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Troop 40
| Troop 40 Introduction |
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Click here for the Troop 40 Introduction Letter.
At present our dues are $50 per year, payable in September. The money covers registration, insurance, advancement awards, activity badges, site rentals and basic operating supplies for the troop. The Scout will receive an annual membership card from Boy Scouts of America (BSA) through Hudson Valley Council, and a monthly newsletter from the troop. Boy's Life (one copy per family), BSA's official Scouting magazine, is available, this is included in the dues. After payment deadline, Scouts who have not paid their dues will be not be eligible to attend troop activities or receive rank advancement.
Service is a very important part of scouting, especially with Troop 40. The troop does a number of projects:
- Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter Baskets for our Charter Organization and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.
- Adopt a Highway (Rt. 376 from Rt. 82 to Hillside Lake Road).
- We run a station for the Cub Scouts at their Eskimo Run.
- We participate in the Council's Scouting for Food week collecting food St. Columba's food pantry.
- We usually have several Eagle projects each year.
We expect all members to participate. Service time is also required for the ranks of Second Class, Star and Life. Service time not done as a troop activity must be pre-approved by the Scoutmaster if it is to be counted for advancement.
Participation in fundraisers is expected. It allows the troop to deliver a quality program and pay for equipment, advancements and awards. We would not be able to run the troop (on our current fee) without them as the dues only cover 20% of our budget. We run the following Fundraisers:
- Sale of Entertainment Books (fall)
- Popcorn Sales (District Fund raiser - SEPT/OCT)
- Candy for Summer Camp (optional for individual scouts who desire to do it.)(spring)
- Coffee Breaks and Flower Sales if needed.
Troop 40 goes camping approximately once a month. The Scout must provide his own mess kit, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and backpack. Tents, meals and sleeping arrangements are scheduled at the Troop meetings prior to a campout. A small fee covers the cost of food (transportation and any additional fees are added if required). All Scouts must have a signed permission slip submitted with the proper non-refundable fee.
For Signups: Scouts are reminded that to signup for a trip both the money (cash only unless otherwise stated) and permission slip are required by the trip deadline as published in the information sheet for that trip. The Scribe will not accept names without them unless approved by the SMIC (Scoutmaster in Charge) of the trip. Scouts need to check the calendar and emails for details about upcoming events. Permission slips for all events are always sent out with the information sheet and are available on the website.
At the conclusion of a camping weekend all Scouts are expected to take home their share of troop equipment for cleaning. Upon returning (from the campout) to the sheds they should remain until troop equipment is taken care of and all of their personal gear, medications and belongings are retrieved; they will then be dismissed by the Scout in charge. Parents are asked to be patient during this process, as the campout is not over until it is complete.
Troop 40 encourages a complete Class 'A' (or field) uniform (shirt, neckerchief, belt, and pants or shorts with scout socks). BSA recently come out with a new official uniform. The colors a more flattering and the fabrics are better suited to Scouts use. The old style of uniform is still acceptable.
The Troop provides: A neckerchief & slide, a red Troop hat, and a red Troop t-shirt.
The Scout/family provides: Uniform shirt, belt, pants, or shorts & socks. The shirt will require the following: Forest green shoulder loops (there are two colors available, get the Boy Scout color), the purple world crest patch, the Hudson Valley Council shoulder patch, and the '40' numerals patches. These are available as one patch instead of two from the Troop Advancement Coordinator for $2 (less than what the 4 & 0 cost from the shop).
Class A (or field) uniform: Consists of the uniform shirt, neckerchief, Scout pants or shorts and socks. If shorts are worn then Scout socks must also be worn. Any dark socks are acceptable with long pants. Blue jeans are never acceptable with the Class A shirt.
Class B (or activity) uniform: Consists of a Scouting related t-shirt or other Scout shirt. That means any appropriate shirt with a fleur-de-lis on it. Any pants can be worn with the Class B. Occasionally Scouts will be asked to wear their red Troop t-shirt.
The Class A should be worn to all meetings and activities unless otherwise instructed. The Troop policy is that Class 'A' uniforms are required while a troop is traveling. This usually includes the drive to a campout. However, it does depend on the event. The information sheet for each event will specify the uniform requirements.
Shirts: A short sleeved uniform shirt is recommended. Scouts can always wear a long sleeved t-shirt underneath. The Boy Scout Handbook shows where to place the insigna.
Hats: When wearing a Class A uniform the only acceptable hat is a true Boy Scout hat, one with a permanent Fleur-de-lis (I.e. our red Troop hat, the official BSA hat, or a hat from a Scout camp). Fleur-de-lis pins on another hat are not allowed. When wearing a Class B uniform a non Scout hat may be worn as long as we are not in a public place (I.e. it's ok on a hike, it's not ok in a public location). The non Scout hat will not be allowed if it's insignia is inappropriate. Note: Hats are not a required part of the uniform.
Neckerchief and slide: When a boy joins the Troop he is given a red BSA neckerchief and BSA slide. When a boy earns the Second Class rank he is presented with the Troop neckerchief at a Cout of Honor (also red but with a Troop patch). Any slide is acceptable. Scouts who have reached First Class can wear the bolo instead of a neckerchief; however the neckerchief should be worn for special occasions like a COH. Scouts can also purchase their own neckerchief, such as one from a summer camp. These are also acceptable. On some events all Scouts will be asked to wear their red neckerchiefs.
Pants: Green BSA shorts and/or long pants are available and should be purchased new or used as soon as possible. When shorts are worn, Scout socks must also be worn. If regulation BSA pants/shorts are not worn - appropriate olive green pants/shorts should be worn. BSA now offers 'Switchback' pants, the legs zip off so they can be worn as shorts. We strongly recommend getting the nylon version, not the canvas ones; they dry faster when they get wet. Jeans are never acceptable.
Where to buy: Uniforms and other Scouting items can be purchased at the Hudson Valley Council Scout Shop (6 Jeanne Drive, Newburgh, NY 12550, (845) 564-4210) or Little Darlin's (Rte 9, Wappinger Falls). Note: recently Lil Darlin's only carried the canvas pants, not the recommended nylon ones. Holidays and birthdays provide great opportunities for relatives to purchase Scout uniform items and supplies.
Uniform Bank: The Troop maintains a uniform bank. Used uniforms are collected and available to any Troop members interested in borrowing one.
In addition to the uniform requirements Scouts need to wear clothing and footwear suitable for the activity planned and the possible weather conditions.
Cold Weather
Scouts should dress for the outdoors by wearing layers. They can take them off if they get hot and put more on if they are too cold
Cotton is not recommended as an inner layer for active wear, especially in cold weather. It's comfortable when it's dry, but it absorbs sweat and holds it next to the skin (which can lead to significant heat loss). Cotton also takes a long time to dry. Synthetics are preferred.
Clothing made of polypropylene, polar fleece, and other modern materials can insulate you weather it is wet or dry. Look for these fabrics in long underwear, sweaters, vests, parkas, mittens, and hats.
Hiking Boots
Scouts need a pair of hiking boots that are waterproof and fit well. Mid height or high-tops are recommended as the low-cut style will offer little protection from puddles - the water will go right inside at the ankles. Sneakers should not be work on campouts.
New boots must fit well. At the store, Scouts should try on different boots while wearing the socks they will use on the hikes. Their heels should not slip much when walking and their toes should have a little wiggle room. Before using new boots on a hike Scouts should break them in by wearing them around the house for a couple of days until they adjust to the shape of their feet.
The website www.hikingdude.com contains a lot of good information about hiking boots.
Socks
Hiking socks made of synthetics, wool, or a wool/nylon blend. They cushion your soles as you walk and draw sweat away from your feet. A pair of thin wool or synthetic-blend socks underneath your hiking socks is recommended for hiking. The inner socks will slide against heavier outer socks and take moisture away from your skin, reducing friction and lessening the chances of getting a blister. White cotton gym socks should be avoided at all costs. Wet feet = blisters!
Rain Gear
Ponchos: A poncho is a waterproof cape. It protects you and your gear. Because it is loose and can flap in the wind, it is not the best choice for severe weather. They also tend to rip. They are good for a backup to your primary rain gear.
Rain Parkas: A parka is a long jacket that repels sleet, rain, and snow. It should have a hood so that you can cover your head. Most parka?s also have large pockets so that you can carry outdoor essentials easily.
Rain Pants: Rain pants extend the protection of a poncho or parka down to your ankles.
Gaiters: Gaiters shield your feet and lower legs from rain, and during winter hikes, they will keep snow out of your boots.
Hats: a broad-brimmed hat or baseball cap (i.e. the red Troop hat) will protect your face from both the sun and stormy weather. If you wear glasses the brim of a hat will help keep them clear of rain.
Rain gear comes in two kinds of fabrics, Breatheable and Non-Breathable. Non-breathable material is usually coated nylon and plastic, which is what is used to make most of your ponchos, parkas, pants, and gaiters. An advantage is that this gear is waterproof and is often very inexpressive. However a disadvantage is that moisture given off by your body can be trapped inside, causing you to feel damp and chilled. Breathable material will keep the rain out but will also let body moisture escape. This is the ideal combination. The disadvantage of breathable rain gear is that it is expensive.
Troop 40 camps year round. This should be considered when purchasing equipment. New Scouts can find out what works and what does not from the experiences of other Scouts. The basics needed are below:
Backpacks: There are two primary types - Internal or External frame. This is a personal preference, although internal frame has more adjustment and seems to fit a boy longer. It would be advisable to speak with a Scoutmaster before purchasing a new backpack. The Troop does have some loaner packs available on a first come - first served - per trip basis.
Sleeping Bags: Bags should be rated for 20 degrees or colder. Synthetic insulation is most common and more affordable. Down bags do not work when wet.
In general you are looking for a balance between packed size/weight and cost. On some campouts Scouts must carry everything in their backpacks. An inexpensive flannel lined sleeping bag does not compress into as small a bundle as other bags intended for that purpose.
Sleeping bags should be stored by hanging from the end or in a large plastic box - like a 20 gal rubbermaid - one big enough that you can just drop the bag in and close without compressing it. Over time storing a bag compressed will stop it from fluffing up properly and reduce its effective temperature range.
Sleeping Pad or Mat: This is for under the sleeping bag. It provides insulation from the ground as well as padding. A simple rolled foam mat is inexpensive and very light weight. Self inflating air mattresses are popular as well (like a sleeping bag these should not be stored rolled up - they will "forget" to inflate). Blow up air mattresses are not recommended.
Mess Kit & Utensils: The mess kit can be postponed for the first few campouts as long as the boy brings a plastic plate/bowl/cup. The metal Scout mess kit is not necessarily the best choice. The plate is small, the Scout rarely needs all the pieces, and the metal is very cold to the touch in the winter.
Flashlight: Should be a good one with extra batteries. Headlamps are popular too (especially nice when setting up a tent in the dark).
Where to go: Easter Mountain Sports (EMS) in Poughkeepsie or Campmor in Paramus NJ (Closed Sunday's) have very knowledgeable salespeople who can help you find the right items for your budget. Both have on-line stores. If you know what you need other local stores also have some camping equipment or clothing (Dick's, Walmart, Gander Mountain)
Each Scout must have a physical examination form (BSA Class 3) completed and on file with the troop. This form should include all medications, allergies and possible side effects. The examination is good for three years, but must be reviewed annually for any changes/corrections.
In addition, health information will be required on the permission slip for each event. Please make sure that the emergency contact number is one where someone is available if needed. It is extremely important that the SM's be kept informed of any medical, emotional or behavior issues regarding your son.
| Registration Information |
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Each Scout must yearly fill out a Scout Information Form during the annual Troop registration process.
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