Useful Information

Please note: much of this information (and even more) can also be found in the New Parents FAQ, Parent's Manual, Boy Scout Fact Sheet and Packing Lists

Who do I contact if I have questions about Troop 74?
When does the troop meet?
Who runs the meetings?
How often does the troop go camping?
What should I pack for a camping trip?
What are the troop's uniform requirements?
What should I have in my scout notebook?
What does the Adult Committee do?
What training do the adults need?
How is the troop funded?
How do I get to Camp Wah-Tut-Ca?

Who do I contact if I have questions about Troop 74?

Please contact our Adult Committee Chairman, Tom Eagan at TEagan@BleckDesignGroup.com with questions you may have.

When does the troop meet?

Troop 74 meets Monday nights at 7PM in the Fellowship Hall at the Central Congregational Church in Chelmsford.  We meet during the school year, except for holidays and during school vacations.

Who runs the meetings?

Troop 74 is a boy-run troop.  So, the weekly meetings are run by the boys.  The adult leaders are always there to help wherever they are needed, but the meeting generally runs start to finish with little adult direction.  The Patrol Leaders' Council plans the themes of the meetings and the boys do the presentations themselves or they track down the outside resources necessary to do the meeting, whether that means bringing in an outside speaker or planning an evening trip to someplace interesting in the area.

How often does the troop go camping?

Troop 74 is an incredibly active High Adventure troop.  We have been known to camp any month of the year (in New England that's saying a lot).  Generally though, in the coldest months of the Winter, we will do day trips instead of camping.  There is an activity of some sort planned for every month of the year.  Weekend camping trips numerous times a year and two weeks or more of Summer Camp at Wah-Tut-Ca make for an exciting program.  Our August High Adventure trip is the highlight of the year though.  Rotating year to year between biking, hiking and canoeing, it is a week-long trip to be remembered - hiking the Appalachian Trail across Massachusetts, biking through the countryside of Vermont or canoeing through the lakes and streams of northern Maine - it's always an adventure.

What should I pack for a camping trip?

When camping in New England, especially when the weather is a little less than beautiful, it is always better to safe than sorry - err on the side of over-packing.  Having to lug around and extra couple sweaters is better than being cold all weekend.  We have put together a couple suggested packing lists.  If you have any questions about any of the equipment, feel free to talk to any of the very experienced adults in the troop.  It is also not necessary to go buy lots of expensive equipment the first time you go camping.  Oftentimes it is possible to find someone to lend you some supplies...just ask around.

What are the troop's uniform requirements?

Troop 74 requires a Class A uniform of Scout shirt, Scout pants, bolo tie, and belt.  We realize that the expense of a uniform can be a burden to some families.  We therefore encourage Scouts who have outgrown their uniforms or who have left the troop to donate the uniforms to the troop.  Any Scout who needs a uniform should contact the Scoutmaster to see if we have one in his size. Scouts are expected to be in uniform for all Troop meetings, Council events, training events and field trips (unless specifically told otherwise).

What should I have in my scout notebook?

Your scout notebook should include everything of importance to you in scouts.  Use it to keep handouts from meetings and phone lists.  Store any work you did on merit badges.  Keep your blue cards that you get back with a merit badge you've earned (baseball card holders are great for this).  You get the idea.  If it deals with your scouting life, why not keep it all in one place in your notebook.  If you have questions, ask one of the older scouts if you can see their notebook.  It will become important for you as your progress through the ranks, and will be needed at your boards of review.

What does the Adult Committee do?

The Adult Committee is a group of dedicated adults in the troop who perform many of the "behind the scenes" functions.  Numerous subcommittees do everything from planning the details of camping trips to ensuring adults are properly trained to planning Eagle Scout courts of honor.  The opportunities are expansive for any adult who is willing to lend a hand.  The committee meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at the church at 7PM.  All adults are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Once you fill out the necessary application and become a committee member, you will be able to vote and help shape the future of our beloved troop. 
 

What training do the adults need?

To be allowed to work directly with the boys and go camping with us, all adults must go through youth protection training every two years.  This involves watching an hour long video or going through an online training program.
 

How is the troop funded?

Our main source of funding is a yearly yard sale.  This is no ordinary yard sale.  It is the Troop 74 Giant Yard Sale, and giant it is.  Every May (normally on the Saturday before Mother's Day) we open the gates to a yard sale that is the culmination of an entire year's worth of collecting, sorting and tagging.  By the time the dust settles at the end of the day, hundreds (maybe thousands, who really knows) of people have visited us and the end result is that we can fund our troop operations for the whole year.  it takes a huge amount of work from many very dedicated people, but it helps make it possible for our troop to do things that may not otherwise be possible.

How do I get to Camp Wah-Tut-Ca?

Take I-93N to Exit 15 in Concord, New Hampshire. Take I-393 East to Route 4 East. Take Route 4 East to the traffic rotary in Epsom, about 8 miles from  I-93. Continue East on Route 4 onto Northwood, NH. Turn Right onto Blakes Hill Road, about 7 miles from the rotary. The camp entrance is approximately 1 1/2 miles on the right.