Wilderness Survival Guide – Scout Life magazine

Do These Five Campsite Items and Snacks Work as Fire Starters?

We put five potential "firestarters" to the test. Guess if each item will start a fire, then play the corresponding video to see if you’re right!

Man lighting a fire in a dark winter forest

Add to the Never-Ending List of Fire Starters

What "fuel" can you use to start a campfire? Check out this list of firestarters and add your own ideas to the list.

9 Things to Know About Wilderness Hazards

All backcountry activities come with a level of risk. How you prepare for it matters most.

What is the Most Important Backcountry Skill?

Q: What is the most important backcountry skill all Scouts should know?

How to Treat Backcountry Water to Make it Safer

You must treat all drinking water in the wild, no matter how clear and clean it appears to be. Here are the best water treatment options.

Answer One Question to See if You Have What It Takes to Survive

No one said survival is easy. Your fate in this scenario depends on how you answer only one question. Troop 16 of Parker, Colorado, took the Survivorman challenge with

Practicing Wilderness Survival with the ‘Survivormen’ of the Rockies

It might be a made-up contest, but what Scouts learn in the Colorado wilderness could prove vital in a real survival situation.

9 Things to Know About Wilderness First Aid

Here's how to Be Prepared to treat injuries and ailments in the backcountry.

How to Make a DIY Wilderness Survival Kit

This 2-pound do-it-yourself wilderness survival kit could save your life for at least three days in the wild.

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!

The Wimpy Kid’s Guide to Outdoor Survival

Greg Heffley convinced us to share his tips on camping in the great outdoors.

How to Choose an Emergency Communication Device

In the event of an emergency, these communication devices can be the difference between life and death.

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 a Snow Cave

A T-shaped snow cave is a quick and efficient way to protect yourself from winter storms.

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 Identify and Deal with Dangerous Insects

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

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.

Most Important Survival Item?

In a survival situation, when you are all alone in the Northern Tundra with only a T-shirt and pants, what one thing would you want?

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.

Basic First Aid Treatments for the Trail

No matter how well-prepared you are, injuries can strike anywhere on the trail. Know what to do when they strike. The next time you see one of these five common problems, you can spring into action.