The key to successful Scouting is the camping program, and only active Scouts can reap its full benefits. We expect our Scouts to attend overnights year round. Outings including day activities, weekend overnights, family outings and summer camp. We expect all activities to start and end on time, and we expect Scouts and adults to arrive and be picked up on time.

All Aquatic activities function in accordance with BSA Water Trip Policies. In addition, it is Troop policy that only qualified swimmers (those who recently passed the BSA 100 meter swimmer test) are allowed to water ski or to be in a canoe, sailboat, or river raft; and it is Troop policy that participants on any river canoeing or rafting trip have passed the BSA swimmer test fully clothed. Anyone swimming in moving water must wear a lifejacket at all times.

Day Outings

Day outings consist of hikes, bike rides, tours, some aquatics activities and service projects. These outings are spread throughout the year and may be spontaneously planned. Therefore they may not appear on the annual calendar. These activities will be announced at meetings, with handouts, and/or by e-mail.

Weekend Overnights

The outdoors program of camping and hiking is the heart of Scouting, and is one of Scouting’s 8 methods. A variety of overnight experiences, conducted on a monthly basis year round, in all weather, is essential to a successful Scouting program.

Family Outings

Our year round outdoor program includes a variety of exciting and challenging activities. In addition, Troop 324 is unusual in providing a number of activities open to the entire family. While the Boy Scout program is designed primarily for the Scouts, some activities are open for family involvement (these are indicated in our calendar). All family members must abide by BSA and troop policies and are subject to the decisions of the troop leaders. The purpose of the family outing is to strengthen the family unit, to encourage families to camp on their own, and to expose family members to the values and ethics of scouting. Since neither the troop nor the BSA can assume responsibility for non-scouts, we require that all non-scout children be under direct parental supervision at all times. The troop does not permit mixed tenting except between husband and wife.

Equipment

The troop has a very active outdoor program because this develops ability in all outdoor skills, as well as teamwork and leadership. But there is no need to rush out and fully equip your son. Starting with a minimum of gear will allow him the time to determine the extent of his commitment to scouting, as well as to learn for himself from his patrol what equipment is most suitable for lightweight, low-impact camping. Please seek the advice of the Scoutmaster about major purchases. Most outdoor stores rent backpacks, sleeping bags, skis, etc. (Adventure 16 and REI are excellent examples) Some stores offer a Scout discount on both rentals and purchases. The sections on pages 28-29 and 51-54 of the Boy Scout Handbook contain guidance on clothing and equipment for a weekend camp. The troop also has a limited amount of equipment that can be checked out and used.