On long backcountry treks, you’ll want a hydration plan other than to lug around multiple gallons of water. When you encounter a freshwater source, such as a river or a lake, you have a few options to make that water potable: boil, filter or treat with tablets. You’ll...

A dozen Scouts on horseback meander through the Utah desert. “Dismount!” their Scoutmaster calls. The Scouts do as asked and then scatter to explore their surroundings. Two of the Scouts, one named Herman and another named Indiana Jones, step inside a dark cave and...

Scouts across the country respectfully retire worn-out American flags, most often by burning — the preferred method, according to the U.S. Flag Code. But burning isn’t the only retirement option. American flags can be retired by a number of ways, such as burning or...

A simple question spoke volumes. “Raise your hand if you know what D-Day is,” the teacher said one day in Christopher Adam’s eighth grade honors history class. Christopher’s hand went up. He looked around, and only two other hands were raised. Just three members of...

Some go wherever the wind takes them. Others hoist the sails and set their own course. Let’s say Bravo Zulu (the nautical way to say “well done”) to the Sea Scouts who fall in that second group. They’re natural leaders who solve problems, work as a team and gain...

When planning an aquatic Scouting event, you should review BSA safety resources beforehand. There are several tailored to specific activities, and they can all be found in the Aquatics Supervision leader’s guide. Part of Safe Swim Defense calls for establishing a safe...

Scouts are the ultimate planet protectors. We use public lands responsibly. We pick up litter left behind by strangers. We volunteer our time for service projects that improve trails, control erosion and protect animals. These efforts are laudable, but we should ask...