pixiewife

Ok, here's some clarification.

This is a council sponsored event, done each year. It is held at our local Scout camp reservation. They are sleeping in a "hooch"? that is made by the boys there. The way I understand it they will be sleeping on straw, with the hooch over them. On Saturday there are a lot of patrol activities that are competions (I think) between troops. They are doing cooking as a troop. The adults are sleeping in troop tents.

On one hand I think my biggest concern should be him staying warm.

On the other hand, I also do not want him to not have something, and turn out needing it. That's probably going to happen either way!!

Thanks!

~Pixie

Thanks Beavah,

As for the first part, about asking others (him or me) boy do I plan on it! However, we had 1 meeting and are not having another before the campout, this weekend. Also, when we were at the meeting it all seemed pretty straight forward, now that I'm looking at/buying stuff, the straight forwardness has kind of diminished. Thanks for the tip on fleece, I knew about cotton being a sponge, but somehow forgot about this alternative!

Thanks for the welcome, believe me, I've been reading so much I already feel like I know you!

~Pixie

First off, I love this board! Thank you all so much for all of the tips I have learned so far, after being addictted to this board for the last 48 hours!

My oldest son just crossed over from WBII to Boy Scouts last week. We were able to attend a parent meeting, and one regular Scout meeting. They are going on their Winter Klondike Camp this weekend. We live in MI, it is currently 12, expected to go up to 35ish this weekend. We did receive a list of items, but I am still unsure of what to have/how much to have for him. Here is the provided list:

Minus Zero sleeping Bag

Sleeping mat and pillow

Tote to keep all of personal gear in.

Personal Hygeine kit

Insulated plastic thermol mug

Water bottle/canteen

small back pack to carry on trail

flashlight, with batteries

mess kit - plate, fork, knife, and spoon (optional)

This is the entire list!

This is what I have:

20 degree sleeping bag that will be "beefed up" with some fleece blankets.

Foam sleeping mat from the Army Navy surplus

Plastic Tote for gear

personal hygiene

Thermos mug, for hot chocolate/soup, with a caribeen clip for easy hanging on to.

Insulated water bottle with strap

Back pack from the Army Navy surplus store. it has some pockets on the side, and a lot of extra straps that my son said he could use to carry other stuff on it with.

Flashlight with lantern capability. Extra batteries. Small LED flashlight clipped on to back pack.

Small ($.99)First Aid kit, back pack item? Also, larger first aid kit ($5)

2 rain ponchos 50"x80" can use 2 to make a tent, also emergency sleeping bag, or foul weather ground sheet. I bought 1 in orange for safety use in case he is lost, I think this should also go inback pack.

Compass

Whistle

Mirror

Hand Warmers

Water proof bag (about 6"x8")

As for clother he has thinsulate lined snow gloves (2 pair)

Snow Pants and Winter Coat

Long Underwear from local Farm and Family Center. It has 2 layers polyester and a polyester wool blend. Says it will wick away moisture. He only has one pair of these. They are going Fri-Sun., can he reuse them all weekend, as long as he doesn't sleep in them?

Thinsulate lined winter boots

Wool socks

2 Ski mask type knit hats

plain knit hat for sleeping in.

Sweat pants, t-shirt, and sweat shirt for sleeping.

Is there anything that I have that you would dump? Is there anything that should be here that is not? Is there something that no matter what he should not be with out? What in the heck should be inside his "trail" backpack?

I think you all in advance for any help tips or advice you can give. I am not an overprotective Mom, but I want this to be a great experience, and I do want him to be safe. My husband is going with them, and I am almost as worried about him! He is not into camping and was never a boy scout!