Hygiene

Hygiene if vital for long term survival in the outdoors.  In civilization, it is also vital for interpersonal interactions. 

Hand Washing

Hand washing helps prevent the spread of illness.  Wash hand after using the bathroom and before cooking, serving food or eating. 

Brushing Teeth

Your teeth should be brushed at least every 12 hours to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.  This is also necessary if you want to avoid having nasty breath.

If you miss this important bit of hygiene, you won't notice it right away on a campout, but you'll pay for it later down the road.

Foot Hygiene

You must keep your feet healthy if you want to continue walking long distances.  

Keep your feet clean and dry will help prevent blisters, fungal infections and serious foot injuries. 

See Foot Hygiene for more on the feet

Image Source: 1958 US Army Manual Cold Injury, Ground Type

Pooping in the Woods

Yup, this is a real skill.  We cover this in our Leave No Trace training and it's a need to know skill. 

Sure - you might be able to get away with NOT pooping on an overnighter, but it becomes more problematic on longer trips.  And there is always the possiblity that food cooked by Scouts doesn't agree with you and you will want to know these skills!

See Pooping in the Woods on more of this exciting topic