Camping

Troop 501 is a camping troop. Our troop camps on a regular basis. Our boys enjoy camping, and many advancement requirements are accomplished while camping. Our troop participates in the Greater Saint Louis Area Council Summer Camp, District Camp-O-Rees, and troop campouts. As our troop is led by its youth leadership (under the guidance of adult leaders), the Scouts, themselves, activities vary from campout to campout, and may include hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and a variety of other activities. Most campouts will be “base-camps,” where we will establish a single camp, pitch tents and flies, and sleep at that camp each night. This differs from backpacking, in that most of the gear that we use while base-camping is much too heavy and bulky for backpacking. When camping with our troop, the troop will provide tents, and cooking equipment. Scouts are responsible for their own personal gear. It is highly recommended that each Scout and Leader obtain a sturdy, plastic “tote” to transport and stow their gear, while keeping the gear dry (it is not necessary that the tote be water-tight, so long as it has a lid, and no holes). The ideal tote is 18″ wide by 24″ long by 18-24″ deep. All personal items should fit in this tote (including summer camp), except sleeping bag, and chair. Scouts may wish to bring a self-inflating air mat (not an inflatable air mattress) or pad, as they will be sleeping on the floor of troop tents (leaders sleep in older, bigger tents, and cots are recommended). Use the following list to prepare and pack for campouts.

The List (packed in tote):

1. Annual Health and Medical Record completed and signed by parent/ guardian and licensed medical personnel (should be on file with troop leadership). No Scout may participate in any outing or event until at least Parts A & B are on file with the Troop (Part C, the physical examination and Physician’s Certification are not necessary for weekend campouts) This form must be completed annually;
2. Medications (in their original bottles) with directions — give to your unit leader for safekeeping at camp;
3. Scout uniform (not required for troop-only campouts, but definitely required for Council and District events Camp-O-Rees, and campouts), including necker and woggle (and campaign hat for those Scouts and leaders eligible to wear them);
4. Sturdy, waterproof boots suitable for hiking;
5. Sandals (only for summer camp, or otherwise instructed);
6. Cap or hat;
7. Raincoat or poncho (this should always be at the top of your tote);
8. Sweatshirt or jacket;
9. Underwear (and extra underwear);
10. Corn starch (in a ziplock bag that is inside of a second ziplock baggie);
11. Socks (and extra socks);
12. Troop 501 T-Shirt (often referred to as “Class B Uniform”, Scout, or Camp T-shirts;
13. Handkerchiefs;
14. Pajamas or sleeping attire;
15. Extra changes of clothing;
16. Clothing or gear for program-specific requirements (will be advised prior to camp);
17. Ziploc bags to keep clothing items dry;
18. Plastic bags for muddy clothes (a trash bag is good for this purpose);
19. Swimming trunks (for summer camp, only, unless instructed otherwise; pack on top of tote);
20. Towel;
21. Washcloth (dry – in a ziplock baggie);
22. Toothbrush and paste (in a ziplock baggie);
23. Hand soap in container (in a ziplock baggie);
24. Shampoo (in a ziplock baggie);
25. Brush or comb;
26. Sunscreen;
27. Insect repellent (nonaerosol only — see note below);
28. Wristwatch;
29. Flashlight and batteries;
30. Pen, pencil, and paper;
31. Sleeping bag or blankets & sheets;
32. Pillow (if desired);
33. Water bottle, or canteen (wide-mouth water bottles – such as Nalgene or Camelbak are preferred, so that Scouts/ Leaders can utilize the same item for various liquids); Hydration packs (such as Camelbak) are acceptable for short hiking excursions or other day-events, but are not always easy to use for daily camping activities;
34. Fork, knife, spoon, and cup (a water bottle can be used instead of a cup);
35. Plate and/or bowl (a deep-dish plate can be used as both);
36. Folding camp chair;
37. Boy Scout Handbook;
38. Bible or prayer book;
39. Spending money (only for summer camp, or if otherwise instructed. At no time will the troop’s leaders be responsible for any money);
40. Camera with extra film (disposable recommended)

NOTES:

• Items not recommended are electronic devices (game boys, radios, cell phones), items of value, extra food that might attract animals. Leadership assumes NO responsibility for these items.
• Cell phones are permitted, and can only be used during travel, but if brought, must be turned in to leadership for the duration of camp (the exception to this rule is that the Troop Historian is permitted to utilize his cell phone to take photographs during events and campouts). Leadership assumes NO responsibility for these items.
• Items prohibited are firearms or ammunition, fireworks, alcohol, or other drugs.
• Mark all of your equipment and clothing with your name.
• If you bring insect repellent, bring lotion as aerosol bug spray removes the waterproofing from tents.