Troop Equipment and Supplies

Troop 16 operates under the old adage "Take care of your gear and your gear will take care of you." The troop committee's responsibility is to secure adequate number of tents, patrol cook kits and other outdoor gear. These are housed in the troop trailer at the Elks’ Lodge. Troop equipment includes tarpaulins, tents, saws, shovels and other tools, propane stoves, propane lanterns, Dutch ovens, and coolers. Each patrol has a cook kit in the back of the trailer. The patrol boxes are issued to the patrol leader, assistant patrol leader or acting patrol leader and is returned to the troop Quartermaster in clean usable condition. The troop Quartermaster is responsible for storage and control of troop equipment, ensuring that an accurate inventory of troop equipment is maintained, and that equipment is stored in a clean, neat and orderly manner. The Troop Committee Equipment Chair works closely with the troop quartermaster to maintain the troop's equipment with adequate repair and storage, and also provide recommendations to the troop committee on equipment purchases.

Safety is the primary concern with tools and equipment. The troop furnishes compressed-gas (propane) stoves and lanterns for all camping trips. These items are operated under the supervision of knowledgeable adults and in accordance with the Guide to Safe Scouting and the regulations of the camping trip facilities. Lanterns and/or stoves shall not be operated inside tents under any circumstances. All axes, saws, and hatchets shall be kept in an approved sheath when not in use. The troop quartermaster ensures that only equipment which has the required safety sheath is issued.

Willful damage to property is a violation of the Scout Law. "A Scout is trustworthy." Any Scout willfully damaging troop, patrol or personal equipment is subject to committee disciplinary action and afforded the opportunity to replace damaged equipment. Accidental damage to equipment is investigated by the troop Quartermaster under the supervision of the Adult Quartermaster. If  it is determined that the accident was a result of negligence, the negligent party is afforded an opportunity to replace the damaged equipment. Gear damaged or worn through normal wear and tear is replaced by the troop as recommended by the Adult Quartermaster.