What to bring to French creek

Troop 44:

I’ve received a couple requests from new Scouts for additional info about this weekend, hopefully this email is helpful to you.

 

As you are packing for this weekend, remember to have the following items:

  • It’s ok to pack for this trip in a duffel bag or whatever else is around the house, you don’t need a fancy trail backpack
  • Compass for orienteering (The Troop has 8 to loan out but this is something you will need on every trip)
  • Rain gear
  • Sleeping bag
  • Ground pad
  • Small pillow (optional)
  • Mess kit (plate/bowl, utensils, cup – plastic items are best)
  • At least two pairs of socks (pack these in a ziploc storage bag)
  • 2 pairs of shoes, one for daytime orienteering and an extra pair since the event will be wet/muddy
  • Scout Uniform & troop t-shirt/sweatshirt
  • Other clothes as needed to dress for the weather (See forecast below…)
  • Toiletries (we should have access to showers)
  • Medications w/ dosage instructions

 

National Weather Service Forecast for Elverson PA:

Friday Night:       Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. East wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Saturday:             A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday Night:  A chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday:                A chance of showers before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 30%

 

First Year FAQs

What uniform should my Scout wear?

Our Troop travels to and from events in Field Uniform (BSA shirt w/insignia tucked in, pants, belt, socks) so wear your uniform to the church. During the remainder of the weekend your Scout can wear any clothing that is suitable for the activity. Whenever possible we prefer the Scout to wear a Troop t-shirt or sweatshirt or other Scout-themed clothing. We don’t require a neckerchief for weekend trips. Regarding graphics, logos, slogans etc.,: no clothing should bear a message/image inconsistent with the Scout Oath & Law.

 

Can my Scout bring a pocket knife?

Yes, but until he earns the Totin’ Chip card he’ll only be able to use it under supervision in order to earn the card. We’ll try to work with him starting this weekend to move this forward.

 

Can my Scout bring a cell phone or “<insert electronic device>”?

Yes, the official Troop policy (established by the Scouts themselves) is that phones and electronic devices are acceptable provided that you’re using them as part of the activity. Our adult Scouters rely on phones and other devices to safely manage our activities and it’s no different for the Scouts. Scouters use these devices to get weather alerts, get driving directions, find nearby facilities, map our position, take pictures… you get the idea. The point being we want to do Scout stuff during our Scout activity, not stare at little screens for social media or streaming videos. This policy is primarily enforced by the Scouts. Meaning that if another Scout respectfully reminds you to put your phone away we all expect you to do so.

 

What if my Scout forgets <insert forgotten item>?

We’re not going to allow anything dangerous to occur. If the forgotten thing is a medical form or  required medicine we expect a parent to drop the items off or pick up the Scout. Almost everything else we can work around. Most Scouts and Scouters as part of “Being Prepared” are likely to have an extra to share. In some cases the workaround will still mean the Scout is slightly uncomfortable but this is part of the learning process of Scouting. If you’ve had to wear a poncho that’s two sizes too big for a day or have to eat every meal using a borrowed spoon and a Styrofoam cup you’re much more likely to remember your own on the next trip.

 

What if my Scout is homesick?

This is rarely an issue on a weekend trip. We’ll do our best to work through the situation without calling home.

 

Other questions, please get in touch via email, voice or text.

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