Heard it from a Scout: Leaving only footprints in nature
View from the top of Eagle Bluffs, BC. (Photo by Emilie Diver)
The view was incredible and the challenge of the hike up to the Eagle Bluffs in North Vancouver made it even more worthwhile. Ruby, my yellow lab, was happily sitting and begging for food from me and my Scout troop. Her behaviour was in stark...
Heard it from a Scout: 5 ways to reuse your Halloween pumpkin
Jack-o-lanterns (Photo from Creative Commons)
During the Halloween season, a staggering number of pumpkins become jack-o-lanterns on October 31. But by the next morning, we're left wondering how to reuse them. From recipes to candles, here are five creative ways to find a second use for your...
Heard it from a Scout: Winter camping tips for beginners
Building a quinzhee (Photo by Scouts Canada)
With winter’s temperatures and snow, camping can be tricky. But with a little preparation, you can discover that winter camping can be some of the most fun and unforgettable experiences you can have. Check out our top tips to help make your...
Heard it from a Scout: Safe food practices in nature
You're venturing into animal territory when camping. (Photo by Scouts Canada)
We can probably all agree that spending time outdoors is one of life’s simplest pleasures. A blanket of stars tucks you in at night, a chorus of bird calls welcomes you to the morning and the natural wonders keep you exploring all day. Not...
Heard it from a Scout: Favourite Nature Conservancy of Canada Nature Destinations
The cliffs of Chase Woods Nature Preserve, BC (Photo by Tim Ennis)
Lush greenery and rugged landscapes cover Canada, so getting inspired to explore nature’s treasures is easy. Escaping from our urban environments allows us to immerse ourselves in nature in the many protected and beautiful natural areas...
Heard it from a Scout: Plastic-free camping
A group of Scouts on a camping trip (Photo courtesy of Alyana Lalani)
For Scouts, the natural world is incredibly important. The environment is our home, a place where we play, learn and have fun, so it is our duty to take care of it. The Leave No Trace principle, which provides guidelines on how to minimize your...
Heard it from a Scout: The ultimate summer camping guide
Scouts learn essential outdoor skills and how to prioritize safety in all activities. (Photo by Scouts Canada)
The perfect temperature for summer camping, according to Scouts — Canada’s youngest outdoor experts — is 27 C. So, go check your thermometer. It’s time to answer the call of the wilderness! Scouts learn essential outdoor...
Heard it from a Scout: Light a campfire like a Scout
Toronto Island campfire (Photo by Scouts Canada)
Whether you are going on an easy day hike or a week-long backpacking adventure, being able to build a fire is an important survival skill. While you may plan to bring a lighter or matches, it’s always best to be prepared with fire-starting...
Heard it from a Scout: The pleasures and perils of portaging
Portaging will take your canoe and camping adventures to the next level and help you explore nature’s hidden gems. (Photo by Scouts Canada)
Portaging is like going to the gym; you don’t always want to go, but you feel proud of yourself after working out. Portaging (carrying a boat over land, between bodies of water) is a fun activity that will take your canoe and camping...
Heard it from a Scout: The #Trashtag challenge: 5 essential steps for leading a community cleanup
Since 2002, Scouts across Canada have worked with their communities and the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup to remove over 5,300 kilograms of trash from shorelines. (Photo by Scouts Canada)
Community cleanups are one of the latest social media crazes, as the #Trashtag challenge takes the internet by storm. Individuals and communities around the world are banding together to clean up the environments where they reside. As the snow...