First Class Requirement No. 7

Prepare and cook satisfactorily in the open, using camp cooking utensils, at least one of each of the following three classes of food, as may be directed: (1) Eggs and bacon, hunter's stew, fish, fowl or game; (2) pancakes, combread, biscuit or "twist" baked on a stick; (3) oatmeal or other hot cooked cereal. Give an exact statement of the amount and cost of materials used, and the number of persons intended to serve.

Object

To prepare the Scout in campcraft and to start his training for eventual Patrol cooking in Patrol and Troop Camp.

Interpretation

The dishes must be prepared over a fire built by the Scout himself. The Scout must have previously prepared all of the dishes mentioned, although the examination itself needs to include only one item from each of the three groups. "Eggs and bacon" are to be considered one article. Prepared flour may not be used in meeting the cooking requirement although there is no reason why Scouts should not use it for convenience on their regular camping trips. The dishes must be well cooked and thoroughly palatable.

Preparation

See Second Class Requirement No. 8. In Troop and Patrol short-term camps encourage the Scouts to cook in pairs first, later suggesting that a couple of Scouts in each Patrol cook for their whole group.

Examination

The Scout is told a few days in advance what dishes he is required to make so that he may get together necessary food stuffs and cooking equipment. In preparing for the cooking he must show understanding of the proper fire to use, and must demonstrate cleanliness in food handling. A sufficient amount of each dish should be cooked to constitute a full meal for the number of persons for whom it is being prepared. The statement of amount and costs should be submitted in writing.

Tempting end savory are these twists and that Hunter's Stew, cooking over hot embers. They will surely make a mighty tasty meal.

Review

"What did you cook? What practical experience have you had in cooking for yourself or your Patrol? What utensils did you use? What food do you most enjoy cooking?" Etc.

First Class Requirement No. 8

Read a map correctly, and draw, from field notes made on the spot, an intelligible rough sketch map, indicating by their proper marks important buildings, roads, trolley lines, main landmarks, principal elevations, etc. Point out a compass direction without the help of the compass.

Object

To make it possible for a Scout to find his way in the out-of-doors, and to enable him to aid others in finding their way.

Interpretation

Map Reading—Be able to orient United States or State topographical map of local territory—(Scale: One mile to one inch)—and follow a route laid on it, and read and explain scale and at least ten symbols, including contour lines.

Map Making—The requirement specifically calls for a rough sketch map, and not for a map worthy of a surveyor. By a rough sketch map is meant a map sufficiently clear to permit a stranger to gain advance knowledge of the main features of the landscape from it, and to use it for finding his way through the territory included. The map must contain local names, indication of true north, scale, and at least ten symbols, not including contour lines. A suitable scale would be: 1000 feet to one inch. The map should be neatly and carefully done and must be based on the Scout's own readings—not copied.

Compass Direction—The use of a watch is permitted.

Preparation

The boys will start their preparation for mapping the day they set out to learn compass and Scout's Pace. Get the Patrols to secure topographical maps of the territory covering the Troop's favorite hiking destinations. Give the Patrols the job of leading the Troop in turn over routes sketched out on the map.

Arrange Treasure Hunts, using maps. Play other games, using map sketches copied from topographical maps. Have Patrols include in their log books map sketches of Troop and Patrol hikes. Use maps to check distances when training in judging. Lay out on floor of Troop meeting room a "landscape," with miniature houses, ribbons for roads, etc., and run competition to see which Patrol can most quickly turn in an adequate sketch map of it.

When the thrill of map making is learned Scouts become modern George Washingtons, mapping country 'round about their homes.

Examination

Map Reading—Lay out a route on the map, at least two miles long. Have boy tell from symbols, contour lines and scale, what features are to be seen, whether the road is uphill or down, and measure distances to prominent landmarks on either side of the road. Then take the hike under the boy's leadership.

Map Making—The map should be made over rural territory as decided by the counselor—except in very large cities where a city park may be substituted. It should cover a road not less than two miles long, winding to the extent of requiring at least six compass bearings, and should include main landmarks seen on either side. In territory where such road is not present, the territory covered should be one mile square.

Compass Direction—Have boy find the compass directions from the sun and a watch.

Review

"What did you do to show your ability to read a map correctly? How long did it take you to make your map? What practical use has mapping in everyday life?" Etc.

First Class Requirement No. 9

Use properly an axe for felling or trimming light timber; or produce an article of carpentry, cabinet making, or metal work made by himself; or demonstrate repair of a decaying or damaged tree. Explain the method followed.

Axemanship is a skill learned by Scouts through practice -inder proper guidance. A good axeman can solve problems of shelter ana warmth.

Object

See Second Class Requirement No. 6.

Interpretation

Axe—A long-handled felling axe is to be used. The Scout must know how to clear the brush around him before starting. He must fell a dead tree, at least two inches in diameter, trim off its branches and cut it properly into at least three pieces. If no permission can be secured to fell a standing dead tree, cutting up and trimming of a lying dead tree may be substituted.

Handicraft—This alternative should be used in congested areas only where axe work is impossible. The article should show real effort and should be finished in a workmanlike manner.

Tree repair—Should be attempted only in strictly rural districts where practice is possible, and only upon the securing of an expert for instruction and examination. The expert will then prescribe the minimum requirements according to the capability of the Scout.

Preparation

See Second Class Requirement No. 6.

Examination

Axe—Select the tree to be cut, with permission of the land owner. See that the Scout clears the brush around him, have him tell in advance the direction in which he intends the tree to fall and have him clean up thoroughly afterward.

Handicraft—The boy should receive permission from counselor before using this alternative. He will then at a later date bring the finished article to the counselor.

Review

Axe—"What did you do to meet this requirement? How big was the tree you felled? Was it dead?" Etc.

Handicraft—"What type of handicraft do you like best? Have you made other articles?" Etr.

Tree repair gives the rural Scouts an opportunity to practice conservation in wood ana orchard.