Question	My son just joined Troop 44.  What does he need?
Answer	Uniform If your son is crossing over from Cub Scouts, he probably already has a khaki-colored uniform shirt.  (If he wasn’t a Cub Scout, you’ll need to get the shirt.)  Here’s what changes: · Shoulder Loops: Replace the blue ones with red ones. · Left Sleeve: Remove the Pack numeral under the Knox Trail Council shoulder patch and replace it with the numbers “44.” · Right Sleeve: Remove the Den numeral strip and Webelos colors.  You will be adding a Patrol Emblem under the U.S. flag. · Arrow of Light Patch: This is worn centered under the left shirt pocket. It is up to the Scout and his family to obtain the following: "Class A" khaki-colored uniform shirt, red shoulder loops, "44" numerals, Knox Trail Council shoulder patch, and World Crest emblem.  Once a Scout begins earning merit badges, he should have a merit badge sash on which to display them. All these can be purchased at the local Scout Shop, which is located in the Brickyard Marketplace on Route 9 westbound in Southborough.   Scouts also are required to have Troop 44 "Class B" T-shirts, troop caps and troop neckerchiefs. These can be purchased through the Troop, which sells them at cost.  Contact Mr. Rudden about ordering them. All rank badges (Scout, etc.), position badges (Patrol Leader, etc.), "Trained" patches, "Totin' Chip," merit badges and other Scouting awards are presented to Scouts by the Troop as part of the Troop 44 program. Depending upon the Scout's patrol name, patrol patches may be ordered by the Troop for the patrol.  It is each Scout's responsibility to reimburse the Troop for these patches. Note: Troop 44 recommends getting a short-sleeved BSA shirt.  We also strongly recommend sewing on all patches, as opposed to using “Badge Magic” or other glue-type adhesive. Gear Troop 44 recommends that you hold off on any major gear purchases until you talk to the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmasters.  We want to make sure you buy appropriate equipment, and that you do not spend money unnecessarily on equipment that your son will not need, or equipment that is inappropriate. Your son will need some basic gear for his first campout – a mess kit and utensils, sleeping bag, ground pad, pillow, and a duffel bag for his clothing. There are a range of options available for even these basic needs, and we would be happy to discuss recommendations and lessons learned with you if you have questions about them.