Empty your backpack and leave everything behind. All you need on your next Scouting outing is your smartphone.
OK, so maybe that’s an exaggeration.
What is true, though, is that for the two-thirds of Americans who own smartphones, it’s now possible to fit reference books, a GPS device, a weather radio, a compass, a map, a camera, a field guide, a recipe book and more in your pocket.
But which apps are worthy of downloading (or even — gasp! — paying for) to enhance your Scouting experience? Your fellow Scouters helped me compile the ultimate list below.
First, though, a quick note on smartphones in Scouting. They’re here to stay; resistance is futile. When used properly, these technological tools can actually improve your Scout unit. The BSA’s Deputy Chief Scout Executive, Gary Butler, made a compelling case for viewing them as a cure, not a curse. Read his comments here.
With that out of the way, check out the best Scouting apps after the jump.
The best Scouting-related apps
Here’s the list with links to download them. I should point out that most of these aren’t “official” Boy Scouts of America apps.
Yahoo Weather
Devices: Android, iOS
Cost: Free
Description: Considered by many the current best weather app. Gives accurate hourly, 5-day, and 10-day forecasts to help you properly pack for your next Scouting adventure.
KNOTS 3D
Devices: Android, iOS
Cost: $0.99
Description: This easy-to-use app is popular among Scouters and Scouts because it’s fun and allows you to digitally tie, untie and rotate more than 90 knots with just your finger.
Kindle reading app
Devices: Android, iOS
Cost: Free
Description: Now that official BSA publications like the new Fieldbook are being introduced digitally (in addition to the traditional print version), the Kindle reading app becomes even more powerful. I like that if you buy a book once, you can view it on all your devices, even if you use a mix of Android, iOS, PC or Mac.
DUTCH OVEN CALCULATOR
Devices: Android
Cost: Free
Description: It could use a design update, but there’s no simpler app for calculating the number of charcoal briquettes needed to cook a given recipe in a camping Dutch oven.
Download: Here.
GEOCACHING
Devices: Android, iOS
Cost: $9.99
Description: The only app you need to enjoy the fun outdoor activity that spawned a Boy Scout merit badge. Helps you find one (or a dozen) of the 2 million geocache containers hidden across the globe. “My Scouts always love it when I start up the Geocaching app when at camp,” Scouter Richard Walters says. “They love getting a group together and grabbing a cache wherever we go.”
AUDUBON BIRDS PRO
Devices: Android, iOS
Cost: $3.99 for Android, $9.99 for iOS
Description: Help your Scouts or Venturers identify birds they see or hear with this excellent app that includes 821 species, 3,200 images and eight hours of bird sounds. I like that 8 percent of every sale goes directly to Audubon to support its mission to conserve and protect nature’s at-risk birds and wildlife.
CAMERA+
Devices: iOS
Cost: $1.99
Description: My favorite iOS camera app, it’s an upgrade to Apple’s built-in Camera application, featuring lots of handy tools to capture Scouting memories.
Download: Here.
CAMERA ZOOM FX
Devices: Android
Cost: $2.99
Description: My favorite Android camera app, this one’s fast and feature-rich to make your Scout meetings, campouts and trips look even better.
Download: Here.
STAR WALK
Devices: Android, iOS
Cost: $2.99 for iOS, $3,17 for Android.
Description: There’s something magical about the night sky, especially on a camping trip. This app helps you understand just what you’re seeing. I love the augmented reality feature that labels all the stars, constellations and satellites you point your phone at.
FIRST AID BY AMERICAN RED CROSS
Devices: Android, iOS
Cost: Free
Description: The only app on this list that may some day save a life. The official American Red Cross First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. Includes videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice.
Adobe reader
Devices: Android, iOS
Cost: Free
Description: Save a tree! The BSA is making more and more of its forms and guides (like the Guide to Safe Scouting) available online as PDFs. A PDF reader allows you to easily view these, fill them out, search them and share them. There are others with more features, but this one’s free.
Gaia GPS
Devices: Android, iOS
Cost: $19.99
Description: It’s not cheap, but Gaia GPS is by far the best hiking GPS app around. It offers the functionality of a standalone backcountry GPS unit and lets you download maps for those times when you don’t have a cell signal.
Advancement-tracking tools
I know that many advancement-tracking tools are out there on Android and iOS, and most have robust Web features, too. But I didn’t want to single out one as “best” because I don’t have enough experience with them. If you’ve found one you like, share your experience in the comments section.
Your turn
Which of the apps above do you like or dislike? Which of your favorites are missing from the list? Your comments below will keep this list fresh. Thanks!
Note: Prices were accurate at time of posting but may have changed.
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