Camping is one of the hallmarks of scouting and instills in the boys an appreciation, respect and love of the outdoors. We strive to teach outdoor skills that will last a lifetime and build the confidence needed to tackle more challanging activities later in the Scouting program. Each year, the boys participate in a
Spring Training outing and parents are especially encouraged to participate. Here, new Scouts are taught the basics of camping, fire, knife and ax handling and parents are shown different types of equipment that may be purchased for use during the Scouting years.
Troop 614 has a Venture Patrol, comprised of older Scouts (14 and up) that participate in special, more challenging activities such as multi day hikes in the Sierras and a planned trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron next month.
Scouts from this troop have participated in the National Jamboree in Virginia in 2005 and the World Jamboree in England in 2007.
Troop 614 Trip Cancellation Policy
Troop 614 attempts to minimize the cost of each trip. The cost of a trip is derived from estimations of costs that fall into the following categories:
- Gas allowance – computed for each driver based on the number of miles/gas mileage for their vehicle x current gas price. We determine how many and what type of vehicles are needed from the signup sheets and the sum of all estimated gas costs are the gas component of our budget.
- Camping fees – we typically incur campsite fees at state or private camping facilities. These can be either per person ($7-$8 is typical) or by campsite ($20 for 4-6 people per campsite is typical). Again, we reserve campsites based on signups.
- Lodging fees – typically for the ski trip. These can be substantial and are arranged many months in advance.
- Tour/event charges – many trips involve admission charges and reservations. The USS Hornet, museums, caving trips come to mind.
- Road Meals – We budget for road meals when a trip takes us more than about 100 miles away from home. For example, on early morning departures headed north we might stop at Cordelia Junction on the way out for breakfast and near Concord on the return. The established rate that we factor into the cost of the trip is $6.00 per meal, which means your son gets $12 directly back on trips where road meals are involved.
- On occasion we will have a troop meal where we estimate the total cost of groceries based on signups and derive a per-head charge.
- Bridge tolls – on trips that take us across the Golden Gate or the Benicia bridge, we budget the $5 or $4 into the gas allowance for each driver.
Since these costs are all dependent on the number of people that are signed up to go, it is incumbent on each scout and family to understand that they have a commitment to pay and attend if they sign up for a trip. If scouts choose to cancel at the last moment, we are left with half filled vehicles, too many campsites or too much food.
In particular, on trips that require advance reservations for more expensive items such as lodging or tours, signing up is a commitment to pay for the trip even if the scout does not attend. Situations vary – sometimes scouts are added which enables us to make our numbers and break even. But parents should be aware that if your son’s cancellation causes the troop to lose money on a trip, payments made will not be refunded and the treasurer will ask for payment if not previously received. Our objective is always to break even so any cancellations can directly cause a loss to the treasury.
- Sign-up - Parents will “cosign” with their son on the signup sheet indicating they are aware of the trip and the obligation of pay and attend.
- Payment - Please pay for the trip at the earliest opportunity after signing up. Payment for all trips is due not later than the scout meeting prior to the trip. Some trips require early advanced payment. Payment due date will appear on the top of the sign-up sheet. Failure to make timely payment will result in your son being removed from the trip roster.
- Commitment - If payment is made and your son fails to show, no refund will be made except for valid excuses such as illness.
This is an opportunity to teach your son responsibility both in communicating his plans and following through with the trip. Thank you for your assistance in making all our trips successful.
