Welcome to the 1st Whitby Scout Troop!

We are glad to have you join us. Here are a few things you’ll need to know. Our members are 11, 12, 13 & 14, with an option until 16 years of age, and take part in an active and adventurous program of activities. Read on!

The Scout Program Runs Year-round

We are privileged to say that the 1st Whitby program runs year-round and offers an extended summer camp which is open to all Scouts in the troop. In addition, it will be a goal to offer an adventure camp for senior youth to participate in during the summer as well as summer camp most years.

Troop Holds Weekly Meetings

Scouts meet on Wednesdays at Captain Micheal VandenBos School, 3121 Country Lane, 6:10 to 8:10pm. At the meetings, we work toward planning our events and work on program. The rest of the meeting we like to play a few games.

Troop Takes Pride In Our Uniform

Uniform requirements can be found 		in the uniform section of our website and can be purchased at the Camp Samac Scout Shop. The Troop is strict in its appearance. Required uniform items include the dark navy blue cargo style pants, tan uniform shirt, grey activity scout t-shirt, green scout belt, buckle and scout sash.

1st Whitby Scouts is on the Web!

The Troop maintains an extensive presence via internet. Items of interest include a calendar of events, monthly on-line newsletters and other Scouting skills. A week-by-week itinerary is also posted on the homepage with a month-in-view. www.1stwhitbyscouts.ca

A Scout's Personal Gear Needs

Key investments are a good sub-zero sleeping bag, sleeping pad and a backpack. Scouts camp year round, including the cooler fall and even winter weather. A typical sleeping bag for summer use will not keep a Scout warm in this weather. A rating of at least -15*C is recommended. There is an extended guide on Personal Gear needs found on our website.
the single most forgotten personal gear item is proper raingear
Apart from those items, the single most forgotten personal gear item is proper raingear. This means waterproof (ie.rainsuit, both tops and
bottoms;try wetskins) and not a nylon shell of a jacket. Other items include good fleece pullovers and synthetic or wool hiking socks. Cottons are always discouraged, as they are not good insulators on the top and make feet feel wet and uncomfortable on the bottom.

Scouts Enjoy An Active Program

Scouts in the 1st Whitby Troop are engaged in a quick paced and active program that Scouts enjoy. The Troops plans for an event or camp, on average, once a month. We have gone rappelling, canoeing, hiking, and attend larger jamborees. 		The Troop carpools with pre-arranged parent drivers during the year. We also leave Friday morning for four of our camps during the year for logistical reasons and give more time for scouts and patrols to do more work and as a team toward their camp and program.

Camp Fees Designed to Breakeven With Cost

Camp fees are planned with thin budgets. Camp fees range in the $35-$55 area and are budgeted to break even to costs. At each camp $15-$17 per Scout is budgeted for food, $10-$15 on fuel/transportation and

Newsletter For New Scouts

www.1stwhitbyscouts.ca

the remainder on any registrations/permit fees the troop is charged and other expenses. Food is typically the largest portion of the budget, accounting for nearly half of an average camp budget.

Registration Fee & Dues

The registration fee at the beginning of the year covers Scouts Canada insurance and administration costs and is not kept by the local group.

Scouts bring $2 dues each week. Dues are used to pay for badges, scout supplies and other incidental expenses throughout the year. All amounts are spent carefully & exclusively on the Scout program. Dues are due if a Scout is absent or no matter where we meet.

Fundraising Is Important to the Troop

From time to time, Scouts will be asked to participate in fundraising activities. It is the sole source of funds to pay for troop equipment and subsidizes some camps. Without fundraising we would not be able to offer the dynamic program that youth and parents have come to know. It also allows youth to have pride in knowing they were given the opportunity to work toward their program. It is expected that all youth do their part when the time comes.