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.
Second Class Rank Requirements
How to Safely Use a Camping Stove
Safety procedures for using a lightweight stove or propane stove on your next camping trip.
Scouting America Swim Test Requirements
The swim test represents the minimum level of ability for safe swimming in water that’s over your head.
How to Prevent Fire Damage When Building a Campfire
Heat from a campfire can char the ground, blacken rocks and sterilize soil.
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.
Reach, Throw, Row, Go! Learn the 4 Water Rescue Techniques
Learn an easy way to remember the four water rescues that can be used to save someone's life in an emergency.
What Are the Signs of Hypothermia and How Do You Treat It?
Losing body heat happens in all seasons, and it can kill. Know the symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat them.
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.
Be Prepared for These 5 Common Weather Hazards
Weather can change, sometimes at the last minute. Here are some common hazards you'll face in the outdoors.
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.
How to Buy a Backpacking Stove For Your Next Camping Adventure
Enjoy a hot meal on your next backpacking trip with one of these recommended stoves.
9 Things to Know About Outdoor Ethics
When you're outside, it's your duty to be responsible and to Leave No Trace.
Can You Identify These Animal Tracks?
How well can you identify animal tracks? Take our quiz and find out!
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?
4 Basic Swimming Strokes to Know
When it comes to swimming, there are lots of different swim strokes. Here are four of them.
Best Way to Build a Survival Shelter
Q. What is your best idea for a survival shelter? How would you build it?
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Picking a backpacking stove
I am looking for a nice backpacking stove that doesn't use too much gas or weigh too much. What can you recommend?
How to Find True North Without Using a Compass
Here are several techniques you can use to find true north if you're lost in the woods.
Tips to help you build a fire
Use these four simple steps to help you build a fire at your next campout.