This year's Greenhorn adventure will again take place at the Camp Massasoit Scout Reservation in Plymouth.  While the Greenhorn Trip is primarily dedicated to training our new recruits the basics on Troop 89 outdoor camping, this year it will provide an opportunity for other members of the troop to experience backpacking camping.  It will also allow veteran Scouts to work on their own outdoor advancement requirements as well.

Unlike previous years, all Troop 89 members - both old and new - will travel to Camp Massasoit on Saturday morning.  Scouts who are not backpacking will go directly to the campsite.  Backpacking Scouts will be dropped off and will hike into the camp.  ALL SCOUTS SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE SCOUTHOUSE AT 7:30 AM SATURDAY MORNING, 15 APRIL 2000; THE TROOP PLANS TO LEAVE FOR THE CAMP BEFORE 8:00 AM.  IF YOU ARE NOT PRESENT AT THIS TIME, CHANCES ARE YOU WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.  The troop will depart from Camp Massasoit before 12:00 noon Sunday, 16 April 2000.  PARENTS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO PICK-UP THEIR SONS AND THEIR GEAR AT THE SCOUTHOUSE BY 1:30 PM SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

New parents and Scouts should be aware that all Scouts are required to return to the Scouthouse upon arriving back in Medfield.  The Scouts will check-in their tents and patrol equipment.  Each piece of equipment will be inspected and, if necessary, will be properly cleaned at that time.  Tents will be unpacked, inventoried, checked, and, if wet, will be hung to dry in the attic, or, if dry, will be properly re-packed and then stored appropriately.  Patrols and tent occupants will also be responsible for repair or replacement costs of missing or damaged equipment.  After each patrol’s equipment and tents have been checked-in and approved, the patrol members will be dismissed.  Depending on how well the check-in process proceeds, most Scouts should be ready to go home at around 1:30 PM.

Scouts participating in the backpacking adventure will bring everything they need to the campsite via their backpacks.  All Scouts will sleep in tents or, if they choose, under the stars.  Cooking will be by patrols, except for the backpacking participants who will bring their own food.

April can bring 90 degree weather, and it can bring snow.  Such variations can make it difficult to determine what personal equipment is necessary.  Backpackers will need to be very selective in what they bring – every ounce counts!  You need to be prepared, but you do not want to be overburdened.  Use the training you received to pack accordingly.

Since space is limited, even the Scouts who are not backpacking will need to be selective and compact in their packing - try not to over-pack.  As a rule, no matter what the forecast might be, plan on cold, wet weather - just in case.  Expect colder temperatures especially at night.  Scouts may, however, consider bringing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt or two in case it does get warm.

Scouts who are not backpacking may still embark on a day hike, so hiking boots or equivalent footwear will be necessary.  As with most camping trips, Scout uniforms will not be required.  All Scouts should bring their Scout Handbook.  Also, Scouts should get in the habit of bringing a rugged, indestructible cup with them to help reduce troop waste.  A personal equipment checklist for non-backpackers is as follows:

 ___ sleeping bag (winter, or summer with two (2) blankets)
 ___ pillow
 ___ ground cloth or pad
 ___ canteen or water bottle
 ___ flashlight with extra batteries
 ___ duffel bag or back pack
 ___ plastic trash bags
 ___ hiking boots or equivalent
 ___ sneakers
 ___ socks (2 pairs)
 ___ wool socks (1 pair)
 ___ long pants (1-2)
 ___ long sleeve shirt (1-2)
 ___ T-shirt (1-2)
 ___ winter jacket
 ___ sweatshirt or light-weight jacket
 ___ poncho or light weatherproof jacket
 ___ hat (winter)
 ___ gloves/mittens
 ___ underwear (1 or 2)
 ___ long underwear
 ___ pajama or other heavy sleepwear (sweat suit)
 ___ hand towel
 ___ brush/comb
 ___ tooth brush and tooth paste
 ___ personal basic first aid kit (small)
 ___ personal cup
 ___ Scout Handbook
 ___ Troop hat / Norwich hat (optional)
 ___ compass (optional)
 ___ jackknife (optional - usage requires Totin' Chip card)
 ___ $10.00 spending money (optional)

Have fun at Camp Massasoit!