About Troop 200

Organization
Meetings
Rules
Uniform
Fees
Equipment

Equipment

Before buying any camping equipment, talk to some of the experienced Scouts or leaders and get advice on what and where to buy. Your Scout can borrow items until after he makes Tenderfoot rank, then he can receive items as birthday or Christmas gifts.

The W.D. Boyce National Scout Shop, 614 N.E. Madsion is the official Scout distributor for clothing and equipment. Camping equipment can be bought at many retail stores: K’s Merchandise, Wal-Mart, JC Penney, MC Sports, Durham Sports, Bushwacker, Gander Mountain, Galyan’s or through mail order catalogs. Many of the leaders will loan their catalogs.

Mark all personal items with your name. The troop has a metal engraver to mark metal items.

• Tent: Provided by the troop.
• Foam pad: Provided by the troop.
• Ground cloth: Provided by the troop.
• Cooking gear: Plate, bowl, cup, and cook kits are provided by the troop.
• Utensils: Bring a fork and spoon labeled with your name.
• Sleeping bag: We camp year round in all kinds of weather so a light blanket with the sleeping bag is recommended. The bag should be covered with a bag (plastic garbage bag) to keep it dry as we hike to our campsite.
• Backpack: This makes it easier to carry everything. A new one can cost $65 and up.
• Pack cover: Bring a plastic garbage bag to cover your pack at night, because it stays outside the tent.
• Clothing: Consult your Handbook for a more complete list. Here are some essential to get you started. Pack everything in gallon size plastic bags (squeeze out the air).
  • Scout Uniform;
  • Extra long pants, shorts, shirts, socks, underwear, handkerchiefs;
  • Coat, sweatshirt, windbreaker, gloves, and hat;
  • Sweatsuit or pajamas for sleeping.
• Shoes: Each Scout needs two pairs of shoes (boots or tennis shoes) on every campout, it always rains. Later, he can get hiking boots. A cheap pair of rubber boots over tennis shoes will help keep socks dry.
• Grooming: Put a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, soap, and hand towel in a small ziplock bag.
• Rain gear: A poncho or rain suit is necessary; a plastic bag will work as a substitute.
• Canteen: Any type of water bottle will work and should be filled at home.
• Flashlight: A small one that can be held in the mouth while looking in your pack or tent works best. Add fresh batteries before each campout.
• Insect repellent: A small bottle of liquid or paste. Aerosol or pumps are not allowed (they can ruin waterproofing on tents and dining flys).
• Compass: Wait and get one later. The troop has extras you can use in the meantime.
• Handbook: Wrap in a plastic bag with a pencil or pen and a small notebook.
• Pocket knife: A small knife is recommended only after a Scout has been instructed on proper use and care of a knife within the troop and earns a “totin’ chip” card.
• First aid kit: Your personal kit should be two adhesive bandages; the troop has a large kit.
• Medicine: The Scoutmaster should be notified of any medicine you need to take.

Things to Leave at Home

• Sheath knife, matches, lighters, cigarettes, fireworks, radios, television, electronic games, tape players, balls, cards, soda, gum, junk food, and money

After the campout

• Hang sleeping bag up to air out.
• Empty and air out canteen.
• Wash equipment and return to pack for the next campout.