Clothing

Make sure you have the right clothing. Check the weather forecast before you go. Bring appropriate clothing for all planned activities. Bring clothing for unexpected weather changes. "Think Layers" A base layer, warm layer and weatherproof layer are the basic clothing layers. Dress in layers rather than in a single heavy coat. Put on or take off layers as your temperature changes. Sweat soaked clothes lose insulation value. Pay attention to what the girls are wearing. They often ignore the warning signs of getting chilled until they are thoroughly cold and will then have a hard time getting warm again. Whenever possible, use clothes the girls already have. Fabric Choices Cotton can be worn in warm weather. However, it won't keep you warm if it gets wet. Make sure all campers have a warm jacket or sweater and rain gear with them. Warm layers should be of wool, fleece or a synthetic such as polypropylene. Many girls have fleece jackets and pants for sports activities. Nylon wind pants make a good outer layer. Check second-hand stores for warm garments. Shirts and Pants Leave tank tops, halter tops, crop tops and short shorts at home. Exposed shoulders or midriffs can easily get sunburned or bitten by insects! Long sleeves and long pants will help protect you from insects, poison ivy, or brambles. Shorts can be worn in warm weather, but beware of sunburn. Clothing should be loose enough to allow easy movement. Shoes and Socks To prevent cuts, scrapes, blisters and general discomfort, closed-toe shoes and socks must always be worn for outdoor activities. Check that socks do not have holes in them. Tennis shoes are appropriate for most outdoor activities. Flip-flops and sandals are not allowed for outdoor activities. Shoes should be broken in before going on long hikes. For an extended hikes, wool or polypropylene socks are best. Raingear Each person should always have a waterproof layer with her. An emergency waterproof layer can be a garbage sack with holes cut for the head and arms. Hats In cool weather, pack a warm knit hat. Sleeping in it will even help keep your feet warm! During the summer, bring a hat with a brim. You'll appreciate the shade and the protection from sunburn. Odds and Ends Gloves or mittens are good for cool mornings. Sunglasses are recommended on sunny days. A bandanna is a very useful clothing item. Its uses range from handkerchief to pot holder to blindfold to belt. Loose, floppy or synthetic clothing is not to be worn around stoves or fires or around any moving parts (such as playground equipment or bikes). In Safety Wise, see pages 82-83 and specific activities for more information on clothing. Let's Review: 1) Which of the following should not be taken on a camping trip:      A)  Flip flops      B)  Tank top      C)  High heeled shoes      D)  All of the above 2) Wearing a hat to sleep in will keep your whole body warmer.      A)  True      B)  False 3) Cotton is a good choice for clothes in cool damp weather.      A)  True      B)  False 4) Warm layers are best made of:      A)  Fleece or polypropylene      B)  Wool      C)  Cotton knit      D)  A or B 5) Waterproof layers can be      A)  Raincoats      B)  Ponchos      C)  Garbage sacks with holes for head and arms      D)  All of the above 6) A bandanna can be used for:      A)  Hot pad      B)  Strainer      C)  Bandage      D)  All of the above and many more things 7) Everyone must buy specialized clothing for outdoor activities with the troop.      A)  True      B)  False 8) A heavy winter coat is a better choice for activities on a cold day than two sweaters and a windbreaker jacket.      A)  True      B)  False

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