Learn essential shelter and camping skills for Scouts and outdoor adventures, including campsite selection, campcraft, tents, tarp shelters, sleeping outdoors and staying warm and dry.
Cold feet can turn an enjoyable outdoor activity into a miserable one. Whether you’re hiking, camping, taking part in a Scout activity or simply spending time outside during winter, keeping your feet warm and dry is an important part of staying comfortable and reducing heat loss. The good news is that keeping your feet warm…
When you’re outside in cold weather, staying dry is one of the most important things you can do to stay warm. Rain, wet grass, splashes and even your own sweat can leave clothing damp. Once that happens, your clothing may not insulate as effectively and you can start losing body heat more quickly. For Scouts,…
Staying warm outdoors isn’t simply about putting on more clothing or sitting next to a fire. Your body is constantly producing heat, but it is also constantly losing heat to the surrounding environment. Understanding how that happens makes it much easier to stay warm when camping, hiking, taking part in Scout activities or spending time…
Knowing how to dress in layers is one of the simplest ways to stay warm outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, camping, taking part in a Scout activity or simply spending time outside during colder weather, a good layering system allows you to adjust your clothing as conditions and activity levels change. The aim isn’t necessarily to…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Shelter-building activities should take place in a suitable, supervised area following an appropriate risk assessment. Check for unstable trees and branches, steep ground, water hazards and other environmental risks before starting. Never encourage Explorers to climb trees, construct unstable structures or deliberately expose themselves to severe weather. Follow landowner requirements and leave…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Camping involves sleeping outdoors, cooking, handling equipment and dealing with changing weather. Always follow campsite rules, fire-safety guidance and the instructions of your activity leader. Check the weather before setting out and make sure your equipment is suitable for the conditions you’re likely to encounter. Your first camping trip can be exciting….
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST A leaking tent is inconvenient, but severe weather can become a genuine safety issue. If conditions include strong winds, flooding, lightning or other dangerous weather, don’t stay in an unsafe location simply because you want to keep the tent dry. Follow your group’s emergency procedures and move to a safer shelter if…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Survival skills are designed to help you manage unexpected situations, not encourage unnecessary risk. The best survival strategy is to avoid getting into trouble in the first place through good planning, appropriate equipment and sensible decision-making. If you’re lost, injured or facing a genuine emergency, contact the appropriate emergency services as soon…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Bushcraft involves real-world outdoor skills, including fire lighting, knife use, shelter building, cooking and working with natural materials. These activities can involve genuine risks. Learn skills progressively, use appropriate equipment, follow local rules and get suitable instruction or supervision where needed. Bushcraft is about understanding and respecting the outdoors — not taking…
What Is a Tarp Shelter? A tarp shelter is a simple temporary shelter made using a waterproof or water-resistant sheet of material. Tarps are popular with: They’re lightweight, versatile and can be configured in several different ways. Unlike a tent, a tarp usually doesn’t have a built-in floor or enclosed walls. Instead, you use cordage,…
