Troop 401 Camping Info

1. We typically meet at the church parking lot starting at 5:30pm on a Friday Afternoon.
2. Arrive in your CLASS A uniform. Per BSA regulations, we always travel to and from an event in our CLASS A uniform.
3. You should either eat dinner at home or bring a sack dinner.
4. When you arrive at the church, report to the SPL so we know you are here.
5. Help load the troop equipment into the trailer. The troop equipment is stored in a shed behind the church.
6. After all the equipment troop equipment is loaded, we will load the personal gear.
7. We will depart by 6:30pm. We can't wait for stragglers, and it certainly isn't fair to show up at the last minute and avoid all the FUN (work) of loading the trailer.
8. We return on Sundays, usually around 12:30 pm. Adults, please don't leave without verifying our time of return. Be sure your son knows how to reach you over the weekend if he needs to contact you. Stay around and help until the trailer is unloaded.
9. We have a long and popular tradition of stopping at the Ice House on Sunday morning. After a weekend of eating healthy, the kids like some junk food. Please don't send them with more money than you want them to spend. As a reminder, if you don't have a CLASS A uniform on, you will not be allowed to go into the store.

1. We don't want you to run out and purchase a lot of new gear before you have had some training. Usually the gear you've used for family camping and Cub & One trips will work for the first few months.
2. Boys in a patrol buddy up in tents. Usually one or the other owns a tent. If there is an odd number, we will use a larger tents and there will be three in the tent.
3. Please don't send the Taj Mahal. The boys can't set up the big tents by themselves, and it is difficult to find large areas of flat ground.
4. NO COTS, except for long term summer camps.
5. Sleeping Bags should be thermally rated at least to 30 degrees F. I know it is springtime, but those ratings don't mean much anyhow!
6. Small Pillows. Please protect in plastic and/or a stuff bag.
7. Do I need a backpack? Not till next fall. Although a school size backpack can be real useful on almost every trip.
8. No Luggage. Bring you gear in a zipper duffle bag, gym bag, or the like.
9. PUT YOUR NAME ON EVERYTHING!!
10. For every trip, you will always need a plastic mug or cup. For most rips you will need a plastic plate or bowl, and silverware. We encourage washing a few items and discourage throwaway plates, etcetera.
11. For the first year, BRING YOUR BOY SCOUT BOOK, a PEN, and small spiral notebook to every camping trip and meeting. Put these in a zip-lock bag.
12. If your scout is on medication, this will be turned in to the designated adult when you arrive at the parking lot. Please provide directions!!
13. NO electronics, CD players, gameboys, etcetera.
14. Magic cards and other role playing games are discouraged. Often times it interferes with boys getting to know the outdoors.
15. You will notice that was a pretty short list. Mom & Dad will take care of the rest!!

1. Yes. However, this is Boy Scouts. Boys sleep with boys, and adults either sleep alone or with other adults.
2. Can both my Mom & Dad go? Yes, but realize this sometimes slows down the growing up process.
3. Can my little brother go? NO. Only registered boys with the troop may attend.
4. Should one of my parents go on the first trip? This is common but not necessary, because you are just getting to know the group. Over time, your parent will pick trips because they want to go to that destination.
5. What are the rules for my parents to go? First we will want to get information including your Make and model of car, drivers license number and car insurance info.
6. Do my parents have to be TRAINED to go on a trip. No and Yes. Overtime, we will be offering various types of training. If you are going to be involved, we will help you out.
7. Who rides in what cars? We make a headcount the Tuesday night before the trip. Before we leave, we match up the driver volunteers with a certain amount of boys.
8. Do I get paid for taking my car? No. But we do invite you to take the IRS deduction for charitable mileage. For extremely long trips, there may be compensation.

1. For every trip there will be a Grubmaster. This might be you! The grubmaster, working with the Troop Guide, prepares a menu and a shopping list.
2. How much does it cost? Patrols have varying grub fees depending on the number of meals, the complexity, and the number of boys going. These average $8 to $10.
3. Are there other costs? Yes. Often times there is a camp fee. This is either a state park fee or a BSA fee. These hover around $4.00.
4. Who do I pay? When do I pay? The money goes to your patrol grubmaster & scribe. The scribe pays the park fees to the Troop Treasurer. Please bring cash whenever possible (small bills). All money is due the Tuesday night before the trip.