How to become a first class scout

Jul 13, 2001 - © Nicholas Bittner

Hey all. I'm back, and ready to tell you how to proceed to the next level in scouting. Even though you should all have a scout book by now, I'm going to write out the requirements here, so that I can discuss points without you having to get out your book.

1. Demonstrate how to find directions during the day and at night without using a compass.

Alright, this is relatively easy. In the day, you can use the sun. However, even though it supposedly rises in the east and sets in the west, it actually rises northeast, and sets in the southwest. At night, you can use the stars, namely the north star.

2. Using a compass, complete an orienteering course that covers at least one mile and requires measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.).

Your scout master can help you with that, and I can't without seeing the course.

3. Since joining, have participated in 10 separate troop/patrol activities (other than troop/patrol meetings), three of which included camping overnight.

There's no way I can help you with this, so let's move on to the next one. I also can't help you with four, five or six, so let's go to number seven.

7.

A. Discuss when you should and should not use lashings.

You should use lashings to tie things to boats, tying down tents, tying tarp's to trees as rain covers, things like that. The next thing I can help you on is number nine.

9. A. Tell what precautions must be taken for a safe trip afloat. Make sure you always have a buddy with you, and only swim when a lifeguard is present. If you aren't an experienced swimmer, don't swim in deep water, and always wear sunscreen.

Ok, that's all that I have to tell you about how to complete this next step. So now, I have a request. I'd like to have you send me your troop web pages, and I'll add them to my links section. If I get enough pages submitted, I'll start featuring one a month on the front page. Submit pages or any ideas or commentary to Nicholas_Bittner@suite101.com. I look forward to seeing them. Or, you can post a message with the link on the bulliten board. It's time for me to leave, so until later, happy trails!

The copyright of the article How to become a first class scout in Boy Scouts is owned by Nicholas Bittner. Permission to republish How to become a first class scout in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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