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Summer 1992 — #72

The Chairman's Corner

What is High Adventure, Anyway?

For this month's column, we were asked if we could come up with a definition of high adventure. After exploring literature on the subject, here are some possibilities. I believe everyone has their own personal definition of what qualifies an activity as a high adventure experience, but from my standpoint as HAT Chairman of the San Francisco Bay Area Council, the definition of high adventure implies some level of challenge and risk. BSA high adventure awareness training courses are designed to minimize the risk and give the Scouters a feeling of personal accomplishment and enjoyment.

In determining a definition of high adventure, here are some criteria for consideration:

• High adventure activities must involve the Scouter.
• The activity is not a routine scouting program element; a certain level of skill, tenacity, stamina and courage are essential for a true high adventure experience.
• The motivating force is personal challenge and enjoyment rather than advancement.
• It enriches or refreshes the scout physically, mentally and/or spiritually.
• It generally applies to activities based on the interrelationship of the Scout with the natural environment. This includes such activities as hiking, backpacking, climbing (road and snow), cross-country skiing, primitive camping (summer and winter), canoeing, sailing, rafting, scuba diving, caving, and snow shoeing.

In the final analysis, it is the individual who truly defines what qualifies as a high adventure experience. A challenging hike for a twelve year old may seem uneventful for a Life Scout with a couple 50 milers under his belt. The challenge for Scout leaders, therefore, is to tailor high adventure activities to the level of experience and skill of the activity participants. Thus the high adventure aspect of scouting will enable young Scouts to master new skills, build self confidence and, most importantly, learn and enjoy some of the many diversified challenges life has to offer.

William Hillcourt — A Message for You

William Hillcourt a.k.a. "Green Bar Bill", author of the Boy Scout handbook and many other books.

William Hillcourt a.k.a. "Green Bar Bill" was asked if he had a message that could be included in Boots & Blisters for Scouters. Bill advised that his message in the ninth edition of the Official Boy Scout Handbook, 1979, the edition that he wrote, would be his contribution. For those of you who have a copy, it is on page 9. It is reprinted here:

Your Life As A Scout

Today you are an American boy. Before long you will be an American man. It is important to America and to yourself that you become a citizen of fine character, physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Boy Scouting will help make you become that kind of citizen. But also, Scouting will give you fellowship and fun.

Yes, it's fun to be a Boy Scout! It's fun to go hiking and camping with your best friends ... to swim, to dive, to paddle a canoe, to wield an ax ... to follow the footsteps of the pioneers who led the way through the wilderness ... to stare into the glowing embers of a campfire and dream of the wonders of the life that is in store for you ...

It is fun also to learn to walk noiselessly through the woods ... to stalk close to a grazing deer without being noticed ... to bring a bird close to you by imitating its call. It is fun to find your way cross-country by map and compass ... to make a meal when you are hungry ... to take a safe swim when you are hot ... to make yourself comfortable for the night in a tent or under the stars. In Scouting you become an outdoorsman.

But Scouting is far more than fun in the outdoors, hiking, and camping. Scouting is a way of life. Scouting is growing into responsible manhood, learning to be of service to others.

The Scout Oath and the Scout Law are your guides to citizenship. They tell you what is expected of a Scout. They point out your duties. The Scout motto is "Be Prepared" -- prepared to take care of yourself and to help people in need. The Scout slogan is "Do a Good Turn Daily." Together, the motto and slogan spell out your ability and your willingness to serve.

Your life as a Scout will make you strong and self-reliant. You will learn Scoutcraft skills that will benefit you as you grow. In time, you will develop skills of leadership as well.

So pitch in! Swing into action! In your patrol and your troop you will have some of the best times of your life.

The Two Lives Of A Hero

Thirty years ago, Bill Hillcourt wrote a book about Scouting's founder, Robert Baden-Powell, The Two Lives of a Hero. In the past few years he has had many requests for copies of this book which has been out of print for five years.

Bill decided before his death to self publish this fine story of Baden Powell's life. It is now available online through Scouter.com.

Bay Ridge Trail Parcel Purchased

The East Bay Regional Park District is purchasing a 163 acre parcel on Mission Peak that will complete a vital
link in the Bay Area Ridge Trail. This addition to the Mission Peak Regional Preserve, when trails are completed,
will secure public access to Monument Peak. It is possible this will allow the addition of Monument Peak to the Rim of the Bay patch program.

Common Sense and Good Judgment —
Requisites of Outdoor Leadership

"C.S. and G.J." which translates to "common sense and good judgment" as sort of a universal "cure all" for problems that beset us when I was an officer in the Army in WWII. However, all of us have heard that common sense is not common and there is difficulty in getting a firm understanding of what is actually meant by "good judgment."

An outdoor leadership study was conducted at the University of Oregon and the number one priority was the need to ... "exercise good judgment and common sense while performing duties as an outdoor leader under stress and pressure." Paul Petzoldt, founder of the Outdoor Leadership School and a premier outdoorsman lists "good judgment" as a prerequisite for an acceptable outdoor leader. Certainly good judgment is not something with which we are born; Petzoldt himself, as a 16 year old, climbed the Grand Teton wearing cowboy boots and woefully inadequate clothing. In spite of bad judgment, he survived and perhaps this was the beginning of his realization that good judgment was an essential.

"Good judgment is the result of experiences that are the result of bad judgment." But, must everyone's education be based upon the results of bad judgment? Can we not profit from the experiences of others? Some results of bad judgment may preclude survival to make the judgment usable. On the other hand, the practice of prudence to the extreme would remove the aura of adventure. A walk in the wilderness does not equate with a stroll in Golden Gate Park in the afternoon. How then does one acquire the art of good judgment?

Some definitions of judgment may be helpful; the ability to make a decision or form an opinion by discerning and evaluation; « the capacity to make sound and reasonable evaluations; but there is another « "a rough guess or estimation." That, I believe, should be eliminated, a rough guess may not bring you back alive! Next, discern: let's toss out two definitions and keep: "to comprehend mentally." And sound: "founded on a thorough knowledge or experience" (Oh! Oh! There's that subject again!) and finally, "marked by showing common sense and good judgment" « isn't that where we started?

But, sense needs a little clarification, "intuitive or acquired ability to make sound judgments." We can accept one of four definitions of reasonable that seems acceptable « "not extreme or excessive."

Is it possible for a man, in the wilderness for the first time to possess good judgment? Yes, all of us know some people who seem to possess a make-up that gives a sort of sixth sense of what is safe and correct in any undertaking. For most of us, like Paul Petzold, we must survive a few perilous experiences to get oriented. Then we listen, we read, we practice care, we learn to say "No!", we attend training courses and yet we do not isolate ourselves from the risks we feel adequate and prepared to undertake.

How can a new leader acquire the background that is essential to good judgment and that will keep his or her group within the safe and comfort zone of an adventurous experience? They must become aware of the factors they cannot control, such as hazards as unstable weather, roaring streams, avalanche chutes, rockfall, frigid mountain lakes, and other environment dangers, and how they can avoid them. They must understand that the failure of turning back can be a far less trauma than the consequences of false bravado by going ahead in the face of an unconquerable peril.

Good judgment can be learned and practiced, although it can never be guaranteed. That is why it pays to read and to participate in available training courses. Knowing what not to do is just as valuable a skill as knowing what to do.

Equipment Report

The Coleman PEAK-1 Apex Detached Burner Stove Model #450-700

The cost of this unit from Campmore, Paramus, NJ is $49.95. Weight without fuel is 18.6 ounces.

A current Peak 1 Apex Stove

I purchased this model from Campmore because there were no stores in the area at that time that had it in stock, or even had heard of it.

I first saw an ad in Backpacker in October 1991. After showing the ad to all of the stores that I had purchased camping equipment from in the past, I drew a blank. Finally, I write to Coleman Company directly and they responded with a 1992 catalog and spec sheet on the stove. They advised that after some redesign and new instructions, production would be in the latter part of March, with shipping dates to their retailers in April 1992. I waited until the first of June to send my order to Campmore. The stove and other articles that I had ordered were received very quickly, considering that the material had to come clear across the United States.

After reading the instructions quite carefully, twice, and checking the list with the stove to make sure that all the parts were there, I filled the fuel bottle. It was not a real tricky job.

There is a line on the outside of the fuel bottle and a simple finger check. Stick your forefinger into the bottle « if you can feel the fuel, you have too much in the bottle. The stove will only accept the Coleman bottle which is a part of the stove kit at no extra cost.

After assembling the stove and bottle, which is really a simple job, and pumping a full thirty strokes, according to the instructions, turn the flame adjuster to high and hold a lighted match over the burner. Open the fuel valve one turn. The stove lit the first time. Now pump an additional 10-20 strokes.

For me, the stove worked perfectly. This was an "at home" test. So far, the only "outdoor test" has been at a family picnic. I fired up the stove and cooked a pot of chili for the family.

My next outdoor test will be on a campout, when I can come out of my sleeping bag, half asleep, and successfully make an early morning cup of coffee. That will be a good enough test for me.

I will also have a chance to see if the specifications are correct about burn times; High Burn 1-1/2 hours. Simmer 4 hours.

I have never used a stove that had to be assembled before use, but the assembly of this stove is very simple and it goes together securely. The instructions are simple and easy to understand. The stove comes in a neat box with all of the parts, including legs, a leveling screw, a 22 ounce bottle and an extra top for the bottle and a parts kit. There are some options that can be purchased; a 14 ounce bottle; a 33 ounce bottle and a kerosene generator. There are no prices available on these options at this time. The instruction sheet has a complete list of all parts plus the catalog numbers.

Coleman catalog specs:

• Weight - 18 ounces (no fuel)
• 7500 B.T.U.
• 1 1/2 hour burn time, High
• 4 hours burn time, Simmer
• Backpacker Buying Guide 1992 suggested price is $49.95.
• G and M Sales, San Francisco, Regular Price $59.95 - Sale Price $45.99.
• Redwood Trading Post, 1305 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA - Price $47.95.

No optional features are available from these sources.

I weighed my new stove complete with fuel on our kitchen scales and it came out a flat 2 pounds. My regular PEAK 1 400 1979 model with fuel also weighed 2 pounds.

I have used several types of backpack stoves, some good and some bad. I have used PEAK 1's both personally and with my Troop on treks and campouts, and found the Coleman products very dependable and simple to use and maintain. Look for a more "in depth" test in a future issue.

Learning by Doing — Outdoor
Leadership Training at Philmont

This information may be valuable to some of your older Scouts. Youth must be 15 years old by January 1 of participant's year, but not yet 21.

The objectives of the training are:

• Provide a mental, physical, and spiritual challenge that encourages personal growth.
• Foster a sense of stewardship for the natural environment.
• Foster positive group dynamics.
• Develop leadership skills.
• Teach advanced outdoor skills including:
  • - No Trace Camping
  • - Backcountry Living Skills
  • - Navigation and Travel Techniques
  • - Expedition Planning and Leadership
  • - Wilderness Safety and Good Judgment

The most qualified Rayado participants are encouraged to apply for the Philmont staff. Many of Philmont's finest staff members have been on Rayado.

The program is the Philmont Rayado Trek — if you are interested, write to:

Philmont Scout Ranch, BSA
Cimarron, NM 87714

Cold Weather Camping Training

It is quite possible that those of us who are native born Californians; have never spent winter in the Sierra and have never been out of the state; have never been "cold." Cold is a relative term or experience, so there will be plenty who would dispute that conclusion. In January of 1937, at Boca California at 5532 feet of elevation, the temperature was - 45 Ä « that's cold! But Pokegama Dam, altitude 1280 of 1903 and low temperatures are normal for that state.

As expected, Alaska had the record lowest, -80 Ä in 1971 at Prospect Creek Camp, elevation 1100 feet. When you research a subject you are sometimes confounded by the facts. Under lowest temperatures in the continental United States by months, California has the record as of 1980 for May, -54 Ä (1964) White Mountains, 12,476 feet elevation and for June, 2 Ä (1907) at Tamarac, 8000 feet elevation. Montana has the record for 6 of the 12 months with a lowest temperature of -70 Ä in 1954.

All of the above is leading up to advise about a National Cold Weather Camping Training that will be conducted at the Northern Tier Cold Weather Development Center, Ely, Minnesota, on December 5, 1992.

The fee is $225.00 which includes meals, materials, lodging, and support items.

The program content: Participants will be taught techniques and provided support materials to conduct winter camping programs in their councils. If you or any of your Scouter friends are interested in attending, check with the Oakland Service enter or contact:

If you or any of your Scouter friends are interested in attending, see the BSA Northern Tier High Adventure Base. For a free brochure and more details, email Northern Tier, call (218) 365-4811, or write:

National Cold Weather Camping Training
Northern Cold Weather Development Center
Ely, MN 55731

Feet First - First Time

The 8-point Scouting program on Swimming is among the finest and it has reduced swimming fatalities almost to oblivion.

This program is supposed to be in effect on ALL Scout swimming which includes long-term moving camps and river running.

After a long hot day on the trail, arrival at a sparkling lake is inviting — too inviting sometimes to allow for that program to be put into effect.

Caution #3 in that plan requires that the area be checked for underwater hazards. One hazard in those inviting lakes could be too shallow water with rocks close to the surface and fallen trees not visible. Diving then becomes an unacceptable risk.

Diving related spinal cord injuries run as high as 2000 per year.

Most of the victims were in excellent physical condition and had promising futures. Now they are destined to spend the rest of their lives in wheel chairs.

"Feet First — First Time" is a program developed by National Head and Spinal Cord Injury Prevention Program, American Association of Neurological Surgeons. If you would like more information on this program, write to:

8383 North Davis Highway
P.O. Box 18900
Pensacola, FL 32523-8900

High Sierra lakes, while inviting, deserve other evaluation; temperature. Hypothermia can develop in excellent swimmers at low temperatures. A tested plan is "dip — don't swim." The only "cure" for spinal cord injuries is prevention.

Ed Davis' Cookout Corner

The Outdoor Staff of Life — Bread

Too many times when we are menu planning we leave out the "staff of life" 5 — bread. Why?

#1 - It is too much bulk to pack. Or

#2 - It is not known for its ability to travel well without spoiling.

With one basic mix, we can have our bread for the evening meal, dessert, pancakes, and biscuits for breakfast « with only one pan. No ovens, no frills.

Basic Bannock or Skillet Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup powdered milk
• 2 tbsps baking powder
• 2 tbsps shortning
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup water - scant

Instructions

At home, place all dry ingredients into a zip-lock bag. At camp, add 1 scant cup of water gradually and mix into a stiff dough. Mix it in the plastic bag and save one pot. Melt shortning in a skillet until hot, turn dough into skillet, patting into a large biscuit. Brown over fire, turn when crusty and firm, brown the other side. To finish baking, stand skillet on edge near the fire, rotate once in a while and adjust distance from fire to keep it from getting too brown. Bannock is done when a hollow sound is heard when tapped with the fingers.

Variations

Fresh berries or other dried fruit, such as apricots, make good cobblers. Another suggestion is to substitute 1/2 package of gingerbread mix for the Bannock mix, adding just enough water to make a stiff dough.

Add water to mix with egg and cinnamon, gorp, or raisins and nuts. Drop by spoonfuls into hot skillet and brown on both sides. Makes 24 cookies.

Dumplings

• 1 basic Bannock mix
• 1 pot of beef and vegetable stew
• 2 cups of water

Stir water into mix to make a soft dough. Drop into stew by spoonfuls, bring to a boil. Cover and steam for 10 minutes. Remove lid and steam for 10 more minutes or until dumplings are done. Makes 16 dumplings.

One Pot Cobbler

• 1/2 basic Bannock mix
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 package diced dry apples
• 1 tbsp cinnamon (optional)

Combine water and sugar, bring to a boil, add apples and cinnamon. Set mixture aside for 20 minutes or until apples are plump. Reheat, adding more water if needed. Drop Bannock dough by spoonfuls over the top. Cover and steam for 10 minutes. Turn dumplings and cook for 10 more minutes. Serves 6-8.

One Pot Cobbler

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Bring to a boil and cook until desired thickness.

Source: Wildlife Country Trail Recipes.

Biscuits

• 1 basic Bannock mix
• 2 tbsp cooking oil or shortening

Roll out egg sized chunks of dough with hands, flatten slightly, fry on both sides until brown.

Pancakes

• 1 basic Bannock mix
• 2 dried eggs ( 1 pkg is usually 2 eggs)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup fresh berries (if available)

Add dried eggs to basic mix and blend in 1 cup of water to make a thin batter, add berries, fry as usual. If the batter is too thick, add more water.

Drop Dough Balls

• 1 basic Bannock mix
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup shortening

Add water to mix to make a soft dough. Drop by spoonfuls into hot fat in skillet, brown on all sides, remove when brown. Roll in cinnamon sugar mix. Makes 16-20 balls.

Fruit Fritters

• 1 basic Bannock mix
• 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (apples, dates, raisins, or apricots)
• 2 tbsp shortening

To basic Bannock mix, add water to make a soft dough. Add fruit. Drop by spoonfuls into hot shortening in skillet. Brown on both sides, serve with syrup or honey. Makes 16-20 fritters.

Cookies

• 1 Basic Bannock mix
• 1 tbsp egg powder or 1 egg
• 1/2 cup left over "gorp" or a combination of nuts and raisins.
• 1 tbsp cinnamon (optional)