New Scout Recommendations For What to Buy
Boy Scout Handbook:
We recommend:
- the Spiral Bound Edition WITH SCOUTS NAME WRITTEN ON IT
- Cloth Cover that has a Velcro covering
Uniform:
- Required: Khaki Short Sleeve Shirt (with Scout’s Name on Tag) with following patches:
- the purple World Scout Crest
- any National Capital Area Council Shoulder Patch
- Troop 233 Insignia (provided by Troop)
- Any rank badge earned
- The Arrow of Light – if earned as a Cub Scout
- Forest Green Shoulder Loops
- Optional (but strongly recommended): Khaki Nylon lightweight Long Pants that unzip into short pants.
- Optional (but strongly recommended): BSA baseball hat for sun/rain protection
- Optional Uniform (mandatory for camping): Two Pairs of Good, Dark Green wool hiking socks – BSA has great socks.
- T233 does not wear a neckerchief as part of our official uniform.
Camping Equipment:
Key Tip: Spend your money on good comfortable clothes that can be layered and will keep your scout warm and dry. Please do not buy too much other gear.
- Lightweight nylon long pants (preferably with zipper to convert to short pants) (see uniform)
- Heavyweight fleece top
- Two Pairs of good quality wool hiking socks (see uniform)
- Lightweight Adjustable Rain Coat (sized to permit layers underneath and for Scout to be active) – NO PONCHO’s
- Waterproof hiking boots that fit properly – too tight/too loose = blisters
- Two 1 Liter Nalgene Water bottles
- Sleeping Bag (suitable to 10 or 15 degrees) – most prefer mummy bags.
- Thin Sleeping Pad (blow up type is preferable)
- Working Flashlight (with fully charged batteries) – most prefer a headlamp
- Adjustable Backpack – larger than 45 liters (but not too big) – before you buy, talk to adult uniform leaders about excess equipment/hand me downs
- Unbreakable mess kit (plate, bowl, silverwear & cup that can handle hot liquids)
- Nice to have: personal first aid kit, folding pocket knife, waterproof match container and good compass.
- DO NOT BUY A TENT FOR A YEAR OR TWO
See also: