Troop 238's outdoor program is designed around the philosophy of Scouting’s founder Robert Baden-Powell’s that “Scouting is a Game with a Purpose.” While there is certainly an unlimited universe of camping gadgets, equipment and paraphernalia, and more coming out every day, there are only a certain number of specific items which we believe are necessary in order to “play the game.” Our basic kit of essential scouting equipment is designed, as it was traditionally intended, to function as an integrated camping and outdoor activity system consisting of clothing, equipment, tools and know how, and it is important that all elements of essential scouting equipment be obtained. Most of the required items can be purchased second hand for very reasonable prices on eBay or other internet resources, and Scouts are encouraged to purchase their own equipment.  Second hand, service worn and historical Scout equipment is actually preferable and we believe, will enhance the traditional ambiance and “feel” which our traditional program creates. Military or “cammo” pattern equipment is prohibited. This is the Boyscouts, not the Army...

1. Back- Pack: This is the Scout’s suitcase. It is the centerpiece of his kit. For comfort and reliability, it is recommended that each Scout obtain a properly fitting, adjustable, external frame backpack with padded shoulder straps and a padded hip strap. There are packs without frames, and packs with internal frames, however we believe that the external frame pack best suits the type of terrain that we typically hike through and camp in. Please note that many sporting goods salespeople will try and convince you to obtain an internal frame backpack. They are more expensive, and although very suitable for ultralight camping or mountainous terrain, are not really the best type of pack for what we do. PLEASE try and get the EXTERNAL frame pack.  A backpack is one  piece of equipment that cannot be obtained a "size larger" than necessary. All Scouts are required to carry their own equipment, and a backpack which is too large will make it extremely uncomfortable, and in some cases impossible, for Scouts to carry their gear.

2. Sleeping bag or bedroll: A good quality lightweight (3 season) sleeping bag will be sufficient. In South Florida, often a single blanket may be all that is necessary.

3. Poncho: A good quality full size poncho is a necessity. The size should be sufficient to cover the Scout and his pack, down to below the knees. Avoid the cheap plastic type, and try to find one with reinforced grommets or tie down straps that is sturdy enough to be used as a ground cloth and a temporary shelter.

4. Canteen: A canteen that holds at least one quart, preferably two, with a cloth cover and shoulder strap. The covering should be of traditional olive drab color.  Many of the Scouts prefer the military surplus style canteens that use a diamond shaped plastic bladder enclosed in a soft cloth cover. These are available from many on-line military surplus outlets. Get the green cover. For long hikes and events, extra water may be carried in the backpack in plastic bottles, however each Scout must have a serviceable and durable “shoulder strap” canteen on his person in order to participate in most outdoor activities. Please do not  use the military style belt canteens. Also, although the modern backpack type hydration systems are very useful for some types of outings, they do not fit with our program, and should not be used on Troop 238 activities.

5. Mess-Kit: Each Scout needs his own individual “mess-kit.” This could be as simple as an aluminum pie pan and a metal cup, or more likely, a personal nesting mess kit available through a variety of sources. The mess kit is stored in the pack, and therefore a cover is not necessary. The good quality "official" scout mess kit is no longer available from the BSA supply division, but they are available second hand on eBay for only a few dollars and it is recommended that a second hand mess kit and canteen be purchased on eBay. They can be found in sporting goods stores, and department stores, but BE CAREFUL - These are department store versions are not very durable,  have plastic components, and can melt easily or fall apart in a campfire causing servere burns. Please do not use these cheaper messkits!  Get an old official one on eBay, or contact the Scoutmaster for a recommendation of where to get a new heavy duty messkit on-line.

6. Utensils: There are all kinds of fancy eating utensil sets. All you really need is one metal spoon. Enough said.

7. Pocket Knife: A good quality, sharp, FOLDING pocket knife is essential. Scouts will have to learn and demonstrate the proper care and use of the knife prior to being authorized to carry one, however a good pocket knife is worth its weight in gold in the wilderness. The official Scout pocketknife is a good choice, but there are many versions, and many other choices. Please stay away from the gimicky knives with too many gadgets. One good sharpenable blade, a can opener and an awl are really all you need. Sheath knives are prohibited.

8. Compass: A required item for traditional Scouting and for personal safety is a reliable compass. Any decent quality baseplate compass will be acceptable. It should have a transparent baseplate and be liquid filled. Adjustable declination is a preferable feature. It should be able to be attached to a lanyard. Once again, keep away from the gimmicks. A perfectly good compass can be purchased new for well under $20.00. Please note: New Scouts always want the military "lensatic" compasses. These are completely useless for what we do with them. The compasses must have a transparent rectangular baseplate.

9. Whistle: Another required item for traditional Scouting and for personal safety is a durable and LOUD whistle. There are a variety of good whistles available from a variety of sources, but make sure you get a good one that will last and will not crush or break. There are many good “official” Scout whistles available, new and second hand, some dating back to 1911. Along with your whistle, you will need a lanyard to keep it on. The lanyard is worn around the neck, with the whistle in the right pocket, usually along with the compass, and is considered part of the uniform.

NOTE: The compass and whistle are attached to a lanyard, made by the Scout, consisting of a 6 foot length of white 1/4 inch cord, on each end of which is attached (by whipping) a lanyard hook. The lanyard is tied, just below the level of the neckerchief woggle, in a "figure eight" knot.

10. Flashlight: A good reliable flashlight is needed, but the SMALLER the better. The aluminum 2AA cell lights or SMALL LED lights are a good choice. There are many others on the market that may be even better. Stay away from the big clunkers.

11. Guardrope: Each Scout is required to carry, attached to his belt, a 15 foot  long guard rope with a metal ring on one end and a snap swivel on the other. This is considered part of the uniform. Each Scout will make this item as part of the program.

12. Haversack: For our purposes, a “haversack” is a small, durable canvas or poly drawstring bag, small enough to fit into your pack, and big enough to hold all of your food items and your share of your patrol food items.

13. Dittybag: Another drawstring bag to hold your personal toiletry items, etc. In fact, try t get a few of these, there good for all kinds of things.

14. Official Boyscout Handbook: Current version.

15. Notepad: Must be able to fit inside left pocket of uniform shirt. Must be carried, along with a pen or pencil, as part of uniform.

16. Scout Staff: Each Scout is required to carry a wooden Scout Staff, 1 1/4 inches in diameter, and 2 meters long,  with a rubber tip.

PATROL EQUIPMENT: Each patrol will arrange for the provision of certain patrol equipment, which may include tents or other shelter, a hand axe and other tools, cook stoves and fuel, patrol cooking equipment, a patrol lantern, etc. Patrol equipment is provided by the Troop, issued to each scout, as needed, by the quartermaster, and collected at the end of each event. Scouts are responsible for equipment issued to them.