Troop 80 is a camping Troop. We do not cancel an event because of weather conditions unless there is physical danger. We have weekend campouts every month, with long-term campouts in December (Winter Camp), June (Summer Camp) and July or August (High Adventure trip for older Scouts).
A Scout who has missed two or more Troop meetings the month of a campout may not be allowed to attend that month's campout. Scouts must pay their dues and camping fees at the meeting before a campout in order to attend.

Weekend Campouts:

On weekend campouts Troop 80 usually assembles at the Scout House on Friday at 5:30 PM to load the vehicles and trailer. We generally leave the Scout House Friday evening at 7:00 PM and return Sunday afternoon. One person will be contacted when the Troop is about an hour from the Scout House. That contact person will notify the other parents about when the Troop is expected to return. This will give the parents sufficient notice so they can pick up their Scouts when they return. Most of our campouts are at BSA-owned Scout Camps or State Parks. A weekend campout is normally within 50 to 200 miles of Houston. Parents should be waiting at the Scout house when the troop arrives.

Everyone attending a campout must bring a "sack lunch" from home for the Friday evening meal. Passengers must ask permission of the driver to eat sack lunches in a vehicle. Scouts are responsible for cleaning out any sack lunch or snack debris from vehicles at stops. Normally the Troop will stop for a "drinks & small snacks only" rest stop on the way to and from weekend campouts. In the event of a distant camping trip the Troop usually stops at a fast food restaurant for lunch during the return trip. This is the only reason a Scout might need spending money on a campout. All other meals are planned, purchased and cooked by the Scouts. Soft drinks are not allowed on campouts.

When we return from a campout some equipment must be unloaded and stored in the Scout House. Scouts may be assigned a tent or other item of Patrol equipment to take home to clean/dry. Please see that it is completely dried out and clean for the next campout. The Scout should bring the item to the next regular Scout meeting. Scouts are not released from a campout until all work has been completed. When the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is satisfied that all work has been completed he will hold a final assembly and then release the Scouts.

Long Term Campouts:

Summer Camp is usually 1 week (Sunday through Saturday). During the planning campout the Scouts vote on when and where they want to go to camp. Usually we attend a "merit badge" camp that will provide merit badge opportunities. El Rancho Cima River Camp near Wimberly, Texas, is a good camp for this purpose. Winter camp is usually 5 days and 4 nights and is scheduled between Christmas and New Years. We use this time to participate in special events and/or merit badge opportunities. The particulars of this camp are also determined by the Scouts at the annual planning campout.

High Adventure Trips:

Each year, usually during July or August, the older Scouts with at least First Class rank and skills can participate in a special high adventure trip. This trip can be of 2 or more weeks' duration. Historically high adventure trips have gone camping in Central Mexico, Sailing at Laguna Madre near Corpus Christi, backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico. Scouts participating in high adventure trips form a "crew" and plan, coordinate, and accomplish their own trip. Age requirements may apply.

Campout Transportation:

· The Troop Transportation Chair coordinates transportation for all events.
· Campout transportation is provided by Scout parents and adult leaders.
· A vehicle must have a working seat belt for each occupant.
· Scouting regulations require drivers to have a minimum of 20/40/15 liability coverage, although 50/100/50 is recommended.
· Scouts with a driver's license are allowed to transport equipment but may not be permitted to transport other Scouts in connection with a Scout event.
· Adults who volunteer to provide transportation will have the opportunity to experience camping the Scouting way.
· The Troop generally departs for campouts in a group. On longer trips, the drivers will regroup in a designated area to ensure all vehicles are present. Drivers are encouraged to have cell phones for the trip, but not during the campout.

Troop 80 General Camping Rules:

· Scouts must commit to attending the campout at the regularly scheduled meeting prior to the campout date.
· Scouts dues and fees must be up to date in order to participate in the campout.
· Individuals who are unable to make that departure time should make arrangements with the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and Scoutmaster to meet the Troop at the camp location.
· Scouts must wear full "Class A" uniform for departure and return.
· Scouts must wear hiking boots both going to and coming from campouts.
· Scouts must wear hiking boots or shoes at all times except when participating in swimming events or when in their tents. No open toed footwear is allowed.
· No food items are allowed in tents.
· The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) will designate a lights out, a wake up, and a Troop Assembly time for the Troop. Each patrol must plan its activities to conform to these times.
· The program Patrol is responsible for preparing the schedule of events for each campout.