Outdoors

Lessons learned in the outdoors teach youth skills that make them more self-reliant. They can explore canoe paths and hiking trails and complete challenges they first thought were beyond their ability. Attributes of good character become part of a youth as he or she learns to cooperate and meet outdoor challenges that may include extreme weather, difficult trails and portages, and dealing with nature’s unexpected circumstances.

Health

Building A Child's Personal Health Record

By Scouting magazine

Because much of the accuracy of a diagnosis relies on a medical and health history, parents can partner with their child’s health providers by creating and keeping a PHR up to date.

Backpacking & Hiking

At the Peak of Success

By Scouting magazine

Thanks to tireless training and dedicated leadership, Troop 474 Scouts reach the summit of Washington’s Mount Rainier for the 25th year in a row.

Emergency Preparedness

The 'Sneaky Diseases'

By Scouting magazine

An outdoor medical expert recommends ways to prevent tick-borne Lyme disease and mosquito-spread West Nile virus.

Camping

The Wonder of the Woods What Are Our Children Missing?

By Scouting magazine

Fewer young people are experiencing the joy of playing outdoors and exploring nature, says a noted author, who shows how such neglect can be harmful and how programs like Scouting can help to reverse the trend.

Camping

Flash, Bang! Unpredictable Nature

By Scouting magazine

Lightning is one of the leading weather-related causes of death in the United States. Follow this advice and reduce your chances of being struck.

Campground Cooking

What to do when cooking eats up time for activities

By Scouting magazine

Scoutmaster P.T. says his Scouts spend so much time preparing and cleaning up after meals at district- and councilwide camping events, they miss some activities. How, he asks, can his troop streamline the routine so the boys have more time to participate?

Camping

Debunking myths about the outdoors

By Scouting magazine

Don’t let those tall tales told around a campfire confuse you. We shine some truth on 10 myths about the outdoors often misquoted.

Campground Cooking

Winning Recipes for Campfire Cuisine

By Scouting magazine

We pick the top entrées, side dishes, and desserts from nearly 350 reader entries in Scouting magazine’s “Camp Food Favorites” recipe contest.