Improper Equipment - Again

[9009scoutmaster]

As a SM of a troop where my SPL just made 1st Class and 2 PL are Tenderfoots and oldest scout is only 12, I might see this question in a different light. We as the adults have make sure that our scouts are properly trained and prepared for all outings. It is our responsibility that our youth have the equipment for the outing that the unit plans. Also do we ask our youth and their parents to spend $$$$$ or your son cannot take part in our program ie. tent, sleeping bag, hiking pack on top of dues, cost for trip, uniform, handbook, troop t-shirt, ect. Just because parents live in a big house and drive a fancy car does not mean the parents have $$$, they might be living above their means. Should we as Leaders endanger our youth, No we should not. But also as Leaders we should not Assume anything- Big House, nice Car equals big MONEY. First find the root of the problem, why does the scout not have the equipment he need. PRIDE - some parents and Scouts will not tell you they cannot afford what some us think of as little things.

[ronin718]

I'm sorry, but it is not our responsibility to constantly provide the individual gear that boys need to participate. The troop should provide the community gear (tent, cook gear, ground covers, etc.), but providing individual gear (packs, sleeping bags, pads, etc.) can put too much of a strain on the troop budget, especially if yours is a new unit. The occasionally forgotten item can be loaned out, but that is far different than providing necessary individual equipment to boys.

I certainly don't suggest anyone live beyond their means. Let me ask this... How often do you encounter a family that says they can't afford the individual gear, but their home is filled with all the latest personal entertainment gear? Is it can't, or don't want to? If they're going to max out the credit card to purchase Playstation/Nintendo units, Gameboys, or other entertainment equipment, they can certainly put a little of that plastic on needed equipment for Scouting activities.

Besides, how much individual equipment does a new scout truly need? A sleeping bag and pad, a mess kit, rain gear, and a flashlight. They probably aren't going to be doing the intensive hiking that needs an expensive pack, and you can get a decent three-season bag for $50-75. Most boys don't start into the heavy-duty hiking for 2-3 years after they cross over from Cubs, so there's time to save up for the pack.

What it really comes down to is a sense of priorities. It may involve a little planning and financial restraint, but if Scouting is a high enough priority to the boy and the family, things will fall into place.

[9009scoutmaster]

I agree with what you wrote. I am just saying, as a Leader we have to plan out outing around the equipment that our youth and unit has. An example with our unit being in Alabama where the Winter temperatures usually only get into the mid 20' at night, Our youth donot have the equipment or clothing for a winter trip to area where the temp can get lower than this. Example most of my youth sleeping bags only have temp rating of around 45 degrees, With additional blankets can go to lower temp, so this is something we as adults have to look at.