Outings

Campouts and Outings

Troop 277 strongly believes that a robust summer camp experience is key to a successful Scouting Program. As such we try to offer a program that provides our Scouts with unique and rewarding experiences while keeping cost as low as possible. We really do work hard on finding the right balance. Each year, usually in December, the troop meets to plan the annual calendar for the troop which includes the Campouts and Outings the Scouts would like to do. Generally, campouts or outings are scheduled at least once per month and Troop 277 prides itself on a very robust year-round program. We typically leave from and return to the Church for our outings. The departure time will be set and communicated during Monday announcements. For the return, an estimated time frame will be announced and parents will receive a phone call from their Scout approximately 20 – 30 minutes before arrival at the Church. It is critical that your contact information is on file and up to date. Please provide current contact information to the Membership Chair whenever needed so the troop can contact you when necessary during campouts and outings.

There are several different types of camping that Troop 277 does. While families are welcome on most campouts there are times when a campout is restricted to Scouts and Registered Leaders.

• Drive Up or Car Camping - Our most basic camping trip; Scouts get to work on specific themes or skills; Very family friendly camping

• Troop Backpacking Trips - An introduction to backpacking; Generally designed so that every Scout can participate.

• Summer Camps - A week long camping experience; Scouts work on Merit Badges; Develop new skills; Must be a Scout or Registered Leader to attend

• Leadership Training Camps - Council or National Level Camps that provide unique Leadership Training; National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

• National Boy Scout Camps - The BSA has national programs that we try to utilize as part of our older Scouts’ High Adventure Program including Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America's premier High Adventure base, challenges Scouts and Ventures with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.

Camping Policy

In order to maximize the outing experience, a few basic guidelines have been developed. These guidelines are intended to contribute towards a safe outing where leaders and Scouts can spend as much time as possible on advancement activities. If there are any items in these guidelines that now or in the future conflict with any BSA policy…the BSA policy will apply.

To attend a campout, a Scout will need the following:

• Permission slip - Each activity will require a permission slip to be signed by the Scout’s parent or legal guardian. Permission slips should include home and work numbers, as well as other contact numbers or individuals for the entire duration of the outing. For local outings, these must be received no later than the registration date listed on the permission slip for a Scout to attend the event. nly the Scoutmaster or Outings Coordinator can approve an exception to this policy. For summer camp, permission slips and payments must be received in accordance with the payment schedule defined by the camp and Summer Camp Coordinator.

• Fees - It is the intention of the Troop to break-even financially for each outing. For each outing, we collect a fee that covers the cost of campsite reservation fees, permits, lodging expenses, transportation, and food. For all activities there are no refunds for money spent on your behalf. For example, if Summer Camp costs $300 to attend and the troop has made installment payments of $150 towards camp you will not be refunded that money if you cannot attend. Additionally, if you sign up for a camp and the troop has made payments on your behalf you are responsible for those payments if you decide not to attend.

• Medical Form - An official BSA Annual Health and Medical Form must be updated annually and must be on file prior to attending any events other than troop meetings. This form is part of the troop “football” (think of the briefcase that contains the nuclear launch codes and travels with the President wherever he goes) and goes on all campouts and events. There are three parts to the Annual Health and Medical Form. Part A consists of medical history, drug allergies, and medications. It is filled out by the parent or guardian annually or anytime there is a change in a Scout’s medical status. Part B includes parent information, restrictions, and consent for treatment. Part C is required for summer camp or any other camp that is greater the 72 hours in length. It must be completed by a certified and licensed health care provider. Non-disclosure of medical or behavioral issues can cause serious injury to a Scout or others and may result a Scout no longer being allowed to attend activities. Your child’s health is important to us! Please help us BE PREPARED by proactively educating us of any allergies or health issues that are unique to them. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Scout Master and Committee Chair are educated appropriately.

Preparation for Campouts

• Preparations for Campouts are conducted in Patrol Corners at Troop Meetings. Important decisions such as menu choices, special equipment and other considerations are discussed at the meetings that may impact the safety and comfort of Scouts on a campout. It is critical for Scouts to attend the two meetings immediately prior to a campout. If a Scout is unable to attend the meetings he may be restricted from attending the campout.

• The Scoutmaster has the final decision regarding attendance on campouts for Scouts that have not attended the two meeting prior to a campout.

• All Drivers must be 21 or older with a valid Driver’s License and automobile insurance. If we fall short of volunteers to drive and your boy is coming, we will ask you to drive.

• Each patrol plans the meals they will cook and arranges to buy their food the week before the trip. Funds are obtained from the Troop Treasurer.

• All Scouts should be prepared for each outing in accordance with the gear recommendations in the Scout Handbook and any special recommendations of the specific outing.

• Camping gear can be very expensive. The troop has some tents, packs, and other gear that can be loaned to Scouts. Consider having Scouts receiving camping gear as Christmas or birthday presents. To get started, Scouts need only a few basics. Here are some recommendations:

1. Good Quality Hiking Boots

2. 2–3 pair wool socks

3. Polyester sleeping bag rated for 20° F

4. Sleeping Pad

5. Cot (Not needed on weekend campouts, but may be needed for summer camps.)

6. Stocking Cap

7. Headlamp (preferred) or flashlight

8. Mess Kit – you don’t have to buy a mess kit set - a plastic plate, bowl, cup & utensils will work

9. Nalgene bottles and/or Camelback

10. Sunscreen

11. Bug repellant

12. Toiletry kit (small w/ travel size toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, & small essentials)

Examples of commonly forgotten items include mess kit, water bottle or drinking cup, sunscreen and hiking boots.