Troop,
The Dino Death March is this weekend. Here are a few reminders and tips:
- Please bring the entire packing list. It will be attached below
- Please bring a signed permission form: http://www.bsatroop287.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/BSA_ParentPermissionForm.pdf
- Please bring a payment of $15 for food or you can use you scout account if you have the funds. All checks are made out to Troop 287
- Bring a meal for Friday night, like a subway sandwich or something that your scout can eat on the road because we will likely be traveling during dinner time.
- Please arrive at the Church as close to 5pm as possible. We still have to hand out tents and get the cooking gear ready.
Scoutmaster Conferences:
Those that need a scout master conference can do it at the Dino Death March Campout. This is the best time to do one because we can actually look at the starts for navigation, have time for medical skills, start fires, etc. Once we get back on Sunday, there will be three committee member volunteers at the church to do a Board of Review. If everything goes right, they will receive their rank advancement at the COH.
Please study all the knowledge cards and practice the skills (First Aid, Knot Tying, etc). Remember, we test knowledge at the current rank and all the previous ranks and the scout must achieve a 90% to pass. There are no tricks! Study and know the knowledge and you will be fine!!!
Let me know who would like to do a Scoutmaster Conference by emailing me at seanmwarner@gmail.com.
Committee Members – Please let me know if you are able to do a board of review upon return from the campout.
Thanks,
Sean
************************************************Packing List*******************************************************************
1. A pocketknife or multitool can be handy in a wide variety of situations. It’s useful for tasks as large as building an emergency shelter or lighting a campfire with poor fuel, or as small as repairing a damaged backpack. Keep you knife sharp and clean, and don’t forget to first earn your Whittling Chip (for older Cub Scouts) or Totin’ Chip (for Boy Scouts).
2. A first-aid kit can be a lifesaver. Literally. A few items will allow you to treat scratches, blisters and other minor injuries. They should also allow you to provide initial care while waiting for help for more serious injuries. Make sure it’s small for backpacking.
3. Bring extra clothing to match the weather. Multiple layers are better than a single massive jacket, because layered clothing is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. A good backpacker is a minimalist. Wear one long pair of pants, preferably dry wicking convertible pants. Bring one set of extra underwear. Bring one warm shirt (fleece or hoodie). Wear one t-shirt and have one more. Bring at least 3 pairs of socks…preferably wool or synthetic. Cotton sucks!!! Bring a beanie hat! Do not over pack clothes. Normally, the scout wears the same thing home that he wore to the campout…just needs some extra items for the cold.
4. Rain gear is very important. Rain can come in a hurry, and getting your clothes drenched is more than just uncomfortable, it can lead to hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition. A rain coat can also be your cold weather coat. Please do not have multiple coats. A rain coat over a hoodie or fleece will work fine.
5. A flashlight, headlamp or a rugged penlight is important for finding your way in the dark. Bring extra batteries, too.
6. Trail food is good for maintaining your energy. Bring more than you think you’ll need in case you get stuck (or lost) in the woods. Stay away from junk food. Trail mix, healthy energy bars and dried fruit are best.
7. Water can prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Use a lightweight, unbreakable 1 liter Nalgene container with a secure lid. Every scout should have 2 liters. This can be in the form of a Nalgene or Camelback.
8. Matches and/or a fire starter may be used to light fires for heat, or for signaling for help. Store matches or lighters in resealable plastic bags.
9. Sun protection might include sunblock, sunglasses, lip balm and a wide-brimmed hat. No giant sunscreen tubes. A mini-tube of sunscreen or simply a hat and long clothes work fine.
10. A map and compass are probably the most important tools you can carry in case you get lost. Every scout should always carry a compass. The troop will provide the map.
11. Sleeping Bag should be rated to at least 20 degrees. If you can find one that is rated to 0 degrees then even better.
12. The Backpack should have a frame. School backpacks do not provide the support necessary for backpacking trips. I recommend at least a 45L backpack.
13. A Sleeping Pad insulates your scout form the cold ground. This can make all the different in preserving energy, providing a good night sleep and preventing hyperthermia. A foam one works fine…there are more expensive lighter inflatable ones available on many online sites, REI and like outdoor retailers.
14. A Day Pack. This trip is a car camping trip but we will be doing a ten mile hike with light gear. The dinosaur tracks are 5 miles from our camp site and we will like there and back on Saturday.
15. Scout Hand Book. Since this is primarily a car camping trip, please bring your handbook so we can sign off on achievements while on the campout. Let me know in advance if you would like to do a Scout Master Conference while on the Back Pack Trip.
16. Two Liters of Water. This can be in the form of a Nalgene Bottle or Camelbak or a combination of the two. We need to stay hydrated during the hike.
The troop will provide backpacking tents, water filter, first aid kit, and Jetboil stoves.
KEEPING CLEAN
Here are some hygiene items you may want to pack, depending on the outing:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Soap
- Waterless hand cleaner
- Washcloth
- Toilet paper
- Trowel for digging cathole latrines
COOKING AND EATING
Here are some cooking and eating items you may want to pack, depending on the outing:
- Bowl for cooking and eating
- Spoon
- Cup or insulated mug
- Water treatment system
- Backpacking stove with fuel (Troop will provide this but you can bring one if you have it).
- Metal Cup that you can heat water on one a stove
EXTRAS
Here are some extras you may want to pack, depending on the outing:
- Watch
- Camera
- Notebook
- Pen or pencil
- Sunglasses
- Small musical instrument
- Gloves
- Whistle
- Nylon cord (50 Ft for close line or improvised fishing)
- Insect repellent
- Hiking stick or trekking poles
- Animal identification books, plant keys, geological studies, star charts or other guide
FOOD
Please feel free to contact me with any questions!
