The official list of gear that the boys are to carry is the "Outdoor Essentials":

-Pocketknife
-First aid kit
-Extra clothing
-Rain gear
-Water bottle
-Flashlight
-Trail food
-Matches and fire starters
-Sun protection (sunscreen, brimmed hat, lip balm, sunglasses)
-Map and compass

Many troops also include:
-Whistle on a lanyard
-Mylar space blanket

The problem I have is that I'm seeing the boys take this gear with them, stow it away, and they don't actually carry the gear with them during activities. At least one adult leader has said that the gear isn't that important while camping in the midwest since there really isn't much that can happen to them.

Does anyone know if search and rescue statistics are available out there somewhere? Maybe 11+ year old boys really don't get into survival situations in the midwest.