How Tall Is That Tree - Pencil Method

This one comes from the 1948 edition of the Boy Scout Handbook. (A great find last week at an antique mall for only $6.00!)

Pencil Method - Have a friend whose height you know stand against the tree (your walking stick will also work if you know the length of it). Hold a pencil or short stick at arms length, sight across the top of it to the top of your friend's head. At the same time move over your thumb on the stick until you sight across it to the base of the tree.  Then raise your arm and the stick, until your line of sight over your thumb hits the top of your friends head. Note where your line of vision across the top of the stick cuts the tree.  Move your arm up again, and repeat the process.  Thus you find out the number of many times higher the tree is, than the known height (your friend or walking stick).  Multiply that number by the known height, to find the height of the tree.

A Fraid Knot

A little piece of rope wanted to become a Boy Scout. He went up to a Scoutmaster and asked if he could become a Boy Scout. The Scoutmaster replied, “We can’t allow pieces of rope like you to become a Boy Scout.” So the little piece of rope went to another Scoutmaster, but he also said, “It’s against the rules to allow a little piece of rope to become a Boy Scout.”

Cotton Ball Fire Starters

I take a bag of these fire starters with me on every camp out and hike. Extremely easy to make, easy to use, and light to pack.

Items needed:

• 100% Cotton Balls
• Petroleum Jelly (any brand works)
• Bag to store in (close-able plastic bag)

Completely coat the cotton ball with the petroleum jelly.  Make about 10 per plastic bag and store within your pack.

Always remember to use your best judgment when working with fire.

Firem'n Chit Requirements

Firem'n Chit

This certification grants a Scout the right to carry matches and build campfires. The Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the following:

1. I have read, understand and use fire safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook.
2. I will build a campfire only when necessary and when I have the necessary permits (regulations vary by locality).
3. I will minimize campfire impacts or use existing fire lays consistent with the principles of Leave No Trace. I will check to see that all flammable material is cleared at least 5 feet in all directions from fire (total 10 feet).
4. I will safely use and store fire-starting materials.
5. I will see that fire is attended to at all times.
6. I will make sure that water and/or shovel is readily available. I will promptly report any wildfire to the proper authorities.
7. I will use the cold-out test to make sure the fire is cold out and will make sure the fire lay is cleaned before I leave it.
8. I follow the Outdoor Code and the principles of Leave No Trace.

The Scout's "Firem'n Rights" can be taken from him if he fails in his responsibility.

Elephant Repellent Run On

7 Major Dog Groups

Dog Care Merit Badge

Requirement 1b: Describe some common characteristics of the dogs that make up each of the seven major dog groups.

1. Sporting Group - Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions. Members of the Group include pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels. Remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting dogs need to realize that most require regular, invigorating exercise.
2. Hound Group - Most hounds share the common ancestral trait of being used for hunting. Some use acute scenting powers to follow a trail. Others demonstrate a phenomenal gift of stamina as they relentlessly run down quarry. Beyond this, however, generalizations about hounds are hard to come by, since the Group encompasses quite a diverse lot. There are Pharaoh Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Afghans and Beagles, among others. Some hounds share the distinct ability to produce a unique sound known as baying. You'd best sample this sound before you decide to get a hound of your own to be sure it's your cup of tea.
3. Working Group - Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. The Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky and Great Dane are included in this Group, to name just a few. Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained.
4. Terrier Group - People familiar with this Group invariably comment on the distinctive terrier personality. These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small, as in the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland White Terrier, to the grand Airedale Terrier. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many continue to project the attitude that they're always eager for a spirited argument. Most terriers have wiry coats that require special grooming known as stripping in order to maintain a characteristic appearance. In general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters.
5. Toy Group - The diminutive size and winsome expressions of Toy dogs illustrate the main function of this Group: to embody sheer delight. Don't let their tiny stature fool you, though - - many Toys are tough as nails. If you haven't yet experienced the barking of an angry Chihuahua, for example, well, just wait. Toy dogs will always be popular with city dwellers and people without much living space. They make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap warmers on nippy nights. (Incidentally, small breeds may be found in every Group, not just the Toy Group. We advise everyone to seriously consider getting a small breed, when appropriate, if for no other reason than to minimize some of the problems inherent in canines such as shedding, creating messes and cost of care. And training aside, it's still easier to control a ten-pound dog than it is one ten times that size.)
6. Non-Sporting Group - Non-sporting dogs are a diverse group. Here are sturdy animals with as different personalities and appearances as the Chow Chow, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, and Keeshond. Talk about differences in size, coat, and visage! Some, like the Schipperke and Tibetan Spaniel are uncommon sights in the average neighborhood. Others, however, like the Poodle and Lhasa Apso, have quite a large following. The breeds in the Non-Sporting Group are a varied collection in terms of size, coat, personality and overall appearance.
7. Herding Group - The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. All breeds share the fabulous ability to control the movement of other animals. A remarkable example is the low-set Corgi, perhaps one foot tall at the shoulders, that can drive a herd of cows many times its size to pasture by leaping and nipping at their heels. The vast majority of Herding dogs, as household pets, never cross paths with a farm animal. Nevertheless, pure instinct prompts many of these dogs to gently herd their owners, especially the children of the family. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises.

Source: http://www.akc.org/breeds/

Tiger Cub Achievement - Lets Go Outdoors

5F: Family Activity. Go outside and watch the weather.

Character Connections - Faith

Know: Discuss things about the weather that you know to be true, but you cannot see at the moment, such as is the sun still there although you only see clouds? Is the moon there, even though it is day? Can you see wind? Do you know that the rain will eventually stop? Do you have faith in other things you can't see?
Commit: What makes it difficult to believe in things you cannot see? What helps you to develop faith?
Practice: Do requirement 5F.
5D: Den Activity. With a crayon or colored pencil and a piece of paper, make a leaf rubbing.
5G: Go See It! Take a hike with your den.