MASS JAM 99

BARNSTABLE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS

9-11 OCTOBER 1999

TRIP INFORMATION AND EQUIPMENT LIST

Except for the few Scouts who are lucky enough to participate in one of the National or World Jamborees, Mass Jam will likely be the largest Scouting event Troop 89 Scouts ever attend. Over ten thousand (10,000) Scouts and adult leaders are expected to descend upon the Barnstable County Fairgrounds on Cape Cod this Columbus Day weekend for Mass Jam 99. This is ten (10) times more people than the average Norwich University Camporee and one third (1/3) the size of a National Jamboree. The magnitude alone will make Mass Jam 99 a memorable event.

We need to arrive at the fairgrounds early on Saturday morning to set-up camp in time for the day’s events, so ALL SCOUTS MUST MEET AT THE SCOUTHOUSE AT 5:30 AM, SATURDAY, 9 OCTOBER 1999. WE WILL LEAVE NO LATER THAN 6:00 AM. Any Scout who does not arrive on time risks being left behind. We expect to arrive back at the Scouthouse at around 1:30 PM on Monday, 11 October 1999 (Columbus Day), after which all Scouts will check-in patrol and troop equipment. Parents should meet at the Scouthouse at 2:30 PM, Monday afternoon to pick-up their son(s). Remember, all Scouts require dismissal from their Patrol Leader prior to leaving with their parent(s).

Last month, each Scout received a medical form titled, "TROOP 89 PERMISSION SLIP AND MEDICAL RELEASE FORM FOR SCOUT MEMBERS." This form covers each Scout for each trip during the 1999/2000 Scout year and should have been completed and returned by this time. THIS MEDICAL FORM MUST BE COMPLETED, SIGNED, AND RETURNED PRIOR TO THIS TRIP - NO SCOUT WILL BE PERMITTED TO ATTEND WITHOUT THIS COMPLETED FORM. Don’t forget!

Scouts will camp and cook together as patrols. Unless otherwise directed by the Scoutmaster, all Scouts will use troop tents only. Among other things, this will provide for a more uniform site.

Cape Cod tends to remain mild longer than the remainder of New England. Nevertheless, early October weather can be somewhat unpredictable even here. The days will likely be warm, but the nights could be rather chilly. This variation can make it difficult to determine exactly what personal equipment to bring. We may need to carry gear as far as half (1/2) a mile to the campsite, so selective, compact packing – preferably in a knapsack or backpack - is required. Try not to over-pack. Scouts should plan for cold weather conditions at night, but should have shorts and a T-shirt for each day should warmer weather prevail. As always, be prepared for rain, as the events will take place even in wet weather.

ALL SCOUT AND ADULT PARTICIPANTS REQUIRE A LARGE PERSONAL CANTEEN OR WATER BOTTLE AND A PERSONAL CUP (METAL OR HEAVY-DUTY PLASTIC – NOT STYROFOAM). The canteen/water bottle will be carried throughout the day. The cup will be used at the campsite.

A personal equipment checklist for this trip is as follows:

___ COMPLETED BOY SCOUT MEDICAL FORM

___ sleeping bag (winter or summer with two (2) blankets)

___ pillow

___ ground cloth or pad

___ large canteen or water bottle

___ personal cup (metal or heavy duty plastic)

___ flashlight with good batteries

___ knapsack or backpack

___ plastic trash bags

___ hiking boots

___ sneakers

___ socks (2-3 pairs)

___ wool socks (1 pair)

___ long pants (1)

___ shorts (1)

___ Scout shirt

___ Scout shorts

___ Scout pants

___ Scout belt

___ Scout socks (1-3 pairs)

___ Scout OA sash (optional)

___ long sleeve shirt (1-2)

___ T-shirt (2-3)

___ sweatshirt (1)

___ light weight jacket

___ poncho or light raincoat

___ hat (wool)

___ gloves/mittens

___ underwear (3-4)

___ long underwear

___ pajama or other heavy sleeper (sweat suit)

___ hand towel

___ brush/comb

___ tooth brush

___ tooth paste

___ personal basic first aid kit

___ Scout handbook

___ Troop hat / Norwich hat (optional)

___ bandanna (optional)

___ compass (optional)

___ jackknife (optional and with Totin' Chip card only)

___ small camera/film (very optional)

___ $10.00-$20.00 spending money