Troop 270 conducts a full program of camping activities year round. Camp outs are held at least 10 times each year.  Consult the current calendar for dates. Except for special camp outs all activities are conducted using the Patrol Method as outlined later in this manual.

Camp outs feature competitive events in Scouting skills, campfires, camp wide games, advancement, worship services, special activities and tours, not to mention lots and lots of fun.

Part of the camping program is designed to teach Scouts how to deal with adversity such as bad weather. This requires participation. Campouts are held rain or shine. A Scout should be prepared to protect themself adequately from the elements. They receive instructions in these methods by regularly attending Scout meetings. Campouts are only canceled in the event of unsafe conditions.

Adult "coordinators" are assigned to each campout. They are responsible for insuring that all permission slips and other required forms are turned in, all fees are paid, and that there are adequate vehicles and seat belts to transport the Scouts to and from the campout. Coordinators are also expected to attend the campout to serve as adult leadership.

Medication Policy

Scouting BSA recognizes that many Scouts and adult leaders occasionally, or even routinely, take some form of prescription medication to alleviate the symptoms of any number of legitimate acute or chronic conditions. The possession and use of legally prescribed medications is acceptable within the guidelines of this policy.

• Each Scout must bear the responsibility for maintaining and administering any prescription medication.
• The Scout must provide adult Scouting BSA leaders with written authorization and instructions, signed by a parent or guardian, for any medication (prescription or otherwise) carried by the Scout.
• All medications must be carried in the original container. In the case of prescription medication, a legible label showing the Scouts name, name of the medication, the prescribing physician and prescription number must be affixed to the container.
• The Scout should carry only a quantity of medication sufficient to last the duration of the activity.
• Upon receipt of written authorization and instruction, adult Scouting BSA leaders may agree to assist the Scout in remembering to take the authorized medication at the proper time(s), but will not accept any responsibility for insuring that he does so.
• If the parent or guardian cannot accept these guidelines, he or she has the opportunity to accompany the Scout on the activity to insure that the medication is properly administered.

Policies That Relate To The Patrol

Scouts should plan together so that most of the members like what is on the menu. If a Scout is not present when the menu is planned, he needs to be prepared to accept what is planned.

The Patrol is assigned a “Patrol Chuck Box” and other camping equipment, such as tents,  by the Troop quartermaster. The Patrol’s equipment is only used by that patrol and must be maintained by that Patrol. After each campout, the Patrol and Troop quartermaster will conduct a Patrol equipment check.  Missing, damaged or worn out items will be replaced using the Patrol’s dues fund.

Scouts should never bring their own food unless the troop camping plan calls for a special arrangement. For example, a "nose-bag" (sack lunch) may be needed for travel to a distant campout or for a first meal during winter camping months due to limited daylight or it is a wilderness survival or back-packing trip and it is called for.

If a Scout commits to come to a campout and then later becomes unable to attend, he should immediately notify his Patrol Leader so the shopping list can be modified. If the food has already been purchased, the Scout must pay the camp out fee. In other words, the Patrol should be able to plan on the Scout's participation.

The Patrol and Patrol Method is a central feature in accomplishing the aims of Scouting. Every effort is made by the adult leadership to encourage Patrol participation and identity. Patrol names that fit the spirit of Scouting are appropriate. It is critical that Scouts be happy in their Patrol and that they contribute to their Patrol.

Immediate problems need to be handled through the chain of command;

• Patrol Leader (and/or Asst. Patrol Leader)
• Senior Patrol Leader
• Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
• Scoutmaster

Ongoing/constant problems need to be discussed with any Asst. Scoutmaster or Scoutmaster. One of the most important ways of solving a problem is to know what the problem is. For this, it is imperative that the Scouts follow the chain of command. One of the goals of this Troop is that every Scout learns how to communicate and learn to solve problems with Scout leadership. This teaches them reliance on peers, decision-making, independence, and responsibility.