Need to retire those old tents? Here's an entertaining way do do it ...

[qwazse]

Once you conclude that your old tent(s) are no longer fit for service, Here's an activity for your scouts ...

• Have your boys set the tent up for one last time, their packs may be placed nearby (with covers/garbage bags on them), they "bed down" in their sleeping bags and put on blindfolds. You then read them this scenario:
  
  • You have hunkered down in an isolated location.
    
  • You didn't pack a flashlight, but it was no problem because the moon was out. You could easily bear-bag what was left of dinner, brush teeth, and go to bed in the twilight.
    
  • Shortly after moonset, the sky thickens, and you awake to a torrential downpour. Fortunately the winds are low, so there is no worry of damage to the campsite, which is on a slope and should easily drain.
    
  • At this time you realized that the waterproofing on has failed, and is behaving more like a sieve than a roof. Your sleeping bag is somewhat repellent; however,
    
  • The floor of your tent is still waterproof, therefor a very large puddle is accumulating on the low side of the tent. The walls of your tent do seem to be doing a good job of holding humidity in, and your sense of claustrophobia and utter panic builds.
    

  [*]The mission:

  • While blindfolded, convert your tent into a serviceable shelter that will withstand any further downpours.
    
  • The tent may be further torn or modified.
    
  • Note that draining the water is a good first step.
    
  • Keeping the sleeping bags from getting soaked is a good second step.
    
  • Hint: the bottom of the tent is bone dry.
    
  • Expect the next downpour in an hour.
    

  [*]Scoring

  • The timing of the event will be from when the mission is given until the boys are back in their bags under a relatively "dry" shelter. Award a point per minute remaining in the hour from the start of the excersize.
    
  • 10 points for most dramatic tent exit.
    
  • 10 style points if the boys remember to put on their rain gear
    
  • 10 points for use of only the tent parts for the shelter.
    

Any resemblance to a scouter caught off guard in his favorite wilderness recreation area is purely coincidental.

[Old_OX_Eagle83]

I like it, sounds like some fun with the potential for some good lessons.