survey

1. Should we ever build a wood fire in the backcountry? no
2. Is the "standard latrine" outmoded? Should we always use individual
"catholes." yes
3. Can we actually camp in groups of 30 or more in many backcountry
sites, without too much trampling of the foliage? absolutely NOT -- never in
backcountry
4. Are the "camp improvements" we sometimes make environmentally
detrimental. yes

In Girl Scouts, we have an excellent set of slides and audio tape from GSUSA
that is called "Backyard to Back Country -- Camping Lightly on the Earth." I
use it for girls in troop settings (at 4th grade they are not too young to
begin to hear the low impact gospel ) and adults taking outdoor training.

All the issues are covered and can be understood at any age.

I also use a set of questions that a trainer got from a BSA publication that
goes hand in hand with these vital questions to minimal impact camping.

Thanks, Tim, for bringing these issues to discussion. Just so EVERONE gets
the message: These are not simply BSA / Boy Scout issues.

All ages and groups have got to arrive at the point where they understand the
differences between established campgrounds and backcountry. However, except
for #2, the answers are the same for both. I have spent time the last 2
summers in 5 national parks, and don't even think about picking up even a
tiny little stick there for a fire.

Betsy

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