The White River Canoe and Kayak Race is a three-day, 120-mile marathon that’s been held annually in Arkansas since 1966. After taking a couple of years off due to the COVID pandemic, the race returned this summer.
While most Scouts who earn the Art merit badge probably do so at summer camp, the badge is a great offseason option. In fact, art museums across the country offer workshops to Scouts, often in conjunction with other classes they teach.
The 1911 Handbook for Boys suggested Scouts avoid long ventures, citing weighty canvas tents, cast-iron pans and heavy personal gear anchoring most troops to campsites accessible by automobile. Thankfully, things have changed since then.
There are few places in North America where you can safely drink water from a lake or stream. And at about 8 pounds per gallon, clean water can be a real drag if you have to carry it far. The alternative is to go light and purify what you need.