Below is some useful information related to Troop 75's outdoor activities. If you are a Troop 75 Scout and have further questions, please contact your Patrol Leader or Senior Patrol Leader.
Quick link: Gear And Clothing List
Troop 75 activities can and do expose Scouts to challenging weather conditions and activities. However, safety is always the first priority. Troop leaders actively monitor weather and trail conditions in the weeks before a camping trip, and will cancel an event if it's felt that such conditions would create an unsafe environment for our Scouts.
However, keep in mind that the Scout Motto is "Be Prepared," so it is not our policy to cancel trips because of rain/snow or cold conditions in the forecast. If a trip is scheduled, and the forecast for the weekend isn't ideal, don't assume the trip is canceled unless you get a phone call or e-mail saying so. Chances are the trip will proceed as planned.
Troop 75 also takes special care to ensure Scouts are properly dressed and packed right to ensure they stay safe in inclement weather. The Troop will go so far as to leave a Scout home from an outing for which he is not properly prepared.
Each Scout will be required to carry part of his patrol's equipment, which he will be personally responsible for the entire trip.
Before the campout: Scouts should examine the equipment when it's issued to them, to ensure it's clean and has all relevant parts. Scouts who are carrying a tent should set the tent up at home or at a patrol meeting before the campout, to make sure that all its pieces are there and in satisfactory condition. If there is a problem with a piece of equipment, Scouts should contact the Quartermaster before the trip.
Failure to do so directly impacts both the Scout and his other patrol members, such as having to eat a cold dinner (due to a broken stove) or get a poor night's sleep (because a tent was missing several poles).
After the campout: Upon its return, all equipment should be in the same or better condition than which it was issued. Scouts should make sure that the piece of equipment has all of it's relevant parts, all pots or utensils are clean, and tents and tarps have been aired out. The Troop will not accept equipment back if it is not in good condition. If a piece of equipment broke or was difficult to operate during a campout, the Scout should inform the Quartermaster as soon as possible.
If a Scout does not take care of patrol equipment, it creates issues for the next Scout to use that piece of equipment. As an example, a Scout would not enjoy sleeping in a moldy tent or using a dirty pot because another Scout didn't do his part.
In addition to equipment provided by the Troop, Scouts are required to carry items for patrol use. These are listed on the (click the bold text) Gear and Clothing List.
There are certain items that Scouts are required to carry on all campouts. Clothing varies depending on the time of year. Click on the bold text for the Gear and Clothing List, which lists personal equipment and clothing that is required for campouts.
Scouts should not bring any breakable items on campouts. Items that can be damaged by water (e.g. cameras) or can leak in packs (e.g. food, fuel bottles) should be each sealed in their own pastic bags. All clothing and sleeping bags should also be protected in this manner. The troop does not allow any electronic devices on campouts (besides digital cameras) nor does it permit carbonated beverages or excessive amounts of other junk food.
On backpacking trips, it is advised that Scouts not bring extra things that are not really needed. They will just add weight to the pack, which a Scout will carry at least several miles on their back. Also, Scouts should avoid wearing cotton (including jeans) on any outing since it is very slow to dry, and does not keep a person warm while it's drying off.
Parents should see an adult leader for information on where to buy equipment and what type is the best. There are many brands and vendors that sell camping gear, and not all equipment is of the same quality, or offered at reasonable prices. The Troop also has "loaner" equipment available (e.g. backpacks for new Scouts who may not be sure that camping is for them. The Troop will occasionally make group or bundle purchases if there is sufficient interest.
Patrol Leaders will assist Scouts in properly packing their packs and offer more detailed information than is provided here. Packs will most likely be inspected by Patrol Leaders and/or the Senior Patrol Leader before camping trips to ensure that Scouts are prepared properly for an enjoyable weekend. Dressing and packing right are key to a successful outing in any weather.
Click here for some additional packing tips.
Friday dinner: In most cases, Scouts should eat dinner before leaving home. On long trips where we leave in late afternoon, there may be a fast-food dinner stop on the road. This is announced at the Troop meeting before the trip.
Saturday breakfast: Depending on length of trip, Scouts either eat before leaving home or bring money for a fast-food stop on the road (Scouts should bring money).
Saturday lunch: With few exceptions, Scouts must pack a bagged lunch for Saturday.
Saturday dinner: Always provided by troop or cooked by the patrol.
Sunday breakfast: On backpacking trips, Scouts must pack their own cold breakfast to eat on the trail. On other campouts, breakfast is provided by the Troop or patrol.
Sunday lunch: On long trips off of Long Island, there is usually a fast-food stop for lunch (Scouts should bring money). On shorter trips, Scouts are home in time for lunch.
Patrol Meals
Scouts usually take turns buying their patrol's food. Each Scout may be asked to shop for his patrol at some point during the year. The menu will be made up by the entire patrol at the troop or patrol meeting prior to the trip. To determine the cost for each Scout, divide the total cost of the food by the number of Scouts going on the trip. Each Scout is required to pay his share immediately. The person doing the shopping should have no out-of-pocket expenses other than for his own food.
For most activities, we travel as a troop, departing from the Key Food parking lot on Friday night or Saturday morning. Scouts are responsible for securing their own rides prior to the trip. Saturday departures are usually early - sometimes as early as 5:00 AM.
The Troop returns from off-island activities on Sunday afternoon. The time varies greatly, but it is almost certain that Scouts will be home by dinner time. Parents need not worry about picking their sons up since they will be dropped off at home. For on-Island trips, parents will be notified as to what time to pick up their sons. It is usually around or just before noon.
Parents: We need your help!!!
We are always in need of drivers for off-Island activities. The adult leaders can take some Scouts, but we usually come up short. Unless parents help out, there is a possibility that some Scouts will have to be left home. (It has happened in the past!) If you can drive, either one way or both ways, for any off-Island event, see the Scoutmaster at least two weeks prior to the trip. Also, parents are always welcome to camp with the troop if they are driving both ways. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated!