Weekend Troop Camping
What Do Scouts Bring Camping?
The first camping trip with a new troop can be a little overwhelming to some scouts and many parents. What do scouts need to pack? What gear do families need to supply? How does it all work? Our goal is to have this page answer those questions as it is written by a parent (who happens to be a Scoutmaster) for our parents. As always with this website, if there is information you would have found helpful while starting with this troop, please let us know and we can update our website.
What paperwork does my scout need?
A BSA application completed. This can be found at the bottom of New Parent's Corner or in the Forms page.
Parts A, B1 & B2 of the medical form. This can be found on the Forms page.
RSVP through Sign Up Genius. The link can be found by going to the Calendar page and clicking the event. Link is in the calendar entry.
A brief write up of medicine taken by your scout. Medicine name, amount and when. This is to be kept in the (ziploc works great) bag with your scout's medicine. These should all be listed on the medical form but we like a list kept directly with the medicine itself.
What does a scout need to pack?
Over many camp outs, throughout all seasons, the scouts have developed a packing list to use as guidance. Scouts are encouraged to check the forecast when packing or at the meeting prior (2-3 days) and again before we leave. They should use the list to pack any gear they think they may need for the camp out, paying attention to the activities for that camp out.
Ideally scouts should be able to carry their own gear. We have several scouts who pack their gear in a backpackers backpack. This is a great option as the scout should then be able to get all their gear to and from the campsite with minimal issue. Another great option when vehicles are parked near the campsite is a small to medium tote. (Please reserve footlockers for summer camp use.) Again, however your scout packs their gear, they should be able to carry it themselves.
What gear do families need to supply?
Our troop is very fortunate to have a supply of camping gear available for scouts to check out. This includes tents, cots, and sleeping bags. Both the adult and youth Quartermasters can assist with checking out gear. Gear would be picked up when we leave the church on Friday night and returned after it has been aired out at the next meeting.
When a family purchases gear, we do have some guidelines to help with those purchases too. These can be found on the packing list page.
How does it all work?
Friday we arrive at PUMC at 6 pm.
Scouts should be dressed in their class A's or field uniform. This is their tan shirt, green pants, neckerchief, belt, boots and handbook (packed). *If your scout is new and doesn't have these items, that's OK.
Scouts should arrive fed or with a "brown bag" dinner. Yes, take out gathered on the way to the church is just fine. Make sure if the scout has take out they understand they may have to wait to eat until we are underway.
When we arrive at 6 pm you will typically find organized chaos. Several things will be happening.
The Committee Chair (Veronica) & Campmaster (Adult in charge of that event, Name/phone number listed on the event description) will be tying up any loose ends. Confirming any last minute attendance changes, paperwork, or payment, etc. If you need to communicate a late arrival or early departure this is the person you speak to.
A designated ASM (Brandon) will be recording, collecting and storing medication. If your scout has meds, make sure to check in directly with him. This is even for scouts who carry rescue inhalers or Epipens. We want to ensure the safety of all our scouts and Be Prepared!
Scouts will place gear in their designated patrol spot. (This is new as we have grown significantly) Gear will be loaded from here.
The Quartermaster & patrol quartermasters will be working with the youth to gather needed supplies each patrol needs. These will then be loaded into vehicles.
Once vehicles are loaded and expected scouts accounted for we will head out. We like to be on the road and moving no later than 6:30.
Sunday we return between 12-2. Timing will depend on how far away we are camping and what the morning program is. Once we are packed and about to start on the road we will send the mailing list an updated ETA to PUMC. When we arrive at PUMC several things all need to happen.
Scoutmasters and scouts will unload all gear and return it to its location.
All scout gear will be distributed to the proper vehicles. Scouts who borrowed gear will take it home to air it out, clean and return the next meeting. Make sure to check it in with the Quartermasters.
If your scout has medication, check in with the designated ASM (Brandon) for the return of those items/containers.
Once all tasking is complete we will gather for a Rose, Bud, Thorn. We find this is a great thing to do with our parents present, allowing parents to hear some of the awesome things we enjoyed as well as some of the challenges we experienced and what we are looking forward to.
If this is your scout's first camp out, chances are we will be spending some time teaching them the Totin' Chip and Fire'm Chit. Totin' Chip allows a scout to handle tools including carrying and using a pocket knife. Fire'm Chit allows a scout to light the stove and tend the campfire. Both awards come with a card the scout is intended to carry on them. The patches will be awarded at the next Court of Honor. They can be placed on the back of the sash or the right pocket of the uniform.
If a scout makes poor safety choices these cards can be notched or taken away by a Scoutmaster. They are intended to serve as a physical reminder of the responsibility the scout has been granted. If either of a scout's cards are notched, that scout will have a discussion with their Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster and scout will talk about why the scout was unsafe and what needs to happen to avoid the situation in the future. If the card is taken, the scout will need to sit for a reteach of that topic.
Totin’ Chip Requirements
This certification grants a Scout the right to carry and use woods tools. The Scout must show their Scout leader, or someone designated by their leader, that the Scout understands their responsibility to do the following:
Read and understand woods tools use and safety rules from the Scouts BSA handbooks.
Demonstrate proper handling, care, and use of the pocketknife, ax, and saw.
Use knife, ax, and saw as tools, not playthings.
Respect all safety rules to protect others.
Respect property. Cut living and dead trees only with permission and good reason.
Subscribe to the Outdoor Code.
The Scout’s “Totin’ Rights” can be taken away if they fail in their responsibility.
Firem’n Chit Requirements
This certification grants a Scout the right to carry fire-lighting devices (matches, lighters, etc.) to build campfires. The Scout must show their Scout leader, or someone designated by their leader, an understanding of the responsibility to do the following:
I have read and understand use and safety rules from the Scouts BSA Handbook.
I will build a campfire only when necessary and when I have the necessary permits (regulations vary by locality).
I will minimize campfire impacts or use existing fire lays consistent with the principles of Leave No Trace. I will check to see that all flammable material is cleared at least 5 feet in all directions from fire (total 10 feet).
I will safely use and store fire-starting materials.
I will see that fire is attended to at all times.
I will make sure that water and/or a shovel is readily available. I will promptly report any wildfire to the proper authorities.
I will use the cold-out test to make sure the fire is cold out and will make sure the fire lay is cleaned before I leave it.
I follow the Outdoor Code, the Guide to Safe Scouting, and the principles of Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly!
The Scout’s “Firem’n Rights” can be taken away if they fail in their responsibility.