Posted on 04/01/2013 10:30:23 AM PDT by trussell
My 13 year old son just joined boy scouts. He would like to go to the camping trip next weekend and only has one outfit that is loaned to him.
He needs shorts (at least 3 pair needed), shirts (they would like him to have 3 or 4 more), pants (same as shirts, 3 or 4 more, boy scout approved socks (several pair).
He wears an 18 husky pant or 36/29 through 36/32. Shirts are XL youth to Medium adult. The troop will allow either the green BOA socks or black socks.
Also, any camping items that he will need. He has the toiletries. a sleeping pad and a canteen...but no sleeping bag or any of the other items on the camping list.
I'm not rich by any means, I've recently had back surgery and am unemployed. If you have it, and it's taking up space you want to clear out, please...consider helping my son.
Also, please keep in mind that the homosexual stuff about the boyscouts isn't about the boys...my son is being brought up to be a good Christian follower. He knows that is wrong and would report any instance immediately! There are NO homosexual people involved in his troop!
I guess I should add that we are in Georgia, very near Savannah. Please, if you are aware of anyone who could help, please ping them...or ping your lists if you feel this is worthy of a ping.
God bless!
Do you have freecycle in your area? It is an online group where you can ask for or give stuff away.
There are past Eagles who are no longer using their stuff, and he would know who to call.
Offer to pay what you can for them.
I know that the scout uniforms are not cheap, and you don’t just need an item or two but multiple items. I suggest you contact your area council and see if they can help you.
In my son’s troop, older/larger boys are the best source for clothing. They outgrow things and pass them along to the smaller kids.
Contact his scoutmaster and explain your situation. The scoutmaster should be able to put you in touch with resources to help you out.
Note that sometimes the chartering organization will help out. The original poster should mention that to the SM when you call him for ideas. HTH.
FRegards,
PrairieDawg (former SM)
Hint:
Buy 2 pair of whatever and learn how to do laundry.
They grow fast during those years.
I’m nowhere near you, nor do I have boys, but I have a grandson that is a Webelo now so I understand how pricy it can get!
I would suggest Craigslist - just the Community tab. There are plenty of good people that use Craigslist that I bet would be willing to help out. If they want to arrange a pick up of stuff, I’d suggest meeting them in a public location, but I’ve never had a problem using CL.
The other thing I’d try is the scoutmaster. I bet he could help or put you in touch with help. Good luck to you and your son!
This is boy scouts we’re talking about not a fashion show. One uni is more than enough for a weekend trip. My son has been on more than a few week long outings and always brought home more unworn stuff than worn. An extra shirt, socks and skivvies is plenty for a weekend. Check ebay for your future needs but don’t a bunch as they don’t stay in one size too long at that age.
I’ve not heard of it. I will search it and see if anything comes up.
The scoutmaster has given him the one loaned uniform. It’s the only one they had in his size. They said to check the thrift stores, but they charge 4 or 5 dollars minimum for clothing, and that’s steeper than I can do.
They said they would put out a plea for used items again, but that will not go out in time for him to go to this campout.
The other thing that may help is to post this on the GA FReepers board. Hopefully someone nearby may have some equipment or clothing.
They are trying, but they don’t have more in his size...they are the ones who gave him the one loaned uniform he has now.
His pack should have everything he needs. If they are unwilling to help you, find anoter pack. Boy Scouts always help each other out- and don’t turn boys away because of money.
They are sold out in his size and the next size up is $25 per pair...I’m afraid that is out of my range. :(
My boy’s scout troop here in Michigan maintains a “Troop Closet” of used scout clothing. Parents make requests and the closet is searched for matching items. Scouts are encouraged to give items they have outgrown to the “closet” so that others may benefit.
Bring this idea up at your next committee meeting.
Also, virtually all the parents in our troop troll yard sales and flea markets, and routinely grab any scout related items that are cheap, to shove into the closet.
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