Scout and Family Handbook

Troop 224

The Woodsmen

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME LETTER .......................................................................................................................... 2

PURPOSE OF SCOUTING ................................................................................................................. 3

VISION STATEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 3

SCOUTING COMPARED TO CUB SCOUTING ................................................................................. 4

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ................................................................................................ 5

EXPECTATIONS OF SCOUT PARENTS ............................................................................................ 7

WEEKLY MEETINGS ........................................................................................................................ 7

ELECTRONICS POLICY .................................................................................................................... 8

SCHEDULING CONFLICTS ............................................................................................................... 8

SUMMER CAMP .............................................................................................................................. 8

ADULT LEADERS ............................................................................................................................. 9

GEAR GUIDE ................................................................................................................................... 11

2

Dear Scouts and Parents, Welcome to Scouts BSA Troop 224! We are excited you have decided to join us. Troop 224 was founded in 2017 by a group of enthusiastic, committed Scouts, Scout leaders, and parents/guardians from Pack 824. One of the key factors in Pack 824’s many years of success is the active cooperation and participation of Scouts and parents/guardians like you. We are proud to continue this tradition in Troop 224. When a boy joins the troop, his parents/guardians join the troop as well. Experience has taught us that your boy's interest and accomplishments in Scouting depend greatly on your level of participation in, and support of, his Scouting activities. When you show an interest in your son’s Scouting activities, time spent in Scouting can be quality time between you and your son. We encourage (and expect) you to become involved in the troop in a leadership or support role. The information in this handbook will answer many questions you may have about Scouting and Troop 224. Please review this handbook together and save it as a reference during your son’s Scouting career. This handbook does not replace the official Scout Handbook, nor does it address all BSA policies. This handbook is a supplement to the Scout Handbook and provides information specific to our troop. Every Scout who joins Troop 224 receives a copy of this handbook and is expected to read it with his parents/guardians. If anything is not clear, please ask! Feel free to call me at (602) 750-6923 or contact one of our assistant Scoutmasters if you have any questions. Welcome to Troop 224! We are glad you are joining us! Sincerely, Michael Anderson Scoutmaster

3

PURPOSE OF SCOUTING

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the largest and most recognized values-based youth development organizations. Scouts BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, teaches the principles of good citizenship, and promotes personal fitness. For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society. (For more information about the national BSA visit www.Scouting.org.) Many people are surprised to learn that teaching camping skills is not the purpose of Scouting, although camping is an important means of achieving the purpose of Scouting. The three aims of Scouting are:

To build character through developing self-reliance, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-respect

To foster citizenship by fostering love of community, country and world along with the commitment of service to others and an understanding of democratic principles

To develop fitness including physical, mental, emotional and moral fitness that will stay with the Scout for life.

The mission of Troop 224, like the mission of the Boy Scouts of America, is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. We believe that this is best achieved through an active, youth-led program that emphasizes outdoor experiences, service to and respect for others, leadership development, and a deep appreciation and respect for the environment.

Scout Oath Scout Law

On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country

and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake, and morally straight.

A Scout is:

Trustworthy Loyal

Helpful Friendly

Courteous Kind

Obedient Cheerful Thrifty Brave Clean

Reverent

VISION The Boy Scouts of America’s vision is to prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law. Troop 224 shares that vision. It is also our vision that every boy who joins Troop 224 have the support and resources to complete his trail to Eagle.

4

SCOUTING COMPARED TO CUB SCOUTING One of the most obvious differences between a Cub Scout pack and a Scout troop is leadership. Cub Scout packs are adult-led with adults planning nearly everything. Scout troops are youth-led, or they should be. Troop 224 is a youth-led troop. As such, the boys are responsible for almost everything from leading meetings to planning activities. When a Scout asks a Scoutmaster or assistant Scoutmaster a question, the response will more than likely be, “Did you ask your patrol leader?” or “Did you ask your SPL?” (SPL means senior patrol leader.) When your son has questions, he should follow the chain of command starting with his patrol leader. This fosters self-confidence and teamwork. You may be wondering how boys as young as 10 or 11 can be leaders. It is possible because the adults expect and allow them to lead by stepping back so that the boys can step up. Do the boys make mistakes? Of course they do! Through their mistakes, they learn. Adults only step in when they are needed to teach new skills, lend guidance, or when health or safety is an issue. By stepping back, adults allow the boys to own their mistakes and their successes. This chart shows the leadership positions adults hold in Cub Scouting and their equivalents in Scouting.

Cub Scouts Scouts BSA

Den Leader Patrol Leader

Cubmaster Senior Patrol Leader

Unit Committee (planning functions) Patrol Leaders Council

None Scoutmaster

Unit committee (administrative functions) Unit Committee

Most of the positions held by adults in Cub Scouting are held by youth in Scouting. Planning functions of the committee are done by the Patrol Leader’s Council. The committee continues to perform the administrative functions such as renewing the charter and handling the bookkeeping and banking. There are no positions equivalent to Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmaster in Cub Scouting. This is because the Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmasters serve as the adult “guides on the side”. In other words, they are mentors who stay on the sidelines most of the time.

The role parents play also changes from Cub Scouting to Scouting. However, in both Cub Scouting and Scouting, parents’ roles are extremely important.

As the parent of a Cub Scout, you were expected to help with activities and events. Perhaps you led your son’s den or served on the committee. You probably accompanied your son to most den meetings, pack meetings, and campouts.

As the parent of a Scout, you are expected to assist the troop by lending your support and helping with things the boys cannot reasonably do themselves. Some examples are providing transportation to an activity, taking boys to the store to shop for food for a campout, or acting as a chaperone on a

5

field trip. You may be asked to assist with fundraisers and special events or serve on the troop committee.

You can share your interests with the boys by becoming a counselor for one or more of 137 merit badges. Parents do not camp with Scouts unless they are registered leaders who have taken Youth Protection Training (YPT). However, we do encourage interested parents to join us when we go on field trips or hikes. If you truly enjoy the Scout experience, you may want to become a leader. If you choose to be a trained, registered leader, be prepared for more rustic camping conditions than you experienced as a Cub Scout parent!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do parents attend patrol and troop meetings? Scout patrol and troop meetings are intended to be an activity for youth. They are not a family activity, and the presence of parents can be a distraction. If a parent or guardian would like to observe a troop meeting, they should consult with the Scoutmaster in advance. Parents are welcome to stay at the meeting location and visit with other parents or sit in on a committee meeting. Parents and guardians are encouraged to register for a position on the troop committee or as an assistant Scoutmaster. There are always ways for a parent or guardian to be involved. Is Scouting safe? Yes. All programs and activities must follow a strict set of rules and policies found in the Guide to Safe Scouting. All registered adults take Youth Protection Training and must pass a criminal background check. Our adult leaders seek out additional training to enhance their skills. We strongly encourage our leaders to take advantage of advanced leadership training. What are the ranks in Scouts BSA? The first rank a boy attains is Scout. Boys who earned the Arrow of Light rank as Cub Scouts need only to show mastery of the requirements they did for Scouting Adventure and participate in a Scoutmaster conference. The other ranks in order are Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. The requirements for each rank can be found in the Scout Handbook. How much does Scouting cost? Compared to many other activities, Scouting is a great deal! The annual fee is $75. This includes the national BSA fee, a subscription to Boy’s Life magazine, and the Troop 224 membership fee. The troop fee helps offset the cost of merit badge and rank patches and general troop expenses. The troop conducts various fundraising endeavors, too. In the fall, we participate in popcorn sales. A portion of the commission each boy earns is retained by the troop to cover expenses. The remainder of the commission is held in the boy’s Scout account and may be used for their individual Scouting-related expenses such as uniforms, summer camp, or gear. In the spring, the boys sell camp cards. All of the commission earned is held in the boy’s Scout account. In addition to earning commission for Scouting expenses, these fundraisers support the Grand Canyon Council and make Scouting possible. Scouts who sell at specified levels can attend summer camp at no cost and keep their commission for other Scouting expenses. Each year, families are asked to contribute a minimum of $50 per Scout to Friends of Scouting. This fund helps support the Grand Canyon Council and is deductible as a charitable contribution. The

6

troop will cover this expense for Scouts who have at least $300 in popcorn sales. However, the parent cannot claim it as a charitable contribution on their tax return unless they make the contribution. The troop may conduct other fundraisers such as a rummage sale, carwash, or food sale to raise money for a specific purpose. For a breakdown of expenses related to uniforms and gear, please consult the gear list. The troop maintains a uniform closet and some gear items that Scouts can borrow. The troop supplies tents. Scouts also pay $1 in dues at each troop meeting. These funds are available for the patrols to use as they decide. How fast will my Scout advance and how involved should I be in his advancement? We encourage Scouts to learn new skills and achieve rank advancement at their own pace. A key benefit of Scouting is that it teaches a boy to take responsibility for his own success. When this happens, the Scouting program has achieved its first aim – building character! Skills gained and lessons learned help boys mature into successful, good citizens. Younger Scouts may become discouraged if they aren’t advancing as quickly as they think they should. We suggest you encourage your new Scout to work steadily toward advancement to attain Second Class rank before the end of his first year of Scouting as well as earning a few merit badges. Most new Scouts, if they participate in all (or most) troop activities and regularly devote some time outside of meetings to completing requirements will achieve First Class rank by the end of their first Scouting year. Boys who make steady progress stay in Scouting! How can I keep track of my Scout’s progress? Parents/guardians need to connect with their son’s account in Scoutbook. You will receive an invitation to connect through the email address you provide. You will then receive reminders of upcoming meetings and events, be able to see your son’s advancement records, and view the troop calendar. When are Scouts recognized for their achievements? Scouts are awarded rank advancements and merit badges at the next troop meeting after completion of requirements. Their achievements are formally recognized at Courts of Honor, ceremonies during which Scouts are recognized for their advancements and achievements. Courts of Honor are held several times a year. All troop members and families are welcome and encouraged to attend. With the recent changes to the Boy Scouts of America program, is the program now co-ed? The Scouting program formerly known as Boy Scouts is now Scouts BSA. All troops are single-gender. There are troops for boys and troops for girls. Although girl and boy troops may attend Scouting functions such as merit badge classes, service projects, and other programs at the same time, the Scouts BSA program is not considered co-ed.

7

EXPECTATIONS OF SCOUT PARENTS Each young man and his family are important members of Troop 224. Actively involved parents or guardians and family members are essential to a Scout’s advancement and his level of interest in the program. As the parent or guardian of a Scout you should:

Enjoy the Scout experience with your son! Provide the required uniform, Scout Handbook, equipment, and transportation for your son.

This ensures that he has everything he needs to participate in troop and patrol activities. Should you need assistance with any of these items, please talk to the Scoutmaster or one of the assistant Scoutmasters about borrowing from our uniform and gear closets.

Encourage your son and help him set and stick to priorities that will help him be successful in the Scouting program. Greater participation increases success which leads to greater enjoyment of Scouting. Help him prioritize so that he has time to review, study, and practice his rank requirements.

Inform the Scoutmaster or one of the assistant Scoutmasters of any problems or concerns you or your son may have such as medical conditions, learning disabilities, or medications. Our leaders are understanding and have experience working with boys who have special needs.

Don’t be too quick to step in and help when you see your son struggling to master a new skill. Allow him to learn by doing. He will make mistakes, but making mistakes and learning from them builds character. Remember, there are leaders and more experienced Scouts to lend a hand when needed and ensure that Scouts stay safe.

Send your son to summer camp! Attending summer camp encourages independence, builds teamwork, and offers many opportunities to complete requirements. Besides, it’s FUN!

Help your son prepare for his board of review and Scoutmaster conference by reviewing with him the requirements he is studying. Although parents cannot sign off on requirements, they can help their son feel more comfortable talking about them with an adult.

Attend and/or support Courts of Honor, campouts, fundraisers, and other troop activities as much as possible.

Become a leader if you have the time and interest. There are numerous committee positions to be filled as well as opportunities to serve on special committees for specific activities. Transporting Scouts to activities is another way to help the troop.

There is an on-going need for new leaders as new boys join the troop. New leaders are also needed to replace adults who retire from or change positions. Without adequate adult leadership, the troop ceases to exist. WEEKLY MEETINGS Troop 224 meets every Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Deer Valley Community Center, 2001 W. Wahalla Ln. The Troop 224 calendar in Scoutbook shows which ones are Patrol Leader Council meetings and which are general meetings. The calendar also shows when the troop committee meets.

8

Scouts are expected to arrive to meetings on time, wearing the specified uniform, with their Scout Handbooks. Everyone in attendance is expected to conduct themselves according to the Scout Law and use good manners. The meeting space is to be left in the same or better condition as it was before the meeting. During meetings, Scouts

Gather for the opening ceremony, listen to announcements of upcoming events, work with their patrol to plan activities, and work as a troop to plan some activities. Some meetings will have special programs or a guest speaker or visitors.

Work on rank advancement, including merit badges. This may be accomplished in classes or individually with older Scouts, the Scoutmaster, an assistant Scoutmaster, or a merit badge counselor.

Play a game. Gather for the closing ceremony.

ELECTRONICS POLICY Electronics are useful tools and great entertainment, but can be a distraction. Scouts are expected to put away electronics (cell phones, iPods, etc.) during troop meetings unless the device is being used as part of the meeting (looking up information, GPS, etc.). Scouts are discouraged from bringing electronics on camping trips. If electronics are brought on a camping trip, the same rule applies for usage. Scouts should consider the possibility that electronics may suffer damage on campouts. In addition, many locations where we camp and hike do not have cell phone reception. SCHEDULING CONFLICTS We realize that scheduling conflicts will occasionally arise. It is the Troop’s philosophy that schoolwork, religious observances, and family responsibilities are a higher priority than Scouting. There is no penalty for an excused absence from any meeting. For an absence to be excused, from a meeting or other Troop function due to this type of scheduling conflict, or in the case of illness, the Scout is expected to contact his patrol leader. This is the Scout’s responsibility. It is not the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility. (The exception would be if a Scout is too ill to contact his patrol leader.) SUMMER CAMP Troop 224 spends the second week of June at Camp Geronimo each year. This is a great opportunity for Scouts to earn merit badges, learn new skills, gain independence and self-reliance, develop teamwork, strengthen friendships, and have FUN! The cost of camp is currently $350. This includes all meals and merit badge classes. Scouts have the opportunity to earn their way to camp through popcorn sales each fall and camp card sales each spring. Scouts who need financial assistance beyond their money-earning efforts can apply for a Council campership to pay a portion of the fees. New Scouts who have never spent time away from home may feel a bit apprehensive about going to camp for a week. Parents may feel apprehensive, too! Rest assured that our leaders

9

are experienced in helping homesick or nervous Scouts overcome their fears. The camp program is very active and keeps the Scouts so busy they have little time for homesickness. Older Scouts also help the new Scouts overcome homesickness and enjoy camp. Everyone attending summer camp must have a healthcare provider complete Part C of the BSA Health Form. This can be done during a regular check-up or through a facility such as the clinics found in Fry’s, Walgreen’s, and other pharmacies. ADULT LEADERS Scoutmaster – Michael Anderson Michael lives with his wife Nicole and two children Noah and Delaney in New River. He was born and raised in Phoenix. He was a member of Cub Scout Pack 416 and Troop 607 where he achieved the rank of Star.

Michael and his son Noah joined Pack 824 in 2013 when Noah was a Tiger. Michael is now the Scoutmaster for Troop 224. Michael is dedicated to furthering his training as a Scout leader. In addition to the required training for Scoutmaster, Michael recently attended Wood Badge, a six-day advanced Scout leader course. Michael is also registered as a merit badge counselor.

When he is not busy with Scouting, you will find him working as an optician or programming Christmas lights to music.

Assistant Scoutmaster – Sandra House

Sandra has been involved in Scouting for thirteen years. She served as a den leader for all ranks

from Lion through Webelos and as an assistant Scoutmaster and merit badge counselor at the

Scout level. She is currently the committee chair for Pack 824 and former committee chair for

Troop 224. At the district level, she served as an assistant roundtable commissioner. I am also a

den leader trainer. She currently serves as assistant Scoutmaster and merit badge counselor for

Troop 224.

Sandra is dedicated to being a well-trained leader. In addition to all required training, she has

attended training for Wood Badge, Paddle Craft Safety, Swim and Water Rescue, and Leave No

Trace Trainer.

Sandra was born in Phoenix and grew up in rural areas of Arizona. She enjoys hiking, camping,

horseback riding, and gardening. She has a daughter, two sons, two grandsons, and a

granddaughter. Her daughter Sarah leads the Pack 824 Webelos den. Her grandson Christopher

was a member of Pack 824 from Tiger through AOL. He is now a member of Troop 224. Her

grandson Andrew is in the Pack 824 Webelos den.

10

Assistant Scoutmaster – Steve Rasbach Steve grew up with Scouting (Wolf through Arrow of Light). He still remembers some of the

great experiences and friendships he had back in the Boulder Dam Area Council. Steve proudly

served in the United States Air Force, and now works in the field of cyber security. Steve’s son,

Dylan, was a member of Pack 824 and moved to Troop 224 with the other members of his den.

One of his hobbies is astronomy, and he has a couple of very large telescopes that he likes to

bring to some of our outings for the Scouts and adults to enjoy. Steve’s goal is to make sure the

boys have the most positive and exciting Scouting experience possible.

Assistant Scoutmaster – Kathryn Wood Kathryn, an Arizona native, was born in Miami in the late 70's and moved to the Valley of the Sun in the early 80's. As a child she spent as much time as possible outdoors and developed a deep love and respect for nature, both plants and animals alike, that continues today. Her father taught her a lot about "life on the farm". She learned many things about raising and growing food and ways to be less wasteful and more frugal to limit the negative impact on the Earth. Growing up, she and her family had many adventures and explorations in this beautiful state where she learned basic survival and camping skills. Her love for animals led her to pursue veterinary medicine in college where she studied general biology with a microbiology emphasis and chemistry. She worked as a Certified Veterinary Technician for 13 years where she acquired an extensive knowledge base and skill set in her field that included general and preventative medical care, general and critical nursing care, emergency procedures/protocols, surgical assistance, and animal rescue, as well as leadership and managerial skills and experience. In 2012, Kathryn and her husband were given the opportunity to begin their own business working with swimming pools and landscape maintenance. The draw of the opportunity to work outdoors was too strong and she decided to leave her job as a CVT and work the business full-time with her husband in 2013. She went back to school in 2014 to study business and applied management and in 2018 earned a Master's in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University. Her hobbies include gardening, listening to music, reading, volunteering for her kids' school, fitness, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family and friends.

11

Gear Guide Welcome to Troop 224! This guide provides basic information about the gear you will need during your years as a Scout. Gear can be expensive. Our goal is to help you prioritize what you need for your first overnight outing and what you will need as we move on to backpacking and other activities. All boys in the troop are required to have a complete uniform and a Scout Handbook. The uniform parts are listed in the table below. Items such as the neckerchief, slide, and t-shirt are customized for the troop. Uniforms may be purchased from the Scout Shop, ordered from www.scoutstuff.org, or purchased from sources such as eBay and craigslist. Please talk to one of the adult leaders if you need assistance with uniform parts. We maintain a lending closet for that purpose. A big part of Scouting is being in the great outdoors. We will be camping, hiking, and backpacking on a regular basis. There will also be paddle craft trips. This means that Scouts will need appropriate gear. The troop provides tents which the boys share. When backpacking, leaders will carry water purification equipment and water treatment supplies for the group. The troop has a few backpacking stoves, but boys are welcome to have their own. The following list gives guidelines and suggestions for the type of gear you need and some things that are just nice to have. It is up to you and your parent/guardian to select the gear that is within your budget while still meeting the minimum requirements explained below. Remember, gear can be acquired gradually. There is no need to buy it all at once! See the Scout Handbook for a checklist. Golden Rules of Scout Gear:

1. Cotton is BAD.

2. Light-weight is good.

3. Light-weight is expensive. The lighter the weight, the higher the price.

4. Scouts lose the small stuff

5. COTTON IS BAD.

For camping, hiking, and paddling, cotton is bad; thus the often-repeated phrase, “Cotton kills.” Cotton does not wick moisture, does not keep you warm when it is wet, and does not dry out very quickly. Cotton socks are a sure recipe for blisters. Do not bring 100% cotton on any extended outdoors Scout outing (camping, hiking, etc.). This includes sweatshirts, t-shirts, socks, briefs, long underwear, and jeans. Synthetics, wool, or wool-blends are best. Synthetic-cotton blends are acceptable for warm weather activities that do not involve water and local activities lasting less than one day. It is better to gear up for the worst conditions than be caught in a chilly rain with cotton clothing! Go light! Keep the weight of gear in mind. We will be doing a lot of backpacking over the next few years. Your backpacking base weight (backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, shelter, cooking and eating gear, and clothing) should not weigh more than twelve to fifteen pounds. The backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and shelter should be no more than nine to eleven pounds. Total weight should not be more than 20% to 25% of your weight. If you weigh 80 pounds you should carry a maximum of 16 to 20 pounds. It is best to invest in light weight gear now instead of buying heavy gear now then having to buy light-weight gear later. Lighter gear tends to be more expensive so prioritize purchases on the important items first.

12

A common cry among Scouting-age is boys is, “I can’t find my (insert name of small, expensive item here)!” I know it may be a shock, but boys lose things. Knives, headlamps, compasses . . . anything small and expensive will be the first to go. We suggest not buying expensive versions of anything that is likely to get lost, broken, or misplaced. Boys must mark all of their gear and clothing with their name and troop number. This increases the chances of having lost items returned. What should I buy first? Sleeping gear, footwear, a water bottle, a personal first aid kit, and a way to carry everything is a good start. Think about the activities the troop has planned and plan your gear accordingly. Car camping does not require a backpack, but it does require a way to contain and carry your gear such as a duffle bag, preferably one you already own! No, you cannot just stuff everything in a black trash bag! Hiking requires a daypack, but you can use your school pack at first. Sleeping Gear A good sleeping bag can make the difference between comfort and misery. Mummy bags with either treated down or a good quality synthetic fill are both acceptable. Down bags such as the Kelty bags with Dri-down fill are light-weight and very compressible, both necessary qualities for backpacking. Consider how “cold” or “warm” you usually sleep when choosing a temperature rating. Most people are comfortable with a 20 degree bag. The lower temperature or EN rating means that the bag will keep the average male reasonably comfortable at or slightly above the rated temperature. Consider the rating the lowest temperature for using the bag while wearing long underwear or sweats and a knit cap. Sleeping bags should not weigh more than 3 pounds and be compressible to not more than 9” x 16”. The fill power rating is another important factor. The higher the rating, the more loft (and warmth) the bag has for the weight. Look for bags with at least a 600 rating. For more information on sleeping bags go to https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/sleeping-bag-backpacking.html. A sleeping pad is the second key to a good night’s sleep. It provides insulation and padding under the sleeping bag. There are several options for sleeping pads from basic foam pads to self-inflating pads. However, a closed cell foam pad tends to be the best choice for Scouts. Foam pads are fairly inexpensive and, unlike inflatable pads, do not go flat in the middle of the night! Foam pads roll or fold for transport. The folding type, such as the Therm-a-rest Z-lite Sol, are easier to pack than the ones that must be rolled. Sleeping pads should weigh less than one pound and provide an R-factor of at least 2.5. Scouts who choose to use the inflatable pads must also carry a repair kit. For summer camp, Scouts will appreciate a cot. Tents are provided for summer camp. They are set up on plywood platforms. Sleeping on just a sleeping pad for several days can be uncomfortable. Sportsman’s Warehouse carries a compact, inexpensive cot that works well for Scouts. Footwear Hiking socks made from wool, Coolmax, or a similar material are required. Hiking socks such as the Thorlos sold at the Scout Shop are considered uniform socks. Comfortable, well-fitting shoes or boots are a must. Sturdy sneakers with tread are fine. Light-weight hiking boots or trail shoes are good options, too. Leather hiking boots are expensive and not necessary for the hiking and backpacking we will be doing. Here are some guidelines for getting a good fit in hiking shoes or boots.

1. Shop for footwear late in the day. Your feet are bigger then than they are in the morning!

2. Have your foot measured.

3. Wear your hiking socks when trying on shoes or boots.

13

4. Walk around in the store enough to make sure they fit well without pinching or rubbing.

Your foot should not slip up and down in the shoe or boot when you walk.

5. Slide your foot as far forward in the snuggly laced shoe or boot as possible. You should be

able to slide your finger between the back of the shoe or boot and your heel.

6. Tap the toe of the shoe or boot on the floor firmly. Your toes should not hit the end of the

shoe or boot.

7. Wear the shoes or boots INSIDE for several hours when you get home to make sure they are

comfortable. If you have only worn them inside, you can easily exchange them if needed.

A pair of close-toed water shoes or old sneakers are needed for times when feet will get wet. This includes summer camp and outings involving stream crossings. Daypack You need a daypack for day hikes. In it, you will carry your Scout Essentials such as water, first aid kit, food, rain gear, compass, map, and sunscreen. Hydration packs are nice to have, but you can carry water bottles instead. The pack you use for school can work for hiking until you find a daypack you like. Remember, you will be carrying only the things you need for a hike lasting a day or less. Some backpacks include a compartment that detaches to be used as a daypack. Backpack Poorly fitted backpacks equal backpacking misery. Backpacks are fitted by torso length – the distance from the base of your neck to your waist. Scouts grow; most backpacks do not! We strongly suggest purchasing a backpack that will grow with you. The Osprey Ace 50 is a good choice weighing in at only 2 lbs. 15 oz. You can use it for most, if not all, of your Scouting career because it adjusts to fit torso lengths from 13” to 18”. We also recommend internal frame packs over external frame packs. External frame packs tend to catch on limbs and brush and create the temptation to hang “extra” gear on the frame. Your backpack should have a compartment at the bottom for your sleeping bag. It should also come with a rain cover. Many backpacks can be used with a hydration bladder. Some backpacks have a compartment inside that can be removed and used as a daypack. The empty weight of your backpack should be no more than 3.5 lbs. We recommend that you buy a backpack before your first camping trip. However, you can use a duffle bag to carry your gear for car camping. A backpack is mandatory for backpacking trips! Follow these guidelines when shopping for a backpack:

1. Go to a sporting goods store such as R.E.I. and ask to be measured for a backpack.

2. Put weight (about 20% of your body weight) into the pack and walk around the store for 20

minutes or more. Stores like R.E.I. have weights you can use.

3. When you find a backpack you like, shop around for the best price. Prices online are often

better than prices in stores.

Water Bottle You will need a wide-mouthed 1-liter water bottle even if your pack has a hydration bladder. In situations where you must treat water before using it, a water bottle is the container of choice. You may substitute a wide-mouthed Gatorade bottle for a purchased water bottle.

14

First Aid Kit A personal first aid kit should contain adhesive bandages (fingertip and knuckle bandages are especially handy), moleskin, gauze pads, small roll of adhesive tape (you can roll about 2’ of tape around a drinking straw to save space), small piece of soap (hotel soap works well) or travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer, small tube of antibiotic ointment, tweezers, pair of non-latex disposable gloves, CPR breathing barrier (if you know how to use it), small pencil and paper. Your kit must also include a pair of nail cutters. A jagged or too long toe nail is a sure recipe for hiking misery! You can buy a ready-made kit or make your own. The troop will have a larger, more complete first aid kit, but you are responsible for bringing supplies to treat your own minor injuries and blisters. Always keep your first aid kit in the outside back compartment of your pack so that you and others can find it easily. Headlamp/Flashlight A durable headlamp or flashlight is a must-have item. Headlamps are convenient, especially if you are preparing dinner after sunset and highly recommended over flashlights. LEDs are brighter and last much longer than standard lights. If you decide to use a flashlight, small and lightweight is the best choice. Personal Mess Kit This is a priority item. The troop will not provide back-up plates, cups, and utensils. Stick with plastic kits. Metal kits tend to be heavier than plastic. Metal conducts heat more easily than plastic. This means your hot food won’t stay hot very long. A kit with a plate, bowl, cup, and spoon or spork is all that is needed. Some kits have a bowl with a lid that doubles as a plate. Sea to Summit makes collapsible cups that fit nicely into their bowl/plate(lid) combo. Any personal mess kit should fit into a gallon zip lock bag with room for the bag to close. If you do not have a kit yet, you can use a plastic container with a lid. Whipped topping containers and a heavy-duty plastic spoon work well in a pinch. DO NOT buy the old-style Boy Scout mess kit with the skillet, plate, etc. Personal Hygiene Kit A Scout is clean. Each Scout needs to have basic hygiene items before the first camping trip. This should include a small bar or bottle of soap in a plastic zipper bag, toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in another zipper bag, a comb, and a small towel. All of these items should fit into a gallon-sized zipper bag. There are body wash/shampoo combinations that eliminate the need for shampoo. Travel sizes are quite adequate. If you can’t find the soap you use in a travel size, you can buy empty travel-sized bottles and fill them yourself. Pocketknife or Multi-tool You must earn your Totin’ Chip to carry and use a knife. Sheath knives are not permitted. We recommend a basic pocketknife with a locking blade or a basic multi- tool. Blades should be 3” or less in length. Compass Be sure you get a map compass. It has a clear, rectangular baseplate. DO NOT get an engineer’s compass (the round ones that open). You do not need an expensive compass. Expect to pay from $5 to $15 for a basic map compass.

15

Clothing For most outdoors activities, we will be wearing our troop t-shirts and Scout pants/shorts. Depending on the weather, we will add layers for warmth and/or protection from rain and wind. Layering is important to comfort in the outdoors. Base or Wicking Layer – You want the layer of clothing next to your skin (t-shirt, briefs, socks, thermal underwear) to move moisture from sweat, rain, etc. away from your body to keep you warm. This is called wicking. Cotton does not wick moisture; it holds it. Synthetic materials such as Coolmax, Capilene, and Smart Wool make a good base layer. These materials provide the right amount of wicking, cushion, and warmth. Insulating Layer – The insulating layer is the layer next to the wicking layer. Generally, this is the fleece layer. Fleece is relatively lightweight but quite warm. It is a synthetic, so it retains the ability to insulate even when damp and dries quickly. Items such as sweatshirts that have to be removed over the head are much less convenient than a zippered fleece jacket. Several light layers are much warmer than one or two heavy layers because layers trap heat in the spaces in between them. It is also easier to regulate your body temperature by adding or removing light layers. If you are hiking, you can remove light layers as the day warms and your body warms from exercise. Removing one heavy layer could leave you too cold while keeping it on could leave you too warm. Outerwear and Raingear – Outerwear can be anything from a windbreaker to a puffy jacket depending on the weather and the activity. Outerwear should be water resistant, not necessarily waterproof. Raingear can be as simple as a lightweight poncho. We are fortunate in Arizona to have clear weather much of the time. However, rain happens. Raingear is essential. Invest in a good, lightweight rain poncho. They can be found for $5 or less. Group Gear The troop will provide tents, dining flies, stoves, and cookware. Scouts are welcome to purchase their own backpacking stoves. The Biowow Camping Hiking Stove and Camping Pot Backpacking Cookware Set, available on Amazon for $21.99 is a great choice for a backpacking stove and cook set. Only stoves that use fuel canisters are allowed for safety reasons. This means no alcohol or white gas stoves and no Sterno stoves. Other Gear As you progress through Scouting, you will find other items you want or need. Find out about the gear you are planning to buy before you spend your money. Consult the gear list, talk to other Scouts, and ask your leaders for recommendations. Do some research on your own by reading reviews of gear and articles in Boy’s Life and other hiking/backpacking publications. Look at gear in sporting goods stores.

16

Troop 224 Gear List Item Required/Optional When

needed Requirements/Suggested

Brands Cost

UN

IFOR

M &

HA

ND

BO

OK

Scout Handbook

Required Upon joining

Available from the Scout Shop or online. Spiral bound is recommended for durability. A cloth cover is also available and helps the book last longer.

$14.99 - $19.99

Tan uniform shirt with correct patches

Required Upon joining

Available from the Scout Shop or online. Prices shown are for shirt only. Patches add $8 to $12.

$29.99 - $39.99

BSA olive drab switchback pants or shorts.

Required Upon joining

Available from the Scout Shop or online. Switchbacks are versatile and recommended. These are REQUIRED for official functions and summer camp. Other similar olive drab pants may be worn at other times (hikes, troop camping, etc.)

$27.99 - $49.99

Scout belt (olive drab with Scout buckle)

Required Upon joining

Available at the Scout Shop or online.

$12.99

Hiking socks and/or official olive drab BSA socks (NOT cotton)

Required Upon joining

Materials such as Merino wool or Coolmax wick moisture away from the foot, dry quickly, and help prevent blisters. Thorlos brand socks like those sold at the Scout Shop are accepted as uniform socks.

$7.99 - $15.99

Hat Required Upon joining

Wide-brimmed for sun protection. The BSA baseball cap is optional.

$15 - $20

Troop neckerchief

Required Upon joining

Navy blue w/silver trim Provided by troop

17

Troop slide Required Upon joining

Blue and silver. Provided by troop

Troop activity t-shirt

Required Upon joining

Order from troop. At least three are suggested for wear at Geronimo.

$10

CA

MP

ING

& B

AC

KP

AC

KIN

G G

EAR

Sleeping bag Required Before first camping trip

Weight should be no more than 3 lbs for backpacking. Bags must compress to 9" x 16" or smaller. Other bags are acceptable for car camping. Suggested bags include Kelty mummy bags with Dri-down or ThermaPro fill with a 20 degree rating.

$90 and up depending on the bag

Sleeping pad; full or 3/4 length

Required Before first camping trip

Weight should weigh less than 1 lb. Closed cell foam or light-weight inflatable such as Therm-a-rest. The foam pads that fold instead of roll are recommended. If using an inflatable, a repair kit is required.

$10 and up depending on the pad

Cot Recommended Before summer camp

Sportsman's Warehouse sells a compact, inexpensive cot. Scouts will appreciate having one for summer camp.

The Ultralite is $39.99 at Sportsman's Warehouse. Also check

online.

Raingear Required Before first camping trip or hiking trip. Part of the Scout Basic Essentials.

Poncho or rain jacket with hood. Emergency ponchos will work. More durable rain gear is suggested.

$3 and up depending on quality

Sturdy trail shoes, light-weight hiking boots, or sneakers with tread

Required Before first camping or hiking trip

Well-fitting shoes are a must. Big 5 often has good deals.

$25 and up

LED headlamp or flashlight.

Required Before first camping or hiking trip. Part of the Scout Basic Essentials.

Lightweight headlamps that don't easily turn on in a pack are suggested.

$10 and up

18

Pocketknife or multi-tool

Required Before first camping or hiking trip. Scouts must earn the Totin' Chip to carry. Part of the Scout Basic Essentials.

Must be a folding knife with a locking blade for safety. Blade length no more than 3". The style and type of knife is personal preference.

Varies. Swiss Army knives and

Leatherman multi-tools

are high quality.

First-aid kit Required Before first camping or hiking trip. Part of the Scout Basic Essentials.

A simple kit can be assembled from common items. Refer to the Scout Handbook for a list of items to include.

Varies.

Water bottle Required Before first camping or hiking trip. Part of the Scout Basic Essentials.

A wide-mouthed water bottle is needed even if you carry a hydration bladder in your pack. A 1-liter Gatorade bottle will work if needed.

Varies.

Mess kit Required Before first camping trip

Lightweight plate, bowl, cup, and spoon or spork. Plastic is preferred over metal. DO NOT buy the old-style metal mess kit with the skillet, pot, etc. A plastic storage bowl with lid can substitute for the plate and bowl.

Varies.

Compass Required Before first camping or hiking trip. Part of the Scout Basic Essentials.

A map compass (clear, rectangular base), NOT an engineer's compass.

$7 and up.

Backpack with rainfly

Required Before first backpacking trip. Suggested before first camping trip.

Osprey Ace 50 adjustable youth pack or similar. Weight should no more than 3.5 lbs.

Varies. Osprey Ace 50 is $120

online.

Ground cloth/emergecy blanket. 52" X 84" is a good size.

Required Before first backpacking trip. Suggested before first camping trip.

Lightweight emergency blankets that are reflective on one side and nylon on the other (not the flimsy Mylar ones!). The SOL Emergency Blanket is an excellent choice. A piece of 4 mil plastic cut to size is another option.

Varies. Emergency

blankets are $4 to $10.

19

Daypack Required Before first hiking trip

Needs to be big enough to hold first aid kit, snacks, rain poncho, and other items needed for hiking. Packs that hold a hydration pack are convenient, but not essential as long as the pack has room for water bottles.

Varies. $15 and up.

Your school pack can be used for day

hikes.

Sunscreen Required Part of the Scout Basic Essentials.

SPF 30 minimum. Small bottle or stick. Spray-on is nice to keep it off hands.

Varies

Matches and fire starters

Required Scouts must earned the Fireman Chit before carrying. Part of the Scout Basic Essentials.

Strike anywhere matches in a water-proof container. Firestarter such as cotton balls treated with vaseline or shortening are good fire starters.

$3

Hygiene Kit Required Before first camping trip. Part of the Scout Basic Essentials.

Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, comb, small camp towel. Travel sizes are sufficient. Must be in containers such as as plastic zip lock bags.

Varies

Hiking Staff or Trekking Poles

Optional Hiking staffs and trekking poles make hiking easier and increase stability. Trekking poles are adjustable and lighter than hiking staffs.

Varies

Personal Water Filter such as LifeStraw

Optional/Required for some backcountry trips

Leaders will carry water purification filters for the group. However, a personal filter is handy during hikes.

$20 Lifestraw

and Sawyer are good brands.

Water Purification Tablets (Aquamira)

Optional Aquamira does not leave a taste like iodine tablets.

$10