Camping trips are designed around advancement, service, and fun.  We try to offer the boys something new that they have not experienced before and to learn about nature, wildlife, and how to live in the outdoors.  What we do in the troop is a direct function of the involvement of the boys and what they want to do.

 The Gear Guy

Camping Fees

For all upcoming trips, we must have the camping fee turned in to the troop on the Tuesday prior to departure.  This is important so we know who is going, and to properly purchase the food for the weekend.

 

The cost of the campouts is determined from the food costs and any associated costs for camping fees.  We do not pass on the gas costs of the vehicles.  The leaders are absorbing this cost from their pwn personal pocket.  For a 5 meal weekend (Saturday Breakfast, lunch, supper and Sunday Breakfast and lunch), the average meal costs will be between $10-$15, depending on what is chosen by the Scouts for their menu.  The patrol actually plans their menu and purchases the food.  The menu sets the price.

 

What to Bring

There are certain items that should be taken on all camping trips:

• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Small pillow (optional).  I often use a rolled up coat as a pillow.
• Sleeping pad (not a cot)
• Change of clothes
• Change of shoes
• flashlight
• camp chair
• Scout handbook
• extra socks (wool socks along with liners are recommened for hiking)
• rain gear (rain gear must be moisture proof or at the very least moisture resistant.  A windbreaker for example will  not keep the rain off.  The purpose of rain gear is to keep dry in all conditions)
• Shower items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel, wash cloth)
• FULL Scout Uniform (to be worn when leaving and returning)
• Winter clothing for cold weather (we recommend that you layer clothing.  A short sleeve shirt and a heavy coat is not adequate camping gear)
• pocket knife (preferrable with a locking blade) along with a Totin' Chip

For Cold Weather

• Sweater
• Long sleeve shirts
• Gloves

• Wool pullover hat (something warm for head)
 
• Warm Jacket

What we have available on a trip

Each patrol has an individual chuck box which contains their stove, plates, utensils, cups, and most items they need to cook and prepare meals.  We discourage the use of throw away plates and cups as this adds to our landfills and also requires us to hall this trash away.

 

The patrols have a shelter under which they can cook.  We have picnic tables that are used for eating and to play games.  Gas lanterns are used for lighting at night.

 

Internet sites for purchasing gear

1. Campmor
2.  REI
3.  Coleman

 

What we recommend for gear (Under development)

First, I found an article written in Boys Life from the gear guy who has some tips on equipment.  Please read this:  article

 

What is important in purchasing gear is to get the purchase right the first time.  I have purchased numerous items, not knowing what to purchase when I was first starting out.  THere is a lot of gear out there and new items coming on the market all the time.   It is important know your budget and what you are willing to spend.

 

There are a few things to consider.  Is the gear going to be dropped off at a campsite or is your son going to have to hike the gear in?  Weight needs to be a consideration when selecting gear as well as size.  We do plan on going backpacking, therefore it is important to look for gear that can pack well.

 

Tents: 

Sleeping Bag:

Rain gear: