Parent Guide: Treks / Service Projects

Trekking is the highlight of the Boy Scouting Program, and Troop 777 has a dizzying array of treks. New Scouts will focus on their rank advancements through First Class by working within their Patrol meetings and by going on activities specifically geared for them. These include training hikes, car camps, beginner backpacks and Summer Camp. Signup sheets will point out the rank advancements that are possible at these events.

A brief listing of the types of treks we do includes:

• • Training Hikes ....................................................... single day outings

  • Car Camps ........................................................... overnight camps

  • Backpacking ......................................................... overnight camps involving backpacking

  • Cycling ................................................................. single day or overnight

  • Snow camps or Ski & Snowboard Trips ................... single day or overnight

  • Summer Camps .................................................... week-long camps at BSA facilities

  • Aquatics, Canoeing and Sailing .............................. single day or overnight

  • Rock Climbing ...................................................... single day or overnight

Some activities require certain merit badges before the Scout can participate (ex: Rock Climbing). Others are geared towards the older scouts because they may be strenuous or require more advanced skills. On all overnight camps, cooking becomes an important activity. There are cooking requirements for Second Class and First Class that are also closely tied with fire building and knife and ax handling. The Troop website has step-by-step instructions for the critical role of Cookmaster which every Scout must perform.

If you volunteer to drive Scouts on a trek, you will be reimbursed for your gas expenses and will be given a Transportation book that includes the medical consent forms for every Scout in Troop (this covers all the scouts in your vehicle and needs to be returned after the trek). You should also have current Youth Protection Training (YPT). No Scout is permitted to attend a trek without a medical consent form and a current Class 3 medical form on file with the Troop Registrar.

Equipment: If your family is new to backpacking, there is a daunting array of equipment needs that your Scout will suddenly be pressing you for. The Troop has some equipment that can be borrowed, but also be aware that some of the equipment you buy now will soon be outgrown. There is a balance that needs to be struck between quality, fit, and price. If you have questions, please feel free to talk to any of the adult leaders.

Service Hours: Another important aspect of Scouting is earning service hours by participating in service projects. Service hours are recorded for each scout as they are required for several of the ranks. Service projects are geared towards helping others in our community and all scouts should volunteer at least one hour per month. The Troop organizes many service projects with a variety of organizations. Scouts can also earn service hours by assisting with Eagle Scout projects.