A Scout’s Campfire

Any Camping Trip is a Chance for Learning

November 7th, 2006 spryken

Any camping trip our Boy Scout Troop goes on, sees me with my knot book some cord and a pocket knife.  It doesn’t matter if we are on a “fun” trip, leading a camporee on First Aid or on a trip designed for new scout advancement.  Even when we do an overnight Troop Leader Training, I have my supplies. 

Just bringing out my knot book and practicing fun knots for myself draws a crowd of boys.  Soon, I’m cutting lengths of cord for the boys and soon after that, I give up my book.  It is a great way to inspire learning beyond what is required in a setting that isn’t like school.  As I tie a Turk’s Head or Monkey Fist, knots become cool.  (Yes, I am a product of the early seventies.) 

The boys learn valuable skills, they are occupied when bored, they challenge each other to go beyond the bare minimum.

But it isn’t just knots and rope.  We as leaders can find other ways to engage the boys.  I’m sure we all do.  From nature, to knots, to cooking and First Aid, a camping trip is a great vehicle for learning……

Look around at what interests you, show some enthusiasm and soon you will have a group of boys gathered round wanting to see what is so fascinating.

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