Second Class Rank Requirements - Scout Life magazine

Backpacking stove on a mountain at sunset

How to Buy a Backpacking Stove For Your Next Camping Adventure

Bring your appetite -- these backpacking stoves can make a camp chef out of anyone.

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?

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 Build an Igloo

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

How to Safely Use a Camping Stove

Safety procedures for using a lightweight stove or propane stove on your next camping trip.

Scout participating in the BSA Swim Test

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 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 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. This image illustrates the four water rescue techniques

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.

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!

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?

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 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.