To help with the transition from Webelos to Boy Scouts, Troop 299 has a springtime outing we call "Back to Basics".  This outing is front-country camping at a BSA camp or state park. The outing is designed to give our newest Scouts their first hands-on experience using the standard Boy Scout skill set and serve as an introduction to the Patrol Method of Scouting.  It is also an excellent time for our newest parents to spend a little time with the adult leaders.

Be Prepared for Fun!  Your Boy Scout Handbook contains a wealth of information about how to pack for outings.  The topic is also covered by Scouts during troop and patrol meetings.  Here are our recommendations for what you need to bring to this important first outing:

• Bring your own one- or two-man tent, or bunk with another Scout in your patrol ¹
• 20^o F sleeping bag. Consider this a temperate weather, car-camp bag. A high-performance bag is not necessary until you are older and attend an extended back-country event
• A sleeping pad adds considerable comfort and warmth. The closed foam type is fine for beginners. Adults may appreciate the self-inflating variety
• Eating utensils. A sturdy spork, a plastic bowl and maybe a cup is all you need. Disposables are not to be brought to camp
• Folding pocket knife with a 4” blade or shorter and in good condition. You can use your knife only while you are receiving direct instruction until you have earned your Boy Scout Totin’ Chip
• Sturdy, waterproof boots and wool or synthetic socks. Avoid cotton because it retains no heat when wet ("Cotton Kills")
• Leak-proof water bottle. Always bring it full of water
• Flashlight with fresh batteries. L.E.D. headlamps are nice
• Compact but durable rain jacket or poncho. Rain pants are sometimes necessary, too
• Clothing suitable for the expected weather. Layering is essential. Avoid cotton
• Scouts also travel wearing their Class-A shirt, at a minimum. Full uniform is desired
• Personal First Aid items, toiletries, medications²
• See the Boy Scout Handbook for more ideas
• Put your name on everything!

We suggest not spending a lot on gear unless you are fairly familiar with the myriad of choices. You can learn a lot from any senior Scout or Scouter.  That said, a good tent and sleeping bag go a long way towards a comfortable outing.

Specifically prohibited on outings and campouts are electronic devices (games, TVs, radios, etc.), fireworks, sheath knives and weapons of any kind.  Hatchets, axes, camp stoves and other equipment can only be used by trained scouts under the supervision of an adult leader. Cell phones are strongly discouraged and are not to be used except in the event of a true emergency.

¹ In accordance with the Patrol Method and to encourage pride, friendship, and independence Scouts will bunk with other Scouts in their patrol or by themselves.  Boys will work together to setup, break down, and clean up their gear, their patrol's equipment, and to prepare the patrol's meals - adults will not do these things! Instead, when a Scout need assistance with skills the leadership will find a way for another experienced Scout to assist. The most helpful answer any adult can give to most questions is, "Have you asked your patrol leader?"

² The taking of prescription medication is the responsibility of the individual taking the medication and/or that individual's parent or guardian. An adult Scout leader, after obtaining all the necessary information, can agree to accept the responsibility of making sure a Scout takes the necessary medication at the appropriate time, but BSA does not mandate nor necessarily encourage the Scout leader to do so.  Summer camp rules may be different.

Please also see the article on Boy Scout Uniforms and also Troop Outings.