Traditionally, Troop 496’s campout for April is the New Scout campout. At this campout, we welcome the Webelos scouts that have crossed over to the troop. We also introduce the new scouts to several Scout and Tenderfoot rank requirements. Requirements include:
- What the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan are and what they mean
- What is the Scout leadership hierarchy
- A explanation of the Patrol method
- Demonstration of how to tie the square knot, two half-hitches, and the taut-line hitch
- What should be in a personal first aid kit
- A list of equipment and clothes needed for a campout
- How to pitch a tent
Because of the COVID pandemic and state and BSA rules that do not allow large gatherings, a campout was not an option this year. In order to support the new Scouts as they begin their BSA Scouting careers, Troop 496 held a virtual campout using Zoom. Ten new boys, representing the Trolls patrol, participated in this campout. Troop 496 was honored to have four girls, representing the Artemis patrol, join the campout this year. These girls will be the core of the new BSA Girls Troop forming here in Poolesville.
The campout was led by the Troop SPL, Zach Ransom. The SPL was assisted by several older Scouts covering 10 different requirements. After the on-line portion of the campout, several of the Scouts took on the challenge to pitch a tent in their back yard and then spend the night in the tent that they pitched. The next day, the participants again met on Zoom to participate in a “Roses, Buds, and Thorns” exercise.
