Participation on 50 mile hikes or 50 mile canoe trips is by the invitation of the Scoutmaster. The basis for this is the attitude, aptitude, and physical capability of the Scout. In addition the Scout must be at least First Class and at least 14 years old.
These are very strenuous activities that not every Scout will be capable of.
Each year the troop will go on a special snow campout where the Scouts get to experience the fun of winter camping. Participation in the Snow Camp is by invitation of the Scoutmaster. The basis for this is the attitude, aptitude, and training of the Scout.
Each Scout who attends must have completed either the Winter Awareness training session put on by the council, or have attended all of the winter awareness classes put on by the troop during the month prior to the Snow Camp.
The boys will camp in their tents, pitched in the snow. Cooking is usually, but not always done by the adult leadership.
When looking over the equipment list, remember that the temperature at night may get below zero. If renting a warm sleeping bag, it is advisable to rent a ‘minus 20 degree’ bag. Rental bags have often lost some of their loft and will be about ten to twenty degrees off of their declared warmth.
If you are going to rent boots, avoid soft sided ‘after ski’ boots. These will not stand up to the Scout’s activities. In addition be sure to take the socks that the Scout will be wearing with you. Look for a fit that is comfortable but not too tight. Tight boots that pinch, or loose boots that force the Scout to wear too many socks can cause constriction of blood vessels and lead to frostbite of the toes.
Troop day hikes may be done on a campout, or may be a separate activity on their own. Many types of day hikes are possible. They may be an easy hike to a nature site, or a strenuous hike up one of the Bay Area peaks.
If travel is required, then proper travel uniform must be worn. The Scoutmaster may authorize the activity uniform, or require the field uniform.
Clothes should match the weather and season, but in general should be loose and comfortable.
Each boy should take a quart of water. Some hikes may require more water, especially if it is very warm.
Proper footwear is mandatory. Most sneakers do not provide adequate support. Hiking boots are recommended. If the Scoutmaster, or the adult he designates to supervise the hike determines that a Scouts equipment is not sufficient, the Scout will not be allowed to make the hike.
Each patrol will have a hiking first aid kit.
The Scout-O-Rama is a council wide activity where the Cub Scout Pack, Boy Scout Troops, and Explorer Posts gather to showcase their activities, demonstrate Scout skill, and have fun.
Troop 612 has regularly participated in this event. It is usually held on the first Saturday in June. Each boy that works a two hour shift at the troops booth will be eligible for the event patch.
The activity that our troop will present is decided in the Patrol Leaders Council.
This event is a National Good Deed in which our troop has always participated. It usually takes place on the two Saturdays preceding the Thanksgiving holiday. Our troop will be responsible for covering a portion of San Lorenzo Village.
On the first weekend, troop members hand out flyers to each house in the troop's area. On the second weekend we will collect the food contributions given to us by the people in the community.
The Alameda county food bank that serves the San Lorenzo is the recipient of the canned foods. Other foods, and a portion of the canned foods are donated to the San Lorenzo Community Church for distribution through its own programs.
In addition to the Scouts who distribute flyers and collect the food, we will need parents to drive the Scouts.
Each year, usually in spring, our troop members who wish to thank the San Lorenzo Community Church for their sponsorship, and whose personal beliefs would not be compromised, attend a church service as representatives of Troop 612.
This is an opportunity for the church members to see the Scouts they sponsor, and for the Troop to express its thanks directly to the church membership.
The scouts will be notified about one month in advance of Scout Sunday.
There are many activities and service projects available to troop members.
· Other summer camps. A Scout can sign on as a provisional camper to attend camps run by our council or other councils.
· Eagle Camp. For Scouts of Life rank who are working on the required Eagle merit badges.
· Philmont. The national Scout camp at Cimmeron, New Mexico. Provisional, training, and staff positions are available to older Scouts who can meet the requirements for this strenuous adventure.
· Exploring. This is a BSA program for young men and women ages 14 and over. Each Explorer Post has a special area of interest. In our area there are career oriented posts (EMR, Police, Fire, Banking), hobby posts (veterinarian, high adventure, aviation), and Sea Scout Ships (sail and powerboat). You can be registered as a Scout and as an Explorer.
· Order of the Arrow. A camping honor society whose members are elected by the troop members, and provide much service and energy to support the BSA camping and outdoor program.
· Breakfast Club. A service project to give a help to younger children of working parents during the Christmas and Easter school breaks.
· Thanksgiving Day meals. A program run by the Salvation Army at the Centennial Hall in Hayward. Scouts assist in serving food and other tasks.
Troop 612 Handbook