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The main things a
new Scout will need are:
- Devon 50 Uniform
- Scout handbook
- Backpack and Day Pack
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Folding knife
- Mess kit and utensil kit
Uniform - A Scout uniform is required for participation in
Devon 50 activities. Devon 50 recognizes three types:
Class
A (full uniform) – worn at all Troop and Patrol Meetings and
when required
Class B (Scout pants & socks with
T-shirt, or a scout shirt with any trousers)
Class C (any old clothes appropriate
for work parties or similar occasions
The
Class A Devon 50 uniform consists of:
BSA
shirt, pants (or shorts) and socks
Leather or canvas belt
Leather shoes or boots
Neckerchief (presented to the new scout at his induction into the troop)
Red Beret
The insignia on the uniform
shirt are generally described on the inside front and back covers of the
Boy Scout Handbook. Devon 50 also wears the purple International Scouting
patch (or the World Conservation patch, once earned) above the left
pocket. Patches with “Devon, PA” and “50” are worn on the upper
left sleeve (instead of the normal Council patch).
The Troop’s Uniform Exchange is the ONLY SOURCE for the berets, replacement neckerchiefs and the
“Devon, PA” and “50” patches. Many other “scout tested”
uniform items can also be purchased there at a reduced price.
(contact the scoutmaster) for for the Uniform
Exchange name and contact information)
The Council
Scout Shops
carry a full selection of uniforms, handbooks, and merit badge
books, plus other scouting items of interest.
Chester County Council Headquarters is off Westwood Rd, near West Chester
Cradle of Liberty Council Headquarters on 252 North entering Valley Forge
Park
Kelly Sports on 202 in West Chester also carry books and uniforms
The
Scout Handbook is the primary source for learning about the
basics: uniform, insignia, camping and backpacking checklists, advancement
standards and requirements, and the core of Scouting - the Oath and Law.
In the back of the handbook there are places to record the completion of
advancement requirements. The scout should be reminded to care for his
handbook as it will serve him throughout his Devon 50 years.
The Hiking Boots (“High
Tops”) available at reasonable cost from local stores are fine. No need
to upscale initially. Size is important. A full size bigger than usual
shoe size will allow for two sets of socks on hikes. Socks on hikes:
polypropylene or cotton first, then wool.
Sleeping Bags and Sleeping Pads
(waterproof) are available from many sports stores, such as REI in
Conshohocken. The sleeping bag should be rated to
15 degrees or less. Check with the Scoutmaster for recommendations. A
"mummy" style bag is usually preferred by the boys because they
are smaller and lighter to carry and warmer in cool weather. A 15 degree
mummy bag is affordable and sufficient for almost all scout activities.
Get a sealed foam pad or a Therm-A-Rest pad; both work well under the
sleeping bag for year round camping.
Backpacks and Day Packs can be
expensive, but you should start with an inexpensive backpack, sized to the
boy. The Day Pack can be a simple school bag or something similar. Chose a
backpack that will not overload the scout. The weight of a filled pack
should not exceed 20 to 25% of his body weight. This is a good reason to
avoid canned goods, heavy axes, etc. As a general rule, keep it simple.
Too much gear just gets in the way.
A Scout Knife must be a
traditional folding knife or something similar.
No sheath knives, fish cleaning knives, or switchblades, please;
they will be confiscated.
The classic Scout mess kit and
utensil kit contain all that a scout needs. They can be a bit bulky
and heavy, so lighter weight alternatives are ok, as long as the scout is
able to have all meals and drinks with what he carries.
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Troop