Equipment

Your sons will find that much of the equipment they need will continue to be used throughout their Scouting experience. The basic camping gear for a new scout will form the basis for the equipment that they will use for Philmont and High Adventure treks.Basic Troop Camp Out (In the following list of items, special emphasis should be addressed to getting a good pack, sleeping bag and hiking boots. Many of these items will last throughout their careers and will make the enjoyment of their camping experience much greater).

Basic Equipment

1. Sleeping bag: your son will need a good quality sleeping bag. (Remember that they will one day have to pack it, so invest in a quality bag that is light. The Troop has a lot of experience and can give you guidance in this area. We conduct classes on this a couple of times a year. You might also talk to someone at REI or Whole Earth Provisions for advice). The sleeping bag should include a stuff sack. The Scout should use a plastic garbage bag liner inside the stuff sack when packing the sleeping bag for a camping trip.
2. Hiking boots: good ones, do not skimp here. Unfortunately, they grow out of them quickly, so we swap them around the Troop when we can.
3. Back pack: Fitted to the Scout, ask someone at REI about fitting the pack. Plan to spend some time choosing and properly fitting the back pack.
4. Rain suit: might want to start with one from Academy, REI, or Sports Authority but acquire good one for High Adventure. No ponchos, please.
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Essentials

1. Clothing: change of clothes (appropriate for the season) including socks, pants, underwear and jacket in a zip lock plastic bag. An extra pair of shoes will be useful and towel!
2. Toiletries
3. Utensils: lexan spoon, fork, cup, and small plate or bowl (REI Campware Table Set is a good recommendation)
4. Small personal First Aid Kit
5. 50 feet (2 - 25') of parachute cord or braided nylon cord
6. Water bottles: two wide mouth Nalgene bottles. These can be purchased at Academy, REI and Sports Authority or similar outdoor stores.

Tools

1. Pocket knife: folding knife with at least one blade 2 inches long, but no longer than 2 1/2 inches. The really expensive Swiss Army knives are neat, but they are usually not practical for peeling potatoes and cuffing up carrots for FCE cooking. The basic one or two blade knife is best. The addition of a Leathermans tool in addition to the pocket knife has become a staple of the back packing Scouts.
NOTE: WE DO NOT ALLOW FIXED BLADE SHEATH KNIFES IN THIS TROOP. THEY CAN INJURE SCOUTS WHO ARE WEARING THEM ON THEIR BELT IF THEY FALL OR TRIP.
IN ADDITION-NO CHAIRS OR STOOLS.
2. Cap/billed cap, sun screen, 4' x 6' ground cloth, swim suit, jacket, sleeping pad, pack cover, plastic garbage bag, small flashlight or head light, Scout Book, knot rope, pen & paper.
3. Remember to label everything.
High Adventure or any specific trip equipment lists will be communicated well in advance of the trip.

A Scout is loyal. A Scout is loyal to those to whom loyalty is due.