If homework isn't the only thing on your child's after school agenda, then this is the show for you. From scouting to dancing, and all the sports in between, if children are involved, the need to clean up after the activity is sure to follow....
Joining host Linda Cobb is Cub Scout Pack 441 of The Grand Canyon Council (figure A) and dancers from The McGing School of Irish Dance in Cincinnati, Ohio. Between them, they will learn how to clean everything from a costume fit for a princess to the camping gear of a rugged scout.Cleaning Scouting Gear
- Mess Kits -- Take the dishes apart and wash in soapy water. Rinse in clear water. Do a final rinse in a bleach water solution. Rub a bar of soap over the exterior bottom and sides of the dishes (figure B) to prevent them from sticking together. The layer of soap will also help prevent dirt from sticking to the dishes if they are placed on the ground while camping, and makes it easy to clean them after they are used.
- Canteens -- Remove the exterior cover and wash in a washing machine if dirty. Wash canteen in soapy water and rinse, making sure to hold the canteen under water until the soap is completely rinsed from the interior. Rinse in a final solution of baking soda and water to remove any odors and thoroughly clean out the inside of the canteen.
- Tents -- Rub wet brushes over a bar of Fels Naptha soap and scrub the outside of the tent, then rinse (figure C). To remove sap from a tent, mix glycerin and water in equal parts. Apply to the sap and let it stay on the sap for a little while. The sap should rub right off the tent fabric.
Tip: Pack tent poles in an old pillow case or canvas bag to prevent accidental punctures to the tent fabric. - Sleeping bags -- Wash according to manufacturer's directions but add approximately half of a cup of borax to the water. Not only will the borax boost the cleaning power of the detergent, but it will remove any odors in the sleeping bags. Borax is completely non-toxic, so you don't have to worry about using it in an area where kids will sleep.
- Pots and pans -- Scrub pots and pans in soapy water. Rinse in clean water, then dip in a final solution of baking soda and water for a natural, safe rinse.
- Grill racks -- Place in a plastic bag with paper towels and ammonia, which will loosen the burned on food. Leave overnight. Take out of the bag and hose off thoroughly. The grill should come clean immediately.
- Knives -- Before opening knives (figure D), Cub Scouts must make sure they are not in anyone's blood zone. They must stand and make a complete circle with the closed knife held in an outstretched hand. If there is no one in the area they can open the knife and either run it through sand to clean it, or take a soapy cloth and wipe it down. Then the knife must be carefully dried to prevent rust.
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