Camping 101
A Quick Guide to Camp-outs with Troop 344
Paperwork
• Troop 344 usually camps monthly; see the Troop Calendar for dates.
• A link for on-line sign-up (Google form or Sign-Up Genius or the like) will be distributed via e-mail in advance of the camp-out. Please respond as soon as possible after you receive the link. This process allows the troop’s activity coordinator to compile a roster for the camp-out, and it provides greater clarity than verbal responses at a troop meeting.
• Scouts (and adults who will be camping) should bring $20 for food for the camp-out to the Monday night meeting before the weekend camp-out. Scouts should give their $20 to their patrol shopper, and adults should give their $20 to the camp host. Cash works best, but other forms of payment are acceptable. If a scout cannot attend the meeting prior to the camp-out, but he still wants to camp, the scout is still responsible for getting his money to the patrol’s shopper before the camp-out.
Food
• The scouts plan and prepare all the meals for the weekend with their patrol (4-8 scouts).
• The menu is planned the Monday before the camp-out. One scout is the “shopper” and will collect $20 from each scout. With guidance from his parents, he will then purchase the food for his patrol and bring it to the camp-out. A cooler is needed for the perishable items, and a plastic storage box for the dry goods works well and keeps the food from being crushed, getting wet, etc.
• Do not send additional food with your scout. Food in the tents leads to “visits” from wildlife.
• The scout is responsible for informing his patrol of any of allergies or dietary restrictions so that they can be accommodated during the meal planning.
• Please be considerate of the shopper and give plenty of notice if your plans change or if you are a late addition.
• Scouts work together cooperatively to build a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie; therefore, having a scout bring and eat his “own food” is discouraged.
Gear
• Tents, group gear, and cooking equipment are provided by the troop. The scout brings personal gear and clothing appropriate for the event, activities, and the weather.
• Suggested packing lists are available for troop camp-outs. Many scouts also bring along a collapsible chair.
• Do not bring electronics, cell phones, etc.
Timing
• We usually depart at 6:00 p.m. Friday night. We meet behind Ladue Middle School at the end of the black top beside the maintenance sheds.
• EAT DINNER BEFORE; we do not provide food Friday night.
• We return Sunday to LMS. Scouts will call when they are close to returning to LMS.
Adults
• Parents are welcome to camp with the troop (but must be registered with the BSA to camp overnight). Please indicate your participation in response to the sign-up link.
• Adults pay $20 to the adult camp hosts who will purchase the “adult patrol” food for the weekend.
• We are always in need of parents to pull the trailer to and from camp-outs. If you have a vehicle that can do this, please notify the scoutmaster or committee chair.
• Please volunteer to support the troop. We need adult “hosts” for each camp-out in addition to the scoutmaster. We need you to volunteer for one of these slots when asked. It is a great way get to know the other scouts and adults in our troop and to have fun with your son.
Monday before the campout is the sign-up deadline for scouts and adults.
Troop 344 