CHAPTER 4: LESSON SPECIFICATIONS
COURSE TITLE: RED STAR COURSE
CTS NUMBER:
ENABLING OBJECTIVE AND TEACHING POINTS
BUSHCRAFT:
403.17
1.
PERFORMANCE — Identify the various components of a
bivouac site.
2.
A-CR-CCP-116/PC-001
TRAINING DETAILS
5.
TIME — One 30 minute periods.
6.
METHOD/APPROACH:
a.
lecture; and
b.
performance.
CONDITIONS:
a.
Given — paper and pen; and
b.
Denied — assistance.
3.
STANDARD — The cadet must identify all the elements of a
bivouac site and locate them on a diagram.
4.
7.
SUBSTANTIATION — The cadets must have an understanding
of the layout of a bivouac such that they will be able to select a site
when they become leaders.
8.
TEACHING POINTS:
REFERENCES —
a.
Cadet Reference Book (pages 3-59 to 3-62);
4-31/4-32
a.
bivouac components;
b.
A-CR-CCP-107/PT-007 (chap 3); and
b.
tips for finding a good bivouac site;
c.
Master Lesson Plan.
c.
bivouac site organization and safety; and
9.
TRAINING AIDS — Diagram of bivouac site.
d.
food hang.
10.
TEST DETAILS — As per the Standard Statement.
11. REMARKS — The cadets can be divided into two groups and
asked to create the "perfect bivouac site" — the instructor can then
evaluate the two proposals and see which one is superior.
A-CR-CCP-119/PH-001
A-CR-CCP-121/PT-001
EO 403.17: IDENTIFY BIVOUAC SITE AND ALL
ITS VARIOUS COMPONENTS
BIVOUAC SITE – PRISTINE WILDERNESS LOCATION
Prevailing
wind
Water
access
Washup site
or
latrine
B
100m
A
E
D
100m
C
100m
Wash-up site or
latrine
Trail
access
A – sleeping area
B – kitchen
C – food hang
D – POL point
E – garbage point (animal-proof)
1 – HQ, first aid and stores
2 – male lines
3 – female lines
A – Sleeping area
organization
1
2
3-57
3
A-CR-CCP-121/PT-001
A bivouac site in a pristine wilderness location looks different than an
established campground. Each component of the site is spread out, both
to make the impact less severe on one area, as well as to protect your
team from unwanted visits from local animals. Note that the prevailing
wind blows cooking, latrine and garbage smells away from your
sleeping area.
In an established campsite, the locations for latrines, wash-up areas,
shelters and kitchen may already be set for you. Be sure your team
members use these established facilities.
Remember to avoid areas that show little use or damage – choose
another location to allow that site to fully recover.
TIPS FOR FINDING A GOOD BIV SITE
The key to a good biv site is planning. Do not wait until the last
moment before dark to pick a site. Look at your map and have a couple
of areas picked out before you arrive. Give your team at least one hour
of daylight to get set up and a meal cooked. You can judge how much
daylight you will have by keeping track of when it gets dark on the
days leading up to your activity, or by holding your hand horizontally
under the sun – for each finger width between the sun and the horizon,
you have about 15 minutes. If you are using established sites, plan
your travel to ensure you arrive in time.
Choose a location that is large enough for your group. Look for a
source of clean water, privacy for wash-up and latrine areas, dry level
sites for shelters, and a safe place to hang (hide) your food. Remember
to select places where the ground cover is very durable – grass, sand,
rock, clear forest floor or snow. Avoid wetlands, ferns, new
undergrowth or delicate foliage.
In the winter, or cold weather, choose a site that is protected from the
wind. A location half-way up a hillside, with a south exposure, is a
good place. Cold air will pool in valleys and depressions and hilltops
are subject to strong wind.
Heavy vegetation, wet land and dense brush are havens for insects in
warm weather. Look for a site that has some open areas for wind to
blow through. Higher altitudes will have fewer bugs.
3-58
A-CR-CCP-121/PT-001
Always check for danger – overhead branches, loose rocks on slopes,
or large amounts of snow uphill. Look for signs that your site might be
subject to flooding in heavy rain, and avoid obvious paths for mud,
rock or snow slides.
Choose a site that is visually pleasing. Your team’s morale and
motivation will improve with a nice biv site.
BIV SITE ORGANIZATION AND SAFETY
Keep your site organized by ensuring that all team members know
exactly where each component (kitchen, sleeping, latrine) is planned to
be. Once shelters are erected, all personal kit is placed in or beside
each person’s shelter. All guy lines for shelters should be low and not
strung across footpaths.
Team equipment can be placed at the HQ or placed in an obvious
location for team use. Return all equipment to its location after use.
A well organized and clean biv site is very important if the weather
gets bad, or if there is an emergency. Prepare a small sketch map of the
site with each shelter and a list of its inhabitants.
If you have containers for POL (petroleum, oil, lubricants), then you
will need a safe place for storage and refilling stoves and lanterns. Pick
a visible site, downhill and downwind from the kitchen, with a solid
and level surface. Stoves and lanterns not in use can also be stored
there. Ensure that no one lights a stove or lantern at the POL point. Use
a flashlight at night for refueling.
FOOD HANG
All animals are attracted to food. This is why it is very important that
when you are out on An expedition that you “animal proof” your food.
This could include locking it up in your vehicle, putting it into animalproof food containers or barrels, or hanging food packs from a tree.
Before you select a site to hang your food you should be looking
around for animal indicators. These can include tracks in the snow,
sand, dirt or on a path. Look for signs on the trees like claw marks,
missing bark, and look for scat on the ground. Avoid areas with berry
patches, acorns or nutcrops on the ground, and orchards – these attract
not only humans but animals. Some parks and wilderness areas
provide animal proof garbage and food areas.
3-59
A-CR-CCP-121/PT-001
When you hang up your food pack, remember that you are to include
all of your food, snacks, gum, candy, any beverage, plus toiletries. In
another pack you should put all of your cooking utensils, pots, pans,
and all clothing that you cook in. You should never go into your tent
with the clothing that you cooked in – change right after cooking and
wash your face and hands after meals.
To hang your food and equipment:
a. make sure the tree is at least 100m from your camp site and
cooking area;
b. find a tree with a strong branch at least 6m from the ground. If
one is not available use a rope attached to two trees;
c. make sure the pack is at least 5m off the ground and 2m from
the tree trunk;
d. if available you can hang food over a rock face or cliff for the
night; or,
e. if the above is not available, hide your food in air sealed
containers under bushes and rocks away from any path or trail.
You can place pots on top to act as a warning device and
deterrent.
EO 403.18: OBSERVE HIKING TECHNIQUES
Walking with a pack is different than just walking. There are
techniques that will make you more comfortable and efficient. Always
stretch and warm up before starting a trek.
FOOT CARE
Use a comfortable insole and ensure that you change your socks
regularly on a long trek. Keep your feet dry – use foot powder to keep
3-60
Electronic documents are subject to change, before re-using refer to the DTICS web site to verify the current version.
Les documents électroniques peuvent être modifiés. Avant de réutiliser, toujours vérifier le site DTICS pour vous assurer de la version.
Electronic documents are subject to change, before re-using refer to the DTICS web site to verify the current version.
Les documents électroniques peuvent être modifiés. Avant de réutiliser, toujours vérifier le site DTICS pour vous assurer de la version.
ROYAL CANADIAN ARMY CADETS
Star Program
Master Lesson Plan
RED STAR COURSE
PO: BUSHCRAFT
ENABLING OBJECTIVE(S):
REFERENCE(S):
A.
B.
403.17: Identify the Various Components of a Bivouac Site.
A-CR-CCP-119/PH-001 Red Star Course Training Plan; Chapter 4, Page
4-31/4-32.
A-CR-CCP-121/PT-001 Cadet Reference Book; Pages 3-59 to 3-62.
SUPPLEMENTARY REFERENCE(S): Hiking and Backpacking – A Complete Guide; Karen
Berger; Pages 102-107 and 164-168
TRG AID(S):
A.
STUDENT AID(S): A.
B.
METHOD:
Diagram of a Bivouac Site
Red Star Handbook
Pencil and notebook
TIME: 1 x 30 Minutes
Lecture
REVIEW
I
EO 403.06:
1.
TIE A BOWLINE, FISHERMAN’S KNOT, CLOVE HITCH AND A
SQUARE LASHING
When using rope terminology, what does the term standing part mean?
Answer:
live end.
2.
TIME: 2 Minutes
The term standing part refers to the remainder of the rope excluding the
How are lashings useful when on a corps exercise?
Answer:
Lashings are useful in the construction of improvised shelters, equipment
racks, and other structures.
3.
Where can a bowline be most effective?
Answer:
The bowline can be tied to the end of a rope and used as a lifeline. The
bowline’s fixed loop will neither tighten nor slip under strain and therefore would be a
good rescue knot.
INTRODUCTION
2006-05-04
1/6
TIME: 1 Minute
WHAT:
During this period of instruction cadets will learn to identify the various components of a
bivouac and the factors that aid in the selection of a good site.
WHY:
A bivouac site is a cadet’s home in the field. Selecting a good bivouac site with the
necessary components can greatly affect a stay in the field.
WHERE:
Cadets will use this knowledge while planning, setting up and carrying out duties in a
bivouac site.
BODY
I
STAGE 1:
1.
INSTR NOTES
COMPONENTS OF A BIVOUAC SITE
TIME: 8 Minutes
Elements of a Bivouac: The following elements should be
included in the set-up of a bivouac:
a.
Sleeping Area – This area usually consists of three
components, male and female sleeping areas and a HQ
area;
b.
Kitchen – Where meal preparation and eating shall be
done;
c.
Food Hang – location where food can be hung from trees
to keep animals away;
d.
POL – secure place to store petroleum, oils and lubricants
e.
Garbage Point – needed to prevent animals from
wandering into sleeping area of your bivouac site;
f.
HQ First Aid and Stores – located in the HQ tent within
the sleeping area.
g.
Latrine: If at all possible, before building a latrine, make
use of an outhouse that may already be available. Many
campgrounds have portable toilets that you can use as
well. If you must build a latrine, construct it at least 100
meters away from your bivouac site, down wind and not
close to your water source.
h.
Source of Water/ Wash up area: Be sure to get all
drinking water from a reliable source if possible. Always
boil water procured in the field to purify it. If collecting
water from a fast moving stream always get your water
upstream from both washing and laundry areas.
i.
Access Road/Trail: An access road for all vehicles, and
2/5
Instructor should
demonstrate with a
Diagram of suitable
bivouac area
more specifically for the safety vehicle, must be planned.
You must ensure that the access to this road is kept clear at
all times
2.
II
III
Optional Components: The following are a list of components
that you may want to include but are not mandatory:
a.
Fire Point: An area designated by the course officer
where extinguishers, water buckets, shovels and any
additional tools likely to be used in case of emergency are
kept. It is recommended to put them in a central point,
away from the POL point.
b.
Quarter Master’s Tent: More commonly known as the
supply tent, it should be located close to the access road
near the main body of the bivouac area. A tool rack
should be constructed near or inside the QM tent so the
Supply Officer can properly administer the tools needed
for the exercise.
c.
Fire Pit: Fire Pits must be at least 100 meters away from
the bivouac encampment and strictly in open areas.
Permission to have a fire pit must be granted by local
authorities.
CONFIRMATION STAGE 1
1.
Why is a Food Hang a necessary component of a bivouac site?
Answer (Stage 1, para 1c)
2.
What are some components that you need in a bivouac site?
Answer (Stage 1, para 1 a-i)
STAGE 2:
1.
TIPS FOR FINDING A GOOD BIVOUAC SITE AND
ORGANIZATION AND SAFETY OF A BIVOUAC
SITE.
Tips for Finding a Good Bivouac Site: The key to a good
bivouac site is planning. Do not wait until the last moment before
dark to pick a site. Look at your map and have a couple of areas
picked out before you arrive. Give your team at least one hour of
daylight to get set up and a meal cooked. You can judge how
much daylight you will have by keeping track of when it gets dark
on the days leading up to your activity, or by holding your hand
horizontally under the sun – for each finger width between the sun
and the horizon, you have about 15 minutes. I f you are using
established sites, plan your travel to ensure you arrive in time.
The following are a list of considerations to keep in mind when
3/5
TIME: 5 Minutes
choosing a bivouac site:
2.
a.
Choose a location that is large enough for your group.
Look for a source of clean water, privacy for wash-up and
latrine areas, dry level sites for shelters, and a safe place to
hang (hide) your food.
b.
Select places where the ground cover is very durable –
grass, sand, rock, clear forest floor or snow. Avoid
wetlands, ferns, new undergrowth or delicate foliage.
c.
In the winter, or cold weather, choose a site that is
protected from the wind. A location halfway up a hillside,
with a south exposure, is a good place. Cold air will pool
in valleys and depressions and hilltops are subject to
strong wind.
d.
Heavy vegetation, wet land and dense brush are havens for
insects in warm weather. Look for a site that has some
open areas for wind to blow through. Higher altitudes will
have fewer bugs.
e.
Always check for danger – overhead branches, loose
rocks on slopes, or large amounts of snow uphill. Look for
signs that your site might be subject to flooding in heavy
rain, and avoid obvious paths for mud, rock or snow slides.
f.
Choose a site that is visually pleasing. Your team’s
morale and motivation will improve with a nice bivouac
site.
Organization and Safety – The following are some points to help
organize and create a safe bivouac site:
a.
Keep your site organized by ensuring that all team
members know exactly where each component (kitchen,
sleeping, latrine) is planned to be. Once shelters are
erected, all personal kit is placed in or beside each
person’s shelter. All guy lines for shelters should be low
and not strung across footpaths.
b.
Team equipment can be placed at the HQ or placed in an
obvious location for team use. Return all equipment to its
location after use.
c.
A well-organized and clean bivouac site is very important
if the weather gets bad, or if there is an emergency.
Prepare a small sketch map of the site with each shelter
and a list of its inhabitants.
4/5
d.
IV
If you have containers for POL (petroleum, oil, lubricants),
then you will need a safe place for storage and refilling
stoves and lanterns. Pick a visible site, downhill and
downwind from the kitchen, with a solid and level surface.
Stoves and lanterns not in use can also be stored there.
Ensure that no one lights a stove or lantern at the POL
point. Use a flashlight at night for refueling.
CONFIRMATION STAGE 2
1.
What are some considerations when choosing a site for a bivouac
area?
Answer (Stage 2, para 1 a-f)
2.
What are some things you can do to help organize and keep you
bivouac safe?
Answer (Stage 2, para 2 a-d)
TIME: 5 Minutes
V
STAGE 3:
FOOD HANG
1.
General: All animals are attracted to food. This is why it is very
important that when you are out on an expedition that you “animal
proof” your food. This could include locking it up in your
vehicle, putting it into animal proof food containers or barrels, or
hanging food packs from a tree. Before you select a site to hang
your food you should be looking around for animal indicators.
These can include tracks in the snow, sand, dirt or on a path.
Look for signs on the trees like claw marks, missing bark, and
look for scat on the ground. Avoid areas with berry patches,
acorns or nut crops on the ground, and orchards – these attract not
only humans but also animals. Some parks and wilderness areas
provide animal proof garbage and food areas.
2.
Hanging your Food: When you hang up your food pack,
remember that you are to include all of your food, snacks, gum,
candy, any beverage, plus toiletries. In another pack you should
put all of your cooking utensils, pots, pans, and all clothing that
you cook in. You should never go into your tent with the clothing
that you cooked in – change right after cooking and wash your
face and hands after meals. The following are steps to follow
when constructing a food hang:
a.
make sure the tree is at least 100m from your camp site
and cooking area;
b.
find a tree with a strong branch at least 6m from the
ground. If one is not available use a rope attached to two
5/5
trees;
VI
c.
make sure the pack is at least 5m off the ground and 2m
from the tree trunk;
d.
if available you can hang food over a rock face or cliff for
the night; or
e.
if the above is not available, hide your food in air sealed
containers under bushes and rocks away from any path or
trail. You can place pots on top to act as a warning device
and deterrent.
CONFIRMATION STAGE 3:
1.
What are some indicators that animals have or are in the area?
Answer (Stage 3, para 1)
2
How do construct a food hang?
Answer (Stage 3, para 2 a-e)
PERFORMANCE CHECK
I
TIME: 8 Minutes
Cadets must identify all the elements of a bivouac site and locate them on a diagram.
1.
Instructor should hand out a blank copy of a bivouac site and cadets should fill in the
blanks on locations of specifics.
CONCLUSION
SUMMARY:
RE-MOTIVATE:
TIME: 1 Minute
A.
During this period cadets have learned qualities and selection of a good
bivouac site and food hanging.
B.
Remember to always lay out your bivouac using the elements used in this
lecture.
A.
Comment on student progress.
B.
A bivouac site is a cadet’s home in the field. Selecting a good bivouac
site with the necessary components can greatly affect a stay in the field.
C.
The next lesson in Bushcraft will be Observe Hiking Techniques.
6/5