OA Bronze Notes

SINGAPORE RED CROSS RED CROSS YOUTH

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES NOTES

BRONZE

OUTDOOR

ACTIVITIES

Healthy Lifestyle

Focus Committee

Name: ______________________________ School: _____________________________

CONFIDENTIAL

MODULE LESSION REMARKSwithin normal outside normal

training hrs (Min) training hrs (Min)

1 Introduction & Camp Preparation 30BRONZE 1.1 Introduction

1.2 Preparation for Outdoor ActivitiesOUTDOOR 1.3 Safety Precautions during Outdoor Land / SeaACTIVITIES Activities

(BASIC)2 Basic Knots and Lashings 1 60

SEC 1 / 2 2.1 Introduction / Parts of a Rope2.2 Thumb Knot2.3 Reef Knot2.4 Sheet Bend2.5 Clove Hitch2.6 Sheer Lashing2.7 House-Keeping Knot

3 Basic Map Reading 1 603.1 Introduction3.2 Signs, Symbols, Scales, Contours & Grid

References of a Topography Map3.3 Introduction to Silva Compass and it's parts3.4 Care of Compasses and Maps

4 Outdoor Cooking 1 904.1 Introduction / Equipment to be used4.2 Cooking simple meals using solid fuel

Total 150 90 5.5 hrs / 1.5 hrs

Criteria for Bronze BadgeTo be awarded upon passing both theory and practical accreditation conducted by School or HQ

DESCRIPTION DURATION

CONFIDENTIAL

Red Cross Youth – Healthy Lifestyle Focus Committee (HLFC)

Outdoor Activities (Bronze) Notes – Lesson 1 L1 - 1

Outdoor Activities – Lesson 1 (Introduction to Outdoor Activities Badge) Part 1 – Syllabus of Outdoor Activities Badge (Bronze) a. Outdoor Activities (Bronze) To be awarded to cadets who have completed the Outdoor Activities (Bronze) Syllabus as listed below and have passed a Theory and Practical Test conducted by a qualified NCO, Volunteer Instructor or Adult Voluntary Leader. An examiner qualified to assess the Outdoor Activities (Bronze) Test is one who have already passed the Silver Test. The Outdoor Activities (Bronze) Syllabus includes: (1) Introduction

(a) Preparation for Outdoor Activities (b) Safety precautions during outdoor land and sea activities

(2) Knots and Lashings 1

(a) Introduction / Parts of a Rope (b) Thumb Knot (Overhand Knot, Granny Knot) (c) Reef Knot (Square Knot) (d) Sheet Bend (e) Clove Hitch (f) Sheer Lashings (g) House Keeping Knots

(3) Map Reading 1 (a) Signs, Symbols, Scale, Colours and Grid References of a Topography Map (b) Introduction to Silva Compass and it’s part (c) Care of compasses and maps

(4) Outdoor Cooking 1 (a) Introduction / Equipment to be used (b) Cooking simple meals using solid fuel and mess tins



Part 2 – Outdoor Safety Precautions When assessing the potential environment hazards you need to look at these factors: 1. ACTIVITY

• Static – activities in which the environment is relatively unchanging (i.e. hiking) • Dynamic – activities in which the environment changes very quickly in

unpredictable ways (e.g. whitewater rafting, biking etc)

2. SEASON / CLIMATE Weather and the possibility of weather changes also have a significant impact on Accident Potential.

A) Environment • Rocky Trail • Exposed ledges • Cold Temperatures • Rain • Darkness • Overexposure to sun • Snake bites • Bee-stings B) Equipment • Broken stove • Shoes or boots not broken in • Improper clothing • Inoperative equipment

Human Factor Hazards

A) Participants • No awareness of hazards • No skills to avoid hazards • Resistance to instructions • Irresponsible/reckless attitude towards self, others, equipment etc • Need to “prove” oneself, ‘macho’ attitude • Poor physical strength, stamina • Fear and nervousness



B) Leaders • Lack of knowledge of environment hazards • Inadequate skills to deal with the hazards • Poor safety judgment • Instruction unclear • Ineffectual when under stress C) Group • Group lacks cooperative structure • Interpersonal frictions unresolved • Poor communication patters and excessive competition • Lack of concern for slow or different individuals • Excessive pressure or stress to “perform” – ‘macho’ • No practice in working harmoniously under stress • Lack of leadership within group • Splintering into sub-groups

3. SAFETY BRIEFING A comprehensive safety briefing allows one to intervene to prevent Human Factor Hazards from overlapping with Environment Hazards and thereby reducing the Accident Potential. In order to do this, it is necessary to use the MOE RAMS and from Day 1 of the activity, the teacher-in-charge has to be clear about what are the possible dangers involved. In planning a trip, the leaders must examine the environment and the activities of the trip in order to ascertain what the possible environmental and human factor hazards of that trip are. This information must be communicated to the group in the form of a Safety Briefing a few days before the activity and a reminder of this must be made at the beginning of the activity with subsequent briefings when there is a change in environment or activity. The Safety Briefing sets the tone for seriousness and helps inculcate the idea that the participant is responsible for his/her own behaviour.

PERSONAL SAFETY Camping Tips

• Avoid camping in completed isolated areas • Familiarize yourself with local emergency locations and phone numbers in case of

accidents or crime • Avoid leaving your camping gear (cook stove, lantern, ice chest, chairs, etc) out

in the open unattended • Avoid walking alone at night • Get to know your friends and help protect each other’s belongings • Carry a spare lock so you use storage containers (if available) at many parks • Use a chain and lock to secure extra fuel tanks, portable generators, spare tyres,

bicycles, etc



Mark Your Property

• Like your TV, VCR, stereo and other belongings at home, camping equipment is also vulnerable to theft, especially when left in the open. Mark all your belongings with your name and identify card number

• Mark your tent, sleeping bags and clothing with permanent ink. • Engrave your food locker, thermos, coolers, lamps, flashlights, backpacks,

snorkels and fins etc Safety Precautions

• Be sure everyone in your party is aware of the campground rules and regulations • When hiking, notify the ranger or campground host of your plans, including the

trails you are taking, the expected time of your return and the name of a friend or relative to be notified in case of emergency

• Consider having everyone carry a whistle to use in case of an emergency • Never let our pupils wander off by themselves or leave them unattended near a

body of water You Can Help! Remember, parks and wilderness areas are for everyone’s use and enjoyment. Be sure to pick up your litter and extinguish all fires, so that we can preserve the natural beauty of our parks. Report any acts of vandalism and any suspicious activity you witness to park rangers.

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies • Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use

Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6

• Repackage food to minimize waste • Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking pain, rock cairns and

flagging • Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel and dry

grasses • Good campsites are found, not made • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites • Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy • Keep campsites small. Focus activities in areas where vegetation is absent • Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled

foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter • Deposit solid human waste in latrines dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from

water, camp and trails • Cover and disguise the latrines when finished



• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products • To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes

and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwasher • Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and

artifacts • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them • Do not build structures, furniture or dig trenches • Campfires can cause lasing impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove

for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light • Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires • Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand • Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool

ashes • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural

behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers • Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience • Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail • Steps to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock • Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors

*Extract from MOE Outdoor Activities Syllabus



Outdoor Activities (Bronze) – Lesson 2 (Basic Knots & Lashings 1) Lesson Objective At the end of the lesson, the trainees will be able to: a. Understand the different usage of simple knots & lashings b. Apply the different knots for different situation and objects Method of Instruction a. Demonstration by instructors Equipment and Training Aids a. Manila Ropes (For Demonstration) b. Climbing Ropes (For Demonstration) c. Cotton Twine (at least 1.2 to 1.5 metre per piece) d. Nylon (at least 6mm in diameter, different colour if possible, 1 metre per piece) e. Short wooden round poles (about 50cm or 100cm in length)



1. Thumb Knot (Overhand Knot)

(a) Hold your practice rope in your non-dominant hand. Call the end in your non-dominant hand the working end. Mostly you just want to keep the working end out of the way.

(b) Now pick up the free end, the end you want to tie, with your dominant hand. (c) Take the free end and pull it up parallel to the working end. Cross the free end

over the working end. Push the free end under the loop created by the cross-over. Pull the free end to snug down the knot.

(d) This is the Overhand Knot. (e) Uses:

a. To prevent the end of a rope from untwisting, temporarily “stop” the end of a fraying rope.

b. To serve as a part of another knot. c. When tied at the end or standing part of a rope, this knot prevents it from

sliding through a block, hole or another knot. d. Use it also to increase a person’s grip of a rope.

2. Reef Knot (Square Knot)

(a) Hold the free end of one rope on the left hand and the free end of another rope on the right hand. You are now holding two free ends

(b) Cross the two ends of rope you want to join. Pass the end that crosses on top (end A) over the other end (end B), and pull it back up again

(c) Hold the two ends above and away. The end that crossed on top (end A) must cross on top again. Notice that end A is now going in the opposite direction from where it went the first time. Push end A over end B, down and through the loop between the two hitches (a hitch is another word for a simple knot)

(d) Pull the knot tight by pulling evenly on the two free ends. The centre of the knot should have a diamond or square shape. Hence the name. it also should look like two loops linked together

(e) Here is an easy way to remember this: think of left and right. If, for the first hitch, the end on the left goes over and under, then for the second hitch the end on the right goes over and under

(f) Uses: a. Typing a triangular bandage b. As a parcel knot c. Joining two pieces of ropes of equal thickness



3. Sheet Bend

(a) Bend on end (call it end A) into a J shape, where the working end is the long part of the J. Hold it in your non-dominant hand

(b) Take the end (end B) of another rope in your dominant hand and move it under the loop of the J. Then thread end B up through the loop of the J

(c) Wrap end B around the short side of the J shape. Pass end B all the way under the loop and up the long side of the J shape

(d) Now, pass end B across the loop (e) Push end B through the section of end B where it first snakes up through the J

shape. Then pull end B out, it should pass over the short side of the J shape (f) Pull tight on end B first. Then pull the two working ends to secure the knot

(g) If you are joining two ropes of different qualities, notice which end is harder to tie. Is one end thicker, stiffer or rougher? This one should be end A. The thinner, more flexible, or more slippery of the two ends should be end B. then tie the sheet bend as described above

(h) Uses: a. To temporarily join two ropes, especially if the ropes are of different sizes



4. Clove Hitch

(a) Start by looping the free end over your leg (for practice) or a post. Then pass the free end under the object. Bring the free end up and cross it over the top of the working end

(b) Pass the free end over and under the object again in the same direction as the first loop. Leave the place where the rope crosses over the working end rather loose. Bring the free end up again. Note that the two loops don’t cross or overlap but lie parallel to one another

(c) Pass the free end through the place where the rope crosses over. Pull the hitch tight by pulling on both ends

(d) Uses: a. To attach a rope to a pole b. To start and finish lashings

5. Sheer Lashing

(a) Without Frapping a. Place the two poles to be lashed side by side b. Start with a Clove Hitch round both poles c. Make about ten turns round both poles, tightening at each turn d. Finish off with a Clove Hitch round both poles. Do no make any

frapping turns e. To tighten lashings, wood wedges can be driven between poles near the

lashings f. Uses:

i. To join two poles together to make a longer pole

(b) With Frapping a. Start with a Clove Hitch round one of the poles (not both). Twist the free

end round the rope b. Make about ten turns round both poles. Do not make these tight otherwise

you will have difficulty with the frapping turns c. Make frapping turns between the poles d. Finish it off with a Clove Hitch round the other pole



e. Uses: i. To make sheer legs (A-Frame)

ii. A lifting tackle may be suspended at the intersection of the poles for lifting objects

6. House-keeping Knot

(a) Fold up approximately ¾ length of the rope into equal sessions. (b) Wrap the remaining ¼ length along the body of the folded session. (c) Tuck in the remaining free end of the rope. (d) Uses:

a. For proper storage of ropes to prevent them from entangling together. b. As a temporary knot to keep the unused long portion of the ropes.



Outdoor Activities (Bronze) – Lesson 3 (Basic Map Reading 1) Lesson Objective At the end of the lesson, the trainees will be able to: a. Understanding of map (scale, grid, etc) b. Know how to use a Silva compass c. Setting of map d. State proper care for maps and compass Method of Instruction a. Demonstration by instructors Equipment and Training Aids a. Silva compass b. Maps



A TOPOGRAPHY MAP Maps are two-dimensional representations of the three dimensional world. A topography map uses markings such as contours lines to simulate the three-dimensional topography of the land on a two-dimensional map. To use a map, one must learn about the basic language of maps, namely, map symbols and colours, scale of a map and grid reference.

MAP SYMBOLS AND COLOURS Topography maps use specific symbols and colours to designate different features shown on the maps. For instance, black is usually used to designate man-made features such as roads, buildings, etc and blue to designate water, lakes, rivers, streams, etc. other colours like brown designates contour lines and green designates areas with substantial vegetation (like forest, jungle, etc.). Examples of map symbols are shown below: Map Legend

Transportation

Limited Access Hwy

Multi-lane Divided Road

Private Road

Residential Street

On-ramp

Railroad Track

Airport

Political Features

State/Provincial/International Boundary

Capital City

Larger City

Smaller City/Town/Neighborhood

Urban Area

Rural Area

Body of Water

Recreational Area/Park

Places of Interest

Golf Course

Sporting Venue

Shopping Center

Hospital

Government/Military/Education Facility

N

S

EW

NE

SW SE

NW



MAP SCALE The scale of the map is usually listed in the margin. A scale of 1 : 50,000 means 1 unit on the map, is equivalent to 50,000 units in the real world. To better illustrate what this means, a measurement of 1 cm on the map between 2 points A and B means the distance between A and B in the real world is 50,000 cm. a measurement of 1 m on the map between 2 points C and D would mean that the distance between C and D in the real world is 50,000 m.

GRID REFERENCE A map is drawn according to latitude and longitude lines. Latitude lines run parallel to the equator. Longitude lines run perpendicular to the equator. Both latitudes and longitudes are measured in ‘degree’ and for more accurate readings, the degree readings are split into smaller units called ‘minutes’. Any position on the topography map can be identified by means of a Grid Reference. The grid reference is obtained by taking a longitudinal reading (X-axis) followed by a latitudinal reading (Y-axis).

Referring to Diagram 1 above, Point A: 4-digit grid reference is 6355. 6-digit grid reference is 630550. Point B: 4-digit grid reference is 6554. 6-digit grid reference is 650545. Point C: 4-digit grid reference is 6353. 6-digit grid reference is 635535. In the example above, noted that 4 and 6-digits grid references have been used. It is also possible to obtain 8-digit grid references if more accurate instruments are available.

56 55 54 53

62 63 64 65

Diagram 1

B

C

Latitudinal

Longitudinal

A



THE SILVA COMPASS A compass consists of a magnetized metal needle that floats on a pivot point. The needle orients to the magnetic field lines of the Earth. A Silva Compass (Diagram 2) is a compass and a protractor all in one instrument that has been designed to make finding the way easy and quick. It consists of the following parts: 1. Base Plate 2. Straight edge and ruler 3. Direction of travel arrow 4. Compass housing with 360 degree markings 5. North label 6. Index line 7. Orienting arrow 8. Orienting lines 9. Magnetic needle – North End Red 10. Magnetic needle – South End White 11. Magnifying glass 12. Landyard

Landyard

Base Plate

Magnifying Glass

Compass Housing with 360 Degrees Markings

Straight Edge And Ruler

Orienting Lines

Magnetic Needle North End Red

Orienting Arrow

North Label

Magnetic Needle South End White

Direction of Travel ArrowIndex Line



COMPASS BASICS The primary use of a compass is to take bearings. A bearing is a horizontal angle measured clockwise from the North to some point either on a map or in the real world and it is used to accurately travel to a destination or to locate one’s position. The compass is graduated in degrees and there are 360o in the compass circle (or compass rose). The cardinal directions (North, South, East and West) are 90o apart. To read a bearing off the compass, one simply sees what the number on the compass housing the index line is point at. In Diagram 3, below, since the Index Line is point to 300o on the compass housing, we say the bearing obtained by the compass is 300o.

If the Index Line points to the number 70 on the Compass Housing, then the bearing would be read as 70o. SETTING A MAP (ORIENTING A MAP)



It is easier to read a map when the map is oriented to the surrounding landscape. If a person sees a knoll on his left, then the knoll must show on the left on the map. We can set a map by taking the following steps:

a) Place the map on a flat ground and the compass on top of it such that the orienting lines are parallel to the longitude lines.

b) Without moving the compass from the position, turn the map till the magnetic

needle points to the magnetic north.

c) When the above-mentioned step is done, the map is said to be set or oriented.

CARE OF MAPS AND COMPASSES



1. Do water-proof the map with talc before using it. 2. Do remove the talc and unfold the map after it has been used. 3. Do store the compass in a proper manner – away from magnetic sources and from

each other. 4. Do not fold a map unnecessarily. If a map has to be folded, do it such that the folds

are along the same fold-lines made in the past. 5. Do not draw or write on a map. 6. Do not drop a compass. 7. Do not place the compass in a strong magnetic field.



Outdoor Activities (Bronze) – Lesson 4 (Outdoor Cooking 1) Lesson Objectives At the end of the lesson, the trainees will be able to: a. Cook a simple meal using solid fuel and mess tins Methods of Instruction a. Demonstration by instructors b. Trainees will try to cook their own meals using the various cooking method. Equipment and Training Aids a. Solid fuels b. 1 Set of Mess tins (2 per set) c. Match sticks or lighter d. Food for cooking Safety Precautions a. Choose the location carefully; keep away from flammable objects of at least 3 to 5

metres. b. Check the prevailing wind direction and avoid the smoke from blowing towards the

tents. c. Avoid turfing whenever possible. Turfs must be removed and replaced neatly. d. Personal safety precautions include typing back long hair, rolling up loose sleeves

and not to wear frilly outfits and plastic or synthetic garments while starting or tending a fire.

e. Always leave a pail of water within easy reach for safety measures. f. Never leave fire unattended, even temporarily.



BASIC STEPS FOR OUTDOOR COOKING 1 – Urban Cooking

1. Check that you have the following items (1 Set of Mess tin, 1 foldable Stove, Match Sticks or Lighter, 2 pieces of solid fuel & 1 packet of Instant Noodles)

2. Chose your locations wisely, remember to situate your fire at least 3 metres away from tents, trees, roots and other flammable items. Identity the direction of prevailing wind.

3. Apply Cif (Cleaning agent) or toothpaste at the base of the mess tin that you are

using to cook Instant Noodles so as to prevent the mess tin from being burnt and for easier washing up.

4. Open the foldable stove and place it down on the ground.

5. Put one piece of solid fuel onto the stove.

6. Light your solid fuel by using either a match stick or lighter.

7. Upon lighting up, place a mess tin (smaller mess tin) ½ filled with water and use the other mess tin (the bigger one) as cover. This will speed up the boiling process.

8. Monitor the fire and add in more fuel if necessary (solid fuel) to prevent the fire

from burning out.

9. Put the instant noodles into the water when the water starts to boil. Once the noodle is cooked, do let the solid fuel burn till the flame is gone.

10. Do remember to wash your mess tins and stove after use.

OA Bronze Notes

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