Outdoors

Five great outdoor games

Got some free time during a camp-out? Don’t hide in your tent. Get out and play!

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How to set a steady hiking pace

The key to a smooth hike: setting the right pace. Here’s how to find it.

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Catch and release fishing tips

fish5.jpgHere are a few tips for ensuring the fish you catch have the best chance of survival.

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Compass tips and tricks

compass-200x148.jpgGet the most out of your orienteering tools by learning how best to use them.

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Hiking through history

Courtesy of the Gettysburg National Military ParkBy exploring a historical trail, hikers can follow in the footsteps of the trailblazers who carved their own paths through the American wilderness.

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Properly Portaging Your Canoe

atikokan.jpgTechnique is more important than sheer strength when lifting your canoe.

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Calls for climbers and belayers

climbing-200x148.jpgWhen climbing or rappelling, it’s very important for the person on the rock to communicate well with his belayer. To do this, they use “calls.” Here are some of the generally accepted signals for belaying climbers and rappellers.

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Taking Shelter

leanto1.jpgBeing prepared to live — and live well — when you’re far from the comforts of home starts with being
able to take effective shelter from the elements.

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How to build a quinzee snow shelter

quinzee-200×148.jpgA quinzee is a simple shelter made by hollowing out a big pile of snow. They can take several hours to build, but are an effective way to stay warm when camping in the winter. Here’s how to build one.

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Unusual but effective cooking methods

heating-mailbox1.jpgBread baked by mailbox? Fish roasted on a stick? North Carolina Scouts show off their unusual — but effective — cooking skills.

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How to find fossils

ammonoids.jpgSometimes a rock’s just a rock … and sometimes it’s a fossil. How can you tell the difference?

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Plan and run a Klondike derby

klondike-200×148.jpgPlanning a Klondike derby is a great team-building exercise requiring leadership and decision-making skills. The best derbies incorporate traditional Scouting skills into fun competitions.

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Fun games to play in the snow

wintercamping_2.jpgStaying safe on a winter outing is hard work, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be time for fun. Here are a few activities we came up with. Can you think of more?

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How to avoid frostbite

front-pic1.jpgFrozen flesh won’t kill you right away — but the pain might make you wish you were dead. Know the symptoms and how to treat them.

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How to tie basic fly-fishing knots

flyknot-200×148.jpgFly fishermen depend on knots and must know how to tie several different knots properly. Here’s how to tie some of the more common fly-fishing knots.

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ASK THE GEAR GUY

Send in your question for the Gear Guy

Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Just send in your questions and check back here for the answers. Here are some of the Gear Guy's recent answers: >> Click here for all the Gear Guy answers
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YOUR PHOTOS

Post your outdoor and nature pictures

Have you taken a beautiful picture of a national park? Or maybe some great shots of wild animals? Boyslife.org wants to share them with the world.

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VIDEO TUTORIAL

Guide to sharpening tools or tying knots

Can't remember how to tie a bowline? Looking for an easy guide to sharpening your knife. Check out these videos.

>> Learn to tie knots
>> Sharpen an ax or knife