There are two “Must Have” items for the new scout:

1.) The OFFICIAL BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK, latest edition                                       .

 

2.) The OFFICIAL BOY SCOUT UNIFORM

 

The uniform, as worn by the scouts of Troop 180, is required. The scout will be

considered out of uniform if he is not wearing the uniform properly.      Click here to display the where badges are to be placed 

 

Required:

• Long or short sleeve Shirt, official BSA American Flag (right sleeve)

• Pair of red shoulder epaulets (the Troop will provide these for boys crossing over from Cub Scouts)

• Council Patch (left sleeve)

• Emblems of office (provided by the Troop)

• Troop 180 Patch (left sleeve)

• Boy Scout bolo tie 

• Rank Badge (provided by Troop)

• Note: most scouts have the short sleeve shirt

Optional:

• Pants, long or short, official BSA

• Socks, green, official BSA

• Web belt and buckle, official BSA

• See the Scout Handbook for exact placement of emblems. All of the items can be purchased at the Scout store located at 1900 N. Meridian in Indianapolis. Rank emblems are provided by the Troop

• If the scout has passed through the Webelos program, he may also wear the Arrow of Light emblem and the religious knot if earned. These are available through the Scout office.

• Uniforms are required for all regular meetings and should be worn to all events unless otherwise noted. This includes campouts. We change out of the uniform at camp upon arrival

 BASIC CAMPING EQUIPMENT FOR THE NEW SCOUT

For an overnight campout and for summer camp (Additional equipment for winter camping is listed below), the scout will need the following equipment:

• Backpack (typical campouts are two nights and most school type backpacks are sufficient. We do not suggest getting a larger backpack until the Scout is ready to do more backpacking, this is typically during the second or third year)

• Liquid filled compass

• Hiking boots (tennis shoes are not recommended)

• Rain gear

• Eating utensils

• Mess Kit (this can be a plastic/metal plate, bowl, and cup from home or store bought mess kit)

• Flashlight (with fresh batteries)

• Sleeping bag (rated for the proper temperature)

• Sleeping Pad (foam pad or self-inflating pad)

• Canteen/Water bottle

• Folding pocket knife

• Personal first aid kit

 Most other items are furnished by the Troop, such as:

• Tents

• Plastic Ground Cloths

• Dining fly

• Cook Kits

• Patrol Cook Boxes

• Griddles

• Dutch Ovens

• Stoves

• Saw and ax

The Troop also maintains a well-stocked first aid kit.

 CAMPING EQUIPMENT NOT TO BUY

• Sheath knives of any type are not allowed by BSA

• Axes of any type are not needed. The proper use of the ax is taught to all scouts by our troop leaders using troop axes.

• No liquid fuel hand warmers or any other devices which use liquid fuel are allowed.

• Candles or any other flame lights are not allowed in tents.

• Absorbent cloth or canvas sleeping bags (Not effective for cold weather camping.)

• No aerosol cans (insect repellents, deodorant, etc.). They can explode in campfires!

 REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR WINTER CAMPING

Our experience is that fall and winter camping can really be fun, but only if the scout is well prepared for cold weather. Therefore, in addition to the basic camping equipment listed above, we recommend the following equipment for cold weather activities

• Rubber boots with removable felt liner: This type of boot is available from most discount stores, i.e. Wal-Mart, Target, Meijer, etc. This type of boot is a MUST for winter camping; most other types of boots lead to cold feet.

• Warm clothing: This will include long underwear, insulated ski jackets and pants, or equivalent. Warm gloves or mittens.

• Layering is very important in cold weather. Synthetic materials are best for the insulating layer next to the body. Do not use cotton, it retains moisture which makes you cold

• Ski caps help keep heads warm day and night

• Warm sleeping bag: A mummy style bag is the best for heat retention. It should have 3 or more pounds of polyester fill and be rated to +20 degrees F. or less. Temperature ratings should be clearly established before the purchase is made. There are a number of types of bags and insulations. Research before buying. Extra covers (blankets, sheets, etc.) can also be taken for warmth.

• Closed cell foam sleeping pad: This should be one half inch thick and can be with or without a cover. Pads of this type are necessary for winter camping to insulate the sleeper from the frozen ground. Conventional air mattresses do not provide the necessary insulation, although the self-inflating camping mattress works well. These foam pads are usually 22-24 inches wide and 48-72 inches long and may be folded up and attached to the scout’s pack frame in the same manner as the sleeping bag.

• Rain gear: Rain is the biggest enemy to camping fun. In the middle of our winters, this is usually not encountered, however, if there is a chance of non-freezing weather, rain gear should be packed. We strongly suggest that you check the scout’s equipment and clothing the first several times before he leaves for a winter campout.