Three to four weeks before outing:

• Pre-trip to area to check out camping spots and water availability (optional)
• Gather maps and information about destination
• Make permission slip and info form - download this blank permission slip template (MS Word format). To estimate cost of trip, include fees for any required permits, camp site fees if applicable, money for meals while en route, and a gas allowance for the drivers. Money for camp meals will be collected separately by patrols; each patrol is responsible for planning and budgeting their meals, collecting the money, and grocery shopping (adult patrols too). As a guideline, generally $2.50 per person per meal for food is enough for an overnight car campout. For gas, $10-$20 per person will help our drivers (depending on mileage to destination). Click here to download a spreadsheet to help calculate transportation costs. On backpack trips, individual scouts and leaders are responsible for their own food but gas money and camping fees should still be collected.

Two weeks before outing:

• Hand out permission slips - also email permission slip to entire troop
• Fill out online tour permit (must be done 30 days in advance for a national tour permit). Click here for more information about online tour permits

One week before outing:

• Call quartermaster to remind him to bring tents, patrol boxes, any necessary equipment to the meeting before the outing
• Collect money and permission slips
• Download and fill out trip spreadsheet
• Assign drivers, make sure there are enough vehicles
• Assign an SPL and ASPL for the outing. They should make sure someone is in charge of the campfire ceremony, skits, and any Scout activities during the outing.
• Have patrols plan menus and fill out duty roster (car campouts).
• Help patrols select an activity and a service project for the outing - here are some resources for games and activities:
• USS Scouts
• MacScouter
• Netwoods
• Get health forms notebook from medical records chairperson (Michelle Kittredge)
• Hand out grocery money to designated shoppers for each patrol (car campouts)

Week of outing:

• Watch weather reports and call local Forest Service to check road conditions if necessary

Day of outing:

• Bring list of attendees and health forms
• Make sure all boys are wearing Class C uniforms for traveling
• Make sure all drivers have maps or directions; exchange cell phone numbers of drivers
• Go on trip and have fun!

After outing:

• Return health forms to medical records chairperson
• Send a report to the advancement chairperson (Julie Boston/Edith Rizo) of who attended campout and number of nights, and, if applicable, a service project report of what, who, and number of hours.
• Refund any left-over money to drivers and participants
• Troop gear goes back to quartermaster
• Ask anyone who took pictures to please forward some to the webmaster