1. PURPOSE

To provide information about the care and handling of personal and troop equipment, food, transportation and about supervision during outings.

2. SCOPE

This policy applies to all Scouts, leaders and parents actively involved in the troop.

3. REFERENCES

Boy Scout Handbook
Scoutmaster’s Handbook

4. DESCRIPTION

4.1 Troop Equipment

The troop maintains equipment for use by troop members during outings and includes Patrol boxes (camp kitchens), tents, and other gear. The Troop Quartermaster is responsible for the equipment. The Quartermaster distributes the equipment prior to each outing and collects the equipment after the outing. Individual tents are allowed during long term camping, family camping and Philmont training campouts.

4.2 Personal Equipment

An Official Boy Scout Handbook is usually furnished by the troop along with the troop neckerchief. Other Scout supplies may be purchased at Scout stores within the council (East Hartford - 60 Darlin Drive 289-6669 or Torrington – 241 Kennedy Drive 482-6615).

A Scout shirt is required for most events. Please see the Boy Scout Handbook for proper placement of insignia and correct uniform combinations. The uniform should include the Scout shirt, neckerchief and slide (dress uniform only) and pants or shorts. The pants or shorts can be either Scout issue or khaki or olive drab color only. Blue jeans, sweats or cut off shorts are not appropriate. Scout pants/shorts are not required by the troop. However, if Scout shorts are worn then Scout socks are required. If non-Scout shorts are worn then socks must also be worn.

Each Scout is required to bring his own sleeping bag (or equivalent sleeping gear) for overnight events. A comprehensive checklist of personal gear may be found in the Boy Scout Handbook. Note that all the materials listed are not required on all outings and some may not be required at all. Scouts should discuss this list with the Scoutmaster and the boy leadership to determine essential equipment required.

If lack of money for the above mentioned items will prevent your son from participating in the Scouting Program, please contact the Scoutmaster or a committee member for assistance in locating used uniforms and equipment. The wearing of the uniform is meant to instill pride in being a member of this group and make us recognizable to the public, not to keep out those who can't afford it. The Kevin Hanley fund can be used to assist those in need of financial assistance – contact the TLC Chair, Scoutmaster or the troop Treasurer for more information.

4.1 Facilities

Many Troop 174 outdoor activities are held on Scout owned property throughout the area. Non-Scout owned facilities commonly used include area state parks and private campgrounds.

The troop uses local elementary schools (usually Latimer Lane Elementary School) for its meetings. Other town facilities are used as needed – Boy Scout Hall, fire department buildings, Apple Barn. Scouts are expected to take appropriate care to insure that these facilities are not damaged.

4.2 Food for Campouts
Food for a campout is usually planned by each patrol separately. The menu must be approved by the adult leadership or by the Senior Patrol Leader. One patrol member, on a rotating basis, is asked to buy food for the entire patrol. Money for the meal should be collected from the Scouts in advance or collected during the activity. Ice and an ice chest should be provided as well, or delegated in advance to another patrol member.

4.3 Transportation
Each patrol is responsible for arranging for its own members' transportation; that is, contacting adults attending the event to make sure there is a seat in a vehicle, with a seat belt, for each participating Scout. All drivers transporting other Scouts must be over 21 years of age. A Scout under 21, with a valid driver's license, may drive himself only. A small fee may be collected from each boy and divided among the drivers to help cover expenses.

4.4 Supervision
A minimum of 2 adults is required for each outing to supervise the first 7 boys, and 1 adult is required for each additional 7 boys. If adequate supervision is not available, the event will be canceled. This is for the safety of all Scouts participating. During events for the whole family, all children, other than the Scouts, must be supervised by a parent or designated guardian.