to Smoky Shadows Service Unit Sevier County, Tennessee
The Eight Basic Skills
Dressing for the Outdoors
Outdoor Manners
Protecting the Environment (Minimum Inpact)
First Aid
Knives
Fires
Outdoor Cooking
Knots
1. Know how to dress appropriately for outdoor activities.
What clothing is needed for outdoor activities in each of the four seasons?
The Girl Scout motto, "be prepared" is important in planning what to wear ---be ready for sun, wind, rain, snow...
Include sturdy shoes, socks, cap, scarf or hat, jeans or shorts on an outdoor clothing list.
Dress in layers, extra clothing can be taken off and tied around the waist.
2. Know and practice good manners in town and in the country. Know rules of the road and safety practices.
Outdoor manners: Have permission before entering private property; close gates behind you; do not litter; show respect for the people around you, and the property you are on.
Rules of the Road: Walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic; walk in a single file along roads, do not separate to both sides of the road to avoid approaching traffic; obey traffic signals and walk sign indicators.
Safety Precautions: Use the buddy system; stay together with your group; know safety precautions for bad weather or emergencies.
3. Understand Minimum impact on the outdoors. Know how to protect the natural world.
Minimum impact: Pack it in, pack it out--do not leave litter, equipment, or any other signs that you have been in a natural area; stay on established paths (this helps prevent erosion and keeps plants from being trampled.)
Protect the natural world: use caution and good judgement when "collecting" samples for nature study or materials for crafts; do not pick or damage endangered or protected plants; collect only dead wood for fires, do not cut down trees or take live branches from trees; do not tease or encourage wild animals, and do not "intrude" in their houses; observe animal behavior from a safe distance; conserve water and other resources; learn to appreciate nature and begin to understand its fragile balance.
4. Know simple first aid.
Use caution during outdoor activities to prevent accidents from happening.
Know simple first aid for the following:
infections
bites and stings
burns
heat exhaustion / heatstroke
hypothermia
frostbite
blisters
splinters
animal and snake bite precautions
5. Know how to handle and care for a knife properly.
Know the parts of a knife. **
Understand the importance of using a safety circle (be an arm's length away from anyone else when using a knife.)***
Know how to pass and carry a knife.***
Know how to safely open and close a knife. ***
Know why a dull knife is unsafe. ***
Know how to clean and oil a knife.
Know how to sharpen a knife.
Know how to whittle safely.
** The use of knives is not included in the Brownie Girl Scout Handbook.
V*** Brownie Girl scouts should learn the basics of knife use and safety, indicated above by the triple asterisks. Junior, Cadette, and Senior Girl Scouts should know all the information listed above.
6. Know how to make, use , and put out a fire for outdoor cooking.
Understand conservation of wood resources--build only the size fire you need.
Be able to choose and prepare a fire site.
Know the three sizes of firewood (tinder, kindling, and fuel)
Be able to build and maintain a neat woodpile --in an established camp, leave at least enough dry wood for the next group to have a fire.
Know fire safety precautions, including "no fire is ever lit until
filled water bucket is nearby."
Be able to light and refuel a fire.
Be able to put a fire out safely. Know how to dispose of ashes at the site you are using.
7. Know how to cook something for yourself, and for your patrol or troop / group.
Be able to plan a balanced meal.
Knowwhat equipment and utensils are necessary to prepare the meal.
Be able to chose a dining area, and plan a grace.
Know how to soap a pan (outside only) for easier clean-up.
Be able to clean up all dishes, pots, etc., as well as the dining area.
8. Know how to tie, use and release basic knots.
Brownie Girl Scouts:
Be able to tie, use, and release an overhand knot and a square knot.
Junior, Cadette, and Senior Girl Scouts:
Be able to tie, use, and release an overhand knot, a square knot, and a clove hitch.
