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Winter 1997 — #90

The Chairman's Corner

Scouting Ahead for Leave No Trace

Scouting leaders have taught minimum impact camping skills for generations. Even though scouting underlining principles have always had environmental and back country principles at heart, some scout troops have left a negative impression on the professionals from the National Forest Service and other outdoor agencies. Now a program has been developed to further develop and strengthen scouting’s minimum impact camping skills through a partnership with the Forest Service, Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management’s Wilderness Education Project (WEP).

Through an innovative partnership called Scouting Ahead, interested troop leaders and senior patrol leaders participate in a Leave No Trace workshop offered through the San Francisco Bay Area Council and taught by the HAT Team as well as an agency ranger. In the workshop they learn proven, hands-on techniques to teach Leave No Trace skills to their troops. In taking the workshop they commit to training their troop in the Leave No Trace skills and to attending an agency sponsored Certification Event six months down the line.

The Certification Event is by far the most exciting portion of the program. Here, trained troops demonstrate their Leave No Trace skills in a series of field-based (and reality-based) scenarios, all while being evaluated by a ranger from the Park Service, Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management. After successful completion of the written and field tests, each participant receives a terrific Leave No Trace patch and card. The best part of the event is that rangers and youth work side by side to spread the word about Leave No Trace. At the first Scouting Ahead Certification in California held at Los Mochos last January, one adult participant called the event "the best Scouting Event" he had ever attended. A BLM ranger was " very impressed with the depth of knowledge of the Leave No Trace skills that the scouts displayed."

While preparing for a high adventure trek this summer, the adults developed a controlled experiment, unknown to the boys, to observe their skills. We wanted to observe their maturity, leadership skills, and Leave No Trace techniques that we have taught them on pervious outings. One of the principles of Leave No Trace is to minimize the impact on the environment. To limit the damage to the native plants in and around campsites the adults elected to camp 50 to 100 meters away from the boys. This gave them the opportunity to practice their acquired skills. The boys answered the call to leadership. The older boys mentored the newer scouts in the proper Leave No Trace skills. It was a pleasure to walk into their camp in the evening after dinner and see their campsite clean, organized, and the food hung properly in the trees. This has proven that given the opportunity our boys will answer the challenges presented to them.

Currently an intra-council team of HAT representatives are meeting with the WEP Coordinator to plan for 1998. A full schedule of workshops and one certification event will be made available next year. If you have any questions regarding the Scouting Ahead program, please contact Vic Karpenko at 510-462-0468, Karl Emrich at 510-462-1583, or Barb Miranda at Barbara_Miranda@nps.gov.

Keep on trek’en

Vic Karpenko

Rules Are For Fools

by: Paul Petzoldt

Does that axiom disturb you?

It seems out of character for an experienced outdoorsman, who founded The National Outdoor Leadership School because he felt well-meaning users of the outdoors were lacking in skills, judgment and understanding, to produce capable and safe outdoor leaders; who developed the climbers vocal signals for rope work. "rules" such as "off belay" and "up rope", two syllables to bring rope up and single syllable for slack?

There is concern that accepting this axiom could create chaos and disorder in the outdoors. Is this a classic case of "what we heard is not what he meant? Let’s explore.

First. the writing and words of Petzoldt; his book The Wilderness Handbook, a two issue interview in Off Belay magazine; an article on Leadership from Backpacker magazine.

In a quick scan, page by page of his book - these words did not appear. The nearest was this passage: "Judgment is being able to relate one thing to all other things you know. Judgment is being able to change plans when conditions suggest that necessity. Judgment is qualifying the importance of preconceived rules."

Are there any rules in this book? Yes.

• Page 36, "if your feet are cold put on a hat".
• Page 48, "boots must be broken in for comfort".
• Page 135, a long list of "expectations" for participants in a NOLS expedition to Mt. McKinley

In fact, one critical review of his book commented: "Petzoldt has gone from breaking rules to creating them." Nowhere in the other writing was this axiom quoted.

The National Outdoor Leadership School’s (NOLS was founded by Petzoldt) Wilderness Guide, by Peter Simer and John Sullivan, contains a lot of rules:

• Page 19: Feet are essential equipment - inspect them daily.
• Page 24: Do not locate camp at foot of a cliff or hill when rocks might tumble down.
• Page 24: Be alert to the presence of widow makers.
• Page 30: Fires should be attended at all times.
• Page 32: Never wash your cooking utensils or your clothing in a water source.
• Page 37: Whenever toilet paper is used at cat hole or latrine, it must be burned completely. (This requires judgment. A camper was fined for starting a fire while burning toilet paper in a bone-dry California area. When asked why he did it he replied" I was told it was the rule.")

These are obviously a few of many more.

There are two books published by the Wilderness Education Association, The Wilderness Educator and The Backcountry Classroom. Petzoldt is a member and he wrote a forward to the first mentioned. He did not mention this thought. However, David Cockrell, the editor, in his preface wrote: "An emphasis on the ‘whys’ behind things and the ways to teach. No rules are presented here - only principles." (Note: In Rodale’s The Synonym Finder, principle is the first synonym listed for rules.)

The Backcountry Classroom, by Bruce F. Bonney, Jack K. Drury (Available from Amazon.com)

Later, in the same book, Kelly Cain, in his chapter on Judgment and Decision Making Ability writes: "An old Petzoldt axiom goes, ‘rules are for fools." Or in other words, blanket laws and policies, in place of leader judgment, are often the factors that needlessly limit the students gain of experience-based judgment and the overall educational benefits of any particular situation."

In the companion WEA book, The Backcountry Classroom, the introduction contains these words: "The entire approach of the WEA is predicated upon the belief that "immutable rules are tools for fools." Yet, in the Index, under Rules, there are seven listings. These however, may not be considered "immutable" (not subject or susceptible to change.)

In his book and in those of organizations he supports there are rules and "principles". This tends to indicate that Petzoldt is quite aware of the need of rules, which adds further confusion to his comment.

In 1985, Dr. Dickson, a member of the BSA National Health and Safety Committee requested our High Adventure Team assist him in creating a Safety Afoot Bulletin akin to the existing Safety Afloat Bulletin.

He stated the objective was to help lower the number of fatalities and serious injuries that occurred to Scouts and Scouters who are participating in BSA activities. Safety Afoot was to be a list of rules to help insure safety on the trail.

There were a multitude of suggestions offered, all worthy, but the untimely death of Dr. Dickson brought the program to a halt

There was, however, a general consensus, when Dr. Dickson presented a preliminary paper, that a Safety Afoot bulletin filled with rules and admonitions, was flawed; that there was no need for more rules per se, that education was the ultimate solution.

Perhaps the thoughts of Dave Bates, then Director of the Maine High Adventure Area, currently the National BSA Director of Camping and Conservation, will put the whole idea of "rules" for the sake of rules into perspective: "It is impossible to develop a set of rules that address all of or even most of the contingencies that may arise. Leaders ought not to be deluded into thinking, ‘if I follow these rules, everything will be okay,’"

It is apparent from Petzoldt’s book and from the instruction books of the National Outdoor Leadership School and the Wilderness Education Association, which he supports, that there is an awareness of the need for rules in the out of doors.

Why then does the axiom exist?

One of Petzoldt’s great emphasis is the need for judgment. One definition of fool is: "One deficient in judgment." A fool therefore, could be one who follows a rule dogmatically, when the existing circumstances indicate that the rule should not be used as stated. By blindly following it, he puts himself and his group into harm’s way.

Petzoldt may also feel as has been said, that is arrogance for an "expert" to tell you that a specific action is the correct thing to do in any given situation.

That rules need occasional change or deviation from, could be the intent of the axiom.

As Dave Bates states, a leader cannot follow a rule under all circumstances and think that it is acceptable.

Only Petzoldt knows "what he meant" with his axiom, but it seems to relate to his firm belief that outdoor users must possess good judgment, which he feels is acquired by excellent training, to be able to make decisions based on existing conditions and not based on general rules which may not be applicable in that given situation.

The Place and Need for Rules on a Scout Trek

The very concept of a Scout long term moving camp brings with it a plethora of rules. Rules that are accepted without a second thought.

Keep in mind that most rules are derived from the experiences of others; experiences that resulted in difficulties. Their bad fortune becomes your good, for they warn you away from danger.

Try to look at rules as the satisfying of obligations. The first is to the health and safety of the participants. Another is to the environment and to the agencies charged with their preservation. Then there is the obligations of courtesy and respect for those whom you will meet on the trail, hikers and equestrians and perhaps mountain bikers. Equally, to the families, to the Sponsoring Institution, and the Scouting movement.

Right away there is the rule that applies for application to the area in which you plan to hike - a certain date, not before. When your written permit is received it will be accompanied with a list of rules: Size of group, fires, bear protection, leave no trace, etc.

When a Tour Permit is acquired, there are the rules that apply; Two deep adult leadership, familiarity with Safe Swim rules, age of drivers, insurances, seat belts for all, trained leaders, etc.

If a patch is requested, each has its own rules of compliance.

Now, how about the troop rules? If you have a Troop Leader’s Council that has as members, those with experience on treks, they should, with adult assistance, set up the rules. Some already exist: Parent’s permission slips, Medical Exams, if co-ed, female adults needed, "Ladies ahead and to the right; men behind and to the left", such things as, no swimming in frigid Alpine lakes, no bare feet, procedure in lightning storms, trail discipline. There will be more, but be alert, sometimes the youth will be more demanding than adults. The trek is for fun and enjoyment. Do not burden the group with too many arbitrary, frivolous and unnecessary restrictions. Keep in mind that a basic is the Scout Oath and Law.

The need? Betty Van Der Smissen, an authority on Risk Management on High Adventure activities advises: "If you have rules and fail to enforce them, should there be a misadventure, it would be evidence of negligence. Members must know about rules and why they are desirable for their safety."

Scouts look for adventure on their treks. The adult leader must keep in mind that he is responsible and cannot delegate that responsibility. He can direct the youth leaders to enforce the rules but must be sure that they do. Care must be exercised not to stifle the joy of the trek with trivial rules that will test the resolve of all.

Familiarity with the rules can be introduced on the training hikes so they are known and accepted by all before the long trek begins.

Thousands of Scouts are on the trails across the Nation on treks they enjoy - most rules are fair, understandable, and adhered to willingly. Where, in rare instances, there are difficulties, perhaps we must look to the "rulers", not to the rules.

There is no reason to feel overpowered by rules. Training and experience will give you the courage, the common sense and good judgment to know when a rule must be modified to fit a specific problem.

I still recall Dr. Farr’s inspirational reason for High Adventure Training: "So that a Scout will have a fabulous time without any difficulty."

Book Review:

Peninsula Trails

On those occasions in the past when Scouters have been asked what they would like to read in Boots & Blisters, on suggestion has appeared often: "places to hike.

Rim of the Bay Progressive Trek patch, available from the San Francisco Bay Area Council.

The Rim of the Bay Progressive Trek Award was one answer to that request; places to hike with recognition of having done so. The HAT is currently studying new sites, but sadly, progress is slow.

For units located in San Francisco, the Wilderness Press, Peninsula Trails: Outdoor Adventures on the San Francisco Peninsula by Jean Rusmore, et. al., is an excellent resource for any leader searching for day hikes.

Peninsula Trails : Outdoor Adventures on the San Francisco Peninsula by Jean Rusmore. (Available from Amazon.com)

When the camera pans the views of San Francisco during TV. broadcasts from 3Com Park, it is difficult to realize that there are 60,000 acres of uncluttered landscape of public park land on the San Francisco peninsula.

These landscapes include a great variety of terrain from rugged coastal beaches to oak-studded hillsides, to quiet, remote redwood groves.

151 trips are described in this book with maps and detailed directions. Covered are the Northern Peninsula, Central Peninsula and Southern Peninsula, from Fort Funston and San Bruno Mountain to Saratoga Gap. For more information on the Rim of the Bay Trek patch and program, see Palo Alto, California Troop 5's "RimRovers." A pamphlet describing the program along with the patch itself is available from the San Francisco Bay Area Council.

Designated Troop Reader

Almost every word that appears in a Boots & Blisters article has or will eventually appear in a book.

If every Scout Leader had the time to read and assimilate the content of every published Scouting publication, Scouting could eliminate all training courses.

This obviously cannot happen, and while reading can be a source of boundless information, someone has written: "All genuine knowledge originates in actual experience." That idea may be the basis of the Scouting philosophy of learning by doing.

Baden Powell wrote: "Our Educationalists over here are now recognizing that our principle of encouraging active doing on the part of the individual instead of passive reception of ideas by the mass is practical education as opposed to theoretical instruction."

That is called experiential learning and it is unquestionably ideal. Common sense dictates however, that we should learn from the success, and failures, of the past; "learnings" that have been passed on through the written word.

There is a hitch, in the expectation that all of us have the time or desire to bury ourselves in ponderous tomes.

There are some hidden benefits in training, not only the transfer of preplanned knowledge, but the visual and spiritual inspiration it affords. Looking back on my own Scouting career, I recall with great pleasure, the "bull sessions" at those training events, where I learned from conversations with successful Scoutmasters, the methods and techniques they used for meeting their objectives; the inspiration that occurred from being with scores of others in Scouting, learning that I was not alone, but part of a hugh group of dedicated people. And, the carry over that resulted - knowledge, inspiration, dedication, and appreciation.

There is so much to know and the "25 hour a day" Scoutmaster needs all the help he can get.

Among the people associated with each Unit, committee, parents, others who can be recruited, there ought to be one who enjoys reading - this could be a Troop Historian, Librarian, but perhaps a new title is in order, DESIGNATED TROOP READER.

The designated Troop reader should be the one who scans the daily paper for information and useful ideas, the magazines and specific books for needed help, books such as the one reviewed in this issue.

In addition to reading ability, this person should also be a communicator, for the objective of the reading, is to pass on to those who can benefit from it, the pertinent and helpful information

Winter Driving Tips

"Preaching to the choir." I picked up that expression from Craig Leighty, and I like it. I like it because it give me a pause when I contemplate an article. The members of the H.A.T. will tell you I don’t always heed it as advice.

Is this article about something all of the readers know and practice? Will it be accepted by a majority? Can it help reinforce their knowledge and rekindle their memory for a specific need?

What place does an article on Winter Driving Safety have in a newsletter related to Outdoor Pursuits?

Getting back to "experiential learning." If you were raised in Montana or Wyoming it would not be quite so needed. Drivers there quickly acquire the needed skills for driving in the snow, but even there, the State Emergency Management Agencies produce well prepared booklets on the subject of Winter Driving.

We who live in the flatlands and valleys of Northern California have little expertise in winter driving in the snow and on icy roads. I recall sadly that some of my friends have had bad and sometimes tragic accidents in the Sierra during the winter months.

These tips from many sources should be of value. They stress the need of care and how to be careful. Remember the start of your Klondike Derbies and other snow trips start and end in an automobile.

If you do not plan extensive snow travel some of these may seem extreme and unnecessary. Seldom will you experience the low temperatures that cause the difficulties mentioned in this essay.

Always keep in mind that driving at any time when there is snow or ice on the road, your normal driving environment has changed and you must adjust your driving skills to compensate. These are the changes for which you must make adjustments: starting, driving speed, lane changing, passing, stopping, space between cars, parking.

Even if your snow driving is a one trip to a Klondike Derby and it is cold, icy or snowing, all of the above demand your concern.

Winterize Your Car

Before heading for snow country, winterize your car.

Check:

• Brake System
• Tires
• Electric Systems
• Exhaust
• Wipers
• Heat/Cool systems
• Battery Terminals

Remember, cars start harder in the cold and battery must be in top condition. The ignition systems must be free of bad wires, etc.

Be aware of loading - don’t bury chains, broom, shovel or other emergency needs.

Carry a window scraper and a flashlight with new batteries. The best batteries for use in cold weather are alkaline type.

Tires and Chains

• Check wear of tread; pressure of tires.
• Be sure chains fit and that they are in good condition. Replace links before you go.

Getting the Feel of the Road

• Rule one is slow down. Stopping on ice and snow can take up to eight times as long as on dry pavement.
• Increase your following distance for a margin of safety.
• Watch for icy spots on bridges, northerly slopes, underpasses, hills and shady spots.
• Visibility can be a problem. Clear all windows of snow and ice before starting out and use defroster and heater to keep windows clear as you drive. Keep headlights and parking lights free of snow.

Common Sense Approaches

• Drive off the upper limits of your fuel tank.
• Consider a gas line de-icer
• Check exhaust for leaks
• Clear exhaust of snow
• Cover locks with piece of tape-if frozen, heat key
• Remove all snow from car before starting to drive -don’t chance it falling on the windshield when you are underway.
• Carry an extra car key in your pocket. Cal Trans passes on that tip as they have had many cases of keys locked in while installing chains.

Parking

• Back in if possible
• Park with car facing downhill
• Don’t use the parking brake -it may freeze.

Of necessity this essay must be brief. The California Auto Association has published a booklet in the past, Winter Sports Guide that has a valuable section on Winter Driving Tips. CalTrans has a valuable pamphlet; Winter Driving. CalTrans, P.O. Box 911, Marysville, Ca 95901.

There are many lists of what you should carry in your trunk during winter driving. This is an excerpt of several:

• Sleeping bag or two blankets
• Two empty 3 lb coffee cans with lids. One may be used for sanitary facilities and the other to burn candles for heat.
• Matches and candle
• Caps, mittens, overshoes
• Large box facial tissue
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Small sack of sand
• Tow chain
• Shovel
• Food supply of high calorie, non perishable food. (Candy, canned nuts, raisins, etc)
• Tools -pliers, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench.
• Plastic scrapers
• Transistor radio with extra battery.
• Battery booster cable
• Flashlight
• Bottled water
• Signal Flares

There have been cases of long tie ups on highways. Cars can get real cold. If you use your heater, (not advisable) remember to keep a window slightly open on the lee side of car or open door occasionally to check conditions around the vehicle. This would replenish oxygen in side the car.

If you use a coffee can with a candle for heat. be aware that fire requires oxygen to survive and will compete with you for it. Observe the preceeding info

If you plan to nap or doze, be sure that window is open be- fore you do, or you may have a longer "sleep" than you bargained for.

Remember this: Drive to Arrive - Drive to Survive.

Plan for the unexpected; prepare for any emergency; perform in a safe and responsible way.

Wilderness Too Wild?

Dave Kitchin who last served as the Commissioner for Twin Valley District before "retiring’ to Arizona, sent a clipping from his local newspaper that he felt might supply a few laughs. This was from the Internet and are comments left on U.S. Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers.

Backpack Cooking Hints and Tips

Powdered milk seems to taste too "chalky"? Add a couple of tablespoons of "Coffee-Mate" or "Cremora" and reconstitute as usual. Makes a difference in taste.

The "Old Time Standby" in the kitchen "Baking Soda" has many camping uses, as follows: Itchy bug bites and stings, smear a small amount on the bite or sting. Use for tooth paste - no smell to attract bears and other critters. Upset stomach, Use as directed on the box. Use in the water while rinsing those smelly socks your wore on the trail. Carry in a 35mm film container in your pack. Take it fresh on each trip. It’s cheap and light.

Make your Bug Repellent go farther, simply wet your skin before applying, makes it easier to apply evenly.

Carry a couple of large plastic garbage bags in your pack. You will find lots of uses for them. A bag over your pack will keep the pack dry overnight. With a little cutting, you will have an emergency poncho or pack cover to keep you and your pack a little dryer while hiking to the next camp. Crossing a stream, slip one over each boot, pull up and tie at ankles and above your knees.

Other uses for 35mm film containers: Carry needles, thread and buttons; matches, cut to size; spices; hand and foot lotions. Also useful for fish hooks, and line sinkers; extra clevis pin and rings for pack repair.

There is a set of replacement plastic covers for Kodak 35mm containers to make a set of salt and pepper shakers.

We are all "experts" in the use of our compasses, right? Yet with all of the bits and pieces of knowledge we cram into our memory bank, we sometimes come up with a "Double Zero" when we need that expertise. What do do? Remember that sheet of instructions that was in the bottom of the box the compass came in? Reach down in the waste basket and rescue it. It can be a simple remedy to most of your troubles.It is light in weight and heavy in knowledge - place it in your map case and carry at all times.

What’s For Dinner

Cowboy Stew

Here is one for that first dinner at the trail head or that first dinner on a week end campout, 1 pot and 1 pan.

Ingredients

• pounds of ground beef
• 1/2 Cup instant chopped onions Reconstituted
• envelope Sloppy Joe Mix
• envelope Brown Gravy Mix
• Cups of water
• Servings of Instant Mashed Potatoes, prepared as directed on package

Procedure

Stir and fry ground ground beef and onions until brown and crumbly. Remove excess fat. Dissolve mixes in water and add to beef and onions, heat, stirring to boiling and simmer 2-3 minutes. Serve over mashed potatoes. (For variety, try serving over cooked noodles, rice or toasted burger buns.)

Makes 6 servings.

Source: Campers Cook Book

Quote:

This would be a good one for a winter camp meal - quick, easy and tasty.
— "The Old Timer."

Home Dried Pasta Sauce

Ingredients

• Pound lean ground beef
• Medium yellow onion - chopped finely
• Garlic cloves - minced finely
• Tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
• 5 oz. cans tomato paste

Procedure

Brown the meat and onion together. Set the pan on a slant until the fat collects in the bottom of the skillet, then spoon off as much of the fat as possible. (I use a turkey baster) Add the garlic, salt and pepper. Add the tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes. It won‘t seem like sauce since you haven ‘t added any water. Divide the mixture, if necessary, into two parts. Spread as thin as possible in greased cookie sheets. Dry the sauce in the oven set at 140 degrees for about 6 hours with the oven door propped open about 4-5 inches. The dried sauce will be crumbly, but be sure not to over dry.

To reconstitute, add and equal amount of water, bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

This is the original recipe as printed in Boots and Blisters a few years back. I have been using this on treks since, but I have been making variations on it since the original was printed. I have now reached what will be our standard from now on.

Variations

• 1 Medium green pepper chopped.
• 3-4 Small mushrooms chopped.
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 More large clove garlic minced.

I have always recommended that when you try a new recipe to do it exactly as printed and then you can go wild with the variations to suit your taste. Have fun.

— Ed Davis, "The fair weather camper."