So your Son Wants to be a Boyscout

Author: Digment Outfitters

When the time comes and your son brings the membership application home you will have one of two immediate reactions. If your only experience with Boy Scouting as a child was the Charlie Brown commercials on TV or the candy bars and popcorn your buddies sold your first thought will be of terror. If you spent your childhood hiking, biking, and having fun with your fellow Boy Scouts then you will be glad the time has come to don the khaki and olive uniform once again.

Whether you are nervous or happy with excitement you will soon realize that your son is growing up and this is a great way to share in his life while he grows and learns the values at the core of the Scouting organization; learning to make ethical and moral choices based on the Scout Oath and Law. The lessons your son will learn at meetings, hikes, or camping trips will stick with him throughout his life. On the surface he will be learning to build fires in the rain, but inside he learns persistence, patience, and creative thinking. You watch your boy struggle to climb the ropes of the COPE course and then you beam with pride as you watch him get pats on the back from his fellow Scouts when he completes the course. The day comes when you can stand beside him as he receives his Eagle Scout and you think to yourself how fast the time has passed and your little boy has grown into a young man with the tools and skills needed to be a success.

The path from the day you sign the application to the day you proudly watch your child achieve his dreams is a long and twisting one. At times the trail will be wide and smooth while at other times you will be clinging by your fingertips to the rock face above you. With the right tools and equipment both of you will make the trip in one piece and be glad you were on the trail together. The philosophy of Scouting provides the moral tools you need. Your local outfitter will provide the tangible items to make the trip more comfortable.

The variety of outdoor adventure equipment is as varied as the people that utilize it. The equipment can range from a simple canvas backpack to modular items that when connected together make a more comfortable living environment than your own house. One common item needed is a sleeping bag. Depending year round climate of the area you live in, you will either need one mid-range sleeping bag or a winter and summer bag to keep yourself comfy and ensure you get a good night’s rest to be ready to tackle the next day. Once you have selected your sleeping bag, you will need a place to rest your head. There is a variety of sleeping mats to make the cold earth comfortable. Of course you will want a roof over your head. Some people prefer the natural canopy of trees and stars while others will require a bit more of a barrier between them and the outside. The right tent can make the difference between a cold and soggy night and a comfortable refuge from all that nature has to offer. Cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene are also very important. The local camping store will become one of your favorite stops for you and your son. 

The journey from baby to adult is a long trip, yet at times it seems to pass so fast. The Boy Scouts can help create some great memories for both of you to hold and cherish. The organization provides the backbone while you provide the muscle and legwork to get both you and your son down the trail of life.

The Key to a Successful Camping Season is the Same as the Boy Scout Motto: “be Prepared.”

Author: Digment Outfitters

Camping season is a time for exploring the great outdoors, connecting with family and friends, and truly enjoying the natural world. Whether one is a first timer or an experienced camper, there is always something new to learn and experience. While camping season used to be associated only with summer months, there are many opportunities to enjoy camping throughout the year. The key to a successful camping season is the same as the Boy Scout motto: “Be prepared.”

There are as many ways to camp as there are people who want to camp. For those who prefer a true backwoods adventure, the combination of hiking and backpacking with their camping experience requires a different type of equipment and preparation than those who choose to drive to a state forest or private campground. Certain types of equipment are vital, no matter what style of camping is preferred. 

First, even the most intrepid camper needs to sleep! A sturdy sleeping bag is most campers’ choice; sleeping bags are designed to accommodate different temperature requirements from lightweight bags for summer camping to below zero “mummy bags” for mid-winter adventures. But a sleeping bag is not really enough for a good night’s sleep-the ground is a hard mattress! 

The wise outdoorsman will choose to put something between his back and the ground. In this, as with sleeping bags, there are a variety of options to choose from, depending on the type of camping. The lightest weight and most portable choice is a simple foam camping pad which weighs less than a pound. For a backpacker, this is a good choice. However, someone who is using his car or truck as transportation may choose an air mattress or even a portable cot! 

Cooking is another essential element for every type of camping. While the traditional image of cooking over an open fire may be considered part of the ultimate camping experience, many factors make campfire cooking a less desirable option. Modern camping stoves are lightweight and offer more flexibility than a fire. A good camp stove can boil a quart of water in less than 4 minutes; yet it weighs less than 2 pounds! 

Once the heat source is decided on, cookware must be selected. Again, choices are nearly limitless! The simplest choice is a stick for grilling hot dogs or marshmallows, but this isn’t a practical choice for a hungry camper. Outdoor cookware sets are nearly as extensive as those a gourmet chef uses. One of the lightest choices is a set which features multi-purpose components made of sturdy stainless steel, ideal for a hiking trip. Other styles of cookware include cast iron dutch ovens, grills, bake ware, and even woks. 

Beyond the necessities and preparation for camping, the underlying joy of camping season is the same for all campers. Camping season, whether it is a New England summer, a southwestern fall, or an Alaskan winter, gives people an escape from their daily lives. It represents a connection with the natural world that is usually lost in worlds of skyscrapers, highways, and mundane responsibilities. The rat race is suspended on a camping trip, replaced by long walks, canoe rides, relaxing around a campfire or a myriad of other activities. 

Everyone finds something special about camping. People of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to refresh and recharge themselves; it doesn’t matter if one hikes the back country or drives an RV into campground. By choosing to visit where they must adopt new behaviors and conform to different rules, campers create a new world for themselves each trip. For them, camping season is never ending.