Play challenging online games, laugh at funny jokes, build amazing projects and find lots of fun at the online home of Scout Life, the official youth magazine for the Boy Scouts of America.
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Q: Does rolling up your clothes really work when packing?
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OK, OK, this cot is heavy, bulky and pricey. But this is “Stuff We Like,” and we like this cot.
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Q: When I go camping, I don’t want my phone to get damaged. Can you recommend any good phone cases for the outdoors?
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Good footwear is a vital piece of outdoor gear. Here are six great boots and hiking shoes that have you covered on any type of trail.
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From stars to planets to meteors, there's lots to see if you know where to look. Here's how to start star gazing.
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You can create an effective fire starter, even with a wet piece of wood. Just grab your knife so you can make a “fuzz stick.”
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Whatever your outdoor activities, the choice of handwear matters a lot. Here are the Gear Guy's five recommendations.
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Whether fearless or funny, animals throughout history have inspired statues and memorials. Here are some animal monuments still standing today.
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Q: When choosing a sleeping bag, does the degree level really matter or is it just a recommendation for comfort?
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Don't let the river's name fool you, Scouts saw alligators, shark teeth and more on this canoe trek.
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Spices add flavor to your food, transforming bland dishes into delicious meals. Here are a few spices to use on your next campout.
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A camp saw can be a handy tool for cutting firewood or clearing a trail of fallen timber. Folding and bow saws are the most popular types. Which one should you get?
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Q: I don’t have a tent, and we might need to camp a lot. Do you have some good recommendations?
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With the Max Shade Chair by Quik Shade, you can instantly have shade wherever you are.
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Camping is already a fun way to spend a weekend, but with extra-cool gear on the trip, it can be really fun. Check out these 6 gadgets for your next outdoor adventure.
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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!
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What "fuel" can you use to start a campfire? Check out this list of firestarters and add your own ideas to the list.
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When caught in a rip current, don't panic and don't exhaust yourself trying to swim against the current. Here's what to do.
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Use your lashing skills to make this simple tripod to hang a pot over a cooking fire.
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Q: What’s the best type of multitool that’s useful and affordable?
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Check out this photo gallery of crazy, futuristic, unusual and awesome tents.
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Being prepared with the right first-aid supplies could save your pup's life in an emergency.
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All backcountry activities come with a level of risk. How you prepare for it matters most.
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Here are features to look for so you can choose the right tent for your trip.
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Q: My troop camps a lot, and sometimes it rains. What is some quality rain gear that’s also affordable?
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Itching to take your pup on a hike? Then be sure to get the right dog gear.
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Snakebites present a potential danger in the outdoors. Here are steps to avoid a painful bite.
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Get the best daypack for your daylong adventures. Here's how to pick one.
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Q: I am going on a long camping trip. What is the best water bottle to bring?
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If you’re sleeping under the stars or in a canvas wall tent, you might want to consider getting a mosquito net.
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Q: My troop is going camping, and we lost our tent stakes. Can we use whittled sticks?
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A Scout is clean, even in camp. Here are important tips to keep you healthy in the outdoors.
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This powerful flashlight has a magnet on one end, so you can stick it to metal and free up your hands.
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Although tongues are important and useful, let’s admit it: They are a little weird. Here are some of the weirdest animal tongues out there.
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From stoves to cookware, these mess kits and cooking gear belong in your backpacking kitchen.
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Ticks are tiny, but they can case a lot of trouble. Here's how to be tick aware.
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You don’t need a camp stove to make a delicious camp meal. Just use a bed of hot coals.
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Lava caves, rare plants and stark scenery — is this troop on another planet?
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When you're outside, it's your duty to be responsible and to Leave No Trace.
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To help out these beautiful monarch butterflies, you can build this protective habitat.
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Mosquitos and other bugs can drive you crazy in the wilderness. Here's how to keep them away.
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Q: What pole should I take that can handle being carried around and that will fit in my pack?
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Even if you can't travel to Africa or visit a world-famous zoo, you can still watch live webcams to see wild animals in action.
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Q: Is there a way to hang a hammock inside a tent?
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One troop makes the most of a chilly Yosemite surprise.
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Can these explorers keep cool when their eyes play tricks on them and their headlamps go out?
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If you're going to try hammock camping, find out how to do it the right way with these essential tips and picks for the best gear.
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You definitely want to avoid a crocodile's bite. Its bite strength is 3,700 pounds per square inch. An average adult human's is only 150 PSI.
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Q: What is the best camping blanket? Have you ever used a Rumpl? They look cool.
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Q: How can my patrol keep our cooking gear clean?
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Keep your campsite bright at night with these great camping lanterns and lighting devices.
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It’s the ultimate experience in Scouting’s ultimate location!
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Earn merit badges, learn how to handle the cold and bond with friends at winter camp.
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A little ingenuity and the right gadgets can add a great deal of comfort and convenience at camp.
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Q: I'm going on a six-day kayak trek. I know what to bring, but don't know how to pack it to keep it dry. Any suggestions?
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Q: How do you clean a bugle that hasn't been used for several years?
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A map and compass can point you in the direction you wish to travel, but don't forget to also calculate the length of your route.
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Counting your steps is a good way to estimate distances as you hike. Here's how to do it.
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The Gear Guy's backpack buying guide help you pick the perfect pack.
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The platypus is one of nature's most interesting animals. It has body like an otter, a bill like a duck, and a tail like a beaver.
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Q: I keep rolling off my sleeping pad. What can I do to sleep better?
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From "friendly bison" to the "big bad wolf," these myths about North American wildlife just won't go away.
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Keep sharp in your Scouting endeavors with the best knife to fit your needs.
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The more you use rope, the more it frays. Here's how to make one of the most important tools in Scouting last a little longer.
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Q: What is the most important backcountry skill all Scouts should know?
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After you’ve washed your dishes and scrubbed your face and hands, what do you do with the leftover soapy water?
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Q: My friends say I can't wear my normal cotton T-shirts when we go camping. What should I wear instead?
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Sea turtles are some of the most ancient and fascinating creatures around, their oldest ancestor having shared Earth with dinosaurs 120 million years ago. Today, seven species of sea turtles roam the world’s oceans. Five of those species nest in the U.S. LOGGERHEADS Found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, loggerheads are the most abundant sea turtles in the U.S. Loggerheads are named for their large noggins, and their strong jaws help them eat hard-bodied mollusks, crustaceans and fish. Loggerheads are 2.5-3.5 feet long and typically weigh 155-375 pounds. GREEN SEA TURTLES Green sea turtles are real globetrotters, nesting in 80-plus countries. In the U.S., they are mostly found in Hawaii and Florida. Green turtles start out life as carnivores but switch to a seaweed and seagrass diet as adults. They are 3-4 feet long and weigh 240-420 pounds. LEATHERBACKS Leatherbacks are so different from other sea turtles that they’re in their own family. Named for their leathery skin, they lack a hard shell. As the largest turtles, they can be 10 feet long and weigh 2,000 pounds, but they’re usually between 4 and 6 feet and 660-1,100 pounds. Leatherbacks travel the farthest of any sea turtles — migrating [...]
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Q: I keep getting attacked by ticks on hikes! What can I do?
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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.
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Each state has an official state animal. Some have more than one. Can you match these creatures to their state?
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All my gear reeks! How can I prevent that smell?
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Q. What kind of jacket do you recommend for a spring trip to Philmont? If possible, I need it to be lightweight and around $100.
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Becoming a rock hound -- an amateur collector of rocks and minerals -- is easy! Here's how to get started.
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Synthetic vs. down? Sleep better under the stars with the Gear Guy’s tips for choosing the best sleeping bag.
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It's easy to take your feet for granted on a day hike or backpacking trip. Take our expert's advice: Don't do it.
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Get expert tips to help you buy a rain jacket that's sure to keep you dry and warm in any type of downpour.
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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 real-life Survivorman Les Stroud. Together, they created survival situations like the one in the quiz above. Read more about their adventure. Agree or disagree with Troop 16’s scoring system? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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VIDEO: Backpacking can be hard, but here are some ways you can make it easier by packing the right way.
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Not only should you be familiar with your state and local fishing rules, there are also some other rules you should know.
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Here's how to Be Prepared to treat injuries and ailments in the backcountry.
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Make plans for fun with our guide to eight amazing Scout camps.
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This 2-pound do-it-yourself wilderness survival kit could save your life for at least three days in the wild.
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At the Summit Bechtel Reserve, Venturers learn you don’t have to face your fears alone.
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Q. What's the trick to having enough energy while on a big outing?
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Winter is a great time to take pictures
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Don't stay indoors during the winter! Here are three fun projects that you can only do when it's cold outside.
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Break out your Dutch oven and roast a turkey over coals using this delicious recipe.
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How to protect trees and leave no trace while hammock camping.
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Whether you’re a veteran “hanger” or just starting out, here are eight tips to make the most of your hammock.
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With these expert tips, you can jump into hammock camping without breaking the bank.
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Ready to record YouTube-worthy video on your outdoor adventure? Here's what you need to know to buy an action camera.
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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!
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Fact or fiction? True or false? It's time to debunk some of the most popular myths from the animal kingdom.
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What's the trick to having the energy to be active all day? Food! Keep strong all day long on the trail with these snacks.
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Camping is always fun, but these expert tips and ideas can make your camping trip even better.
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This simple one-chamber roost will give those beneficial bug-eaters a much-needed boost! Here's how to build a bat house.
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Here's a guide of six items you need to make your outings the best and safest they can be.
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Q. I have everything I need for my first camp kitchen except for a good way to store it. Any ideas?
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Let's test how closely you've observed animals in this challenge to select what their eyes look like!