“Adventures are a big part of Scouting, and one of the best adventures is going camping”

Welcome to Troop 874! We are very proud of our “Outdoor Program” and hope that you and your scout will actively participate, and help us make it even better. One area that causes a lot of confusion for new scouts and their parents is How the Outdoor Program works. Detailed below is a list of frequently asked questions that should cover most of the basic items. Please review and let us know what additional questions you may have. We look forward to having you with us on the great adventure that is scouting.

1. Do parents have to go on all outings with their scout? 

Ø  No. In Boy Scouts we follow the “two-deep” leadership guidelines (minimum of two adults with the troop at all times) – so you do not need to go on outings with your scout, BUT, one of the best ways to help your scout get the most out of scouting is for the parents to participate actively with the Troop, and to go on outings when possible.

2. How many adults must there be on an outing? 

Ø  We need at least two adults to meet the “two-deep” leadership commitment, plus enough additional adults to transport all the scouts and equipment. Having additional adults beyond the minimum is always welcome and encouraged. Generally, we have between 4 and 6 adults on most of our trips although we have had as many as 8+ adults on some trips (for example, summer camp). Some adults who are regulars on our outings would appreciate knowing there are other adults who can make up the two deep leadership and provide enough vehicles and drivers.

3. How many scouts can go on an outing? 

Ø  The whole troop! Our goal is to always plan for the entire Troop to be able to go on all outings. However, there are a few outings where space is limited. Our ski trip is limited to 19 scouts and 6 adults – but we have never reached that limit, yet. Also, if we purchase tickets in advance (like to a basketball or baseball game) and scouts sign-up late for the outing, there is no guarantee that late comers will be able to go.

4. Who decides on where & when the Troop goes for outings? 

Ø  The Scouts do – The Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) at the Troop annual planning meeting work out a schedule of outings for the year.

5. What types of Outings does the Troop go on & what do they cost?  

Day Trips (Begin and end on the same day):

Ø  Local Day hike, “Event” (Baseball, Basketball game, etc.), bowling, dirt bike park, Day Merit Badge camp, etc.

Ø  Food – usually bring a sack lunch or purchase at outing site

Ø  Signed Permission Slips – required on all trips

Ø  Trip Fees – Depends on outing - $0.00 - $30.00+

Ø  Refunds – Depends on non-refundable tickets purchased in advance

Over-nighters (One to two nights typically camping)

Ø  Mt. Diablo, Del Valle, Chabot, Monterey Bay Beach Campout, Camporee, Merit Badge Over-night camp, Angle Island, Ski Trip, Yosemite, etc

Ø  Food - planned, purchased, prepared, served and cleaned up, by Patrol

Ø  Signed Permission Slips – required on all trips

Ø  Trip Fees - $10.00 - $35.00+

Ø  Refunds – Depends on camping fees paid by the troop, and food purchased.

Ø  Car Camping or Backpacking

Extended Camping / High Adventure 

Ø  Wolfeboro Summer Camp, Catalina Island - Cherry Valley Camp (2007), Florida Sea Base (2005), High Sierras 25 mile+ Backpacking, Mt Lassen Backpacking, 100 Mile Bike Ride, etc.

Ø  Food - planned, purchased, prepared, served and cleaned up, by Patrol

Ø  Signed Permission Slips – required on all trips

Ø  Trip Fees - $25.00 – $????? (Wolfeboro in 2006 is $225.00, Catalina Island in 2007 is $440.00)

Ø  Refunds – Depends on non-refundable fees paid by the troop, and food purchased.

6. What equipment will my scout need (varies by outing) 

Ø  Backpack (correct size) cost: from “Free” (hand-me-down) to $50.00 - $125.00+

Ø  Mess kit (fork, knife, spoon, cup, bowl)

Ø  Good hiking shoes/boots (not “sneakers”) & non-cotton socks

Ø  Tent (typically 2-3 person) - Troop does not provide tents

Ø  Sleeping Bag (typically 20 Degree, backpacking bag - $50 - $100.00)

Ø  Ground pad – Foam pads about $15.00 – self inflatable $40.00+

Ø  Class-A uniform & the Ten Essentials (see Scout Handbook)

7. What outing equipment does the Troop have? 

Ø  The Troop has Patrol Boxes for each patrol. In the patrol boxes are all the items necessary to prepare, cook, serve and clean-up camp meals for the Patrol.

Ø  The Troop also has an E-Z-Up, Lanterns, Dutch Oven, Extra Tents (in case someone forgets their tent – or has a problem with it), two wheel cart, Ax, Propane fuel for all stoves and lanterns, and miscellaneous camping supplies. We also have backpacking stoves, light weight pots and water filters for backpacking trips.

8. What do adults do on outings? 

Ø  Drive.

Ø  Insure safety of scouts

Ø  Assist older scouts with instructions of scout skills to new scouts & let the scouts learn…

Ø  Have FUN! All adults on an outing will be organized into the “Rocking Chair” patrol. We plan, purchase, prepare, eat and cleanup our own meals. We also sing songs, perform skits and always have a fantastic time!

9. Where do we meet for outings? 

Ø  Pine Valley Middle School Turn-around (Pine Valley side of the school)

Ø  For some day trips we meet at the location, i.e. Dublin Bowl, BMX Bike Park, Athens Downs

10. Where & when do we return from outings? 

Ø  Pine Valley Middle School Turn-around (Pine Valley side of the school)

Ø  Return times are approximate – scouts who need to be picked up will call via cell phone 20 – 30 minutes prior to arrival at Pine Valley

11. How do we get to wherever we are going? 

Ø  Parents drive (typically, drivers do not pay the trip fee)

Ø  All drivers are provided with a “Drivers Packet” that contains directions, permission slips and cell phone numbers

Ø  Drivers need to provide valid Drivers License number, vehicle information and insurance information

Ø  National Scout Organization provides an umbrella insurance policy for all approved trips (Tour Permit required) 

Ø  Signed permission slips and Tour Permits

The BSA requires us to obtain a tour permit for each of our outings.  In order to do this we must have a signed permission slip from each scout in advance of the outing and necessary driver information.  As long as we meet the BSA requirements and act responsibly, the BSA Tour Permit extends limited coverage in the event there is an accident on an outing.  This means we need to have permission slips turned in prior to the trip with sufficient time to obtain the Tour Permit from the council office. 

12.  Can siblings go on outings? 

Generally no. We do schedule several “family outings” every year where all family members are welcome to join us (Summer BBQ at Boone Acres, All Court of Honors, etc.). But, the focus of most outings is Scout skills, rank and merit badge advancement, patrol and troop teaming, and scouts, scout leaders and adult assistants interaction.

13. I never “went camping/was a scout” as a kid, how will I know what to do? 

You are in luck, the BSA makes available extensive training to adults in all aspects of outdoor adventures.  The troop encourages all adults to make use of these fun and rewarding programs. More information on the various training programs can be found on our Troop website.

14. Additional Questions Contact? 

Outdoor Coordinator: Paul Nestler (W) 925-823-4242 (H) 925-803-9926 (C) 925-858-9037

 Work: paul.nestler@att.com  Home: memnest@pacbell.net