John Cherokee
Hello
Hello, and welcome to my personal blog about traveling. My name is John Cherokee, I am a person with a passion for traveling and a nature lover. Throughout my whole life, I loved to visit new places that I never been to, I am very happy and thankful that I can travel around the world.
A Little Bit About Me…
Wherever I travel to, I try to find some place where I can volunteer because I have found out that it is the best way to learn about some culture and meet the local people. My boy scout experience has helped me out in a lot of different situations. I try to use all the experience and knowledge that I got from the boy scouts.
Traveling is My Passion
Traveling has been my passion my entire life, even when I was a little kid, I always wanted to travel and visit new locations that I have never been to. The boy scouts experience was the best time of my life because I learned a lot of things and I have traveled a lot.
My Favourite Locations
Valley of the Fire
Valley of the Fire is one place that I can never get enough of, definitely my favorite place. I have visited this place two times and I still want to go again to explore a little more. This location is full of hidden things ready to be discovered.
Fayetteville
Fayetteville in West Virginia is most likely the coolest small town that you can visit in America. This little town is full of adventures. You can do many different things, I personally would like to go back there for a hike.
The Fort Union
The Fort Union is a place located in New Mexico. It is a very interesting historic place that holds some remains of the largest military fort that was built in the Southwest. The scenery of this place is gorgeous and I definitely recommend visiting it.
Read My Blog
You would be amazed at the sheer amount of knots that one has to learn when in the boy scouts (I sure know I was). But what surprised me the most was, how knowledge of these knots can be applied in other situations. Of course, when you are learning something, it can be hard to […]
One of the best skills I learned as part of the boy scouts was how to choose the perfect base, when you need to camp out for the night. There are a number of steps you can take also, based on boy scout techniques, that will ensure that you have a very positive camping out […]
The time of year is fast approaching where many people decide it is time to spend a little bit of time in the great outdoors, camping. I myself like to spend time out on fishing trips or when I go kayaking, immersed in Mother Nature. But I’ve learned down through the years, both in my […]
Packing The Cooler For Scouting Camp
Packing a cooler for a week-long Boy Scout camp adventure requires thoughtful planning to ensure that food stays fresh, drinks are easily accessible, and the cooler remains efficient in terms of space and weight. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pack your cooler properly for an extended camping trip:
1. Choose the Right Cooler
First, select a cooler that’s large enough to store all your supplies but still portable enough to carry. For a week-long trip, you’ll likely need a cooler with a 40–70 quart capacity, depending on the number of people and the amount of food you’re bringing.
2. Pre-Chill Your Cooler
Before packing, it’s a good idea to pre-chill your cooler. You can do this by filling it with ice or ice packs the night before, and letting it sit in a cool place. This helps maintain the internal temperature longer and reduces the amount of ice you need to use.
3. Use Ice Blocks or Ice Packs
Instead of loose ice, use ice blocks or gel ice packs. Blocks of ice stay frozen longer and don’t create as much water runoff as crushed ice. If you have smaller items that need to stay cold, consider placing reusable ice packs around them. The best ice packs can keep. cooler just as cold as ice. You can even freeze water bottles to use as both ice and drinking water when they thaw.
- Ice Block Layering: Place large blocks of ice at the bottom of the cooler. These will act as a cold foundation and last the longest. If possible, freeze gallon-sized jugs of water to maximize ice retention.
4. Pack Heavy, Non-Perishable Items on the Bottom
Pack the bottom of your cooler with heavier, non-perishable items that you won’t need until later in the week. These could include:
- Canned foods (beans, chili, soups)
- Jarred sauces or condiments
- Unopened dry goods (rice, pasta, instant oatmeal)
These items are less temperature-sensitive and can withstand being packed underneath ice for several days.
5. Keep Fresh Foods Towards the Top
Fresh, perishable foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy should be packed on top of the ice or ice packs, so they stay cool but aren’t exposed to direct melting water. It’s a good idea to use airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent leaks and odors.
Fresh Items to Pack (in airtight containers or bags):
- Meats (vacuum-sealed steaks, chicken, hot dogs, sausages)
- Cheese (hard cheeses last longer, soft cheeses like cream cheese should be used earlier)
- Pre-cut veggies and fruits (carrots, celery, apples, oranges, berries)
- Salads and sandwiches (if pre-made, consume in the first few days)
6. Layering Technique
When packing the cooler, use a layering technique to help keep cold air trapped and maintain temperature longer:
- Bottom Layer: Large ice blocks or ice packs.
- Middle Layer: Meats and perishable items, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.
- Top Layer: Snacks, drinks, fruits, and items you’ll need access to regularly.
This structure will help minimize the amount of time the cooler is opened, which helps maintain its cold temperature.
7. Maximize Space Efficiently
Don’t leave unnecessary air gaps in your cooler; air reduces the cooling efficiency. Fill the cooler as much as possible, but without packing it so tight that it’s hard to open and close. If you have extra space, fill it with more ice packs or ice cubes to keep the temperature consistent.
You can also use cooler dividers or cooler bags to help organize and separate different types of food. This way, things like meats, fruits, and snacks are easily accessible without digging through everything.
8. Bring a Separate Drink Cooler
If you’re planning to bring drinks like water, soda, or juice, it can be a good idea to have a separate, smaller cooler dedicated just to drinks. This keeps your main cooler for food, and it makes grabbing drinks easier without exposing your food to unnecessary warm air when opening the cooler.
For drink coolers, it’s ideal to use ice packs or block ice to avoid excess water runoff, and keep everything organized with drink cans or bottles in a compact arrangement.
9. Replenish Ice Regularly
Depending on the weather conditions, ice can melt faster on a long camping trip. Plan on checking your cooler periodically and replenishing the ice if necessary. Dry ice can be used for longer trips, but it’s tricky to handle and requires special care.
Some campgrounds may offer ice refills for a small fee, so it’s good to check if that’s an option when you’re planning your trip.
10. Use Cooler Covers or Shade
Keep your cooler out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Use a cooler cover or set the cooler in a shaded area. The more insulation and protection your cooler gets from the sun, the longer it will maintain its cold temperature.
11. Cooler Maintenance Tips
- Open the cooler as infrequently as possible to maintain the cold temperature inside.
- Use a clean towel or cloth to wipe up any excess water or condensation to prevent it from mixing with your food.
- Store your cooler in a shaded area and try to keep it closed as much as possible to avoid the heat from raising the internal temperature.
Sample Packing List for a Week-Long Camp:
Perishable Items (stored in airtight containers):
- Meats: Chicken breasts, sausages, hot dogs, hamburgers, or bacon
- Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, string cheese
- Produce: Carrots, bell peppers, apples, oranges, berries, tomatoes
- Yogurt, Eggs, Milk (use early in the week)
- Condiments: Mustard, ketchup, mayo, salad dressing
Non-Perishable Items:
- Canned chili, baked beans, soups
- Instant oatmeal or grits
- Granola bars, crackers, trail mix, chips
- Spices and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
Drinks:
- Water (pack extra bottles in your drink cooler)
- Soda, juice boxes, or sports drinks
By following these steps and organizing your cooler strategically, you’ll ensure that your food stays fresh throughout your Boy Scout camping adventure, and you’ll have easy access to everything you need for a week of outdoor fun. Happy camping!
Scouts Learning To Navigate The Waterways
Safety is always a primary concern, so Scouts are taught to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) and understand basic water rescue techniques, such as self-rescue and assisting a capsized canoe partner. They also learn how to read water conditions, such as assessing current strength, recognizing hazards like rocks or submerged logs, and understanding the impact of weather on water levels and flow rates.
In addition to the physical skills required for navigation, Boy Scouts are introduced to map-reading and compass use for waterway navigation. They learn how to interpret topographic maps and waterway charts to plan routes, identify landmarks, and estimate distances. Scouts also learn how to use a compass to stay oriented on rivers, lakes, or streams, and how to adjust their course when faced with obstacles like swift currents or tight bends. Through hands-on practice in real-world environments, Scouts gain confidence in their ability to navigate different types of waterways, whether it’s paddling down a calm lake, negotiating rapids, or traversing through marshes.
Waterway Safety
Through these experiences, Scouts not only build their outdoor skills but also develop an appreciation for water safety, teamwork, and environmental responsibility. Navigating waterways offers Scouts a chance to experience the natural world from a unique perspective, all while learning valuable leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that will serve them both in scouting and in life.
Canoe Vs Powered Boat
In the Boy Scouts, the difference between a canoe and a pontoon boat primarily lies in their design, purpose, and how they are used in outdoor activities. Both are popular watercraft for scouting, but they offer distinct advantages depending on the activity and environment.
Canoe
A canoe is a lightweight, narrow boat typically paddled with a single-blade paddle. It is designed for maneuverability, speed, and versatility, making it ideal for a wide range of scouting activities, including exploring lakes, rivers, and even whitewater paddling in some cases. Canoes are often used in Boy Scout activities like canoeing merit badge requirements, river trips, and wilderness expeditions where maneuvering through tight spaces or navigating fast-moving waters is necessary.
Canoes are also favored for their portability. A small group of Scouts can easily carry and transport a canoe overland to different locations. Canoeing emphasizes teamwork and communication, as multiple Scouts may work together to paddle the canoe effectively. Scouts typically learn to balance the canoe, steer, and practice self-rescue techniques if the canoe capsizes. This makes canoes a great tool for teaching problem-solving, leadership, and water safety skills.
Pontoon Boat
A pontoon boat, on the other hand, is much larger and more stable than a canoe. It is typically powered by an outboard motor or occasionally by rowing, though it is not usually paddled like a canoe. Pontoon boats are flat-bottomed and supported by pontoons, which give them exceptional stability, especially in calm or slow-moving waters. This stability makes them ideal for leisurely activities such as fishing, family outings, or relaxing on lakes. In the Boy Scouts, pontoon boats are often used for group outings where Scouts want to experience boating together in a more relaxed and comfortable manner.
Due to their size and stability, pontoon boats are often used for team-building exercises, educational trips, or as a base for water-related activities like fishing merit badges or water games. However, they require less skill in terms of navigation compared to canoes, as they are not as affected by currents or obstacles in the water. Because of the cost, typically it is better to utilize the cove palisades state park boat rentals vs owning While they don’t offer the same level of skill-building as canoes, they can be great for introducing Scouts to basic boating safety, operation, and maintenance, especially when the focus is more on social interaction or a group experience.
Key Differences
- Size and Design: Canoes are narrow and lightweight, designed for paddling and maneuverability. Pontoon boats are larger, stable, and often motorized, designed for comfort and ease of use on calm waters.
- Use and Skills: Canoes are ideal for teaching paddling techniques, water navigation, and teamwork, while pontoon boats are better suited for leisurely trips, group outings, or stationary activities like fishing.
- Portability: Canoes are easily portable and can be carried by a small group of Scouts. Pontoon boats are much heavier and require more space and resources for transport and launching.
In summary, canoes are preferred in Boy Scouts for activities that focus on skill development, navigation, and teamwork in varying water conditions, while pontoon boats are more commonly used for group-based, recreational activities in calm waters where stability and comfort are prioritized. Both offer valuable learning opportunities but cater to different aspects of scouting on the water.
Ultimate Camping Supply List
With summer just around the corner, many people hope to get out into the wilderness. They want to be where they can enjoy weekend camping trips and other adventures that are only made possible through being outdoors. This also means we spend time looking now for everything on their ultimate camping supply list.
Why We Need to Update Our Supply List
When we think about camping, there are certain things that serve a purpose and some that don’t. You should always take along your medications, a tent, sleeping bags, bug repellent, and other similar items. If you want to be prepared for anything that may come, a knife, gun, and other things can also be beneficial. In fact, many people consider them necessities. You don’t want to come upon a wild animal without having something to protect yourself with.
The thing is, we often forget that our basic supplies could be perhaps better. New things are always coming out for the people who love the great outdoors. Tents that have more space, more protection from the elements, and improved sleeping bags are only the beginning.
What’s Popular in Camping Gear?
This year, there are large four people tents, double sleeping bags that are guaranteed to make your night’s sleep a good one, and even self-inflating mats if you want to amp up your comfort. Beyond the basics, there are new camping lanterns. They work safely on very little power so your generator doesn’t suffer if you choose to take along some modern convenience.
We personally like the new cookware sets that are available. These sets allow you to carry them with you while taking up very little of your storage space. This is exceptionally nice when you pair it with a 12V Thermoelectric Cooler. All your cookware can fit inside of it while you wait to catch your dinner or you can fill it with cold beverages and snacks from home. You get to choose.
At the end of your camping trip, you may also want to have a camping trashcan available to use. This will ensure that you leave nothing behind you when you leave except for your footprints.
Getting Back to Nature
We all enjoy the idea of getting back to nature. It is something that we typically look forward to all winter long. Whether we enjoy spending time in the woods or on the beach, we can benefit from a lot of the new gear that is available this year. It is a great time to get prepared for when you will be able to do the things you love the most. What type of things do you want to have within easy reach?