Getting Started with Troop 551

When joining Boy Scouts it may appear that you need to purchase a lot of “stuff”. In reality, the scout probably has many of the items he needs to begin his adventure. However, over time it may be advantageous to purchase additional equipment. Below is a list of minimal “equipment” for camping.

--Rain gear: poncho or rain suit
--Water bottle or canteen
--Flashlight
--Sun protection and bug repellent
--Duffel bag or gym bag
--Sleeping bag or two to three blankets.<<
--Pillow (optional)
--Sleeping pad or extra blanket for paddiiing.
--Ground cloth (piece of plastic)
--Silverware (knife, fork and spoon)
--Plate (can replace with mess kit)
--Bowl (can replace with mess kit)
--Cup (can replace with mess kit)
--Soap
--Toothbrush
--Toothpaste
--Washcloth
--Towel
--Comb
--Small notebook
--Pen or pencil
--Gloves
--Scout handbook

Clothing for camping trips varies depending on the weather forecast and scheduled activities. Traveling to, and from, the camping trip the scout is required to wear the class-a uniform (explained below). While at camping, the scout may wear the class-a or class-b uniform, other clothing may be appropriate. Please check with the Jr. Leaders or Adult Leaders.

Scouts should always wear proper footwear. On most campouts, proper footwear consists of water repellent boots. These boots should provide ankle support and have a good tread (for traction). Scouts should use two pairs of socks at all times, a “poly” sock and a wool sock. The poly sock helps keep the foot dry. The wool sock protects the foot and keeps it comfortable. It would be advantageous for the scout to pack a second pair of shoes incase the boots get wet. The second pair may be sneakers.

Scouts should dress warmly for cold-weather camping. This includes thermal underwear, hats that cover the ears, gloves, and warm socks.

The scout should dress in layers. Thermals, warm shirt, sweatshirt, and a fall jacket would be better than a heavy winter coat. This is because as the activity level increases the scout will get warm. If the scout wears a heavy winter coat then he will be overheated (with the coat on) and then chilled (with the coat off). With layers then the scout can remove (or add) one layer at a time to adjust his clothing until he is comfortable.

A class-a uniform consists of the scout shirt, neckerchief (and slide), scout pants are desirable but a “nice” pair of pants is acceptable, scout socks and scout belt. A short sleeve shirt is recommended. A scout can wear a long sleeve, collarless, shirt underneath this short sleeve shirt on cold days.

A class-b uniform is a Boy Scout T-Shirt and pants (or shorts), and belt.

The Boy Scout Shop is located at:

1485 Valley Forge Road (Rt. 252)
Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 688-6900
Daily Hours of Operation:
8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.


If you have questions, feel free to talk to one of the Adult Leaders. We arrive early for troop meetings and outings. In addition, we remain after the troop meetings. If necessary, feel free to contact us between meetings.