Fire Preparation

Knife skills used to prepare reliable fire materials.

Shelter Construction Support

Knife skills used to prepare stakes, poles, and structural components.

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Camp Utility Tasks

Knife skills used to create useful camp tools and equipment.

This domain trains the use of knife skills to prepare materials used in basic shelter construction.

The goal of the scenario is to build a functional shelter component. However, this training focuses on preparing the wooden components needed to support shelter construction.

These scenarios teach how to use knife skills to create stakes, structural poles, and notches that stabilize shelter frames.

Read the situation and task, review refresher videos if needed, and prepare the required materials using only the tools and conditions listed.

Repeat the scenario until you are comfortable with your competency in the task.

Shelter and Knife Skills Refresher

• Basic Shelter Setup
• Blade Control and Notches
• Basic Notch Carving

Situation

You need to secure a tarp or simple shelter using stakes made from available wood.

Starting Conditions

You have:

• one knife
• access to natural wood

Branches may need to be cut, broken, or trimmed to usable lengths using only the knife.

Knife Mission

Prepare:

• 4 shelter stakes

Knife Work

1. Select straight pieces of wood about finger thickness that are solid and not rotten.
2. Cut each piece to a length of approximately 8-10 inches.
3. Carve one end of each piece to a sharp but sturdy point for driving into the ground.
4. Carve a notch about 2 inches below the top of each stake to secure cordage.

Build

Drive each stake into the ground at a slight angle away from the shelter line, then attach cordage to the notch.

Preparation Check

Confirm the following:

• stake points penetrate the ground easily
• cordage notches hold securely
• the stake does not split when pushed or driven into the ground

Situation

You are preparing poles to support a simple shelter frame.

Starting Conditions

You have:

• one knife
• access to natural wood

Branches may need to be cut, broken, or trimmed to usable lengths using only the knife.

Knife Work

1. Select straight branches about wrist thickness.
2. Trim small side branches flush with the surface of the wood.
3. Smooth trimmed areas so no sharp edges remain that could damage shelter material.
4. Shape the pole ends: flatten one end if it will rest against another pole, or carve a point if it will be set into the ground.

Preparation Check

Confirm the following:

• poles are straight and sturdy
• no branch stubs remain
• poles remain stable when firm pressure is applied

Situation

Two shelter poles must fit together securely.

Starting Conditions

You have:

• one knife
• access to natural wood

Knife Work

1. Select a straight pole about wrist thickness.
2. Identify and mark the point where the pole will rest against the support pole.
3. Cut a saddle notch at that location.
4. Smooth the notch so the pole sits firmly without slipping, removing only enough wood for the pole to seat securely.

Build

Place the notched pole against the support pole and test the fit to ensure the notch holds the pole securely.

Preparation Check

Confirm the following:

• the notch holds the pole securely
• the notch is deep enough to prevent slipping
• the pole does not flex or crack at the notch when firm pressure is applied

After practicing these shelter construction tasks, continue to Camp Utility Tasks, where knife skills are used to create practical tools and equipment for camp use.