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ActivitiesCampingTroop 195 takes camping seriously. Boys join scouts to go camping, and we intend to camp as often as possible. We plan at least one outdoor troop activity a month that almost always takes the form of a camping trip. During the course of a year we strive to attend as many different camping areas as possible to give the boys a wide range of experiences. Scouts plan a variety of advancement activities and campfire programs for each trip. patrol cooking is encouraged to teach how to cook and clean up after themselves to generate self-reliance and confidence. ALWAYS bring your Scout Handbook oncamping trips. Keep it in a Ziploc bag to keep it clean and dry. Camping trips only happen if enough adults are able to attend. Count on camping a few times a year with your Scout. Monthly TripsThe annual calendar includes the schedule of camping trips. Three weeks before a trip, the Troop will distribute permission slips which must be returned along with the food money two weeks before the trip. This gives the leaders sufficient time to obtain food, generate tour permits, and organize the transportation. Last minute requests to attend trips cannot be accepted because of the additional logistics required to add last minute participants. We urge boys to learn to take on the responsibility of keeping track of the dates and making sure that money and signed permission slips show up on time. Generally, camping trips cost $20 per person, depending on the activities. Parents are encouraged to attend, and may be asked to provide transportation for Scouts and/or gear. Camping trips typically begin early on a Saturday morning and continue to late Sunday morning. The Scoutmaster has the final say on who may or may not attend camping trips. RefundsCamping expenses are paid in advance of the activity. This includes any camping/program fees, as well as food expenses. Anyone who cannot attend an activity after paying should not expect a refund. Exceptions may be made, as determined by the Treasurer and Activity Coordinator. Wah-Tut-Ca Scout ReservationEvery summer the Troop attends Yankee Clipper Council’s Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation in Northwood, New Hampshire. “Wah-Tut-Ca” means “Friends and Brothers”. The camp is true to its name. Scouts LOVE Wah-Tut-Ca, and many of our senior Scouts are on staff. The Troop makes its reservation more than a year in advance, and typically attends during Week Four. All Scouts are encouraged to attend summer camp. It is particularly important for New Scouts to attend as they will work on many of the requirements for their earlier ranks. All Scouts have the opportunity to work on Merit Badges during camp week. Scouts may attend camp without the Troop during other sessions as a provisional camper. However, it is highly recommended the New Scouts attend with the troop. The Troop provided its own adult leadership during camp week. Parents interested in attending camp should speak with one of the Scoutmasters. GearThere is never a bad time to list the essentials for camping. This should be particularly helpful for new scouts who haven’t been camping before, but it should also serve as a reminder for the older pros. It will also serve as an aid to parents who may want to gently remind their boys what they need to bring. Most of this is taken right out of your Scout Handbook, so remember to use this valuable resource. Back in the 1930’s, a list appeared which was supposed to list the ten most essential items all campers, backpackers, climbers, etc. should have with them when they head outdoors. This was called The Mountaineers List and is nearly identical to the ten essential items listed in the Boy Scout Handbook for camping. Try to have these items always on hand and packed and ready to go If you have any questions, ask the older scouts or the Scoutmasters Scout Outdoor Essentials
Always bring rain gear and lots of extra socks. It doesn’t matter what the weather is supposed to be that weekend or week, how good your boots are, or how smart you are. Four pairs of socks for a weekend trip would be about right. You may not need all of these but there is nothing worse than spending the day with wet feet. Not only is it uncomfortable, but staying wet can lead to hypothermia even in warm weather. The following list should be used to get ready for a camping trip. Personal Overnight Camping Gear
Make sure you bring enough clothing! Changing your clothes during the trip is a very good idea. Bring separate clothes to sleep in. The clothes you wore all day will be damp and dirty, even in cooler weather. It is not a good idea to sleep in sweaty clothes, because they will make you cold at night. Keep the clean clothes you will be wearing the next day rolled up in the bottom of your sleeping bag so they will be warm in the morning. Bring a sweatshirt as mornings can be cool, even in warm weather. Try to keep all your gear dry. Keep your gear from touching the walls of your tent. Condensation at night will be able to wick into the tent if something is pressing against the fabric. there are two schools of thought regarding tarps:
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