Outdoor Program

The BSA program is designed for fun in the outdoors. The Troop generally goes on a camping event once a month. The activities planned for these events reinforce the skills and ideals of Scouting. These activities are set up by the Patrol Leaders' Council under the direction of the Scoutmaster during the Troop Planning Conference. The Troop Committee Outdoors Chairman, or the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or other interested committee member(s), make the reservations, transportation, and other logistical arrangements. The individual also serves as Campmaster if they attend the campout. The Campmaster is responsible for arranging for camping facilities, transportation, pay fees, filing camp/facilities request forms, and insure adequate leadership is available. All drivers on Troop 16 campouts must be licensed drivers at least 18 years of age and must have property damage and personal liability insurance coverage at the dollar limits prescribed by BSA. Occupancy limits of the vehicle cannot be exceeded, and each occupant must have a seat belt. Troop 16 generally uses our own tents or makes arrangements for indoor sleeping (in some cases) for field events. Any money due for these events is used to cover the cost of the boys' food for the weekend, and the basic charge is $15 for the 2000-2001 year. Additional charges may be needed for some campouts where fees are needed (e.g., skiing, rafting). Money due is generally collected at the two Troop meetings prior to the camp-out. It is the boys’ responsibility to make sure that deadlines are met so that Patrol Leaders and Quartermasters can schedule their shopping.

Common Sense and "Be Prepared" should be the guiding principles used when the boys are packing for camp-outs. They don't need a great deal of equipment, especially when first starting out (see the Campout Checklist). Plastic cutlery and dishes or items found around the house may be used until the Scout has had time to earn his own equipment. We do recommend, however, that each Scout obtain, as soon as possible, a good quality sleeping bag (until this is possible, please contact the Scoutmaster if you need to borrow one, especially for cold-weather camping). The adult Troop leadership is always available to assist with the selection of equipment within the Scout's budget. The boys should do their own packing, and it is suggested that they pack at least one day prior to leaving on the camp-out. This serves a double purpose: it avoids the last minute rush (which is usually when you get roped into doing the packing for them), and it also allows time to purchase any last minute items.

Walkmans and portable video games are allowed only in the cars when going to and from the campouts on long trips. Fireworks, weapons, laser pointers, and butane lighters are prohibited on troop outings. Outing leaders will confiscate those items if they are found on an outing, to be returned to the parents when the Scout returns from the trip.

Scouts also must have a Totin’ Chip in order to carry a pocket knife or handle other wood tools. This card is earned when the boy demonstrates that he can safely handle wood tools, as spelled out in the Boy Scout Handbook. If he shows irresponsible behavior or does not handle the tools safely, the Totin’ Chip may be revoked and he will not be allowed to handle the tools until he demonstrates he can handle wood tools safely.

Scouts participating in camping trips are responsible for the cost of the event. The troop dues do not provide sufficient funds to sponsor troop camping trips and events. The adult leader responsible for a particular camping trip advises Scouts in advance of any camp fees required. Prospective Boy Scouts may be invited to attend camping trips/events in accordance with BSA regulations. A Scout intending to invite a guest for a camping trip should notify the Scoutmaster to insure the guest is factored into the planning for logistic support.

Food is normally the responsibility of the patrol. As part of the camping trip planning process, each patrol determines a camping trip menu during the regular Troop meeting before the campout, then derives a shopping list. The Patrol Quartermaster assigns a member(s) to purchase food. Patrol leaders prepare a duty roster for each camping trip and post it at the patrol campsite. If a menu requires ground meat or other red meat, DO NOT purchase meat. We have enough donated wild game to serve our needs through the camping year. On occasion the troop eats as a unit rather than using the normal patrol method. In these cases, one Quartermaster is designated to plan and purchase food.

Whenever possible patrols camp as individual units and practice the patrol method. Scouts cannot leave a camp site without the permission of the Scoutmaster, even if parents pick them up during the campout. The buddy system is used on all camping trips; any Scout leaving the camp site will be accompanied by a buddy. All Scouts share in the work and duties of their individual campsites. Patrol Leaders or equivalents establish rotating schedules to assure that work such as cooking, cleaning and wood gathering is done by all in a fair manner. All members of Troop 16 observe the outdoor code. This includes leaving the campsite better than found.

Adult family members are encouraged to participate in troop camping trips, and are not charged a fee. Guests are expected to provide their own sleeping and personal gear, but the Troop provides tents, food, and cooking utensils. Adults on each campout also function as a patrol, with the Campmaster serving as patrol leader.

Departure for weekend outings is Friday afternoon or evening (usually 3:00-6:30) from the parking lot at the Elks’ Lodge in Cape Girardeau. Parents receive information on emergency notification when they drop off their sons or before. The troop may stop at a fast food restaurant for dinner. This cost is not included in the campout fee. The troop usually arrives back at the Elks’ Lodge at a specified time (usually noon-3:00 p.m.) on Sunday. The Scouts arrange for transportation to and from the Elks’ Lodge, although we may make allowances if we get back early or late. We attempt to notify parents if we are going to be late.

Troop 16 typically has one week-long summer camp at Camp Lewallen, Silva, MO in late June or early July. Camp sites and dates are determined by a lottery, but we usually get our first choices. The lottery occurs in October, and we usually know our dates and sites by early November and notify the boys and parents. During most summers, we also attend a “high adventure” camp. In the past, this has included Camp Buffalo Bill in Wyoming and Camp Sabattis in New York state. Younger Scouts may or may not be eligible to attend, depending on camp rules. The timing of these camps is usually known by early in the year (January-February).