Fire wood (chopping) and fires are one of the most dangerous aspects of camping so a great deal of care must be taken, teaching Scouts wood chopping. In my camping days all Scouts had to complete their axesmanship as part of the award scheme (the Second Class Test7.) I spent a lot of time showing them the proper way to use an axe, including all the safety precautions for both axe and fires, and it was a long time before I felt safe letting them cut fire wood on their own, and then only the most senior Scouts. I have seen the best of the younger ones do stupid things, when chopping gets boring and the level of concentration drops.  Digressing, I have seen Scouts from various Scout groups, from all over the region during my time as a leader, and you would not believe some of the things I have seen, and had to stop. Some on County, and Regional Competitions, by supposedly the best Scouts, never become complacent where axes are concerned, both knife, and axe, should be kept sharp and in good repair, blunt they are dangerous, and of no use, a Scout prides himself on using them properly (that’s a word not used very often today pride) in foolish hands they are a dangerous weapon.

Safety rules:

1/ Always “mask” the axe, saw, and knife when not in use.

     This mean's keeping it in its case, or chopping block, a sheath knife in its sheath

     And a clasp knife closed (always keep the cutting edge covered) if they are not

     Going to be used for some time keep them in a locked box).

2/   Always wear boots or strong shoes, no trainers when chopping wood, also do not

      wear loose clothing, this may snag the axe, and always use a chopping block.

3/   Stand firm and square to the job.

4/   Fence off the chopping area at least two axe-lengths from the chopping block.

      An axe-length is the distance between the axe head with your arm held out to        

      your opposite shoulder, No spectators inside the fence always keep this area clear at

      ground level and above, stack firewood beyond the fence to stop people entering.

5/   When tired rest, this seems a trivial rule but is very important (tired arms cause

      accidents)

6/   When you are using an axe to gather wood beyond the chopping area, clear the 

      work space otherwise the axe may catch bushes alongside or above you, do not

      talk to spectators and keep them two axe lengths away, follow rules 1,2,3, & 5.

Rule 7/  These rules also apply to Leaders.

Camping can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of Scouting, living out in the open air and close to nature, can leave you with some of the happiest memories of your life.

But to enjoy them you must learn how to do it properly, otherwise the happiest days can become the worst days, obey the rules, and listen to advice given always be prepared to learn, then you can pass on the knowledge yourself “this is where Leader Training comes in, put your name down as soon as possible and keep an open mined”.

One of the things you learn at camp is you must work together, otherwise things don’t get done especially the rotten jobs, this means splitting into smaller groups or Patrols and working to a rota, you cook breakfast and wash up, we will do lunch etc.

I have seen some Groups with the Leaders doing all the cooking, and others where they do nothing, but usually the Scouts have to do the rotten jobs, this means some of them return home from camp having done all the washing, and fetched all the water, and wood. Ideally within the separate groups everyone shares the bad with the good, both young and old including the Leaders, but how often does this happen, it is the responsibility of the Leader, this also means the Patrol Leader, if the Scouts are camping as a Patrol to see that camping is equally enjoyable for everyone. I can remember as a young Scout being bullied at a camp in Holland, this was meant to be the happiest, and most adventures camp of my Scouting days, and I spent all my time avoiding three of the older scouts, to them it was a bit of fun, but to me it was a constant torment, finally the Scout Master realised there was something wrong and intervened, their punishment was to wait on me hand and foot for the day, fetch my meals, clean my shoes, do my chores etc, bullies mean misery for someone, and they must be taught the error of their ways, and we “must” learn, to take the good, with the bad at camp, incidentally I became friends with one of the bullies and despite the age difference he was a great help with my Scout tests particularly my knot work.

Cooking on an open fire.

Fire kills, maims, and disfigures, treat it with the respect it deserves. Some Scouts put a fence around the fire, but I sometimes I wonder if it would be better put around the offending Scouts. Select the site for your kitchen and fence this area including the fire, wood pile, and the gadgets for your equipment, (pots, plates, cutlery, etc) also rubbish pit/bag, grease pit/bag, and wash stand, keep all your utensils off the floor, this area is for cooking etc so if you are not cooking keep out, this may be easier said than done but remember think safe, if you are using a kitchen tent then apply the same rules, where possible.