The Book of Camp-Lore and Woodcraft

by Daniel Carter Beard

The Book of Camp-Lore & Woodcraft by Dan Beard, the founder of the American Scouting movement, who believed that having boys build things with their hands was not only a detriment to making mischief, but also the basis for building great lives. In this belief, Beard was indefatigable, and every Scout worth his merit badge was expected to read his classic tract on camp-lore and woodcraft. In this classic, probably Dan Beard's favorite among his many books, he takes boys on a camping trip and instructs them in the art of building a fireplace and lighting a fire, designing a campsite, cooking flapjacks (not to mention muskrats and porcupines), packing a trail horse, pitching a tent and handling an axe. His texts were successful, and continue to be successful, because they threw boys back to their own devices, encouraged initiatives, and gave a convincing argument that the outdoors provided excitement and could be enjoyed by anyone who took the time to prepare.

Genres: Nonfiction, Survival, Outdoors

270 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1911

About the author

In 1905, writer and illustrator Daniel Carter Beard, known as "Dan," founded the sons of Daniel Boone, who in 1910 merged with the newly formed Boy Scouts of America.

"Uncle Dan" Beard, author, led youth and society later.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_...

Reviews

[Luke Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too surprisingly this book seems to be written mostly in the context of Scouting, or at the least static camping in large groups. Most of the techniques described (from camp cooking to building shelters) are extremely time intensive by today's standards and would now likely only be employed for the joy of the thing itself, not the utility of it.

Quite a bit of space is dedicated to the use of pack animals, which the author seems to think indispensable, and "man-packing" (the carrying of one's own gear) doesn't even get its own chapter, but is lumped in with dog packing!

Even in a bushcraft/primitive camping context only some of this book is terribly applicable, but as can be expected Beard's lovely illustrations and throughly unique writing style more then make up for it. While I would recommend this book for historical context and just plain fun, many of its contemporaries will prove more useful for someone wanting to go "camping in the old style."

[Mark P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1920, the book is dated in places yet still relevant in other sections. It's a primer for scouts, younger kids, or anyone interested in the old ways of camping. I first came across it a few years ago while meeting a father who was using it to teach his son how to camp. It's still in print 125 years later so people are still reading it. I enjoyed reading it.