Here’s what you’ll find inside the May 2024 issue of Scout Life magazine. Remember, many articles are only available to subscribers and are not available online. Please visit scoutlife.org/subscribe to subscribe to the print or digital editions of Scout Life magazine. MAY 2024 FEATURES LIKE DUCKS TAKE TO WATER Scouts take on a river in inflatable kayaks. • Alabama Scouts Tackle Whitewater in Inflatable Kayaks GEAR GUY: DRINK UP! Treat your water to stay healthy in the backcountry. • How to Treat Your Water to Stay Healthy in the Backcountry THE NATURE CREW: BOBCATS Can you find the camo ca ..read more

Lurking in the vegetation, a brown feline with dark spots and stripes sits, camouflaged from approaching hikers. It’s early morning, and the bobcat would like to get in another round of hunting before going back to her den for a nap. The loud group passes the unseen cat, never suspecting that such a magnificent mammal is so close, just watching and waiting for them to go by. COMMON BUT SECRETIVE Found from southern Canada to Mexico, including all 48 contiguous states except one (sorry, Delaware!), bobcats (Lynx rufus) are the most common and abundant wild cats in North America. However, many ..read more

Sickness-causing microorganisms in the water, called “pathogens,” are top reasons hikers bail on a big trip, says Chris Casserly with Outdoor Gear Exchange, an outdoor sports store in Burlington, Vermont. Casserly has conquered New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks in both summer and winter, and has been camping and backpacking in the Northeast for the last 15 years. “Take water treatment seriously,” Casserly says. “Getting sick on the trails is no fun.” Getting diarrhea on the trail is one thing, but some illnesses can linger for months. Most nasty pathogens come from animal poop in the water. In ..read more

Sickness-causing microorganisms in the water, called “pathogens,” are top reasons hikers bail on a big trip, says Chris Casserly with Outdoor Gear Exchange, an outdoor sports store in Burlington, Vermont. Casserly has conquered New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks in both summer and winter, and has been camping and backpacking in the Northeast for the last 15 years. “Take water treatment seriously,” Casserly says. “Getting sick on the trails is no fun.” Getting diarrhea on the trail is one thing, but some illnesses can linger for months. Most nasty pathogens come from animal poop in the water. In ..read more

Thomas Moak, front, and John Philipp steer their duckies through a Class III rapid. Go whitewater rafting, and you and your friends will likely hop into a large inflatable raft. These vessels provide a smooth ride over fast-moving water, plus the elasticity to bounce off half-submerged rocks. Rocks might do more damage to a hard-shell kayak, but the smaller kayak would be easier to maneuver in the rapids. What if you were able to combine the two? Like an inflatable kayak? Everett Baxley paddles through the waves along the Nantahala River. They exist. They’re called “duckies,” and Scouts in ..read more

Create the perfect summer T-shirt with this easy step-by-step guide. WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE A TIE-DYE T-SHIRT A white T-shirt A tie-dye set (includes dye, gloves and rubber bands) A tarp or plastic sheet to keep your mess contained Gallon-sized plastic zip-top bag WHAT YOU’LL DO 1. Tie It: Lay out the shirt on a flat surface. Pinch the middle with one hand and twist until the shirt makes a tight spiral shape. Use four rubber bands to segment the shirt into eight sections — like a pizza. 2. Dye It: Select the colors of dye you want to use. Put on the gloves. Add water to the prefilled bo ..read more

Making a solar eclipse viewer out of a cereal box is a fun and safe way to see the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This viewer is called a pinhole projector because it shows the eclipse’s image through a small hole onto a surface. You’ll watch the eclipse’s projection instead of looking right at the sun. Don’t have a cereal box on hand? Make this shoebox eclipse viewer instead! WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE A SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWER Cereal box Piece of white paper Aluminum foil Tape Pin or a needle Pencil Scissors JOIN US APRIL 8 FOR ECLIPSE LIVE! Join us at noon Central time April 8 for an eclipse ..read more

Q: What’s a decently priced fire starter? — Neil, Lenexa, Kansas A: Warmth is one of your top priorities in a survival situation, so a handy, reliable fire starter is a key piece of gear. One of my favorites is a ferro rod striker. It easily fits in a backpack and can be used over and over again. You can find one for about $7 at the Scout Shop. Ferro rods are made of ferrocerium, a combination of metals and chemical elements that spark when scratched. You use them like you would flint and steel. Hold a metal striker at a 45-degree angle against the rod and quickly scrape the striker away from ..read more

Fleece can keep you cozy on chilly mornings. This lightweight fuzzy fabric traps body heat, keeping it close to your skin while staying breathable. Chaco uses fleece to line its Ramble Puff shoes ($85, chacos.com), helping your feet stay toasty and comfy. These shoes are great for hanging around camp, as the nylon upper repels water while the durable rubber outsole gives you traction on wet surfaces. Chaco makes its Ramble Puff series in a variety of styles and colors. Because of the cushioned design, though, these shoes run small. Order at least a half-size larger than your normal shoe size ..read more

What’s going on in this picture? What is that dog doing or thinking? If you can think of a funny caption for this photo, just post it in the comment form at the bottom of this page. After we approve it, your funny caption will be on this page for everyone to read. Click here to write captions for more funny photos ..read more