Troop 5, Wilmette, il

Boy Scouts of America

Trailblazers: Camping Info

Troop 5 camps out a lot. Most years, we have a weekend campout or summer camp 10 months of the year -- all but December and January.  The “Outdoors” is one of the eight methods through which the Boy Scout program is delivered, and we utilize it actively.

We encourage all Trailblazers to attend as many campouts as they can, because these outings provide great opportunities for learning the lessons that we are trying to impart to our youth. We spend time on camping skills, but our purpose goes beyond  -- these are lessons of planning, self-reliance and vigorous activity that provide valuable life skills.

We also encourage Trailblazer parents to attend.  Camping skills are not a necessity. We need drivers, and we know you will enjoy these outings.  Come see what we do!

Summer Camp - Troop 5 scouts attend Camp Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan, our beloved rustic camp in the north woods of Wisconsin (about 90 miles northwest of Green Bay, roughly 280 miles from Wilmette).  Traiblazers should make every effort to attend for one of the two weeks.

CAMPOUT TIMING & COST

“Reservations”.  In order to attend a campout, the Troop needs to know no later than the Monday preceding the campout that a Scout is planning to attend. There’s a lot of work to prepare for a campout, like car pools and food. We can’t do that well if attendees are changing. A Scout who will miss that pre-campout troop meeting but who wants to attend should notify his Troop Guide or Patrol Leader before the meeting.

Cost.  The fee for campouts is $10 per Scout, except a few campout cost more (like canoeing, to cover rentals).  This fee should be paid by the Monday night before the campout. There is no charge for adults; drivers are reimbursed for gas mileage.

Departure and Arrival.  Unless otherwise announced for a campout, we meet at the FPCW parking lot at 6:00 pm on the Friday of a campout. Eat dinner before arriving; we do not stop on the way. We arrive back at FPCW on Sunday afternoon, no earlier than noon. We will call parents “from the road” to let them know about when we’ll arrive. Scouts should bring $5-10 for lunch on Sunday on the road.

CAMPING GEAR AND PREPARATION

What to Bring. The Troop Guides will discuss what to bring at troop meetings before campouts, but parents need to help. Here are some key points:

It is the Scout’s responsibility to pack his clothes and gear -- not the parents. However, you certainly will want to oversee the first few efforts -- help him make the right choices.

Please review our list of cold weather camping tips; being warm is the top priority.

A backpack isn’t necessary -- duffel bags work quite well.

On Thursday, March 13, at 7:30 pm, the Troop Guides will have a special session at FPCW to review the Trailblazers’ preparedness for the campout. The Troop Guides will ask each new Scout to bring to that session the items he plans to take on the campout.  Even if your son is not going on the campout, this would be a good exercise for him to go through.  That way, we can do a little inspection and discussion of what to bring.  Participating will also help meet one of the requirements for Tenderfoot.

What Not to Bring. Scouts should not bring Gameboys, CD players, MP3 players or other personal electronics; china dishes; candy; lighters, lighter fluid or other flammable liquids.

Troop Gear. The troop or your son’s patrol will supply food; first aid kit; trail food; fire starters; ground cloth; cooking gear; and tents.