Lesson 6 Field Skills

Program Requirements PO.4 – Field Skills EO.1 – Select personal clothing and equipment for encampments and expeditions. TLO.1 – Explain what the acronym C.O.L.D. stands for. TLO.2 – Name three personal equipment items that should be carried in pockets. TLO.3 – Explain what items should be packed for both a daytime and overnight encampment. EO.2 – Follow camp routine and discipline in the field. TLO.1 – Explain the importance for a high standard of personal hygiene. TLO.2 – Understand how to maintain personal hygiene in the field. TLO.3 – Understand how deep into the water to go without adult supervision and a floatation device. TLO.4 – Demonstrate proper behavior before leaving the campsite.

Clothing

Hats Wide brimmed with holes for ventilation Will also offer rain and sun protection Wear on any encampment to protect from sun exposure

Shell or Jacket Outermost layer Protects from wind, rain, or snow Protection of inner layers Wear when weather would call for wind, rain, or snow

Insulation Your warmest layer Only used in cold weather

Shirts Choose moisture wicking fabric In warm weather, long sleeves protect from sun or insects In cold weather, long sleeves can act as insulation layer

Undergarments Undershirts should also be moisture wicking Choose for comfort and practicality – nothing over or undersized

Pants Full length – go down to your shoes and cover your ankles Adjustable comfort waist Not too snug or too loose Choose pants that are appropriate for weather conditions

Socks and Footwear Socks: must provide appropriate insulation for activity Most important thing for shoes and socks is proper fit to avoid sliding and blisters NEVER wear brand new shoes to an encampment.

How to Pack Be sure to consider: Temperature Wind and wind chill Precipitation Altitude Humidity UV Index

Questions to Ask Yourself: What will I need if the temperature increases or decreases? How likely is this to happen? What will I need if it is windy? Will I just need a windbreaker or extra warm layers? What will I need if it rains? What about if it snows? Will I be moving between altitudes or staying in place? If I will be moving up or down a mountain, what will I need? What will I need if the humidity increases? What will I need if the sun comes out stronger or decreases?

Always Remember: You don’t want to be C.O.L.D.: C: Clean Clothes - Clean clothes breathe and offer better insulation.   O: Overheating - Avoid overheating by utilizing clothing with built-in ventilation or cooling qualities.   L: Loose layers - Dress in loose layers for comfort.    D: Dry - Always stay dry. Choose moisture-wicking fabrics and pack extra clothes in case yours get wet and you have no way to dry them.

Personal Equipment

Must Haves whistle (plastic) folding pocket knife with a larger (10cm) and small blade personal identification and medical insurance card and I.D. bracelet if necessary map and compass matches first aid kit lip balm insect repellant and sunscreen notepad and pen/pencil small flashlight

Additional Items stainless steel cup and knife, fork, spoon (KFS) a small tarp (at least 2m X 2m) small trowel for digging sewing kit survival kit hygiene products (as required/needed) extra water bottle or canteen

Activity: Packing a Bag Your team will be given a handout with encampment or expedition conditions. Your task is to pack a bag for that trip according to the type of encampment or expedition and the conditions. In addition to selecting your equipment, you need to decide how to pack your bag so that all of your equipment is easily accessible. Be prepared to explain your choices after you finish.

“Homework” Before we wrap up this part of the lesson, create two packing lists for yourself of general items you’d need for an encampment and an expedition. A general list means things you would need regardless of weather conditions or the type of encampment. For example: water bottle, shirt, pants, shoes, and sunscreen are all items you would need on any encampment or expedition. Take your list home and check off the items you already have. This way you know what you’ll need to get for our first encampment or expedition. Bring the list back to our next drill meeting.

Camp Routine and Discipline

Camp Standard Operating Procedures Maintain personal hygiene standards. Do not go into water above your knees without supervision and an approved personal floatation device. Water currents can be unknown and unexpected. You should treat all bodies of water as dangerous and proceed with caution and supervision. Use tools safely. Never handle a tool you are unsure about without help and listen to those in charge when handling them. Know the location of the group first aid kit, fire-fighting equipment, and your leader's shelter in case of an emergency. Always go to the nearest adult in case of an emergency. Keep your shelter and surrounding area tidy and free from hazards. Male and female Young Marines will not enter the other's shelter. Inform your leader before leaving the campsite and never do so alone. Do not venture further than the head of a group by yourself.

Activity: Jigsaw Groups Your group will be assigned a Standard Operating Procedure for how to conduct yourselves during encampments and expeditions. You need to explain the importance of the rule or procedure you are given and how it should be followed i.e. what you should do to make sure you are in compliance. Make sure each group member can fully explain your rule. You may want to write down some notes. You’ll need to explain your rule to someone else.

Camp Standard Operating Procedures Maintain personal hygiene standards. Do not go into water above your knees without supervision and an approved personal floatation device. Water currents can be unknown and unexpected. You should treat all bodies of water as dangerous and proceed with caution and supervision. Use tools safely. Never handle a tool you are unsure about without help and listen to those in charge when handling them. Know the location of the group first aid kit, fire-fighting equipment, and your leader's shelter in case of an emergency. Always go to the nearest adult in case of an emergency. Keep your shelter and surrounding area tidy and free from hazards. Male and female Young Marines will not enter the other's shelter. Inform your leader before leaving the campsite and never do so alone. Do not venture further than the head of a group by yourself.

Activity: Jigsaw Groups Now you will be placed into new groups – your new group should have one person from each of the old groups. Every person should have explained a different rule. Your job now is to teach your new group members about your rule. Go around the circle and explain why your rule is important and teach your group members what to do in order to make sure they follow the rule.

Camp Standard Operating Procedures Maintain personal hygiene standards. Do not go into water above your knees without supervision and an approved personal floatation device. Water currents can be unknown and unexpected. You should treat all bodies of water as dangerous and proceed with caution and supervision. Use tools safely. Never handle a tool you are unsure about without help and listen to those in charge when handling them. Know the location of the group first aid kit, fire-fighting equipment, and your leader's shelter in case of an emergency. Always go to the nearest adult in case of an emergency. Keep your shelter and surrounding area tidy and free from hazards. Male and female Young Marines will not enter the other's shelter. Inform your leader before leaving the campsite and never do so alone. Do not venture further than the head of a group by yourself.

Reflection Discuss the following with a partner: Which is the rules seem most important to you? Why is it important that we follow ALL SOP’s? What did you learn today about clothing and equipment?