Scouts BSA Troop Loses $7,500 in Camping Gear to Theft

On April 1, Scouts BSA Troop 902 in Fairfield discovered that thousands of dollars' worth of camping equipment had been stolen from their storage trailer. The theft, totaling approximately $7,500, included essential items such as tents, backpacking stoves, first aid kits, and cooking supplies, all vital for the troop's upcoming outdoor adventures. The troop, which comprises 20 members, had planned backpacking trips to Twin Creek in Germantown in May, the Red River Gorge in Kentucky in June, and summer camp in early July. These planned excursions now face significant disruption due to the loss of necessary gear. This incident highlights the troop's commitment to teaching life lessons by providing all necessary equipment, rather than having scouts purchase their own. The stolen equipment included 25 new tents, which the troop had fundraised for over two years. The troop relies on various fundraisers, including a fish fry and festival parking, to support its activities and maintain its gear. The theft is especially concerning for the younger Cub Scout pack, who have a camping trip scheduled for late April and depend on this equipment. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by the Scout Master's wife, with a goal of $8,000, has already seen significant community support, with the Fairfield Optimist Club donating $3,000 and other donors contributing to reach a total of $5,235 as of April 7. This outpouring of support underscores the community's commitment to assisting the scouts in replacing their stolen resources.