some good ideas there BPJ. As for the ponchos, here is what the requirement actually says:

"Improvise a natural shelter. For the purpose of this demonstration, use techniques that have little negative impact on the environment. Spend a night in your shelter."

Now, as I read this and interpret it, to me it states the shelter must be natural, i.e. no emergency blankets or tarps or cordage or what have you. But it is not clear what gear the scout can (or cannot) have.

Obviously safety is a major concern, so I am thinking light, whistle, and water bottle at a minimum. It doesn't say they can have their ten essentials, but it doesn't say they can't either. So my interpretation of this is that they CAN have at least some gear with them, BUT they cannot use any of it in their shelter construction (they could, however, WEAR their rain gear if it happens to rain). Anyone else read this requirement differently?