Troop 560 Summer Camp Cot/Netting Gear Requirements

During summer camp, Troop 560 scouts sleep on cots in open army-style canvas tents. Since the tents are not screened, the scouts need to provide their own mosquito netting with netting supports.

Mosquito netting can be found at Uncle Stan’s Military Surplus in Marion. Let them know what you need it for (show them pictures) and they can help you select the correct netting.

Netting supports can be made from ½” or ¾” PCV pipe and fittings. They can be T- shaped or U-shaped and lashed to the cot frame. Approximately 2 – 6ft sections of cord will be needed to lash the supports to the cot frame (no duct tape). A total of two supports are needed - one for each end of the cot. You can cut the pvc pieces and dry fit them together or it is recommended to use pvc cement to connect the top horizontal section so the vertical piece can be disconnected and the 4 straight pieces can be bundled together for easy transport.

For building *two* T-shaped netting supports (as shown in the following picture), the following materials are required: 1. 120” (10’) of (½” or ¾”) PVC (=2 x 36”, 4 x 12”) 2. 6 PVC caps (3 per T-shaped support) 3. 2 PVC ‘Tees” (one per T-shaped support)

The cots have mattresses so a standard sleeping mat is not needed, but a sheet or two to cover the mattress would be a good idea if it gets too hot for them to be in or on their sleeping bag.

Since the tents are not closed and have no bottom, it is recommended that scouts pack their gear in a plastic bin instead of a duffle/backpack, since the floor of the tent can get wet from rain or dew. A short bin that can slide out of the way under the cot can be helpful. It is recommended that clothes be packed in 5-10 gallon Ziploc bags. If the scout uses a duffle or backpack be sure they keep it stored in a heavy duty garbage bag to keep it dry.