FSD Outdoor Blog

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10 Qualities of the Most Patriotic Americans

There are a lot of discussions about what qualities makes a person patriotic or not. There’s an unseen line, sometimes, that can blur depending on your own experiences and on which side of the line you personally resign.

But there are several qualities everyone can agree upon. The qualities that reflect the best of this country and show what it truly means to be an American.

1. Civil Service –

A true patriot believes in a civil service, that is actions that make their town, state, or country better. This can be anything from running for office to helping someone cross the street during busy times. No matter how small or big the deed might be, the idea is the same: improve the lives of those around you.  

2. Respect –

I think it’s safe to say that most people understand respect wrong. There are two forms of respect. Basic human respect. And respect for someone that has achieved something great. And here is where people get it confused. Most people tend to think that if someone does not respect them as if they have achieved something great, they are then allowed to not respect the other person as a basic human. This, once written clearly, is obviously wrong. A true patriot respects everyone wholly. They respect life, even if it’s a life they wouldn’t live. They respect achievement, even if they don’t have an interest in it. They simply respect.

3. Diversity –

Where others may see some, if not all, aspect of diversity as a negative; a true patriot believes diversity is a blessing. People of different races, genders, beliefs, creeds, and opinions make life special, make the world incredible. A patriot believes the differences in people makes them great; not the similarities. This is, afterall, the melting pot of the world. Diversity is the heart of America.

4. Checks and Balances –

As a concept, Checks and Balances are in place to ensure no one person or group has too much power. Sadly though, anytime a person has been in power they’ve tried to remove some of the strength of checks and balances only to wish it was restored once they lose that power. A true patriot understands that checks and balances is the only way to real liberty, real democracy. This starts and ends with the understanding that just because an individual truly things something is right, it doesn’t mean that everyone else must think so, too. 

5. The Declaration of Independence –

The great playbook of our country is, no matter what, the heart and soul of a patriot. The concept that every living person is of equal value, should have equal rights, and have the ability and right to pursue a life of happiness and fulfillment is undeniably beautiful. A true patriot will always respect that, even if their own agenda or beliefs must be put aside. 

6. Religion –

A patriot believes that religion is a personal pursuit. While they might be pious in every regard, they do not believe that their religion should be expressed, pushed, or used by the state. To blend the two, church and state, defeats many of the other qualities of a patriot.

7. Honesty –

To tell the truth is such a simple idea but such a difficult task. Many are quick to lie when they risk ruin; whether it be professional, wealth, respect, or reputation. But a true patriot believes that honesty is everything. If they face a consequence for being honest, they will meet it head on. And expect others to follow in this way.

8. Conviction –

The drive to do what’s right is everything. If someone has the belief to make the world better but does not have the drive, then nothing gets done. A true patriot has the conviction to do the right thing, even in the face of danger. They know that their actions define them and they will act with the conviction needed to make a difference.

9. Time –

A patriot understands the nature of time. Our time is fleeting. The laws, rules, and actions we take impact more than just those of us alive today. A true patriot will take an action with the understanding that those that come after us will inherit what we do; and that our goal should be to give them the best world, the best life, the best framework to continue improving. 

10. Charity –

The act of giving, whether it be time, money, or effort, Charity is the heart of a patriot. Most people reach a station in life that is basically given to them. When those that are privileged to have more than others, to have an easier time climbing and living, they reach out with what they’ve gained to give back to those in need. Some of the best patriots throughout history are those altruistic souls that give without thought, give without reward, give without end.

Patriots come in all kinds of different shapes, sizes, and credence. Adults to children, liberals to conservatives, leaders to followers. Any person that reflects the backbone of this great nation is, without a doubt, a true patriot.

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6 Tips For Camping With Your Dog

Camping with your dog can be a great experience for you and for your dog. For most of us, our dog is a member of our family, a true friend. Having them with us while we experience the great outdoors is amazing and certainly worth the effort.

But it can come with its difficulties, too. So here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re camping with your canine companion.

Tip 1: Dog Friendly

The first step to camping with your pooch is to find places that are dog friendly. Not every campsite will allow your dog to even enter the site.

But more than that, most campsites will have different rules regarding your dog. Some won’t allow dogs of a certain size or even breed. Some will allow dogs only during certain times. There will be rules about what equipment the dog must have. The list goes on. Just make sure you research where you want to take your dog and know the rules before you visit.

Tip 2: Get Control

You have to take a real, unbasis look at your dog. I know it’s easy for us to think our dog is the best dog of all the dogs (I know my dog is). But if you’re taking your dog to a campsite, you’re not just responsible of your dog, you’re responsible for how other people feel.

Other campers that see your dog matter. If they see you pulling you dog around as you bark commands at him, they’ll think your dog is dangerous, even if he’s just excited. They might complain and you’ll find yourself in a pickle.

Get control of your dog so they are not only safe, but others feel safe. I know it sounds like a lot of pressure on you, but it’s the only way to ensure a safe and fun adventure for all parties involved.

Tip 3: Test It Out

The city is very different than a campsite. Your backyard is different than a campsite.

What I mean to say, your dog at the campsite will have a unique experience. It doesn’t matter how good your dog is at the dog park or in your own home, the campsite is different.

This is why it’s imperative to have a chance to test out nature with your dog. You get to see them in a new experience and they get to practice it and work out any kinks.

Nature can be scary. No matter how good of a dog you have, go ahead and test it out first.

Tip 4: Plan For Your Pup

If you’re a very active camper and hiker but your dog is old and not very active, you have to change how you camp for your dog.

Once you decide to bring your dog camping, it’s all about them. If you’re used to relaxing but have a very active puppy, get ready for a busy time.

The more your camping situation is planned with your pup in mind the better time you both with have.

Tip 5: Documentation

Just in case, make sure you have proof of ownership of your pup, their tags are up to date, and all shots are current and you have proof of them. This is just in case something should go wrong or someone starts freaking about your dog.

You’ll have all information to quench any fears.

If you know the campsite in advance, you can make a new tag that has not only the usual information for your dog but also the campsite information.

Tip 6: Bring Too Much

If this is your first time camping with your dog, make sure you bring too much. Bring extra bowls for them. Too much food, too many poop bags, and extra collar and leash, too.

The idea is that having too many things is much better than having not enough. Running out of dog food or having your only leash break when you’re stuck at the campsite can spell disaster.

As you figure out your dog and camping with them it’s worth it to have too much as a precaution.

Camping with your pup is a great way to bond with them and have some new experiences. But this comes with a certain amount of danger. Luckily, the right preparations and forethought will dispel most of that trouble so you can just enjoy camping with your canine companion.

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Super Simple Tips For Making A Campfire Every Time

Every person has a unique strategy they swear by when it comes time to start a fire. For some, it is a methodical process, rich with science and understanding.

Others go from the hip, they trust their gut and they do what they think will work.

To be an expert fire starter, you have to balance the head and the heart, the science and the art. Here are a few tips that will help you the next time you’re making a campfire.

Wind

The wind, either a burst or a sudden flow, can reduce your chances of making a successful campfire down to zero.

The first thing you want to do is figure out what direction the wind is coming from. After that, you’ll want to build up a wall to intersect the wind.

It doesn’t need to be massive, you’re just trying to get your first few sparks enough time to grow. You can dig a pit for this, form a wall with rocks, or you can even pile up your firewood in the way of the wind.

Finally, when you’re applying spark to your tinder, make sure you block as much as you wind as you can with your free hand.

Rotting Wood

Rotting Wood is not usually useful in a fire. It is eaten up quickly and gives us very little energy. But Rotting Wood is good for one thing, tinder. And in most locations it is plentiful.

Use a small hatchet to cut chips from the rotten wood. To make a place for chopping, you can place a good piece of wood flat on the ground and use that as a cutting table. These chips are great for starting a fire and you can almost always find enough to use.

Pile

How your place the tinder is as important as the type of wood it is. Don’t just make a pile and hope it lights. You want to build a little teepee or create a stack of wood in a square.

Pick any shape, but the idea is that you want as much space in between as possible. Space means air and air means a fire that isn’t struggling to eat.

Feed It

Ideally, you’re not just going spark, either from a match or flint, to tinder. You need to light something else. Things like dried leaves, dried grass, some moss, shreds of cloth, and so forth are ideal here.

Place this material in between your pile of tinder and light the material. Slowly add more material to it as the fire needs. This will grow slowly and slowly until the tinder is lit. From there, it’s easy.

Seasoned or Green

All wood is not the same. When you cut down a tree, the wood is often called Green Wood. This means there is a lot of sap in wood. This means when it is burning, the sap is taking the heat instead of the wood, making it burn worse. With Seasoned wood, all that sap is dried out and the wood burns much better, producing more energy than Green.

When you are looking at wood you want to check out the grain. If it is rich with cracks that radiate from the center of the log, then you are looking at a good piece of wood, one that will burn very well.

The more campfires you create the more you can trust your gut. Building that gut feeling takes time. But with time, you’ll have the perfect balance of experience and knowledge that will fuel every fire you make.