Scouts BSA: Scout Life Resource Guide

‘Be Prepared’ is Good Advice in Any Language

"Be Prepared" is the motto of 40 million Scouts around the globe. Here's how to say it in 25 languages.

Can You Identify This Merit Badge Patch?

There are more than 135 merit badges. Can you figure out which patch goes with each merit badge?

Can You Identify This Animal Poop?

Droppings can tell you which animals have been in the area. Can you identify the scat in these photos?

Can You Spot 30 Hidden Animals in These Photos?

Some animals have amazing natural camouflage. Can you find where they're hiding?

4 Basic Swimming Strokes to Know

When it comes to swimming, there are lots of different swim strokes. Here are four of them.

9 Easy Ways to Say No to Tobacco

It’s easier to say no to smoking if you’ve decided ahead of time how you’ll respond.

Best Way to Build a Survival Shelter

Q. What is your best idea for a survival shelter? How would you build it?

The Emoji Scout Law

We asked you to vote for the emoji that best represents each point of the Scout Law. Here are the results.

Wild Animals Invading America’s Cities

Animals that once lived only in the wilderness are wandering into towns in growing numbers.

How to Sharpen an Ax

To keep an ax safe and effective, it must stay sharp. Here's how to properly sharpen your ax.

Knife Safety Quiz

Knives can be a handy tool, but they can also be dangerous. This quiz covers the basic safety rules.

How to Build an Igloo

A brilliant use of engineering and resources, this simple dome made out of snow blocks is both strong and versatile.

3 Wild Plants That Relieve Minor Stings, Burns and Itches

These common plants can help if you have a minor scratch, burn, sting or itch.

Propane canister or liquid fuel stoves?

Do you recommend a propane-canister or liquid-fuel backpacking stove? I've heard good things about both.

How to Identify and Deal with Dangerous Bugs

Here's how to recognize biters and stingers. And how to treat their bites and stings.

How to stake out tents on a sandy beach

We went camping on the beach last weekend. The wind blew all night long and made our tents flap like crazy. Any advice?

How to Tie a Taut-Line Hitch

To create an adjustable loop for staking out guy lines, use the taut-line hitch.

How to Tie the Two Half-Hitches Knot

Use two half hitches to tie a rope to a tree, ring or dock.

How to tie the sheet bend knot

Here's how to use the sheet bend knot to tie together two ropes of the same or different diameters.

How to Tie a Bowline Knot

The bowline knot is useful for tying a rope around your waist or around someone requiring rescue. Here's how to tie one.

How to Tie a Square Knot

Tying a square knot is as easy as right over left, left over right. Watch our tutorial to learn how.

How to Remove a Fishhook From Your Hand Without Making it Worse

Those fishhooks are sharp. If one gets stuck in your skin, here's how to remove it.

How to Build Your Own First-Aid Kit

What should you include in your first-aid kit? Be prepared with advice and checklists to help you get the best first-aid kit for your next adventure.

How to Build a Quinzee Snow Shelter

A quinzee is a simple shelter made by hollowing out a big pile of snow. Here's how to build one.

How to Sharpen a Pocketknife

A pocketknife is only useful if you keep it sharp. Here's how to sharpen a knife using a whetstone.

How to Build a Survival Shelter

Being prepared to live — and live well — when you’re far from the comforts of home starts with being able to take effective shelter from the elements.

Make a Leather Flag for Your Patrol or Den

Show off your knot-tying skills with this flag for your patrol, den, pack or troop.

Sun protection buying guide

Be prepared for those broiling summer days with these handy tips and hot gear.

Poisonous Plants Quiz

Whether you're on a backcountry trek or a walk in the park, how aware are you of dangerous plants? Take this quiz and find out.

Sharpening a pocketknife

When and how should I sharpen my pocketknives?

Test your skills in 10 emergency scenarios

Test your first aid and emergency response skills with scenarios designed for a First Aid Meet.

How to Buy the Best Compass or GPS Receiver

The Gear Guy's advice for buying the right compass or GPS receiver.

How to Prevent and Treat Blisters

Here are tips for how to avoid getting blisters and how to treat them.

Lighting stoves without flare-up

What's the best way to light a camp stove without getting too big of a flare-up? I have an MSR WhisperLite.

How to Set Up a Tent

Before leaving for your trip, be sure you're comfortable setting up -- and taking down -- your tent.

Use the Moon and a Watch to Find North

VIDEO: The moon can tell you where the sun is, and once you know the sun's position, you can use your watch to find north.

How to Use a Map and Compass

VIDEO: Learn about aiming, taking a bearing and other compass tips and tricks to improve your orienteering.

How to Read a Topographic Map

Topographic maps tell you about the terrain where you’ll be traveling, but learning to read topo maps takes a little practice. Here are a few tips.

Preventing and treating blisters

Q. I'm going to the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, and I've been told that there's tons of hiking. That might be a problem because my feet sweat a lot and give me blisters. Any suggestions for preventing and treating this?

Preventing and treating rattlesnake bites

Most snake bites occur in the summer months when both snakes and humans are most active outdoors, with the greatest number of venomous bites occurring in southern and western states with warmer climates. Here's how to prevent and treat a snake bite.

How to Prevent and Treat Frostbite

Frostbite is the end result of cold-induced injury to our tissues, and it is much more common than one may think.

Small, lightweight first aid kit for backpacking

Q. Dear Gear Guy, I’m going backpacking and need a first aid kit that’s small and lightweight because I don’t have a lot of room in my pack. What would you recommend?

Sharpening a knife without a whetstone

Q. Hey Gear Guy, which devices (other than a traditional whetstone) can I use to sharpen my knife? How well do they work?

Preventing and treating blisters

Q: My ankles and soles of my feet get very sore when I walk for two miles. What can I do?

How to treat a knife cut

Q: What do you do for a knife cut?

Why does poison ivy cause a rash?

Q: What is it about poison ivy that makes it cause such a bad rash?

To Campfire, Or Not to Campfire?

Many campers these days are moving away from traditional outdoor campfires and opting instead for chemical-fueled equipment, not only for cooking, but also for heating and lighting.

Advanced first-aid kit

Q. I’m looking for an advanced first-aid kit that has everything I will ever need at a low cost with quality stuff for wilderness, desert, cave, boat, home, camper, car, etc.