Camping and Activities Policy
  1. Camping is an integral part of the Scouting program.  With the exception of July of each year (reserved for family vacations), the intent of Troop 404 is to have some form of monthly outing.  Outings may include day activities, overnight campouts that are one or two nights in duration.  Our Troop attends a week long summer BSA camp during the first or second week of June each year.
  2. In order to maximize the outing experience, a few basic guidelines have been developed.  These guidelines are intended to contribute towards a safe outing where Scouts and adult leaders can spend as much time as possible on advancement activities.  If there are any items in these guidelines that conflict with BSA policy, the BSA policy will apply.To attend a campout or event with Troop 404, a Scout will need the following:
    1. Active Behavior/Permission Form
      The Scoutmaster must have a current, up-to-date behavior/activity permission form on file before the Scout is allowed to participate in any activities with the Troop.  This form is updated on an annual basis.
    2. BSA Medical Form
      1. An updated BSA medical form is for Scouts and Adults attending any activity.  The new BSA medical form requires a physician’s examination and signature.  A copy of this form is carried by the SM on every outing for each Scout.  This form is valid for a 12 month period.  Copies are available from the SM.
      2. Parents must inform the adult leaders in charge of the outing of any special situations that exist for a particular Scout.  Examples here include car sickness, special medications, or other unusual situations that may have an impact on the success, enjoyment or safety of an outing.
    3. Skills Instructions at Troop and Patrol Meetings
      1. Scouts should make every effort to attend the Troop meeting prior to a scheduled outing.  Skill instruction and duty roster assignments are made during these meetings that will be critical to the success of the outing.
      2. The Scoutmaster reserves the right to limit the participation of Scouts who do not attend Troop meetings on a regular basis.
  3. Special community service projects are held throughout the year with all Scouts expected to attend and participate.  These projects vary from food drives, conservation projects to community clean-up.  All rank advancements require a minimum number of service hours.
  4. Scouting is all about outings and outings are the best time to learn and demonstrate Scout Skills, to develop socially and to build memories that will last a lifetime.  Typically, an outing is over a weekend, beginning on Friday afternoon and ending on Sunday.  Most camping trips cost the Scout $15.00 for food, but special events may have additional costs.  Fundraising is used to help offset the cost of outings.
  5. A one-week summer camp highlights our camping program and is highly recommended for all Scouts.  In addition to the other opportunities of summer camp, it is an excellent way to earn several merit badges.  Once again, fundraising is used to offset the cost of summer camp.
  6. Prior to a Troop overnight outing, parents and Scouts receive information and details of the trip and destination.  As required by BSA, a tour permit will be filed with the Council Service Center in advance of each trip.
  7. Scouts are to travel only in vehicles listed on the tour permit.  Scouts in parents’ vehicles not listed on the tour permit will not be considered on the outing until they reach the final location.  At no time will a Scout travel in a vehicle not on the tour permit unless it is driven by the Scout’s parent.  Troop 404 travels in Class A uniform as required by BSA policies regarding insurance coverage.
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