Everyone Talks about the Weather, but...

Stewart Bowman
The Leader, October 1991

Q: What follows two days of rain?
A. Monday

Most of us familiar with the tongue-in-cheek observation on weekend weather are also probably quite mystified over another phenomenon. Why do the same Cubs and Scouts who insist on going out to play in the rain against parents' wishes at home refuse to go out in it at camp where you encourage them to play in the rain?

Your leadership team has spent hours putting together activities for camp this weekend. You rush home from work on Friday, change into uniform, and throw a few essentials into your pack (including your trusty sun-block). Just as you start out the door, the telephone rings. John's father wants to know if you've heard the weekend weather forecast--scattered showers, gusting winds, etc., etc....

So, should we cancel the camp? Plan camps only for when fair weather is guaranteed? Camp in cabins all the time? Don't camp at all? Obviously, the answer to all of the above is no. Our only solution is to prepare ourselves accordingly and expect to have rain at every camp.

Being prepared involves a number of areas, but there are two key points.

1. Proper rain gear.
   • Ponchos seem to have been designed only for those over 1.8 m tall, but they can also serve as spare groundsheets or tarps. My personal preference is rain-proof jackets and trousers because they pack away in relatively little space but offer extra warmth.
   • Be cautious when buying rainwear. Anything that costs less than $10 is not likely to handle the wear and tear of camp activities. Better jackets (and ponchos) have built-in rather than detachable hoods. With detachables, rain is more likely to find its way through the seam to trickle down your back.
   • A peaked hat is definitely worthwhile. If you wear glasses, you'll immediately recognize the benefit of such headgear. The cap's peak keeps rain off your face and reduces the likelihood that water will flow down the front of your neck and into your clothes.
   • Waterproof footwear is another essential, but type depends on personal preference. Good outdoor walking or hiking boots work best. Just be sure to refresh the waterproof coating. Pay particular attention to the seam between uppers and sole.
   • If you prefer sneakers at camp, you'll need rubber boots. I am not a fan of these because they don't provide enough ankle and foot support for walking and they aren't warm enough for walking in the cold.
2. Scouters' attitude. Young members look to you as an example.
   • If you let wet weather get you down, you pass along the message. It doesn't matter how well you protect your body from the elements; if your mind says you want to be miserable, that's the way it will be. Rain is part of the outdoors. Glory in it. Take everyone dancing in the rain or puddle jumping.
   • Talk with your members before you go camping, not on the first night of camp when it's pouring. Ask them to tell you all the things they don't like about being outdoors in the rain and list the replies on a chalkboard or flip chart. You may need to prompt them a little, since they are doing this when they are warm and comfortable indoors.
   • After you've taken this part of the exercise as far as you can, call a break and run a short game to give everyone a stretch. Then, sit down again and ask them how they might solve each of the "problems" they listed earlier. I'm sure you'll find they have the answers you're looking for.
     Although I've not taken this brainstorming approach to encourage my Scouts to think through the rain clouds, we have held small group discussions. Here are some of their concerns and solutions.
     • The tents will get wet inside if we put them up in the rain.
       Okay, then set up a large tarpaulin as an all-weather shelter (and practise knots and lashes), then pitch the tents undercover. Since all our tents have fitted groundsheets and flysheets, you shouldn't get wet at all.
     • We can't cook in the rain.
       Cook under the all-weather shelter (taking into account proper safety considerations).
     • The clothes in my pack get wet.
       Pack clothes in plastic bags, preferably the zip-lock type. We suggest Scouts bring an extra plastic garbage bag to camp; they can use it to cover the top of backpack or kitbag if it rains. We also instruct them to pack their sleeping bags in a plastic garbage bag inside the stuff-sack.
     • You can't do anything in the rain.
       Why not? How about a walk in the rain; perhaps a scavenger hunt (bring back one ray of sunshine...) or compass work to prove the benefit of map cases. How about pioneering--have everyone collect enough spars and lash them together to make a wind-break or strengthen the tarp you put up when you arrived.
     • The whole point of this camp was to track sun-spot activity; now we have nothing else to do.
       This is a toughy, but being good Scouts and Scouters, we always have contingency plans. Practise lighting fires with wet wood, go on a flashlight ramble, do an orientation game, hold a Scouts' Own, sing in the rain, learn something about meteorology, practise first aid, play a wide game.

Obviously, good sense must prevail. You probably don't want to fly kites, practise semaphore from the top of an exposed hill, or go swimming when your little rain shower is backed up by the biggest, ugliest thundercloud you've ever seen in your life.

"Well, I guess that's settled then," you say to John's dad, "the camp is off for this weekend, so that you can let John go out and play in the rain."

But, seriously, the ability to enjoy camping is a pleasure we should not deny ourselves, whatever the weather. It comes down to the two basic ingredients: proper rain-proof clothing and a rainproof positive attitude. Just add water, stir vigorously, and enjoy.

Stewart Bowman is Troop Scouter with the 8th Whitby Scouts, Ont.

Last edited: February 22, 2004
The NetWoods Virtual Campsite, Steve Tobin, Campmaster