Robert Birkby, Author at Scouting magazine

Ground Rules: Fixating on foam

By Robert Birkby

Forty years ago, Scouts eager to stay warm in the winter were encouraged to dress in foam. The 1984 BSA Fieldbook included patterns for making hats, clothing and a sleeping bag from inch-thick polyfoam more

Building a campfire requires know-how and good judgment

By Robert Birkby

Learn how and when to build a fire — and when not to build one.

The (almost) 13th point of the Scout Law

By Robert Birkby

This value didn’t make the list, but it’s an important element of Scouting.

Keep Your Head In The Clouds

By Robert Birkby

They’re not just for daydreaming: Clouds can provide signs for future conditions.

10 Historic BSA Moments Every Scouter Should Know

By Robert Birkby

From the first Eagle Scout to the first pinewood derby and more: How many of these historic BSA moments do you recognize?

Learn How to Make a Dutch Oven Backcountry Dessert Sure to Please

By Robert Birkby

Fresh peach cobbler is a terrific way to end a campsite dinner and a great start to mastering Dutch oven cooking. Practice a few basics and you can turn out biscuits, stews, soups and pies as you tap into a cooking tradition as old as Scouting itself.