scoutcraft
Wilderness knowledge set
Scoutcraft is the collection of outdoor skills traditionally taught in scouting organizations—camping, knot-tying, fire-building, tracking, navigation, first aid, and wilderness survival.
The term emphasizes practical competence in nature: The manual covered basic scoutcraft like reading a compass and purifying water.
It can apply to these skills whether learned through formal scouting or not.
Device showing cardinal directions
- map readingInterpreting geographic diagrams
- orienteeringCompetitive terrain navigation sport
- bearingPosture or orientation
- landmarkNotable point of reference
topography · pacing · dead reckoning · contour lines · triangulation · declination · true north · blazes
Temporary housing during disasters
- signalingConveying information nonverbally
- edible plantsConsumable botanical matter
- self-relianceDepending on oneself alone
- preparednessState of being equipped
fire starting · emergency kit · situational awareness · improvisation · resourcefulness
Monitoring location over time
- plant identificationDetermining a specimen's species
- animal identificationDetermining a creature's species
- foragingSeeking wild food sources
- whittlingKnife-carving wood into shapes
knife safety · wood carving · shelter building · water purification · leave no trace · fire safety
Non-slip loop knot
- square knotFlat binding tie
- clove hitchKnot around cylindrical objects
- lashingBeating or binding
- figure eightShape of crossed loops
sheepshank · trucker's hitch · whipping · splicing · reef knot · slip knot · overhand · bight
Mutual monitoring arrangement
- leadershipAbility to direct others
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- group campingOutdoor lodging with others
- service projectOrganized volunteer work helping others
merit badge · troop · den · pack · jamboree · flag ceremony
Portable fabric shelter
- campfireOutdoor fire for gathering
- campsiteDesignated outdoor lodging area
- firewoodCut logs for burning
- lanternEnclosed portable light
hammock · tarp · groundsheet · dutch oven · mess kit · rain fly · bivouac · shelter building
Wound covering strip
- splintDevice immobilizing injured limbs
- CPREmergency revival technique
- antisepticMicrobe-killing substance
- tourniquetCompression band stopping hemorrhage
gauze · triage · compression · immobilization · wound care · snakebite · hypothermia · heatstroke
Beating or binding
- rope bridgeCord-strung river crossing
- signal towerElevated communication relay structure
- gatewayPoint of access
- tripodStabilizing support structure
trestle · flagpole · monkey bridge · chariot · ropework · bamboo · spars
compass
Device showing cardinal directions
- map readingInterpreting geographic diagrams
- orienteeringCompetitive terrain navigation sport
- bearingPosture or orientation
landmark · topography · pacing · dead reckoning · contour lines · triangulation · declination · true north · blazes · cairns
emergency shelter
Temporary housing during disasters
- signalingConveying information nonverbally
- edible plantsConsumable botanical matter
- self-relianceDepending on oneself alone
fire starting · preparedness · emergency kit · situational awareness · improvisation · resourcefulness
tracking
Monitoring location over time
- plant identificationDetermining a specimen's species
- animal identificationDetermining a creature's species
- foragingSeeking wild food sources
whittling · knife safety · wood carving · shelter building · water purification · leave no trace · fire safety
bowline
Non-slip loop knot
- square knotFlat binding tie
- clove hitchKnot around cylindrical objects
- lashingBeating or binding
figure eight · sheepshank · trucker's hitch · whipping · splicing · reef knot · slip knot · overhand · bight · loop
buddy system
Mutual monitoring arrangement
- leadershipAbility to direct others
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- group campingOutdoor lodging with others
service project · merit badge · troop · den · pack · jamboree · flag ceremony
tent
Portable fabric shelter
- campfireOutdoor fire for gathering
- campsiteDesignated outdoor lodging area
- firewoodCut logs for burning
lantern · hammock · tarp · groundsheet · dutch oven · mess kit · rain fly · bivouac · shelter building · latrine
bandage
Wound covering strip
- splintDevice immobilizing injured limbs
- CPREmergency revival technique
- antisepticMicrobe-killing substance
tourniquet · gauze · triage · compression · immobilization · wound care · snakebite · hypothermia · heatstroke · stretcher
lashing
Beating or binding
- rope bridgeCord-strung river crossing
- signal towerElevated communication relay structure
- gatewayPoint of access
tripod · trestle · flagpole · monkey bridge · chariot · ropework · bamboo · spars
- Scoutingbadges, campfires, court of honor, merit badge, merit badges
scoutcraftclassroom learning
Instruction in a school setting
book learning · academic study · formal education · schoolwork · desk work
craft, scout, crafty, craftsman, craftsmanship, scouts, scouting, handicraft, statecraft