TO      provide a character-building program committed to excellence in an outstanding environment.

TO      provide active, well-disciplined scouting programs to the largest number of boys consistent with the available men and facilities.

TO      maintain a uniformed body of scouts in accordance with the rules of the Boy Scouts of America.

TO      provide a religious foundation consistent with the Twelfth Scout Law.

TO      provide and environment where all members are protected from any form of mental or
           physical harassment either at meetings or on camp outs.

        When you join a Scout Troop, you will have to pay for registration, a uniform, a handbook, and camping equipment.  These expenses have to be paid no matter what Troop you join.  However, other expenses affect how much a Troop will cost you.  Below is a comparison of costs between Troop 80 and other Troops.

Dues and Registration --

        $25.00 per year

First year cost is $50.00, which includes $25.00 one time joining fee for a Troop 80 hat, Troop 80 t-shirt, Boy Scout neckerchief, Boy Scout neckerchief slide, Boy Scout Handbook, Boy Scout red epaulets, quality unit patch, 25 year bar, personal name tag, and plastic groundcloth for camping.  These items would otherwise have to be purchased separately at a cost of over $29.00.

Summer Camp --
        $65.00 per year

Troop 80 camps in the mountains of New Mexico for eight days.  Meals are served from a central kitchen and include bacon and egg breakfasts, mexican food dinners, and steak dinners.  Activities include archery, B-B guns, softball, woodcarving, outdoor camping skills, and merit badge advancement.

Weekend Campouts --
        $8.00 to $15.00

Scouts are charged only for food and fuel for each trip.  All adults pay their own way.  The average weekend trip is only $10.00.  The snow camp in February includes cross-country skiing and is only $15.00.  The Father-Son trips (Philmont and Lake Altus), cost $17.00 and $12.00, all expenses included.

        THE CHOICE IS CLEAR

        The least expensive Troop in town, and the best buy for the money is Troop 80.  REPLACEMENT ITEMS

If lost or destroyed, the following items will be replaced at the price indicated.

        1.      Name tag                                         $1.50
        2.      4' x 8' 4 mill plastic ground cloth     $1.00
        3.      25 year bar                                       $1.00
        4.      Current Quality Unit patch              $1.00
        5.      Troop 80 Hat                                   $7.50
        6.      Handbook                                       $7.50
        7.      Red Epaulets                                   $2.00
        8.      Troop 80 T-shirt                              $7.50

Each scout should also purchase an Troop 80 black sweatshirt (cost $13.00, tax included).   The Troop 80 T-shirts and black sweat shirt are required for some Troop activities.

 
 

Jack Bryant Scout Center
1615 Bellaire
Amarillo, TX 79106

Dear Parent:

        Congratulations on becoming a Troop 80 parent.  Your son has decided to become a member of an exciting and "on the go" scouting unit.  We realize that his decision to continue in scouting is a reflection of your interest in the program and the realization that scouting helps make a whole man of the future.  For this commitment we sincerely thank you.

        Your son will be exposed to many experiences which we hope will interest and mature him.  As with all long-term commitments, there will be times when your son becomes discouraged or disillusioned with scouting.  Troop 80 feels that your advice and encouragement during these difficult times is necessary and critical for your son to stay active in scouting and to develop fully his natural abilities and to become the kind of scout and which of which you and he can be proud.

        You will soon find that Troop 80 has an aggressive outdoor program which can be provided your son at reasonable cost because of the sale of Christmas trees.  In partial return for offering such a program, the Troop expects each scout to attend 5 weekend camps (50% since joining) and 25 meetings (50% since joining) per year, as well as participate in work days and help sell trees (parents are expected to help too).  Your assistance in helping your son meet these attendance requirements will make his scouting experience more enjoyable, as well as allow him to go on Wilderness Camp, an annual event everyone looks forward to.

        Sometimes the expenses of camping equipment, uniforms, or camps becomes burdensome.  Troop 80 has sufficient resources to ensure that no scout is deprived of a complete scouting experience for financial reasons.  If for some reason you need financial assistance to pay for a scouting expense please see me or the Assistant Scoutmaster in charge of your son's patrol.

        Lastly, let me strongly encourage your personal participation in Troop 80.  We have many fathers and mothers that are involved.  Because our Troop is large and we have such an active program, everyone's help is needed so the individual burden is not too great for everyone to enjoy the program.  What may sometimes appear as an abundance of adult help at Troop meetings is only a fraction of the assistance we really need.  Speak to me or any of the Assistant Scoutmasters for further details.

        We at Troop 80 are looking forward to a long and fun relationship with you and your son.  Again welcome to the best Troop in the Southwest.

                                                                Yours Very Truly,

                                                             Eric Wolfram
                                                                Scoutmaster

Dear Scout:

        Welcome to Troop 80!  You have now become a member of the biggest and best scout outfit in the Southwest.  In the next few years you will get to go on hikes and campouts every month, sell lots of Christmas trees and go on a high adventure wilderness summer camp each summer.  Every third year we backpack into a wilderness area or make a trip to Yellowstone National Park.  You will get to hike by waterfalls, windy plains, and scenic canyons; camp on snow and sled down hills, and swim in and canoe on lakes.  Each Christmas season we sell Christmas trees in which you can earn prizes.  During the summer, the Troop has watermelon and ice cream feasts just for fun!

        The men and boy leaders of the Troop will do everything they can to help you enjoy scouting and to be a good scout.  Of course, we expect you to attend the meetings and camps, at least 50% of the meetings and 50% of the camps, and to work on your advancement.  Set your goals now to have your picture on the Eagle Board honoring all Eagle Scouts from Troop 80.

        Again, welcome to Troop 80 and we'll see you next Tuesday in uniform and rarin' to go!

                                                                Yours Very Truly,

                                                             Eric Wolfram
                                                                Scoutmaster

        Troop 80 is sponsored by Eighty Scouts, Inc., and is a Troop in good standing with the Boy Scouts of America.  Eighty Scouts, Inc. is a Texas Non-Profit Corporation, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable institution under   501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  It was formed in 1962 for the purpose of sponsoring Troop 80.  As the sponsoring institution, Eighty Scouts, Inc. serves in the same capacity as a church or school serves other Troops in Amarillo.  Eighty Scouts, Inc. fulfills the requirement of the Boy Scouts of America that each Troop have a sponsoring institution.

        Eighty Scouts, Inc. also sponsors Cub Scout Pack 80, and two Girl Scout Troops.  Eighty Scouts, Inc. has a board of directors which oversees and approves the policies and actions of each sponsored group.

        Troop 80 feels strongly that the Troop is for the boys.  The Troop is intentionally  designed to run on the leadership of the boys.  In this way, a boy can learn the value and responsibility of leadership, a hallmark of the American scouting program.

        While the Troop is larger than many other Troops in the Texas Panhandle, each boy is active in a subdivision of the Troop called a Patrol.  A patrol is made up of 6 to 10 boys the same age and about the same rank level.  The patrol stays together once it is formed, advancing and growing together.  Each new boy patrol has a Troop Guide, and each older patrol has a Patrol Leader, who has himself a scout who has attained the Star Rank.  Also, each patrol has an Assistant Scoutmaster assigned to it, who is a male adult volunteer.  Each patrol is grouped together with one or two other patrols to form a Squad.  Each squad has a letter designation.  Frequently, there will competitions among the patrols on such things as knot tying, fire building or tent pitching.

        Older boys may participate in the Venture Program.  The scouts must be at least 14 years old and have attained the Star Rank to participate in this program.  Venture scouts are grouped in a Crew consisting of 6 to 10 scouts, with adult leaders assigned to assist them.  The venture scouts enjoy rock climbing and mountain biking activities, in addition to the other activities of the Troop.

        The organizational structure of Troop 80 allows a boy to enjoy the benefits only a large Troop can offer, while keeping his day to day activities at the smaller patrol level.  During most Troop activities, the ratio of boys to men is 4:1, which is better than most, if not all, Troops in this area.  On a typical camp out, there my be 50 to 60 boys attending, with at least 15 adult leaders also in attendance.

        Troop 80 has been continuously sponsored as a Boy Scout Troop since 1955, currently holding the honor of a "25 Year" Troop.  During that time period, the Troop has produced over 185 Eagle Scouts (through 1997).  Nationally, only about 2% of all scouts attain the Eagle Rank, while in Troop 80, 11% of its boys have achieved the Eagle Award.  Additionally, Troop 80 is recognized each year by the Local Scout Council for earning the National Honor Camping Award.  The Troop has also won many of the local competitions among Troops sponsored by the District and Council.  Finally, the Troop is recognized annually by the Boy Scouts of America as a National Quality Unit.

        There is an effort to have a balanced program between advancement and outdoor experiences.  The balance Troop 80 has attained is revealed in the statistic that the average stay by boys in Troop 80 is 70% longer than the national average.

        Troop 80 is able to attain this level of participation by its insistence that an active scout is a happy scout.  The requirement that the meetings and camping trips be attended by each scout is an effort by the leadership to keep the scout active.

        There are six levels of scouting you son will attain:

Rank                            Typical Time Period             Skill Emphasis

Tenderfoot                              1st 3 Months                    Camping Skills

2nd Class                               6 Months                        Camping Skills

1st Class                               1st Year                        Camping Skills

Star Scout                              24 Months                       Merit Badge Work

Life Scout                              36 Months                       Merit Badge Work

Eagle Scout                             15 to 16 Years of Age   Merit Badge Work

Note:   Not only will your son achieve skills and advancement, but each level is designed to develop a sense of belonging and build an interest in learning and developing camping and life skills.  The program also builds closer association with adults.

        A successful Troop becomes that way through the involvement of the parents and volunteers interested in scouting.  You have apparently actively encouraged you son's involvement in scouting, hence his joining Troop 80.  It is imperative that the level of involvement continue, if not grow, as your son does.

        Many adult volunteers find that their skills are needed by the Troop and there are endless hours of work that have to be done.  While adults are most frequently involved in supervising boys, there are many additional jobs such a building maintenance, bus maintenance, camping gear storage and maintenance, merit badge counseling, financial bookkeeping, advancement bookkeeping, scout registration, parent orientation programs, camping advisor, etc., which parents can help with.

        Talk to the Scoutmaster or any of the Assistant Scoutmasters for further information.  We need your help!

        Troop 80 plans outdoor activities for every single month of the year except December.  While the activities each year may change somewhat, this is the typical annual camping and outdoor activities for the Troop.
 

Month             Outdoor Activity

January           Hike in to camp by map and compass.

February          Snow camp in the mountains.  Cross-country ski, ride inner tubes down the hill.

March              Hike into camp by map and compass. Rapelling.

April                Hike in to camp by map and compass.

May                 Hike in to camp by map and compass.

June                 Father-Son Trip.

June                 Advancement Camp.  Earn Merit Badges.

July                  Wilderness Camp in the mountains.

August              Aquatics camp.  Swim, canoe, row boat, fish.

September         Father-Son camp at Philmont Scout Camp, New Mexico

October             Hike in to camp.  Rappelling.

November          Hike in to camp.

December           Christmas Tree Sales.  No Campout

        There are several committees, some with ongoing functions, such as:  Courts of Honor, Neckerchiefs, Social, Hospitality, and Communications.  Other committees function only one time a year, such as the Philmont Fund Raiser Weekend and Christmas Tree Lot Worker committees.  If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Judy Wolfram at 358-9961.

        In order to provide your son an exciting and affordable scouting experience with Troop 80, it is necessary to raise funds through Troop efforts in order to finance the various operations of Troop 80.  Troop 80 raises funds primarily through the sale of Christmas trees lots and lots of Christmas trees.  Over 1300 trees are sold each year.  In order to do this, a large amount of volunteer time must be given by the parents of Troop 80 scouts.  Since your son has chosen to join the Troop, both you and he are expected to work on the lot during the selling season.

        Normally, a parent works 4 shifts of 4 hours each during the selling season (Thanksgiving to December 24).  The hours of operation are weekdays:  11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays, 12 noon to 9 p.m.  Each parent is assigned 4 shifts by the Treelot Committee.  Each scout is expected to work during his parent's shift.  Older scouts do extra work on the weekends.  You may also sign up early for you shifts and choose when you want to work.

        During November there is a workday on the second Saturday in which the lots are readied for tree sales.  Each scout and his dad are expected to participate in this work day.  Also, each scout is expected to help unload trees off trucks when they arrive.  It takes a lot of help to unload 500 heavy trees at one time.

        The work on the tree lot, though often hectic, is fun and rewarding.  Also, through the continued efforts of patents and scouts on the tree lot, adequate funds can continue to be earned which will ensure the continued success of the Troop, thereby giving your son the high quality scouting experience to which he is entitled.  See you on the lot this winter!

        Troop 80 requires the complete scout uniform at all of its meetings and some of its camps.  Our uniform regulations may seem rigorous at first, but to foster leadership and Troop spirit, the uniform is a necessary ingredient.  There are a few pointers which can save you some money in acquiring uniforms.  Also, the Troop has available some uniforms on a first come, first serve basis in the main equipment shed.

        1.      Do not buy long sleeve dress shirts.  Buy the short sleeve shirt, item #K-598 in the Scout Equipment Catalog.  The long sleeve shirt may not be worn with shorts.

        2.      Do not buy an official scout hat.  Buy only the black Troop 80 hat, cost $7.50.  The official scout hat is never used by the Troop.

        3.      If your son joins in April or May, buy only the summer uniform.  Scout shorts are item #K-591 in the Scout Equipment Catalog.  The long pants will not be needed until October and may be outgrown by then if bought in the spring.  Long pants are item #K-588.

        4.      Do not buy the official red jacket.  Buy the Troop 80 black sweatshirt, cost $13.00.  Alternative black sweat shirts are not acceptable.

        5.      Do not put any patches on the Troop 80 black sweatshirt.

        6.      Your son may use any used uniform parts in stock until he outgrows them.  There is no charge for this service.  Please turn in all uniform parts which are too small to the Troop for further use by other scouts. Also, if you have used hiking boots, it would help others by turning those in too.

        7.      Buy only official green scout socks.  These may be used with either the long or short pants.  The red topped long scout socks are no longer being made.

        8.      The Troop requires leather shoes or boots to go with the uniform.  No tennis shoes are allowed.  The Troop has some used hiking boots, which can be used until outgrown.

        9.      Buy extra gray Troop 80 T-shirts in late May (the first one comes upon payment of the initial fee).  The shirts are only worn by the Troop from June through September on certain trips.  Your son is less likely to outgrow them before Philmont if bought in the late spring.

        10.     When sewing on patches, please follow the patch location guide in Scout Handbook exactly as shown on the diagram.   The patch location guide is found on the front inside cover and back inside cover of the Scout handbook.  Unless you son is a senior grade officer, he will need only the Indian head patrol patch regardless of which patrol he is in.  All patrols have the same patch.  The patrol patch is item #K-101.  The Troop will provide the Venture Scout strip to Venture Scouts at no cost.  The Troop will also provide the "25 Year" bar, and the latest quality unit patch at no cost to the scout.  Rank patches will be provided at no cost to the scout by the Troop.  The scout will have to purchase a Golden Spread Council shoulder insignia, the Troop 80 numerals, item #K-104, and a U.S. flag, item #K-103.  If you have any questions, please call your son's Assistant Scoutmaster.

        11.     When you son starts, the Troop will provide a blue neckerchief and official scout slide to your son at no cost.  When your son reaches the Tenderfoot Rank, he will receive a black and white Troop 80 neckerchief and turn in the blue neckerchief.  Replacement neckerchiefs can be bought for $4.00.  Once a scout joins a Venture Crew or is elected patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, or senior patrol leader, he is entitled to wear a bolo-type necktie of his choosing.  The Troop does not provide the bolos.

        12.     Uniform parts can bought at the local Scout Office on Tascosa Road and also be ordered out of the Boy Scout Equipment Catalog.  However, no purchases of official  Boy Scout equipment should be made unless you feel comfortable with making the purchase, or unless the specific item is recommended by Troop 80.  Many items of camping gear in the Boy Scout catalog are inadequate for Troop 80's purposes.

        Because Troop 80 is heavily involved in camping and backpacking, the personal equipment you purchase for your son is very important.  Poor equipment will make the experiences he will have miserable and expensive equipment will break your pocketbook.  From many years of experience, Troop 80 has accumulated a great store of knowledge in camping.  The following equipment suggestions are made with the parents and scout in mind.  If you have any questions, do not hesitate to talk with one of the Assistant Scoutmasters.

        It has been our experience that two companies have excellent equipment at reasonable prices, REI Coop and Campmor.  These mail order outlets have just about everything you will need. They will fill a phone-in order in about one week, and they are cheaper than the local merchants.  To receive the Campmor catalogue phone 1-800-526-4784.  The mailing address is Campmor, 810 Route 17 North, P.O. Box 997-P, Paramus, NJ 07653-0997.  You can get the REI catalogue by phoning 1-800-426-4840.  The mailing address is REI, Sumner, WA 98352-0001.  You do not have to be a member of the REI Coop to purchase supplies from them, but you will receive better discounts from them if you are a member.  The details of membership are in the REI catalogue (lifetime membership costs $15.00).  Both of these merchants carry good equipment, from the very lowest priced to the very best and most expensive equipment you can buy.  You need to get both of these catalogues before you buy any camping equipment. REI also has a retail outlet store in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

General Note:   Unless you are an experienced back-packer do not make any major purchases of equipment until you have checked with an Assistant Scoutmaster or the Scoutmaster  It is possible to spend more and get less or purchase the wrong equipment.  You will need to be very careful.

Each scout may borrow the correct type of equipment until he acquires his own equipment.  Ask the Assistant Scoutmaster assigned to your son's patrol or squad to borrow equipment.  The Troop also has funds to purchase equipment where necessary:  expense of equipment should not keep a boy from participating.

        Backpack         All packs should have an aluminum frame, padded shoulder pads, and a padded belly band.  Add on foam pad belly bands can be bought separately.  Boy Scout catalog, item #K-1379; Campmor catalog, CampTrails Hip Belt, item #60030.  The belly band should be the right size for your son because this part of the pack carries most of the pack weight.  Unless you are purchasing a high quality specialized backpack and frame, such as Jansport, the tubing in the frame should be approximately 1" in diameter.  Some back frames purchased at Target or Best have smaller diameter tubing and are not rugged enough for our program.  A recommended back for our program is the CampTrials Adjustable II, items #60073 and #60074, Campmor catalog.  Other brands which are good for our program include Kelty, REI, Jansport, and North Face.  Internal frame packs are becoming more popular.  They are generally more expensive.  Consult an Assistant Scoutmaster before buying one of these packs.

        Sleeping Bag    All sleeping bags should have at least 3 pounds of Dacron Hollo-fill II, Qualofil, Polar-guard, or down fill.  Dacron or polar-guard is generally less expensive and retains its insulating ability when wet.  The recommended inexpensive bag is a Campmor bag, item #44302.

        Foam Pad        Closed cell foam pads are recommended.  They can be bought at army surplus stores, or from Campmor or REI.  Ridgerest pads are also recommended.  Thermarest pads can be ordered from REI or Campmor.  They are more expensive and are heavier, but are more comfortable if you want to carry them.

        Stuff Sacks     Each sleeping bag and foam pad must have a water repellant nylon stuff sack.  These can be bought locally at Walmart or Target.  They cost $4.00 - $10.00 each. BSA catalog,  utility stuff bag, item #K-1509; Campmor, waterproof stuff bag, item #41272, stuff bag, item #41264.  Occasionally, Troop 80 will have stuff sacks in stock which you can be purchase.

        Web Straps and Sleeping Bag Straps      In order to hold the sleeping bag and foam pad to the frame, each scout should have at least one pair of 48" web straps.  The Troop sometimes sells web straps.  Ask the Finance Committee to purchase them.  Sleeping bag straps, item #23034, Campmor catalog; heavy duty web straps, 8', item #21148, Campmor catalog; pack frame straps item #K-1380, Boy Scout equipment.

        Pack Covers     Most backpacks are not water proof and will require a cover to shed rain.  You may also use a large plastic garbage bag.  The plastic garbage bag is light weight, takes up little room, is very efficient and inexpensive, but has a short life.  Pack cover, item #K-1344, Boy Scout catalog; backpack rain cover, item #60809, Campmor catalog.

        Rain Gear       Rain jackets are recommended.  Ponchos are acceptable, but are cumbersome around camp.  Inexpensive plastic rain jackets can be bought at Walmart or Target for about $5.00. Campmor catalog,  vinyl rain suit, item #02701; vinyl poncho, item #90001.

        Hiking Boots    Hiking boots are a necessity for the camping program.  However, because scouts' feet grow so rapidly, inexpensive boots are recommended.  The boots should have the "lug" sole.  Inexpensive boots can be bought at Target, Tom McAnns, Kinneys, J.C. Penneys, K-Mart and Walmart.  Prices start at about $40.00.  Boots should be leather and should be water proofed with Red Wing boot oil, Kiwi waterproofing paste, mink oil, or Sno-seal.  Water proofing products can be bought at Albertsons, Walmart, and some shoe stores.  The yellow label Vibram Lug Sole is the best choice of soles, but other types of lug soles also work well.

        Knives  Fixed blade knives are not permitted under Troop policy.  "Butterfly" knives are also not permitted by Troop policy, as well as being illegal under State law.  It is a Class A misdemeanor to carry a Butterfly knife.  Locking blade hunting knives are acceptable.  Swiss army knives as well as the official scout pocket knife are recommended.   The official scout knife recommended is the Boy Scout Utility Knife, item #K-1045.  A good lock blade knife is the Scout-Lite Buck Knife, with carrier, item #K-1381.  Swiss Army knives can also be ordered from the BSA catalog or from the Campmor catalog.

        Flashlights     Small flashlights requiring 2 "C" batteries are small enough to carry and big enough to be useful.  Penlights are too small for some uses.  Larger flashlights are too heavy for backpacking.   There are some new super light flashlights made by Tekna which are ideal for camping.  These are much more expensive than a flashlight bought at Albertson's or Target (such as Mini Mag lights).  They are located in the Campmor catalog.

        Canteens        Plastic 1 quart or 1 liter bottles or canteens are recommended.  Metal canteens with straps or GI types which go on belts are not recommended.  The canteen should be carried inside the pack.  Plastic is lighter in weight and will not chemically react with lemonade or fruit drink like some of the metal canteens.   The recommended canteen is the plastic faceted bottle one quart canteen, item #80804, Campmor catalog.  The Troop gives away 1 liter distilled water bottles from the hospital which make perfect canteens.  A canteen does not cost much, and the weight is not that great.  Canteens are required equipment, since all water in the outdoors must now be treated.  Your son needs about a gallon of water per day when he is in the outdoors.  Please encourage him to carry a canteen.  It will keep him from borrowing from other people and from becoming dehydrated.

        Eating Utensils The scout should buy a lightweight plastic plate and cup.  The metal Scout knife, fork, spoon self-stacking set is also recommended.   Vitt-L kit, item #K-1374X.  The Scout aluminum mess kit is usable but not recommended.  The GI mess kit is not recommended.  The Texas Ware Plate from Target and the Toot'n'Totum insulated cup are also good items.

        Cots    Cots are optional, but highly recommended.  Aluminum cots which fold in half are not allowed.  The Troop requires folding cots, G.I. Army style, either wooden, aluminum, or steel.  Wooden cots should be made of hard-wood instead of pine.  The hard-wood frame can be reused even if the canvas tears.  The pine frames have a bad tendency to break.  Wooden cots can be bought at army surplus stores.  There are cots being made in the G.I. Army style but with aluminum tubing instead of wooden framing.  These cots are acceptable so long as they fold up like a wooden cot.  Additionally, there is a steel cot which is only about 8" off of the ground which folds up similar to a wooden cot and can be bought at Service Merchandise.  This cot has proved very durable, though it has the disadvantage of being low to the ground.  Costs vary from $50 to $90 depending on the weight of the canvas.  They can also be ordered by catalog.

        PERSONAL BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT LIST

1.      Back pack w/padded hip belt/belly band

2.      Warm sleeping bag in water proof stuff sack bag with two web straps to attach to pack

3.      Foam pad - closed-cell foam pad, or Thermarest pad with two web straps to attach to pack

4.      Ground cloth for sleeping bag - plastic 4' x 8' (Troop issues)

5.      Clothing (Winter; summer delete heavy clothes, add swimsuit and towel)
        1 pair cotton socks
        1 pair heavy wool socks
        1 raincoat or rain jacket
        1 long sleeve wool or flannel shirt
        1 pair long pants
        1 short sleeve shirt
        1 suit underwear
        1 pair hiking boots
        1 pair warm pajamas or insulated underwear
        1 heavy jacket and cap (For warmth and best packing, we recommend an insulated vest - or wool sweater and wind breaker  jacket.)

        6.      Mess Gear - plastic plate, sierra cup, or plastic cup/bowl, fork and spoon.

7.      Toilet Kit
        1 soap, motel size
        1 washcloth
        1 toothbrush and toothpaste
        1 chapstick
        1 hand towel

8.      Miscellaneous Items
        Small first aid kit
        Pocketknife - No Fixed Blade Hunting Knives
        Water proof pack cover or large plastic trash bag
        Flashlight - w/new size C batteries (maximum size)
        Plastic Canteen (1 qt. minimum)
        Personal medicine
        Compass         (optional)
        25' l/8" Nylon cord     (optional)
        Sunglasses              (optional)
        Insect Repellant                (optional)
        Sunscreen               (optional)
        Bible                   (optional)
        Camera and film (optional)

        Each item should be clearly labeled with scout's name!  SUMMER CAMPS POLICY

        Because the summer camping program is so popular, the Troop has established a policy for those who may attend the camps.  This is done to encourage the full participation of the scout through out the year, and no just during the summer months.  The summer camping program is special and for this reason is used to reward those scouts who have worked hard and been active all year.  The policy is designed for the growth of your son.

1.      Scope.

        The policies set forth herein apply both to Advancement Camp and Wilderness Camp unless otherwise noted.

2.      Required Attendance.

        a.      Wilderness Camp.

                (1)     Must attend at least 25 meetings (50% since joining) per year.
                (2)     Must attend at least 5 camps (50% since joining).
                (3)     Workdays:  must attend at least one per year.
                (4)     A scout must attend three (3) weekend camps or Advancement Camp once before going on Wilderness Camp.

        b.      Advancement Camp.

                A scout must be active in the Troop program to be eligible for Advancement Camp.

3.      Required Advancement.

        a. One rank or 5 merit badges since last Wilderness Camp.
        b. Scout must be a least a Tenderfoot to go on Wilderness Camp.
        c. There is no advancement requirement for Advancement Camp.

4.      Required Time in Troop Prior to Camp.

        a.      Scout must have joined on or before the Tuesday before camp starts to go to Advancement Camp.
        b.      Scout must have joined on or before June 1 and have attended 3 weekend camps or Advancement Camp to go to Wilderness Camp.

5.      Policy Implementation.

        The Assistant Scoutmasters will make the day to day decisions on attendance and whether or       not an absence comes within a particular excuse category.  The Assistant Scoutmaster may not    excuse an absence for a reason not listed above.

6.      Policy Enforcement.

        The Troop Committee is responsible for enforcing attendance policy with respect to who may attend the summer camps.

7.      Review of Scout's Attendance.

        The Camping Committee shall review individual scouts to see if they satisfy the Troop attendance policy.

 8.     Low Attendance Scout Program.

        For the scout who attends less than 50% of the time, Troop 80 provides a  challenging and exciting scouting program consisting of 10 weekend camps and 52  meetings per year, plus a week long summer Advancement Camp.  This program includes a Father-Son trip in June, the Father-Son Banquet, rapelling, swimming, boating, a Father-Son camp in the mountains at Philmont, a winter camp in the mountains, and hikes around scenic waterfalls, that allows a scout to experience a variety of other non-scout activities.  A low attendance scout is allowed and encouraged to participate in this program without penalty or discrimination.  Moreover, this program allows a scout to become "revived" and receive encouragement to improve his attendance where he can participate in the Wilderness Camp program.

        Any scout or adult owing money to Troop 80 (or a patrol leader) for a camp out, hat, shirt, or other similar reason may not attend any more camps, including Advancement Camp and Wilderness Camp, until the money is paid in full.  If a scout or adult commits to go to a camp, the Troop or a patrol spends money on that commitment, purchasing food and other items.  It is not fair for the Troop or patrol to have to bear that person's expense.  Also, a scout must not owe any money before he may take a board of review, or receive any advancement.

UNIFORM POLICY:  All Troop 80 scouts are required to wear their Class "A" uniforms to all Troop meetings, unless they are specifically instructed otherwise.  If a scout appears out of uniform at troop meetings, his Assistant Scout Master shall discuss the uniform requirements with the scout.  The Assistant Scout Master shall also contact the scout's parents to remind them of the Troop's Uniform Policy.  If the Assistant Scout Master determines that the parents are unable to provide the scout with a complete Class "A" uniform he shall assist the scout in obtaining a complete uniform through the Troop's Scholarship Program.  Thereafter, unless the scouts are specifically instructed otherwise, if a scout arrives at a meeting without his complete Class "A" uniform, the Assistant Scout Master shall immediately inform the scout why he is out of uniform and have the scout immediately call his parents to pick him up from the meeting and to not return until he is in full uniform.

PURPOSE:        Troop 80 has adopted the following policy to establish a uniform procedure for handling the Troop's discipline needs.

INTOLERABLE CONDUCT:    Conduct which will not be tolerated includes:  fighting; verbal abuse of other scouts or scout leaders; harassment of other scouts or scout leaders; habitual use of foul language; use of tobacco in any form; use of controlled substances (drugs); consumption of alcohol; throwing knives, hand axes, or other sharp objects; careless use of flammable products and fire; abuse of troop property; abuse of the personal equipment and property of others; violation of the Troop 80 Uniform Policy; and any other conduct in which the scout engages which the Scout Master and Assistant Scout Masters believe threatens the well-being of the scout or others, troop property or the property of others, or interferes with the purposes of scouting.  (For a complete copy of the Discipline Policy, see your Assistant Scoutmaster).

        In the event a scout becomes disruptive to the orderly conducting of a scout camp (including wilderness camp), the adult leaders of Troop 80 on the camp shall have the authority and duty to send the scout home to his parents, or to a duly designated adult.  At least one parent of each scout shall sign an authorization (which may be general or for a single camp) acknowledging this policy before a scout may attend a camp.  If one of the parents will not be home during the camp, they must designate an adult of their choice to take in their son if he is sent home from camp.  Scouts disciplined under this policy will be sent home by bus where practical, at the parent's expense.  If no bus is available, or the scout is too young to ride a bus, the parents (or designated adult) will be required to pick up the scout at a time and place set by the adult leaders of Troop 80 who are on the camp.  If a parent, or designated adult, refuses to come and pick up a scout subject to being sent home, the adult leaders of Troop 80 may drive the scout home, at the parent's expense.  In such event, the scout shall be suspended from all activities of Troop 80 until such time as the parents agree to abide by this policy.  This policy is cumulative of all other Troop 80 discipline policies.

        Eighty Scouts of America is a foundation trust managed under the direction of trustees appointed by Eighty Scouts, Inc.  The purpose of the trust is to provide financial support to Eighty Scouts, Inc.  One the the trustees if Amarillo National Bank, which also manages the trust.  Any funds donated to this trust must remain in the trust, with only the income being usable.  If you are interested in more information about this trust, please contact Walter Wolfram, 372-3449, or John Banks, 355-0327.