Scout Basic Essentials
In my younger years, on a Varsity high adventure, I neglected to bring all of the Scout Basic Essentials. As a Team, we decided to canoe down the Henry's Fork of the Snake River starting at the reservoir in Island Park, Idaho. Anyone who has been on this stretch of river knows that it is a very slow section of the Snake River. Sitting in the metal canoe and being in my swimming trunks and a t-shirt with no sunscreen on, I was basically slow roasting my legs. My thighs were completely covered in blisters as a result of having no sunscreen during the 3 hour trip from the reservoir back to our camp site. That night's sleep (if you can call it that) was unbearable. So unbearable, that it resulted in a leader driving me back home in the middle of the night to my parents. I did not do my part to be prepared.
In my opinion, one of the core elements of being a scout is being prepared. Robert Baden Powell was once asked what scouts should be prepared for. His reply was "any old thing". I echo Robert Baden Powell's reply. If a scout does not have the basic essentials on their outing, than the result will be the troop having to bring aid to the scout when he is unable to care for himself being cold, thirsty, injured, or sun burnt.
- Pocketknife
- First Aid Kit
- Extra Clothing
- Rain Gear
- Water Bottle
- Flashlight
- Trail Food
- Matches and Fire Starters
- Sun Protection
- Map and Compass
- Insect repellent, a whistle, and other items also might be considered essentials, depending on your destination, the length of your trip, and the seasons.
Henry's Fork of the Snake River - Photo: www2.humboldt.edu