Be prepared

●      Gear. The Troop supplies tents, cooking gear and lanterns. Keep in mind that while new Scouts start out small, within a few short years, they outgrow equipment bought for them at the start of their Scouting career. Therefore, there is no need to spend too much outfitting them at this time.

​However, there are a few essentials your Scout will need at the start:
 
●      A Sturdy Pair of Hiking Boots with good ankle support, which your Scout will need for most camping and hiking trips.
●      A Good Three-Season Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad. We will be sleeping in all types of weather, so a good three-season sleeping bag is useful. A winter bag (zero degree) will be needed for winter trips and can be rented from EMS or REI. Most Scouts start out with a lightweight foam sleeping pad.
●      A Flashlight. Most Scouts prefer headlamps to keep their hands free.
 
In terms of other gear, don’t go overboard to start. For example, a simple plastic plate, bowl, knife and fork will do as a mess kit. Keep in mind, kids tend to lose or damage items.

Uniforms

The Troop supplies a neckerchief, green epaulettes, 119 numeral patch, Troop 119 t-shirt, and a spiral bound Scout Handbook (recommended since regular binding breaks). In the front of the Handbook is a pamphlet on Youth Protection, which you should discuss with your scout.

The few items that you may need to buy can be purchased at the Scout Shop, Tower Office Park #2R, Woburn. You can call the shop at 781-937-4282.
Items includes
  • Scouting America Tan Uniform Shirt (short sleeves recommended)-  Spirit of Adventure shoulder patch
  • Scouting America World Crest patch
  • Neckerchief Slide (can be any slide, Scouting or other)
The full uniform includes Scouting green pants and socks. The shirt is most important at the start.