This is REALLY long. SORRY! I compiled it for another project and I'm too pooped to re-edit it. Suffice to say that we had a wonderful weekend and added some great new memories!

Our Scout group went camping this past weekend, and I wasn't about to let being 7 months pregnant stop me from bugging-out and practicing a little bushcraft with them. We planned to do some hiking and work on our Firecraft, bushcraft and shelter building this weekend. Besides, the kids wanted to go zombie hunting and who can resist that?!

WEATHER
10C to -2C

Frosty: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails174.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails033.jpg

Foggy: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails210.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails209.jpg

Sunny: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails066.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails053.jpg

PARTICIPANTS - 14 9th Pickering Scouts, Cubs (including BPJ's 9 yo son) and Beavers and Jr. Beaver + 11 Leaders (including BPJ):
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails241.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails255.jpg

LOCATION - Woodland Trails - OBA Junction, Stouffville, ON
The Cubs and Beavers had the use of 2 X propane heated Sleeping Cabooses + 1 X Mess Hall Caboose, while the Scouts slept in tents or shelters they made themselves:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails049.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails003.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails004.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails015.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails032.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails021.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails019.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails020.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails018.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails017.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails048.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails212.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails167.jpg

At 7 months pregnant and with Scouts Canada leader:youth ratios in mind, I slept in a caboose both nights, but did work on my shelter making throughout the weekend. In retrospect, I probably would have slept better outside. smile

BPJ's Bunk: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails016.jpg

INDIVIDUAL GEAR
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails175.jpg

Jeep (Gear for two): packs with changes of clothes, thermarests, closed cell foam pads,extra wool blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, campfire blankets, shovel, axe, folding saw, FAK, survival kits, Eureka Apen 4XT tent, 2 tarps, 100 ft. rope, and vehicle emergency kit
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails181.jpg

Clothes: In addition to my uniform, I wore merino wool socks, long johns, BDU pants, poly/wool blend LS shirt and a wool sweater, winter hat and poly-fill vest all weekend. I brought also brought my goretex shell but didn't need it. When I'm out with the Scouts, I always wear a lanyard with Fox 40 whistle, fauxton, a mini bic and gerber Clutch multi-tool.

Survival Kits: The Pack reviewed our survival kits and helped our new Cubs build their own PSKs to get them started.
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails268.jpg

My pack had:
-Water Kit (SS water bottle, tin can and aluminum foil for boiling nested in a SS cup, 6 microPUR tabs)
-FAK (AMK Field Trauma Kit plus emergency info for all participants, duct tape, OTC meds, 2 X thick maxi pads, a couple of tampons and mylar blanket, minus med tape, elastic bandage and FAK booklet)
-Clothes (extra socks, hat, mitts, sweater, poncho, extra kid-sized hat and mitts)
-Shelter Kit (thermal emergency blanket with paracord tie-outs, 2 person Heatsheets, disposable poncho, 100 ft. paracord, chem hand warmers)
-Fire Kit (see below)
-Light (LED headlamp, LED flashlight, extra batteries)
-Food Kit (See below)
-Navigation Kit (Surveyor's tape, Silva compass, campgroud maps, local maps, emerg directions to camp and group site)
-PSK (Modified Ritter AMK PSK)
-Leatherman Wave (with ferro rod, maglite solitare and pb cotton balls in sheath)
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351/backpackjac/EDC%20and%20PSK/lm.jpg

*I played it safe didn't hike with this kit. In fact, I didn't venture out of site of camp very much at all, except when foraging for firewood and building shelters.

My son's had:
-pack with whistle and bear bell attached
-Water (full SS water bottle, koolaid jammer)
-Signaling (whistle and fauxton on lanyard, AMK mirror)
-FAK (a.k.a. “Boo Boo Kit” - bandaids, polysporin, gauze pads, maxi pad, ziplock bag)
-Extra Clothes (in dry bag - incl. Blaze orange fleece hat, bandana, fleece pullover, yellow poncho, rain pants, hotpaws socks, extra gloves, poncho)
-Shelter (AMK bivvy, sportsman's thermal blanket with paracord tie-outs, 50 ft. paracord, contractor's bag, emerg poncho and hand warmers)
-Light (LED glow stick, chem light, crank flashlight, LED headlamp)
-Snacks (tuna & crackers snack pack, cliff bar, LMF spork)
-Navigation (surveyor's tape, compass, map of the Scout Reserve we are camping at this weekend)
-Comfort Items (sunglasses, small teddy bear, small deck of playing cards)

*In addition to this pack, he also wears a lanyard with Fox 40 whistle and fauxton whenever he is not in the cabin. We teach the kids “Hug-a-Tree” and this kit is designed to be aligned with that strategy should he get separated from the group. We’ll be working on basic camping and hiking skills this weekend, including helping our new Cub Scouts to build their own survival kits.

Water Kit: hydration pack (with bladder), thermos, collapsable water jug, Katadyn filter, coglan's water tabs, Peak 1 Mirco Stove (& fuel), matches, lighters, soap and wash cloth
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails274.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails215.jpg

Fire Kit: PJ cotton balls (in pill vial), SA matches (in H20 proof case), Altoids tin (with birch bark, pine pitch, shoe fungus, cedar bark, pine shavings, jute twine and cotton ball), 12 esbit pucks, bic, BG ferro rod, LMF ferro rod, Coleman butane lighter, mag bar & striker
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails267.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails264.jpg

Food Kit: Cliff bars, seasame bars, pepperoni sticks, instant oatmeal, drinks (tang, Via, hot chocolate), esbit stove and 24 fuel tabs
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails269.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails262.jpg

GROUP GEAR

Water: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails197.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails198.jpg

One of many FAKs: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails196.jpg

Trailer: Its loaded with a seemingly unending supply of gear:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails026.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails211.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails195.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails193.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails116.jpg

Winch: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails025.jpg

Cooking: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails188.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails189.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails187.jpg

Chuck Boxes: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails011.jpg

Tables: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails038.jpg

Radios: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails182.jpg

Tents: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails183.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails010.jpg

Lighting: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails190.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails191.jpg

Rope: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails194.jpg

Saws: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails178.jpg

Axes: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails179.jpg

Lanyards: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails168.jpg

Maps: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails104.jpg

SAFETY FIRST!

The first thing we did was sit everyone down and review our safety rules and procedures:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails223.jpg

Whistles on lanyards for everyone:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails168.jpg

Fire Safety Lesson:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails224.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails225.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails226.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails227.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails230.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails231.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails232.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails233.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails234.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails235.jpg

The we went Widow-maker Spotting:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails172.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails170.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails169.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails073.jpg

SHELTER BUILDING

Day One Lean-to:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails009.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails022.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails008.jpg

Day Two Lean-To:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails105.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails107.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails106.jpg

Day Three Lean-To:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails173.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails186.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails185.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails184.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails260.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails257.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails259.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails256.jpg

Scout-built Wood Shelter:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails080.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails114.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails249.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails251.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails250.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails252.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails247.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails248.jpg

Scout-built Tarp Shelter - one man/5 min.
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails108.jpg

Scout-built Tarp Shelter for the group - the one they chose to sleep in:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails111.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails112.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails113.jpg

Cub and Beaver Scout-built Wood Shelter:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails254.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails079.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails078.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails071.jpg

Leader-built Tarp Shelter:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails142.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails144.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails143.jpg

FIRECRAFT

Foraging for Tinder, Kindling and Fuel:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails061.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails115.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails171.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351/backpackjac/Woodland%20Trails%20Nov%202012/shoefungus-1.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails222.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails118.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails117.jpg

Campfire Challenges: The Scouts did this in pairs, the Cubs were paired and then partnered with a leader, and the Beavers watched a leader do it, except for foraging, which everyone did. First we foraged for fire building materials, and then the Cubs practiced their campfire building while the Scouts had three challenges: The 2 Minute Fire, Burning Through a Piece of Rope (Suspended above it) and Boiling Water. The winner got to be the evening's Fire Master.
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails145.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails180.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails121.jpg
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http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails217.jpg
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http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails158.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails159.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails164.jpg

S'mores:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails166.jpg

Campfire Snuggles:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails162.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails161.jpg

Campfire Blankets:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails160.jpg

BUSHCRAFT

Feather Sticks and Wood Shavings:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails122.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails128.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails123.jpg

Knots, Tripods and Quadpods:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails081.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails082.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails083.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails085.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails098.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails087.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails092.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails093.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails084.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails094.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails095.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails096.jpg

Bow Making:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails177.jpg

Tent/Tarp Peg Making:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails143.jpg

ZOMBIE HUNTING - We did a 1.5 km night hike on Friday night and a 3km day hike on Saturday, and we stayed constantly on watch but we didn't see a single one. I suspect our noise sacred them away:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails246.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails057.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails103.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails101.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails110.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails063.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails060.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails067.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails065.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails176.jpg

CHOW TIME

Akela cooked for the Cubs, Beavers and Leaders:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails044.jpg

The Scouts planned, shopped for and cooked their own meals:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails023.jpg

Mess Kits: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails192.jpg

BPJ's Back-up Plan - Midnight cup of joe for the preggo. My esbit stove and high tech water boiling system came in handy when I didn't want to disturb anyone by going into the mess train or chuck boxes:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails262.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351/backpackjac/Woodland%20Trails%20Nov%202012/esbit-1.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails263.jpg

All the food was YUMMY!
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails236.jpg

GARBAGE HUNTING:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails062.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails058.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails208.jpg

We even found a soccer ball that we put to good use while we were waiting for parents to arrive:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails097.jpg
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails099.jpg

LEARNINGS

1. Either this stove and this canister of fuel don't go together or it was too cold, because I couldn't get the gas on and when I removed the stove from the canister, the fuel started streaming out:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351...ndtrails215.jpg

2. Tarp shelter with hiking sticks work much better with a grommet to hold the hiking pole. Every time we touched the tarp on this set-up, the stick fell down: