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"Be Prepared."
It is one of the most famous mottos in the world. And in a world of screens and instant gratification, the idea of being self-reliant feels more important than ever.
This Sunday, February 8, is Boy Scouts Day.
It marks the birthday of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), founded in 1910. Whether your child is in a troop, or you just want them to know how to survive a weekend without WiFi, today is the day to celebrate the great outdoors.
Manny (our resident penguin) considers himself an Eagle Scout, mostly because he eats fish and sleeps on ice. He is currently struggling to tie a square knot with his flippers.
Here is how to bring the spirit of scouting into your home this weekend.
Why We Celebrate: The "Good Turn" Legend
The Boy Scouts of America wasn't started by a committee; it started because of a foggy night in London.
In 1909, American businessman W.D. Boyce was lost in the London fog. A young boy helped him find his way but refused a tip, saying he was a Scout and it was his "Good Turn" for the day.
Boyce was so impressed that he brought the concept back to the U.S. and incorporated the BSA on February 8, 1910.
Today, we celebrate not just the badges, but the values: character, citizenship, and fitness.
The Big Why: We celebrate because knowing how to start a fire or read a map builds confidence that a video game just can't match.
3 Ways to Make Today Memorable
1. The "First Knife" Rite of Passage (The Tool)
There is a moment in every kid's life where they are ready for the responsibility of a pocket knife.
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The Move: The Whittling Lesson.
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The Amazon Find: The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife (Classic SD).
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Why we love it: It is the classic for a reason. It’s small, manageable for smaller hands, and has the essential scissors and tweezers. It teaches respect for tools without being intimidating. Grab a bar of soap and let them "whittle" a bear—it’s the safest way to learn.
2. The "Bushcraft" Education (The Book)
You don't need to go deep into the woods to learn survival skills. You can do it in the backyard.
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The Move: Learn one new skill (shelter building or tracking).
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The Amazon Find: "Bushcraft 101" by Dave Canterbury.
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Why we love it: This is the ultimate field guide. It teaches the "5 Cs of Survivability" in a way that is easy to read. It’s a New York Times bestseller because it makes you feel capable just by reading it.
3. The "Fire Starter" Challenge (The Skill)
Nothing feels more like magic to a kid than creating fire without a match.
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The Move: The Ferro Rod Strike.
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The Amazon Find: The Bayite Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter.
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The Activity: Take the kids to the driveway or fire pit. Give them some cotton balls (tinder) and let them practice striking the rod to create sparks. The look on their face when the cotton ball ignites is priceless. It’s science and survival rolled into one.
The Perfect Gift for the Happy Camper
If you have a family member who loves camping (or just loves gadgets), give them the light that never dies.
Our Editors' Pick:
Why we love them: These are collapsible lanterns that are incredibly bright and seemingly indestructible. You just pull them up to turn them on. They are perfect for pillow forts, backyard camping, or actual emergencies. Plus, they come in a 4-pack, so everyone gets their own.
Perfect for: The family that loves a backyard campout.
Shop Vont Camping Lanterns on Amazon
Join the Conversation
We have to know:
Can you tie a Bowline Knot?
(It’s the one where the rabbit comes out of the hole, goes around the tree, and back in the hole).
Manny is currently tied to a chair. Send help.
Tell us your survival skills (or lack thereof) in the comments on Instagram or TikTok and tag us @OnManyOccasions!
Don't Miss the Next Celebration
February is full of fun! Do you know when National Pizza Day is? (It’s coming up on Feb 9!).
Download our Free 2026 Celebration Calendar and never miss a fun holiday again.
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