Requirements

Part of the scouting experience is gaining knowledge in various activities and learning different skills. Troop 116 stresses the outdoor skills that are representative of what scouting has been for many years.

It is therefore required that each scout meet certain requirements to participate in the varied events. The senior staff has therefore installed a “minimum requirement” list for each of the events based on the difficulty of the event.

Car Camping

This activity is open to all scouts and their families. The destinations and facilities vary with each outing. These campouts are most beneficial to the new scout for learning the basics of camping and how/what is to be required of him. It also gives the senior staff a chance to evaluate the boy.

Short Backpacking

These trips consist of short overnight hikes of 3-5 miles each way. For many scouts this is the first time not camping out of the family car. It is therefore necessary for him to have participated in a car camp with the troop to familiarize himself with the procedures required. It is also necessary for each boy to have the minimum equipment requirements and have the gear checked by his patrol leader.

Long Backpacking

These trips tend to be the most fun. Lasting up to 10 days, each scout (and adult) gains experiences that will be with them a lifetime. It is the difficulty and physical demands that of these trips that make us require that all participants have certain knowledge of backpacking and meet certain physical requirements.

Keeping in line with the BSA national requirement list, our troop has put together the following list for participation on these trips.

1. Be a First Class Scout

2. Have participated in at least 2 short backpacking trips

3. Be 13 years old

4. Be able to carry a 30 pound pack

It is important that each scout participates not only on campouts but also attend the meetings, at which many skills are taught that lead to the First Class Badge.