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Newer, Lighter, Better Gear
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Arrow of Light – 5th Grade
High Tech Outdoors AOL
Elective
Requirement 3

Newer, Lighter, Better Gear

Arrow of Light – 5th Grade
High Tech Outdoors AOL
Elective
Requirement 3

Newer, Lighter, Better Gear

Snapshot of Activity

Visit a retailer that specializes in the outdoors and talk camping gear.

Travel
2
1
5
If you want to know more about The Adventure Activity Key click here.

Before the meeting:

  1. Contact a local outdoor retailer and schedule a visit. Let them know that you have a group of fifth graders who are learning about camping gear and how technology has improved gear. This includes weather proofing, weight, and durability.
  2. Familiarize yourself with some of the changes that have occurred for outdoor gear. The Trek website article “Backpacking Gear Changes Through Decades” provides a great history.
  3. Remind parents and legal guardians of the meeting location date and time and to bring a completed Activity Consent Form.
  4. Contact the retailer the day before the visit to verify the visit and who will be assisting.

During the meeting:

  1. Explain to Scouts how technology has improved camping equipment over time. If you have a personal story about camping that would be different with current gear, share that story.
  2. As the Cub Scouts move through the store, have them ask questions:
    • Is there a piece of technology you use in other areas of your life that could be used for camping gear?
    • Is there camping gear that you find uncomfortable or hard to use?
    • If you could improve a piece of camping gear with technology that may not exist, what would that be?
  3. Make sure the Cub Scouts get hands-on time with the equipment, climb in tents, try on backpacks, etc.

After the meeting:

  1. Send a thank you note to the store manager and staff.

Other Activities Options

You can choose other activities of your choice.

Arrow of Light – 5th Grade

Ask the Expert

Indoor
2
1
5

Invite an outdoor expert to a den meeting to talk improvements in camping gear.

See Details

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.