(Sample Print Promotion)
HAVE FUN PUTTING YOUR SCOUT SKILLS INTO ACTION
In addition to a variety of other uses, a camp saw is ideal for cutting dead wood into just the right lengths for preparing kindling and fuel. The bow saw is still widely used, but over the last several years, the folding camp saw has gained in popularity for its size and ease of use.
The sawing process often starts off by slowly pulling the blade towards you, until it bites into the wood. Once this is accomplished, push and pull the saw steadily, using the entire length of the blade. For the best results, there’s no need to use too much muscle. You’ll have much more control if you let the saw do the work.
When using a camp saw, it’s always best that the piece being sawed off can fall away after the cut is made. This way, as the sawing goes on,, the weight of the sawed piece naturally opens the cut rather than closing around the blade.
To get the job done, it’s necessary to hold the wood in place as firmly as possible so it doesn’t move. When using a saw, the emphasis is always on safety. So, make sure all parts of the body are kept a safe distance from the blade, and wear heavy duty gloves. View How to Use and Care for a Camp Saw video: https://youtu.be/Jy6_1XyPWnU?si=aiIVdLN3jbM4Po2V
—> After a Scout skill is learned, there should be an opportunity to put it into action in a fun way that illustrates how it’s used. Here’s a friendly competition your troop will really enjoy:
CAMP SAW RELAY
For each team you’ll need one camp saw, one pair of leather gloves, protective eyewear, one log about 3 to 4 feet long, 2 to 4-inches in diameter, and one short, thick log or block for support
To play, the teams line up in relay formation, each facing their log from a distance of 20 feet. The camp saw is placed alongside the log. On signal, two Scouts from each team run up to the log. One Scout steadies the log positioned on the support block, while the second Scout puts on the gloves and saws off a disk about 2 inches thick.
As soon as the disk drops to the ground, the Scouts change positions and another disk is sawed off. When the second disk hits the ground, the camp saw and gloves are placed beside the log, then both Scouts race back to the starting line and tag the next two Scouts, who repeat the process. This continues until all Scouts have had a chance to saw and all members of the team have returned to the starting line.
Note: All Scouts participating in this activity must have completed Totin’ Chip.
For a library of ideas on how to make more fun happen during meetings and outings, visit the activities section of the Troop Leader Resource Hub: https://troopleader.scouting.org/activities/
View the Camp Saw Relay video: https://youtu.be/9Wqv4yJETFY?si=HZZ-6Sz2rx1iNz6F