. Cultural awareness activities
Noon Lunch
1 p.m. Continue cultural awareness activities.
4 p.m. Start dinner preparations. Cooks
5:00 p.m. Dinner
8:00 p.m. Campfire
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
111
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games—use four games from the Games section of the Troop Program
Resources.*
Special equip- Materials for cultural awareness activities

ment needed
*Troop Program Resources for Scout Troops and Varsity Teams, No. 33588
112
Emergency Preparedness
Our Scout motto, “Be Prepared,” is never more impor- • An understanding of basic first-aid techniques
tant than in dealing with emergency situations. The • A good grasp of the fundamentals for dealing with
ability to make correct decisions under pressure really life-threatening situations
tests a Scout. As Scouts progress through the program,
they perfect their skills in leadership, the outdoors, and • Enhanced self-confidence in making decisions
working with people. Emergency preparedness means
being prepared in all of these areas.
Your troop meeting activities this month should Depending on the length of your outing, Scouts may
focus on emergency preparedness procedures. Younger complete all or part of the following rank requirements:
Scouts will work on first aid requirements for Tender
Tenderfoot
foot through First Class. Experienced Scouts will
concentrate on advanced skills and the First Aid and • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking
Emergency Preparedness merit badges. • Citizenship—flag ceremonies, first aid
The big event will be “The Real Thing” weekend.
Patrols will face some realistic emergency situations
requiring first aid, decision making, and teamwork. • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
Second Class
Scouting Outcomes
your Scouts • Citizenship—flag ceremonies, first aid
113
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification • Asking parents to provide transportation to the site of
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law the outing
First Class Patrol Leaders’ Council

• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the • Decide whether “The Real Thing” will be a single day
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid merit badges this or a weekend campout.
month. Depending on activities during the outing, they • Choose the site and secure permission, if needed.
may also complete requirements in Camping, Cooking,
Hiking, Lifesaving, and other outdoor-related • Ask the patrol leaders to inventory their patrol’s first-
merit badges. aid supplies and report deficiencies. Fill needs. Ask
for help from the troop committee.
Parent/guardian Participation • Either plan the “emergency” situations the patrols
will face during “The Real Thing,” or, if you want
complete surprise, assign an adult leader to plan
them. See sample emergencies later in this section.
• Asking qualified parents to assist with first aid
• Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign
instruction
• Inviting parents to “The Real Thing” event needed for “The Real Thing.”
114
• Arrange to invite the Emergency Preparedness and The following are some sample problems. Make up
First Aid merit badge counselors to help with troop additional problems that will involve Scouts of various
meeting instruction and to serve as judges for patrol skill levels.
performance for the big event.
PROBLEM 1. A Scout patrol is on a campout in a
Feature Event heavily wooded area of a national forest. A severe
thunderstorm and flash flood hits the campsite. Both
The Real Thing adult leaders are immobilized with broken legs; one is
The big event will be a practice exercise to test your unconscious. Several Scouts have severe cuts. The near-
patrols’ reactions to emergencies. Set up emergency sit- est ranger station is five miles from their campsite. The
uations that will be within the skill levels of the Scouts. patrol has managed to radio you on its two-way radio
At least some of the situations should require making to request help. You are half a mile away in the base
decisions in “life-threatening” emergencies. campsite. What do you do?
Some of the sample emergencies take place in wil-
(Possible action: Instruct the patrol members by radio
derness situations; others are in urban areas. Family
to treat their most seriously injured persons first and get
members or friends may play the parts of victims.
all patrol members to a safe place above the flood. You
Have Emergency Preparedness or First Aid merit
send for help at the ranger station, or try to reach the
badge counselors or other experts on hand to judge
station by radio. Then assemble needed gear and set
patrol performances.
out to help the patrol.)
115
PROBLEM 2. Your patrol is hiking on a country road. (Possible action: Get control of the situation; don’t
A passing farm truck goes out of control and hits two panic. Calm the children and keep them seated.
patrol members. The truck then veers off the road and Reassure them that they will be OK. Send two Scouts
turns over in a ditch; the driver is knocked unconscious. for help, and treat the most severe cases first.)
You notice what appears to be toxic chemicals leaking
PROBLEM 4. Your patrol is in a shopping mall. A tor-
from a container in the truck into the ditch. The nearest
nado passes by, hitting one end of the mall and knock-
farmhouse is 11⁄2 miles away. What do you do?
ing out power. Several people are injured by flying
(Possible action: Send two Scouts running to the farm- debris, the phone system is out, and you are half a mile
house to call for medical help and to inform the police from a fire station. How do you react?
about the accident; tell the police about the spilled
(Possible action: Keep calm. Assess potential hazards
material. Treat the most seriously injured victims first.
such as live wires, glass, and unstable structures. Move
The driver may have suffered serious neck or spinal
the injured to a safe place. Send two Scouts to the fire
injuries; to avoid aggravating them, do not move him
station for help.)
unless necessary (as in the case of a fire).)
PROBLEM 3. Your patrol is passing a playground when

one of the pieces of playground equipment collapses.
Several of the children suffer broken bones and severe
cuts. Many of the other children panic and begin run-
ning out in the street. What do you do?
116
emergency preparedness
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have Scouts demonstrate techniques necessary in getting out

of a building that is on fire. Practice hurry cases for first aid
Opening Ceremony • Form troop into a “square U.”

• Hold uniform inspection.
______ minutes
• Present colors.
• Recite the words to the national anthem.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on first aid for minor burns or scalds,
blisters, venomous snakebite, transporting an injured
______ minutes person.
• Experienced Scouts work on troop mobilization techniques
and moving people in emergency situations.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or help the troop
guide teach basic first aid to new Scouts.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for “The Real Thing” drill this month and make
sure everyone knows their assignments. Each patrol should
______ minutes start practicing the problems they will be facing during the
drill. Plan to work on skills for related merit badges. Have new
Scouts also work on requirements for flag ceremonies and ser-
vice projects.
Interpatrol Activity Play Scouts to the Rescue. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes
Closing • Have a Scout define what “helpful” means. SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
After the Meeting Patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and troop
outing. Begin work on next month’s program feature.
117
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice first aid for rabid animal bite, punc-
ture wounds, serious burns, heat exhaustion. Do Arm
______ minutes Sling Relay. (See the Games section of the Troop Program
Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts work on lost person techniques
(Emergency Preparedness merit badge pamphlet).
younger Scouts on first-aid basics.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for “The Real Thing” drill. Practice
interpatrol activities.
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Do Stretcher Relay. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting Patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and “The Real
Thing” drill. Continue work on next month’s program feature.
118
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic first aid bandages for
head injuries, upper arm/collarbone, sprained ankle
• Experienced Scouts work on boating accident survival
techniques.
first aid with the younger Scouts.
Patrol Meetings Finalize the plans for the drill. Make sure everyone knows the
time and location for the event. Practice interpatrol activities.
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Play Steal-the-Bacon. (See the Games section of the

______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting Patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and “The Real
Thing” drill. Continue work on next month’s program feature.
119
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts test their skills using the first-aid problems in
the Games section of the Troop Program Resources.* Learn
______ minutes the five common signals of a heart attack.
• Experienced Scouts work on ice rescue methods and signaling
aircraft with body signals and ground-to-air visuals.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or practice a
realistic first-aid makeup for the drill.
Patrol Meetings Make sure everyone has the plans for the drill. Practice any
interpatrol activities that will take place.
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Play Ice Accident. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes

the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
After the Meeting Patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and any
last-minute details for “The Real Thing.” Finalize work on
120
Date ______________________
Saturday Older Scouts arrive at location for The Real Thing drill and set up SPL
9:00 a.m. necessary materials.
9:30 a.m. Rest of troop arrives.
10:00 a.m. Begin problem-solving. SPL
12:30 p.m. Continue problem-solving. SPL
4:30 p.m. Present awards, leave for home. SM
Special equip- First aid supplies for the drill, awards

ment needed
121
Engineering
Engineering covers a variety of fields as broad as all • An understanding of some of the principles of engi-
outdoors—or indoors, for that matter. Virtually every- neering as they build temporary structures and camp
thing we use in the course of a normal day has an equipment
engineer’s stamp on it. • Enhanced self-confidence
In Scouting, we specialize in “wilderness engineer-
ing”—the art of building useful things with rope and Advancement Opportunities
timber. Your Scouts will probably want to try their hand
at it this month. By month’s end, all Scouts should have met many
For Scouts who enjoy making things, recommend of their basic pioneering and camping requirements
that they try to earn the Engineering merit badge. It will through First Class. Depending on the campout activi-
expose them to various facets of engineering, and it ties, they may also complete all or part of the following
may lead them to work on such other merit badges as rank requirements:
Computers, Drafting, Electricity, and Electronics. Tenderfoot
The big event will be a campout during which
• Outdoor—cooking, hiking, camping
patrols can do some wilderness engineering and enjoy
interpatrol competitions. • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
Scouting Outcomes
• Enhanced outdoor skills, especially in knot-tying, • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking

lashings, and engineering • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
• A greater understanding of the importance • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
of conservation • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
123
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
this program feature. If you don’t complete all items
on the following agenda, continue planning at patrol
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law leaders’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the • Decide on a campout site. Remember that you will
Camping and Pioneering merit badges this month; they need a supply of poles and small limbs for pioneer-
should be able to complete many of the requirements. ing projects. Such materials, cut to size, are available
Depending on activities during the campout, they may at some Scout camps. If your council’s camp does
also cover requirements in Cooking, Hiking, Pioneering, not have them, make sure you can get permission to
Wilderness Survival, and other outdoor-related obtain suitable materials elsewhere. Do not cut trees
merit badges. at any site without the owner’s permission.
• Plan the special activities for the campout. See the
Parent/guardian Participation ideas on these pages. If special gear will be needed,
The patrol leaders’ council may involve parents in the assign someone to obtain it; seek help from the troop
program feature this month by committee if necessary.
• Asking those qualified to help with instruction for • Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if not done
camping, pioneering, and engineering skills recently.
• Inviting them on the campout • Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign
• Asking them to provide transportation to
needed for the campout activities.
the campsite
• Practice knots and lashing, if equipment is available.
124
Beams (2) Floor pieces
(add as required)
Cross Pieces (4)
friction lock bridge
Legs (4)
Materials
Two 12' spars (beams), 3" to 4" in diameter
Four 4' logs (legs), 3" to 4" in diameter
Four 4' logs (cross pieces), 3" to 4" in diameter
Twenty 3' logs (floor pieces), 3" in diameter
Feature Event LASHING RELAY
Engineering Outing Equipment: For each patrol, lashing rope and tree
During this campout, the troop can build pioneer- spars, each about 2 to 3 inches in diameter, 6 to 10
ing projects engineered by the experienced Scouts or feet long.
demonstrate various “engineering” projects. Examples: Method: Patrols line up, relay fashion, facing their spars
a scaled-down version of a wind generator and how and rope. A judge stands near their equipment. On sig-
it stores energy in batteries, or a solar energy battery nal, the first Scout in each patrol runs to the judge and
charger. Or Scouts could design, make, and demonstrate is told to tie one lashing—square, diagonal, or shear.
model rockets, cars, or homes during the campout. When he has completed the lashing to the judge’s sat-
Prepare a sketch or drawing on a computer. Take isfaction, he unties the lashing and runs back to touch
the drawing or sketch and build the project. See if your off the next patrol member. The relay continues until all
design really works. have run.
Campout Games Scoring: The first patrol finished wins.
LOG HITCHING RACE HIGH HOT CHOCOLATE
Equipment: A log, 6 inches in diameter, 5 feet long; 20 Equipment: For each patrol, poles and lashing ropes for
to 30 feet of 1⁄4-inch rope; a timepiece to time the race. a four-legged tower that is 8 feet high with a 4'-by-4'
square platform at the top; water, small pot, cup, spoon,
Method: In turn, each patrol ties a timber hitch and a
instant chocolate mix, 2'-by-2' square of plywood, sand
half hitch on the log and drags it around a turning point
for fire bed.
50 feet away and back to the start. A judge times each
performance. Method: Each patrol assembles its tower. One member
then climbs up and makes a fireplace of sand on the
Scoring: The patrol with the fastest time wins.
125
stack nails on
the nail head
1
3
plywood square. He builds a small fire on the sand, Stack Nails on the Nail Head
boils a cup of water, and makes hot chocolate. Drive a 4-inch nail into a block of wood about one-half
Scoring: The first patrol to give the Scoutmaster a cup inch. Have 12 other 4-inch nails, and challenge the
of hot chocolate wins. group to stack all 12 nails on the head of the nail in the
block. Allow Scouts to make an attempt. You will need
Friction Lock Bridge to stress that no other objects such as rubber bands are
allowed. After a few attempts, show how to stack the
Equipment nails. Lay one nail on a flat surface. Place five nails on
Two 12' spars (beams), 3" to 4" in diameter the nail laying flat, with the head about one-quarter
Four 4' logs (legs), 3" to 4" in diameter inch past the nail laying flat. Place five more nails in
Four 4' logs (cross pieces), 3" to 4" in diameter the opposite direction, in between each nail. The one
Twenty 3' logs (floor pieces), 3" in diameter remaining nail should be placed on top, in the opposite
direction of the nail laying flat. Carefully pick up the
A friction lock bridge is a fun engineering project for
two nails and the other 10 will lock into place. Center
a patrol to construct. Put the two 12-foot spars in place,
the nails on the nail head on the block of wood.
and then the legs, and lock in the beams. (See the
(See the diagram.)
diagram.) Cover with flooring.
126
engineering
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have some professional engineers in different fields bring in

the “tools” of their trade to show what they do. These may be
______ minutes blueprints that show what kind of designing they do.
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop into a horseshoe.

______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice tying the clove hitch, square knot, and
bowline. Do Rescue Race. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts arrange to visit an engineering firm or
engineering department in industry. Or, design several
pioneering projects that could be built with Scout staves.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or study ropes
and knots needed for rappelling (Fieldbook).
everyone knows his assignments. If the outing will be an
______ minutes overnighter, begin meal planning and patrol duty roster, and
plan for equipment distribution and tent requirements. Any
Scouts who have not been camping will need extra help. All
other patrols work on plans for activities towards the next
rank advancement.
Interpatrol Activity Play Reactor Transport. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes
Closing • Sing “Scout Vespers.” SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
127
engineering
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts review knots practiced last week and begin
learning lashings. Do Knot-Tying Relay. (See the Games
• Experienced Scouts continue work on pioneering projects or
visit an engineering firm.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan to catch
and cook fish for a meal on the troop’s outing.

continue working on hiking and camping techniques. All other
______ minutes patrols continue to work on advancement activities for the
outing. Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Do Stack the Nails on the Nail Head, found in the introduction
of this program feature.
______ minutes
Closing • Sing “Scout Vespers.” SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
128
engineering
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice use and care of woods tools, and
learn how to make firelays. Continue work on lashings.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts make assignments to get necessary
staves, spars, and ropes for pioneering projects on
the campout.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or assist with
instruction of younger Scouts. Or, visit an engineering firm.
Patrol Meetings Finalize the menu for the outing and make sure everyone
______ minutes and collect necessary fees. Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Play Log-Rolling Relay. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
129
engineering
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts use lashing to construct a catapult.

• Experienced Scouts finalize plans for pioneering projects
______ minutes
and any demonstrations of engineering projects planned for
the outing.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan an
orienteering course that could be run at the campout.
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the hike/campout. Make
sure everyone knows travel plans and equipment needs. Go
______ minutes over the patrol duty roster. Practice interpatrol activities that
will take place.
Interpatrol Activity Play Long-Legged Puddle Jumper. (See the Games section
of the Troop Program Resources.*)
______ minutes

the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
130
engineering
Date ______________________
en route.
set up camp.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Engineering demonstration, pioneering projects.
Noon Lunch
1 p.m. Pioneering projects SPL
8:00 p.m. Campfire
Sunday Cooks and assistants up. Prepare breakfast. (Cooks should be working on Cooks,
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
131
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games—use four games from the Games section of the Troop
Program Resources.*
Special equip- Scout staves, rope, spars, troop camping equipment

ment needed
132
Environment
Your Scouts are growing up at a time when environ- Scouting Outcomes

mental issues are high on the nation’s list of priorities.
During the past 20 years, there has been a growing
your Scouts
understanding of the interdependence of all living
things and how both natural and manmade pollution • A sense of communion with nature and God
affect life. • A greater understanding of ecology and humankind’s
In this program feature we will aim to explain the place in the natural world
“web of life” and show Scouts how they can do their
• Increased self-confidence
part to help preserve it. Troop meeting activities will
cover some of the strands of the web of life. In the pro- • The determination to leave as few traces as possible
cess, Scouts will learn more about wildlife, trees, plants, of their outdoor adventures
rocks, and soil. Patrols can do some ecology projects
that will enhance their understanding of the web. Advancement Opportunities
The big event will be an exploration trek for some By month’s end, all Scouts should have met many of
field study. The purpose will not be identification of their basic nature/environment requirements through
wildlife and plants—although there is bound to be some First Class. Depending on the campout activities, they
of that—but rather to learn about food chains, how oxy- may also complete all or part of the following rank
gen and water are cycled through the ecosystem, and requirements:
how pollution affects them.
The destination for the exploration trek might be Tenderfoot
almost anywhere—a wooded area, grassland, lake or • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature
seashore, desert, or even a city park. Your council’s • Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn
Scout camp may be a good choice, especially if it has a
good nature trail that shows some of the relationships • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
between animals, plants, and soils. • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
15
Second Class • Asking parents to provide transportation, if neces-
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature sary, for the trek
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn, first aid Patrol Leaders’ Council

• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
First Class
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn, first aid • Decide on the site for the exploration trek. Any
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership large natural environment will do, but if you have
a choice, select an area of at least 10 acres so that
a Scout working on requirements 2 and 3 of the
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the Environmental Science merit badge will have room
Camping and Environmental Science merit badges this to explore. If the area has several types of ecosystems
month. Depending on activities during the campout, (woods, grasslands, pond, etc.), so much the better.
they may also complete requirements in Cooking, • Arrange to secure permissions, if necessary.
Hiking, Backpacking, Wilderness Survival, Insect
Study, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Soil and Water • Decide whether the trek will be a one-day event or
Conservation, Mammal Study, and other nature-related a campout.
merit badges. • Plan activities for the trek. Allow at least three hours
of free time so that Scouts working on nature skills
Parent/guardian Participation and other merit badges can make explorations. See
the other ideas on these pages.
program feature this month by • Consider inviting an Environmental Science merit
badge counselor or counselors for other nature-
• Asking qualified people to help with troop meeting
related badges to help with instruction at troop meet-
instruction
ings and on the trek.
• Inviting parents to come along on the exploration trek
• Plan details of troop meeting activities. Review the
principles of Leave No Trace.
16
Feature Event small animals.) What are the animals doing there?
What will the log look like a year from now? Why?
Exploration Trek
• Why is this patch of ground eroding? Water runoff?
The purpose of the exploration trek is to put your
Wind? Overgrazing by animals? What could be done
“nature detectives” on the trail of the natural environ-
to stop the erosion?
ment. Ask Scouts to find out as much as they can about
how the climate, geology, and soils in your area influ- • You are on a sandy lake beach. Are you likely to spot
ence plant and animal life, and how the flora and fauna squirrels, chipmunks, or woodchucks here? Why or
are interdependent. why not? If not, what types of animals will you find?
This is the perfect opportunity for Scouts working • Under a big rock you find an ant colony. What are
on the Environmental Science merit badge to do some the ants doing? (Most are probably carrying aphids
required fieldwork. Their aim should be not only to or other insects for food.) What does it tell you about
identify what kind of plants and animals are in the area, the needs of ants for food and shelter?
but also why they are there.
• If you sit quietly for a long time in a field and watch
What the Scouts find will depend not only on the
for wildlife, you are likely to see quite a few birds
terrain but also on the time of year. Allow at least three
and small mammals such as woodchucks and rab-
hours for this exploration during your outing.
bits. Why don’t you also see a lot of large birds and
The following are examples of questions your nature
mammals like foxes or coyotes? What does this tell
detectives might try to answer.
you about the relative numbers of small creatures
• Is the soil here sandy, clay, or a rich loam? What and larger predators?
kinds of plants grow here? What does that tell you
• Here is a boulder with a crack in it. Lichens are grow-
about the nutrient needs of trees and shrubs?
ing in the crack. What will the boulder look like in 50
• A patch of bark on this tree looks a bit shredded, and years? Why? What may have happened?
some twigs appear to have been nipped off. What
• Here is a small hole in the ground. What is it?
does that tell you about the animals in the area?
(Probably a burrow.) What kind of animal lives
(It might mean that deer or porcupines have been
there? (If the hole is small and there is another hole
feeding; the height of the chewed areas could be a
nearby with a mound of dirt alongside, it’s probably
clue as to which animal. If it’s an evergreen tree in a
a woodchuck. If the hole is larger, it could be the
northern state, it might have been a bear.)
home of a red fox. If you are on the Great Plains
• Check under a rotting log. What do you find? and the burrow looks like a miniature volcano, it’s
(Probably beetles and perhaps salamanders or other probably a prairie dog.)
17
The exploration trek also gives older Scouts who leaving very little effect on the environment. This prac-
have already earned the Environmental Science merit tice is called Leave No Trace.
badge a chance to work on nature-related projects for Most Scout hiking and camping is done in council
other merit badges. Find out their interests in advance camps, state parks, and other heavily used sites that are
so that you can bring a supply of binoculars, insect- not true wilderness areas. However, it’s a good idea to
collecting nets, geologist’s tools, etc., as needed. teach the Scouts, particularly the older Scouts, the pur-
The patrol leaders’ council will want to plan other pose and principles of Leave No Trace. For one thing,
activities in addition to the exploration. For some ideas, it will reinforce the idea of good conservation. For
see the Nature program feature. another, the Scouts will be prepared to hike and camp
in true wilderness areas.
Ecology Projects As a practical matter, a whole troop cannot do this
Patrols may want to conduct their own experiments in kind of trekking. It should only be done by small groups
ecology. Here are some ideas. of experienced outdoorsmen. The types of activities that
are suitable for normal Scout camping are not suitable
HOW DO PLANTS APPEAR ON BARE SOIL? Fill a box
in wilderness areas because they destroy much vegeta-
or wide-mouth jar with commercial potting soil. Put
tion and often create a lot of noise.
it outdoors on a roof, fire escape, or windowsill. Keep
Essentially, the idea of Leave No Trace is to blend in
the soil moist. Within a few weeks, small plants will
with the environment so that hikers passing your camp
be growing in the soil (which originally contained no
would scarcely realize you are there. Here are some tips
seeds). Where did the seeds come from?
for low-impact camping:
Many plant seeds are airborne and are carried for
miles by the wind. • Have no more than 12 in the party or the number
prescribed by the land management agency.
TESTING AIR POLLUTION. If you live in the city, set
out a simple pollution testing device. Use the adhe- • Use tents made of material that blends with the envi-
sive side of a bumper sticker or coat a piece of paper ronment. Do not ditch tents.
with petroleum jelly. Place it on a tree, rooftop, or • Pack food in burnable or pack-out containers; take
fire escape, sticky side up. Over the next two or three and use trash bags.
weeks, check the tester with a magnifying glass to see • While hiking, stay on trails and do not cut across
how many pollutant particles there are. switchbacks. Select hard ground for cross-country
TESTING WATER POLLUTION. If you live in a rural travel; do not use muddy trails if you have a choice.
area and there is a lake or stream nearby, take a small • Select campsites away from delicate plants, and camp
sample of the water in a large jar and let it stand for a no more than three days in one spot. Camp only one
couple of weeks. As the water evaporates, silt and other day if the site has not been used. Camp out of sight
solid matter will settle to the bottom, showing whether of trails, streams, and lakes.
or not the body of water is gradually silting.
• For fires, use lightweight backpacking stoves.
WHAT DO PLANTS NEED? Fill three paper cups with However, in a heavily used area, you can use an old
potting soil. Plant three or four bean seeds about 1⁄4 inch fire circle, burning only small downed wood. Or dig a
deep in each pot. Moisten the soil. low-impact fire pit, as shown in the Fieldbook.
Place one cup where it will get direct sunlight each • Wash yourself, clothes, and cooking gear 200 feet
day and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place the (70 to 80 strides) from streams and lakes. Strain dish-
second cup in direct sunlight, but give it no further water and wash water and pour it into a hole. Save
water. Cut the top and bottom from a milk carton and the turf and recover the hole.
put it over the third cup. Keep the soil moist.
• Dig latrines 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 220 feet from
After two or three weeks, examine the three plants.
camp and water. Save the turf and recover the hole.
Which one is growing best? Which one is the worst? Why?
• Pack out all nonburnable trash.
Leave No Trace Awareness
• Avoid noisy games and activities.
In recent years, outdoorsmen have begun to realize that
• Avoid trampling vegetation.
if our wilderness is to remain unspoiled and beautiful
for the next generation, they must learn to leave as little Consider having the troop earn the Leave No Trace
impact as possible on it. So, many backcountry hikers Achievement Award. Get the application, No. 21-105,
now take pride in their ability to pass through an area from your local council service center.
18
ENVIRONMENT
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Play Jump the Shot. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes

______ minutes
• Have each patrol gives its patrol yell.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on identifying mammals in your area

______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts work on planning an environmental
project for your community.
• This project should have a long-term impact. It could be
something like tree planting or city park renovation.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan
this month’s troop campout (to be done as a totally
low-impact camp).
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for the outing this month and make sure every-
one knows what their assignments are and what to bring for
______ minutes the outing. Any Scouts who have not been camping yet will
need some extra help. All other patrols plan activities to work
on advancement. Plan any meals that will be needed for the
outing. If it is going to be an overnighter, begin to make plans
for equipment distribution and tent needs. Brush up on identi-
fication of plants, animals, and reptiles.
Interpatrol Activity Play Leaf Matching game. (See the Games section of
______ minutes
Closing • Assemble patrols, repeat the Outdoor Code. SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
19
ENVIRONMENT
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on identifying basic plants in your area
(Boy Scout Handbook). Play Freak Plant Hunt. (See the
______ minutes Games section of the Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts continue work on plans for an envi-
ronmental project. Who do you contact, and what supplies
will you need? How long will it take to complete? Can we
involve any other group to help with the project?
plans for low-impact outing. Plan a conservation project
that can be done on the campout.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for the campout. First-time campers con-
tinue working on troop procedures for hiking and camping.
______ minutes All other patrols continue planning to work on activities on
advancement for the outing. Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Play What Do I Smell? (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
the troop campout or outing. Continue work on next month’s
program feature.
20
environment
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on setting up a weather station so they

can monitor the weather in your area, or visit a weather-
______ minutes predicting facility in the community. It could be a television
station, the U.S. Weather Service, or an airport that has
those facilities.
• Experienced Scouts work on map and compass skills to
estimate heights and widths. On your campout, use these
skills to estimate heights of trees and widths of streams or
gullies. Play Hunter, Gun, or Rabbit. (See the Games section
of the Troop Program Resources.*)
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan
interpatrol activities for the campout.
knows what he will need to bring. Review clothing and equip-
______ minutes ment needs and collect any necessary fees. If it is winter,
remember that normal activities in camp will take longer.
Interpatrol Activity Play Granny’s Footsteps. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
for the troop campout. Continue work on next month’s
program feature.
21
ENVIRONMENT
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts get instruction and hints on low-impact camp-
ing techniques (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts finalize their environmental project.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or give instruc-
tion to the younger Scouts on Leave No Trace.
will take place.
Interpatrol Activity Play Nature Memory Hunt. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
22
ENVIRONMENT
Date ______________________
Friday evening Load gear at the meeting location; leave for the campsite. Plan only a
light meal en route.
Upon arrival at campsite, off-load equipment and set up patrol sites. Stow gear SPL
and set up campsite.
Saturday Cooks and assistants up. Prepare breakfast. (These Scouts should be working Cooks,
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast

Stake out an area in the woods or field and observe what is taking place there.
10:00 a.m. Locate tracks of wild animals and follow the tracks to see if you can locate and
observe their habitat.
Noon Lunch

Free time
1:00 p.m. Patrol competitions—six games from the Games section of Troop Program SPL
Resources.*

Free time
8:00 p.m. Troop campfire SPL
sleeping bags.
23
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Patrol games from the Games section of Troop Program Resources.*
Special equip- Topographic maps, compass, clipboards

ment needed
24
FIRST AID
Having agreed to live by the Scout Oath, Scouts pledge Scouting Outcomes
themselves to help other people at all times. Often, all
that takes is an observant eye to spot a person in need
your Scouts
of assistance, and then the kindness to lend a hand.
But sometimes, especially when somebody is ill or • An understanding that the pledge “to help other
injured, being helpful takes skill and knowledge, too. people at all times” requires skill as well as
That’s why Boy Scouts have been learning first aid goodwill toward others
since the earliest days of the Scouting movement. • A good grasp of the fundamentals of first aid for
That’s also why this program feature is so important. life-threatening situations and for many less
It will introduce Scouts to the know-how that could be serious injuries
vital in an emergency, and it will give them the confi-
• Confidence that they will be able to act rationally in
dence that comes with knowing they are prepared to act
an emergency
in situations requiring basic first aid.
Troop meeting activities should focus on first aid Advancement Opportunities
skills. Younger Scouts will work on first aid require-
ments for Tenderfoot through First Class ranks. By the end of the month, all Scouts should have met
Experienced Scouts will concentrate on the more the majority of their basic first aid requirements through
advanced skills required for the First Aid, Lifesaving, First Class rank. If the disaster day is part of
and Emergency Preparedness merit badges. a campout, they might also complete all or part of the
The big event of the month will be a disaster day. following rank requirements:
Patrols will be confronted with mock emergency situ-
Tenderfoot
ations that will improve and test their first aid skill,
decision-making ability, and teamwork. The disas- • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking
ter day might be the highlight activity of a weekend • Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn, first aid
campout, or it can be held in a local park or shopping • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
center as a public demonstration of BSA first aid.
25
Second Class • Inviting them to the disaster day event
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking • Asking parents and guardians to provide transporta-
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn, first aid tion, if necessary, for disaster day
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership Patrol Leaders’ Council

The patrol leaders’ council should have met during the
• Physical fitness—drug awareness early part of the previous month to plan troop activities
for this program feature. If they didn’t complete all of
First Class
the items on the following agenda, they can continue
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking planning at brief patrol leaders’ council meetings after
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn, first aid each troop meeting.
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership • Decide whether or not the disaster day will be a
stand-alone event or the highlight of a campout.
Choose a site and ask an assistant Scoutmaster or
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the troop committee member to secure any necessary
First Aid and Emergency Preparedness merit badges permissions.
this month; they should be able to complete most of • Plan the mock emergency situations the patrols
the requirements. If the troop has a campout in con- will face on disaster day or, if the patrol leaders’ coun-
junction with disaster day, they might also complete cil wants the entire troop to be surprised by the mock
some requirements for Cooking, Camping, Hiking, and emergencies, assign an adult leader to plan them.
Lifesaving merit badges. (Sample emergencies appear on the following pages.)
Parent/Guardian Participation • Invite First Aid and Emergency Preparedness merit

badge counselors to help with troop meeting instruc-
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents and tion and to serve as judges of patrol performance on
guardians in the program feature this month by disaster day.
• Asking qualified parents and guardians to help with
first aid instruction
26
• Plan details of troop meetings for the month. The patrol leaders’ council should decide how to set
Assign patrol demonstrations of the skills needed for up the disaster day. Whatever form they choose, the
disaster day. patrols will be presented with a series of first aid prob-
lems that are as realistic as possible. Use makeup on
Big Event your “victims” to simulate real injuries. The victims can
be troop committee members or Webelos Scouts from a
Disaster Day
nearby Cub Scout pack.
This big event can take one of several forms. Make the emergencies as realistic as possible, too.
It might be If, for example, disaster day is held in a remote area
• The highlight of a campout during which patrols and one of the victims is supposed to have fallen
are confronted with several unexpected situations down a steep embankment and suffered a broken leg,
requiring a search for “victims,” administering that’s where he should be found. You might want to
first aid, deciding whether or not to transport the have one of the victims lost as well as injured so that
“victims,” and if so, how to transport them properly the patrols must organize a lost-person search.
• A fairly simple afternoon exercise of first aid tests, Sample Disaster Day Emergencies
either in a remote area or in town
A disaster day exercise can be made up of a series of
• A public demonstration of first aid in a local park, first aid problems. Patrols go from one scenario to the
shopping center, or other easily accessible area next, spending twenty to thirty minutes at each one.
• A surprise call at an unusual hour for the troop to Mock emergencies should be set up based on the
mobilize and be prepared to handle first aid for the first aid training Scouts have received during the
“victims” of a mock disaster month. The emergencies should reinforce what the boys
27
have learned and give them confidence in their ability Sample Emergency 3
to provide appropriate emergency care. Scouts find a fisherman along the shore of a stream. He
For each problem there should be a knowledgeable is having trouble breathing, is sweating heavily, and
adult or older Scout on hand who is qualified to assess feels nauseous. He complains of an uncomfortable pres-
the patrols’ performance and to reinforce their knowl- sure in the center of his chest.
edge. As Scouts complete their treatment of an accident
Sample Emergency 4
victim, the resource person can help them understand
A boy is found unconscious near a large fallen tree
what they did correctly and provide guidance on ways
branch. His right lower leg is bleeding and is turned
they can improve in the future.
at an abnormal angle. There is blood on his chest
Sample Emergency 1 and face.
A Scout who has been working on a conservation
Sample Emergency 5
project on a hot, humid afternoon returns to camp to
The victim is found sitting at the foot of a tree. He is
help with supper. Near the cooking fire, he suddenly
holding his leg and says, “I’ve been bitten by a snake!”
becomes dizzy and nauseous, loses his balance, and
On his calf are two small puncture wounds about three-
falls. As he falls, his hand goes into a pan of hot grease.
fourths of an inch apart.
His face is pale and clammy, and he is barely conscious.
Sample Emergency 6
Sample Emergency 2
A young boy is found wandering near a stream,
A hiker has tumbled down a steep ridge. Scouts find
mumbling to himself. His clothing is wet and he is
him with one leg bent under him and the ankle appar-
shivering uncontrollably. Blood is oozing slowly from
ently deformed. A cut on his left wrist is spurting blood.
a wound on his head.
28
FIRST AID
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have Scouts demonstrate first aid for shock or one of the
“hurry cases” (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop into single-rank formation.

______ minutes
• Repeat the Scout Oath and Law.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on the Heimlich maneuver and on basic
first aid for simple cuts, scratches, and blisters (or other
______ minutes appropriate first-aid emergencies).
• Experienced Scouts practice bandaging and begin CPR
instruction with a certified teacher.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or instruct
younger Scouts in basic first-aid techniques.
Patrol Meetings Patrols practice general principles of first aid. Plan activities to
work on advancement. Those Scouts who have not completed
______ minutes their requirements for flag ceremonies and community service
projects receive help in working on these.
Interpatrol Activity Play First-Aid Baseball. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes

• Repeat the Scout benediction.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
for the Disaster Day. Begin work on next month’s program
feature.
29
FIRST AID
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice first aid for minor burns or scalds
(first degree), frostbite, sunburn, and nosebleeds (or other
• Experienced Scouts continue to work on CPR with a
certified teacher.
Scouts with first-aid basics.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for the disaster day event. Practice
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Do Stretcher Relay. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
for the troop Disaster Day. Continue work on next month’s
program feature.
30
FIRST AID
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic first aid for bites or stings of
insects and ticks, and for poisonous snakebite (or other
• Experienced Scouts continue to work on CPR with a certi-
fied instructor.
• Older Scouts work on Venture program or help younger
Scouts with first-aid basics.
Patrol Meetings Finalize the plans for the disaster drill. Make sure everyone
knows the time and location for the event. Practice interpatrol
______ minutes activities.
Interpatrol Activity Select a game from Troop Program Resources.*
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting Patrol leaders’ council reviews the next meeting and the
Disaster Day event. Continue work on next month’s program
feature.
31
FIRST AID
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts use the sample first-aid problems provided to
test their skills.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts continue to work on CPR with a certi-
fied instructor.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or practice
applying makeup for realistic Disaster Day injuries.
Patrol Meetings Make sure everyone has the plans for the disaster drill.
Practice any interpatrol activities that will take place.
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Play Ice Accident. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
last-minute details for the disaster drill. Finalize work on next
32
first aid
Date ______________________
9:00 a.m. Arrive at location for disaster drill. Set up necessary materials. PLC/PL
9:30 a.m. Troop arrives.
10:00 a.m. Begin problem solving.
12:30 p.m. Continue problem solving.
4:30 p.m. Present awards, return home.
Special equip- First-aid supplies

ment needed
33
Fishing
Give a boy some line and a hook and let him go fishing Depending on whether the outing includes a campout,
and he can have endless fun. The sport of fishing can they may also complete all or part of the following rank
be done with a simple cane pole or a fancy graphite requirements:
pole and specialty reel.
Tenderfoot
What a great way to spend a weekend outing! You
can catch your supper and prepare it (but take along • Outdoor—cooking, camping
some hot dogs, just in case). You can have fun, learn • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
about nature, and have the thrill of preparing something
you caught. • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
This program is an excellent way to have a family • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
weekend outing. Everyone can participate, or it might
be a chance for a Scout and one parent to get to know Second Class
each other better. Your Fishing Frolic weekend can be a • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking
super event, regardless of how you plan it.
Scouting Outcomes • Patrol/troop participation
This month’s patrol and troop activities should give • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
your Scouts
First Class
• The knowledge and skills to be comfortable in camp
• A sense of communion with nature and God
• A greater respect for the outdoors and a determina-
tion to follow the Outdoor Code • Patrol/troop participation
• Increased self-confidence • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law

Camping and Fishing merit badges this month; they
By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of should be able to complete many of the requirements.
their basic camping requirements through First Class. Depending on activities during the outing, they may
35
also cover requirements in Cooking, Hiking, Pioneering, • Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if that has
Wilderness Survival, and other nature-related not been done recently.
merit badges. • Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign
needed for the Fishing Frolic. For example, assign-
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the ments might be
program feature this month by Patrol A—Fly-fishing
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction for Patrol B—Casting
fishing skills
Patrol C—Lures
• Inviting parents and family members on the outing
Patrol D—Cleaning your fish
starting point for the backpacking trek into camp, Feature Event
if necessary
Fishing Frolic
Patrol Leaders’ Council The first thing to remember in planning the highlight
event is that the fun of fishing is a relative thing. For
the 11-year-old who has never caught a fish, a perch or
even a small flounder or snapper can be a thrill. For the
veteran of battles with 2-pound trout, 5-pound small-
mouths, and 6-pound blues or stripers, a 7-inch bluegill
can still be fun on a light fly rod with a hair-fine leader
• Decide on the site for the Fishing Frolic. If permission and mosquito-sized dry fly. The thrill will be even
will be needed, assign someone to secure it. greater if the Scout is with his parent.
• Plan the special activities. See the ideas on these
Planning Fishing Activities
pages. If gear or tools will be needed, assign some-
one to obtain them; seek help from the troop commit- You don’t have to catch a big fish to have fun fishing.
tee, if necessary. You don’t even have to catch fish at all to work up a
36
good month’s program. In fact, you don’t have to FISH IDENTIFICATION. The best way to learn one fish
get out of the school gym or church basement to teach from another is to use some real, honest-to-goodness,
Scouts some of the elements of how to fish. But, natu- recently caught fish. The second best way is to use
rally, you will want to go outside if it is at all possible good color pictures such as those found in fishing
to do so. tackle catalogs and in state conservation department
The purpose of this program feature is threefold. pamphlets. Catalogs may be obtained at fishing tackle
First, the purpose is to introduce fishing to the Scouts shops or by writing to manufacturers. You might find
so they will learn enough fundamentals to have fun and help from a local conservation agent or game protector,
perhaps develop a lifelong hobby. Fishing is one of the or by writing to the state conservation department.
most relaxing sports there is, and in this day of high- After the Scouts learn to identify most local fish,
pressure living, when we run to catch an elevator, organize an identification contest.
more fishermen would probably result in fewer
FISHERMAN’S KNOTS. Usually, the weakest link
ulcers and coronaries.
between fish and fishermen is the knot used to tie
Another purpose is to emphasize the idea that fish-
leader to hook, leader to line, or to connect two pieces
ing is a sport and not necessarily a source of meat in
of leader. Some knots won’t slip, but they break faster
the pot. The fisherman who goes out to catch the limit
than others. The blood knot for tying two pieces of
or stock his freezer rarely has fun. But, if his objective
monofilament together; the clinch knot for tying mono-
is to have fun in the outdoors on stream, lake, or bay,
filament or nylon leader to a hook or snap-swivel; the
enjoying the world of nature to the fullest, catching fish
perfection loop; and the line-to-leader knot are easy to
is an extra dividend to a healthful day.
tie and have been developed for present-day synthetic
The third purpose is to teach good sportsmanship
lines. (See the Fishing merit badge pamphlet for how to
and outdoor manners. The use of the American out-
tie these knots.) In learning to tie them, use two strands
doors is increasing at a tremendous rate. Millions upon
of deck lines of different colors, then apply the knowl-
millions flock each year to America’s waterways to fish,
edge to actually tying the fishing line appropriately.
swim, water ski, or go boating. Good sportsmanship
There is a wealth of computer programs that are both
and outdoor manners are essential if all of these water-
educational and fun. Rather than endorsing a product,
ways are to remain open for public use and support
suggest visiting a local video or computer store.
such a variety of recreation.
LIVE AND ARTIFICIAL BAITS. Live bait can be a
Projects for Patrols
couple kinds of worms, grasshoppers, crickets, grubs,
The following projects are designed for use at patrol hellgrammites, crayfish, minnows, clams, crabs, or other
meetings and for demonstration by patrols at troop animals. Artificial baits include dry or wet flies, stream-
meetings. ers, bucktails, and nymphs aimed more at attracting
fishermen than fish. Each has its use and place. In this
37
project, make up an exhibit of different kinds of live and TROOP DEMONSTRATIONS. For each demonstration,
artificial baits with notes on how to use them and the try to have enough tackle on hand for each Scout to
fish they are intended for. Get the help of a fishing tackle have a chance to practice. You will also need enough
dealer, local bass club, or an accomplished fisherman. tackle for contests and games.
During each demonstration, have the expert explain
FISHING REGULATIONS. While the trend is toward
the tackle and how it works, show how to rig it up, and
fewer regulations—open seasons, size limits, creel
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the type
limits, time of day—there are still regulations everyone
of casting being shown. Have the expert emphasize the
must know. Write to your state conservation depart-
importance of safety when casting overhand from a
ment or ask a fishing tackle dealer, license issuing
boat or pier.
agent, or game protector for a folder about regulations.
Learn the regulations and then explain them to GAMES AND CONTESTS. This fishing program feature
the troop. lends itself to numerous games and contests. Here are
some ideas:
HOW FISH LIVE. Get help from a fishing expert or
conservation agent, or refer to the Fishing merit badge 1. Cast at a bike tire, trash can top, hoop, or other
pamphlet. Make a chart of a local lake, river, stream, or target.
bay showing where fish are likely to be found in spring Bull’s-eye counts 10. Subtract 1 point for each foot the
or summer; morning, afternoon, or evening; and on hot lure lands away from the target. Each patrol member
or cool days. Different fish have different preferences, casts once. The patrol with the highest score wins.
and unless you fish in the right place at the right time,
2. Mount specimens of live and artificial baits,
you will quickly learn why 10 percent of the fishermen
and number each one.
catch 90 percent of the fish.
The purpose is to identify the baits and name the fish
CARE OF TACKLE. Refer to the Fishing merit badge for which they are intended.
pamphlet and get help from your tackle dealer in order
3. Mount pictures of fish found locally.
to demonstrate oiling and cleaning a reel, sharpening
The purpose of the game is to identify each fish, tell
hooks, rejuvenating feather lures with steam, repairing
which bait to use, and where you could expect to find
or replacing windings on a rod, varnishing a rod, tight-
the fish.
ening ferrules, replacing guides, checking line for weak
spots, and replacing hooks on lures. 4. Provide each patrol with a spool of thread.
The first patrol to make 10 feet of 4-strand twisted line
SURVIVAL SKILLS IN FISHING. Use milkweed fibers,
wins the game.
the inner bark of elm, hickory, and basswood, or other
natural fibers (or even an unraveled handkerchief, 5. Provide each patrol with four hooks, four
neckerchief, or shirttail) to twist 10 feet or more of line. pieces of monofilament line, and four pieces of
Make a gorge hook, safety-pin hook, or thorn hook and bait-casting line.
tie it to the line. The first patrol to connect four sets of line to leader to
hook with correct knots wins the game.
38
FISHING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Invite an expert fisherman to demonstrate fly-casting methods.

Let Scouts practice.
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony • Assemble the troop.

• Have a Scout tell in his own words what trustworthy means.
______ minutes
• Present colors.
• Recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic fishing techniques.

• Experienced Scouts become familiar with various kinds of
______ minutes
poles, rods, and reels for fishing.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan a 50-mile
canoe trip that could begin or end where the troop plans its
outing this month.
everyone knows what to bring and their assignments for the
______ minutes campout. The new Scouts need to know what support they
will provide for the campout. Any Scouts who have not been
camping will need extra help. All other patrols plan activities
to work on advancement. Patrol leaders review the interpa-
trol activities that will take place and what skills need to be
worked on.
Interpatrol Activity Play The Tangle Knot. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes
Closing • Assemble the troop. SM

• Recite the Scout benediction.
______ minutes
for the Fishing Frolic. Begin work on next month’s program
feature.
39
FISHING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening Invite an expert fisherman to demonstrate fly tying. Let

Scouts practice.
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice tent pitching and making a ground
bed (Boy Scout Handbook and Fieldbook). Do Tent Pitching
______ minutes Contest. (See the Games section of the Troop Program
Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts become familiar with types of lures and
baits you will be using on the outing. Also learn how to
clean fish.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or assist as
instructors for younger Scouts, or continue work on canoe
trip planning.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for the outing. First-time campers con-
tinue working on basic camping techniques. All other patrols
______ minutes continue planning activities for advancement during the out-
ing. Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Play Sloppy Camp. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
feature.
40
fishing
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening Invite a fisherman to demonstrate the electronic equipment

used on a bass boat.
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on clothing and equipment needed for
a troop campout and become familiar with troop camping
______ minutes gear. If possible, set up a dining fly and pitch a troop tent
outside your meeting area. Also learn what to do if you get
lost (Boy Scout Handbook).
• Experienced Scouts make arrangements for boats and bait.
planning for the outing.
practice for the patrol activities, schedule it now. Older Scouts
might plan to take pictures at the campout to add to your
troop’s scrapbook, or plan to shoot slides to show at your next
family gathering.
Interpatrol Activity Do one or more of the games in the Games section of the
Troop Program Resources.*
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
41
FISHING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts learn the basic fishing knots used in tying lures.
• Experienced Scouts get maps of waters you will be fishing
______ minutes
on. Determine the best locations for the type of fish you are
going out for. Check to make sure no one needs a fishing
license. Check on proper safety equipment for the boats.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or show a lake
topographical map. Relate similarities and differences in the
lake map and above-water maps. Explain how maps can be
useful in locating fish.
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the outing. Make sure
everyone knows the travel plans and equipment needs. Review
take place.
Interpatrol Activity Do Remote Clove-Hitch Tying. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
42
FISHING
Date ______________________
en route.
Arrive at the campsite, off-load equipment. Set up patrol sites. Stow gear and SPL/PL
set up camp.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Leave for fishing area. SPL
Noon Sack lunch
1:30 p.m. Continue fishing.
5:30 p.m. Start dinner preparation—clean fish. Cooks
8:30 p.m. Campfire
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
43
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games—Play four games from the Games section of Troop Program
Resources* or go fishing.
Special equip- Topographic maps, fishing equipment, troop camping equipment

ment needed
44
Forestry
Diameter Tape and Cruising Stick 4. To measure the tree, stand 66 feet from tree (keeping the stick p erpendicular)
it; hold one arm out horizontally and and note the place on the stick where
Foresters use cruising sticks to
the stick perpendicular to the ground the line of sight crosses it. The near-
measure a tree’s diameter and height.
at arm’s reach, about 25 inches from est figure is the number of 16-foot
These facts are essential to figure the
your eyes, as shown. Slide the stick up lengths in the tree. If the figure is
amount of wood in a tree. To measure or down until the top of the stick lines two, as in the illustration, then there
a tree’s diameter: up with the treetop. Without moving are two 16-foot lengths. The tree is
1. Cut a strip of flexible paper about 1⁄2 your head, sight to the bottom of the 32 feet high, or two times 16 feet.
inch wide and 45 inches long.
2. Begin at one end of the paper strip
and make ink marks 3.14 inches
apart. Number these marks consecu-
tively starting with "1" on the left end
of the tape (3.14 inches on your tape
is equal to 1 inch of tree diameter).
3. To measure the tree’s diameter,
wrap tape around the tree at chest
height, 4 1⁄2 feet above the ground. The
diameter of the tree in inches will be
at the mark nearest where the tape
overlaps the zero end.
To measure a tree’s height:
1. Glue a strip of hard paper or card-
board on one side of a yardstick.
2. Begin at one end and make marks
6.15 inches apart with black ink.
3. Label the first mark "1," second mark
"2," and so on.
A prominent government official once said that we • A strengthened resolve to do their “duty to country”
couldn’t afford to gain the vastness of space and lose through good conservation practices
the earth in the process. The implications of this state- • Increased self-confidence
ment point to the ever-increasing importance of pre-
serving the earth’s natural resources in the space age. Advancement Opportunities
Satellites, jet planes, and nuclear energy all assume
a greater importance each day. But the human energy By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of their
that produces and operates these machines is still basic nature and camping requirements through First
dependent upon the soil of the earth for food. The Class rank. Depending on troop meeting and campout
machines themselves can be produced only with the activities, they may also complete all or part of the fol-
help of vast supplies of clean water—water that comes lowing rank requirements:
in part from well-managed forest watersheds. Tenderfoot
Every Scout should know the importance of all
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature
natural resources and of the interdependence of forest,
range, soil, water, and wildlife. • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
Scouting Outcomes
• An appreciation for the wonders of nature and pos- • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature
sibly a growing feeling of closeness to God • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
• A greater understanding of how pollution affects the • Patrol/troop participation
natural world and how Scouts can help to stop it • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
45
First Class • Decide on the campsite for the troop campout.
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking If permissions will be needed, assign someone to
secure them.
• Patrol/troop participation ideas in these pages. If special gear or tools will be
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law needed, assign someone to obtain them; seek help
Nature, Camping, and Forestry merit badges this • Review the Leave No Trace principles found in the
month; they should be able to complete many of the Boy Scout Handbook.
requirements. Depending on activities during the • Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign
campout, they may also complete requirements in patrol demonstrations, covering skills that will be
Cooking, Hiking, Pioneering, Mammal Study, Geology, needed for the campout activities.
Fish and Wildlife Management, Insect Study, and
Wilderness Survival. Feature Event
Parent/guardian Participation Leave No Trace Outing

On this outing, renew your commitment to low-impact
camping. Use methods that will not have a lasting
impact on the environment. Make sure all Scouts,
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction in regardless of age, rank, or outdoor experience, know
environmental skills and practice these methods.
Activities for Campout and Back Home
• Asking parents to provide transportation to the campout LUMBER VALUE. Choose an area of forest land and
count the number of trees. Find out from a local
Patrol Leaders’ Council resource agency or forest industry representative how
The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early to make a rough estimate of the number of board feet
part of the previous month to plan troop activities for yielded per tree, and the number that could be obtained
this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on from 100 acres (or 100 hectares). Check with a lumber-
the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead- yard to determine the retail price of lumber per 1,000
ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting. board feet. Contact a timber company and ask the cost
46
of converting trees to 1,000 board feet of lumber and Calculate approximately what the forest is worth as a
transporting it to the lumberyard. Subtract this amount watershed. Attempt to calculate what the forest is worth
from the retail price quoted by the lumberyard. What as a watershed to living things other than people.
might this 100 acres (or 100 hectares) of forest be worth
WILDLIFE VALUE. Find out what types of wildlife
in dollars for lumber? Note: This figure will not take
inhabit this forestland. How many animals and birds?
into account marketable by-products, such as particle
Are there any deer, turkey, quail, or other species that
board or pressed wood logs.
are hunted by humans?
What might the value of this forestland and its lum-
Determine how much money local hunters spend on
ber be other than as measured in dollars; for example,
licenses, guns, ammunition, equipment, lodging, travel,
as a source of inspiration and solitude?
and guides. Include any forms of nonconsuming uses
WATERSHED VALUE. Discuss the concept of a water- related to wildlife (photography and bird-watching, for
shed and the ways in which a forest affects the amount instance) that generate economic income in this area.
of water available in an area. What is the total wildlife value (as measured in dollars)
From the local water company, find out the dollar of this land?
value of 1,000 gallons of water (or 1,000 cubic meters). Describe the wildlife value of this land other than in
What is the dollar value for the amount of water that dollars; for example, as a gene pool for future generations.
fell on the sample plot?
RECREATIONAL VALUE. Determine what forms of
From the U.S. Weather Service or your local soil
recreation take place in the forest. Find out what camp-
conservation service, find out what percent of rainfall
ing or parking charges are levied per day. How many
they estimate goes into sources (aquifers, streams, etc.)
people use this forest for camping or other recreation,
available for human consumption. How would this
and how much money do they spend in the area? What
compare with the same amount of rainfall on a plot of
is the total recreational value measured in dollars? What
the same size in open prairie, for example?
recreational values in the forest are not easily measured
in dollars?
47
FORAGE VALUE. Determine whether cattle or sheep Specify how you are measuring value. Find another way
could use this land for grazing. How many animals to measure value. Does your answer change?
could it support? How much are the animals worth on Decide whether the various values determined for
today’s market? What are the total forage values, eco- the forest could be applied to other areas of the same
nomic and otherwise? size but of different forest types. Specify what variables
The forest’s intangible values for wildlife, meteorolog- might make a difference in the economic (or the intan-
ical influences, and natural beauty are hard to calculate gible) values of the area, and from whose viewpoint.
but are nonetheless real and worthy of consideration.
ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE. Trees also help “clean” the
If the community wanted to clear this forest in order
atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide for photosyn-
to build homes, provide farm sites, or put in a highway,
thesis. That means less carbon dioxide enters the atmo-
how would the proposal influence the land value? Decide
sphere to contribute to global warming.
which uses make the land more valuable and to whom.
48
FORESTRY
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Play Poison. Have the troop form a circle, but with Scouts of
various patrols alternating. Mark a circle on the ground, 5 to 6
______ minutes feet in diameter. All Scouts join hands and move rapidly around
the circle, while each Scout tries to force the opponent next to
him on either side to step into the circle. Any Scout stepping
into the circle is “poisoned” and drops out of game. The game
is continued until only one Scout is left. His patrol wins.

______ minutes
• Present colors.
• Recite the words to the national anthem.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on nature requirements to identify 10

kinds of wildlife and local poisonous plants. Play Nature
______ minutes Kim’s Game. (See the Games section of the Troop Program
Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts plan to do a conservation project.
Get advice from a state or federal conservation service.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program, or take an
inventory of troop camping gear and make repairs.
everyone knows what his assignments are and what to bring.
______ minutes New Scouts need to know what support they will provide for
the outing. Patrols plan activities to work on advancement.
Plan the menu for the campout.
Interpatrol Activity Play Three-Legged Football. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes
Closing • Form the troop into patrols, call patrol leaders forward to SM
lead patrol yells.
______ minutes
Total 90 minutes of meeting • Scoutmaster’s Minute.
• Retire colors.
for the Leave No Trace outing. Begin work on next month’s
program feature.
49
FORESTRY
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts plan a 5-mile hike. This could be a nature hike.
They work on basic hiking safety procedures.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts plan a field trip to a natural area, such
as a park, forest, lake area, etc. Plan to determine the num-
ber of species of trees and plants and look for evidence of
insect or disease damage. If you do this in the winter, iden-
tify trees by bark and twigs.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program, or assist the
troop guide in teaching hiking techniques.
______ minutes All other patrols continue to work on activities for advance-
ment on the outing.
Interpatrol Activity Do Nature Scavenger Hunt. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
feature.
50
FORESTRY
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • Nature Ramble: Patrols are sent out within a specified dis-
tance from the meeting place to look for conservation work
______ minutes that could be used in their rank advancement. Collect items
for the interpatrol activity. If there is a body of water, such
as a creek or pond, take a jar and fill it with water to study
things that would live at the edge of the water, such as cray-
fish, frogs, turtles, etc.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or participate in
Nature Ramble.
Patrol Meetings Finalize menus for the troop campout and make sure everyone
knows what he will need to bring. Review clothing and equip-
______ minutes ment needs and collect any necessary fees. Review plans for
any conservation projects that your patrol has been planning.
Interpatrol Activity Do Nature Memory Hunt. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
51
FORESTRY
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts review troop camping procedures and their
involvement in the troop campout (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts finalize plans for a nature hike or con-
servation project. If it will be held during the troop outing
this month, make sure they do their share of duties with
the troop.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan a 1K
orienteering course for the campout.
everyone knows travel plans and equipment needs. Go over
______ minutes the patrol duty roster. Make sure that you have any special
equipment you will need for the nature projects you will
be doing.
Interpatrol Activity (Select a game from the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes
Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute—Conduct a reflection on the SM

experiences of the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
last-minute details for the Leave No Trace campout. Finalize
52
FORESTRY
Date ______________________
Friday evening Load gear at meeting location, leave for campsite. Plan only a light meal enroute. SPL
Arrive at campsite, off-load equipment and set up patrol sites. Stow gear and SPL/PL
set up camp.
Saturday Cooks and assistants up. Prepare breakfast. (Cooks should be working on Cooks,
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Set up nature trail, start conservation project, or do basic Scouting skills SPL
activities.
Noon Continue conservation/nature activities.
8:00 p.m. Troop campfire
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
53
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games—Use four games from the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*
Special equip- Troop camping equipment, cameras, pens, tools for conservation project
ment needed
54
Health Care
One of the aims of Boy Scouting is physical and mental Scouting Outcomes
fitness. Good health is, of course, a part of fitness. Among
the elements required for good health are proper diet,
your Scouts
plenty of exercise, and taking good care of the body. If the
body is abused by drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, all sorts of • A greater understanding of their duty to country and
problems can develop. This program feature is designed their duty to help other people
to drive home the lessons of good health. • Awareness of drugs and how they affect us
Your Scouts have probably already been exposed in
• An improved ability to say “no” to drugs
school to some education about drugs and alcohol. We
can reinforce those lessons by making sure Scouts are • Increased self-confidence
aware of what drugs, alcohol, and smoking can do to
our bodies. Advancement Opportunities
Use the resources available in your community, as By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of their
well as those from the Boy Scouts of America. All mem- citizenship and physical fitness requirements through
bers of the troop should have a copy of a BSA pamphlet First Class. Depending on the activities, they may also
titled “Drugs: A Deadly Game.” You can get this pam- complete all or part of the following rank requirements:
phlet from your local council.
Tenderfoot
• Physical fitness—health, conditioning
55
Second Class Parent/guardian Participation
• Outdoor—camping, cooking, hiking The patrol leaders’ council may involve parents in the
• Patrol/troop participation • Asking qualified people to help with instruction on
health planning and drug awareness
• Inviting families on the campout
• Physical fitness—health, drug awareness
• Asking them to provide transportation to the outing
First Class
• Outdoor—Camping, hiking, cooking, nature Patrol Leaders’ Council
• Citizenship—Flag ceremonies The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
• Patrol/troop participation part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
• Physical fitness—health, drug awareness ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
Merit Badges. Experienced Scouts can concentrate • Consider inviting a drug and alcohol expert to make
on the Personal Fitness and Sports merit badges this a presentation at a troop meeting this month.
month; they should be able to complete many of the • Consider inviting a community leader to a troop
requirements. Depending on activities during the meeting to discuss his or her work and moderate a
campout, they may also cover the requirements for discussion of the rights and duties of a citizen.
the Cooking, Hiking, Camping, and Citizenship in the
• Plan for the month’s highlight, a health-care and
Community merit badges.
drug awareness display. Make assignments to get
resources from the BSA and community agencies.
56
• Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign public health departments, and drug and alcohol abuse
patrol demonstrations for the month, covering skills services. (Look in the yellow pages of the phone book
that will be needed for advancement through First under “Drug Abuse and Addiction—Information
Class. For example, assignments might be and Treatment.”)
P
atrol A—Opening and closing flag ceremonies for In addition to the drug awareness emphasis, your
week 1 Scouts might demonstrate simple fitness exercises, espe-
cially those that can be done while a person is doing
Patrol B—Opening and closing flag ceremonies for something else—waiting for a bus, brushing teeth, read-
week 2 ing the newspaper.
P
atrol C—Opening and closing flag ceremonies for
Here are other ideas for the display:
week 3
• Set up a VCR and monitor and show the BSA’s
• Make a list of possible patrol Good Turns for
video called Drugs: A Deadly Game. Your local
the c ommunity.
council service center should have a copy the troop
Feature Event can borrow.
• Hand out copies of the “Drugs: A Deadly Game”
Health-Care and Drug Awareness Display
pamphlet or literature from local agencies.
For the troop’s outing (or in place of a troop meeting),
• Have a display of foods—both nutritious and “junk.”
plan a display or booth in a shopping center or mall or
Display a poster with calorie counts of various foods.
some other place with a lot of pedestrian traffic.
Display another poster showing recommended diet
You can get handouts about drug and alcohol abuse
based on what experts recommend.
from the BSA and from local law enforcement agencies,
57
HEALTH CARE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have a local agency set up a display of various drug parapher-

nalia and types of drugs. Or have Scouts take the sobriety test
______ minutes given to suspected drunk drivers.
Opening Ceremony • Form troop in single rank, with Scouts at attention. Turn out
all lights except for a single spot (or flashlight) aimed at the
______ minutes U.S. flag. A Scout from the color guard patrol recites (does
not sing) the first verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The
troop then sings the verse, and the lights are turned on.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts are tested for push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, stand-
ing long jump, and 500-yard run/walk. Record their results.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts work on requirements for the Personal
Fitness merit badge or begin planning health-care and drug
awareness display.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or begin plan-
ning a drug awareness rally.
Patrol Meetings
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Play Everybody Up. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes
Closing Plan who will do what activities on the outing this month. SM
Each patrol and Scout should have a role in the display. Every
______ minutes Scout should have an assignment to gather information or
make contacts.
Scout Benediction Ceremony: Have the troop form a circle.
Scoutmaster: “May the Great Master (all make gesture toward
heavens) of all Scouts (inclusive gesture from right to left at
height of shoulder) be with you till we meet again (right hands
being brought to heart and heads bowed).
the health-care display. Begin work on next month’s program
feature.
59
HEALTH CARE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on first aid for burns and scalds, puncture
wounds, and bite of rabid animal or venomous snake.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts continue planning for health-care and
drug awareness display, or work on Personal Fitness merit
badge.
planning for drug awareness rally.
Patrol Meetings Review Scouts’ assignments for health-care and drug aware-
ness display. Check to see if anyone needs outdoor activities to
______ minutes pass advancement requirements in Hiking, Cooking, Camping,
or Nature.
Interpatrol Activity Play The Struggle. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes
Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute.

• Retire colors. SM
______ minutes
for the drug awareness display. The troop committee conducts
a board of review. Continue work on next month’s program
feature.
60
HEALTH CARE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on first aid for signs of a heart attack, and
learn the Heimlich maneuver.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts finish plans for health-care and drug
awareness display; plan to practice demonstrations next
week. Or, continue work on Personal Fitness merit badge.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or finalize plans
for drug awareness rally.
Patrol Meetings Finalize all plans for the drug awareness display. Scouts
should bring materials to the next meeting to rehearse setting
______ minutes up the booth and what will be said and done in the display.
Interpatrol Activity Do Indian Hand Wrestling and play Slapjack. (See the Games
section of the Troop Program Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
the display. Continue work on next month’s program feature.
61
HEALTH CARE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction Practice setting up the booth for the display. All Scouts prac-
tice their part in the event. Or, have a local drug and alcohol
______ minutes expert conduct a drug awareness program for Scouts.
Patrol Meetings Review last-minute details for the booth display and any
upcoming patrol activities.
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Play What’s Cooking? (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
last-minute details for the display. Finalize work on next
62
HEALTH CARE
Date ______________________
Saturday Arrive at location, set up booth. SPL

8:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m. Begin demonstrations (if location is open).
4:30 p.m. Leave for home.
Special equip- Booth display items and handouts

ment needed
63
High Adventure
High adventure can mean a lot of different things to Advancement Opportunities

Scouts. It might mean backpacking on rugged mountain
By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of their
trails, canoeing in the Boundary Waters of the United
basic camping requirements through First Class rank.
States and Canada, sailing a large vessel off the coast
of Florida, visiting a major city and seeing the sights,
or trekking to a remote outpost at your council
summer camp. Tenderfoot
Planning a high-adventure activity takes time to • Outdoor—camping, cooking
make sure all the logistical points are covered. This pro-
gram feature is designed to give you a sampling of high- • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
adventure activities, but your troop will need to spend • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
several months planning a specific high adventure. • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
Get more information on BSA national high-adven-
ture activities in Passport to High Adventure, No. 4310, Second Class
available from your local council service center. • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature
Scouting Outcomes
• Patrol/troop participation
your Scouts • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
• The knowledge and skill to be comfortable First Class

while camping • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature
• A sense of communion with nature and God • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
• Greater respect for the outdoors and a determination • Patrol/troop participation
to follow the Outdoor Code
65
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the • Decide on the campsite for the campout. If permis-
Cooking and Camping merit badges this month; sions will be needed, assign someone to secure them.
they should be able to complete many of the require- • Plan the special activities for the campout. See the
ments. Depending on activities during the campout, ideas on these pages. If special gear or tools will be
they may also complete requirements in Hiking, needed, assign someone to obtain them; seek help
Wilderness Survival, Pioneering, and other nature- from the troop committee, if necessary.
related merit badges.
• Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if this has
Parent/guardian Participation not been done recently.
needed for campout activities. For example, assign-
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction in ments might be
camping skills
P
atrol A—Show how to find five major
• Inviting them to attend the outing constellations.
• Asking them to provide transportation to the Patrol B—Demonstrate trail signs.
starting point for the backpacking trek into camp,
Patrol C—Show how to set up a nature trail.
if necessary
Feature Event
The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early High-Adventure Campout
part of the previous month to plan troop activities for The primary purpose of this campout is to have a posi-
this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on tive camping experience for the Scouts. Make sure the
the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead- new Scouts have a model campsite to observe.
66
Camp in an unfamiliar spot this month. Using the Rules:
same campsite for all of your outings is not challenging.
A new campsite will challenge everyone to use Scouting
skills and keep them sharpened. 1. P l ay b e g i n s w h e n a n yo n e t h rows t h e
There are several new games listed below that you f ly i n g d i s c h i g h i n to t h e a i r .
may want to try while you are on your campout. They
are fun and promote teamwork. 2. A f t e r catc h i n g o r p i c k i n g u p t h e d i s c ,
a p l ay e r m ay ru n towa r d t h e o p p o n e n t ’ s
Blindfold Soccer g oa l . If h e i s tagg e d a b ov e t h e wa i s t w i t h
Equipment: Blindfolds for half the Scouts, two soccer balls. t wo h a n d s , t h e tagg e d p l ay e r m u s t d ro p
Object: Each team tries to kick the ball past the oppo- o r t h row t h e d i s c w i t h i n 3 seconds.
nent’s end zone as many times as possible. Each suc-

3. A t h row at t h e g oa l ca n b e m a d e
cessful kick earns a point for that team.
f ro m a n y w h e r e o n t h e f i e l d e xc e p t w i t h i n
Procedure: Divide the Scouts into two teams or use t h e p e n a lt y a r e a . The o n ly p e r s o n
patrols. Each team then divides into pairs. One member a l l ow e d i n t h i s a r e a i s t h e g oa l i e .
of each pair is blindfolded. The game starts when the The g oa l i e m ay l e av e o r e n t e r
referee throws or kicks two soccer balls into the middle t h e p e n a lt y a r e a at a n y t i m e .
of a soccer field or the playing area.

4. I f t wo o r m o r e p l ay e r s g r a b t h e
Rules: f ly i n g d i s c s i m u lta n e o u s ly , a “jump” ba l l
i s ca l l e d . A l e a d e r s to p s t h e p l ay a n d
t h rows t h e d i s c i n to t h e a i r at t h e
1 . O n ly the blindfolded Scout m ay k i c k p o i n t p l ay wa s s to p p e d .
t h e ba l l ; the sighted Scout ca n o n ly o f f e r
v e r ba l d i r e c t i o n s to h i s pa rt n e r . 5. T h e o n ly p e n a lt y i s f o r
e xc e s s i v e ro u g h n e s s .F i r s t i n f r ac t i o n
2 . T e a m m e m b e r s m ay n ot p u r p o s e ly to u c h r e s u lts i n a 2- m i n u t e p e n a lt y : o n e
o n e a n ot h e r . Normal ga m e c o n tac t i s OK p l ay e r i s r e m ov e d f ro m t h e f i e l d . T h e
a s l o n g a s t h e to u c h i n g i s n ot u s e d to s e c o n d i n f r ac t i o n m e a n s r e m ova l
d i r e c t a b l i n d f o l d e d pa rt i c i pa n t . f ro m t h e ga m e . B o dy c o n tac t i s i n e v i ta b l e ,
b u t p u r p o s e f u l ro u g h n e s s i s u n n e c e s s a ry .
3 . T h e r e a r e n o g oa l i e s .
4 . I f a ba l l i s k i c k e d o u t o f b o u n d s ,
t h e r e f e r e e w i l l t h row t h e ba l l i n to t h e
m i dd l e o f t h e f i e l d . P l ay then resumes.
Aerobic Tag
5 . A n y n e e d e d a dd i t i o n a l ru l e s a r e
This is an active game that requires constant movement
u p to t h e r e f e r e e .
and little explanation. It’s good for any size group.
Equipment: Flying disc, plastic hoop, beanbag, or simi-

Soccer Frisbee lar object; watch with a second hand.
Equipment: A flying disc and a field marked for soccer Object: For a team (any size) to maintain possession of
with a semicircular penalty area surrounding the goal. the object of play (flying disc, plastic hoop, beanbag,
etc.) for 30, 45, or 60 seconds (depending on the size of
Object: To send the flying disc across the opponent’s
the playing area and the age and ability of the group).
goal line (sliding on the ground or sailing through the
air) as many times as possible. Each goal scores a point Procedure: The object of play is thrown randomly into
for the team. the air and onto the field by the timekeeper. A player
grabs it and, by using speed, guile, and teammates,
Procedure: Divide the troop into two teams or use
attempts to keep the object from the opposing team.
patrols. Position a team on each half of a soccer field.
If the person who has possession is tagged with two
Have each team choose a goalie, who stands in the
hands by an opponent, he must stop running and get
penalty area.
67
rid of the object immediately. If a team member catches Rules:
or picks up the object, time continues for that team.
If an opposing team member takes possession, the
timekeeper yells “change” and begins timing once
1 . P a r t i c i pa n t s must swing with
again from zero.
a h a n g i n g ro p e ov e r a “trip w i r e ” at t h e
Considerations: Make up penalties, if necessary, for beginning and end of an open area
infractions such as unnecessary roughness or holding w i t h o u t to u c h i n g e i t h e r w i r e . If a trip
onto the object too long after having been tagged. w i r e i s to u c h e d , t h e e n t i r e g ro u p
Limit the playing area or the game may end up in m u s t g o b a c k a n d s ta r t a g a i n .
the next town.
This is a fine game for cold weather since it doesn’t 2 . N o k n o t s m ay b e t i e d i n t h e
take long for the players to warm up if the action is s w i n g r o p e , a lt h o u g h a l o o p o r a l a r g e
spirited. Some kinds of flying discs become brittle and k n o t m ay b e t i e d i n t h e b o t t o m o f
crack or shatter if the temperature falls much below 30 the rope if less adept campers need
degrees. If the temperature is low, have several discs or help. This k n o t m ay b e h e l d
an alternative object on hand. t i g h t ly b e t w e e n t h e l e g s t o h e l p

s u p p o rt t h e ca m p e r .
The Amazon
Equipment: Rope, 1⁄2 inch in diameter; pole or tree limb 3 . T h e n i t ro m u s t b e t r a n s p o rt e d
at least 11⁄2 inches in diameter; plank at least 6 inches i n s u c h a way t h at n o wat e r i s s p i l l e d .
wide, 2 inches thick; stick of any diameter; container If a n y s p i l l i n g ta k e s p l a c e ,
with a handle. t h e e n t i r e pat r o l m u s t s ta r t o v e r .

The c o n ta i n e r m u s t b e r e f i l l e d
Object: Using the plank, pole, stick, and length of rope, a f t e r e ac h s p i l l .
the patrol must retrieve the container, which is placed
some distance from the “riverbank.” 4 . T h e s w i n g r o p e m u s t b e o b ta i n e d
i n i t i a l ly w i t h o u t s t e p p i n g i n t o t h e o p e n
Rules:
a r e a b e t w e e n t h e t wo t r i p w i r e s .
5. P a rt i c i pa n ts m ay u s e o n ly t h e m s e lv e s
a n d t h e i r c l ot h i n g to r e ac h t h e s w i n g ro p e .
1 . T h e S c o u ts m ay u s e o n ly t h e
a s s i g n e d m at e r i a l s a n d t h e i r b o d i e s . 6. P a rt i c i pa n ts m ay n ot to u c h t h e g ro u n d
while swinging between trip wires, and must
2 . I f a Scout s t e p s i n to t h e “river,”
at t e m p t t h e c ro s s i n g aga i n i f t h e y d o s o .
h e m u s t g o bac k a n d t ry aga i n .
3 . T i m e p e n a lt i e s m ay b e g i v e n
w h e n a p l ay e r o r a n y o f t h e e q u i p m e n t
Variation: The nitro scenario can be accomplished
to u c h e s t h e g ro u n d .
indoors by utilizing a gymnasium climbing rope as the
swing rope. Set up the trip wires using empty tennis
ball cans as supports and a section of bamboo as the
top crosspiece. Fill the No. 10 nitro can with confetti to
Scoring: The patrol with the fastest time wins.
avoid a wet gym floor.
Nitro Crossing See the Games section of Troop Program Resources
Object: To transport a patrol and a container, almost for Scout Troops and Varsity Teams, Supply No. 33588,
full of “nitro” (water), across an open area using a for more initiative games.
swing rope.
68
HIGH ADVENTURE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have a display of high-adventure base materials. Include both

BSA national high-adventure bases and the local council’s
______ minutes high-adventure area.
Opening Ceremony Bowline—Scout Law Opening Ceremony (see “Ceremonies”

section of Troop Program Resources).*
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on tying the half hitch, tautline, and
clove hitches, and learn the square knot and bowline. Do
______ minutes the Knot-Tying Relay. (See the Games section of the Troop
• Experienced Scouts work on shear, diagonal, and square
lashings, and make a catapult. Have a contest to see how
far the catapult can throw, or begin planning a high-adven-
ture trip.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or use a topo-
graphic map of the area where the troop will camp this
month to plan an orienteering course.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for the campout this month. Make sure every-
one knows what their assignments are and what to bring for
______ minutes the campout. New Scouts need to know what support they
will provide for the campout. Any Scouts who have not been
camping will need extra help. All other patrols plan advance-
ment activities. Patrol leaders review the interpatrol activities
that will take place and skills needed for them.
Interpatrol Activity Play British Bulldog. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes
Closing • Conduct the Square Knot–Scout Oath Closing Ceremony.

(See the Ceremonies section of the Troop Program SM
• Retire colors.
69
HIGH ADVENTURE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice pitching a tent and making a ground
bed (Boy Scout Handbook and Fieldbook). Do Tent-Pitching
______ minutes Contest. (See the Games section of the Troop Program
Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts continue work on low-impact camping
techniques to be used on the campout. Use a topographic
map of the campout site to choose tentative campsites. Do
Remote Clove-Hitch Tying. (See the Games section of the
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or help with
instruction of younger Scouts. Prepare necessary items for
merit badge work during the campout.
Review assignments for the campout. First-time campers
continue working on basic camping techniques. Other patrols
continue planning activities for advancement during the
Patrol Meetings Play Sloppy Camp. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
feature.
70
HIGH ADVENTURE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts learn about clothing and equipment for a camp-
out and become familiar with the troop’s gear. If possible,
______ minutes set up a dining fly and pitch a tent outside. Also, Scouts
learn what to do if they get lost (Boy Scout Handbook).
• Experienced Scouts practice identifying edible wild plants
and edible fruits of trees. Design a lean-to that can be made
of simple materials and could be used as a shelter, or con-
tinue planning a high-adventure trip.
planning an orienteering course for the campout.
Patrol Meetings Finalize menus for the campout and make sure everyone
______ minutes and collect any necessary fees. If you need to have a shake-
down campout with your patrol or an outdoor practice for
the patrol activities, schedule it now. Older Scouts can plan
to take pictures at the campout to add to your troop’s scrap-
book or plan to shoot slides to show at the troop’s next
family gathering.
Interpatrol Activity Play Blindfold Compass Walk. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
feature.
71
HIGH ADVENTURE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic map and compass skills.
• Experienced Scouts work on map and compass skills
______ minutes
and plan an orienteering course for the campout. Practice
estimating distances by pace.
and compass instruction.
take place on the campout.
Interpatrol Activity Play Silver Dollar Hunt. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
last-minute details for the outing. Finalize next month’s
program feature.
72
HIGH ADVENTURE
Date ______________________
Friday evening Load gear at the meeting location; leave for camping area. Plan only a light SPL
meal en route.
set up camp.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast

8:30–11:30 a.m. Play Aerobic Tag, The Amazon, Nitro Crossing. SPL
Noon Lunch
1:30 p.m. Play Blindfold Soccer, Soccer Frisbee
8:00 p.m. Campfire SPL
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
73
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games. Scouts run an orienteering course planned for this campout.
Younger Scouts play four games from the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*
Special equip- Topographic maps, clipboards, compasses, troop camping equipment,

ment needed game equipment
74
Hiking
“SCOUTING is three-QUARTERS -OUTING.” Anyone • Improved physical fitness

who has been around the BSA very long has heard that • Growth in skill and confidence in their ability to take
saying. Hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities care of themselves on the trail
are the heart of Scouting’s attraction for boys. Spending
plenty of time outdoors will help every troop succeed. • A sense of communion with nature and God
The hiking program feature concentrates on hiking • Greater appreciation for the outdoors and a strong
skills. It also offers Scouts opportunities to learn other determination to follow the Outdoor Code
outdoor lore. As they prepare for hikes and set out on the • Increased understanding of and commitment to Leave
trail, younger Scouts can work on a variety of require- No Trace methods for hiking (For the Principles of
ments for the ranks of Tenderfoot through First Class. Leave No Trace, see the Boy Scout Handbook or visit
Older Scouts will be able to tackle some of the require- http://www.scouting.org.)
ments for a number of outdoor-related merit badges.
The troop’s big event for the month will be a trail Advancement Opportunities
trek—a hike of at least five miles in territory unfamiliar
to the Scouts. As the patrol leaders’ council is plan- By the end of the month, the Scouts should have had
ning a hike, they might want to figure out some special opportunities to meet the majority of their basic hiking
activities to do along the way—nature study, map and requirements through First Class rank. Depending on
compass use, or some other skill Scouts will enjoy. The the activities that occur during the hike, they might also
destination of a hike can suggest activities, too—fishing complete all or part of the following rank requirements:
in a lake or stream, cooking a meal over a camp stove Tenderfoot
or open fire, reaching the top of a high hill, or pitching
• Outdoor—hiking, cooking
in to help with a conservation project.
Scouting Outcomes • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
The hiking program feature should give your Scouts • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
75
Second Class Parent/Guardian Participation
• Outdoor—cooking, map and compass, hiking, identi- The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents and
fying wild animals guardians in the hiking program feature by
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies • Inviting them on the troop trail trek
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership • Asking qualified parents and guardians to help
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law with instruction in hiking skills and Leave No Trace
techniques
First Class
• Arranging with parents and guardians to provide
• Outdoor—finding directions, orienteering, identifying transportation to and from the starting point
native plants of the hike
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law The patrol leaders’ council should have met during the
early part of the previous month to plan troop activities
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on com for this program feature. If they didn’t complete all of
pleting most of the requirements for the Hiking merit the items on the following agenda, they can continue
badge and can help younger Scouts prepare for the troop planning at brief patrol leaders’ council meetings after
hike. Boys with backcountry experience might also wish each troop meeting.
to fulfill various requirements for Camping, Cooking,
• Decide on the route and destination of the
Orienteering, Backpacking, Pioneering, Wilderness
troop hike.
Survival, and other nature-related merit badges.
• Review the skills Scouts must have for a
successful hike.
76
• Discuss Leave No Trace principles that apply backcountry, a five-mile hike over fairly easy terrain
to hiking. is long enough. If the Scouts are older and more
seasoned, a 10-to-20-mile hike over fairly rugged terrain
• Choose a highlight activity for the hike—orienteering,
could be about right. In all cases, Scouts should pack
cooking a trail meal, etc.
everything in—and out—including patrol equipment,
• Make a list of equipment needed for the hike and food, and personal gear.
determine how it will be acquired. Ideally the route and destination should be unfa-
• Consider inviting a Hiking, Backpacking, or miliar to the Scouts so that they can use a map and
Orienteering merit badge counselor to help with skills compass to find their way. If feasible, each patrol might
instruction at troop meetings. start from a different spot so that Scouts will not simply
• If permits or other forms of permission will be follow the patrol ahead.
required to hike on public or private land, they Here are three highlight activities that can be
should be arranged by the Scoutmaster, a member of featured at the destination of a hike:
the troop committee, or another adult leader. Orienteering
During a hike, Scouts can practice taking compass bear-
Big Event ings, identifying landmarks on their maps, and setting
The Trail Trek courses from one point to another. Refer to the Boy
Scout Handbook for information on using maps and
A troop trail trek can have a triple-barreled objective:
compasses.
to provide fun and adventure for Scouts, to help them
The Orienteering merit badge pamphlet explains
meet hiking requirements for Tenderfoot through
ways to set up orienteering courses and to conduct
First Class ranks, and to offer other opportunities for
cross-country and relay orienteering challenges. An
advancement with activities along the route and at
Orienteering merit badge counselor or members of
the destination.
a Venture patrol can set up a course ahead of time
Match the trek to the level of your Scout’s experi-
and have it ready when Scouts reach the destination of
ence. If most of the Scouts are young and new to the
77
their hike. Another useful exercise would be to use Conservation Project
triangulation at the end of a hike to determine the A conservation project can be a highlight of the troop
distance traveled. trail trek. Because Scouts will spend more of their day
hiking than working, a project should be small in scope,
Nature Lore
well planned, and coordinated with knowledgeable land
A nature study highlight might encourage Scouts to
managers. A key to successful conservation projects is
work on several rank requirements and on certain
thorough planning and guidance by experts.
requirements for the following merit badges: Bird Study,
(For project ideas and guidelines for carrying
Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Management,
them out, see chapter 19, “Community Service,” and
Geology, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Nature, Reptile
“Conservation Projects” in chapter 9, “The Outdoor
and Amphibian Study, and Weather. Merit badge coun-
Program,” in the Scoutmaster Handbook. The BSA’s
selors and other experts in these fields could accom-
Conservation Handbook also contains plenty of
pany the troop to provide guidance. Scouts can also
information about ways Scouts can complete
carry field guides to identify plants and animals along
worthwhile projects on public and private lands.)
the way.
78
HIKING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening If it is dark enough, practice following directions by using

the North Star Method (Boy Scout Handbook), or play Indian
______ minutes Wrestling games (Games section of Troop Program Resources*).

______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice reading a compass and learn how to
set a pace (Boy Scout Handbook). Begin work on Leave No
______ minutes Trace hiking principles.
• Experienced Scouts review the selection of gear and foot-
wear for hiking and begin planning the troop hike.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or study a topo-
graphic map of the troop hike destination in order to layout
an orienteering course.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for the hike this month and make sure everyone
knows what his assignments are and what to bring for the
______ minutes outing. Any Scouts who have not been hiking yet will need
some extra help. All other patrols plan activities to work on
advancement. Plan any meals that will be needed for the out-
ing. If it is going to be an overnighter, begin to make plans for
equipment distribution and tent needs.
Interpatrol Activity Play Hot Isotope Transport. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes
Closing • Assemble patrols, repeat the Outdoor Code. SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
for the troop campout or outing. Begin work on next month’s
program feature.
79
HIKING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice figuring the height and width of objects
(Boy Scout Handbook, pages 122–25). Work on Leave No
______ minutes Trace hiking principles.
• Experienced Scouts work on packing up for a troop hike
and study maps of the hike route. Review Leave No Trace
hiking principles.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for the hike. First-time hikers continue
working on troop procedures for hiking. All other patrols con-
______ minutes tinue to work on activities for advancement on the outing.
Interpatrol Activity Play Roman Chariot Race. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
the troop outing. Troop committee conducts a board of review.
Continue work on next month’s program feature.
80
HIKING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice reading topographic maps and review
what to do if lost (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts plan a game for the troop to use during
the hike. Use a topographic map of the hike’s destination
and lay out an area to play the game.
Scouts with map reading skills.
Patrol Meetings Finalize the menu for the outing. Review clothing and equip-
ment and make sure everyone knows what to bring. Go over
______ minutes the route to be hiked and consider potential weather condi-
tions and how to prepare for them.
Interpatrol Activity Do Ball Over Relay. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
for the troop campout or outing. Continue work on next
81
HIKING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice map reading and taking bearings
(Boy Scout Handbook). Review Leave No Trace hiking
______ minutes principles.
• Experienced Scouts bring in packs for a prehike inspection.
and compass activities.
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the hike. Make sure every-
one knows travel plans and equipment needs. Practice any
______ minutes interpatrol activities that will take place.
Interpatrol Activity Do Human Obstacle Race. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
last-minute details for the troop campout or outing. Finalize
82
HIKING
Date ______________________
Saturday Load gear at meeting location. Drive to beginning point of hike. SPL
8:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m. Patrol leaders organize patrols, look over maps, review Leave No Trace PL
hiking principles, and set out together on the hike.
Noon Continue hiking
Afternoon Related activities, orienteering, nature study, etc. SPL
Return hike, patrols staying together and practicing Leave No Trace principles PL
At end of hike Take a few moments to reflect on the day, emphasize the value of the SM
experience, and provide a sense of closure.
Store any troop equipment. QM
83
Hobbies
Here’s a chance for your Scouts to show off their hob- Advancement Opportunities
bies and for those who don’t have a hobby to find one.
The merit badge program offers a wide variety of hobby
basic pioneering and camping requirements through
interests, and the Scouts in your troop could have an
First Class. Depending on the campout activities, they
opportunity to explore some of these programs at a
may also complete all or part of the following rank
hobby show or with an individual hobbyist.
requirements:
Even though the feature this month deals with
hobbies, the patrol leaders’ council will want to plan Tenderfoot
an overnight outing for the troop. Scouts working on • Outdoor—cooking, hiking, camping
Tenderfoot through First Class ranks still need the
opportunity to be outdoors. • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
Scouting Outcomes • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
Second Class
your Scouts
• Improved physical fitness
• Increased self-confidence in their ability to be com-
fortable on the trail and in camp • Patrol/troop participation
• Exposure to new and interesting hobbies • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
85
First Class Parent/guardian Participation
• Outdoor—camping, hiking, cooking, nature The patrol leaders’ council may involve parents in the
• Patrol/troop participation • Inviting them to the hobby show
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law • Asking them to provide transportation to the camp,
if necessary
Collections merit badge this month; they should be • Asking them to demonstrate their hobbies
able to complete many of the requirements. Depending
on activities during the campout, they may also cover
requirements in Orienteering, Backpacking, Pioneering, The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
Wilderness Survival, Hiking, Camping, and other nature part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
or hobby-related merit badges. this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on
86
• Decide on the location for the outing. If permission Feature Event
will be needed, assign someone to secure it.
Hobby Show
• Plan whether it will be a day outing or a campout.
When your Scouts share hobbies with others at a hobby
• Review skills needed for the outing. show, it makes for an interesting event. A little advance
• Plan the special activities for the campout. If special planning by your troop leaders, plus preparation by the
gear will be needed, assign someone to obtain it. Scouts, will guarantee that your show is a real sparkler.
Seek help from the troop committee, if necessary. You could plan a hobby show as the preopening
activity for your Scouting Anniversary Week parents’
• Plan the location for the hobby show.
night and open house during February, or at any regular
The activities for this program feature could be troop meeting. Invite members of the family and troop
unique and an opportunity to expose Scouts to some alumni to attend.
varied learning experiences. Explore your community
for people who have unusual hobbies, and consider Here are some suggestions:
having one or more guest hobbyists visit a troop meet- • Scouts who do not have a hobby or special interest
ing and give a miniworkshop on their specialties. You should be encouraged to select one, if only for the
may find expert hobbyists among merit badge coun- hobby show.
selors. Hobby and craft store and local clubs also are • They will get more enjoyment if they take part.
sources for names of experts. Outdoor hobbies such as Encourage displays on subjects related to the merit
birding, kite flying, photography, and fishing could lead badge program.
to an exciting outdoor activity.
87
• Have each Scout display his hobby on a card table over the crossbar. He runs forward and ties one end of
brought from home. Decorations are to be furnished the rope around the log with a timber hitch. He then
by each Scout. hoists the log off the ground by pulling on the free end
• On each table, place a sign telling what hobby is dis- of the rope. After the log has cleared the ground, he
played. Furnish pegboards and coat-hanger wire for lets it drop, unties the timber hitch, pulls the rope from
those who need to hang up articles. the crossbar, carries one end to the starting line, and
touches off the next Scout in his patrol, who repeats
• Each hobby should be displayed within an area equal the performance until all eight members have run the
to the top of a regular card table and the equivalent course. Any Scout failing to throw the rope over the
space on a wall in back of the table. This gives each crossbar after five attempts disqualifies his patrol.
participant equal “billing.”
Scoring: The first patrol to finish wins.
• Have your patrol leaders’ council decide on the vari-
ous categories of winners. There should be plenty of Fireman, Save That Child
prizes. Select a team of judges. Award simple prizes to
Equipment: One burlap bag per patrol, one 4-foot rope
the winners and a ribbon or certificate to all entrants.
per boy.
• You can arrange for recorded background music
while parents and friends visit the exhibits. Method: The “child” (one Scout of the patrol) sits on
a burlap bag (or cardboard) about 30 feet in front of
Here is a list of subjects often found in hobby shows: the first Scout in each patrol. On signal, the last Scout
in each patrol line ties his rope with a sheet bend to the
Coin collections Model cars
rope of the Scout in front of him, who in turn ties it to
Freestyle biking Birding
the next, etc. The front Scout in each patrol ties a
Archery Pioneering models
bowline around himself, “swims” to the child, sits
Gun safety Woodworking
down behind him on the bag, holds onto him, and is
Rock collections Fire making
pulled back by the rest of the patrol. The first patrol to
Paintings Artwork
finish wins.
Woodcarving Computers
Plaster casting Fly tying Bridge Trestle Lashing
Stamp collections Birdhouses and feeders
Equipment: Logs, 2 to 21⁄2 inches in diameter as fol-
Video photography Neckerchief slides
lows: two 8-foot uprights, one 5-foot top crosspiece, one
Indian lore Still photography
51⁄2-foot bottom crosspiece, two 61⁄2-foot diagonals; nine
Camping gear Nature conservation
15-foot lengths of 1⁄4-inch rope, whipped at both ends.
Model trains Model airplanes
First aid Insect collections Method: If you have sufficient materials for each patrol,
Star study Pets all patrols build a trestle simultaneously. If not, time
Fishing Chess or checkers each patrol.
Ceramics Matchbook covers See the illustration in the Pioneering merit badge
pamphlet for the construction.
Outdoor Interpatrol Contests Lashings must be firmly tied. All are square lashings
except for the diagonal lashing in the middle of the two
Log-Raising Relay
diagonal pieces.
Equipment: For each patrol, a crossbar 10 feet high, a
3-foot log about 12 inches in diameter, and a 50-foot Scoring: The first patrol to finish (or the best time)
length of 1⁄2-inch rope. wins. For each incorrect or poor lashing, add 1 minute
to the patrol’s time.
Method: Patrols line up in relay fashion at the starting
line, 25 feet from the crossbar. On signal, the first Scout
in each patrol coils the rope and throws one end of it
88
HOBBIES
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Display various hobbies of troop members and parents.

Include hands-on demonstrations of hobbies.
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony Form the troop by patrols in two lines, facing each other. The
color guard marches with the U.S. flag between lines as Scouts
______ minutes salute. At the head of the lines, the color guard about-faces
and leads the Pledge of Allegiance.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on whipping and fusing ends of rope and
learn shear, square, and diagonal lashings.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts begin planning a hobby show for this
month. The show might be held during the last troop meet-
ing of the month or at another time. Urge all Scouts to show
a hobby; also invite parents and merit badge counselors to
have displays.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or begin plan-
ning a 50-mile survival hike. Plan to take minimal equip-
ment and live off the land as much as possible without
harming the environment.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for the outing this month and make sure every
Scout knows his assignments. If the outing will be an over-
______ minutes nighter, begin planning meals, the patrol duty roster, equip-
ment distribution, and tent needs. Any Scouts who have not
been camping will need extra help. All other patrols work on
plans for activities toward the next rank advancement.
Interpatrol Activity Play Reactor Transporter. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes
Closing • Conduct a silent prayer. SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
89
HOBBIES
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening Invite a hobbyist with a unique hobby to put on a

demonstration.
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts continue lashings practice and play the
Flagpole Raising game. (See the Games section of the
• Experienced Scouts continue planning the hobby show.
planning a 50-mile survival hike.
tinue working on procedures for hiking and camping. All other
______ minutes patrols continue to work on activities for advancement on the
outing. Review plans for the hobby show.
Interpatrol Activity Play Roman Chariot Race. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors
______ minutes
90
HOBBIES
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on first-aid requirements for Tenderfoot

through First Class.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts finish plans for the hobby show and
share them with the rest of the troop.
for a 50-mile survival hike.
Patrol Meetings Finalize menus for this month’s outing and make sure
everyone knows what to bring. Review clothing and
______ minutes equipment needs and collect any necessary fees. Practice
Interpatrol Activity Do Tripod Lashing. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
91
HOBBIES
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony Conduct the feature event, Hobby Show.
______ minutes
Skills Instruction
______ minutes
Patrol Meetings
______ minutes
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
last-minute details for the campout. Finalize work on next
92
HOBBIES
Date ______________________
Friday evening Load gear at meeting location, leave for camping area. Plan only a light SPL
meal en route.
Arrive at campsite, off-load equipment and set up patrol sites. SPL/PL
7:00 a.m. Everyone else up. Take care of personal hygiene, air tents, hang out sleeping
bags. Pack canoes for trip, if planned.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Patrol competitions—Crossing the Alligator Pit; Log-Raising Relay; Fireman, SPL
Save That Child. (See page 88 and the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
Noon Lunch
Free time
1:00 p.m. Continue patrol competitions—Log-Rolling Relay; Remote Clove-Hitch Tying;

Bridge Trestle Lashing. (See page 88 and the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
8:00 p.m. Campfire
93
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Resources.*

ment needed
94
Leadership
One of the lessons that Scouting teaches is leadership. • A greater understanding of their duty to country and
In a troop, leadership is learned the Scout way—by their duty to help other people
doing. A young man gets a taste of leadership in vari- • An awareness of their rights and duties as citizens
ous positions ranging from senior patrol leader to assis-
tant patrol leader. • Increased self-confidence
All of the leadership positions require making deci- • Practice in decision making
sions. This can be difficult, especially for young people.
Making the right decision can be painful, but a decision Advancement Opportunities
must usually be made. Even making no decision is a
decision. Scouting also promotes ethical decision mak-
basic citizenship requirements through First Class rank.
ing in everyday life, especially when a Scout has his
Scoutmaster conference for the next rank advancement;
part of that conference should be a discussion of ethical
decision making. Tenderfoot
This program feature is designed to challenge Scouts • Outdoor—hiking, camping
to solve problems through decision making. Each inter-
patrol activity this month involves making an ethical
decision. • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
Scouting Outcomes
• Physical fitness
your Scouts
95
• Plan the special activities for the campout.
• Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if that has
patrol demonstrations for the month, covering skills
that must be completed for advancement through
First Class rank. For example, assignments might be:
atrol A—Opening and closing flag
P
ceremonies, week 1
atrol B—Opening and closing flag
P
ceremonies, week 2
atrol C—Opening and closing flag
P
ceremonies, week 3
Second Class
• Determine a list of service projects for the troop.
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies Decision Making in Leadership
• Patrol/troop participation Normally this section highlights plans for program fea-
ture specialties and an outing. In this program feature,
we will provide problems for your Scouts to solve.
First Class
STRANDED
Purpose: To give Scouts practice in decision-making
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies and reaching group consensus, and to stimulate discus-
• Patrol/troop participation sion of survival techniques (preferably the techniques
appropriate for your area).
The following sample problem covers survival in the
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the Maine wilderness. (You can devise a more appropriate
Citizenship merit badge this month. Depending on problem for your own area.)
activities during the campout, they may also complete
Equipment: A copy of the problem below for each
requirements in American Cultures, American Heritage,
Scout, pencils.
and other related merit badges.
The situation: On vacation in July, you and your family
Parent/guardian Participation have been traveling through the wilderness of western
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the Maine in a pickup camper. In a blinding rainstorm, you
program feature this month by made a wrong turn onto an unmarked lumber road.
You have wandered more than 150 miles over a maze of
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction in
truck routes into the wilderness. The camper has run out
camping skills
of gas and now you, your parents, a 10-year-old sister, a
• Inviting families on the outing 6-year-old brother, and the family cat are lost.
• Asking them to provide transportation to the After a family conference, you decide it is not wise to
campsite split up. You are going to try to walk back together. You
are pretty sure that if you pace yourselves, you can cover
Patrol Leaders’ Council about 15 miles a day. Because of a fuel shortage, there
are no helicopters or jeeps patrolling the area, and you
have seen no other cars or houses.
The family is dressed in lightweight summer cloth-
ing, and everyone is wearing sneakers. Temperatures at
night dip into the low 40s. It is also bug season. As you
look around, you find the following items in the camper,
• Decide where the troop will camp and make arrange- some of which might be useful.
ments to reserve the campsite.
96
______ Fishing gear The task: You must choose, and put in priority order,
______ $500 in traveler’s checks the 15 most important items for survival in this situation.
The other 15 may be eliminated.
______ .44 Magnum handgun and ammunition
Each Scout is to study the problem and choose the
______ Four Dacron-filled sleeping bags 15 items he thinks would be most useful for survival.
______ 5-gallon jug of water He then ranks them in order of importance from 1
______ Instant breakfast (three boxes) through 15.
Next, the patrols gather and compare rankings. Ask
______ House and RV keys
them to try to reach a consensus for a patrol ranking—
______ Cigarettes that is, make a patrol list that satisfies most members.
______ Coleman camp stove (two-burner) Explain that consensus does not mean unanimous
______ Family tent (10 lbs.) agreement. Rather, it is a way to reach a group deci-
sion through compromise. Suggest that the Scouts try to
______ Snakebite kit
follow these guidelines in making a patrol ranking:
______ Alarm clock
• Avoid arguing for your own rankings. Present your
______ Five cans of kidney-liver cat food
position as clearly and logically as possible, but listen
______ 5-lb. tub of peanut butter to the reactions of other members and consider them
______ Bathing suits carefully before pressing your point.
______ 10-lb. cheese wheel • Do not assume that someone must win and someone
______ Transistor radio must lose when discussion reaches a stalemate. Instead,
look for the most acceptable alternative for everyone.
______ 6-foot tent pole
______ Sheath knife • Do not change your mind simply to avoid conflict
and to reach agreement and harmony. When agree-
______ Wool sweaters for everyone
ment seems to come too quickly and easily, be sus-
______ Raft paddles picious. Explore the reasons and be sure everyone
______ Inflatable rubber raft (two pieces, total of 20 lbs.) accepts the solution for similar or complementary
______ Paperback books reasons. Yield only to positions that are objective and
logically sound.
______ First-aid kit
• Avoid conflict-reducing techniques such as majority
______ Matches
vote, averages, coin flips, and bargaining. When a
______ Steak (3 lbs.) dissenting member finally agrees, don’t feel that he
______ Marshmallows (four bags) must be rewarded by having his own way on some
______ Bug repellent later point.
______ Walkie-talkie radio • Differences of opinion are natural and expected. Seek
______ Road map of Maine them out and try to involve everyone in the decision-
making process. Disagreements can help the patrol’s
decision, because with a wide range of information
and opinions there is a greater chance that the patrol
will hit upon more adequate solutions.
Scoring: After the Scouts have made their individual

decisions and the patrol has made a group decision, the
results can be scored and compared and a troop list-
ing made. Scoring can be done by having each person
keep track of the difference between his ranking of an
item and the troop or patrol ranking. For instance, if an
item is ranked by an individual as number two, and the
patrol or troop ranking is number eight, the difference
is six. Then each individual and each group can total
their scores. The lower the score, the better. The scores
provide a useful basis for discussion.
97
Ask each patrol separately how many individual 11. Hook and line.
scores were lower than the patrol score. If there are any This could be used to provide a supplementary source of
(and often there aren’t), ask the patrol to consider how food. Or the line could be used for tying up supplies, etc.
it arrived at a group decision that was worse than a
member’s decision. 12. Wool sweaters.
All groups should consider the value of the process, This could provide lightweight warmth, wet or dry.
which allows a group to arrive at a better decision than 13. First-aid kit.
the separate individual decisions. Adhesive bandages, aspirin, and petroleum jelly would
be useful for minor injuries.
The Experts’ Rankings
Outdoor experts have rated the items and listed them 14. Instant breakfast.
in order of usefulness for survival in the Maine wilder- This is a lightweight source of vitamins and protein.
ness. Their rankings are:
15. Map.
1. Bug repellent. An auto map could be useful for sighting major land-
In early summer, the bugs in Maine are so fierce as to marks like lakes, rivers, etc.
drive people mad or bite them so badly that their eyes
The following items would not be necessary:
become swollen shut.
• Marshmallows. Not necessary, but a possible
2. Four sleeping bags. morale booster.
Full rest and warmth are essential to survival. This is
• House key. It’s lightweight, but not useful for
listed before food because humans can live 30 days on
survival.
stored fat.
• Traveler’s checks. These won’t be necessary for
3. Tub of peanut butter. getting out of the woods.
Each tablespoon of peanut butter contains 100 calories
and is high in protein. • Clock. For survival, it is not necessary to know
the time.
4. 10-lb. cheese wheel. • Walkie-talkie. This will not work any useful
Cheese provides calcium, fat, and is an easily digestible
distance.
source of protein.
• Snakebite kit. There are no poisonous snakes
5. Steak. in Maine.
This is a good morale booster, semiperishable, and
• Paperback books. These weigh too much
should be eaten promptly as it is mostly protein.
to be useful.
6. Transistor radio (lightweight). • Bathing suits. Not necessary.
Tune in for radio programs about a search for them or
• Rubber raft. Too heavy; also not likely to be useful.
weather forecasts. This is a good morale booster.
• Paddles. These are of no use without a raft.
7. Kidney-liver cat food.
This is a valuable, if somewhat unappetizing, source • Coleman camp stove. Too heavy; wood fires can
of protein and fat. Protein lasts longer than any other be used.
nutrient in providing energy. • Pole. The knife can be used to cut a pole.
8. Matches. • .44 Magnum gun. Inaccurate for hunting; caliber too

Fire might be necessary to dry wet gear, boost morale, large for small game.
make a signal fire, and prevent hypothermia. It could • 5-gallon water jug. The water in the Maine wilder-
also be used to keep animals away. ness is potable.
9. 10-lb. tent. • Cigarettes. These are bad for your health. It’s a
This can be rigged as a place to keep warm and dry or convenient time to quit.
to keep out bugs and to carry equipment in.
10. Sheath knife.

This could be useful for preparing any captured animals,
such as frogs, or cutting string, cheese, a pole, etc.
98
LEADERSHIP
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Play Ball Over. (See the Games section of the Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony • The newest Tenderfoot and the oldest Eagle Scout lead the
troop in reciting the Scout Law.
______ minutes
• Present colors.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on safe hiking procedures, what to do if

lost, and the buddy system.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts plan a 50-mile bike hike. Determine the
route and destination; arrange to secure a campsite. Decide
on equipment needed.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan a simple
compass course for younger Scouts to use on the campout.
one knows what his assignments are and what to bring. New
______ minutes Scouts need to know what support they will provide for the
campout. Any Scouts who have not been camping will need
some extra help. All other patrols plan activities to work on
advancement. Patrol leaders review the interpatrol activities
that will take place and what skills need to be worked on.
Interpatrol Activity Decision Making

Your parent gives you $1 to buy lunch at school. Do you spend
______ minutes it for lunch or for something else? What are the consequences
of both actions?

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
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LEADERSHIP
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts learn woods tools care and maintenance (Boy
Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts continue planning a 50-mile bike hike.
Estimate the time needed to complete the hike.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or finish plan-
ning a compass course for the outing. Begin planning a
nature course for younger Scouts at the campout.

A line has formed to buy movie tickets. Do you get in the back
______ minutes of the line or do you slip in toward the front where a friend is
standing? What are the consequences?

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
100
leadership
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic map and compass techniques
and plan a 5-mile hike for the outing this month.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts finalize plans for the 50-mile bike hike.
Plan to bring bikes and gear to the next meeting.
teaching map and compass to younger Scouts.
Patrol Meetings Finalize menus for the outing this month and make sure
everyone knows what to bring. Review clothing and equip-
______ minutes ment needs and collect any necessary fees. If you need to have
a shakedown campout with your patrol or an outdoor practice
for the patrol activities, schedule it now. Older Scouts can plan
to take pictures at the campout to add to the troop’s scrap-
book, or shoot slides to show at your next family gathering.

A neighborhood game is being formed and you need one more
______ minutes player. A friend who could play is at home raking leaves. Do
you wait for him to finish, or do you help him finish the job so
he can join you sooner?

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting Patrol leaders council reviews the next meeting and plans for
101
leadership
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on identification of trees, plants,

mammals, fish, and reptiles native to your area.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts have a shakedown to check equipment
for the bike hike: inspect bike tires, brakes, etc.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan an
overnight “under the stars” for one night during the
campout. Develop a written troop campfire program for
the outing.
will take place.
Interpatrol Activity Conduct the “Stranded” problem-solving challenge.
______ minutes
Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute—Conduct a reflection on the SM

experiences of the month.
______ minutes
• Retire colors.
102
LEADERSHIP
Date ______________________
Friday evening Load gear at meeting location and leave for camping area. Plan only a light SPL
meal en route.
Arrive at campsite, off-load equipment, and set up patrol sites. Unload canoes, SPL/PL
if a canoe trip is planned.
sleeping bags.
(The bike hike group leaves from another location for a 50-mile ride to
the campsite.)
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Take a 5-mile hike, part of which could be on a nature trail. SPL
Noon Lunch
1:30 p.m. Do compass course designed by older Scouts, or have Nature Scavenger Hunt.
(See the Games section of the Troop Program Resources.*)
4:30 p.m. Start dinner preparation, and also prepare food for bike hikers. Has the
bike hike group arrived?
8:00 p.m. Campfire
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
103
(Bike hikers leave for return trip.)
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games—Younger Scouts play four games from the Games section
of Troop Program Resources.*
Special equip- Topographic maps, clipboards, compasses, troop camping equipment, bikes,
ment needed nature books
104
MECHANICS
Show a young man a piece of machinery, and he is sure Advancement Opportunities

to ask, “How does it work?” This month we will tap the
Depending on the activities, Scouts may complete all or
inborn curiosity about mechanical operations for a pro-
part of the following rank requirements:
gram feature that is both fun and educational.
Virtually every object we use is a product of a Tenderfoot
machine. There is a tremendous variety of machines, but
• Outdoor—cooking, hiking, camping, nature
they all operate on the same principles. Your Scouts will
have a chance to get some insight into those principles. • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
Arrange for the Scouts to meet mechanics who can • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
explain how machines work and how they are main-
tained. If possible, have them work on such machines
as lawn mowers, auto engines, and bicycles. Have them Second Class
also put their mechanical knowledge into action with • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking
some pioneering projects during the campout this month.
Scouting Outcomes • Patrol/troop participation
your Scouts
First Class
• Improved skills in rope work
• Some knowledge of mechanical operation
• A better understanding of engineering
105
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the be needed, assign someone to obtain them; seek help
Camping and Pioneering merit badges this month. from the troop committee, if necessary.
Depending on activities during the campout, they
• Inventory the troop’s camping equipment if you have
may also cover requirements in Cooking, Hiking, and
not done this recently.
Wilderness Survival.
Parent/guardian Participation patrol demonstrations, covering skills that will be
needed for campout activities.
program feature this month by • Practice knots and lashings, if equipment is available.
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction Feature Event

for camping, pioneering, and mechanical skills
Mechanics Outing
• Inviting them to the campout
Mechanics can be done with metal, plastic, wood, or
• Asking them to provide transportation to the campsite other substances. In Scouting, mechanics is sometimes
required for pioneering projects. Mechanics can also be
done with bicycles, lawn mowers, auto engines, and
The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early other items. If the more experienced Scouts can get
part of the previous month to plan troop activities for hold of a lawn mower engine and rebuild it, they could
this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on invent something that might prove useful to the troop,
the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead- either on a campout or at some other function.
ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting. Younger Scouts can work on the mechanics of build-
• Decide on the campsite. Remember that you will ing pioneering projects that are fun and useful. Some
need a supply of poles and small limbs for pioneering examples are listed below.
projects. These materials are cut and readily available The Rocker Bridge
at some Scout camps. If your council’s camp does
This is a simple, single-lock trestle bridge with the
not have them, make sure you can get permission to
footway in constant imbalance so that when weight
obtain suitable materials elsewhere. Do not plan to
is removed it returns automatically to the takeoff side.
cut trees without the owner’s permission.
If necessary, the takeoff end can be weighted with an
• Plan the special activities for the campout. See the extra log.
ideas in the next section. If special gear or tools will
106
For obvious reasons, handrails are essential. The against the leg of the shears. (Adventurous pioneering
problem here is to keep the posts rigid. One idea might is fraught with these incidental problems.)
be to use Scout staves as posts, with overhead cross- It might help to drive restraining pickets into the
bars between them and guy lines from the top corners. ground at either end of the hinge bar, allowing it just
The extension of the treads on each side of the footway a couple inches of clearance. Alternately, you could
would still be necessary, but at the moment we see no replace the double block with two single blocks at
easy way to avoid this. Do you? either end of the transom for a wider spread.
As for all those irritating square lashings along the
The Drawbridge
footway, how would it be to use marlinespike hitches,
This bridge will present few difficulties to any patrol as for a rope ladder? The idea would be to lash the top
that has already successfully tackled a monkey bridge. and bottom treads in position, and then make a ladder,
But as shown in the illustration, it would entail an inor- using the other treads as rungs, and stretch it along the
dinate number of square lashings, all of which must be top of the bearers. The ropes could be shear-lashed at
guaranteed to hold. We must try to devise a method of intervals to the outsides of the bearers. The labor sav-
fitting the cross timbers to the footway that would avoid ings would be enormous.
all that repetitive rope work.
The intention, of course, is that the butt-end of Hot Isotope Transport
the footway should be lashed to a pivot log that will The objective of this game is to pick up the “radioactive
turn freely in the A-frames at the foot of the shears. isotope” container with the transporter, lift it out of the
(Incidentally, saddles of burlap or something similar circle, and place it on the ground outside the circle.
would obviously facilitate the turning process by reduc- The isotope container is a 10-inch log, 6 to 8 inches in
ing the friction of wood on wood.) The draw ropes diameter. The transporter is a 2- to 3-inch-wide rubber
come up from the far end of the footway and pass over band cut from an inner tube and tied to several lengths
the sheaves of a double block before being brought of rope. The circle is marked by a 20-foot piece of rope.
together and hitched to the tackle with a cat’s-paw. The To play, set the radioactive isotope container in the
theory is that this would ensure a straight haul, but center of the rope circle. Have each patrol, in turn, line
if there is any taper on the heavy hinge bar, you may up around the circle. Each Scout grasps a rope. Under
discover that it has a tendency to slide in one direc- the patrol leader’s guidance, the Scouts pull the rope to
tion or another until the butt-end of the footway grinds stretch the rubber band, then bring the expanded band
107
down over the container, relax the band to fit tightly Each patrol is provided with nine poles, two small
around the container, then lift and deposit the container pulleys, binder twine, 25 balloons, a bucket of water,
upright outside of the circle. The patrol that completes and the bottom of a 2-liter plastic bottle. Each patrol
the task in the shortest time wins. receives a diagram of the catapult along with diagrams
A variation on the game is to have several containers of figure-of-eight lashing, Japanese square lashing, and
instead of one. The patrol to transport out the most con- Filipino diagonal lashing.
tainers in a given time wins.
Ballista
This is a great summertime event, as the main objec-
tive is to get the other patrol members as wet as pos-
sible. Each patrol is instructed to build a catapult using
all three lashings and fill water balloons as quickly as
possible. Each patrol is assigned a designated area and
must stay within the boundaries as marked. Patrols
should be separated by at least 25 feet.
Filipino diagonal lashing A
Figure-of-eight
lashing
B
C Japanese square lashing
108
Filipino Diagonal Lashing Step 6—Open the three legs to form an equilateral tri-
Step 1—Start with the middle of the rope, tucking angle at the base, with spars an equal distance from
the running ends through the middle loop after each other.
going around both spars. Use the loop to pull the Step 7—To complete the tripod, square-lash three extra
spars together. spars across the butts a foot or so from the base. For
Step 2—Proceed as for a diagonal lashing, taking greater security, heel the butts into the turf.
the running end around both spars, keeping both
ends together.
Japanese Square Lashing
Step 3—Separate the ends and take frapping turns
between the spars, pulling the rope tightly. Step 1—Start as if for a square lashing, but with about
30 percent more rope. Double the rope and pass the
Step 4—Finish with a square knot. The Filipino lashing bight to the lower spar.
is a good alternative for the diagonal lashing.
Step 2—With the two parts of the rope side by side, and
never overriding, take two complete turns around both
spars, the same as for the traditional square lashing.
1 2
Step 3—Take the two parts of the double rope and
make frapping turns by taking two ropes between the
spars in opposite directions. (One advantage is that it is
easier to pull these turns very tight.) Two or three turns
are sufficient.
Step 4—Finish the lashing by joining the two running
4
3
ends together with a square knot and tucking in the ends.
1 2
Figure-of-Eight Lashing
Step 1—Lay three spars along-
side each other, butt to butt,
tip‑to tip.
Step 2—Tie a clove hitch around
the outside spars, and twist the
end around the rope.
Step 3—Alternate the rope over 3 4
and under. Use six or more 5
loose‑turns.
Step 4—Finish with a
clove‑hitch.
Step 5—Make frapping turns
between each pair of spars.
Balloon Launch Each patrol receives 10 feet of surgical rubber tub-

Another summertime event is the balloon launch, in ing, a 4-by-6 piece of leather, 25 balloons, and a bucket
which the objective is to get the other patrol members of‑water.
wet. Each patrol is given a launch site separated from Two Scouts hold the ends of the tubing, and a third
the others by at least 50 feet and is instructed to stay Scout pulls back the balloon in the leather pouch and
within the boundaries. attempts to aim it at the other patrols.
109
mechanics
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have Scouts demonstrate rope whipping or fusing synthetic

rope and splicing rope.
______ minutes

______ minutes
• Repeat the American’s Creed (Boy Scout Handbook).
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice tying clove hitch, square knot, and
bowline. Do Rescue Race. (See the Games section of the
• Experienced Scouts can see a presentation by a mechanic
or go to an auto repair center or school to see how engines
work and are maintained.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or practice knots
and study ropes needed for rappelling (Fieldbook).
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for the outing this month. Make sure everyone
knows his assignments. If it is to be an overnighter, begin
______ minutes planning meals, the patrol duty roster, equipment distribution,
and tent needs. Any Scouts who have not been camping will
need extra help. All other patrols work on plans for activities
toward rank advancement.
Interpatrol Activity Play Hot Isotope Transport. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
• Sing “Scout Vespers” (Boy Scout Songbook)
110
MECHANICS
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts learn basic lashings—square, diagonal, and

shear. Make a simple camp gadget.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts continue to work with engines, return
to the auto center, or visit a different machine maintenance
area.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or make plans
for a fishing expedition at the troop outing; plan to prepare
the fish for a meal.
tinue working on procedures for hiking and camping. All other
______ minutes patrols continue work on activities for advancement for the
Interpatrol Activity Do Roman Chariot Race. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting Patrol leaders council reviews the next meeting and plans
for the campout. Continue work on next month’s program
feature.
111
MECHANICS
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts review basic hiking skills and what to do if they
get lost. Learn how to pack a backpack.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts continue to work with machines. If pos-
sible, work on a lawn mower motor or other small engine.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or finish plan-
ning a fishing event for the campout.
Patrol Meetings Finalize menus for this month’s campout and make sure
everyone knows what he needs to bring. Review clothing
______ minutes and equipment needs and collect any necessary fees. Practice
Interpatrol Activity Play Reactor Transporter. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
feature.
112
MECHANICS
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts learn the basics of tent pitching. Review
square lashing and practice diagonal lashing (Boy Scout
• Experienced Scouts continue to work on engines.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or assist younger
Scouts with tent pitching.
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the hike-campout. Make
______ minutes Go over the patrol duty roster. Practice interpatrol activities
that will take place.
Interpatrol Activity Do Flagpole Raising. (See the Games section of the

______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
113
MECHANICS
Date ______________________
meal en route.
Arrive at campsite, off-load equipment. Set up patrol sites. SPL/PL
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Work on pioneering project. SPL
Noon Lunch
Free time
1:00 p.m. Work on pioneering projects. SPL
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
114
9:00–11:00 a.m. Fishing

ment needed
115
Nature
Scouts discover quite a lot about nature in the course of Scouting Outcomes
camping and hiking. They learn the properties of vari-
ous trees, how to predict a coming storm, how to iden-
your Scouts
tify common birds, and where to find animal tracks.
This month we will try to enhance their knowledge • An appreciation of the wonders of nature and possi-
of nature with some systematic learning-by-doing, and bly a greater feeling of closeness to God
also show them how to conserve our nation’s natural • An understanding of how pollution affects the natural
resources. world and how Scouts can help to stop it
The Nature program feature reminds most people
• A strengthened resolve to do their “duty to country”
of the wilderness. But the natural world is everywhere,
through good conservation practices
even in the heart of a big city. In almost any city park,
the troop can find trees, plants, birds, and probably • Increased self-confidence
small mammals. So no matter where your troop is
located, you can find nature just outside the meeting Advancement Opportunities
place door. By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of
The big event will be a nature adventure. It might their basic nature requirements through First Class.
be a weekend campout or a one-day outing. Ideally, the Depending on the campout activities, they may also
site will have a varied ecology—woods, meadows, a complete all or part of the following rank requirements:
pond—because the greatest variety of trees, plants, and
wildlife can be found in such a place. Tenderfoot
Activities for the nature adventure might include • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature
building a nature trail, collecting specimens for a troop • Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn
nature museum, performing a conservation project, or
learning how to identify birds, trees, or other natural • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
phenomena. • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
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Second Class Patrol Leaders’ Council
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
First Class • Decide on a site for the nature adventure. If possible,
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking choose a place with a variety of nature environments
so that Scouts will find a wide range of trees, plants,
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership and animals. If the site is near a fish hatchery or
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law game or forest preserve, the troop might plan a visit.
Assign someone to secure permissions, if necessary.
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on
the Nature merit badge this month. Depending on • Decide whether to make the big event a campout or
activities during the campout, they may also com- one-day event. Obviously, more activities are possible
plete requirements in Camping, Cooking, Hiking, on a campout.
Pioneering, Mammal Study, Geology, Fish and Wildlife • Choose activities for the nature adventure. Consider
Management, Insect Study, and Wilderness Survival. the other ideas on these pages.
• Consider inviting a Nature merit badge counselor or
a counselor for another nature-related badge to help
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the with troop meeting instruction and on the nature
program feature this month by adventure.
• Asking qualified people to help with troop meeting • Plan details of troop meetings.
instruction on nature
Feature Event
• Inviting parents to come along on the nature adventure
• Asking parents to provide transportation, if neces- Nature Adventure
sary, for the nature adventure Since the subject of nature is as big as all outdoors,
there is a broad range of possible activities for the big
118
event this month. The patrol leaders’ council should wood is also used for cedar chests. Smell it!” That’s
make its choices based on the interests of the Scouts much better than “Red cedar—Juniperus Virginia,
and their needs for advancement. northeastern United States.”
As one possibility, the patrol leaders’ council might
Here are other good signs:
use requirements for one of the nature-related merit
badges as an outline for the nature adventure. For • W-H-I-T-E pine—five letters to the name, five needles
example, if the focus were on the Nature merit badge, to the cluster.
activities might include bird identification, setting out • Bark like alligator skin? It’s dogwood.
bird feeding stations, plaster casting of animal tracks,
• Leaflets three—let it be. Poison ivy!
identifying reptiles and amphibians, collecting insects,
fishing, and identifying wild plants. It is not necessary to identify every tree, plant, and
Unless one of the troop’s activities will be a conser- rock in the area. Your primary purpose should be to
vation project, allow some free time in the program so identify the most common objects of the natural com-
that patrols can do a conservation Good Turn to help munity and to point to other things in the natural world.
young Scouts pass the requirement for a service project For example, you might have a marker where deer
for Second Class rank. have grazed, where a beaver has been at work, or
Below are other possibilities for the nature adventure. where lichens have found a toehold in rock. Another
might be a fallen, rotting tree that has become a feeding
Nature Trail and nesting ground for insects and reptiles.
A troop nature trail is an excellent learning device— After going over your trail, the Scouts should have
much better than nature books—because the Scouts some understanding of the “web of life” as well as a
can see, smell, and touch an object while they learn. knowledge of common trees and plants. Remember to
Obviously your trail will not be as long, detailed, or remove the trail signs at the end of the activity unless it
as permanent as the one in the council’s Scout camp. is to become a permanent nature trail.
Assuming you will use it for only one weekend, the
markers can be 3-by-5-inch cards taped to the object. Conservation Project
Ask a leader who is an amateur naturalist or a Nature A conservation Good Turn would, of course, be an
merit badge counselor to choose the objects to be excellent highlight for the nature adventure. A few pos-
marked along the trail. Label these on the spot. Here sibilities are listed below. Be sure to get permission
is an example of a good label: “This lead-pencil tree, from the property owner before tackling the job.
red cedar, is the favorite wood for making pencils. The
119
For good advice on these and other conservation raccoons scurrying for a late supper, a coyote howling,
projects, see the Fish and Wildlife Management and Soil or a fox barking. In the summer, insects hum through
and Water Conservation merit badge pamphlets. the brush, sampling the foliage. In the distance, a night-
• Planting food plants for birds and mammals. hunting owl hoots.
Getting close to all this wildlife (except insects!) is
• Building a fence or a “living fence” to exclude live- a problem. Nocturnal critters are shy and not easy to
stock from a wildlife habitat. spot. But it can be done if your Scouts are patient and,
• Building and setting out nesting boxes and brush above all, quiet.
piles for birds and mammals. At night, sit quietly at least 10 yards from a tracking
• Planting hedges or windbreaks to create winter cover pit. Remaining absolutely quiet, shine a flashlight on
for wildlife. the pit at intervals of 5 minutes or so. Curiously, the
light won’t bother the guests.
• Planting a gully, road cut, fill, or eroding area to pro-
It is possible that no animals will appear while
vide wildlife shelter and reduce erosion.
humans are near, even if Scouts are quiet. But in the
• Building, stocking, or fertilizing a farm pond for fish. morning, you are almost certain to see tracks in the
• Building check dams, deflectors, or cover devices to loose soil of the tracking pit. A light snack might help
provide shelter for fish and reduce erosion. attract animals.
The same idea of spotting nocturnal animals by
• Protecting a stream bank with plantings or riprapping.
flashlight might work with various baits. For deer, try
• Building a grass waterway on sloping land. a salt lick—a block of salt from a feed store. For night-
• Controlling erosion on hiking trails by building water roaming rodents such as mice, use peanut butter, nuts,
bars, or spreading a layer of an organic material such or cereal grains. Raccoons, skunks, and opossums will
as sawdust, wood chips, pine needles, or leaves on be attracted to any leftover food.
the trail surface.
Nature Contests
• Planting grasses or other ground cover. Below are three games that might be played during the
Troop Nature Museum nature adventure.
The patrol leaders’ council might want to have a nature BRING ME. The leader asks patrols to bring him a sin-
museum to study back home. If so, the nature adven- gle leaf from a particular tree. Everyone must bring the
ture would be a good starting point. correct specimen for the patrol to receive credit. Then
Keep the museum project simple and have a definite send the patrols out for another specimen.
plan for it. Don’t collect everything in sight for the sake
TOUCH. Play this game in or near woods. The leader
of collecting. One way to do it would be to assign each
calls out the name of any tree and the patrols scatter to
patrol to one task, such as:
find one. The first patrol with all members touching the
• Collect the 10 most common insects in your area. correct tree earns a point. Continue naming other nearby
• Make plaster casts of four different animal tracks. trees until one patrol has earned 5 or more points.
• Make a rearing cage inhabited by six caterpillars. NATURE MARATHON. If you have a nature trail, this
• Collect 10 kinds of wood and mount for display. game can be played after all Scouts have traveled the
trail. Replace all the trail signs with cards that only have
• Collect five kinds of soil.
numbers on them.
• Collect and prepare six common rocks for display. Each Scout is given a pencil and sheet of paper. At
• Plant six different tree seedlings in tin cans. intervals of about 30 seconds, send Scouts out on the
trail. At each numbered card, the Scout stops and writes
Before you begin collecting, make sure that you will
on his paper the identity of the object. He then races to
be permitted to take samples from the site. Some parks
the next object. Time each runner. The winner is the
don’t permit anything to be taken. Ask the landowner
Scout with the most correct identifications. If there is a
or land manager for permission.
tie, the winner is the Scout with the most correct identi-
Nature at Night fications in the fastest time.
Nature never sleeps. Throughout the night the If this game is played as an interpatrol contest, the
wilderness teems with life. You might hear skunks and patrol’s score is the average number of correct answers
by all patrol members.
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NATURE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have Scouts collect litter outside the meeting location. Then
have a display of edible plants for Scouts to review (Boy Scout
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop into a square.

• Repeat the Scout Oath and Outdoor Code.
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on identifying poisonous plants and rep-
tiles in your area, and learn how to treat contact with them.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts begin plans for a nature hike or conser-
vation project.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan a week-
end canoe trip. Be sure to review the Safety Afloat rules.
one knows his assignments. If it will be an overnighter, begin
______ minutes planning meals and the patrol duty roster, and make plans for
equipment distribution and tent needs. Any Scouts who have
not been camping yet will need some extra help. All other
patrols plan activities to work on advancement related to
nature and outdoors.
Interpatrol Activity Play Nature Go-Down. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes
Closing • Sing “Taps.” SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
for the troop campout or outing. Begin work on next month’s
program feature.
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NATURE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts stake out a 9-square-foot area outside the meet-
ing hall. They study the nature objects within that area and
______ minutes identify whatever they find.
• Experienced Scouts continue to work on a nature hike or
conservation project.
making plans for a canoe trip.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for the campout. First-time hikers con-
______ minutes All other patrols continue to work on activities on advance-
ment for the outing.
Interpatrol Activity Do Nature Scavenger Hunt. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
program feature.
122
NATURE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction Nature Ramble

Patrols are sent out within a specified distance from the
______ minutes meeting place to look for conservation work that could be
used in their rank advancement. Collect items for the
interpatrol activity.
Patrol Meetings Finalize the menu for this month’s outing and make sure
______ minutes and equipment needs and collect any necessary fees. Review
plans for any upcoming patrol projects.
Interpatrol Activity Do Nature Memory Hunt. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
123
NATURE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
involvement in the troop campout (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts finalize plans for the nature hike or
conservation project. If it will coincide with the troop outing
this month, make sure they share duties with the troop.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or finalize your
plans for the canoe trip. Make sure they have met all of the
necessary prerequisites.
______ minutes over the patrol duty roster. Make sure that you have any
special equipment required for the nature projects.
Interpatrol Activity Play Nature Kim’s Game. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
124
NATURE
Date ______________________
meal en route.
At the campsite, off-load equipment and set up patrol sites. Stow gear and SPL/PL
set up camp.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Set up nature trail or do conservation project. SPL
Noon Continue conservation/nature activities. SPL
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
125
Resources.*
Special equip- Cameras, pens, tools for conservation project, troop camping equipment
ment needed
126
Orienteering
Finding your way in the woods or on a mountain trek Scouting Outcomes

can challenge the abilities of the most experienced out-
doorsman. In America’s early days, the frontiersmen
your Scouts
who opened the unmapped western lands traveled by
highly developed powers of observation and memory. • Enhanced outdoor skills, especially in map and
They could read the signs of mountain ridges, rivers, compass reading
vegetation, wind direction, cloud movements, and the • A greater understanding of how to plan and
position of the sun, moon, and stars. make decisions
Today we have topographic maps and compasses for
• An understanding of some of the principles
pathfinders. Being able to read maps, use compasses,
of orienteering
and figure heights and widths are the skills needed for
orienteering. The sport also requires thought, planning, • Increased self-confidence
decision-making, and stamina. As you plan for this
program feature, make sure you provide challenges for Advancement Opportunities
Scouts of all skill levels. By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of their
Once your Scouts learn the secrets of orienteering, it basic orienteering and camping requirements through
will help them on all outdoor expeditions. Orienteering First Class rank. Depending on the campout activities,
makes it possible to use shortcuts to trim travel distance they may also complete all or part of the following rank
and time. It also will lead them to explore out-of-the- requirements:
way places of special interest.
The highlight this month will be an Outback Tenderfoot
Weekend. It might be held at the council’s Scout camp • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking
or a large park. Plan a weekend of map-and-compass • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
activities that will test Scouts of all skill levels in
the troop. • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
127
Second Class • Having a family campout
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking • Asking people to provide transportation
to the campsite
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification Patrol Leaders’ Council
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
First Class
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead-
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification • Decide on a location for the Outback Weekend.
Remember that you will need an area large enough to
lay out an orienteering course, or at least have access
Merit Badges. Experienced Scouts can concentrate on to enough area to set the course.
the Orienteering merit badge. Depending on activities • Plan the special activities for the campout. See the
during the campout, they may also cover requirements ideas on these pages.
in Camping, Cooking, Hiking, Wilderness Survival, and • Inventory the troop camping equipment, if that has
other outdoor-related merit badges. not been done recently.
Parent/guardian Participation • Get permission from the owners before laying out an
orienteering course.
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in
• Plan or review the details of troop meetings for the
the program feature this month by
month. Assign patrol demonstrations for the month,
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction covering skills that will be needed for the campout
for orienteering activities.
128
Feature Event • Have the course test the skills of map reading, use of
compass, and brainpower rather than running power.
Outback Weekend
• Keep the course within boundaries like streams,
There is fun and satisfaction in mastering map and
railroads, and highways. Point out these landmarks
compass skills. Orienteering is the art of traveling cross-
to the patrols before the event. Make sure the map
country by compass and map and doing it so accurately
and terrain agree before placing controls.
that you arrive at specified points (called “controls”) in
a minimum length of time. The winner of an orienteer- • Youth leaders, other than patrol leaders, can set up
ing meet is the one who locates all controls and arrives the course and oversee the controls. Each control will
at the designated destination in the shortest time. have a code letter or number that the checker will
Troop and patrol meetings this month give Scouts record on a card carried by each Scout.
basic instruction in the use of a map and compass. The
Outback Weekend gives them the opportunity to apply Mapping Problem
these skills in a very practical way. Each patrol is to plot an accurate triangle from a known
The following are some suggestions for laying out baseline; they may not leave the baseline.
the orienteering course at the campout:
129
Method: Before the event, leaders plot a setup in the drawn. When all three points are marked, they can be
field as shown in the triangle diagram. The three corner connected to form a triangle. The paper is given to the
points are represented by Scout staves secured upright leader, who checks for accuracy by comparing it with
with a shear lashing and visible from all points within the original triangle shown on this page. If desired, you
the diagram. The baselines Pine-Spruce, Oak-Ash, Elm- can work out your own triangle and baselines to fit the
Maple, and Cedar-Fir are made by stretching twine terrain in which your troop will be working.
between the stakes at the extreme end of each line. Instructions given to the patrols:
These lines and the corner markers can be located by Drawn on your sheet is a baseline 20 meters long called
measuring as well as by sighting along the edge of the “___________.” Your assignment in this exercise is to
diagram when it has been correctly oriented in the field. plot a large triangle in the field. You will be able to see
Next, place a piece of plain white paper over the the three corners of the triangle. They are marked by
diagram on this page. By tracing, draw the exact Pine- lashed tripods with colored flags at their tops.
Spruce line and mark one end Pine and the other end Using your compass, and without leaving the base-
Spruce. This is all that should appear on this paper. On line, draw the triangle on your paper. You can do this
another paper, trace the Oak-Ash line, and so on, until by standing at the ends of the baseline and sighting to
you have four sheets of paper with four lines. Give a the nearest corner markers. Write down the bearings in
sheet to each patrol. degrees. Now using your compass as a protractor, join
Each patrol stations itself along the line shown on its the corners of the triangle and you have the three sides
paper and, without leaving that baseline, plots the three of the triangle.
points—A, B, C—represented by Scout staves. Patrol You will be judged on how accurately you sight with
members do this by sighting or by compass. When your compass, how correctly you draw the lines, and
plotted, they mark the point on the patrol’s sheet of how quickly you complete this exercise.
paper in exact relation to the original baseline already
130
ORIENTEERING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Without using a map or compass, work on finding a location

______ minutes
Opening Ceremony • Conduct a troop flag ceremony.

• Conduct a uniform inspection.
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on how to use a compass and learn basic
map reading skills. Play Silver Dollar Hunt. (See the Games
• Experienced Scouts study maps of the area to be used for
the Outback Weekend and begin plotting a 2,000-meter
course with at least five controls.
younger Scouts on map and compass basics.
everyone knows what he will need to bring and what his
______ minutes assignments are. New Scouts will need an orientation on
basic camping procedures. Plan additional activities that are
not orienteering-related. Plan menus for the weekend.
Interpatrol Activity Play Blindfold Compass Walk. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes
Closing • Closing Ceremony. SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
for the troop campout. Begin work on next month’s program
feature.
131
ORIENTEERING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice reading map signs and do Direction-
Finding Relay. (See the Games section of the Troop Program
• Experienced Scouts continue work on plotting a 2,000-meter
course. When that is completed, plan another course of
3,500 meters with seven controls.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or continue to
work with younger Scouts. Prepare any projects that you are
working on for this month’s campout.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for the campout. New Scouts should
prepare materials they will need for the campout. Decide
______ minutes on menus and make necessary patrol assignments for meal
preparation.
Interpatrol Activity Do Map Symbol Relay. (See the Games section of the
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
the troop outing. Troop committee conducts a board of review.
Continue work on next month’s program feature.
132
ORIENTEERING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on packing a pack and basic tent pitching
techniques. Do Knot-Tying Relay. (See the Games section of
______ minutes the Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts continue work on a 3,500-meter course.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or finalize
plans for special projects you will be working on during the
campout this month.
Patrol Meetings Finalize the menu for the outing this month. Make sure every-
one knows what to bring. Review clothing and equipment
______ minutes needs and collect any necessary fees. Remember that some
groups will take longer to travel the orienteering course; you
may want to consider a sack lunch.
Interpatrol Activity Beeline Hike
In Scouting, a beeline hike draws upon the lore of the old bee
______ minutes hunter. The object of the hike is to go directly from one point
to another, regardless of obstacles in the path. One or more
beelines may be determined in advance by the troop leaders.
If only one line is decided on, then all patrols will follow it.
However, it is more fun to establish a different beeline for each
patrol, starting from widely separated points and converging
at a common meeting place. Liven up the hike by having a
pizza as the objective. Or, the objective could be a historic
site, hidden treasure, etc. Patrols should take the most direct
route possible, surmounting obstacles in the path by climbing
or bridging. If there are insurmountable obstacles, the patrol
will make four 90-degree turns, and then continue on the
original course.

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
program feature.
133
ORIENTEERING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on measuring heights and distances. Do
the Scout Pace Contest. (See the Games section of the Troop
______ minutes Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts review plans for the orienteering
course. Designate someone to arrive at the site early to lay
out the course.
• Older Scouts continue work on the Venture program or
get necessary equipment for the projects they will work on
during the campout.
Patrol Meetings Review plans for the campout. Make sure everyone knows the
departure time. Fine-tune your map and compass skills. New
______ minutes Scouts should make sure they have the proper clothing and
personal gear for the campout.
Interpatrol Activity Crash Landing
Equipment: One topographic map for each patrol. All maps are
______ minutes of the same area.
Method: Announce that a plane has crashed at a certain point
shown on the map. The crash site is some distance from a
road. Give a map to each patrol and tell patrols to complete the
following instructions within a given time:
1. Locate the scene of the crash on the map.
2. Determine the route to be taken by car to a point nearest
the crash scene.
3. Determine the route to be taken on foot from the car to the
crash scene.
4. List first-aid materials to be taken to the crash site by a patrol.
5. List other equipment to be taken.
6. Make up a quick-cooking, lightweight menu for one meal,
including food suitable for possible survivors.
Scoring: The patrol that does the best job on the total project wins.

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
the troop campout. Finalize work on next month’s program
feature.
134
ORIENTEERING
Date ______________________
Friday evening Load gear at meeting location and leave for campsite. Plan only a light meal SPL
en route.
Arrive at campsite. Off-load equipment and set up patrol sites. Unload canoes SPL/PL
if a canoe trip is planned.
7:00 a.m. Everyone else up. Take care of personal hygiene, air tents, hang out sleeping
bags. Pack canoes for trip, if planned.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Travel 2,000-meter orienteering course. Estimate heights of trees and widths of SPL/PL
ravines or creeks.
Noon Continue on orienteering course.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
135
Resources.*
Special equip- Topographic maps, compasses, troop camping equipment

ment needed
136
Physical Fitness
Since one of the main purposes of the Boy Scouts of Scouting Outcomes
America is to promote physical fitness, this program
feature is right on target. Besides, most Scout-age boys
your Scouts
love physical action, so they will eagerly participate in
the suggested activities. • A greater understanding that physical fitness is
Troop meeting instruction and practice will cover essential for a fulfilling life
most of the physical fitness requirements for Tenderfoot • An awareness that they can improve their fitness
through First Class ranks. There are also lots of games with regular exercise, adequate diet and rest, and
and contests requiring strength and agility. abstinence from smoking, drugs, and alcohol
Our aim, however, is not just to provide a month of
• Increased self-confidence as a result of improving
fun, but to encourage the Scouts to make physical fit-
physical fitness
ness a lifetime pursuit. Urge them to continue testing
themselves regularly, not just this month while they are Advancement Opportunities
working on physical fitness skills. That does not neces-
sarily mean that they must continue doing push-ups, By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of their
pull-ups, sit-ups, etc., for years to come, since those physical fitness requirements through First Class rank.
who remain active in sports year-round probably get Depending on the campout activities, they may also
plenty of exercise. But it does mean we want to make complete all or part of the following rank requirements:
them conscious of the importance of fitness for their
Tenderfoot
whole lives.
The big event will be a Scout decathlon, a series • Outdoor—hiking, camping
of 10 events requiring strength, agility, coordination, • Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn
and some sports skills. It will be run as an interpatrol • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
competition.
The Scout Decathlon could be either an afternoon • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
event or the centerpiece of a weekend campout. The • Physical fitness—health, conditioning
site might be an athletics field or a camp with a large
playing field.
15
the following agenda, continue your planning at patrol
• Decide whether to make the Scout decathlon a
one-day event or the highlight of a weekend
campout. Choose a site for it and arrange to secure
permissions, if needed.
• Plan the 10 events for the decathlon. See the ideas on
the following pages. Arrange to secure the necessary
equipment; ask the troop committee for help,
if necessary.
Second Class • Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if that has
• Outdoor—camping, hiking
• Make a list of possible Good Turns for the community.
• Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Con
sider inviting counselors for the Personal Fitness or
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law Athletics merit badges to help with instruction.
• Physical fitness—health, conditioning • Coordinate any intertroop competitions.
First Class
Feature Event
Scout Decathlon
Choose 10 of the following events or devise your own.
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law 600-METER RUN/WALK RELAY. Measure a 600-meter
course (656 yards). If your decathlon site has a football
• Physical fitness—health, conditioning field, the course could be three laps from end zone to
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the end zone, then three laps from goal line to goal line,
Personal Fitness merit badge this month; they should be making the course 660 yards long. In camp, the course
able to complete many of the requirements. Depending might be laid out on a smooth, relatively level trail. Run
on activities during the month, they may also complete as a patrol relay. Avoid having Scouts run more than
requirements in Cooking, Hiking, Camping, Athletics, one leg because it would exhaust them for later events;
Swimming, Sports, Skating, Cycling, and other out- instead, combine patrols to make team sizes equal.
doors-related merit badges. Scoring: Ten points for the winning patrol, 8 for second
place, 6 for third, 4 for fourth, and 2 for fifth place.
STANDING LONG JUMP. Follow the procedure in the
Boy Scout Handbook.
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction for Scoring: Determine the patrol score by averaging the
the fitness skills distance jumped by each patrol member. The patrol
with the highest average scores 10 points; second place
• Inviting parents to serve as judges, scorers, time
gets 8 points; third, 6 points; fourth, 4 points; and
keepers, etc., for the Scout decathlon
fifth, 2 points.
decathlon site, if necessary RUNNING LONG JUMP. Score the same as for the
Standing Long Jump.
JAVELIN THROW. Use a Scout stave or 6-foot pole

cut from a dead sapling. Each Scout gets three throws;
16
10 points; second place gets 8 points; third, 6 points;
fourth, 4 points; and fifth, 2 points.
ROPE CLIMB. Hang a rope that is at least 1 inch in

diameter from a large tree limb or other support about
12 feet overhead. Remember to station spotters in case
of a fall. Award 2 points for patrol members who make
the climb using both hands and legs; 4 points for those
who use hands only.
Scoring: Find the average of all patrol members’ scores.

The patrol with the highest average scores 10 points;
second place gets 8 points; third, 6 points; fourth, 4
points; and fifth, 2 points.
SHOT PUT. Use a 5- to 6-pound rock. Scratch a circle

about 6 feet in diameter on the ground. Scouts must
not leave the circle as they put the shot. The shot must
be put by tucking it against the chin and pushing, not
score only the longest. The thrower may run up to throwing like a baseball.
the throw line. Scoring: Find the average distance for all patrol mem-
Scoring: Find the patrol’s average throw, in feet, from bers. The patrol with the highest average scores 10
where the javelin’s point strikes the ground. The patrol points; second place gets 8 points; third, 6 points;
with the highest average scores 10 points; second place fourth, 4 points; and fifth, 2 points.
gets 8 points; third, 6 points; fourth, 4 points; and fifth, PULL-UPS. Use a chinning bar not more than 1 inch
2 points. in diameter and about 6 feet off the ground. Follow the
HIGH JUMP. Use regular standards or make them from procedure in the Boy Scout Handbook.
6-foot poles driven into the ground. To hold the cross- Scoring: Find the average of the number of pull-ups
bar, place finishing nails in the poles at 2-inch intervals done by all patrol members. The patrol with the high-
above 3 feet. Give each Scout two jumps; count the est average scores 10 points; second place gets 8 points;
higher jump. third, 6 points; fourth, 4 points; and fifth, 2 points.
Scoring: Find the average height jumped by all patrol ROPE SWING. Hang a 1-inch-diameter rope from a large
members. The patrol with the highest average height tree limb or other support about 10 feet above ground.
jumped scores 10 points; second place gets 8 points; Mark lines for takeoff and landing 6 feet on either side
third, 6 points; fourth, 4 points; and fifth, 2 points. of the hanging rope. Each patrol member takes one
JUMP AND REACH. The Scout is given a piece of chalk swing, observing the takeoff and landing lines.
and, while standing flat-footed, he makes a mark as Scoring: For patrols of eight Scouts, score 1 point for
high as he can reach on a smooth-barked tree trunk. He each successful traverse. For patrols of six, score 1.25
then leaps as high as he can and makes a second mark. points for each success. For patrols with fewer than five
His score is the difference in inches between the marks. members, score 1.5 points for each success.
Give each Scout two tries and score the better jump.
FOOTBALL PASSING. Suspend an auto tire from a tree
Scoring: Find the average of all patrol members’ scores. limb at about the 6-foot level. Scratch a line on the
The patrol with the highest average scores 10 points; ground about 10 yards away. Keep the tire center open-
second place gets 8 points; third, 6 points; fourth, ing facing the passer.
4 points; and fifth, 2 points. Each Scout has three tries to pass the ball through
BASEBALL BATTING. Each patrol member is given five the center of the tire.
swings at pitches thrown by a leader at batting-practice Scoring: Count 1 point for each successful pass. Find
speed. Score 1 point for each fair ball; 5 points extra for the average number of passes for the patrol. The patrol
balls that travel more than 300 feet, including the roll.
Scoring: Find the average of the scores of all patrol

members. The patrol with the highest average gets
17
with the highest average scores 10 points; second place must grasp the hands of another person and must main-
gets 8 points; third, 6 points; fourth, 4 points; and fifth, tain foot contact with the group. An expanding group
2 points. will find that thinking is required to come up with a
solution that allows large numbers (50 or more players)
FRISBEE GOLF. The course is a series of targets
to get Everybody Up.
(“holes”) spaced about 50 yards apart. Holes might
be particular trees, small buildings, garbage cans, Variation: Ask the Scouts to sit back-to-back and try to
etc. Include “hazards” (ravine, small stream, marsh, stand as a pair, trio, etc. To avoid possible shoulder dis-
wooded area, etc.). Station judges at each hole to make locations do not allow interlocked arms.
sure Scouts hit the targets.
Unlike regular golf, the number of shots makes no Human Ladder
difference; the aim is to go around the course in the This activity helps develop trust and teaches partici-
fastest time, regardless of the number of “strokes.” pants to be responsible for each other’s safety.
Each player must be timed separately. He tees off at
Equipment: Six to 10 smooth hardwood dowels about 3
the starting line by sailing the Frisbee at the first “hole,”
feet long, 1⁄2 inch in diameter.
then runs immediately to the Frisbee and shoots again,
and so on, around the course. Procedure: Pair the Scouts and give each pair one
“rung” of the ladder. Each person holds one end of the
Scoring: The patrol’s score is the average time by all
rung. Several pairs, each holding a rung and standing
members. The patrol with the fastest average scores
close together, form the ladder. A climber starts at one
10 points; second place gets 8 points; third, 6 points;
end of the ladder and proceeds from one rung to the
fourth, 4 points; and fifth, 2 points.
next. As the climber passes by, the pair holding that
SCOUT’S PACE RELAY. The Scout’s pace is an old rung may leave that position and go to the front end of
Scoutcraft skill, requiring him to learn to run and walk the ladder, extending the ladder length indefinitely.
a measured mile within a few seconds of 12 minutes.
Note: The direction of the ladder may change at any
Use a quarter-mile track, or measure a mile on back
time (make a right-angle turn, for example), and the
roads at the camp. In the Scout’s Pace Relay, there are
height of the rungs may also vary.
eight legs of 220 yards each. In patrols with fewer than
eight Scouts, some must run twice. The Boy Scout Shuffle
If you are using a quarter-mile track, each patrol Equipment: A 30-foot telephone pole lying on a flat area.
stations four of its members at the start, the rest at the
halfway point around the track. If you are on camp Procedure: Ask a group of about 20 Scouts to split into
roads, one Scout would be placed at every 220-yard two teams, or use two patrols. The two groups stand
mark. (In that case, of course, all patrols would need balanced on opposite ends of the pole so that they are
eight members.) facing each other in single file.
Now ask the two groups to exchange ends of the
Scoring: The patrol finishing the race closest to exactly pole without any team members touching the ground.
12 minutes (without using watches to help) scores 10 Time the action and give a 15-second penalty for every
points; second place scores 8 points; third, 6 points; touch of the turf. After a completed attempt, encourage
fourth, 4 points; and fifth, 2 points. the group to talk it over and try again.
As with all timed initiative problems, it is impor-
Everybody Up
tant to attempt the problem more than once. The first
This initiative exercise is a useful way to introduce the
attempt establishes a time to beat. Additional attempts
idea of group cooperation. Ask two Scouts of about the
invariably result in a faster time because of greater
same size to sit on the ground or floor facing each other
cooperation, planning, individual effort, etc. Beating a
with soles of their feet touching, knees bent, and hands
personal record or “PR” is the best kind of competition.
tightly grasped. From this position they try to pull them-
selves into a standing position. If they succeed, ask
another Scout to join them and try standing with three
Scouts, then four, etc. As the group grows, each player
18
Physical Fitness
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ________________ Week 1
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop in a circle.

______ minutes
• Repeat the Scout Law and have a Scout tell what it means.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on fitness skills and practice for the
President’s Physical Fitness Award.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts work on developing an indoor obstacle
course.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or assist younger
Scouts with the fitness award.
events for the decathlon. All patrols plan activities to work
Interpatrol Activity Play Muscle Medley. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes
Closing • Assemble patrols. SM

• Repeat the Scout benediction.
______ minutes
for the Scout Decathlon. Begin work on next month’s program
feature.
19
Physical Fitness
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • For the new Scouts, have a local college athlete or health
club instructor demonstrate exercises and talk about a
______ minutes nutritious diet and exercise plan.
• Experienced Scouts continue work on an inside obstacle
course.
one or more of the following from the introduction to
Physical Fitness:
The Boy Scout Shuffle
Everybody Up
Human Ladder
Prepare to demonstrate them as part of the decathlon on the
troop outing.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for this month’s outing. Practice two or more of
the events for the decathlon. All patrols plan activities to work
Interpatrol Activity Do Izzy-Dizzy Relay. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
for the decathlon. Continue work on next month’s program
feature.
20
Physical Fitness
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts and experienced Scouts run the indoor obstacle
course developed by the older Scouts.
______ minutes
practice on Everybody Up, Human Ladder, and the Boy
Scout Shuffle. Prepare to demonstrate these as part of the
decathlon.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for this month’s outing. Practice two more of
the events for the decathlon. All patrols plan activities to work
Interpatrol Activity Play Dodgeball and Jump the Shot. (See the Games section of
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
for the decathlon. Continue work on next month’s program
feature.
21
Physical Fitness
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on fitness activities.

• Experienced Scouts work on a menu that will have high-
______ minutes
energy foods to eat during the decathlon/outing.
Patrol Meetings Review all the events in the decathlon. Practice two more of
the events.
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Select an activity from the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
last-minute details for the decathlon. Finalize work on next
22
physical fitness
Date ______________________
Friday evening Load gear at meeting location and leave for campsite. Plan only a light meal SPL
en route.
Arrive at campsite. Off-load equipment and set up patrol sites. SPL/PL
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Run five or six of the decathlon events. SPL
Noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Run remaining decathlon events. SPL
Free time
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
23
8:00 a.m. Clean up.
9:00 a.m. Patrol games—Use four games from the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*
Special equip- Topographic maps, compass, clipboards

ment needed
24
Pioneering
Give an experienced outdoorsman a bow saw, hand ax, • Enhanced outdoor skills, especially in knot-tying
and some poles and ropes, and in short order he will and lashings
make some camp furniture, bridge a stream, and build • A greater understanding of the importance of
a big “toy” like a monkey bridge. conservation
The skill is called pioneering. Scouts love to learn
how to do it, and of course it will increase their capa- • An understanding of some of the principles of
bilities in the outdoors. engineering as they build temporary structures and
Pioneering requires plenty of poles and lots of lash- camp equipment
ing line and heavy rope, especially for big projects like • Increased self-confidence
monkey bridges. Before planning this program feature,
be sure that you will have access to both, especially for Advancement Opportunities
the big event, Woodsman’s Weekend. If necessary, you By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of their
can do miniature pioneering at troop meetings using basic camping and cooking requirements through First
garden canes and twine. But for the big event, be sure Class rank. Depending on the highlight activities, they
that you will have lots of poles and smaller spars as may also complete all or part of the following rank
well as lashing line and rope. requirements:
The Woodsman’s Weekend might be held at Scout
camp, if the camp has pioneering gear. Otherwise, look Tenderfoot
for a campsite where you can get permission to gather a • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking
number of poles and spars at least 6 feet long and 2 to 3
inches thick, as well as smaller ones. Someone who has
a wooded lot that needs thinning might give the troop • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
permission to cut what is needed. • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
Plan to make at least one big pioneering project dur-
ing the weekend. For ideas, see the Pioneering merit Second Class
badge pamphlet. Also schedule games and interpatrol • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking
contests that require pioneering skills.
Scouting Outcomes • Patrol/troop participation—leadership
your Scouts
25
First Class • Choose a campsite for the Woodsman’s Weekend.
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking Remember that you will need a supply of poles and
smaller limbs for pioneering projects. These materials
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn are available at some Scout camps. If your council’s
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership camp does not have them, make sure that you can
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law get permission to obtain suitable materials elsewhere;
do not plan to cut trees at the site without the
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the owner’s permission.
Pioneering merit badge this month. Depending on
• Plan other activities for the Woodsman’s Weekend.
activities during the campout, they may also complete
Some ideas are on these pages.
requirements in Cooking, Hiking, Wilderness Survival,
and other nature-related merit badges. • Practice knots and lashings, if equipment is available.
• Consider inviting a Pioneering merit badge counselor
Parent/guardian Participation to troop meetings to help with instruction.
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the • If your troop meetings will be indoors (or if you will
program feature this month by not have access to poles and ropes), plan to do min-
• Asking qualified people to help with troop meeting iature pioneering with Scout staves or closet poles, or
instruction with garden canes and twine.
• Inviting parents to come along on the Woodsman’s • Assign a patrol to drill holes in scrap wood or fiber-
Weekend board pieces about 2-by-3 feet for use as knot boards
for the first troop meeting.
campsite Feature Event
Patrol Leaders’ Council Woodsman’s Weekend

The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early When the Boy Scouts of America was founded more
part of the previous month to plan troop activities for than 90 years ago, many troops could go just a few
this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on miles outside of town and get permission from a farmer
the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead- to chop down trees and build log cabins. Those days
ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting. are long past.
26
Today’s BSA conservation ethic forbids cutting live accommodate your patrols. Patrols line up on one side
trees unless someone wants a wooded lot thinned out. of the pit. On signal, they lash together a triangular
So it will probably be necessary to find a site where “walker,” using a shear lashing at the top and diago-
pioneering materials are already available, such as a nal lashings for the crossbar. Near the top, they attach
local council Scout camp. Or, if you are lucky enough to four guy lines, using two half hitches. The patrol then
have a supply of poles, you may have to truck them to stands the walker upright and one member climbs on
your campsite. the crossbar. One or two Scouts man each guy line and
In any event, try to have enough poles so that the “walk” the walker across the pit by tipping it from side
troop can assemble at least one big pioneering project, to side and moving it forward.
like the bridges and towers in the Pioneering merit
Scoring: The first patrol to finish wins.
badge pamphlet.
For smaller projects, such as the camp accessories Note: This can be a timed contest if there aren’t enough
pictured in the Boy Scout Handbook, you may be able spars for all patrols.
to find sturdy limbs among the downed wood at
HEAVE THE LIGHTWEIGHT
the campsite.
Equipment: For each patrol, three poles, 10 feet long;
Campout Activities
one lashing rope, 20 feet long; 1⁄2-inch heaving rope,
Unless the troop has many experienced woodsmen, 30 feet long.
it may take several hours for the Scouts to build a big
project. If there is time, try some of the following con- Method: Each patrol assembles a tripod 9 to 10 feet
tests, all of which require pioneering skills. high using a tripod lashing. The patrol then heaves a
1
⁄2-inch rope over the top and makes a bowline on a
CROSSING THE ALLIGATOR PIT bight in the end hanging from the tripod. The patrol’s
Equipment: For each patrol, three spars 6 to 8 feet long, lightest member stands in the bowline and the other
three 6-foot lashing ropes, four guy ropes. members raise him 3 feet off the ground. The first patrol
achieving this wins.
Method: Mark the “alligator pit” on the ground; it
should be 20 feet across and as wide as necessary to
27
FIREMAN, SAVE THAT CHILD! Requirements are:
Equipment: Two 1⁄2-inch ropes, 20 feet long; four or five

4-foot poles with 1⁄2-to 2-inch butts; two 2-foot stakes.
1. R e a d a n d u n d e r s ta n d t h e u s e a n d
Method: Each patrol makes a rope ladder using 4-foot
s a f e t y ru l e s o f wo o d s to o l s f ro m t h e
poles as rungs. Secure the rungs with marlinspike hitches. B oy S c o u t H a n d b o o k .
Rungs should be 1 foot apart. The patrol then secures the
ladder to a tree limb not more than 10 feet above ground. 2. D e m o n s t r at e p ro p e r ca r e , h a n d l i n g ,
If desired, they can stake the bottom to the ground. When a n d u s e o f t h e p o c k e t k n i f e , a x , a n d s aw .
the ladder is secure, all members climb, one by one, and

3. U s e k n i f e , a x , a n d s aw a s to o l s ,
touch the tree limb. The patrol with all members up and
n ot p l ay t h i n g s .
down the ladder in the fastest time wins.
4. R e s p e c t a l l s a f e t y ru l e s
MOVE THE WEIGHT
to p rot e c t ot h e r s .
If the campsite has a very heavy weight on the ground

5. R e s p e c t p ro p e rt y . c u t l i v i n g a n d d e a d
that an entire patrol can’t lift (a huge log, perhaps),
t r e e s o n ly w i t h p e r m i s s i o n a n d g o o d r e a s o n .
have a timed contest in which patrols try to move it
using either the Lumberjack Pulley or Spanish Windlass 6. S u b s c r i b e to t h e
shown in the Pioneering merit badge pamphlet. The Outdoor Code.
first patrol to move the weight 6 feet in the fastest time
is the winner.
DOVETAIL CHAIR RACE Explain to Scouts that their “Totin’ Rights” can be
Equipment: For each patrol, four branches, about a foot taken from them if they fail in their responsibility.
long with 2-inch butts; four 1⁄2-inch ropes, 3 feet long; Paul Bunyan Woodsman. This emblem can be sewn
axes or bow saws. on a trail pack or blanket. It is earned by a Scout who
Method: Each patrol assembles a frame about 1 foot knows how to use larger woods tools and who does
square by joining four branches with dovetail notches. conservation work.
When the “chair” is complete, Scouts tie ropes to the Requirements are:
sides. The patrol’s smallest member sits in the chair
while the others carry him to a turning line and back.
The first patrol to finish wins.
1. S h ow t h at yo u h av e e a r n e d
For other good games and contests, see the follow- the T ot i n ’ C h i p .
ing in the Games section of Troop Program Resources for
Scout Troops and Varsity Teams: 2. H e l p a Scout o r pat ro l e a r n t h e
T ot i n ’ C h i p , a n d d e m o n s t r at e to h i m (them)
• Knot Hoop Relay
t h e va l u e o f p ro p e r wo o d s to o l s u s e o n
• Knot-Tying Relay a t ro o p ca m p i n g t r i p .
• Bow-Saw Relay 3. W i t h o f f i c i a l a p p rova l a n d s u p e rv i s i o n ,

• Roman Chariot Race d o o n e o f t h e f o l l ow i n g : (a) Clear trails
o r f i r e l a n e s f o r t wo h o u r s .
• Remote Clove-Hitch Tying (b) Trim a d ow n e d t r e e , c u t i n to f o u r -
• Flagpole Raising f o ot l e n gt h s , a n d s tac k ; m a k e a b ru s h w i t h
branches. (c) Build a n at u r a l r e ta i n i n g
Special Awards wa l l o r i r r i gat i o n way to a i d i n a
p l a n n e d c o n s e rvat i o n e f f o rt .
Although these are not advancement awards, two
special emblems are available to Scouts who show
skill in handling woods tools. The requirements are
outlined below.
Totin’ Chip. The award is a card stating that the Scout

knows how to safely use a pocketknife, ax, and saw.
28
PIONEERING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have a Scout demonstrate rope whipping or fusing synthetic

rope (Boy Scout Handbook). Also do a rope-making exercise.
______ minutes

______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on tying the clove hitch, square knot, and
bowline. Do Rescue Carry Relay. (See the Games section of
• Experienced Scouts practice square and shear lashings. Plan
three major pioneering projects you can build during the
troop outing.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or study ropes
and knots necessary to do rappelling (Fieldbook).
______ minutes meal planning and the patrol duty roster and make plans for
equipment distribution and tent needs. Any Scouts who have
not been camping will need extra help. All other patrols plan
activities to work on advancement.
Interpatrol Activity Play Reactor Transporter. (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes
Closing • Sing “Scout Vespers.” (Boy Scout Songbook) SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
feature.
29
PIONEERING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice the knots taught last week and use of
those knots in camping activities. Do the Knot-Tying Relay.
______ minutes (See the Games section of Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts continue work on pioneering projects
and lashings.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program, or plan a fishing
trip as part of the troop outing and plan to prepare the fish
caught for a meal.
______ minutes All other patrols continue to work on activities on advance-
ment for the outing. Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Do Roman Chariot Race. (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
program feature.
30
PIONEERING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic fire lays and care of woods tools
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts plan the materials that will be needed
for the outing. Make assignments for getting the necessary
staves and ropes required for the pioneering projects.
Scouts with woods tools instruction.
Interpatrol Activity Do Bow-Saw Relay. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
for the woodsman’s weekend. Continue work on next month’s
program feature.
31
PIONEERING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts learn the basics of tent pitching and assist in
meal preparation (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts review low-course elements from the
Project COPE program manual and select three items that
can be done on the campout.
COPE activities.
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the hike/campout.

Make sure everyone knows the travel plans and equipment
______ minutes needs. Go over the patrol duty roster. Practice any interpatrol
activities that will take place.
Interpatrol Activity Do Silver Dollar Hunt. (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
last-minute details for Woodsman’s Weekend. Finalize work
on next month’s program feature.
32
PIONEERING
Date ______________________
meal en route.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Pioneering projects
Noon Lunch
Free time
1:00 p.m. Pioneering projects SPL
Free time
10 p.m. Lights out
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
33
Resources.*
Special equip- Scout staves, spars, rope, troop camping equipment

ment needed
34
Public Service
One of the aims of Scouting is to develop young men • A greater understanding of their duty to country and
into participating citizens. A participating citizen does to help other people
more than what is expected of a good citizen, such as • Awareness of their rights and duties as citizens
voting and obeying the law. He takes an active role in
the community. • Some knowledge of their heritage as citizens of their
A participating citizen might be a Scouter or a volun- community and country
teer with some other organization. Or, he or she might • Increased self-confidence
hold an elected or appointed office, lead a service club
or church group, or serve as a firefighter, police officer, Advancement Opportunities
or health-care provider. By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of their
This program feature is designed to introduce Scouts citizenship requirements through First Class rank.
to some of the people who help your community func- Depending on the activities, they may also complete all
tion. No matter how large or small your community is, or part of the following rank requirements:
there are many participating citizens Scouts can get
to know. Tenderfoot
The big event might be a historic tour, a community • Outdoor—hiking, camping
Good Turn, or a combination of the two.
your Scouts
35
• Outdoor—camping, cooking, hiking The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
First Class • Decide which public or private group the troop
• Outdoor—camping, hiking, cooking, nature will visit this month, and make arrangements for
the visit.
• Invite a community leader to a troop meeting to
• Patrol/troop participation discuss his or her work and moderate a discussion
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law of the rights and duties of a citizen.
Merit Badges. Experienced Scouts can concentrate on • Plan special activities for community service.
the citizenship merit badges this month. Depending • Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign
on activities during the outing, they may also cover patrol demonstrations covering skills that will be
requirements for the Hiking, Public Health, American needed to complete advancement through First Class.
Cultures, and American Heritage merit badges.
• Make a list of possible patrol Good Turns for
the community.
Parent/Guardian Participation
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the Feature Event
Public Service Outing
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction for This big event can be an experience that will not only
citizenship skills expose the Scouts to your community, but let the com-
• Inviting families on the outing munity become aware that Scouting is alive and still
• Asking parents to provide transportation for a visit to working. The aim is to expose the Scouts to the inner
community meetings
36
workings of the community, the people who serve the If there are no BSA-approved trails in your area, but
public, and the responsibility of each citizen to support you know of a historic site, your troop might consider
the community. establishing such a trail and at the same time earning
Public service for the Scouts may mean becoming the Historic Trails Award. Ask your council service cen-
involved in an ongoing community project or a series of ter for a copy of the requirements.
Good Turn projects that Scouts can perform.
As you learn about the area you live in, find out Community Good Turns
about its history. Learn how it evolved to where it is The troop and patrols might consider one of the follow-
today. Was your community once a boom town? Who ing for a Good Turn this month:
were the community’s founders? What role did this area • Plan a community beautification project.
have in the development of this country?
• Take part in a food drive.
Historical Trail Hike • Support a program for firefighters or law enforcement
In most states there are historic trails, already marked officials.
and waiting for your troop. More than 250 of them have • Participate in a patriotic parade.
been approved by the Boy Scouts of America for their
• Help with meals-on-wheels.
historic significance and good trail conditions. You can
get a list of the approved trails from the local council • Lead a get-out-the-vote campaign.
service center.
37
PUBLIC SERVICE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have a pair of experienced Scouts show how to fold and care
for the U.S. flag (Boy Scout Handbook). Then play Ringleader.

• Present colors.
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts plan an opening flag ceremony for the next
meeting and practice flag folding. Play the Newspaper
______ minutes Good Turn. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts plan a community service project for
the whole troop. Or, if a local festival is scheduled soon,
find out what your troop can do to participate.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan a
historical hike in the area.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for a patrol outing this month. This could be a
5- or 10-mile hike, so that newer Scouts can work on their
______ minutes hiking skills. Or plan a patrol Good Turn. Consider working
on items needed to advance to the next rank.
Interpatrol Activity Play Shoot-the-Gap. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes
Closing • Form the troop. SM

• Recite the Scout Oath.
______ minutes
39
PUBLIC SERVICE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts meet with an elected official, either at the troop
meeting place or at the official’s office. Learn the official’s
______ minutes duties and discuss the rights and duties of every citizen.
• Experienced Scouts finish plans for a community Good Turn
for the troop.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or prepare for a
campout that would be part of a 20-mile hike. This might be
on a historic trail.
Patrol Meetings Identify Scouts who need to participate in flag ceremonies

and service projects. Suggest ways for these Scouts to fulfill
______ minutes rank requirements.
Interpatrol Activity Play Catch Ten. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
40
PUBLIC SERVICE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic hiking skills.

• Experienced Scouts work on map and compass skills to
______ minutes
prepare for a hike. If a hike has not been planned, finalize
plans for a community service project.
map and compass instruction, or finish plans for a troop
campout.
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the hike or community
project. Make sure everyone knows travel plans and
______ minutes equipment needs. Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Play Bull-in-the-Ring. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
for the project or outing. Continue work on next month’s
program feature.
41
PUBLIC SERVICE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction Visit a public or private place or event such as night court, a
city council meeting, a school board meeting, a police or fire
______ minutes station, a hospital, a TV or radio station, or a manufacturing
company. Make arrangements beforehand to speak with an
official or have a guide for your visit.
Patrol Meetings Finalize plans and assignments for the hike or community
service project. Make sure everyone knows travel plans and
______ minutes equipment needs. Practice any interpatrol activities that will
take place.
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
42
PUBLIC SERVICE
Date ______________________
Saturday Arrive at tour location, organize into tour groups. SPL

8:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m. Begin tour, or hike historic trail.
Leave for location of service project.
11:30 a.m. Sack lunch. Change into work clothes, organize into work parties.
1:30 p.m. Start project work.
4:30 p.m. Leave for home.
Special equip- None

ment needed
43
Safety
Having a good experience on a troop campout requires • Increased self-confidence that they will be able to act
safety practices that prevent accidents. Safety is actually rationally in an emergency
a prevention tool. Performing a project correctly, using • The ability to evaluate a situation for safety
the proper tools and procedures, could protect you from
serious injury. Advancement Opportunities
If an accident occurs, a Scout should be prepared
to deal with the situation and make decisions that will By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of their
prevent further harm. “Safety first” is a motto that has basic camping and cooking requirements through First
been used by companies and organizations for years. Class rank. Depending on the outing, they may also
Make it yours. As you plan your outing this month, take complete all or part of the following rank requirements:
extra care that all safety precautions are covered. While Tenderfoot
this is a routine part of campout planning, it never hurts
• Outdoor—cooking, hiking, camping, nature
to take a good look at each task or project to make sure
you really are taking the proper precautions. • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
Scouting Outcomes
• An understanding that the pledge “to help other • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking
people at all times” requires skill as well as goodwill • Citizenship—flag ceremonies, first aid
toward others • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
• A good grasp of the fundamentals of first aid for • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
life-threatening injuries and for many other less
serious injuries
45
First Class • Asking parents to provide transportation to
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking the campsite
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, first aid • Assisting in organizing a neighborhood watch
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification Patrol Leaders’ Council

Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
Safety and Fire Safety merit badges this month; they this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on
should be able to complete many of the requirements. the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead-
Depending on activities during the outing, they may ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
also cover requirements in Cooking, Hiking, and • If a campout is planned, decide on the campsite.
Camping. Plan the special activities for the campout. See the
ideas on these pages. If special gear or tools will be
Parent/Guardian Participation needed, assign someone to obtain them; seek help
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the from the troop committee, if necessary.
program feature this month by • If you plan to go to a hotel or motel, make reserva-
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction in tions. If you are going to a mall or shopping center,
camping and safety skills make arrangements for a space.
• Inviting parents on the campout • Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if that has
46
• Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign for a behind-the-scenes tour to see safety procedures
patrol demonstrations, covering skills that will be such as
needed for campout activities. • Fire escape plan for the building
Feature Event • Kitchen safety

• Hotel mobilization plan
Safety Outing
• Safety duties of hotel staff members
This event might be a:
• Hotel security—what do they do?
• Highlight campout where you deal with several
emergency situations. Have aquatic-related activities in the pool. Many
hotels and motels have physical fitness facilities. If the
• Visit to a hotel or motel where you could use a meet-
one you choose does, try fitness activities, too. A meet-
ing room to practice first aid and use a swimming
ing room could be used to practice first aid. Or you might
pool for aquatic activities, etc.
visit a nearby museum or local historical landmark.
• Public safety demonstration in a mall or
shopping center. Mall/Shopping Center
The patrol leaders’ council will choose the type Have a display or activity that promotes safety in the
of outing to have. Schedule a variety of safety- home. Show a floor plan of the building you’re in to
related activities. point out exits and an emergency evacuation plan.
Distribute “McGruff” crime prevention materials, which
Hotel/Motel Outing are available from most local law enforcement agencies,
Well, it’s not the woods, but this outing could be useful to promote a safe neighborhood and home environment.
to let Scouts see how a large number of people are dealt
with safely. If possible, stay in a hotel or motel that has
meeting room facilities and a pool. Make arrangements
47
safety
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Arrange for a fire truck or patrol car to come to the meeting
place. Ask a firefighter or police officer to explain safety
______ minutes procedures for home or automobile. Practice the bowline
and have a relay race using it.

______ minutes
• Present colors.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on first aid for choking, snakebite, and
nosebleeds.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts plan to organize a neighborhood
watch for your neighborhood. Work with the local police
department.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan a
special activity for the outing. This could be a tour, special
guest visit, etc.
everyone knows his assignments. If it will be a trip to a motel
______ minutes or hotel, set up some rules to be followed. If it will be a
campout, plan meals and the patrol duty roster, and plan
equipment distribution. Any Scouts who are going on their
first campout will need extra support. If you will be having
a safety display in a mall or shopping center, organize
activities and make assignments.
Interpatrol Activity Do Ball Relay. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes
Closing • Sing “Scout Vespers.” (Boy Scout Songbook) SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
for the safety outing. Begin work on next month’s program
feature.
49
safety
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on CPR techniques and review signs of a
heart attack. Play First-Aid Baseball. (See the Games section
______ minutes of Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts visit a local fire station or firefighter
training facility to see how firefighters train for various
types of fires.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or conduct a
safety inspection of your meeting facility. Continue work on
a special activity for the outing.
Patrol Meetings Review assignments for your outing. Continue working

with first-time campers if you are going camping. Practice
______ minutes for any activities you might have on your outing. Plan a
5-mile patrol hike.
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
feature.
50
safety
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on first aid for burns, puncture wounds,
and animal bites. If the outing will be a campout, review
______ minutes safety procedures for knife and ax handling.
• Experienced Scouts finalize plans for a neighborhood watch
meeting. Develop a safety checklist for your home and a fire
evacuation route.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan a com-
munity service project for the troop that will involve helping
the homeless people in your community. Work with local
agencies in coordinating this project.
Patrol Meetings Finalize plans for the outing. If it will be a campout, make
sure your menus are planned, food purchase assignments are
______ minutes made, and fees are collected.
Interpatrol Activity Play Train Chase. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
51
safety
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on fire-building techniques and safety, or

on the use of liquid fuels if your troop uses stoves to cook
______ minutes with. Do String-Burning Race. (See the Games section of
• Experienced Scouts plan an accident prevention program for
areas outside the home where a family might go (church,
beach, theater, etc.).
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or help new
Scouts on fire building; or if you will have access to a pool
on the outing, plan some aquatic games.
Patrol Meetings
______ minutes
Interpatrol Activity Play Crack the DEW Line. (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
52
safety
Date ______________________
Friday evening Load gear at meeting location and leave for campsite. Plan only a light SPL
meal en route.
Saturday Cooks and assistants up, prepare breakfast. (Cooks should be working on First Cooks,
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Conduct interpatrol competitions using the Games section of Troop Program SPL
Resources.*
• Ice Accident
• Deer Stalking
• Nature Art Gallery
Noon Lunch
Free time
1:00 p.m. Conduct interpatrol competitions using the Games section of Troop Program SPL
Resources.*
• Ante Over
• Flapjack-Flipping Relay
• Tent-Pitching Contest (try it blindfolded)
53
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Resources.*
Special equip- Troop camping equipment

ment needed
54
Science
Science is a method of learning about the world by • An appreciation of the wonders of nature and
observation, study, and experimentation. We might say possibly a greater feeling of closeness to God
that Scouting is a science because that’s the way • A better understanding of how pollution affects the
Scouts learn. natural world and how Scouts can help to stop it
In this program feature we will explore two scientific
subjects, weather and energy. During troop meetings, • A strengthened resolve to do their “duty to country”
Scouts will discover how to use weather signs. They through good conservation practices
will also learn about the importance of conserving • Increased self-confidence
energy sources. • Basic knowledge for predicting weather
Keep records of the weather this month and make
periodic weather predictions. Also try some solar energy Advancement Opportunities
experiments or projects that might be used on
a campout. By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of their
The big event will be a weather bivouac. Ask patrols basic camping and cooking requirements through First
to predict the weather for the bivouac as the date draws Class rank. Depending on the campout activities, they
near. The highlight of the bivouac will be an adventure may also complete all or part of the following rank
obstacle trail with problems patrols might have to solve requirements:
during a hurricane. Tenderfoot
Scouting Outcomes • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature

your Scouts • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
55
Second Class • Inviting parents on the campout
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature • Asking parents to provide transportation to
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn the campout
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification • Having a family potluck dinner
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law Patrol Leaders’ Council

First Class The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law • Decide on the campsite for the weather bivouac
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the campout. If permissions will be needed, assign
Camping, Cooking, and Weather merit badges this someone to secure them.
month. Depending on activities during the campout, • Plan the special activities for the campout. See the
they may also cover requirements for the Hiking, ideas on these pages. If special gear or tools will be
Backpacking, and Wilderness Survival merit badges. needed, assign someone to obtain them. Seek help
• Review Leave No Trace camping skills in the Fieldbook.
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the • Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign
program feature this month by patrol demonstrations, covering skills that will be
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction for needed for the campout activities.
energy/weather skills • Plan activities for the campout.
56
Feature Event Adventure Obstacle Trail
Weather Bivouac THE HURRICANE. The object is for patrols to get a
report through to a headquarters point after encounter-
This weather-wise program feature should help you to
ing the kinds of obstacles that Scouts might meet during
answer the age-old question, “What’s the weather going
a hurricane. Sealed envelopes are given to each patrol
to be like?” When your Scouts become interested in
leader, to be opened at a specific spot and time
weather forecasting, apprehension about thunderstorms
(a different place for each patrol). Each patrol should
gives way to understanding and a pleasant thrill of
be advised beforehand to bring the equipment it thinks
anticipation. You’ll probably see a reluctance to post-
it will need in the event of emergency situations.
pone or cancel a hike or camping trip when the Scouts
The sealed envelope contains the following message:
themselves have forecasted an approaching storm.
“All means of communication have been severed
The Scouts will gain an understanding of weather
between this point and the central relief headquarters.
and become more familiar with prevailing winds,
Personnel is limited, and it is extremely urgent that
cloud formations, rain, snow, sleet, frost, and other
they know the extent of the damage in this area. They
phenomena that determine the weather.
need your help in rendering service to the homeless and
Make the bivouac a real demonstration of prepared-
injured.
ness and a good camping experience for the Scouts by
This is not a race against time. Follow the marked
using only equipment that you can carry on your back.
trail on the map. Watch for special hazards and other
New Scouts will have an opportunity to work on basic
conditions that should be noted and reported to head-
camping and cooking skills, plus some nature-related
quarters. Watch especially for injured persons; give
skills. The other Scouts will be able to expand their
such aid as you can and be prepared to report on this.
skills in many areas.
Certain situations will require answers that you will
Building a Solar Energy Box deliver to headquarters. Be alert, be prepared, and
Begin with a clean, empty tin can. A 1-pound coffee can good luck!”
works well. Pour about a cup of water in the can, place Also in the envelope is a map with the central relief
a thermometer in the water, and let the water absorb headquarters indicated on it, the patrol’s starting point,
solar energy. and the route the patrol is to follow.
You will need two transparent windows about 1⁄2 inch Problems are set up by troop leaders, parents, and
apart on the can. One window can be made by cover- troop committee members. Troop leaders and others
ing the top of the can with clear plastic wrap. Hold the who set up problems should serve as judges and scor-
plastic in place with a rubber band. ers at the various stations. Have people at each problem
For the second window, make a cardboard collar for site acting as victims.
the can by bending a 2-inch-wide cardboard strip into a • A downed tree is blocking the main road (dead limb
ring the same diameter as the can. Let the ends of the laid across trail, cardboard sign on trail, “U.S. 1”).
strip overlap and glue or staple them together. Cover Project: Cut and clear using safe axmanship.
the top of this collar with a second piece of clear plastic • Main power line down at Dow Crossing, marked with
held by a rubber band. Slip the collar down over the card, “100,000 volts.” Project: Note location and rope
top of the covered can so that the two plastic surfaces off or barricade the immediate area.
are about 1⁄2 inch apart.
Insulate the can so that the energy it collects will not • Bridge washed out at Moose Ford. Several projects
be lost during the experiments. Wrap the can in some possible: Lash together a raft; build a monkey bridge
sort of insulation material, such as house insulation, or other type of bridge.
plastic foam, or even newspaper pieces crumpled into • Jones family homeless, cold, hungry. Project: Build a
small balls. For some suggested experiments, see the fire and serve canned soup.
Energy merit badge pamphlet. • You have broken or lost your compass. Determine
due north from this point.
57
• Determine the height of the dangerous, tall Did Mr. Jones wear glasses? How many volts of
“chimney” (tree) that has been left standing at the electricity did the downed power line carry? What color
destroyed factory. If it should fall in this direction, was the Henderson boy’s coat? How far do you think
will the top hit the Henderson house (carton)? you have traveled since leaving point X? What was the
Near the end of this obstacle trail, give the Scouts a number of the highway blocked by the big tree? What’s
test of memory and powers of observation. List a num- the name of the lashings you used in making the bridge
ber of questions such as: at Moose Ford?
58
SCIENCE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Set up a weather station to start recording weather conditions

for the next 30 days. If you can leave it at your meeting
______ minutes location, assign someone to make a record each day for the
next 30 days. Show new Scouts how to find directions, day
or night. (See the Boy Scout Handbook and Weather merit
badge pamphlet.)
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop.

• Repeat the Scout Law; have 12 Scouts each define one point
______ minutes
in their own words.
• Present colors.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on identifying plants and animals in the
area (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes • Experienced Scouts learn types of clouds and ways to
predict weather.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan to build
a solar reflector that could be used in camp to prepare
meals or heat water, or for some other use. Make a list of
materials needed. See the Energy merit badge pamphlet.
one knows what his assignments are and what to bring for
______ minutes the outing. Any Scouts who have not been camping will need
extra help. All other patrols plan activities for the campout
that will help them with advancement. Plan meals for the out-
ing. If it is going to be an overnighter, begin to make plans for
equipment distribution and tent needs.
Interpatrol Activity Play Inchworm. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Have a First Class Scout explain the Boy Scout badge.
______ minutes
for the weather bivouac. Begin work on next month’s program
feature.
59
SCIENCE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic first aid that might be needed in
a problem-solving exercise for the outing.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts make arrangements to go to an auto
mechanics shop or have an engine brought in to learn the
basics of an internal combustion engine and how it uses
energy.
work on a solar reflector. Arrange for a tour of a local power
plant for the entire troop.

continue working on basic camping procedures. All other
______ minutes patrols continue to plan activities for advancement at the
Interpatrol Activity Do Human Ladder. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
60
SCIENCE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on using woods tools and learn fire
preparation. Demonstrate cooking fire lays. If you can do so
______ minutes at your meeting site, build several types of cooking fires and
light them.
• Experienced Scouts review lashings and other skills that might
be needed in problem-solving for the weather bivouac.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan several
other problem-solving activities.
______ minutes equipment needs and collect any necessary fees.
Interpatrol Activity Play Sloppy Camp. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
61
SCIENCE
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts come to the meeting with backpack packed if
the troop has planned a campout. Review items needed for
______ minutes the campout.
• Experienced Scouts review first-aid skills, particularly ban-
daging for broken bones and sprains, plus severe bleeding
control. Summarize weather record keeping for weather
station; make long-range forecast for campout.
for a problem-solving trail on the campout. If that has been
done, get a map of the area and plan a 1-mile nature trail.
______ minutes over the patrol duty roster. Practice any interpatrol activities
Interpatrol Activity Do Four-Way Tug-of-War. (See the Games section of Troop

______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
last-minute details for the campout. Finalize work on next
62
SCIENCE
Date ______________________
meal en route.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Begin problem-solving trail. SPL
Noon Continue problem-solving trail. SPL
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
63
Resources.*
Special equip- Cameras, pens, gear needed for problem-solving trail, troop camping equipment
ment needed
64
Shooting
Shooting sports are on the rise in this country. Archery The highlight activity can be a weekend campout
and rifle, shotgun, and black-powder shooting are all with emphasis on shooting sports. Stress good camping
popular. practices for the younger Scouts. Each patrol might be
The Boy Scouts of America has promoted safe asked to prepare a special activity based on a particular
shooting for many years. This month your troop can outdoor skill.
learn about one or more of the shooting sports and
have a lot of fun. Scouting Outcomes
If your Scout council camp has shooting ranges, you
are encouraged to use them, under proper supervision
your Scouts
from the council. Other possible resources are archery
clubs, gun clubs, black-powder clubs, the military, law • The knowledge and skills to be comfortable in camp
enforcement agencies, and community groups. Be sure • A sense of communion with nature and God
to follow the guidelines on shooting sports as outlined • A greater respect for the outdoors
in the Guide to Safe Scouting, No. 34416.
65
• Increased self-confidence First Class
• Improved skills in shooting sports and a knowledge • Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking
of safety practices • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
Advancement Opportunities • Patrol/troop participation

basic camping and cooking requirements through First Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the
Class rank. Depending on the campout activities, they Archery, Shotgun Shooting, and Rifle Shooting merit
may also complete all or part of the following rank badges; they should be able to complete many of the
requirements: requirements. Depending on activities during the camp
out, they may also complete requirements in Cooking,
Tenderfoot
Hiking, Backpacking, Wilderness Survival, and other
• Outdoor—cooking, hiking, camping nature-related merit badges.
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the
Second Class
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction for
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking shooting skills
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies • Inviting parents on the campout
• Patrol/troop participation • Asking parents to provide transportation to the camp
66
Patrol Leaders’ Council Feature Event
The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early Shooting Campout
part of the previous month to plan troop activities for The primary purpose of this campout will be to give the
this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on Scouts in your troop a positive camping experience and
the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead- introduce them to a sport that is both safe and fun.
ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting. The campsite might be at your council camp, or
• Decide on a campsite for the campout. If permission perhaps you could use a military reservation or other
will be needed, assign someone to secure it. site that is open to the public. This means you will
• Plan the special activities for the campout. See the need to present your campout as a clean and orga-
ideas on these pages. If special gear or tools will nized operation.
be needed, assign someone to obtain them; ask the To encourage patrols to keep a safe, orderly camp-
troop committee for help, if necessary. site, conduct a formal site inspection sometime during
the weekend. Scouts working on First Class rank will
• Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if it has have an opportunity to complete a number of the
not been done recently. outdoor-related requirements.
patrol demonstrations for the month, covering skills Campout Activities
that will be needed for the campout activities. There are many other possibilities for campout activi-
ties. The troop might concentrate on one outdoor
skill, such as pioneering, star study, fishing, orienteer-
67
ing, conservation, tracking and trailing, bird study, or a powerful flashlight. Establish a home base for the
nature. Or, especially if you have a lot of young Scouts, Commandant—a shed, boulder, or the Scoutmaster’s
the patrol leaders’ council might plan to have instruc- car. The field area that you choose for play should
tion and practice in a variety of basic outdoor skills— be free of rocks, stones, and whatever else that could
campcraft, outdoor cooking, estimating heights and injure Scouts.
distances, bow saw and ax safety, map and compass, The Commandant stands at the home base and
and so on. counts to 50 slowly, while the rest of the players scatter.
For good practice in basic skills, try the following Each player must touch two large, announced objects
contests from the Games section of Troop Program (tree, cabin, etc.) in the field of play before he is allowed
Resources for Scout Troops and Varsity Teams. to try to get back to home base. These two objects must
• String-Burning Race be in the Commandant’s field of vision and at oppo-
site ends of the field (or at least 90 degrees apart). The
• Knot-Tying Relay Commandant turns on his light at the end of the count
• Blindfold Compass Walk to 50, which starts the game. Players at this point may
• Nature Scavenger Hunt be no closer than 10 yards from a mandatory-touch
object. The light may then be turned off or on as the
• Wet-Weather Fire Building
Commandant chooses.
• Flagpole Raising The Commandant may either stay near the base or
• Bow-Saw Relay roam far afield to try to catch someone. A catch is made
if the Commandant spots someone and calls his name.
In the initial stages of the game, a name must be called.
If your site has a large wooded area, the patrol lead- Toward the end of the game, as Scouts are dashing
ers’ council could plan a wide game, too. Most wide toward home base, simply “hitting” a player with the
games require at least a half-square-mile and at least 30 light beam is enough for a catch. A successful player,
minutes. The best known is Capture the Flag. Another upon touching the home base, yells, “Free!” A caught
good wide game is described below. player walks back to home base and shares humor-
ous insights with the growing number already there.
Commandant
The first person to make it back free is the next Com
The object of this night game is for one person, the mandant if the game is to be played again.
Commandant, to keep the rest of the players from
making it back to home base in the dark. You will need
68
SHOOTING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Meet outdoors. Let Scouts inspect some rifles, shotguns, bows,
and black-powder muzzle-loaders. Explain safety rules and
______ minutes proper handling.
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop.

______ minutes
• Present colors.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic camping techniques, campsite

selection, knots, and meal planning. Play Crowded Circle.
• Experienced Scouts become familiar with parts of a bow
and learn the terms used with archery. Plan an archery
area that meets BSA standards and could be set up on your
outing this month, or become familiar with the parts and
operation and safety practices for using a rifle, shotgun, or
muzzle-loader. See the Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting,
and Archery merit badge pamphlets.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or join experi-
enced Scouts in a session on archery or guns.
one knows what his assignments are and what he will need
______ minutes to bring for the campout. The new Scouts need to know what
support they will provide for the campout. Any Scouts who
have not been camping will need extra help. All other patrols
plan activities to work on advancement. Patrol leaders review
the interpatrol activities that will take place and what skills
need to be worked on for them.
Interpatrol Activity Play The Tangle Knot. (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes
Closing • Sing “Taps.” (Boy Scout Songbook) SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
69
SHOOTING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice use and care of the knife, ax, and bow
saw. Do Split-the-Match Relay. (See the Games section of
• Experienced Scouts go to an area where an archery tar-
get range can be set up that meets BSA standards, or to
a private range (indoor/outdoor). Begin shooting, under
proper supervision. Or go to a rifle, trap, or BB range.
Practice firing under proper supervision. Or learn how to
load and fire a muzzle-loader.
enced Scouts in their program.
Interpatrol Activity Play All Aboard. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
feature.
70
SHOOTING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on knots related to lashing, then practice
the square, diagonal, and shear lashings. Do Ladder Relay.
• Experienced Scouts continue to practice safe shooting as in
last week’s program.
enced Scouts in their program.
Patrol Meetings Finalize menus for this month’s outing and make sure every-
one knows what he will need to bring. Review clothing and
practice for patrol activities, schedule it now. Older Scouts can
plan to take pictures at the campout to add to your troop’s
scrapbook, or to shoot slides to show at the troop’s next
family gathering.
Interpatrol Activity Do Crab-Crawl Relay. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
71
SHOOTING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on nature requirements for First Class
rank by learning to identify 10 kinds of wild animals and
______ minutes plants found in your community.
• Experienced Scouts continue safe shooting exercises.
• Older Scouts continue to work on the Venture program or
continue shooting exercises with experienced Scouts.
will take place.
Interpatrol Activity Play Moonball. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
72
SHOOTING
Date ______________________
meal en route.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Conduct shooting activities under qualified supervision, or hold these contests SPL
from the Games section of Troop Program Resources.*
• Flagpole Raising
Work on pioneering project.
Noon Lunch
1:30 p.m. Continue shooting exercises under qualified supervision, or play the following SPL
from the Games section of Troop Program Resources.*
• Nature Scavenger Hunt
• Roman Chariot Race
• Capture the Flag
73
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:00–11:00 a.m. Older Scouts do orienteering course.
Younger Scouts—Play four games from the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*
Special equip- Troop camping equipment, topographic maps, clipboard, compasses, contest
ment needed equipment
74
Special Cooking
Here is a program feature for a troop that has gone Scouting Outcomes
beyond cooking basics. Scouts will learn how to use
the Dutch oven and reflector oven and practice cooking
your Scouts
with camp stoves, charcoal, and aluminum foil.
Since good meals are so important in camp, your • Considerable improvement in cooking skills
patrol leaders’ council will want to use this feature as • Increased confidence in their ability to live comfort-
soon as most Scouts have mastered the basics of cooking. ably in the outdoors
If possible, hold troop meetings outdoors where fires
• An opportunity to use new styles of cooking
are permitted so that you can cook and sample the
results. For at least one meeting, use the fuel that will Advancement Opportunities
be used to cook your camp banquet, this month’s high-
light activity. By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of
The banquet should be just that—a real feast, with their cooking requirements through First Class rank.
each patrol taking pains to prepare a full-course din- Depending on the highlight activities, they may also
ner, from soup or salad to dessert. Encourage patrols to complete all or part of the following rank requirements:
tackle special dishes that require a Dutch oven or
Tenderfoot
reflector oven.
Some troops have a camping tradition of laying out • Outdoor—hiking, camping, cooking, nature
a real spread for their adult leaders several times a year. • Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn
They have tablecloths, flowers, china, and silverware, • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
with the Scouts serving as waiters as well as cooks. That
may be taking gourmet cooking a little further than your • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
patrol leaders’ council wants to go, but it’s a fun time. Second Class
Whether or not you go that far, consider inviting
the Scouts’ families to the camp banquet. The banquet
could mark the end of a day’s outing in the woods or • Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn
the highlight of a weekend campout. • Patrol/troop participation—leadership
75
• Inventory the troop’s cooking gear (Dutch ovens,
reflector ovens, camp stoves, charcoal burners, etc.).
If the supply seems low, ask the troop committee for
help in obtaining more. For a homemade reflector
oven, see the diagram on page 78.
Consider inviting a Cooking merit badge counselor
to help with instruction. Review the use of ovens
and stoves.
• Schedule troop meetings at an outdoor site where
fires are permitted, if possible.
Feature Event
First Class Camp Banquet
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking Anyone who has ever smelled bacon frying and corned
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn beef hash sizzling on an outdoor fire knows that simple
cooking can produce delightful results. But you can’t
bake a peach cobbler in a thin aluminum pot or an
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law apple pie in a pot over a bonfire. So there is a lot to be
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the said for expanding the Scout cook’s horizons.
Cooking merit badge this month; they should be able That’s why patrols should be encouraged to use
to complete many of the requirements. Depending reflector ovens and Dutch ovens in preparing their
on activities during the month, they may also com- banquet. Also encourage them to try different heat
plete requirements in Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, sources, too, such as charcoal and camp stoves. The
Wilderness Survival, and other outdoor-related skills involved are different, and learning them will help
merit badges. make your Scouts better cooks.
The patrol leaders’ council may want to invite the
Parent/Guardian Participation troop’s families to the banquet. The serving plan may
be for each patrol to have a banquet for its own fami-
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the lies, or all dishes might be served buffet-style to all
program feature this month by Scouts and families.
• Asking qualified people to assist with cooking
instruction
Other Activities for the Outing
Preparation, serving, and cleanup for the banquet will
• Asking people for recipes that could be used for the
no doubt take several hours, but the patrol leaders’
camp banquet
council will want to plan activities, too, particularly
• Inviting families to the camp banquet if the big event is a campout. One logical tie-in to this
feature might be instruction and practice in recogniz-
Patrol Leaders’ Council ing edible wild plants in your area and learning how to
The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early prepare them for eating. Make sure the instructor is an
part of the previous month to plan troop activities for expert in identifying wild plants!
this program feature. If you don’t complete all items on Other possible activities, depending on what’s avail-
the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead- able at your site, include swimming, fishing, wide games,
ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting. and interpatrol contests requiring Scoutcraft skills. In
addition, individual Scouts or small groups might work
• Choose a site for the camp banquet. Assign someone
on various outdoor merit badge requirements.
to secure permissions, if needed.
• Decide whether the camp banquet will be a one-day Dutch Oven Cooking
activity or the highlight of a campout. Many outdoorsmen claim that a Dutch oven is the most
useful and versatile cooking implement in camp. The
• Plan activities for the outing, in addition to preparing
only drawback for trail cooking is its size and weight,
and serving a meal.
but that is not so for a campout or long-term camp.
76
lid and continue simmering until everything is tender.
Serves eight to 10.
Peach Cobbler
Two No. 2 cans sliced peaches
2 cups biscuit mix
1
⁄2 cup sugar
1
⁄2 tsp. cinnamon
Preheat Dutch oven slightly over hot coals. Put a
baking pan in the bottom and pour in peaches. Reserve
some of the juice so the cobbler won’t be mushy.
Following the instructions for the biscuit mix, mix
biscuit mix with milk or water. Pour the dough on top
A Dutch oven can be used as an ordinary cook- of the peaches and sprinkle with sugar.
ing pot, or for baking. When it is used for baking, it’s Put the lid on the oven and place coals on top. Bake
a good idea to set the baking pan on pebbles or an until crust is golden brown. Serves 10.
inverted pie pan in the bottom of the oven to prevent
burning the food. Oven-Fried Chicken
A new Dutch oven must be seasoned before it is Use half of a frying chicken per person. Wash chicken
used. See the Fieldbook, No. 33104, for more informa- in water. Cut away skin and fat. Discard. Cut the
tion about this procedure. chicken into pieces, dip into cold water, and wipe dry.
Shake the chicken pieces in a paper bag with seasoned
Drop Biscuits flour (flour, salt, pepper).
1 cup all-purpose flour Preheat the Dutch oven. When it is hot, add two
11⁄4 tsp. baking powder tablespoons of cooking oil and the chicken pieces.
1
⁄4 tsp. salt Brown them on both sides.
1 Tbsp. shortening Put the lid on the oven and add coals on top. Bake,
1 Tbsp. sugar basting the chicken occasionally, for 15 minutes. Then
1
⁄3 cup water or milk turn the pieces over and cook until tender—about 15
Stir dry ingredients with a fork to work air into minutes.
them. Put melted shortening into water or milk and stir
Reflector Oven Cooking
quickly so shortening does not harden. Then add it to
dry ingredients gradually until a thick dough forms—a The reflector oven can be used for baking, too, and is
little thicker than for pancakes. much lighter than the Dutch oven. Most reflector ovens
Preheat the Dutch oven and put a baking pan in the are made with heavy-duty aluminum foil. (See the
bottom. Drop biscuit mix by tablespoons onto the pan. diagram on page 78.)
Put on the lid and place coals on top. The heat is about As its name implies, the reflector oven bakes by
right if the biscuits have risen and started to brown in 5 reflecting heat from a flaming fire onto the food.
minutes. Bake 10 minutes more. Because you don’t have to wait for coals, baking is
faster with a reflector oven.
Pot Roast
Berry Pie
4 lb. chuck or round roast
Eight medium onions, sliced Pie crust mix
Eight potatoes, sliced 1 pint berries
Eight carrots, sliced
1
⁄2 cup sugar
Cooking oil 2 Tbsp. flour
Salt and pepper Cinnamon
Rolling pin or substitute
Preheat oven and lid and place on coals. Rub flour
on the roast and brown all sides in a small amount Mix the pie crust mix according to directions on the
of oil in the oven. Add 1⁄2 inch of water. Put the lid on box. Roll out dough on a little flour to about 1⁄8-inch
the pot and cover with a layer of coals. Simmer 3 to 4 thickness. Line the baking pan with half of the dough.
hours. Check occasionally and add water if necessary. Mix berries, flour, sugar, and a dash of cinnamon.
After about 2 hours, add the vegetables. Replace the Fill crust with this mixture. Add the top crust, making it
77
an inch wider than the pan. Crimp the edges and use a Cooking Tricks
fork to pierce small holes in the crust to vent steam. Put Here are some gimmicks for advanced cooks who don’t
the pie on the reflector oven shelf in front of a bright want to use utensils.
fire. Turn it occasionally to bake evenly. Bake until crust
is golden brown. BROWN BAG BISCUIT. Saturate the bottom and sides
of a paper bag with cooking oil. Mix a prepared biscuit
Sourdough Biscuits mix and put three or four pieces of dough in the bag.
Old-time prospectors carried sourdough mix as a starter Hang the bag over a fire—not too high. When biscuits
for their bread or biscuits. You can make some by dis- are golden brown, they should be done. Test with a
solving a packet of dry yeast in a cup of water or milk wood sliver.
and adding a cup or more of flour to make a smooth
EGG ON A STICK. Use a knife point to make small
batter. A teaspoon of sugar will speed up fermenta-
holes in each end of an egg. Run a sliver through the egg
tion, but it’s not vital. Let this mix stand in the sun for
and heat over coals. Don’t overheat or the egg will burst.
several hours in a glass or ceramic bowl until it seems
to grow and is full of bubbles. (Don’t use a metal bowl ORANGE OR ONION SHELL EGGS. Cut an orange in
because the sourdough’s acids can eat through metal— half and remove fruit. Crack an egg into the peel and place
but not through your stomach!) directly on coals. Try the same thing with a large onion.
Use this starter mix to make biscuits as follows:
MUDDY EGGS. Cover an egg with about 1⁄2 inch of mud
1 cup sourdough starter mix
and bury in hot coals for 20 minutes, or less if you like
1
⁄4 tsp. soda
soft-boiled eggs.
One egg
1 Tbsp. fat or cooking oil Heat Loss. When cooking with charcoal, place heavy-
Flour duty aluminum foil on the ground. This helps prevent
Mix ingredients into a dough that can be kneaded. heat loss and makes cleanup easy.
Roll the dough flat on a floured surface such as foil or
plastic. Cut dough into biscuit-sized pieces. Let it rise
for an hour or so, then bake in the reflector oven until
golden brown.
78
SPECIAL COOKING
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening If possible, meet outdoors where open fires are permitted, or

use charcoal grills. Practice fire lays and lighting them. Keep
______ minutes the fires going for later use.
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop into a single line. Have one Scout at a time
recite one point of the Scout Law and state its meaning in
______ minutes his own words.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on fire lays and aluminum foil cooking
techniques. Play Edible Plants Who’s Who. (See the Games
______ minutes section of Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts work on preparing a single dish in a
Dutch oven.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan an orien-
teering course for the troop as part of the overnight campout.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for this month’s outing and make sure every-
one knows what his assignments are and what to bring. Any
______ minutes Scouts who have not been camping yet will need some extra
help. All other patrols plan activities to work on advancement.
In addition to the camp banquet, plan any meals that will be
needed for the outing. If this will be an overnighter, begin to
make plans for equipment distribution and tent needs.
Interpatrol Activity Sample the Dutch oven dishes made earlier. Play Rubber Ball
Relay. (See the Games section of Troop Program Resources.*)
______ minutes
Closing • Assemble patrols; repeat the Philmont Grace. SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
feature.
79
special cooking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts learn basic cooking techniques and sanitation
procedures (Boy Scout Handbook and Fieldbook).
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts make a reflector oven.
plans for orienteering course.
ment on the outing. Practice map and compass skills for the
Interpatrol Activity Do Pony Express Race. (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
program feature.
80
special cooking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on safety practices in the lighting and
care of liquid fuel stoves. Learn how to prepare trail foods.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts prepare several different types of foods
in the reflector oven that they made last week.
cooking skills with the younger Scouts.
Patrol Meetings Finalize the menu for the banquet this month and make sure
map reading skills.
Interpatrol Activity Do Flapjack-Flipping Relay. (See the Games section of Troop

______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
81
special cooking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice preparing a simple dish in a

Dutch oven that can be sampled later (Cooking merit
______ minutes badge pamphlet).
• Experienced Scouts work on procedures to dehydrate food
for a campout or hike.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or help the
younger Scouts with Dutch oven cooking.
Patrol Meetings Review plans and assignments for the campout and banquet.
Make sure everyone knows the travel plans and equipment
______ minutes needs. Review the patrol duty roster. Practice any interpatrol
activities that will take place.
Interpatrol Activity Play Dodgeball. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
82
special cooking
Date ______________________
meal en route.
At the campsite, off-load equipment and set up patrol sites. SPL/PL
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Patrol games—Use four games from the Games section of Troop Program SPL
Resources.*
11:30 a.m. Cooks and assistant cooks return to site to prepare lunch. Cooks
Noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Begin preparations for special patrol feast.
Tenderfoot: Prepare fire lays.
Second Class: Assist in food preparation and cleanup.
First Class: Prepare food and supervise cleanup.
4:00 p.m. Prepare campfire for evening. Gather tables in central location and set up.
4:30 p.m. Parents and guests begin to arrive. Have entertainment prepared for parents. SPL
4:45 p.m. Bring food to central location, set up buffet.
Songfest with parents
7:30 p.m. Campfire
8:30 p.m. Campfire ends—Parents return home.
83
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Resources.*
Special equip- Dutch ovens, dining flies, charcoal starters, troop camping equipment
ment needed
84
Sports
Most Scouts crave physical activity. With this program Advancement Opportunities
feature, you can provide a variety of ways for them to
By month’s end, all Scouts should have met many of
get it. Many sports, both team and individual, are avail-
their physical fitness requirements through First Class.
able in Scouting.
Use them to encourage your Scouts to become physi-
cally fit. Point out that only by becoming fit can they
perform at their best level in any sport. Tenderfoot
Stress teamwork, too. Obviously, team sports • Outdoor—hiking, camping
require each member of the team to act in harmony
with the others. Even in individual sports, teamwork is • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
important because often the individual needs the help • Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification
of others in training for and practicing his sport. • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
Scouting Outcomes • Physical fitness—health, conditioning, drug

awareness
• A greater understanding that physical fitness is essen- • Outdoor—camping, hiking

tial for a fulfilling life • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
• Awareness that they can improve their fitness with • Patrol/troop participation
regular exercise, adequate diet and rest, and absti-
nence from smoking, drugs, and alcohol
• Physical fitness—health, conditioning, drug
• Enhanced self-confidence as a result of improving
awareness
physical fitness
• Familiarity with a variety of sports First Class
85
• Outdoor—camping, hiking, cooking Patrol Leaders’ Council
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
• Patrol/troop participation part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
• Physical fitness—health, conditioning ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the • Decide whether to make the outing a one-day event
Personal Fitness and Sports merit badges this month; or the highlight of a weekend campout. Choose a site
they should be able to complete many of the require- for it and arrange to secure permissions, if needed.
ments. Depending on activities during the campout, • Plan the events for the outing. See the ideas on the
they may also cover requirements for the Cooking, following pages.
Hiking, Camping, Athletics, Swimming, Skating,
• Arrange to secure the necessary equipment; ask for
Cycling, and other outdoor-related merit badges.
help from the troop committee, if necessary.
Parent/guardian Participation • Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if this has
program feature this month by • Plan details of troop meetings for the month.
Consider inviting counselors for the Sports or
• Asking qualified people to assist as judges, scorers,
Athletics merit badges to help with instruction.
timekeepers, etc.
• Make a list of possible patrol Good Turns for the
• Inviting families on the campout
community.
• Asking qualified people to coach Scouts in a sport
Feature Event
86
Sports Outing attempted initially by one team alone, making sure one
This outing can be a campout or a daylong event with of the two balls is always in the air, and later by tossing
several features. You might want to have several con- balls from team to team. To involve more people, use a
ventional sports activities plus some cooperative events. sturdy bedspread, a large piece of lightweight canvas,
You might even recruit a professional athlete to work or an old parachute. A variation of this game, known as
with the troop on a particular sport. Collective Netting, can be played in shallow water with
This outing could be done with another troop or sev- a fishnet instead of a blanket.
eral troops, and with some competitive events between
Collective-Score Blanketball
the troops. Or, your outing might be a family gathering
at a sports event; attendance at the event could be one Two teams use a blanket to toss a beach ball or other
portion of a daylong activity. large ball back and forth over a volleyball net. Every
time the ball is tossed over the net by one team and
Collective Blanketball caught successfully in the blanket held by the other
Two patrol teams of about eight or 10 players spread team, 1 collective point is scored. This game is coopera-
out around two sturdy blankets or similar-sized pieces tive because every team member is a part of every toss
of durable material. Each team grasps the edges of its and every catch. There is also the collective challenge
blanket, and a beach ball or monster ball is placed in of scoring as many points in a row as possible.
the middle. To warm up, each group tosses the ball into
Inchworm
the air and catches it again in the blanket, or rolls the
ball around the outside edges of the blanket. Teams Pair off Scouts. They sit on each other’s feet and grasp
then pass the ball back and forth by tossing it toward elbows or upper arms. Each pair advances by having
the receiving team. One team can even toss the ball the Scout whose back is toward the direction of travel
straight up and dash out of the way, letting the other lift his bottom off the other’s feet and rock backward.
team race under the ball to catch it with the blanket. Meanwhile, his partner slides his feet forward about a
You can also give each team its own ball and have foot and rocks forward as the other sits down on his
them play catch with two balls. feet again. Continue with this rocking-sliding motion
For groups seeking additional challenge, juggling to the turning line—but don’t turn. For the return trip,
can be attempted by trying to get two or more balls Scouts simply reverse roles, with the Scout who had
going in the air in a continuous manner. This can be
87
been going backward now going forward. The first pair out about 6 feet apart in a straight line. The rider must
to return to the start wins. weave in and out without touching a jug and without
his feet touching the ground. If he touches a jug or the
Sports Tourney ground, he must return to the starting line and begin
This can either be held outdoors or indoors in a gym, over. Run the game as a relay. The fastest patrol wins.
depending on the climate. Have an interpatrol competi-
tion in two or more team sports, such as basketball, SNAIL RACE RELAY. Mark a 3-foot-wide lane about
volleyball, team handball, indoor soccer. 50 feet long with string or chalk for each patrol. Half of
Play patrol against patrol in abbreviated games (two the patrol lines up at either end of the lane. The object
5-minute halves of basketball, for example). If possible, is to ride as slowly as possible without touching the
have every patrol play all other patrols. ground or allowing a bike wheel to touch the line. The
If the patrol leaders’ council desires a full-scale tour- race starts with the first rider at one end riding to the
ney, with regulation games, schedule one that covers other end of the lane; there the first Scout in line rides
two or three Saturdays. the other way, and so on until all patrol members have
ridden the course. The slowest patrol time wins.
Bike Games
BULL’S-EYE. For each patrol, set out four empty 1-

pound coffee cans, open end up, about 8 feet apart in a
straight line. Give each Scout four marbles. The object
of the game is to drop one marble into each can while
riding down the line at any speed. Score 1 point for
each hit; subtract 1 point if the rider touches his foot to
the ground.
SLALOM RELAY. For each patrol, remove the top

halves of four empty plastic milk jugs and set each
88
sports
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Post a fitness chart with basic requirements needed for the
Tenderfoot rank. Begin testing. Post everyone’s scores; have
______ minutes them practice all month and check for improvement.

______ minutes
• Have a new Scout lead the Oath and Law.
• Present colors.
• Recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts continue fitness tests. Post scores for
comparison at the end of the month. Practice the tautline
______ minutes hitch, two half hitches, and the bowline.
• Experienced Scouts choose a sport and begin practice. Or,
invite parents who are golfers to explain the game and give
instruction in basic golf swings.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or begin instruc-
tion in one of three types of skiing—water, downhill, or
cross-country.
Patrol Meetings Discuss plans for the outing this month. Determine any special
patrol needs. If the troop is having some sort of competitive
______ minutes activity, practice for the event.
Interpatrol Activity Play Catch Ten. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Sing “Scout Vespers.” (Boy Scout Songbook)
______ minutes
89
sports
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts have a presentation by a college athlete or

health club instructor. Demonstrate exercises and discuss
______ minutes nutritional diets and an exercise plan.
• Experienced Scouts continue working on their sport.
Inchworm.
events for the outing. All patrols plan activities to work on
______ minutes advancement.
Interpatrol Activity Do Izzy-Dizzy Relay. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
After the Meeting Patrol leaders council reviews the next meeting and plans for
90
sports
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts go to a pool or aquatics area that meets BSA
standards, and work on First Class swimming requirements.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts continue work on selected sport or plan
a bicycle competition.
Patrol Meetings Review plans for the troop outing. If meals are planned,
finalize the menus and make final assignments for duties at
______ minutes the site.
Interpatrol Activity Play Old Plug. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
91
sports
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts are tested for push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups,
standing long jump, and 500-yard run/walk. Post scores and
______ minutes check improvement from the first week.
• Experienced Scouts finish plans for a bike competition or
continue practicing their sport.
testing new Scouts.
Patrol Meetings Review final plans for the outing. If the outing is going to be
a campout, make sure that everyone has the necessary
______ minutes camping gear. Also review all the events and make sure
everyone is prepared.
Interpatrol Activity Play Corner Ball. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
92
sports
Date ______________________
meal en route.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Sports events SPL
Noon Sack lunch
1:00 p.m. Continue sports events. SPL
6:00 p.m. Clean up.
8:00 p.m. Campfire
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
93
Resources.*
Special equip- Sports equipment, troop camping equipment

ment needed
94
Tracking
Tracking, trailing, and stalking have been popular with another story. In this case, he will turn around quickly
Scouts for many years. The highlight activity and troop to see if he can spot who made the noise.
meeting practice this month will feature all three skills. In addition to the tracking, trailing, and stalking
Especially in snow country, it’s easy to develop aspects of the troop outing this month, feature such
activities related to tracking. Scouts might be asked outdoor activities as fire building, cooking, and a
to follow actual animal tracks for a distance. In the campfire program.
absence of animal tracks, they could follow simulated
tracks. In either case, reading the main meaning of the Scouting Outcomes
track is required. Where there is no snow or soft earth,
the use of tracking irons or a whifflepoof will make
your Scouts
tracking fun possible.
Trailing is following simulated trail signs. The signs • An appreciation for the wonders of nature and
may be put in position by one patrol and followed by possibly a growing feeling of closeness to God
another. • A strengthened resolve to do their “duty to country”
Stalking is perhaps the most fascinating of these through good conservation practices
three skills since it pits one Scout against another in a • Increased self-confidence
duel of training and wits. Stalking is a great imagination
developer because it is a skill related to the hunting of Advancement Opportunities
wild game and to survival.
In one stalking game, a Scout leaves the general By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of their
camp area and, when it is safe to do so, one or more basic nature requirements through First Class rank.
other Scouts attempt to follow him without being seen. Depending on the outing, they may also complete all or
Since he knows he is being followed, it isn’t fair for the part of the following rank requirements:
Scout to stop to ambush the other fellows; rather, he Tenderfoot
should walk at a leisurely pace, pausing now and then
to admire the scenery, including that behind him. This • Outdoor—cooking, hiking, camping, nature
will give the following Scouts a chance to take cover. • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
However, if he hears one of the trailing Scouts, it’s
95
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction for
camping skills
campsite

• Decide on the campsite for the campout. If permis-
sions will be needed, assign someone to secure them.
ideas on these pages. If special gear will be needed,
assign someone to obtain it. Seek help from the troop
committee, if necessary.
• Review camping skills outlined in the Fieldbook.
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification • Plan activities for the campout. Remember that
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law everything is likely to take longer in a winter camp.
Second Class Feature Event

• Outdoor—cooking, nature, camping, hiking
First-Class Outing
This should be a first-class campout in two ways—first
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification class in quality and first class as an opportunity for
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law helping Scouts complete their requirements for First
Class rank. Your Scouts might be seasoned old-timers
First Class in this camping game, or they might not be. If yours
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking is a new troop, you have a real treat in store on your
first campout. If your council or district is not holding a
camporee this month, why not try a camporee of your
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification own in preparation for this larger experience?
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law What is a camporee? A camporee is a demonstration
of the camping skill of patrols and troops. They set up
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the their own camps for one or more days and nights for
Nature and Camping merit badges this month. fun, good fellowship, and the opportunity to learn more
Depending on activities during the campout, they may about camping from each other. Talk with your senior
also complete requirements for the Cooking, Hiking, patrol leader and get him started on this project.
Pioneering, Mammal Study, Geology, Fish and Wildlife Next, meet with your patrol leaders’ council and get
Management, Insect Study, and Wilderness Survival the patrol leaders enthusiastic about the troop campo-
merit badges. ree. Now comes detailed planning for the organization
and operation of the camporee. Depending on your and
your junior leaders’ wishes, you determine whether you
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the want a detailed and complete rating plan or whether
program feature this month by you want to adopt a simple, self-rating scheme.
96
The camporee is an excellent way to help spruce up
the uniforming of your gang. You can use shorts and
T-shirts for the rougher activities, but for flag ceremo-
nies, inspections, dinner, and campfire, get the gang in
full uniform. It will do wonders for the appearance of
the troop, and they’ll look and feel like Scouts.
Winding It Up
Wind up your day’s activities with an evening campfire
that includes songs, campfire games, a good campfire
story, recognition of patrols for their performance in the
camporee, and some inspiration that will send them
home saying, “Boy, haven’t we had fun! There’s noth-
ing like being a Scout!”
SUGGESTED GAMES
Knot-Tying Relay
Equipment: One 61⁄2-foot rope per patrol; Scout staff or
long stick.
Method: Patrols line up in relay formation with the first

Scout about 10 feet from the staff, held horizontally 30
inches off the ground. On the signal “Bowline (or other
knot)—Go!” the first Scout runs up, rope in hand, ties
the rope to the staff with a bowline, has it approved by
the judge, unties it, runs back, and gives the rope to the
Some troops stress the camporee for fun, good fel- next Scout, who runs up, repeats the performance, and
lowship, and demonstrations. Others go in more for so on until eight knots have been tied.
competitive ratings and activities. You may want to Scoring: The first patrol to finish wins.
make your camporee a demonstration of the camping
skills of each of your patrols and not the crowning of Note: For the square knot, sheet bend, and fisherman’s
just one patrol as the winner. knot, join ends of the rope with a taut knot, with the
staff running through the loop. For the clove hitch, two
Keep It Simple half hitches and timber hitch, tie the rope to a staff and
If you do rate your patrols, keep the plan simple and pull taut. For the tautline hitch and bowline, tie knots
make sure that all individuals get recognition for the so that the staff runs through the loop.
things that they do well. Give special recognition to
those patrols that demonstrate outstanding perfor Rescue Race
mance. If you present some kind of tangible award, Equipment: For each boy, one 4-foot piece of rope.
make it a simple pennant, wooden plaque, or other
Method: Patrols line up in relay fashion, each boy with
homemade recognition. Why not have some of the
his piece of rope. Patrol leaders take up position 20
parents make them?
feet in front of the first Scout in each patrol. The patrol
Base activities, demonstrations, and competitive
leader pretends he is drowning and must be rescued
events on the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First
by having a line thrown to him. On signal, all patrol
Class rank requirements. The Games section of Troop
members tie their ropes into one long line. The first boy
Program Resources for Scout Troops and Varsity Teams,
coils the rope and throws it to the patrol leader, and the
No. 33588, presents unlimited possibilities for contests,
whole patrol pulls him to shore. It is best to trade patrol
relays, and just plain fun that will fit your troop campo-
leaders around so that no leader is rescued by his
ree program in first-class fashion.
own patrol.
Invite parents to visit your camporee and see what
good campers their young hopefuls are. Get the parents
together for a short session to talk about summer camp.
97
Scoring: The object is to get the patrol leader across the Water-Boiling Race
line before any other patrol does. Give 100 points to the Equipment: For each team, one No. 10 tin can (or other
first patrol bringing the leader ashore, 80 points to the size, same for each team), one teaspoon soap powder
second, and 60 points to the third. Check knots for cor- or detergent, two matches.
rect tying. Deduct 10 points for every incorrect knot.
Method: Before the race, each patrol gathers native
Direction-Finding Relay tinder, firewood, and three rocks for the fireplace. The
Equipment: For each patrol, one map with magnetic can is filled with water to within 1 inch of the top,
north-south lines drawn on it, one orienteering com- with soap or detergent added. Each patrol then selects
pass, eight cards naming two towns or clearly identifi- its two representatives. On signal, the two Scouts set
able map features. up their stone fireplace, lay and light a fire, place the
can of water over the fire, and keep feeding the fire
Method: Patrols line up near their map and compass. until the water boils.
On signal, the first Scout runs up, selects a card, and
determines the bearing from the first point on the card Scoring: The first team to get water boiling over wins.
to the second. The Scout writes the bearing on the card
Variation: Have two-man teams start fires by flint and
and hands it to the judge. He then runs back to touch
steel or by friction. One log is allowed per team, and
off the next Scout. Continue until all have raced.
wood for fires must be chopped from the log during
Scoring: 10 points for each bearing within 5 degrees of the race.
being correct; 5 points for bearings within 10 degrees.
Blindfold Compass Walk
String-Burning Race Equipment: For each patrol, eight small, numbered
Equipment: For each team, two 2-foot sticks, two 3-foot stakes, set in the ground 5 feet apart in a north-south
lengths of twine, two matches. line. For each Scout, one orienteering compass and one
large paper bag.
Method: Before the race, the two sticks are pushed
into the ground, 24 inches apart; one piece of twine is Method: One Scout from each patrol stands at each
tied between the sticks, 12 inches off the ground; the of the eight stakes. Scouts from one patrol set their
other, 18 inches above the ground. Each patrol gathers compasses between 45 degrees and 135 degrees; boys
native tinder and firewood. The patrol then selects two from the opposing patrol, between 225 degrees and 315
representatives. On signal, the two Scouts lay the fire degrees. A paper bag is then placed over the head of
(but not higher than the lower string) and light it. After each Scout, making him just able to see the ground and
being lit, the fire must not be touched, nor can more compass in his hand. Each Scout turns himself around
wood be added. three times, then follows the bearing on his compass
for 100 steps. He then turns around and follows back
Scoring: The team whose fire burns through the top bearing (orienting the arrow point toward him instead
string first wins. of away from him) for 95 steps. Only Scouts within 10
steps of their marker score 100 points.
Scoring: The patrol with the most points wins.
98
tracking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Meet outside. Set up sample trail signs, and have Scouts
identify signs and tell their meaning (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony • Form the troop into open columns of patrols.

______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice tying half tautline and clove hitches,
square knots, and bowlines. Do Knot-Tying Relay. (See the
______ minutes Games section of Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts plan trails using trail signs, one for day
and one for evening for the campout.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or use a
topographic map of the campout area to plan an
Patrol Meetings Plan for the outing this month. Make sure everyone knows
what he will need to bring and what his assignments are for
______ minutes the campout. New Scouts need to know what support they
will provide for the campout. Scouts who have never camped
will need extra help in planning their roles. All other patrols
plan activities to work on advancement. Patrol leaders also
review the interpatrol activities that will take place and what
skills need to be worked on for them.
Interpatrol Activity Play Granny’s Footsteps. (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes
Closing • Form the troop into patrols; call patrol leaders forward to SM
give patrol yells.
______ minutes
99
tracking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice tent pitching and making a ground
bed. Also practice topographic map reading.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts finish planning trails with trail signs.
Begin designing pioneering projects that could be built on
the campout.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or make plans to
construct a lean-to and sleep in it one night at the campout.

continue working on basic camping techniques. Other patrols
______ minutes continue planning advancement activities for the campout.
Practice interpatrol activities for the campout. Plan campout
menus.
Interpatrol Activity Do Tent-Pitching Contest and Tent-Striking Contest. (See the

Games section of Troop Program Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
feature.
100
tracking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on cooking plans for the campout. Check
menus and determine what utensils you will need. Review
______ minutes camp sanitation procedures.
• Experienced Scouts decide what nature requirements could
be worked on at the campout. Also consider merit badges
that might be worked on.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or inventory and
repair the troop’s camping equipment.
Patrol Meetings Finalize menus for the campout and make sure everyone
______ minutes and collect any necessary fees. If the patrol needs a shake-
down campout or practice for patrol activities, schedule it
now. Older Scouts can plan to take pictures at the campout for
the troop scrapbook or plan to shoot slides for the troop’s next
family event.
Interpatrol Activity Play Sleeping Pirate. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
101
tracking
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts should come to the meeting with their pack all
packed for campout to see if it has been done properly.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts review map and compass skills that will
be tested on the campout.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or finish inven-
tory and repair of troop camping equipment.
______ minutes the patrol duty roster. Practice interpatrol activities for the
campout.
Interpatrol Activity Play Four-Way Tug-of-War. (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
102
tracking
Date ______________________
Friday evening Load gear at meeting location and leave for campsite. Plan only a light SPL
meal en route.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Patrol competitions. Use the following from the Games section of Troop Program SPL
Resources.*
• Rescue Race
Noon Lunch
1:30 p.m. Patrol competitions on Trail Sign trails and orienteering course. SPL
8:00 p.m. Conduct Night Tracking Trail.
sleeping bags.
103
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Patrols put up the gear for morning activities. Clean up patrol site.
9:00–11:00 a.m. Patrol games. Older Scouts run an orienteering course planned for this campout.
Younger Scouts play four games from the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*
Special equip- Topographic maps, clipboards, compasses, and other contest materials, troop
ment needed camping gear
104
Wilderness Survival
Early man practiced wilderness survival because he Scouting Outcomes

had to. We practice it today because it is a challenge
and because even today we might confront a situation
your Scouts
requiring knowledge of survival techniques in the wild.
Wilderness survival requires the ability to evaluate • Basic outdoor skills
circumstances, make decisions, and keep a clear mind. • Enhanced skills in using natural resources to survive
Plan to test your troop’s members for these attributes.
• A greater understanding of the importance of
The survival weekend highlight could be held in a
conservation
Scout camp or in a wild area that will challenge their
ability to build shelters and find food. Make sure that you • Improved ability in making decisions
have the necessary permissions if it is private property. • Increased self-confidence
Do not purposely destroy the environment in order
to work on your skills. In some cases, you may have Advancement Opportunities
to simulate experiences to avoid damaging the envi-
By month’s end, all Scouts should have met many of
ronment. Keep in mind that the troop’s aim is not to
their basic camping and cooking requirements for First
become survival experts but to gain some basic skills
Class rank. Depending on the campout activities, they
that would be useful in an emergency. As the patrol
may also complete all or part of the following rank
leaders’ council plans activities, remember to consider
requirements:
the skill levels of your Scouts.
105
Tenderfoot Parent/guardian Participation
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, first aid program feature this month by
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification • Asking qualified people to assist with instruction
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law • Inviting parents on the campout
Second Class
campsite
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, first aid Patrol Leaders’ Council
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law part of the previous month to plan troop activities for
First Class the following agenda, continue planning at patrol lead-
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking ers’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, first aid • Decide on the campsite for the survival weekend. If
your council’s camp does not have raw materials for
shelters and other projects, try other sources. Do not
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law plan to disturb the environment or use materials at a
Merit Badges. Older Scouts can concentrate on the campsite without the owner’s permission.
Wilderness Survival merit badge this month; they • Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if that has
should be able to complete most of the requirements. not been done recently.
They may also complete requirements for Cooking, • Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign
Camping, Hiking, Orienteering, and other nature-related patrol demonstrations, covering skills that will be
merit badges. needed for the campout activities.
106
• Practice knots and lashings, if equipment is available. Campout Activities
• Study and practice survival techniques for your Activities will obviously depend in part on the time
particular locale, including how to find edible wild of year you have chosen. You may want to consider a
plants, etc. similar program at different times of the year, and in
different locations.
Feature Event Several activities are summarized in the following
section. Select one or more of these, or make up your
Survival Weekend own. The younger Scouts may need to spend most of
Basic camping skills are used regardless of how many their time working on basic camping skills.
times you go camping or the types of challenges you
face in a survival circumstance. No matter what your DOWNED PLANE. You are in a small plane flying over
skill level is, this weekend will test your ability to deal a heavily wooded area. You develop engine trouble
with living in the out-of-doors. and must land. The pilot spots a clearing and starts
As you make plans for this weekend, be sure your his approach. A wheel on the aircraft hits a treetop
program meets the skill levels of your Scouts. New and breaks off. You belly-land, slide into a clump of
Scouts will need some extra attention in preparing for trees, and a fire breaks out. The pilot has been knocked
their first campout. The older Scouts may also experi- unconscious. You are on the side of a mountain at an
ence some new outdoor challenges. elevation of 8,000 feet, 60 miles from the nearest
107
civilization. The pilot did radio for help, but you aren’t THE FLOOD. Your patrol is on a campout. A flash flood
sure if the message was received. A thunderstorm is washes away your campsite. You climb some tall trees
approaching; you have a bag of clothes and no food to avoid the water. You manage to save one canteen of
except two candy bars. There is a small first-aid kit in water, a flint and steel set, two blankets, a poncho, 100
the plane, a gallon of water, a blanket, and a pocket feet of 1⁄4-inch rope, and a personal first-aid kit. You are
knife. It may take several days before a rescue party can 10 miles from a ranger station, and your leaders were
find you. Demonstrate how you would survive. fishing upstream when the flood happened. How would
you survive for two days?
AUTO ACCIDENT. You are driving through the moun-
tains. A freak snowstorm hits; the car you are in slides LOST SCOUTS. You and your patrol buddy are on a
off the side of a steep embankment into a ravine. The nature hike and lose the directions to your campsite.
driver is knocked unconscious and breaks his leg. The You forgot to tell someone you were leaving, so it is
snowstorm closes the road for 24 hours. In the car you several hours before you are missed. You had hiked 5
have 50 feet of 1⁄4-inch rope, two blankets, three candles, miles from camp with only your canteen, a candy bar,
some canned goods, a penknife, and a book of matches. and your notepad. One of you had a Scout pocketknife
No one knows you were on the road. How would and a book of three matches. A storm is moving in and
you survive? you must seek shelter. How will you survive?
108
wilderness survival
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening Have Scouts work on finding directions without a compass

or telling time without a watch.
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony • Each patrol gives its patrol yell.

• Present colors.
______ minutes
• Recite the Outdoor Code.
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on the half hitch and tautline hitch, and
knife and ax skills.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts work on starting a fire without using
matches and on reviewing survival situation priorities.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or make plans
to live on wild edible plants in the area during survival
weekend.
______ minutes meal planning and patrol duty roster. Plan for equipment dis-
tribution and tent needs. Scouts who have not been camping
will need some extra help. All other patrols work on plans for
activities toward the next rank advancement.
Interpatrol Activity Play Shipwreck. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes
Closing • Form a circle, cross arms, grasp your neighbors’ hands, and SM
repeat the Scout benediction.
______ minutes
for the troop outing. Begin work on next month’s program
feature.
109
wilderness survival
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on building a fire and on first aid for
simple blisters, scratches, and minor burns or scalds. Do
______ minutes Fuzz-Stick Relay. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts work on designing or building survival
shelters.
work with edible plants and prepare some meals with them.

continue working on procedures for hiking and camping. All
______ minutes other patrols continue to work on activities for advancement
for the outing. Practice interpatrol activities. New Scouts plan
a menu to be used on the campout and determine who will
get the food.
Interpatrol Activity Play Moonball. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
the troop outing. Continue work on next month’s program
feature.
110
wilderness survival
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts learn what to do if they get lost in the wil-
derness. Also review first aid for puncture wounds, heat
______ minutes exhaustion, and shock. Do Two-Man-Carry Relay. (See the
Games section of Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts work on signaling techniques for
ground-to-air and on purifying water techniques.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or make a
survival kit to fit into a 35mm film canister.
Patrol Meetings New Scouts finalize the menu for the outing this month and
make sure everyone knows what he will need to bring. Review
______ minutes clothing and equipment needs and collect any necessary fees.
Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Play Inchworm. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
111
wilderness survival
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on camp sanitation, tent pitching, and
campsite selection.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts review map and compass techniques.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or review
materials needed for the campout.
Interpatrol Activity Play Frantic Object. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
last-minute details for the survival weekend. Finalize work on
112
wilderness survival
Date ______________________
meal en route.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Young Scouts take a nature hike and work on nature requirements for Tenderfoot
through First Class ranks. Experienced Scouts begin survival problems.
Noon Lunch
Free time
1:00 p.m. Younger Scouts practice simple survival problems; other Scouts continue
solving survival problems.
Sunday Cooks and assistants up. Prepare breakfast. (Cooks should be on First and Cooks,
6:30 a.m. Second Class requirements.) assistants
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
113
Resources.*
11:00 a.m. Break camp. Older Scouts return from survival problem.
Special equip- Troop camping equipment, materials for survival problems

ment needed
114
Wildlife Management
A major concern in this country is vanishing wildlife • Increased self-confidence

and wildlife habitat. Some of this loss comes from a • A desire to protect the wildlife of our country
lack of knowledge about the creatures of nature.
This program feature will help Scouts in the troop Advancement Opportunities
to appreciate wildlife and how it lives, and to develop
a sense of what Scouts can do to help protect and pre- By month’s end, all Scouts should meet many of their
serve the animals around them. basic nature requirements through First Class rank.
If you live in the city, this program feature will give Depending on this month’s activities, they may also
you an opportunity to go to a rural location to observe complete all or part of the following rank requirements:
nature, or to visit a zoo. If you live in a rural area, Tenderfoot
this feature may reactivate your awareness of wildlife
• Outdoor—hiking, camping, nature, cooking
around you and what you can do to protect it.
your Scouts
• Physical fitness
• An appreciation for the wonders of nature and pos-
sibly a growing feeling of closeness to God Second Class
• A greater understanding of how pollution affects the • Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking, nature
natural world and how Scouts can help stop it • Citizenship—flag ceremonies
• A strengthened resolve to do their “duty to country” • Patrol/troop participation
through good conservation practices • Personal development—Scout Oath and Law
115
Merit Badges. Experienced Scouts can concentrate on • Decide on the place for the campout. If possible,
the Nature merit badge this month; they should be able choose a location with a variety of nature environ-
to complete almost all of the requirements. Depending ments so that Scouts will find a wide range of trees,
on activities during the campout, they may also com- plants, and mammals. If the location is in the vicinity
plete requirements for the Camping, Cooking, Mammal of a fish hatchery or game or forest preserve, arrange
Study, Fish and Wildlife Management, Insect Study, and for the troop to visit. Assign someone to secure per-
Wilderness Survival merit badges. missions, if necessary.
Parent/Guardian Participation ideas on these pages. If special gear or tools will be
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the needed, assign someone to obtain them. Seek help
program feature this month by from the troop committee, if necessary.
• Asking qualified people to assist with instruction for • Plan details of troop meetings for the month. Assign
camping and nature skills patrol demonstrations, covering skills that will be
• Inviting families on the outing
campsite
116
• Exchange ideas for conservation projects that Wildlife Project Ideas
might be completed by individual Scouts or patrols
• Photograph or document the wildlife in your area so
for requirements for Tenderfoot through First
you can identify it.
Class ranks.
• Contact local government or other agencies that you
Feature Event can work with in wildlife management.
Management Outing • “Adopt” a wildlife habitat and observe and protect it.
An animal is generally referred to as any living organ- • Work with local parks or zoos and “adopt” an animal
ism other than a plant. Wildlife lives in a basically free that you can care for and protect.
condition, providing for its own food, shelter, and other • Become aware of areas that are being commercially
needs in a suitable habitat. Wildlife could be organ- or privately developed and the impact that will have
isms only visible through a microscope, or as large as a on the environment.
whale. Wildlife includes insects, spiders, birds, reptiles,
• Share with the public what wildlife exists in their
fish, amphibians, and mammals.
area by showing a display of wildlife in a mall or
All around us, wildlife habitat is being lost. When
shopping center.
ever land is paved for a shopping center, excavated for
homes, or plowed to grow food, small animals lose • At your troop meetings each week, feature a different
their homes and frequently their sources of food and animal that is endangered. Talk about how Scouts
water. As small animals disappear, so do the larger ani- can protect it from extinction.
mals that prey upon them.
How can Scouts help the wildlife in your area? They
can become aware of what habitats are being threat-
ened, know what wildlife lives around them, and work
with local agencies to help protect the wildlife.
117
wildlife management
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening If your community has a wildlife refuge (or zoo), have an

expert bring one of the animals to the troop meeting and talk
______ minutes about what the refuge does to benefit the animal.
Opening Ceremony • Repeat the Outdoor Code.
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on identifying poisonous plants and rep-
tiles in your area. Learn first aid for poisonous plants and
______ minutes reptile poisoning. Learn to identify five mammals found in
your area.
• Experienced Scouts begin plans for a nature hike or con-
servation project. Ask for help on this project from wildlife
conservationists.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan a week-
end canoe trip. Be sure to review Safety Afloat rules.
knows his assignments. If it will be an overnighter, plan
______ minutes meals and patrol duty roster, equipment distribution, and tent
needs. Any Scouts in the new Scout patrol who have not
been camping will need some extra help. All other patrols
plan activities to work on advancement that relate to nature
and the outdoors.
Interpatrol Activity Play fun relays. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes
• Luck Relay
• Izzy-Dizzy Relay
• Grasshopper Race
Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute.

SM
• Retire colors.
______ minutes
• Sing “Scout Vespers.” (Boy Scout Songbook)
119
wildlife management
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts go outside the meeting place, stake out a
3-foot-square area, and study it. Identify all nature items
______ minutes found in it; look for creatures like salamanders, spiders,
worms, etc. Return all objects to the square.
• Experienced Scouts continue work on a nature hike or
conservation project.
plans for a canoe trip.

continue working on troop procedures for hiking and
______ minutes camping. All other patrols continue to work on activities
for advancement on the outing.
Interpatrol Activity Do Crab-Crawl Relay. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
120
wildlife management
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts learn how to tell time without a watch and find
directions without a compass (Boy Scout Handbook).
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts finalize plans for the outing and share
plans with the rest of the troop. Make a note of equipment
needed for a conservation project.
for a canoe trip.
Patrol Meetings Finalize menus for this month’s outing and make sure every-
one knows what to bring. Review clothing and equipment
______ minutes needs and collect any necessary fees. Review plans for any
projects your patrol is planning.
Interpatrol Activity Do Cannibal Rescue. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
121
wildlife management
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
part in the troop campout. Gather plants and identify them.
______ minutes
• Experienced Scouts complete preparations for the nature
hike or conservation project for the troop campout; share
plans with the rest of the troop.
• Older Scouts continue work on the Venture program or
review plans for their canoe trip. Make sure all members
have met prerequisites and all assignments have been made.
______ minutes the patrol duty roster. Make sure they have any special
equipment they will need for their nature projects.
Interpatrol Activity Play Double Dodgeball. (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
122
wildlife management
Date ______________________
meal en route.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Wildlife conservation project SPL
Noon Continue wildlife conservation/nature activities.
8:00 p.m. Campfire
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
123
Resources.*
Special equip- Cameras, pens, tools for conservation project, troop camping equipment
ment needed
124
Winter Camping
Say the word “camp” and most Scouts and Scouters getting wet and having no change of dry clothes. Being
will conjure up an image of sunny skies, the balmy air cold and wet could reduce the body’s core temperature
of spring or fall, or the heat of summer, and lots of out- and lead to hypothermia.
door fun. The big event will, of course, be a cool campout. If
But there’s plenty of fun in winter camping, too. your troop has a lot of young Scouts, consider choosing
Admittedly, conditions can be rough, especially in the a site with access to cabins or other shelters in case the
northern states when snow blankets the ground and weather gets beyond their capabilities.
temperatures dip into the teens or lower. Curiously,
though, your troop is likely to remember with pleasure Scouting Outcomes
the outings when the Scouts overcame cold, wet, and
mud and had a memorable time anyway.
your Scouts
Winter camping is one thing in northern Minnesota
or Maine, quite another in Florida, southern California, • The knowledge and skills to be comfortable in camp
or Hawaii. Adapt the suggested program on these pages • A sense of communion with nature and God
to your climate and conditions. In warm weather cli- • A greater respect for the outdoors and resourceful-
mates, troops may want to concentrate on wet-weather ness in learning to deal with difficulties
skills instead of those highlighted here.
The troop meeting plans call for instruction and • Increased self-confidence
practice in the skills required to be comfortable and safe • Esprit de corps (group spirit) from having worked
while camping in low-temperature periods when snow together to meet the challenges the elements present
may be on the ground. The primary resource is the
Fieldbook. Advancement Opportunities
The importance of being prepared is stressed
By month’s end, all Scouts should have met many of their
because the winter environment is unforgiving. In
basic camping requirements through First Class rank.
summer, if a Scout forgets to bring extra socks and
Depending on the campout activities, they may also
underwear on a campout, it’s no big deal. But in winter,
such forgetfulness is serious because of the danger of
125
Tenderfoot • Asking qualified people to assist with instruction for
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking camping skills
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn • Inviting parents on the cool campout
• Patrol/troop participation—patrol identification • Asking parents to provide transportation to the

campsite
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, hiking The patrol leaders’ council should meet during the early
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn, first aid
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership the following agenda, continue your planning at patrol
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law leaders’ council meetings after each troop meeting.
First Class • Choose a campsite for the cool campout.
• Outdoor—cooking, camping, nature, hiking • Review winter camping skills. See the Fieldbook and
the Camping merit badge pamphlet.
• Citizenship—flag ceremonies, Good Turn, first aid
• Inventory the troop’s camping equipment, if that has
• Patrol/troop participation—leadership not been done recently. Check the condition of tents,
• Personal development—Scout Oath and Law flies, stoves, and tools. If repairs or replacements are
needed, ask the troop committee for help.
Camping merit badge this month. Depending on activi- • Plan activities for the campout—games, contests,
ties during the campout, they may also cover require- skills instruction, etc. But avoid sweating from over-
ments in Cooking, Hiking, Backpacking, Wilderness exertion, because clothes will become damp and
Survival, and other nature-related merit badges. won’t keep the wearer warm.
Parent/guardian Participation Consider inviting Camping, Wilderness Survival,
The patrol leaders’ council can involve parents in the and First Aid merit badge counselors to help with
program feature this month by instruction.
126
• Snow Snake Contest—Make a track through fresh
snow with a car or bicycle; the track can have gentle
bends but no sharp turns. Let the track freeze over-
night. The “snow snakes” are Scout staves or handles
from old brooms. The object of the contest is to see
how far Scouts can slide their snow snakes. Put a
ramp at the end of the tracks and see if the snow
snakes will stick in the snow.
• Establish a snow slide in an area that is free of trees,
rocks, and other hazards. Use inner tubes, plastic
flying disks, old plastic garbage can lids without
handles, or heavy cardboard for sleds.
• Have a tug-of-war between two patrols with a wall
Feature Event of snow dividing them. The losers get pulled through
Cool Campout the snow.
Choose your campsite with regard to the experience • Play Snow Golf—Same as miniature golf except that
of your troop, especially if low temperatures can be the fairways are snow-covered and the greens are
expected. If it’s reasonable to anticipate temperatures packed-down areas with an open can buried to its
in the 20-degree range or below and you have a lot of rim. Balls are hockey pucks; for clubs, use old golf
first-time winter campers, it might be wise to camp clubs or hockey sticks.
near some cabins or other buildings in case of severe • Follow animal tracks in the snow. Try making plaster
weather. casts of the tracks. If the temperature is well below
But don’t pamper the Scouts by planning a cabin freezing, spray water in the track and let it freeze
camp. Even the beginning campers will enjoy the chal- before casting in plaster.
lenge of tent camping in winter and learning how to be
• Alaskan Serum Race—Each patrol has a sled with
comfortable in adverse conditions.
two 6-foot ropes tied to the front, and each sled car-
The patrol leaders’ council should take extra care in
ries a “bottle of serum.” Four stations are set up
preparing for the campout. Make sure that all Scouts
about 100 yards apart in a square.
know how to dress properly, how to pitch a tent for
During the race, each patrol member becomes a
maximum protection from the wind, and how to recog-
sled puller. It works like this: to Station 1, Scouts 1
nize signs of frostbite and hypothermia, the chief dan-
and 2 pull the sled and Scout 3 rides; to Station 2,
gers in a winter camp. Don’t let anyone leave the site
Scouts 3 and 4 pull and Scout 1 rides; to Station 3,
without at least one buddy accompanying him in case
Scouts 5 and 6 pull and Scout 4 rides; to Station 4
one of them gets into trouble.
(the finish), Scouts 7 and 8 pull and Scout 5 rides.
In planning activities for the campout, the patrol
At the finish, Scout 5 leaps off the sled and delivers
leaders’ council should remember that everything takes
the serum to the “doctor” (leader). The first patrol
longer in a winter camp. Preparing for and conducting
making the delivery wins.
contests, making cooking fires, and cooking will take
more time. And, of course, it gets dark early, so Scouts Cold-Weather Camping Tips
should start gathering fuel early for supper, if you are
• On expeditions away from the camp, always use the
cooking with wood.
buddy system. Buddies can watch each other for
Campout Activities frostbite (specks of white on the skin) and make sure
Obviously your activities will depend in part on the no one gets lost or wet, with the consequent danger
weather conditions. These are some possibilities for a of hypothermia.
cold, snowy weekend: • If a Scout has a cap without earflaps, have him tie a
• Instruction and practice for the Skating and Skiing neckerchief or scarf over the cap to cover his ears.
merit badges. • In wind, tie a neckerchief or scarf over the nose and
• Hikes and races with skis, sleds, and skates. ears and let the point hang over the chin.
• Seal Race—Scouts slide on their bellies over ice, • If mittens get wet, use an extra pair of dry woolen
perhaps using ice awls to propel themselves. socks as mittens.
127
• Use a wool cap or large woolen sock as a nightcap in Put 2 to 3 cups of water and 1 tsp. of salt in cooking
cold weather. The body loses lots of warmth through pot and place over fire. Peel, wash, and dice potatoes,
an exposed head. add to water, and bring to boil.
• For a bed warmer, fill a canteen with piping hot water. While potatoes are cooking, dice the bacon in
1
⁄2-inch squares and fry to a crisp brown in another
• Tie trouser bottoms over the tops of shoes or boots to
pot. When the bacon is done, drain off grease and add
keep out snow, pebbles, etc.
finely chopped onions. Then add crumbled hamburger
• Paper (even newspaper) wrapped around the legs, a little at a time, stirring constantly as it browns.
thighs, back, and chest will add insulation. Next add the tomato puree and the cheese, cut into
• Remember that dampness in any form is the number 1
⁄2-inch cubes. Keep over low fire and stir frequently
one enemy to safety and comfort in cold weather. until cheese is melted.
Wet feet are especially bad. When the potatoes are done, drain off water and
• For an emergency poncho, cut a slit in a plastic trash add to hamburger mixture. Season to taste.
bag or an old shower curtain and pull it over your head.
Chicken and Dumplings
• Don’t permit skating by a patrol-size group unless the
4 tbs. butter or margarine
ice is at least 3 inches thick. Even then have some
4 stalks celery, rinsed and coarsely chopped
rescue gear close by in case a Scout breaks through—
1 medium onion, finely chopped
an ice rescue cross made of 8- to 10-foot lengths of
4 chicken bouillon cubes
2-by-4s with 50 feet of line attached; or a ladder or
1 lb. carrots, peeled and sliced
ring buoy with rescue line. Four-inch-thick ice is safe
4 boneless chicken breasts
for troop-size groups.
• Do not eat ice or snow on the trail. It is not pure and Baking Powder Dumplings
it can reduce the body temperature. Melted snow or 2 eggs
ice can be used for drinking only after boiling. 1
⁄2 cup milk
• On a slippery trail, stay far back from cliff or 1 tsp. baking powder
canyon edges. 2 cups flour
In a large Dutch oven, brown the chicken in the but-
Cool Camp Cooking
ter or margarine. Add the celery, onion, bouillon cubes,
If you plan to cook with wood, remember that tinder and 6 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and
may be hard to find if there is snow on the ground. cover. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add carrots and simmer
Smart campers bring it in a tinder bag. Before your for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until carrots are soft.
outing, gather small dry twigs and put them in a Mix the dumpling mixture and drop by spoonfuls on
plastic bag. Don’t use all the tinder on your first fire top of the chicken mixture. Cover tightly and continue
unless you know you won’t need to make another. simmering until dumplings are fluffy and dry (approxi-
If there is snow, or if fallen wood is frozen to the mately 15 minutes). Serve. Salt, pepper, garlic powder,
ground, you may have to find dead branches on stand- and other spices can be added to taste.
ing trees for your fuel. On an overnight camp, gather
twice as much fuel during daylight as you think you Campfire Hash
will need for supper fires. Remember that night comes 3 lb. hamburger
early, so get started on fires for supper by 3:30 p.m. Eight to 10 medium potatoes
Caution Scouts not to work up a sweat while collecting Three medium onions
and chopping wood. Staying dry is half the battle of 8-oz. can of tomato sauce
keeping warm.
Dice the potatoes, put them in a pot with enough
Plan simple meals for winter camping. Here are
water to cover, and bring to a boil.
some favorites that will feed six to eight Scouts.
Mince the onions. When the potatoes are soft, drain
Slum Gullion them and add onions and hamburger. Mix well.
Grease a large frying pan and put it on the fire.
3 lb. hamburger
When the grease is hot, add the hash mixture. Brown
Eight to10 medium potatoes
on one side, then turn and brown on the other. When
1
⁄2 lb. bacon
the hash is almost done, add the tomato sauce and heat
Four medium onions
for 1 or 2 minutes.
Two 8-oz. cans tomato puree
1 lb. cheddar cheese
128
winter camping
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 1
Preopening If snow is on the ground, send Scouts out to practice Dead

Man for tying down tents. Or, play Steal-the-Bacon. (See the

______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on basic camping skills and learn how to
tie basic knots used to pitch a tent. Do Ring Ball. (See the
• Experienced Scouts work on dressing for winter camping in
your area and practice building fires in wet weather.
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or learn how to
build shelters in winter camp. These could be snow shelters
or ice huts.
knows what his assignments are and what he will need to
______ minutes bring for the outing. Any Scouts who have not been camping
yet will need some extra help. All other patrols plan activities
to work on advancement. Plan any meals that will be needed
for the outing. If it is going to be an overnighter, begin to
make plans for equipment distribution and tent needs.
Interpatrol Activity Do Rescue Race. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes
Closing • Assemble patrols and repeat the Outdoor Code. SM

______ minutes
• Retire colors.
feature.
129
winter camping
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 2
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts learn map and compass techniques (Boy Scout
Handbook and Fieldbook). Do Direction Hunt. (See the
• Experienced Scouts work on packing procedures for the
monthly outing and select some campsites on a topographic
map of the area you will be camping in. Do Silver Dollar
Hunt. (See the Games section of Troop Program Resources.*)
• Older Scouts work on the Venture program or plan to sleep
under a shelter you make from natural materials as part of
the troop outing.
ment on the outing. Practice interpatrol activities.
Interpatrol Activity Do Roman Chariot Race. (See the Games section of Troop
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
program feature.
130
winter camping
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 3
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts work on reading topographic maps and learn
the symbols used on maps. Also learn what to do if you get
______ minutes lost (Boy Scout Handbook). Play Map Symbol Relay. (See
the Games section of Troop Program Resources.*)
• Experienced Scouts work on tree and plant identification for
the winter.
topographic map orientation with the younger Scouts.
everyone knows what he will need to bring. Review cloth-
______ minutes ing and equipment needs and collect any necessary fees.
Remember that it will take longer to do normal activities in
your campsite in winter camping.
Interpatrol Activity Play Crowded Circle. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
program feature.
131
winter camping
Troop Meeting Plan
Date ______________________ Week 4
Preopening
______ minutes
Opening Ceremony
______ minutes
Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice map reading and getting bearings.
Have them bring in packs and clothing that they plan to use
______ minutes on the campout (Boy Scout Handbook).
• Experienced Scouts work on recognizing signs of hypo
thermia, and review first aid for frostbite.
and compass activities.
Interpatrol Activity Do Ladder Relay. (See the Games section of Troop Program
Resources.*)
______ minutes

• Retire colors.
______ minutes
last-minute details for the troop campout or outing. Finalize
132
winter camping
Date ______________________
meal en route.
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30–11:30 a.m. Conduct patrol competitions. SPL

• Seal Race
• Snow Golf
• Tug-of-War
Noon Lunch
1:30 p.m. Make snow shelters if weather permits. Do winter nature observation—identify
trees by twigs or bark.
8:00 p.m. Troop campfire
sleeping bags.
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
133
Resources.*

ment needed
134

Troop Program Features

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Troop Program Features

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Troop Program Features

Volumes II and III cover the following program features.

Volume II Volume III

A successful troop meeting begins with advance plan-

who are knowledgeable and informed.

The program planning guide in chapter 8 of the

1. Gather district, council, community, and

4. List some goals for the troop.

• Centennial Quality Unit Award

• National Camping Award

• Service project or Good Turn

• Special weekend events

______ Discuss what major events and activities the

Now that you have a great troop program planned,

STEP 4: Obtain Troop

At the completion of the annual troop program planning

Besides offering their readers entertaining, well-written

Weekly Meeting Plan

Each program feature includes four weekly troop meet-

Activity Description Run By Time

Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute. SM

Total 90 minutes of meeting

After the Meeting

Date ______________________ Week 1

Activity Description Run By Time

Preopening Meet at the waterfront or pool, if possible. Set up the Safe

Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute. SM

Total 90 minutes of meeting

Date ______________________ Week 2

Activity Description Run By Time

Patrol Meetings Continue work on swimming skills.

Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute. SM

Total 90 minutes of meeting

Date ______________________ Week 3

Activity Description Run By Time

Patrol Meetings Continue work on swimming skills.

Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute. SM

Total 90 minutes of meeting

Date ______________________ Week 4

Activity Description Run By Time

Patrol Meetings Continue work on swimming skills.

Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute—reflection on the experiences of SM

Total 90 minutes of meeting

Time Activity Run By

Saturday Arrive at pool or swimming area, set up equipment. SPL/PLC

9:30 a.m. Rest of troop arrives.

10:00 a.m. Aquatic activities begin.

Noon Sack lunch

1:30 p.m. Continue aquatic activities.

3:30 p.m. Family swim

4:30 p.m. Present awards, leave for home.

• Citizenship—flag ceremonies • Recruiting parents to coach specific sports

Date ______________________ Week 1

Activity Description Run By Time

Opening Ceremony • Form the troop into a semicircle.

Closing • Have a Scout explain what sportsmanship means. SM

Date ______________________ Week 2

Activity Description Run By Time

Interpatrol Activity Do Izzy-Dizzy Relay. (See the Games section of the

Closing • Scoutmaster’s Minute. SM

Total 90 minutes of meeting

Date ______________________ Week 3

Activity Description Run By Time

Skills Instruction • New Scouts practice reading topographic maps and