BSA Troops 848 & 849

For parents with a child in scouting, you most likely are looking for them to achieve the rank of Eagle. Unlike some troops, in Troop 848 & 849, you will not see any 13-14 year-old Eagle Scouts. To get all the way through at that age, before you're even allowed to participate in High Adventure activities (BSA requires 14 years old before Philmont, Sea Base, Northern Tier, etc.) just seems like doing an injustice to the scout - they won't value it enough and they wont't have the maturity to be able to fully benefit from most of the Eagle required merit badges. Many of them direct the scout to consider future employment options within the subject matter of the merit badge. This is very challenging for most younger scouts. For those of you who are content to let your child just come to meetings and campouts to have fun, that's okay, too, but this might come in handy in the event they ever get eager for more.

There are seven ranks in Scouts BSA:

• Scout
• Tenderfoot
• Second Class
• First Class
• Star
• Life
• Eagle

To achieve each rank, there are several requirements that must be met. The last two requirements in each rank are the Scoutmaster Conference and the Board of Review (BOR). Apart from those two, the rest of the requirements should be attainable with regular active participation in troop activities (meetings, campouts, and service projects). The later ranks include requirements for leadership, as well. This can be tough to accomplish in a troop as large as ours, but we work to structure the organization such that all who are willing to step up and lead get the opportunity.

Timing of ranks: This section will give you some generic rules of thumb for what your scout should be accomplishing by what age.

1. Scout - This is achieved within the first three months of your scout joining. They will be required to have some basic understanding of the history of scouting and be able to recite the Scout Law, Oath, Motto, Slogan, and the Outdoor Code plus some new requirements that BSA has recently added.
2. Tenderfoot
3. Second Class
4. First Class

Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements are all eligible to be worked on at the same time. They are to be earned in sequence, but the scout can work on all of the tasks simultaneously. (If they claim to be overwhelmed by it, tell them it's simpler than the average video game!). There are roughly two dozen requirements in each of these three ranks. Completion of these requirements will provide a scout with a mastery of the basic scout skills. Ideally, the majority of the requirements can be knocked out in your scout's first summer camp. Scouts that miss that wonderful opportunity will need to do a bit of reminding/nagging/pushing to get their needs tended to by the troop. We typically have an Advancement Day in January where the older scouts lead the younger ones through most of the requirements. Additionally, at each troop meeting, the patrols meet together as units for the first 10-15 minutes - during that time, the Patrol Leader has the opportunity to get a listing of what patrol members need in order to advance. Those needs are to be compiled by the student leadership and worked into the agendas of the troop meetings and campouts.

Ideally, these three ranks are completed within the first year your child is in scouts, however more often the First Class Rank is eventually completed after 18-24 months with the troop.

5. Star - The Star rank is earned roughly a year and a half after 1st class. Six merit badges are required including 4 from the required list for Eagle. There are Service Hours which must be performed (see Service Hours Policy) and four months of leadership. The Scout will need to bring their completed Leadership Record to the Scoutmasters Conference and be prepared to discuss it.
6. Life - The Life rank is earned roughly a year and a half after Star. Five more merit badges are required, 3 from the list for Eagle. There are Service Hours which must be performed (see Service Hours Policy) and six months of leadership as well as teaching skills to younger scouts. The Scout will need to bring their completed Leadership Record to the Scoutmasters Conference and be prepared to discuss it.
7. Eagle - The Eagle rank is earned roughly a year and a half after Life. There are extensive leadership requirements including an Eagle Project. The Scout will need to bring their completed Leadership Record to the Scoutmasters Conference and be prepared to discuss it.

Note: IT IS HIGHLY ADVISABLE to photo copy your scout's handbook on a regular basis. This is their formal record of advancement and they will need it for each rank advancement. If the scout loses their book, the easiest way to recover is from a photo copy.

Completion of a BOR is the final requirement necessary for the scout to complete each rank. We have a lot of scouts in the troop and have a lot of advancement to work through in a year, so BORs are a necessarily regular occurrence. The BOR is an excellent way for the Troop to periodically review how a scout is doing as well as assess how effective the Troop is delivering the Scouting program. If the Scout is not advancing properly, the BOR process is a helpful way to encourage the scout get the most out of their Scouting experience. The BOR also allows the Scout to develop and practice skills needed in an interview situation and it is an opportunity for the Scout to review their accomplishments.

The Board of Review is not a retesting of requirements - the Scout has already been tested on the skills and activities required for the rank. However, the chairman of the Board of Review should ensure that all the requirements have been signed off in the Scout's handbook. Additionally, the chairman should ensure that leadership and merit badge records are consistent with the requirements for the rank. Some ranks require a certain number of Eagle required merit badges. The Board of Review is a time to determine the Scout's attitudes, accomplishments, and acceptance of Scouting Ideals. Scout Spirit is defined as living the Scout Oath and Scout Law in a Scout's everyday life. The board should make sure that good standards have been met in all phases of the Scout's life.

Who is eligible to participate on a BOR:

Any parent in the troop who is not a Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster (SM/ASM). Plus, you can't sit on a BOR for your own child.

What experience is necessary:

The only experience that is necessary is the willingness and ability to show up to Clear Lake United Methodist. You will be trained in about 2 minutes.

Participants in a Board of Review must keep these objectives in mind:

• Ensure the Scout has completed requirements for the rank.
• Evaluate the experience the Scout is having in the troop.
• Encourage the Scout to progress further.

What to expect:

You are going to see fine young scouts (sometimes in nervous adolescent form) recite the Scout Law, Oath, Motto, and Slogan. Two valuable pieces of information that the Troop can always use is what the scout has enjoyed the most about their experiences so far, and what they would like to see improved within the Troop. The scout should be encouraged to try to initiate or encourage the improvements and bring it up to the Scout Leadership. They are also going to get to respond to all of your diabolical questions!

All scouts are expected to travel around with at least one other scout. This is mainly for safety reasons but it also fosters camaraderie and is reinforced by the safety related merit badges and rank advancement requirements.

Bullying is not allowed in scouting. This is usually pointed out at the beginning of many campouts, and often-times at troop meetings. The reason is obvious, but I'll state it anyhow: No scout should ever fear coming to a scout meeting due to the threatening behavior of older or bigger or faster scouts. In the event a scout is called out for bullying at a meeting or on a campout, the adult leaders will discuss together and decide on a course of response. Typically, it will involve the scout's parents having to come and retrieve their scout immediately. The fact that we sometimes camp as far as 5 hours away from home doesn't come into the calculation.

A scout is courteous. Swearing is not allowed at meetings, campouts, or any time a scout is in uniform. Repeated behavior can result in a call to the scout's parents.

The ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle all include leadership requirements. Most folks think only of the elected leadership positions (Senior Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader). Additionally, the SPL gets to choose their staff with the advice and consent of the Scoutmaster and the Troop's adult leadership. Those are considered positions of leadership as well.

The troop as adopted the Leadership Record as a means for the scouts earning leadership to keep progress of their accomplishments. (Please refer to the Troop Website under the Advancement tab for a copy of the Leadership Record.) The scouts are expected to maintain this record and track their accomplishments each month using this form. They will need to have this checked by the person they are responsible to (as indicated on the form). The scout should keep this as a record of their leadership experiences and will be required to bring it to the Scoutmaster Conference for rank advancement.

Patrols are the building blocks of a scout troop. A patrol is a small group of scouts who are similar in age, development, and interests. Working together as a team, patrol members share the responsibility for the patrol's success. They gain confidence by serving in positions of patrol leadership. All patrol members enjoy the friendship, sense of belonging, and achievements of the patrol and of each of its members.

There is a hierarchy of responsibility and authority within the scouts of the troop. The Patrol Leader is the first rank of authority within the troop. The Patrol Leader is responsible for their patrol and needs to make sure that the patrol is prepared for each and every activity of the troop. If the Patrol Leader is unable to attend for whatever reason (sick, vacation, another obligation), they are expected to find and confirm a representative who will take on their role. This is typically the Assistant Patrol Leader. If the Patrol Leader has difficulty with a patrol member, or has a general question about what is going on, the next line of authority is the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) (Troop 848 - Gold ASPLs for Gold Patrols and the Troop Guides and Green ASPLs for the Green Patrols). If they are unable to resolve the difficulty or answer the question, then the next line of Authority is the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL). If the SPL cannot resolve the situation, then the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters will address the situation.

As previously mentioned, there are quite a few requirements that need to be signed off for the earlier ranks (Scout - First Class). This is where the scout is tested on the skill they are trying to complete. All Scoutmasters (SM) and Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM) are allowed to test and sign off rank requirements. In order to avoid a conflict of interest, a leader will not sign off a requirement for their own child. Infrequent exceptions may be made in the case of a leader who is teaching skills to several Scouts at once at a patrol or troop meeting or other scouting function, but every effort should be made to have another leader sign off the instructing leader's child if possible. Scouts with a Star, Life, or Eagle Rank are allowed to test the scouts and, upon passing, sign off requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Ranks. Star, Life, and Eagle Rank requirements will be signed off by an ASM/SM.

One of the questions that we hear most often from Scout parents, especially of the younger Scouts is "How do I check on my Merit Badges and advancement?" While we encourage Scouts to take responsibility for this themselves by talking to Scoutmasters and the Advancement Chair, we know that involved parents make for a successful scout.

The troops use Scoutbook to keep track of the scout's progress through ranks and all the information on the scouts and scout families.

Using Scoutbook you can check your scout's advancement, check troop records about their activities, and edit your personal information. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO EDIT YOUR OWN SCOUT'S ADVANCEMENT.

Any questions regarding your scout's current rank and merit badge status should be directed to the Advancement Chair. Their contact information is on the Adult Leader Contact List located on the Contact Us tab.

How You Earn Money in Your Scout Account

Sell mulch!!!!

This is the troop's ONLY fundraiser - no popcorn or Scout Fair sales. You will earn a PROFIT per bag that you sell and deliver. The AVERAGE scout earns about $450 for their scout account. This will likely be less for younger scouts who have not built up an established customer base. On the other hand, there are always a few scouts who earn over $1000!!!! The troop does not keep any of the profits from mulch sales. It ALL goes into scout accounts. This is VOLUNTARY. You do not have to participate if you do not want to.

What the Scout Account Money Can Be Used For

Technically (and legally), this is a fundraiser FOR THE TROOP to use for scouting expenses. However, the troop chooses to allocate the funds to the scouts who earned then at the fundraiser using scout accounts. These funds can ONLY be used for scout-related expenses. This includes:

• Annual registration fee
• Summer camp
• Winter camp
• High adventure camps - Philmont, Sea Base, Northern Tier
• Uniform
• Camping gear (especially gear needed for Philmont)
• Extra monthly scouting activity expenses such as zipline or wild cave tour
• Eagle project expenses

This does NOT include food for monthly campouts. This is troop policy, because it is just too difficult for the treasurer to keep up with dozens of $15 scout account withdrawals a month. Many parents use camp as a carrot to get their scouts off the couch and working. If they want to go to summer camp, Philmont, etc., they need to earn part or all of the money with mulch sales.

How to Access Your Scout Account Funds

At any time during the year, you can contact the treasurer by e-mail to get your scout account balance (contact information on Adult Leader Contact List on Contact Us tab). Note that it will take several weeks after mulch sales are complete to calculate the actual profit and allocate to all the scout accounts, so be patient. For summer camp, winter camp, or high adventure camp, the treasurer will provide the camp coordinator with a tally of all the scout account balances. When you go to pay for camp, let them know that you have scout account funds you want to use. For annual registration fees, the treasurer will also provide the registrar a tally of available scout accounts. Just let them know you want to use those funds. For zipline, wild cave tour, or any other major scout activity expense, the Camping Committee will try to get a list of scout account funds from the treasurer in advance. For uniform, camping gear, or Eagle project expenses, pay for it yourself and keep the receipt. Send a COPY of the receipt to the treasurer (scan/e-mail preferred) with a note with the scout's name and what scouting purpose the expense was for. Unless you specifically request the treasurer to cut you a check from the troop, the funds will be transferred to the scout's scout account to make it easier on everyone.

What Happens to the Leftover Money When You Leave

Remember, that these are technically TROOP funds. Any leftover funds after a scout ages out or otherwise leaves the troop CANNOT be taken by the scout. Upon leaving, the scout or their parents can designate the funds to go toward some other scouting expenses. Just send an e-mail to the treasurer indicating where you'd like it to go. If the scout has a sibling still in the troop, those funds are usually transferred to that sibling's scout account. You can even donate it to a non-relative scout still in the troop. Frequently, scouts/parents donate leftover funds to go to the troop's summer/winter camp scholarship fund that allow needy scouts to go to camp when they otherwise could not afford it. Any leftover funds that have not been donated will go to the troop's general fund to be used as it sees fit.

Completion of a Scoutmaster Conference is necessary for each scout to complete each rank. You can see the Scoutmaster Conference requirement in the sign-off sections for each rank that are in the back of the scout handbook. Scoutmaster Conferences can be completed by the Scoutmaster (SM) or any of the Assistant Scoutmasters (ASMs). The one exception to this is for the Eagle Scout rank. The significance of the Eagle Scout rank requires that the either the Scoutmaster or Steve Willis conduct that Scoutmaster Conference. During the Scoutmaster Conference the ASM/SM will interview the scout as to their progress, whether they really learned the stuff in the book, and how the troop is doing. If the scout is not able to demonstrate the knowledge required for the rank, they will be given recommendations on where to focus additional attention and be asked to schedule another Scoutmaster Conference when they are ready.

The scout (not a parent) shall be the one to initiate a Scoutmaster Conference. They set it up by either:

• asking an ASM/SM at a troop meeting for a Scoutmaster Conference AT THE NEXT troop meeting
• emailing an ASM/SM to schedule one at the next troop meeting

Notes:

1. We emphasize scheduling the Scoutmaster Conference during the NEXT scout meeting. They can also be conducted at the next campout. (This is convenient because everyone is in full Class A Uniform.) There are special cases that can be accommodated if it is impossible for the scout to meet the above options. However, to avoid adult leader burn-out and respect the adult leader's responsibilities outside of scouting, the scouts are asked to avoid being the "special case" that requires a separate meeting.
2. A Scoutmaster cannot do a Scoutmaster conference for more than one rank at a time.
3. Scoutmaster conferences for Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, and 1st Class should be performed by different Scoutmasters. This allows the young scout to get to know other Scoutmasters and vice versa. It is encouraged that Star and Life SM conferences be with different ASM/SM, if possible. However, these are performed by the more senior Scoutmasters, so the choices will be more limited.
4. An ASM/SM should not conduct a Scoutmaster Conference with their own child.
5. You must have your Scoutmaster conference before you fill out the Jotform to get a Board of Review. That means that you should plan to have a SM conference at least a week before the BOR. It is too difficult on the advancement committee to make last minute changes as they prepare all the paperwork and scheduling for the BOR's.
6. A scout can find a list of Scoutmasters in the troop along with their contact information from the Adult Leader Contact list, which can be found on the Contact Us tab.

Basic criteria for Service Hours:

• Not for the scouting organization (i.e., Cub Scouts and BSA do not count and that includes Scout fair, Pinewood derby, Webelos Woods, etc.).
• Not part of your normal endeavors (i.e., if your church group does a service as part of their org then no, but if it's a church special project then yes. Things you do for the CLUMC youth army don't count (normally).
• Not getting paid.

This is the normal criterion. There are extenuating circumstances on others that may be counted. Helping out with Eagle Projects is one of the best ways to earn service hours. Campout service projects are also a good method. Bottom line, all service hours should have Scoutmaster approval.

The swim classification for individuals participating in a Scouts BSA activity is a key element in the Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat. The Swim Classification Tests should be renewed annually, preferably at the beginning of each outdoor season. Traditionally, the Swim Classification Test has frequently been conducted at a long-term summer camp. However, the Swim Classification Test may sometimes be completed prior to coming to camp. In addition, the troop can test scouts prior to other aquatic activities within the troop. All persons participating in BSA aquatics are classified according to swimming ability. The classification tests and test procedures have been developed and structured to demonstrate a skill level consistent with the circumstances in which the individual will be in the water. The Swimmer Test demonstrates the minimum level of swimming ability for recreational and instructional activity in a confined body of water with a maximum 12-foot depth and with shallow water footing, a pool or pier edge within 25 feet of swimmer. The various components of each test evaluate the several skills essential to the minimum level of swimming ability. Each step of the test is important and should be followed as listed.

Swimmer Test

1. Jump feet first into water over the head in depth.
2. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: Side stroke, breast stroke, trudgen crawl
3. Then swim 25 yards using a resting back stroke.
4. Finally rest by floating for a minute.

The 100 yards must be swam continuously and include at least one sharp turn.

Beginner Test

1. Jump feet first into water over the head in depth.
2. Swim 25 feet on the surface.
3. Turn sharply and return to starting place.

The swim classification test conducted at unit level should be supervised by one of the following council approved personnel: Aquatics Instructor, BSA Lifeguard, certified lifeguard, Swimming Instructor or Swim Coach all of whom must be at least 21 years of age or older. When the unit goes to a summer camp, each individual will be issued a buddy tag under the direction of the Camp Aquatics Director for use at the camp. We can pre-certify scouts before summer camp but it must be supervised by approved council personnel listed above. If scouts are not pre-certified, no problem, they will just be tested at camp.

Troop Exception: For scouts not attending summer camp and active on a swim team or completed the Swimming merit badge or a ceritified lifeguard, they are exempted from having to do a swim check for troop campouts. (This exemption only applies to our troop and does not apply to summer camp.)

You must sign up for the campout before the deadline given in the campout information note. The deadline is typically the Sunday before the campout. The campout information note is typically sent out a week before. That gives plenty of time to sign up. The form information is used by several scouts and adults to prepare for the campout. Late requests to go on the campout make things very difficult for many people and will typically not be allowed. If you will likely go, but are not 100%, go ahead and sign up. Let the campout SPL and your Patrol Leader know BEFORE the Friday of the campout if you cannot go after all. If you can't be counted on to check your email at least once a day, come up with a fool-proof plan to work around that issue that does not involve scout leadership. You may sign up with multiple emails on the troop web-site. Food money to your patrol's leader does not confirm you're signed up on the form.

The Troop provides a chuckbox for the Patrols to use. Here are the contents.

• 1 Cutting Board min 8" x 10" x 1/4" nylon or Teflon
• 1 Griddle 9" x 9" aluminum
• 1 Knife chef's knife (ss blade, plastic handle)
• 1 Knife paring knife (ss blade, plastic handle)
• 1 Spatula stainless sharp edged metal blade
• 1 Serving Spoon metal or plastic
• 1 Ladle metal or plastic
• 1 HPT Dutch Oven pot tool
• 1 Pitcher 2 quart plastic
• 1 Can Opener stainless
• 1 Cook Kit 1 large fry pan
• 1 small fry pan
• 1 handle
• 1 large pot
• 1 medium pot
• 1 small pot
• lids to fit other pots
• 1 Tongs stainless
• 1 Peeler stainless
• 1 Slotted Spoon metal or plastic
• 1 Meat Fork metal or plastic
• 2 Hot Pads or Gloves
• 1 Set measuring cups
• 1 Set measuring spoons
• 12 Cups plastic
• 12 Plates plastic
• 12 Bowls plastic
• 12 Spoons metal
• 12 Forks metal
• 12 Butter Knives metal
• 2 Containers clear plastic to hold loose items
• 2 Washcloths store in zip lock baggie

Note: Any damage of losses should be reported to the Quartermaster or Adult in Charge

Consumables

• 1 Roll Aluminum Foil
• 1 Roll Paper Towels
• 1 16 oz Cooking Oil
• 1 Bottle of dish washing soap
• 3 SOS pads for cleaning (store in baggie)
• 1 Small bottle of bleach (used to sterilize dishes)
• 1 Copper Penny used to clean stubborn pots (store with SOS pads)
• 1 Small box of 33 gal trash bags
• 2 Box safety matches (no strike anywhere matches or lighters allowed)

Consumables are not Troop Equipment and should be restocked monthly using money collected for food.

Policy Notes:

• Patrol Chuck Box gear is Troop gear checked out to the Patrol Leader.
• Chuck Boxes will be inventoried prior to checkout to Green Patrols.
• Chuck Boxes will be returned by Green Patrols upon graduation to Gold Patrol.
• Any shortfalls in the non-consumables is the responsibility of the Patrol Leader and should be replaced from inventory - get from Quartermaster (QM).
• Gold Patrol Quartermaster will check inventory upon change in leadership or Patrol members.
• Normal wear and tear will be replaced using Troop funds.
• Malicious damage or losses will be the responsibility of the Patrol members to replace.
• Any losses or damage should be reported as soon as possible.
• No disposable plates, cups, or silverware allowed.
• No Lighters or strike anywhere matches.
• No spray oil (Pam).
• Replenish consumables each month as needed.

The Patrol Quartermaster or Patrol Leader should empty chuck box of all contents and run them through the dishwasher after each campout

On campouts, it is expected that each patrol will cook at least one part of dinner using a Dutch oven. You can bake with it, or use it like a frying pan to brown meat. You can use it for dessert, if you like.

You must cook from scratch as much as possible. We want you to develop useful cooking skills. That means cooking RAW meat, not reheating pre-cooked chicken for fajitas. That means cutting up onions, and garlic and adding spices to tomato sauce for spaghetti, not opening a jar of Ragu. There are lots of great recipes out there on the internet and in your parents' cookbooks.

Scouts cannot bring any bottled or canned drinks, even water, to campouts. If every patrol brought drinks, it would weigh down the trailer, which is already loaded pretty heavy with the chuck boxes and gear. In addition, scouts tend to leave the empty bottles and cans around the camp. Therefore, no bottled/canned drinks for the scouts, even if brought in personal cars. The scouts MUST bring a water bottle for them to refill during the campout. There will be water in camp and your patrol can bring powdered mixes. Staying hydrated is constantly emphasized, especially during the warm Texas "non-winter" periods.

Here are some recipes https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1v7UiGBY8Wy8uIGfw_JoFO5j--YZ0UP9f?usp=sharing

The designated "Medicine Man" will be the adult in charge of dispensing medications at camp. Several things need to be taken care of ahead of time so that your scout gets the proper medication and the proper dosage while at camp.

• Medicines need to be (in their original bottles for summer camp and) placed in a ziploc bag.
• A notecard needs to be enclosed with dosage information and times meds are to be given. Please include whether med is a required daily medicine or an "in case of allergy attack" medicine.
• For summer camp we ask for a photo of each child so that they can more easily identify before dispensing medicine. This wouldn't hurt for the monthly campouts either.

Here is a suggested packing list. Depending on the weather or the activity, not all items may be needed.

Medications - give to adult acting as campout's Medicine Person

Wear on Scout

• Hiking boots or appropriate closed toe shoes (broken in)
• Scout belt
• Scout shirt (tan) - official BSA Class A (to be worn to and from campout)
• Scout socks (green)
• Shorts/pants (green)
• Troop t-shirt
• Wristwatch (optional)

In Backpack

• Cards or other small game for rainy day
• Camera (optional)
• Compass (if you have one)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Money for a snack stop or planned Sunday lunch
• Notebook (small)
• Pen and pencil
• Pocket knife (1, optional and only if they have the Totin Chip)
• Rain gear
• Scout Handbook (with name on it, protective cover recommended)
• Travel entertainment (leave electronics in car)
• Water bottle (refillable) with carabiner clip for belt

In Duffle Bag

• Batteries for flashlight or headlamp (extra set)
• Bug repellant - lotion or pump, not aerosol
• Comb or brush
• Deodorant (as needed)
• Duct tape (optional)
• Extra old shoes (1 pair)
• Gloves for cold weather (seasonal)
• Hat
• Jacket/hoodie that can get dirty (seasonal)
• Knit cap for cold nights (seasonal)
• Pillow - travel/camping size or inflatable (optional)
• Shorts/pants (at least 1 pair of pants total at campout + 1 extra shorts)
• Sleepwear (optional)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Soap in Ziploc bag or small bottle (who knows, they may actually use it)
• Socks (2 pair)
• Sweatshirt (seasonal)
• Swim trunks (depends on campout)
• Sunscreen - lotion or pump , not aerosol
• Tissues (optional)
• Toilet paper (in Ziploc bag with a small hand sanitizer)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Towel/shower gear (optional)
• Trash bag for dirty/wet clothes
• T-shirts (2, preferably with Scouting theme)
• Underwear (2)

All personal medications must be clearly marked with the scout's name, medication name and dosage.

Clothing and personal property should be permanently marked with scout's name and troop number.

Dress in layers because the weather can change on the fly.

Check the weather forecast for the campout location to determine the type of clothing to pack.

Not allowed at the camp site:

• Electronic devices: cell phones, game systems, etc.
• Axes, saws, sheath knives, fireworks, and weapons of any kind.
• Personal tents (exception for Scouts who are on Staff).
• No open-toe sandals or shoes.

Not allowed in tents:

• Candy, gum or snacks.
• Cans or bottles of soda/Gatorade/ice tea/etc.

Parents are highly encouraged to participate in the Troop's Campouts. It is important to spread this responsibility to watch over these young scouts amongst all our parents. If you need equipment, the troop can most likely loan you whatever you need. We also need parents to help out with cooking and cleaning the parent's area as well as other typical campout needs. Participating on these campouts or helping out as a volunteer in some other way sets a great example for your scout and also shows them that you are vested in the program. It also is an excellent way to see how the troop operates first hand and helps us with transportation needs so we can get all the scouts to and from the campouts.

There is a deliberate segregation between the parents and the scouts during the campouts. The scouts are expected to take care of themselves and follow the Patrol Method. Parents are expected to treat other scouts the same way they treat their scouts. For example, if you go and check on your scout, it is expected that you will check on the other scouts as well. This way there will be no perceived favoritism, avoids potential teasing opportunities, and encourages independence. There are some exceptions to this when it comes to safety, medical needs, or special need scouts. Disciplining of the scouts, if necessary, will be conducted by the SM or ASMs but ALL adults are expected to immediately address any perceived safety issues at any and all times.

Siblings are not allowed on campouts. The campouts are intended for the scouts to engage in scouting activities. There are some cases when the troop will invite siblings to attend campouts or other specific functions and the troop will make that known.

Groceries:

If your scout is going on the campout, have them bring $15 (cash only) to the troop meeting the week of the campout. At the meeting, the patrol will decide on a menu for the campout. They will pick one or two scouts to buy the food and chuck box supplies with the collected money. For Green Scout shopping trips, a Troop Guide will come along with the Green Scouts to guide them in their shopping. If you are parent of one of the scouts buying, give them space at the store to do their own shopping with the Troop Guide's help. However, be prepared to wait a while at the grocery store. It takes them forever to shop the first couple of times. The Patrol Leader will retain any leftover money for the patrol to use later (e.g., menu upgrade).

Meals:

• Saturday morning is typically a hot breakfast cooked on a stove - usually bacon and eggs or breakfast tacos. They can do pancakes, but that is not recommended. It will take a long time to cook them if there are lots of scouts at the campout.
• Saturday lunch is typically not cooked such as sandwiches or wraps.
• A Dutch oven (provided by the troop) is usually required as part of every Saturday night meal. Usually, this is for the main dish, though it could be used for a side or dessert instead. There are lots of Dutch oven recipes on the internet. They will want to keep it simple for the first couple of campouts.
• We want the scouts to prepare the Saturday dinner from scratch as much as possible. Do not pre-cook or pre-cut food. They need to work as a patrol to do all the tasks to prepare dinner. Don't worry, the Troop Guides have to eat the food too, so they will ensure it is cooked all the way. The adults might also check that meat is cooked completely but cannot help with the cooking in any other way.
• Sunday morning will be a cold, easy breakfast (pastries and juice, usually) - something that won't require cleaning any equipment so they can pack up sooner to go home.

Chuck Box and Coolers:

The Patrol Leader is responsible for the patrol chuck box and coolers. They may delegate who is storing these items. The scout with these items needs to either participate in the shopping or the shopper needs to get the food to them to pack. The scouts do not need to buy ice. Pack the cold stuff in the cooler Friday and take it to the church for loadout. There is an ice machine at the church that we use. The food that does not have to go in the cooler should be packed in the extra space in the chuck box.

Personal Gear Packing:

It is best to have a large duffle with a luggage tag for your scout to pack all their gear into. A camping gear checklist will be provided of what is typically in a duffle. You can get a large duffle at Academy (avoid bulky ones with wheels). You can also use a backpack and carry the sleeping bag and pad. Since their duffle/backpack will be packed in the trailer, they need to carry some items in a small backpack or bag for the car ride up, including a flashlight, raingear, and any entertainment for the trip (cards, phone, book, etc.). Note that electronics will need to stay in the car once they get to the campsite.

Medication:

An adult will be assigned as the campout's Medicine Person. At loadout, scouts will give all personal medication to the Medicine Person for safe keeping and dispensing. All personal medications must be clearly marked with the scout's name, medication name and dosage. Unused medications will be returned upon return on Sunday.

Fans:

Scouts are allowed to have a battery operated fan during the hotter campouts.

Don't Bring:

• Cot - too large for tents (take pad instead).
• Chair - they sit at picnic tables (though adults going should bring a chair for themselves).
• Tent - provided by the troop.
• Extra food - no food in the tents.

Uniforms:

The scouts must be in their class A uniforms when they leave Friday. They will be in them when they return Sunday as well. In between, they will wear class C, any clothes or a scouting T-shirt, preferably the troop T-shirt. A good idea is to pack their spare clothes in extra-large Ziploc bags. Let the scouts pack their own bags (with parental oversight for the first few campouts).

Hygiene:

Now a word on hygiene. The patrols should have hand sanitizer in their chuck box. This is probably as close as most scouts will come to soap on a campout. Be prepared for them to arrive home a little dirty and a little stinky. After all, these are kids and it is a campout. They likely will not be taking showers. If you are lucky, they may change their clothes once.

Loadout:

The coolers and chuck boxes need to be at the church typically at 5:00 pm Friday for packing. Who is bringing the patrol chuck box and coolers is to be listed on the patrol duty roster for the campout and also who will be picking them up on Sunday. The Patrol Leaders, Staff, and Troop Guides need to be there at that time as well. Everyone else must be there by 5:15 pm. The scouts pack the chuck boxes and everyone's gear into the little trailer. Coolers are loaded onto a pickup or into the little trailer. We will leave 5:45 - 6:00 pm. Eat dinner beforehand or in the car.

Return:

Depending on where we go camping, we will be back to the church typically around 12:00 - 2:00 pm Sunday. The drivers have the scouts call or text their parents when they get close to arrival. The troop usually also sends out return status e-mails while in route. If the campout is close and we will return before 12:30 pm (when church will still be in service), we will meet at Clear Lake Rec Center two blocks from the church. Normally, we ask that you give your scout at least $6 - $7 to buy lunch on the way home from a campout. If the campout is very close, we will not stop for lunch. You may also want to give your scout a few dollars for any Buc-ee's stops.

Parent Support:

The first campout is a lot of fun for the new scout and sometimes tough on the parent. It is hard to let go. They will become more independent on these campouts, relying on themselves and their fellow scouts and not on their parents. Scoutmasters will be around for guidance and to step in if there are safety or other significant issues. As we have stated before, the parents need to learn to step back and let their scouts try, maybe fail, but ultimately learn, and definitely to have fun.

Happy camping!