How to Conduct a Flag Ceremony
At a campout, a unit meeting or community event, your unit can perform a flag ceremony. Here’s a simple outline.
Scout Essentials
Lightning Safety: Avoid Becoming a Conductor
When you hear a clap of thunder, you know a lightning storm is nearby. There’s no safe place outdoors in a lightning storm.
How To Use a Shakedown Hike To Prepare for Your Next Trek
Shakedown hikes are designed to prepare you to be both physically fit and ready with the stuff you need.
How to Make Sure Your Campfire is Completely Out
Put out your campfire by pouring water on the embers until you can safely place your hand on the cold coals.
How to Use an Ax to Chop Wood
The ax is one of the best tools for gathering wood. But to chop effectively and stay safe, you must know what you're doing.
How to Set Up a Dining Fly
A dining fly is a useful part of any campsite. It provides shelter in case it rains, and serves as hub to set up your camp around.
How to Safely Melt Snow To Use as Drinking Water on a Camping Trip
When you're winter camping, you might be tempted to eat snow. Here's why that's not a good idea.
4 Debunked First-Aid Myths That People Still Believe
From nose bleeds to snake bites, Be Prepared to handle emergencies the right way.
How to Display and Fold the American Flag
Here's how to properly honor and respect the flag of the United States.
How to Whip and Fuse the Ends of Rope
The more you use rope, the more it frays. Here's how to make one of the most important tools in Scouting last a little longer.
How to Prevent Fire Damage When Building a Campfire
Heat from a campfire can char the ground, blacken rocks and sterilize soil.
How to Make a DIY Survival Kit
This 2-pound kit could save your life for at least three days in the wild.
Every Packing List Starts With the 10 Scout Basic Outdoor Essentials
Every packing list starts with these items. They're called "Scouting Outdoor Essentials" for a reason.
How to Use a Compass to Orient a Map and Find Your Way
You can use a map and compass to figure out which direction you're facing.
How to Safely Cross a Stream
Crossing a body of water presents some hazards. So before you just wade in, consider several factors.
How To Stay Safe From Bears
Bears can catch a scent miles away. That’s why you need to properly store your smellables when you’re in bear country.
How to Tie an Overhand Knot
This simple knot can be used to prevent a rope from slipping through a pulley or hole, or to make a rope easier to grip.
How to Tie the 7 Basic Scout Knots
It's knot difficult. With our step-by-step videos, the seven basic Scout knots are easy to learn. Give them a tie!
How to Choose a Safe and Comfortable Campsite
Picking a place to camp isn’t always simple. Before setting up your tent, consider these nine factors.
How to Use Rope Tackle to Move a Log
Rope tackle allows you to move a large load with a small amount of force. Here's how to set up rope tackle to move a log.
How to Avoid Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
When your body loses too much water and salt, trouble follows. Know the symptoms and how to treat them.
Choosing the Most Effective Bug Spray to Stop Mosquitoes
Mosquitos and other bugs can drive you crazy in the wilderness. Here's how to keep them away.
How to Measure Distance By Counting Your Steps
Counting your steps is a good way to estimate distances as you hike. Here's how to do it.
How to Pack a Backpack
VIDEO: Backpacking can be hard, but here are some ways you can make it easier by packing the right way.
How to Start a Campfire Without Matches or a Lighter
Watch our step-by-step video to learn how to start a fire using flint and steel, friction or a magnifying glass. No matches or lighter needed!
How to Sharpen an Ax
To keep an ax safe and effective, it must stay sharp. Here's how to properly sharpen your ax.
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.
How to Dig a Cathole in the Backcountry
How we go to the bathroom in the backcountry is important. Assuming there are no existing facilities, you have two choices: Use a cathole or pack it out.
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 use a camp saw
Camp saws are helpful for cutting firewood or clearing trails. Here's how to properly use 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.
How to Prevent and Treat Blisters
Here are tips for how to avoid getting blisters and how to treat them.
Forms for planning your outing’s itinerary
Paperwork? For an outing? When it comes to the outdoors, keeping good paperwork is part of Being Prepared. Download our templates to help you get started.
How to Set Up a Tent
Before leaving for your trip, be sure you're comfortable setting up -- and taking down -- your tent.
How to Treat and Purify Water
VIDEO: Three easy ways to treat water so it's safe to drink.
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 Care for Hiking Boots
VIDEO: Boots are super important on the trail. So take care of your footwear, and it'll take care of you.