Boys 2 Men Program participants practice tying a bowline knot with the help of instructor Donnie Chappell. | Clif Knight

What boy 10 to 14 years of age doesn’t want to know what needs to be packed in a backpack prior to a back woods weekend camping trip?

Hartselle karate instructor and outdoorsman Donnie Chappell provided the answers for 15 boys who are participating in a Boys 2 Men Program sponsored this week by Hartselle Parks & Recreation.

Chappell emptied his personal camper’s backpack on a pavilion table in Sparkman Park Monday morning and spent an hour identifying each item and explaining why it is important to the outdoorsman.

Of particular interest to the boys were his razor-sharp bowie knife and all-purpose pocket knife, lightweight foil emergency blanket, a soldier’s vacuum packed meal and first aid kit.

Chappell concluded his presentation by demonstrating the use of an extractor to remove the poison from a bee or snakebite. He also repacked his backpack and showed the boys how to tie a bowline knot.

Travis Badger, an employee of the National Resource Conservation Service, followed Chappel with a talk and demonstration on Self-reliance.

Tuesday session topics were “The Changes of the Teenage Body” with Johnny Jones, “Respect for Women and Yourself” with Dr. Shane Lewis and ”Basic Housekeeping and Proper Handshaking Skills” with Jon Anderson.

Wednesday’s session featured a demonstration of power tools and lawn care equipment by David Christian.

Darren Tucker is scheduled to lead a demonstration on “Basic Automotive Care” on Thursday while and Elliot Ashberry will teach the group “How to Detail a Car”.

On Friday, Wayne Jones will demonstrate “Simple Cooking and Outdoor Grilling”.