The term "T-Minus" is used by the NASA space program for a countdown to a missile launch. This critical countdown includes a monitor of all important systems and conditions of the launch. A campout may not be quite as critical as a rocket launch, but as we count down to it, we have to follow special steps and procedures to make sure we are successful. That's why we use the "T-Minus" for our Campout planning.

T-MINUS-4 (Fourth troop meeting prior to the campout). The patrol leader appoints a grubmaster to develop a menu and shopping list for the campout. This is to be completed by T-MINUS-3. Permission slips for the campout are handed out. They are due back on T-MINUS-3, with a decision as to whether or not the Scout will attend the campout. No decision or 'indecision' at T-MINUS-3 will be considered a "Not-going decision" on the campout. Patrol Leaders review each member's dues record, and reminds them that dues must be paid up within 50 cents current at T-MINUS-3, or they will have to skip the next campout!

T-MINUS-3 (Third troop meeting prior to the campout). Permission slips are due. A decision must be made as to whether or not the Scout will attend the campout. No decision or 'indecision' at T-MINUS-3 will be considered a "Not-going decision" on the campout. Each Scout must be paid up within 50 cents current at T-MINUS-3, or they will have to skip the next campout! Grubmaster present a recommended menu and shopping list to the patrol during the troop meeting. The patrol makes changes as needed. Before T-MINUS-2, grubmasters go to the store and price all food items and fill out the 'Troop 419 Menu Planner'. Adults do the same. The patrol quartermaster makes a patrol equipment / supplies list for the campout, based on the type of cooking required by the menu. This is submitted to the Assistant Scoutmaster.

T-MINUS-2 (Second troop meeting prior to the campout). Grubmasters present a report on the food costs, including the cost per camper. Split the food list into separate lists for each Scout. Each list should have approximately the same total expense Before T-MINUS-1, patrol members purchase their assigned food. Some foods may need to be "repackaged" to avoid heavy or bulky containers, etc. The grubmaster is responsible for coordinating any repackaging. The patrol quartermaster finalizes the patrol equipment / supplies list for the campout, based on the type of cooking required by the menu. This is submitted to the Assistant Scoutmaster.

T-MINUS-1 (The troop meeting immediately prior to the campout). If necessary, the purchased, repackaged, organized food can be distributed to patrol members for equal weight in their pack, etc. This week is an opportunity to solve any problems related to their menus, purchases, etc. Quartermaster distributes the patrol equipment and supplies for the campout.

T-PLUS-1 (The troop meeting immediately after to the campout). The Scout who was assigned to clean all the patrol equipment from the campout returns it to this meeting ready for inspection. If all equipment is not returned in top shape, the same Scout gets an opportunity to do it again after the next campout!