Wooden tent pegs are a simple example of how traditional outdoor skills can turn a natural material into something useful. With suitable wood, a sharp cutting tool and a little patience, you can shape a peg that demonstrates your ability to select materials, work safely…
A signal mirror can help you attract attention over a considerable distance when sunlight is available. Purpose-made signalling mirrors are best, but you can explore the basic principle with a small reflective surface and practise directing a flash of light towards a chosen target. Your…
A mud oven is a simple example of how natural materials can be used to create something practical outdoors. Clay-rich soil holds its shape, while grass fibres can help bind the mixture together. Your challenge is to build a small model oven and understand how…
Getting a fire going isn’t always about adding more tinder or piling on extra kindling. Sometimes, a small amount of carefully directed air is all that’s needed to help an established bed of embers burn more strongly. A traditional fire blowpipe is a simple tube…
Sleeping on the ground outdoors can be uncomfortable, even when the weather is mild. Cold ground draws heat away from your body, while roots, stones and uneven surfaces can make it difficult to settle down. A traditional bough bed tackles some of these problems by…
Before modern rope was available, people used natural fibres to make natural cordage for tying, carrying and securing things. In this challenge, you’ll explore how fibres can be twisted together to make a simple piece of cordage and discover which materials work best. The aim…
A good camp gadget doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most useful, especially when you’re trying to keep equipment organised or make life around camp a little easier. In the previous challenge, you learned how to tie a Bowline knot….
