This is a competition of basic survival skills and knowledge. This year we will be simulating a lone scout getting lost on a mountain hike in Maine in the Fall. You will only be able to have what you would likely be carrying for a day hike. Large fanny packs or book bag type packs are prefered. If it’s not on the pack-up list, ask before you pack it!! Each scout will qualify for "Wilderness Survival" merit badge if he completes all assigned tasks. We will be meeting at the town owned 29 Acres site at the circle at the end of Pine Meadow Drive at 7:00am, September 29. Each scout will be responsible to pack any gear he needs for the weekend. Bring your pack-up list. Pick-up will be on Sunday at 9am, same spot.

Food: What you eat depends on what you bring! All food and water must be packed-in by each individual. Each scout will be required to prepare at least one cooked meal. That does not mean toasting a sandwich. The meal must be significantly changed by the cooking process. You will not have any cooking kits or cups, just al. foil, and the containers the food was sold in. You can prepare one tinfoil lunch, please freeze if it contains raw meat. You may reuse containers after they are emptied of food.

Shelter: Shelter must be constructed after we arrive at 29 acres. No plastic sheeting, tarps, or tents, we will use only natural, local materials and anything found at 29 acres. Research the Web or in the Library. Scouts cannot join together their shelters! The emphisis is on small warm shelters that will hold one person and not require a long time to build.

Emergency Hiking Kit: Each person must build an emergency hiking kit to have with them at all times. As a minimum it must contain: flashlight, wooden matches, compass, whistle, knife, watch, string or rope, hiking first aid kit, $1 in change, rain gear or large trash bag. For those of us that wear glasses we also need to carry an eyeglass repair kit with spare screws. (Optional items: lip balm, phone card, snacks, space blanket, sparker, mirror or old cd, fishing line and hooks, sewing kit, safety pins, birthday candles, aluminum foil, tape and wire). This is best carried in a small fanny pack so you won't feel the need to take it off (you never know when you might need it!). Carry at least 3 methods of starting fire. You may also bring either a small saw (folding pruning saw) or a belt axe.

"Challenges": There will be various challenges during the weekend. Some will be scored by leaders, others will be voted on by the other scouts. They will include Shelter Building, Fire Starting, Target, Survival Trivia, Cooking, Scenario Surviving, Animal Tracking, and possibly others to be announced. The scout with the most votes overall will win the title of 29 Acre Survivor! Use your imagination in all your planning. Unusual shelters, interesting menus for meals and being prepared will count a lot towards the final score. Good Luck!

Hints: Pack your water in 2 small containers. Leave a little air in only one of the bottles and freeze it over night. It will thaw out slowly and give you a cold drink for most of the day. Condiment foil containers of ketchup, mayo, mustard, etc take very little room and add much to the enjoyment of your dinner. If you bring meat (hamburger, hot dog, chicken) you must freeze it so that it doesn't spoil. Any scout needing items of gear should contact Mr. Cross (676-2132) or one of the other leaders.

Weather: This is Survivor! We go rain or shine. Prepare, dress, and pack accordingly. If the weather is predicted to be very wet, we may change the rules to allow tarps.

Cell phone number for the weekend will be 207-351-5731 (Mr. Cross).

water (2 small containers) preferably on your belt

hot cocoa or coffee & creamer

presweetened drink mix envelopes

sweetener or sugar

oil or margarine

lunch

supper

breakfast

snacks

personal utensils (fork, knife, spoon)

aluminum foil (fold-up sections , not a whole roll!)

matches

tinder

9 volt battery and steel wool

jacket, vest, or heavy sweatshirt

ball cap or other headgear

hiking boots or old sneakers

spare socks

thermal underwear

gloves

sunglasses

fanny pack or ruck sack

emergency hiking kit in a small fanny pack

FRS-radio

camera

flashlights(2)

extra batteries

wire (3 feet or less) or 1 coathanger

pocket knife

rubber bands

clothes pins

duct tape (less than 10ft)

kleenex or toilet paper in ziplock bag