Frequently Asked Questions

New scouts are often anxious to learn more about scouting and their Troop. The best places to get answers are:

1. Your Patrol Leader
2. Older Scouts
3. Adult Leaders
4. Your Boy Scout Handbook

We've also included answers to frequently asked questions here.

Where is the nearest Boy Scout store?

It's at the Mount Diablo-Silverado Council office, 800 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA (north of Chevy's Restaurant).

What are Field and Activity uniforms?

The Field uniform is the more formal "tan shirt" uniform used for ceremonies and (optionally) at meetings.
It includes

• Tan shirt
• Scout shorts or trousers
• Scout belt
• Troop neckerchief and slide
• Scout socks
• Troop cap (optional).

The Activity uniform is the working "blue shirt" uniform worn at campouts and other rugged activities. It includes:

• Navy blue Troop 221 T-shirt
• Comfortable pants or shorts
• Appropriate shoes and socks.

What items does the Troop provide to new members?

New scouts receive:

• Boy Scout Handbook
• Neckerchief
• Neckerchief slide
• Patrol patch

Who keeps track of my accomplishments?

The Advancement Chair and assistant scout master keep a database of every scout's progress towards advancement. Be sure to tell him about merit badges you earn, overnight activities you participate in, and service projects you complete.

If you want to earn a merit badge, you must discuss it with your scoutmaster and have him sign a blue card that documents your progress toward earning the badge. Do this before you talk to the merit badge counselor.

What is a Court of Honor?

A Court of Honor is a quarterly ceremony for giving special recognition to scouts who have earned merit badges, advanced in rank, or reached some other special goal. Family members are encouraged to attend and show their support for their scout.

What is a Scoutmaster Conference?

It's a opportunity to sit down and talk with the scoutmaster on-on-one as the next-to-last requirement for each rank. Think of it as a progress review and counseling session. You can ask questions and find out about how to prepare for future scouting goals. Scouts advancing in rank must ask for a conference well before a Court of Honor in order to be recognized at this quarterly ceremony. Don't delay. Wearing a full Class A Uniform is required.

What is a Board of Review?

It's the last requirement for advancement to the next rank. A group of adult leaders will discuss your achievements with you and make sure you have met the requirements for the rank you are moving to. They will ask you about your scouting skills, merit badges, troop participation, and leadership activities. As with the Scoutmaster Conference, the scout must ask for the Board of Review well before the Court of Honor in which he expects to advance in rank. You must wear your full Class A Uniform to the Board of Review.

What does it cost to participate in Troop 221?

Annual dues are currently $65. Participation in overnight campouts ranges from $15-20, mostly for food. Uniforms are about $80. Some "hand-me-down" uniform items are available from the troop. Camping equipment varies, depending on what you purchase.

Does Troop 221 use e-Scrip to raise money?

Yes! Parents, please see Craig Smitheram to sign up. This is a painless and beneficial way to help the Troop meet its financial needs. With e-Scrip, we get a donation every time you use a registered credit card at a participating store! Learn more about eScrip!

What camping gear should a Scout have?

See p. 224 of the Scout Handbook for the Ten Essentials, which every Scout must carry. Note the special rules about knife and matches.

Here's a more complete checklist. Use it each time you pack for camping.

Recommended Scout Gear List - Troop 221

• Backpack – External 32-3500 cu. in. or Internal Frame. Weight <5#.
• Sleeping Bag – Synthetic, e.g. Polarguard, Hollofill, Quallofil, Wt<4# total (not filling wt).
• Personal First Aid Kit – p. 289 Scout Book, or REI, Adventure Medical (see below).
• Mattress Pad – foam, e.g. Ridge Rest , or self-inflating foam, e.g. Staytek (ThermaRest)
• Tent – 2 Man backpacking, Wt <6-7#, e.g. REI Half Dome Plus 2, REI Camp Hut2
• Tarp 5x7 for groundcloth, or footprint for tent.
• Stuff sacks and mesh bags for clothes, toiletries and eating utensils/bowl.
• Tie down straps for sleeping bag, tent, mattress pad. Not bungee cords-they stretch.
• Scout handbook
• 50-100 foot cord/rope
• Paper and pen/pencil
• Bowl and/or Plate, Spoon, Fork
• Insulated mug
• Toiletries – toothbrush/paste, floss, soap, shampoo
• Toilet paper in Ziploc bag
• Insect repellent
• Extra plastic bags
• “Ten Essentials" See p. 224 Scout handbook for details

1. Flashlight – 2 AA size is fine. Head lamps are good to have--$6 at Walmart (RayOVac).
2. Compass – liquid filled orienteering with base plate (e.g., Silva)
3. Water bottle – Wide mouth, 32 oz, e.g. Nalgene
4. Rain gear – pant and jacket
5. Extra food (trail mix, Powerbar)
6. Sunscreen – SPF >30 and waterproof/sweat proof.
7. Extra clothing – in case of rain, accident
8. Knife – need to earn Totin’ Chit to use
9. Matches, waterproof
10. First Aid Kit - Band-Aids, gauze pads, tape, antibiotic ointment, moleskin, safety pin, ibuprofen/acetaminophen. Allergy medicine if needed.

Optional gear:

• Lightweight lawn chair
• Camera

Additional gear for summer camp:

• Notebook and pens/pencils
• Merit Badge pamphlets
• Swim trunks
• Watch
• Towel
• Daypack
• Work gloves
• Hangers for clothes line
• Clothes pin and rope for clothes line to hang towel, wet swim clothes

Information on snow camping

Updated 10-18-09

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