EQUIPMENT
Being equipped to enter the world of a Scout is an ongoing process. Much of what you need you probably have already. Your scout uniform is a good start. The following lists are items that have over time been proven to work, campout after campout. There are lots more you CAN bring, but these items are proven winners:
Scout Essentials (For Every Event)
pocketknife, first aid kit, clothing, rain gear (must include pants, top, and hat), water bottle, flashlight, snacks, matches & fire starting stuff, map and compass, and sun protection (hat).
Summer Overnight Personal Equipment (troop has some stuff)
Waterproof windbreaker jacket, shell type preferred. Shorts, scout pants, non-cotton pants, scout shirt, red scout shirt or red scout t-shirt, 2 non-cotton shirts, 1 midweight layer, (wool scout jacket, polartec windbreaker, polar fleece jacket, or wool sweater), 4 pairs of non-cotton hiking socks, waterproof hiking boots, camp shoes, sleeping bag, foam pad, ground cloth, personal mess kit (Frisbee with paper plates, cup, fork, and spoon), toilet kit (soap, teeth stuff, comb, pack towel, tp), watch (required for PLC), bug dope, sunglasses, swimsuit, BSA Handbook. For a same warm weather checklist for campouts take this link--->CHECKLIST
Winter Overnight Personal Equipment (troop has some stuff)
Heavy winter jacket, wool pants, 2 pairs of expedition weight long underwear, 2 stocking hats, one with face mask, 2 pairs mittens, 2 pairs of cheap, thin 'undergloves', snow pants, 1 mid-weight inner layer (wool sweater, Polarfleece jacket, wool scout jacket), 4-6 pairs of thick, non-cotton insulating socks, winter boots (bunny boots or Sorrel type), 1 set of extra wool boot liners, sleep kit (loose socks, knit cap, sweatshirt & pants), winter weight sleeping bag and extra blanket or a second sleeping bag, foam pad, ground cloth, personal mess kit (Frisbee with paper plates, insulated non-metal cup, fork, and spoon), toilet kit (see above), chapstick, watch (required for PLC), sunglasses, small sled (optional), 50' parachute cord, BSA Handbook. To make sure you have EVERYTHING, check out the troop's winter CHECKLIST.
Camouflage
Clothing
Camouflage clothing is highly discouraged. Nothing will ruin the image of the Boy Scouts of America faster than for a troop of teenagers to dress up in military fatigues and battle clothing and be seen by the public running around in the woods. Para-military groups are not something that the scouting movement can afford to get associated with, so PLEASE, leave your camo stuff at home, and instead look like, and in turn feel like, a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America. The scout uniform is "...the thing to wear!"
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