Activities


BSA PHYSICAL FORM
(Required annually)


PERMISSION SLIPS

A couple of weeks before each event, Scout parents receive an email from the Troop account with a Permission Slip attached.  They are required for every Troop sponsored event.  For simplicity, Permission Slips are also added to the Next Troop Outing listings as linked PDF files.  These are shown under the “NEWS ITEMS” list on the right side of most pages of this website.

 If there is still difficulty in getting a copy of an Event Permission Slip, contact an Activity Chair. Troop Adult Leadership is here to be “of service” to scout parents in any way possible.  Troop 216 is always on the lookout for those willing to serve in that manner.

Look below the Calendar for general information (copied from our Welcome Guidebook) regarding details on how Troop 216 provides
“3/4’s of Scouting as Outing.”


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TROOP OUTING INFORMATION

(From the Welcome Guidebook)

INTRODUCTION
The place where Scouting works best is also where the boys want to be – outdoors. A strong outdoor program is vital to a vibrant troop and Troop 216 actively engages in a variety outdoor events. These events provide the Troop:

  • A Classroom without Walls. Scouts apply the skills they’ve learned.
  • Camaraderie. Scouts walk the same trails, prepare and eat the same food, and practice the skills they’ve learned together.
  • Leadership. Boy leaders face real challenges and problem solving.
  • Adventure. Hikes, swimming, boating, and many other activities they may not normally experience.
  • Connecting with Nature. The ability to appreciate and care for the environment is best experienced outdoors.

Additionally, the Troop participates in a variety of other activities including annual week-long Scout summer camps, an annual family camp-out, council-wide activities, etc.

OUTING MEETING TIMES, LOCATIONS & ATTIRE

  • Parent / Scout Outing Permission Slips: All information needed for the outing is provided in this form including dates, times, locations, cost, contact information and any special requirements. This form is provided well in advance of any outing with specific instructions on when the Scouts should return the signed permission slip. This form and will be e-mailed to each parent and also may be found on our website under the “Activities & Forms” link.
  • Meeting Time: The Troop typically gathers for a weekend outing at 5 pm Friday at First Christian Church in Edwardsville and departs around 5:30 pm in order to setup camp at a reasonable hour. Class A uniforms are required to travel and all must depart with the Troop to meet insurance needs. Adults joining later may meet the Troop at the camp site. Scouts are expected to have eaten dinner prior to departure and bring a small amount of money in case the group stops for a snack.
  • Return: Typically the Troop returns to First Christian Church in Edwardsville mid-day / early afternoon Sunday. Scouts will contact parents of anticipated arrival time after departing from the outing site.

Parent Participation in Outings
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to participate in Troop outings. All adults will interact with the boys with adult leaders in Troop-related roles (e.g., Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, etc.) providing specific oversight and all others supporting as directed by the Scoutmaster. Normally, siblings and other family members are not allowed on any camp-outs other than our annual Family Camp-out. This ensures the boys are not distracted and all participants are focused on supporting Troop activities.

General Camping Information
While each Troop outing is unique, and guidance will be provide prior each event, here are some general guidelines for overnight activities.

  1. Medicine. Scouts do not administer their own medications. All medications must be clearly marked with the Scout’s name and instructions (typically in a Ziploc bag) and given to the Scoutmaster who will issue the medicine per instructions. Scouts are responsible for ensuring they get their medications at the proper time.
  2. Money. Scouts should bring a small amount of money to camping events. The Troop may stop for food to or from the camp-out (this is normally pre-arranged) or the campsite may have a general store selling snack items and/or memorabilia. Scouts may keep their own money.
  3. Personal Gear. In order to predict the size of gear each boy will bring to camp, we restrict them to about one 24-gallon Rubbermaid Action-packer sized tub to hold all their personal gear such as clothes, water jugs, lights, etc. See Scout Equipment section for more details.

Other Outing Events
While we are a “camping troop”, Troop 216 also participates in a variety of other fun and educational events for the boys. Permission slips are used and details will be provided prior to each event. Please check our web site for the latest information. Examples of these events can include:

  • Annual YMCA Lock-In. A typical December event where the boys enjoy a night full of YMCA events such as dodge ball, video games, swimming and more.
  • Annual Tubing at Hidden Valley Ski. Another family event that has yielded many laughs, stories and photos of snow-covered boys!

Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace is a basic principal of Scouting whereby Scouts ensure they preserve the environment they encounter through simple practices that ensure its availability to others for many years to come. Leave No Trace also applies to non-camping events – in fact, we apply these principles to every Scouting event.

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare.
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces.
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In & Pack It Out).
  4. Leave What You Find.
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts.
  6. Respect Wildlife.
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors.

TROOP EQUIPMENT
The Troop has acquired a multitude of equipment in its tenure. This includes canopies, camping tools, cooking pots, cooking utensils, Dutch Ovens and other cooking paraphernalia. The Troop also owns a multitude of two-person tents for Scout usage.

After each camp-out, we may require each Scout who attends to take home various items of Troop equipment to be cleaned and/or dried. We ask parents to ensure that their Scout(s) take these responsibilities seriously and to return all assigned equipment promptly. Some of this equipment is very expensive to replace so we need everyone’s cooperation.

SCOUT EQUIPMENT
Supporting your scout for these outdoor experiences may initially seem a daunting task. However, as explained below, this can be piece-meal-ed.

  • Sleeping Bag – We camp outside during the spring, summer and fall. Thus a good three season sleeping bag can be a prized possession. However, for the first year, we recommend not going out and buying a brand new sleeping bag. Many times, two sleeping bags or a sleeping bag and a blanket will keep the scout warm. The Troop will be providing gear training. After training, a good sleeping bag would make a great gift.
  • Sleeping support – A pad will go a long way in keeping a Scout warm and comfortable. To start, the Troop recommends a simple closed cell pad. As Scouts get more experienced, they can look at upgrading. Other support options include twin-size blow-up air mattresses or portable cots.
  • Raincoat – Rain gear is Scout essential. Rain coat and rain pants are essential. Ponchos are ok but don’t work as well. Start with an inexpensive coat and buy better gear as the Scout grows and gains more experience.
  • Personal Gear holder – Backpacks come in hundreds of shapes and sizes. If you do not own one, we recommend that you wait until the Scout gains more experience before buying one. Alternatively, a 24-gallon Rubbermaid Action-packer sized tub is often used, and is the maximum size that fits inside the Troop tents.
  • Water bottle – A Scout is expected to bring his own bottle. The kind that clips to their belt is popular, especially for hiking, but is not required. Having a lid is essential.
  • Knife – This is optional. However, a small folding jack or locking blade knife (3 inch blade length maximum) is very handy for many Scout chores. See safety section for more details.
  • Compass – The troop does a lot of activities that deal with map and compass work. An inexpensive orienteering compass works well for this.
  • First Aid Kit – A personal first aid kit is an important item for all Scouts to carry and signifies the motto: “Be Prepared”. These can be made from first aid supplies at home. The contents of the kit can be determined from information in the Boy Scout Handbook.
  • Flashlight – A small flashlight can come in handy and can be considered a necessity for the times when the troop needs to set up camp in the dark.
  • Folding Chair – This optional accessory comes in handy for campfires.
  • Clothing – More than any other factor, appropriate clothing and footwear will either make or break a weekend outing for a Scout. In this Midwest climate, clothing requirements change considerably. This will be discussed as part of each outing planning process. The scoutmaster or other adult leader is a resource to both the patrol and to you in this process. Proper clothing need not be a budget breaking expense. In many cases, you can get by with things he already owns. He doesn’t need to purchase the latest gear that some of the more experienced Scouts and adult leaders have. As time goes on, he will gain a better handle of what he needs and how to take care of it.

It is strongly encouraged that the Scout label every piece of gear & clothing with his name.


2017-2018 Program Guide