No child should be permitted to start out on a week-end hike unless her
physical condition is such as to withstand any unexpected weather
conditions which might arise or prolonged exposure in the open. Also she
should be properly clothed; preferably in thin woolen clothes, wearing
as little as possible, yet being comfortable. Her shoes should be stout,
low-heeled and round-toed. She should take with her a sweater, extra
underwear, stockings, nightclothes, toilet articles, and blankets.
Only sufficient food should be taken to last during the time planned
for. This food should be packed in small bags, preferably waterproof.
Two and a quarter pounds for one day's rations is sufficient. Cereal in
some form, many prefer flour in order to make bread, a fat--such as
bacon or butter--rice, for bulk, something to drink, cocoa or tea, a
sweet, preferably chocolate, a small amount of sugar and raisins are
suggested. Eggs can be added to the above; also salt, baking powder,
evaporated milk and dried egg.
Never start for a week-end hike late in the afternoon. Plan to make camp
not later in the day than five o'clock. At once build the campfire and
start to prepare the supper. Select suitable places on the ground for
sleeping. Make sure that the ground is dry, and if possible spread a
poncho under the blankets. A hole dug so that the body will fit into it
and touch the ground at every point makes sleeping more comfortable.
Keep the campfire burning all night, different members of the party, two
at a time, being on guard. Do not have the fire too large. One of the
signs of a tenderfoot woodsman is a big fire for cooking or the night
watch. Not only are they dangerous, but when using them for cooking the
cook as well as the food is apt to be burned. Before building the fire,
scrape all leaves and dried grass from the ground, leaving a foundation
of bare earth. Make sure that every vestige of fire is out upon breaking
camp. Also that no evidences of a camp save the matted grass are left
behind.
In carrying a pack, place the load high on the back and move the body
forward to keep the center of gravity.