Troop 533 Patrols

Scouts are assigned to a Patrol with both Troop & Patrol Leadership - Please contact your Patrol Leaders and then Senior Patrol leaders for all questions and comments.  All Scout names assigned by Patrols, including Troop & Patrol positions, are viewable via www.Scoutbook.com and at the Troop 533 Members ONLY Website (link at bottom of every page).

Each Patrol includes the following Leadership Structure: Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Quartermaster

Packing List for Camping

General Information

• Put your NAME ON EVERYTHING.  Gear is often mistaken for one's own and accidently taken home by its non-owner....or left and lost with no means to identify its home. This is easily remedied by having your name clearly marked on ALL YOUR GEAR and ALL YOUR CLOTHING.  Mark your gear.

• The Troop supplies group-level camping equipment such as tents, tarps, and cookware. You're responsible for providing all personal use gear. When it comes to your gear, purchase what you are ready for, building your equipment supplies as you grow in your camping experience and scouting.  As you get older, you will be more capable of taking care of your gear with learned experience. Some items should be purchased with your future in mind, others are simple/basic and will remain the same throughout your weekend camping experiences (i.e. your mess kit in a mesh bag).

• One item to consider with your parents.... the sleeping bag.  You don’t need the most expensive sleeping bag and yet you don’t want to skimp either - a good bag will add to your comfort and can last throughout your camping experiences if taken care of and used with a sleeping bag liner and/or blanket. 

• Remember that we always travel in our Class-A Scout Uniform, and will typically transition to Class-B t-shirts for weekend/camping activities, depending on the events. Bring a bag to keep/store your Class-A uniform in, neat and clean.

• As YOU pack your gear, consider organizing your items into plastic/waterproof bags (2-Gallon Ziplocs) for easier access and to keep your cloths dry and clean.  We are in Scouts - its going to rain.  Note that you need to pack your own bag - this is your gear and your parents are not going to be there with you when you are looking for something. Knowing that you have it, and where it is, is all on you.

BASIC PERSONAL GEAR - MARK ALL ITEMS with your Name (at minimum) and Troop #

The following items are basic needs to bring for every weekend campout. Some items are optional or may be purchased at a later time as your camping experience grows. Please review email communication for each campout that may include specific/additional items needed for a given event/activity. Always contact an experienced camper and/or your SPL/PL for additional input or help in answering questions.

• CAMPING GEAR LIST << Click this link for downloadable file

• Daypack 10 Essentials Packing List from Scout Life Magazine << Click this link for downloadable file

Carrying/Transporting Your Personal Gear

1.  Duffle Bag with Carry Straps or Backpacking Backpack (not travel luggage) – YOU transport/carry your personal gear, and whatever is brought - YOU carry.... sometimes, its a long distance from the parking area. Please ensure your bag is waterproof or water resistant and/or has a waterproof cover (a good black garbage bag works great).

2.  Day Pack (Optional, strongly encouraged) – Carry daily personal items as you move around camp and go about your activities (water bottle, Scout Handbook, Notepad & Pen, swimsuit, towel, rain gear, etc.); May include integrated water system.

Sleeping

3.  Sleeping Bag – You may wish to bring a light blanket to be inserted in your bag to offer additional warmth (cold weather) and a sleeping bag liner to help keep your bag clean-er (easier to wash than the bag); recommend that you eventually consider two bags - one for hot/warm weather (even a good bag liner with blanket may work fine for summer experiences) and one for cold weather rated at 15-20° (Can place a mummy-type bag in a larger square bag to significantly increase your warmth). For Summer/Hot weather, a sheet and light blanket truly works fine

4.  Sleeping Pad – Foam pads work great and are sturdy/lightweight; inflatable pads are optional - PLEASE limit to a one-person size, include a patch kit, and many may bring both a foam and inflatable; a low-riding Cot that fits in a tent with another scout (2 per tent typically) also works, lifting you off the ground just a few inches helps....where most of your warmth is lost (and also keeps you out from possible water)

5.  Camp Pillow – Collapsible/small to consume space (optional - use clean clothes placed in a pillowcase)

6.  Low-rise Cot (Optional) – For your personal sleeping and may be preferential to get you off the ground

Clothing

7.  Class A Uniform – Wear at a minimum for Travel. Neckerchief is optional unless otherwise asked.

8.  Boots/Shoes, Closed-Toe – A great pair of closed-toe, waterproof hiking boots/shoes keeps your feet protected and dry(er). Consider the projected weather.  For long-term camping, two types of shoes may be helpful. CLOSED TOE shoes/sandals are required. Flip-flop Shower Shoes are highly recommend for long-term camps ONLY. If you wish to wear sneakers/running shoes, that is fine.... please bring plastic bags to put your feet in when it rains.

9.  Clothes, Worn and Packed – In addition to these items normally worn, please pack a 2nd set of similar clothes, including a Class-B BSA T-Shirt, socks (possibly two pair), underwear/undershirt, shorts/pants

10.   Jacket/Coat, Outer Layer – Waterproof and windproof (Warmth comes with layers) - Consider current weather

11.   Rain Gear – Poncho or Rain Coat & Rain Pants that fits over regular clothing (Key is to fit loose for coolness)

12.   Hoodie and/or Warm Clothing – To wear under Jacket/Coat - its all about layers; consider weather prediction and if purchasing clothing for camping, please consider avoiding cotton clothing at all times for daily wear

13.   Sleeping Cloths – Lightweight cotton t-shirt and comfortable 'gym' type shorts. Changing out of cloths worn all day is a huge benefit to keeping your sleeping bag clean, you being dry/clean, and enjoying a good nights sleep

14.   Hat & Cap – Troop ball cap works great, a full-brim hat offers protection from heavy sun and rain; Stocking Cap for cold weather and to sleep with

15.   Gloves – For cold weather; Working gloves if activity calls for outdoor service... typically lightweight works we

16.   Swimsuit - For special activities and summer camp

Food and Water

17.   Water Bottles – Nalgene type canteen suggested (hard-plastic type) - 1 for Clean Water and 1 for mixing drink/juice; may also bring a camel pack as part of your backpack or daypack

18.   Mess Kit – Cup/Mug, Plate/Bowl, Spoon/Fork - Kept in a Mesh 'Drying' Bag to be hung to dry after cleaned

Hygiene

19.  Hygiene Bag - Toothbrush, toothpaste (Travel size), deodorant, bar of soap (in ziplock bag), small wash rag, personal items as needed

20.  Sunscreen – Non-Aerosol ONLY - consider combined sunscreen/insect repellent in one bottle

21.  Insect Repellent – Spray or Lotion only, non-aerosol ONLY; preferably ones that contain DEET

22. Personal Medication – Contained in ONE single Ziplock-type plastic bag, in original bottles, with additional instructions/directions on prescribed taking

Safety & Comfort

23.  Headlamp / Flashlight – May consider bringing extra batteries in zip-lock/waterproof bag

24.  First Aid Kit, Personal – Minimum of alcohol/antiseptic wipes/ointment, band-aids, gauze pads, medical tape

25.  Sunglasses (Optional) – Protective case to keep safe when not using

26.  Camp Chair – Easy to carry, in a carrying bag

General Items

27.  Scout Handbook – Bring in a protective cover and placed in water-resistant/proof bag (Ziploc x2)

28.  Notebook & Pen/Pencil - Always being able to take notes and actions, ideas for yourself and others... leadership!

29.   Extra Plastic Bags - Garbage bags, grocery store bags, and/or 1/2-Gallon Zip-Lock plastic bags.... to wrap wet/dirty clothes in, protect your feet, and more

30.  Pocketknife and/or Multitool – Knives may not be used/brought until the Scout has completed the “Totin’ Chit” safety training; blade must be folding and to NOT exceed 4 inches. NO Fixed blades or machetes. 

31.   Watch and/or Survival Bracelet - Please avoid wearing any type of additional jewelry for safety and health reasons

NOT to be brought or used during camp

·       Electronics of any kind (unless specifically requested/directed for special camps, or as allowed)

·       Projectile Weapons of any type - firearms, wrist-rockets, spears, javelins, bows, blow-darts, or any projectiles

·       Fireworks or explosives of ANY type

·       Knifes greater than a 4-Inch long blade or fixed-blade knifes are not allowable at BSA Events

·       Items of high value and easily lost/misplaced - The Troop assumes no responsibility for your personal gear

·       Cell Phones - leave at home or remain with an Adult Leader or in traveled vehicle (some exceptions may apply)

·       Personal or Troop leftover food of any kind kept in/with your gear, and NEVER in your/troop tent (some exceptions may apply)

·       Any items, clothing, behavior, etc. that is not consistent with the principles of the Scout Oath and Law

It is incumbent upon the SPL and PL's to be good examples for the members of their Troop/Patrols. Reach out to your fellow scouts who may have less experience in camping to aid them in being ready to have a great camping experience, and grow in their scouting skills.  If you are not an SPL/PL, then please reach out to them for help and guidance.