Home.25 July 1999
Greetings All,
This is an email summarizing what should be brought on the Canadian trip as *carry-on gear* - that is, the stuff we will be using on the way up and on the way back, BUT NOT ON THE TREK ITSELF! I emphasize this because I do not want people making the classic mistake of packing gear in their carry-on luggage that they "will just transfer over when we get there." This is exactly how items get left behind; sometimes a trivial issue, sometimes a critical or even life-threatening issue (especially with medications.) Remember, we will (allegedly) be on the water within three hours of our arrival at Killarney, and I strongly doubt if we'll be sitting there having a relaxed dinner and doing a leisurely gear re-sort. Anyway, we will be in travel status for a full day and a half on the way up, with an International border, Niagara Falls, and a hotel sleepover being salient issues, and will similarly be spending either a very long day or quite possibly a full day and a half with several of the same issues on the way home.
First and primary, each Scout (and uniformed Leader) should bring their full Scout Uniform for the trip. I will not ask anyone to wear their uniform during the lengthy drive up, but we will wear them for both border crossings (to help "grease" our passage) and at Niagara Falls on the way up (to make it easier to spot our guys amongst the crush.) Thus, each Scout's (and Adult's) Uniform needs to be easily accessible in his carry-on luggage.
Pack your carry-on luggage in small, soft-sided duffel bags or oversized daypacks - whichever works better for you. Remember that we have limited space; don't be ridiculous on bulk or weight. Do not pack anything which can be easily broken. Remember that everything you pack will be stored in the vehicles during the week, so it's likely to get rather overheated at least a few times.
In addition to what you're wearing:
_____ Full Scout Uniform (including Bolo Tie; white socks OK)
_____ For Adults Only, all critical paperwork items which have NOT been retained by the Troop (we intend to keep all Scout items in packages in the custody of the drivers of the vehicles the Scouts are in while crossing the border.)
_____ Wallet, with limited cash. Everyone (Adults included) are strongly encouraged to strip their wallets of everything except what is needed for the trip. This will minimize the disaster in case of loss.
_____ House Keys (OPTIONAL) - Again, everyone is strongly encouraged to strip their key rings of everything except their house keys and (where applicable) keys for the vehicle they're driving. Again, disaster minimalization. Bringing an extra vehicle key on a separate ring would be prudent.
_____ 3 socially acceptable T-Shirts (1 will be worn for 1st day of canoeing; this one MUST NOT BE 100% COTTON!)
_____ 1 pair of short pants (which will be worn for 1st day of canoeing; this one MUST NOT BE 100% COTTON!)
_____ 1 pair of long pants
_____ 1 belt
_____ 3 pair of underwear
_____ 3 pairs of white athletic socks
_____ 1 hat (if you're not wearing one already)
_____ 1 extra pair of sneakers or shoes (which will also be worn for 1st day of canoeing)
_____ 1 light, rain-resistant jacket
_____ 1 towel
_____ 1 dirty clothes bag (cloth! - not plastic!)
_____ 1 pair of sunglasses (if you're not already wearing a pair; should be worn while canoeing)
_____ *Small* quantities of personal hygiene gear (soap, shampoo, razor, deoderant, comb or hairbrush, toothpaste, etc.) Keep it minimal!
_____ Toothbrush
_____ 4 day supply of *critical* medications (inhalers, etc., not routine meds)
_____ Stamps (Canadian if mailed from Canada) and mailing envelopes (OPTIONAL)
_____ Reading Materials (OPTIONAL)
_____ Camera and Film (OPTIONAL - Note that Troop photos will be taken as usual; there is little need to bring any personal cameras)
_____ Music - OPTIONAL - All music must be approved by the driver in advance. Note that no electronics (other than our communication gear) will be allowed on the trek itself.
Mark your name or initials on all items.
- Bob
Home.