Hammock Camping for Scouts

September 10, 2013 By Clarke Green

Our latest ScoutCircle presentation featured Derek Hansen, Scoutmaster and hammock camping guru. If you are curious about hammocks and how Scouts can use them take the time to watch the presentation.

Derek is a great speaker and shares all of the basics in this presentation; here’s the resources mentioned:

Hammock Forums

Derek’s website The Ultimate Hang

Derek’s hammock suppliers list

Derek’s book The Ultimate Hang on Amazon (available as a Kindle E book)

Tags: Camping Skills, Hammocks, Tarps and Tents

About Clarke Green

Clarke has worked with thousands of Scouts and Scouters as a director at his local Scout Camp (Camp Horseshoe), and as a Scoutmaster for 30 years. He is the recipient of a number of awards recognizing his service to Scouting, including the B.S.A.’s Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, and is a Vigil Honor member of Octoraro Lodge 22. He is author of the blog and podcast at Scoutmastercg.com, The Scouting Journey, and Thoughts on Scouting. An avid outdoorsman and amateur actor, he lives in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania with his wife Teddi.

Comments

Bill McMahon says

September 24, 2013 at 10:43 am

I’ve been Hammlock camping since before Shug was making videos. As an LNT Master Educator they have become a cornerstone for impact reduction (when appropriate of course)in the LNT Trainer Courses we run. In fact the whole troop has mimicked this Happy Hanging Scoutmaster and we now all use hammocks almost exclusively. I think the best thing about Hammock Camping is that it forces the Scout to become more self reliant and more conscientous with their gear.
Steve Macedo says

September 15, 2013 at 7:34 am

Been a hammock camper for the last couple of years now. Converted a couple of scouts and working on more. Even converted my son into a full time hanger.
Derek mentioned posting info on making cheap hammocks and materials list for the scouts. Has that been posted anywhere.
Dave Griffin says

September 12, 2013 at 10:38 pm

Hammocks have their place in scouting but be careful not to fall into the trap that tents no longer have a place. Tent camping reinforces teamwork, patrol method and lifelong friendships. How many great laughs, tall yarns told and quiet conversation memories are had tenting with a couple buddies.
Gary Sisley says

September 11, 2013 at 1:58 pm

Derek,
I am a firm believer in Hammock camping. In fact the first picture in your presentation is me relaxing with my hat over my eyes in one of my Hennessy hammocks from the Hennessy web site. The hammock behind me is my brother’s. There were 3 more not in the picture.
Gary Sisley SM Troop 260 Milwaukee
Michael H says

September 10, 2013 at 9:38 pm

Hammock camping will officially be supported by scouting when it is a viable option at Philmont. I fully believe that hammocks, provided utilizing straps can be a much better LNT options at Philmont than tents.
- Clarke Green says
  
  September 10, 2013 at 10:07 pm
  
  I think the articles in both Scouting and Boy’s Life magazines are pretty strong expressions of support!