Section 10 EO C190.03 – CONSTRUCT A HOOTCHIE-STYLE SHELTER
Resources needed for the delivery of this lesson are listed in the lesson specification located in A-CR-CCP-801/PG-001, Proficiency Level One Qualification Standard and Plan, Chapter 4. Specific uses for said resources are identified throughout the instructional guide within the TP for which they are required.
Review the lesson content and become familiar with the material prior to delivering the lesson.
Prepare all materials required for the construction of a hootchie-style shelter for each group of cadets.
Prepare an example hootchie-style shelter.
Nil.
A demonstration and performance was chosen for TP 1 as it allows the instructor to explain and demonstrate setting up a hootchie-style shelter while providing an opportunity for the cadets to observe and ask questions.
A practical activity was chosen for TP 2 as it is an interactive way for the cadets to experience setting up shelters in a safe and controlled environment.
Nil.
By the end of this lesson the cadet shall have constructed a hootchie-style shelter.
In a survival situation, it is very important to be able to construct an effective shelter. A shelter protects a person from weather, animals and insects. They can also provide warmth, shade and comfort. The hootchie-style shelter is effective for squadron aircrew survival exercises.
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Teaching point 1
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Explain and demonstrate the procedure for constructing a hootchie-style
shelter.
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Time: 25 min
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Method: Demonstration
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In order to effectively build a hootchie-style shelter, the following supplies will be needed:
Two military-style groundsheets that properly zip together (these are also called half shelters or utility sheets).
Three metres of twine or thin rope.
Several pegs or small twigs.
Spade or small shovel.
Knife or scissors.
1.Apply the site selection principles when constructing the hootchie.
2.Ensure that the two trees are spread approximately ten feet apart (or the length of the groundsheets allowing for approximately two feet for the entrance).
1.Inspect the material for fatigue and wear (should not have holes as it would allow rain and other objects into the completed shelter).
2.Ensure that the zippers on the groundsheets are not damaged.
3.Inspect the grommets on each groundsheet to ensure they are in good repair so that they can be utilized for holding pegs down.
4.The twine used should be strong enough to hold the two groundsheets up and allow enough give for the fatigue that is experienced when cadets enter and leave the shelter.
1.The two groundsheets are zipped together to form a sufficient bond.
1.Using a clove hitch, tie each end of the zipped groundsheet to the two trees with the twine provided, cutting the excess twine for future use.
2.Ensure that the shelter is tied at the waist of the tallest occupant. This height allows enough head room when the shelter is complete.
3.The two groundsheets should be pulled tight as possible between the two trees to prevent rain from collecting and stops the shelter from sagging after extended use.
4.When tying the shelter, ensure that the flap at the peak of the shelter covers the zipper and that there is enough room on one end for an entrance and exit.
1.Using an appropriate length string, pull the string through the grommets that run along the bottom of the groundsheets.
2.Tie the string together to form a loop. Using these loops, tightly pull each corner of the groundsheets out from the centre and peg them using small twigs.
3.Leave the edge of the groundsheet about 5 cm above the ground for ventilation.
4.After the corners are pegged, peg the remaining grommets in between the two corners on each side.
When each side of the shelter is pegged, it should be flush, tight surface with no wrinkles. This tight surface allows for efficient run-off of rain.
Ensure that the flaps for the doors are tied together prior to pegging. If the doors are not tied they may not tie together properly when the shelter is tightly pegged.
1.Dig small trenches 10 cm away from the sides of the shelter to allow for effective drainage of rainwater.
2.Trenches should be approximately 10 cm in width and 5–10 cm deep.
3.When the shelter is complete, dry grass or hay can be used as bedding.
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Teaching point 2
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Have the cadets construct a hootchie-style shelter.
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Time: 60 min
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Method: Practical Activity
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The objective of this activity is to have the cadets construct a hootchie-style shelter.
Two groundsheets,
Three metres of twine or thin rope,
Several pegs or small twigs,
Spade or small shovel,
Knife or scissors, and
Flagging tape.
Nil.
Divide the cadets into groups of two. Each group member should be of the same gender.
Direct cadets to find a suitable site to build a hootchie-style shelter.
Issue required resources to each group of cadets.
Direct each group to construct a hootchie-style shelter.
Nil.
The cadets’ participation in the activity will serve as confirmation of this lesson.
Nil.
Nil.
In a survival situation, it is very important to be able to construct an effective shelter. A shelter protects a person from weather, animals and insects. They can also provide warmth, shade and comfort. The hootchie-style shelter is effective for squadron aircrew survival exercises.
The directives outlined in CATO 11-08 Environmental Protection and Stewardship are to be adhered to during this training.
C3-002 ISBN 0-00-653140-7 Wiseman, J. (1999). The SAS survival handbook. Hammersmith, London: HarperCollins Publishers.
C3-003 ISBN 1-896713-00-9 Tawrell, P. (1996). Camping and Wilderness Survival: The ultimate outdoors book. Green Valley, ON: Author.
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