CHAPTER 4: LESSON SPECIFICATIONS COURSE TITLE: GREEN STAR COURSE ENABLING OBJECTIVE AND TEACHING POINTS CTS NUMBER: A-CR-CCP-116/PC-001 TRAINING DETAILS BUSHCRAFT: 403.07 5. TIME: One 30 minute period. 1. PERFORMANCE Construct a shelter. 2. CONDITIONS: a. Given (1) appropriate equipment; and 6. METHOD/APPROACH: a. lecture; b. demonstration; and c. performance. 4-15/4-62 (2) a training area. b. Denied N/A. 3. STANDARD The cadet will participate as a member of a team in the construction of an improvised shelter as detailed by the instructor ensuring: a. maximum protection from the elements; b. easy accessibility; and c. siting the shelter. 4. TEACHING POINTS: a. selecting a wilderness shelter site; b. Tents and pre-made shelters; and c. types of shelters: (1) lean to; (2) fallen tree; and (3) A frame. 7. SUBSTANTIATION The cadet must know how to construct an improvised shelter in order to be able to function in the field. 8. REFERENCES Cadet Reference Book (page 3-26 to 3-28) and Master Lesson Plan. 9. TRAINING AIDS NA. 10. TEST DETAILS The cadets must participate in constructing a shelter while participating to a field exercice. 11. REMARKS: a. Selecting the site for your shelter is a process deserving a lot of consideration. It will affect your comfort intimately for the duration of your stay. There are several factors you should consider in selecting a site: (1) Site your shelter near building material and conserve energy; (2) Locate near a source of fuel. Particularly in the cold months of the year, a great deal of your energy will be expended carrying fuel; and, (3) Site your shelter Locate as close as possible to a source of drinking water, but keep back from rivers or lakes which may flood after a rain b. Note that you must concentrate to teach the A frame shelter. Additional time to practice is required. A-CR-CCP-118/PH-001
A-CR-CCP-121/PT-001 c. fresh meat and fish can be smoked to cure it, or leave it to dry in bright sun on a rack; and d. food can be fried in a pan on a stove, or on a rock by a fire. EO 403.07: CONSTRUCT A SHELTER INTRODUCTION When you construct your shelter in the wilderness you need to consider several factors. Not only do you need protection from wind, precipitation and direct sunlight, you must also consider the effect your activities have on the environment around you. SELECTING A WILDERNESS SHELTER SITE To protect yourself and your shelter: a. avoid overhanging tree branches and other overhead hazards; b. avoid open hilltops you will be exposed to wind and lightning; c. avoid depressions where water might pool after rainfall; d. ensure you are at least 100 m from your cooking area (bears and other animals will be attracted to food smells); e. orient the opening of your shelter away from the wind; and f. never site your shelter on a road or path. To lessen the impact on the environment and other wilderness users: a. ensure you are at least 100m from open water local wildlife relies on water access for survival and your presence at the water s edge may interrupt their habits; b. select a shelter site out of the direct view of other wilderness users at least 10m from a trail, path or road; and c. construct your shelter on a durable surface like sand, rock or grass fragile plant life may be permanently damaged by your use of the area. Avoid moving large stones and branches. TENTS AND PRE-MADE SHELTERS Tents and pre-made shelters come in many styles, sizes, shapes and materials. Most will use poles (aluminum, carbon fibre or fibreglass) and guy lines for support, and will be constructed from a lightweight water-resistant material. Tents and shelters are traditionally made from 3-25
A-CR-CCP-121/PT-001 nylon, polyester, canvas or cotton. Some require pegs driven into the ground for support. No tent or shelter is fire proof, so use extreme caution with open flame. Modern tent styles include dome, tunnel and ridge (or a-frame) designs. Each tent is rated by the manufacturer for 3-season (spring, summer and fall), or 4-season use. A 4-season tent has stronger materials and is designed to withstand strong winds and use in cold environments. For backpacking expeditions, choose a tent or shelter that offers sufficient protection for you and your kit. Sometimes you can divide the parts of the tent to carry among the other members of your tent group the group of people sleeping in one tent. Each tent will be rated for the number of people that are supposed to fit in the tent to sleep. Often, you will need to choose a tent rated for at least one more person than you plan to have in your tent group to allow for room for your kit. Some tents have a small sheltered area at the door, called a vestibule, to allow a storage area for kit. Some tents use a separate fly (a waterproof tarp that fits over the tent) to keep you dry, while some have just a single wall and roof with waterproof qualities. All tents must be dried completely before long-term storage. IMPROVISED SHELTER Pre-made shelters, lightweight tarps, bivi-bags, and military ponchos and half-shelters can be used as light weight alternatives to a tent. The easiest improvised shelter is the A-frame shelter. Check for sufficient height by sitting up inside it should not touch your head. Keep the sides low to protect you from wind, and to trap body heat.. To construct an "A" type shelter: a. select two trees that are approximately seven feet apart; b. zip the two ground sheets together, or use a tarp 3m x 3m; c. attach a string to the centre grommet and tie to a tree at waist level (high enough to sit upright inside) with the rubberized side of the groundsheet down. Be sure to protect the tree by wrapping twice or more, or by padding the string where it goes around the tree. Repeat this at the other end. The fabric should be tight; 3-26
A-CR-CCP-121/PT-001 d. pull the edges of the groundsheet out and place pegs through each of the corner grommets. Sturdy twigs that are approximately five inches long will serve well as pegs. Starting with the corners, then pegging the centre is easier. There should be approximately three inches gap between the ground and the ground sheet, this will allow for air to circulate through and reduce the condensation; and e. attach a sting to the grommets on the top sides of the ground sheet and pull the sides out (shown below). This will give you more room inside and prevent rain from pooling. Note: Elastic cords can be used instead of string, and small metal tent pegs will speed up the setup. EO 403.08: FOLLOW CAMP ROUTINE AND DISCIPLINE IN THE FIELD HYGIENE A high standard of personal hygiene is important in the field because it protects you against illness and promotes good health. Keep yourself, your clothing and your equipment clean and dry. Change your clothes, especially socks and undergarments, regularly. Avoid nonbiodegradable soap, and soaps or shampoos with perfumes or strong odours animals and insects will find you more irresistible than you would probably prefer. Good personal hygiene not only makes you feel better, your teammates will appreciate it too! 3-27
ROYAL CANADIAN ARMY CADETS Star Program Master Lesson Plan GREEN STAR COURSE PO: BUSHCRAFT ENABLING OBJECTIVE(S): 403.07: Construct a Shelter REFERENCE(S): A. A-CR-CCP-118/PH-001 Green Star Course Training Plan; Chapter 4; page 4-61/4-62; B. A-CR-CCP-107/PT-001 Adventure Training; Chapter 3; C. A-CR-CCP-121/PT-001 Cadet Reference Book; pages 3-26 to 3-28; SUPPLEMENTARY REFERENCE(S): A-CR-CCP-924/PT-001 CIL Training School Adventure Training; Page 54. TRG AID(S): A. OHP; B. OHP Slides; C. Tent and/or CF Utility Sheet X 2, 3m X 3.7m 6mil Polyethylene Sheet D. Twine E. Outdoor Area to Practice STUDENT AID(S): A. Pencil and notebook B. Green Star Handbook METHOD: Lesson, Demonstration, Performance TIME: 1 x 30 Minutes NOTE: The time allocated is sufficient to teach the theory and concentrate on the A-Frame shelter. Additional time to practice in a nearby outdoor area is required. REVIEW TIME: 3 Minutes I EO 403.06: Discuss the principles of outdoor cooking with water procured in the field. 1. What are three ways to make water collected in the field safe to drink? Answer: a. bring to a rolling boil; b. filter; or c. treat with chemicals (iodine). 2. What are some ways of cooking fresh food in the field? Answer: a. boiling; b. roasting; c. baking in coals; 2006-05-04 1/6
d. frying in a pan. INTRODUCTION TIME: 1 Minute WHAT: WHY: WHERE: In this lesson cadets will learn about selection of a shelter site and how to construct a shelter. The ability to erect a tent and/or construct a shelter can greatly affect a cadet s comfort while in the field. A shelter is a necessity of life and a cadet s ability to construct a shelter will increase their chances of survival in the wilderness. Cadets will apply the knowledge learned in this lesson whenever they participate in a field training exercise, when camping, or on the discovery of being lost in the field. BODY I STAGE 1: SELECTION OF A SHELTER SITE INSTR NOTES TIME: 10 Minutes 1. General: When selecting a site for a shelter there are many factors that must be considered. Not only do we need to consider factors such as precipitation, wind and direct sunlight we must also consider the impact on the environment that our shelters will have. a. To Protect yourself and your shelter: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) Avoid overhanging tree branches and other overhead hazards Avoid open hilltops Cadets will be exposed to wind and lightning; Avoid depressions where water might pool after rainfall; Ensure there is at least 100m from shelter and cooking area; Have the opening of the cadets shelter away from the wind; and Never site you shelter on a road or path, including game paths. b. To minimize impact on environment and other wilderness users: (i) Ensure shelters are at least 100m from open water 2/6
local wildlife rely on water access for survival and human presence may interrupt their habits; (ii) (iii) Select a shelter out of the view of other wilderness users and at least 10 meters from a trail or path, and Construct your shelter on a durable surface like sand, rock or grass fragile plant life may be permanently damaged by your use of the area. Avoid moving large stones and branches. 3. Tents and pre-made shelters: come in many sizes styles and shapes and materials. Most use poles of various materials (such as aluminum, carbon fiber and fiberglass) and guy lines for support. Tents are constructed with a lightweight water-resistant material and are traditionally made from nylon, polyester, canvas or cotton. Some require pegs driven into the ground. No tent is fire proof and most are highly flammable, therefore cadets should be very careful with open flames. 4. There are various styles of tents such as dome, tunnel, and ridge (or A-frame). Tents are also rated by season: a. 3 Season: made for use in summer, spring and fall. b. 4-Season: tent designed to withstand strong winds and use in cold weather through the use of stronger materials and thicker poles. 5. For backpacking purposes the following should be kept in mind: a. Choose a tent that offers sufficient protection for both the person and their kit. b. Tents are usually rated for the number of people that can fit. Tent sizes and ratings vary according to manufacturer. If possible try the tent in the store w/sleeping pad and packs. You may need to choose one rated one person higher than you need. c. Some tents have a sheltered area outside the door called a vestibule which makes room for storage of kit and boots; d. Except for some high-end single wall models, tents should come with a fly (a waterproof tarp) that should fit completely over the tent to keep you dry; and e. Tent weight is directly related to size, number and 3/6
II CONFIRMATION STAGE 1 diameter of poles and weight of the fabric. 1. What are some things to keep in mind when selecting a site for a shelter? Answer (Stage 1, para 1, sub para a. & b.) 2. What are some things to keep in mind when selecting a tent for backpacking? Answer (Stage 1, para 5) III STAGE 2: SHELTERS TIME: 10 Minutes 1. There are many types of shelters that might be constructed depending on available materials and time. For this lesson we will consider three: lean-to, fallen tree, and A Frame. The first two use natural materials and involve cutting of trees. Since this is not always possible we will focus on the third type using man made material. 2. The A-Frame is the easiest of the improvised shelters. All cadets need to construct an A-frame shelter is 2 ground sheets/tarp/6 mil polyethylene and some twine. To assemble an A-frame: a. Select 2 trees at least seven feet apart. b. Fasten 2 ground sheets together or use a 3m X 3m tarp (10ft by 12ft tarp or plastic is also suitable). c. Attach a string to the centre grommet and tie to a tree at waist level (high enough to sit up inside) with the rubberized side of the groundsheet facing down. Be sure to protect the tree by wrapping twice or more, or by padding the string where it goes around the tree. Repeat at the other end. The fabric should be tight. d. Pull the edges of the groundsheet out and place pegs through each of the corner grommets. Sturdy twigs can be used in place of pegs. It is best to peg the corners first, then peg toward the center. There should be 3 inches between the ground and the lower edge of the ground sheet, which will allow for air circulation and thus reduce condensation. 3. If you are using 6 mil plastic then make the following adjustments: 4/6
a. Tie a length of 3mm rope between the trees to serve as a ridge pole for the plastic. b. Make buttons to attach the string by placing a pinecone, penny or similar object in the desired location and tying the string around the plastic and the object. c. Using string, attach the plastic to the ridge pole using several clove hitches. d. Use the same technique to attach guy lines for the pegs. e. Although plastic comes in large rolls, keep you shelter to two or three person size. Hoochie hotels usually collect sufficient water during rainstorms for the occupants to have an unexpected bath. 4. LEAVE NO TRACE: When striking your shelter remember to leave no trace. Pick up all string and other garbage. Use the natural materials to disguise your site. Remember the wilderness code of ethics: Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints. IV CONFIRMATION STAGE 2 1. What are the three types of shelters? Answer (Stage 2, para 1) 2. How high from the ground should your A-frame shelter be? Answer (Stage 2, para 2, sub para d) 3. How do you attach string to your shelter material if there is no grommet where you need one? Answer (Stage 2, para 3) PERFORMANCE CHECK TIME: 4 Minutes I Cadets must participate as a member of a team in the construction of an improvised shelter, as detailed by the instructor, ensuring: a. maximum protection from the elements; b. easy accessibility; and c. siting the shelter. II Respond to the following questions. 5/6
1. What is the difference between a 3 season tent and a 4 season tent? (Stage 1, para 3) 2. When selecting a site for a shelter, what are some things to keep in mind to lessen the impact on the environment? (Stage 1, para 1, sub para B) 3. Describe the procedure in constructing an A-frame shelter with ground sheets/plastic/tarp? (Stage 2, para 2) CONCLUSION TIME: 2 Minutes SUMMARY: A. In this lesson cadets have learned about selection of a shelter site, tents or pre-made shelters, the 3 types of shelters, and construction of an A-frame using a ground sheet or tarp. B. A properly constructed shelter or erected tent will directly affect your comfort. It will keep you dry, out of the wind, sun and keep you warm. It could also save a cadets life while caught in a survival situation. RE-MOTIVATE: A. Comment on student progress. B. Cadets will apply the information learned in this lesson whenever they are required to construct a tent or shelter in the field. C. The next lesson is following camp routine and discipline in the field. 6/6