It takes a lot of equipment to run a Boy Scout Troop. Troop equipment is the responsibility of the Troop Committee who assigns a member to do this job. The scouts have an appointed Quartermaster to keep track of the equipment and furthermore, each Patrol has its own quartermaster whom is responsible for their Patrol’s equipment. All scouts must be responsible for the troop equipment they use, and care for this equipment properly. All precautions are taken for the safe use of all cutting tools. No new scout may use a cutting too of any kind until he has received his Tot’n Chip Training and can demonstrate safe use of cutting tools. Carrying of matches or cigarette lighters is not allowed until the scout has eartned Fire n' Chit.

Troop 270 is well equipped with tents, stoves and lanterns, 20lb. Propane fuel equipment, patrol cooking gear, dining tarps, patrol boxes, food and drink coolers and a trailer for hauling the equipment to our activity and camping locations. Troop ownership of this equipment saves the individual scouts from having to purchase this equipment, but it carries with it the responsibility of each scout taking care and maintaining this equipment for use by future members of Troop 270.

A series of rules pertaining to Troop 270 owned equipment has been established:

• It is the responsibility of each scout to use and maintain any troop owned equipment in the manner for which it is intended in order to keep it in working order. Any malfunctioning or damaged equipment should be immediately reported to the Quartermaster immediately. This is primarily the responsibility of the Patrol Leaders and the Troop Quartermaster.
• Any scout that damages any troop owned equipment is responsible for fixing or replacing that piece of equipment. If a specific person cannot be identified or the damage is due to rough-play by several members of a patrol, the entire patrol will be responsible for the cost of the repair or replacement.
• Damage through ignorance of how to use a piece of equipment is no excuse for a scout not replacing a damaged item. There are plenty of scouts or adult leaders that can assist in the correct use of equipment. If you don’t know how to handle the equipment – please ask before you use it!
• During camp-outs, all cooking equipment is to be thoroughly cleaned by the scouts and all scouts will be expected to participate in equipment clean up the first meeting after the outing.
• DO NOT spray insect repellent in or near the tents. It can ruin the nylon tent or the waterproofing.
• Troop owned equipment may not be borrowed for non-Scouting events.

A certain amount of personal equipment is needed by each scout for participation in the camping and outdoor activities conducted by the troop. The Scouting, BSA Handbook does an excellent job reviewing equipment that each scout should have. The scout should use the handbook as a resource.  The cost of the personal equipment can be high, but if the scout and parents focus on the necessities and gradually add to these, before long a scout will be well equipped. Scouts need to be responsible for their own equipment and at times will need to carry their gear for long distances. Scouts are encouraged to bring along equipment that they will need and not burden themselves with gear that they won’t need. Parents should help the scouts pack for a trip but do not do it for them! Scouts need to know what they have and what they don’t, where their gear is and how to repack it when the trip is over and time to go home. The Scoutmaster and Adult Leaders can’t do it for them and they should not expect it. Scouts need to learn to be responsible for their own belonging and how to take care of their gear! The scouts need to have their name and phone number on everything that they take with them.

There is also a list of prohibited items:

• Any weapon – including laser pointers, sling shots, pellet or BB guns, peashooters, blackjacks, brass knuckles, etc. Weapons may need to be reported to and turned over to law enforcement officials.
• Cell phones, Radios, CD, tape or MP3 players, TV’s, or electronic games. These are not appropriate for scout functions, especially at outdoor activities.  Any of these items will be confiscated and held for parents if they are brought to a scout activity.
• Any obscene, vulgar or questionable materials including adult magazines. Any of these items will be confiscated by the adult leadership and held for the parents.
• Soft drinks and candy. We do not allow soda or candy at camp-outs. It draws animals and the smell can attract animals. It also can stain or damage equipment and attract animals on future outings.
• Any alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.