Ken,

It sounds like you're very much on track with your planning. The specific recommendations from the other scouters provide excellent details and qualifiers. I don't think I have a lot of specifics to add.

I am including one of our general checklists for routine outings for our troop. This form was originally a 3-columned checklist. The form is normally included with several other forms, but tries to cover several bases in the event that are omitted. I am obviously including this list to illustrate the content, not the form. Since our troop is in a warm climate, that does affect our general choices as well as contingency planning. I hope this helps.

Incidentally, I had originally drafted this post before seeing that of "Be Prepared." After reading his post, I see illustrative differences in our troops. My troop usually provides tents and some other large equipment. That is exactly the kind of information that parents need to learn before buying equipment for their sons. So warn parents to ask what paraphernalia their prospective troops will provide. If they later prefer to opt for different gear, they will hopefully make learned choices based on their experience.

Good luck,

John



Parents and Scout's INFORMATION:
Event: Miles to drive:
Location: Date(s):
Coordinator: Phone:
Home Contact During Event: Phone:
Depart: Date: Time am/pm Meet 30 min earlier at the Church.
Return: Date: Time am/pm at Place: the Church.
Cost per Scout: Food: $ Please pay to: Patrol leader Money for food $



EQUIPMENT for Outing: X=required O=optional r=recommended E=Ten Essentials+:
_x___Pocketknife E
_x___Flashlight, Spare Batteries, E
& Spare Bulb
_x___Compass E
__r__Whistle
__r__Mirror
__r__50' x 1/8" Rope
__r__Duct Tape
_x___Matches (watertight contanr), Hot Spark, & Tinder E
_x___First Aid Kit E
__r__3 Large Trash Bags
__o__Insect Repellent
_x___Sunglasses E

__x__Hat E
__x__Sunscreen E
__r__Bandana
_____Wool Watch Cap
_____1-3 Tee Shirts E
_____ Pairs Under Shorts
_____ Long Underware
_____Class "A" Shirt
_____2-3 Pairs Sock Liners E
_____2-3 Pairs Wool Socks E
_____1-2 Pairs Pants
_____1-3 Pairs Shorts
_____1-2 Pants/Shorts E
_____Hiking Boots
_____Extra Shoes (Tennis)
_____Windbreaker/Jacket (Light)
_____Warm Jacket
_____Gloves
___x__Poncho E
_____Mittens or Gloves
_____Swim Trunks
_____Aqua Socks
_____Sleeping Bag
_____Sleeping Pad
_____Pillow/Equivalent
_____Plastic Ground Cloth
____2 Water Bottles (wide mouth prefr'd E
_____Trail Mix E
_____Day Pack
_____Backpack (w. spare pins)


_____Duffel Bag
____Toiletry Kit w/ Comb,Toothbrush,
Toothpaste, Soap, & ToiletPaper
_____Towel
_____Lip & Hand Balm
_____Personally Needed Medicine
(Listed on Medical Forms)
__r__Sewing Kit (Small)
_____Mess Kit: Pot, Lid, Bowl, Cup,
Spoon, ( Fork?)
____Pot Holder, Scrub Pad, Detergent
____ Scout Book, Paper, Pen, Pencil
Personal Gear:
__o__Camera w/ Film
_____ Fishing Gear w Hard Case,Small Tackle Box
_____Swim Gear
_____Sack Lunch


My Scout, _______________________________, WILL_____ or WILL NOT_____ attend the Camping trip taking place 11/3 to 11/4. Also, if attending, I give my son permission to attend the above-mentioned event. I include the Medical Exam/History & Authorize to Treat; &Activities Consent.
Parent's Name: ______________________________, Parent Will________or Will Not_____attend
I can drive To site_____________________ From site to home___________________
Parent's Signature _________________________ Date: ______________

Things certainly seem to have changed from when I was in the Cub Scouts (late 1960s - early 1970s). Don't recall needing chits and parental permission for pocketknives. We might have, but I don't remember it.

I had a pocketknife I took to every meeting. I still have that very pocketknife. I think the general advice was, bring whatever you have, and the more the better -- for sharing and all.

Didn't carry a lighter, though. My parents would have gone postal over that. Found one in the gutter some years later and carried it. Learned all about setting fires and putting them out, right in my own backyard -- away from my parents' eyes. Told them later on. Their eyes did bug out a bit!

Things seem a bit too politically correct these days in scouting. Or is it me?

-- Craig

>>>Things seem a bit too politically correct these days in scouting. Or is it me?

I think that's pretty true, unfortunately. As a dad and Scout leader trying to give boys a chance to have the experience we did as kids, I will say that the Boy Scouts are trying very hard to survive and maintain their timeless values in a world that has some people working constantly to undermine them.

Things like the Scout oath seem to set too high a standard for some people: "On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight"

If they object to that, imagine what they must think of the Scout law: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

Imagine the kind of world we'd have if that caught on... better call the Supreme Court <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I recall whittlin' a Pinewood Derby (tm) car as a Cub Scout in the later part of the '60s, but I don't recall a "chit." However, there probably was a Cub Scout-level chit, as I do recall the Boy Scout's "Totin' Chit" card, and the tradition of leaders removing corners for transgressions of the knife rules. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

We weren't allowed to use (camp) stoves. Now, stove use is generally mandated in order to "leave no trace," at an unfortunate loss of fire making skills. Arguments over local vs. global impact of stoves are probably best expressed over on Campfire. Humm..., ironic name....

I give the BSA much credit, however, for standing up to a noisy minority in this country. BSA tries very hard to teach, and act consistently with, a system of values that includes (back to topic) the novel concept that (survival) tools, including self-reliance and a knife, are not inherently evil.

There is much flexibility in the methods and program delivered from one set of leaders to another. I find the occasional outbursts of Scouting within these forums enjoyable and useful.

WWW,

/Neal

I used to be a bear....

Carving out a pinewood derby car ... ah the memories. I have been carrying a knife since the early grade school years (maybe first grade) and still carry one daily. I'm 32 years now old and when I pull it out in front of my mother she still lets out a modest but clearly intentional sigh. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Being somewhat of a throwback, I have a difficult time with the whole "Leave No Trace" concept. I usually just keep my mouth shut. Don't want to be run out of town by the environmental contingent.

What about "Manifest Destiny?" That magnificent concept we learned in school. Mankind moves in, destroys the place, and rebuilds things how we want them. Worked for the settlers.

If our forefathers had left no trace, we wouldn't be here.

-- Craig (waiting to be tarred and feathered)

When it comes to things like littering, and the dorks who carve their initials into trees, then I'm a proponent of "Leave No Trace." But I think it can be taken to extremes. I see no problem with using deadfall to create a temporary shelter. I'll reuse a firepit if there's one handy but it's not going to destroy the environment if I build my own.

Regards, Vince

Agreed. I'm against littering. I've never done that. I clean up my own messes. I can make a bloody good mess, too. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

As for carving one's initials in trees, well, I did my own fair share of that in my teen years, so I feel I can't protest too much. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

-- Craig

All I can say is I refuse to blue bag!!!! But I do pay extra for environmentally friendly TP (or just use leaves)! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

As for the leaves, may I say, "OUCH!"

As for the blue bags, I'm right there with you. I'm not carrying around bags of poop unless it's my dog's. Probably means I'm not meant for overnighting it in the woods.

When it comes to daily bodily functions, I'd head for the nearest outhouse, henhouse, doghouse, treehouse, or Motel 6 if I could find one.

-- Craig