Troop 403 conducts a full program of camping activities year-round. About ten campouts occur during the year. All known dates for campouts appear on the Troop 403 Calendar and monthly in the Troop Tidbits, our troop newsletter. Every attempt is made to collect all permission forms and fees two weeks in advance of any planned activity. Any scout not turning in the appropriate forms and fees by the posted due date will not be allowed to participate in that specific activity. Telephone calls are no substitute for turning in forms and fees. "Telephone reservations" are not accepted!
Campouts and other activities will be held rain or shine, and will only be canceled in the event of unsafe conditions or lack of participation. A scout should be prepared to adequately protect himself from adverse weather conditions.
Except for family campouts and special outings, food purchasing, preparation, consumption, and cleanup is conducted by the "patrol method". Often times drivers will not be required to stay for the entire activity, but may only be needed to get boys and gear to and from the campsite. Most campouts are within an hour and a half from Austin. Troop 403 has a driver gas reimbursement program available that will be covered in another section.
Gear and personal items usually needed on campouts are:
*Backpack
*Tent, ground cloth, and sleeping bag
*Hiking-type boots and socks
*Unbreakable plate, knife, fork, spoon, and cup
*Canteen or water bottle
*Compass and flashlight
*Official Boy Scout Handbook with up-to-date records
*Pen and paper or spiral notebook
*Personal homemade first aid kit
*Toiletry articles (toilet paper, tooth brush, tooth paste, comb, etc.)
*Extra clothes (pants, shirts, underwear, socks and shoes)
*Rain gear--ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR RAIN
*Work gloves
*Towel
*Bathing suit
Some gear may be available for loan on a short term basis. Contact the Scoutmaster or the Committee Chairman for information.
Things NOT to bring:
*Candy or snacks of any kind
*Soft drinks
*Radios, TV's, or electronic games
*Aerosol spray cans of any type (this includes deodorant)
*Fireworks
"Shakedown inspections" may be conducted prior to departure and unnecessary or inappropriate items will be confiscated.
Backpacks should be adequate in size, and should carry the weight high on the scout's back. Pack frames with padded, load-carrying hip belts and shoulder straps are recommended. The troop will often engage in activities where scouts will carry their personal gear, sleeping bag, tent, and a share of the troop food and equipment for 1.5 miles. More experienced scouts will have the opportunity of hikes between five and ten miles. Most of the "book carrying" back packs or totes used for school are inadequate for scout camping needs.
Campouts feature skills develop\nment, advancement opportunities, special activities, tours, and loads of fun!
