Thanks for the tips, Resqman.<br><br>>>>I too would suggest that you get the boys involved in the research. Scouting is supposed to be about the boys, the adults are just to help lead. <<<<br><br>I agree, and I'm not about to build a batch of kits for the scouts. Rather, I'm learning about it so I can become knowledgable and share my thoughts and enthusiasm. As I mentioned in my first post, I really need to get the merit badge pamplet and see what the BSA take on survival kits is. Sometimes, the pamphlets are right on, and sometimes they are a bit off. They are, after all, writen by people who may have different life experiences.<br><br>BTW, theirs a wonderful web site for Scouts and Leaders at www.meritbadhe.com. In addition to listing all of the riquirements for the ranks, badges and awards, it also provides links to other relevent web site for more research. www.equipped.org is listed under Wilderness Survival. :-)<br><br>Willie Vannerson<br>McHenry, IL