WHEN DOES THE TROOP MEET?

Troop 228 meets every Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 at Blessed Kateri Catholic Church in Saugus (north-east corner of Seco Canyon and Copperhill).  The meetings are usually held in the basement of the church.  Please enter the parking lot through the lower entrance (closest to Seco Canyon).

 

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEETINGS?

Focus of the meeting is determined by upcoming activities, including planning for outings.  There is also an emphasis on learning Scout skills with related games, basic advancement requirements, and merit badge studies.

 

WHO PLANS THE MEETINGS?

The meeting agenda is the responsibility of the Senior Patrol Leader and the scoutmaster, with input from the Patrol Leader Council. 

 

WHAT ABOUT THE PLC MEETING?

Once a month, instead of the regular troop meeting, there is a Patrol Leader Council meeting.  All troop scout-leaders are required to attend the PLC.  Other troop members are invited but not expected to attend these meetings.

ARE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROGRAM?

"Outing" is a major part of Scouting.  Camping, hiking, canoeing, and all kinds of outdoor activities are an important method for achieving the aims of Scouting.  Outdoor activities are the central part of the fun of Scouting and are a major source of advancement opportunities. 

 

Exciting outings provide the environment Scouts need to develop their self-reliance and leadership skills.  In many cases, a young Scout may have never before had to depend on himself and his peers for his food, shelter, and recreating.  Troop 228 has an ambitious outing program to stimulate and challenge all Scouts.

 

IS THERE A PUBLISHED SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES?

A preliminary schedule of activities is published in the troop's annual calendar.  Adjustments are made as the year progresses.  The troop tries to plan one overnight outing each month during the school year.  You can see the troop calendar on the webpage.

 

HOW OFTEN DOES THE TROOP GO CAMPING?

We try to plan at least one campout per month during the school year.  We also have at least one, and usually two, week-long camping opportunities in the summer.

 

WHAT HAPPENS ON CAMPOUTS?

Some outings are skill or education oriented, and others are just to have a good time.  Equipment varies from lightweight equipment for backpacking trips to coolers, Dutch ovens, and patrol boxes for camping at sites accessible by automobile and pick-ups.

 

HOW CAN PARENTS HELP?

We always need drivers for the campouts, to help transport scouts and the troop equipment.  In addition, the troop will never go camping without preferably four adults on the campout.

 

CAN PARENTS ATTEND THE CAMPOUTS?

Parents are encouraged to attend campouts to share in the Scouting experience, to observe and experience the 'patrol method' at work.  Please see the section titled “Parents on Campouts’.
 

HOW WILL I GET INFORMATION ON THE CAMPOUTS?

For each outing, there will be an information sheet that will list the type of outing, the departure place and time, the expected return place and time, an in-town contact, as well as the cost.  This will be given to each scout, and we will also place a copy of this on the webpage.
 

HOW MUCH WILL THE CAMPOUTS COST?

The campout fee covers campsite reservations, food, and other participation costs.  The activity fee may be paid at least one week prior to the event.  In addition, the troop might stop at a fast food locations for a quick snack on the trip out or back.  Scouts should be prepared for these costs on their own.

 

ARE UNIFORMS WORN WHEN CAMPING?

Full uniforms will be worn when scouts travel to and from outings, and scouts will remain in uniform whenever we are in public.  For the rest of the campout, scouts are to wear their troop T-Shirt.

DO I HAVE TO GO CAMPING?

Although parents are not required to go camping with the troop, it is more fun than you probably imagine!   

I WENT CAMPING WITH THE PACK – IS IT SIMILAR?

A key difference between Boy Scouting and Cub Scouting/Webelos is youth leadership. Look for the word "leader" in a Scout's job description, and you will begin to appreciate the difference. The responsible person for a Cub/Webelos den is the adult Den Leader. The responsible person for a Boy Scout patrol is the youth Patrol Leader.

 

Boy Scouting teaches leadership. And Scouts learn leadership by practicing it, not by watching adults lead. 

CAN OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS CAMP WITH THE TROOP?

Camping is not just a fun activity, they are the “laboratory” of scouting, where the scouts put into practice the leadership skills that we would like them to develop.   Cooking, tenting, and other activities are based on the patrols.

 

For this reason, family members who are NOT scouts should not attend campouts unless the troop has designated the activity as a “family campout”.

 

However, for specific circumstances, the scoutmaster and committee chair can permit a non-family member to attend a campout.  These decisions are taken up on a case-by-case basis.

 

Brothers who are registered Webelos can participate on a campout not as a brother, but as a Webelos cub scout are part of his Webelos program. 

I’M AN EXPERT ON CAMPING – CAN I TELL THE SCOUTS WHAT TO DO?

Boy Scout camping activities are based on what the BSA calls the patrol method, where Scouts learn teamwork, leadership, and most camping skills in their own group of peers. It is important that adults not be in the middle of patrol activities such as site selection, tent pitching, meal preparation, and anything else where boys get to practice decision-making. 

SO – IF THE SCOUTS ARE MAKING DECISIONS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Enjoy yourself!  Camping with the troop can be a fun and exciting experience.

 

However, your most rewarding activity will be watching your son take progressively more mature and significant responsibilities as he zooms toward adulthood.

 

In addition, you son and all of the scouts still need our guidance and support.

SINCE HE WILL BE WITH HIS PATROL, WILL I EVER SEE MY SON?

Of course!  We hope you will visit the patrol sites, talk to your son and the other Scouts, ask what's going on and how things are going.   However:  at the same time, remember to give the guys room to grow while you enjoy the view. 

HOW CAN I HELP THE SCOUTS BECOME LEADERS ON CAMPOUTS?

v     Never do anything for a boy that he can do for himself.

We allow boys to grow by practicing leadership and by learning from their mistakes. And while Scout skills are an important part of the program, what ultimately matters when our Scouts become adults is not how well they remember to use a map & compass, but whether they can know how to offer leadership to others in tough situations; and that they can live by a code of conduct that centers on honest, honorable and ethical behavior.

 

v     Don't hesitate to show a Scout how to do something, just don't do it for him.

Don't jump in just to prevent a mistake from happening (unless it's serious & involves safety). Encourage Scouts to make their own decisions ask them what they think should be done or how THEY are going to solve a problem. We all learn best from our mistakes and a big part of our job as adults in the troop is to provide them with a SAFE environment in which they can make mistakes. 

IF WE USE THE PATROL METHOD, AM I IN A PATROL?

When a parent goes on a campout, he or she is automatically included as a member in our "adult” patrol. This patrol has several purposes, including camaraderie and really, really good food.   

WHY DO WE HAVE AN ADULT PATROL?

The most important reason for an adult patrol is to provide an example the Scout patrols can follow without our telling them what to do (we try to teach by example when we can).

 

As a patrol, our adults to cook, eat, and tent separately from the Scouts.  

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT I SHOULD KNOW?

v     Adult Tenting

Adults should not share a tent with their son. If a father tents with his son, it has been our experience that the Scout will lose out on many opportunities to make decisions and be part of the patrol team.

 

Adults NEVER share a tent with any minor who is not their child.

 

v     Smoking/Drinking

Drivers may not smoke while Scouts are in the car. Adults may not smoke or use tobacco products, nor drink alcoholic beverages during a Scout activity. Adults who must smoke or chew must do so discretely out of sight of the Scouts.
 

Based on material taken from Troop 168’s web page

WHAT CAMPING EQUIPMENT DOES THE TROOP PROVIDE?

The troop owns and maintains basic camping equipment.  This is primarily equipment that must be shared, such as tents and cooking equipment.  The troop equipment is assigned to individual patrols, who are responsible for the care, maintenance, and cleaning of the equipment.  The patrols work with an assistant scoutmaster when troop equipment needs servicing or replacing.

 

WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL THE SCOUTS NEED TO PROVIDE?

Scouts will need to provide their own personal gear.  Proper equipment and clothing are essential for safe and enjoyable outdoor activities.  The "Scout Handbook" provides good equipment lists for basic camp outs as well as backpacking.  Also, our web page has a checklist that can be used for every campout.

 

IS CAMPING GEAR EXPENSIVE?

You do not need a huge investment in equipment.  Some scouts get by with homemade or borrowed gear, while others with an interest in high-tech gear can spend several hundred dollars.  There is no reason to spend beyond your budget.  Any of the Assistant Scoutmasters will be glad to assist and advise you in properly equipping your Scout. 

 

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN CAMPING GEAR?

There are some key items that scout will need.  Keep in  mind that these can be borrowed, or rented from places like Sport Chalet.  Better equipment can be purchased over time as the scout's knowledge and preferences grow, and as gift giving occasions occur.  It is not necessary to purchase the best or most expensive camping equipment and clothing.  However, the cheapest equipment may last for only one outing and will not be a bargain

 

Sleeping bags

(p. 240 - 241, Boy Scout Handbook)

This is perhaps one of the most important purchases that you can make.  In California, any type of sleeping bag will suffice for most weather from March through November.  If it becomes very cold during that time, folding a blanket in thirds and inserting it into the sleeping bag can supplement a sleeping bag.  A stocking hat may also be needed for very cold weather. 

 

Ground Pad

(p. 240, Boy Scout Handbook)

A ground pad is an important part of a sleeping system.  The pad is important for more than just comfort, since it provides vital insulation between you and the ground.  A half-inch thick closed cell foam pad is the least expensive and most durable choice.  Self-inflating insulating foam sleeping pads are more comfortable, but are also much more expensive.  Avoid foam rubber or other open cell foam pads because they soak up water and do not insulate well.  Since it has no insulating value, avoid a simple inflatable vinyl air mattress like you would use in a swimming pool.

 

Backpacks

(p. 228 - 231, Boy Scout Handbook)

It is not necessary for a new Scout in Troop 228 to own his own backpack.  On most monthly campouts a simple duffel bag or gym bag will suffice.  When the time comes for a Scout to go on his first backpacking trip, he should borrow a backpack and see how he likes backpacking.  A backpack is an expense that a new Scout can put off until later.  Ask an assistant scoutmaster for more information on purchasing a backpack

 

Rain Gear

(p. 206, Boy Scout Handbook)

Staying dry is important to staying warm.  A Scout does not need an expensive, high-tech rainsuit.  A durable poncho can be adequate.  Avoid buying a cheap plastic poncho because it will not last even a single campout. 

 

Foot Gear

(p. 200 - 201, Boy Scout Handbook)

Most scouts wear athletic shoes everywhere: school, church, and during play.  In good weather you may get by wearing them on a campout.  However, at some point it will be helpful to have a waterproof hiking boot that will stand up better to the rain, mud, and other conditions encountered on a campout.  It will also protect your feet better than an ordinary athletic shoe.  Don’t forget the importance of socks!

 

Personal Clothing

(p. 202 - 205, Boy Scout Handbook)

For most scouts, blue jeans are the all-purpose uniform for playing outdoors.  However, remember that cotton (jeans, sweat pants, t-shirts) looses its insulating value when wet.  To ensure your warmth and comfort, be sure to dress in layers of loose clothing.

 

Personal Dining

(p.264, Boy Scout Handbook)

Please do not have your scout camp with paper plates.  We would encourage all scouts to get a set of inexpensive but sturdy camping eating utensils, along with camping cup and plate.  Be sure that a scout has marked his name on his cooking/eating gear.  In fact, it would be good to have his name on all of his camping equipment and gear.

WHAT ABOUT PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES?

In general, we want to be sure that scouts have the opportunity o experience the outdoors, without being “sucked into” personal electronic devices.  There are three major areas of concerns with personal electronics:

1.      A scout will not fully enjoy the outdoor experience;

2.      Personal electronic devices, by their nature, tend to isolate the scout and keep him from being part of a team;

3.      It is very easy for personal electronic devices to be lost or damaged on a camping trip.

 

WHEN CAN PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES BE USED?

In general, these devices can only be used in the car when traveling to or from a campout.  They are never allowed to leave the car, and can not be used during the campout itself.

 

WHO CAN DETERMINE IF ELECTRONIC DEVICES CAN BE USED INA CAR?

The ultimate decision on whether devices can be used in a car rests with the driver.  The driver is responsible for the safety of the scouts he is transporting, and so his decision is final.

 

HOW CAN THE DEVICES BE USED WHEN TRAVELING?

Again, the ultimate decision when a device can be used in transportation falls to the driver.  If the driver has no objections, any personal electronic devices may be used just as long as they do not distract the driver or other passengers.

 

CAN MY SON BRING A CELL PHONE?

Scouts are not allowed to bring cell-phones or other communication devices on a campout.  Often we may be in location where phones do not work.  In other areas, we will have at least one parent who has a cell-phone with them. 

 

WHAT IF A SCOUT MISUSES ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICE? 

If a scout misuses any electronic device, that device will be confiscated by the Scoutmaster for the remainder of the trip, and returned to the parents when the troop returns home.

 

ARE THERE ANY OTHER ITEMS THAT MY SCOUTS SHOULD NOT BRING?

There are certain other items that are not appropriate for a scout to bring to any scouting activity.  A few examples of these items would include:

v     Sheath knives;

v     Hand Axes

v     Candles