The Troop average 12-14 outings a year.  We have seven standard outings which we do every year: Klondike Derby (January), Requirements (March), a High Adventure Outing (June), Summer Camp (July), Recruitment (October), Fallen Timbers/Court of Honor (Nov), Gourmet Cooking (Dec).  In early August, the scouts determine 6-8 additional activities for the next calendar year; the committee reviews their suggestions and sets the dates for the following calendar year at the August Committee meeting.  In the past these have included: caving, skiing, rock climbing, family campout, kayaking/canoeing, backpacking, wilderness survival, and white water rafting.  The High Adventure activities are for ages 14+ and have been 7-10 day backpacking trips, or a BSA High Adventure camp such as Seabase.

Most adults bring their own tent.  Although it is acceptable for your child to share a tent with only you, the troop highly discourages it. The Scouts usually sleep alone or two to a tent, which belongs to one or the other of the Scouts.

Probably the first thing you will notice is that upon arrival at the campsite, the adults go in one direction to set up their camp and the Scouts go the other. While adult supervision is vital within the Troop, the Scouts run the Scout program. The Scouts decide where to camp, and the Senior Patrol Leader makes assignments such as firewood gathering, placement of tents, and ongoing tasks to ensure things are get done. At first look, the adults may seem lazy and the Scouts are accomplishing nothing but the adults are actually watching from a distance and letting the Scouts learn. As you watch the Scouts learn through their mistakes, they grow and begin to develop leadership skills to get tasks accomplished.

Troop 234 camps every month of the year. During cold weather months cold weather camping methods and safety are reviewed with the Scouts. During these months, tent camping is usually replaced by more permanent structure camping such as Adirondacks or cabins. 

The Scouts decide on their own menu for an outing. The meals have ranged from cereal to bacon and eggs for breakfast, and hot dogs to pork loin for dinner. 

The Troop is divided into patrols. Each of the patrols create their own menu and they are responsible for their own food preparation, under an adult’s watchful eye to prevent injury, contamination, and food borne illness issues. 

Dues are $6.00 a month. The outing costs vary due to the different types of outings. The cost ranges from Free to $60.00 for a weekend. The cost of summer camp is more but summer camp is for a week. 

The cost of an outing includes: food, transportation, camping fees, tour fees, and any other cost involved with the outing.

Most of what your Scout will need you probably already have. Ingenuity is the master of creation. Sometimes a simple idea can save a little money. Ask an adult or Scout and they can give you some good ideas.

Below is a list of items you will need:

Official Scout Items:

• Scout Handbook
• BSA Khaki Shirt
• Green Scout Shorts and/or Long Pants
• Epaulet Ribbons - See Handbook for placement on Khaki Shirt
• Council Strip - See Handbook for placement on Khaki Shirt

• Sleeping bag and pad (sleeping bag should be in a water repellent sack)
• Tent & ground cloth (may be shared with another Scout)
• Mess Kit
• Flashlight
• Compass
• Backpack/duffel
• Poncho/rain gear
• *Pocket knife - (See Below)
• Water bottle/canteen
• Personal Kit: Soap, toothbrush & paste, toilet paper, small first aid kit, insect repellent, towel, comb, suntan lotion
• Seasonal clothing – Remember to take only what is needed
• Appropriate footwear for the outing (extra pair of shoes may be needed in wet weather)

Other/Miscellaneous

No, Cub Scouts can join any Scout Troop they wish. We encourage you and your Cub to visit as many of the different Troops you need to make a decision. Although many Cub Scouts may traditionally ‘cross-over’ to a certain Troop is still up to the Scout.

Most certainly they can join. If your child didn’t advance through the Cub Scout program, they must have completed the fifth grade or are 11 through 17 years old. The Boy Scouts of America’s web site section on Scouting has more details.

Although adult participation is highly encouraged, it is not mandatory. The troop is committed to the requirements of adult leadership during events and this is usually not an issue. Any extra adult supervision is appreciated and will not be turned away and the bonding and experiences you will have with your child will last a lifetime.