Troop 115 Virtual Camping Guidelines

We will be following general guidance from National, Council, and District recommendations when provided.

National Boy Scout COVID-19 FAQs – https://www.scouting.org/coronavirus/covid-19-faq/

Troop 115 Guidelines

The following is summary of what Troop 115 will be following during COVID-19 social distancing periods.

• Virtual camping will be counted for basic rank requirements if the following are met:
  • The activity must meet the requirements. Minor allowances, such as substituting family members for patrol members, will be allowed.
  • The guidelines for rank specific requirements are followed. See the section below for rank specific camping guidance.
  • The camping event is done as a “patrol” or part of an organized “Scouting “event”.  A virtual camporee hosted by a Troop, Scout District or Council is an example “Scouting event”.
  • The Scouts must plan the camp out with their patrol or with a group of other Scouts approved by the Scoutmaster.
  • Scouts must spend the night in a tent that they pitch or other structure that they help erect, such as a lean-to, snow cave, or tepee.
  • Their family can fill in as patrol members for cooking and similar requirements.
  • The patrol, troop, or group of Scouters must comes together for some period of the evening via a group call, video call, etc.
• Virtual camp outs DO NOT count towards OA camping requirements
• We are still working out if “virtual camp outs” will be permitted for the Camping Merit Badge
• There is a limit of 2 nights that can be virtual through May 15th.  We will adjust as needed.

New Scouts

New Scouts that have recently joined the Troop or have not yet earned the Scout Rank cannot earn other rank requirments through “virtual camping” until they have been on a Troop camp out and have earn their Scout Rank. 

This is to allow them the opportunity to learn more about the Patrol Method, camping gear, Leave-No-Trace, safe cooking, etc. 

We would work on this as a patrol in virtual patrol meetings until we can make our first real camp out.

Proof and Evidence!

We need proof that you completed your requirements. This includes:

• Photos or video of you selecting your site and pitching your tent or shelter
• Photos or video of you engaging in “patrol” or “group” activities
• Photos or video of you preparing any food or meals
• A short write-up of how you prepared for the event, who camped with your, what activities you participated in, and what meals you made.
• Verification from your parent or guardian.

Ranks Specific Camping Requirements

Tenderfoot

1b  –  Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.

Follow the guidance above.

2a  –  On the campout, assist in preparing one of the meals. Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup.

During the same day as your virtual patrol or troop campout, assist in preparing one meal with the help of those with whom you live. Tell your patrol or troop why it was important for each person to share in meal preparation and cleanup.

2b  –  While on a campout, demonstrate the appropriate method of safely cleaning items used to prepare, serve, and eat a meal.

During the same day as your virtual campout, demonstrate the appropriate method of safely cleaning items used to prepare, serve and eat a meal.

Second Class

1a  –  Since joining Scouts BSA, participate in five separate troop/patrol activities, at least three of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least two must include overnight camping. These activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect, such as a lean-to, snow cave, or tepee.

Follow the guidance above.

1c  –  On one of these campouts, select a location for your patrol site and recommend it to your patrol leader, senior patrol leader, or troop guide. Explain what factors you should consider when choosing a patrol site and where to pitch a tent.

Follow the guidance above.

2e  –  On one campout, plan and cook one hot breakfast or lunch, selecting foods from MyPlate or the current USDA nutritional model. Explain the importance of good nutrition. Demonstrate how to transport, store, and prepare the foods you selected.

During the same day as your virtual patrol or troop campout, prepare one meal with the help of those with whom you live. Explain the importance of good nutrition. Tell your patrol or troop how to transport, store, and prepare the foods you selected.

First Class

1a  –  Since joining Scouts BSA, participate in 10 separate troop/patrol activities, at least six of which must be held outdoors. Of the outdoor activities, at least three must include overnight camping. These activities do not include troop or patrol meetings. On campouts, spend the night in a tent that you pitch or other structure that you help erect, such as a lean-to, snow cave, or tepee.

Follow the guidance above.

2e – On one campout, serve as cook. Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in First Class requirement 2a. Supervise the cleanup.

On the same day as your virtual campout, serve as the cook. Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in First Class requirement 2a. Supervise the cleanup.