| As of this writing, camping season is upon us, but the | | | | officer stated in an internet forum, "Both the nco's in |
| rainy season has not quite ended. After attending a | | | | charge and the enlisted themselves would most likely |
| local Boy Scout Spring Camporee that got rained-out | | | | get an article 15 (Navy captains mast) for a case of |
| (it was actually more the wind and lightning than the | | | | trenchfoot. At least when I was in. Same goes for |
| rain that caused us to go home), I thought it might | | | | frostbite and sunburn." Scout leaders should take this |
| be good to put down a few thoughts on the subject | | | | just as seriously. |
| of wet weather camping. | | | | 4. Pack clothes in water-proof bags. |
| 1. When in doubt, over-pack. Bring extra clothes, | | | | 5. Put a tarp under your tent and another one inside |
| extra shoes, an extra sleeping bag, etc. If you're | | | | your tent (does not apply to wall tents). Make sure |
| going to be close to a vehicle, you can leave the | | | | the tarp under the tent is tucked under so water |
| extra stuff in the trunk where it is sure to stay dry. | | | | running off the tent does not run onto the tarp. |
| Scout leaders should bring extra ponchos for scouts | | | | 6. Be prepared for wind as well. Make sure all tents |
| who forget and an extra sleeping bag or two in case | | | | and flies are staked down well. |
| some get wet. | | | | 7. Keep gear in the middle of the tent where it |
| 2. Bring rain gear such as ponchos, not umbrellas. | | | | cannot rub up against tent walls, and make sure not |
| Umbrellas can be a lightning hazard and get easily | | | | to touch the walls of the tent. This is generally true |
| messed up by the wind. | | | | anyway as tents tend to get wet from dew in the |
| 3. Wear rubber or rain-proof boots, bring an extra | | | | mornings even when it is not raining. |
| pair of shoes, and change socks at least daily. I think | | | | 8. Make sure not to setup tents under a dead tree |
| these days most people (kids and adults) are very | | | | or a limb that looks like it might fall. Setup in a clearing |
| style conscious, so naturally they want to wear | | | | if possible. Even a strong-looking tree could come |
| stylish footwear on camp-outs. However, campers | | | | down in a storm. Trees also will attract lightning. |
| hikers with wet feet can develop a serious medical | | | | 9. Do not try to camp in a thunderstorm. If you |
| problem called "trench foot" or "immersion foot" | | | | know a storm is on the way, pack up and live to |
| which may require amputation! The military recognizes | | | | camp another day. |
| this as a major leadership issue. A former army | | | | |