K. Harrison Gear Closet
Welcome to the K. Harrison Gear Closet. Adventure should be accessible to all.
Named in honor of Ken Harrison, one of Troop 88's most dedicated and generous supporters, the K. Harrison Gear Closet is central to our outdoor program. Mr. Harrison's generosity - from equipping our scouts with backpacking backpacks to securing our troop trailer through the Merced Breakfast Lions Club - has helped to ensure that every scout has a seat at the campfire and a pack for trail.
This Gear Closet serves as the official donation center for Troop 88. Our goal is simple: to ensure that every scout, regardless of circumstance, has the right gear for their adventures. We are appreciative of every offer of used gear or financial support towards uniforms, gear, and supplies - see some example categories and corresponding adventures for ideas below!
Reach out to us for inquiries or to coordinate gear donations: admin@scoutingmerced.org
Camping Gear
The "basecamp" essentials used during our monthly excursion. Whether we are setting up at Yosemite National Park in the spring or attending the GYC Camporee in the fall, reliable shelter and kitchen gear are a must. Thanks to a generous grant by the Merced Breakfast Lions, our Patrol Boxes received a much needed gear upgrade!
Example Gear: Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, pop-up shade tents, folding tables, mess kits, sturdy 4-man tents
Backpacking Gear
For treks where everything you need must fit on your back, weight and durability are key. This gear is essential for our primitive backpacking adventures in the summer and late winter. Thanks to Mr. Harrison, the closet features robust selection of external frame packs.
Example Gear: Lightweight backpacking stoves, water filtration systems, bear canisters, and ultralight sleeping bags, pads, and tents.
Water Adventure Gear
With Lake Yosemite in our backyard and access to the rivers, lakes, and oceans of California - our Troop always has several water adventures each year. Staying safe and dry on the water is our top priority.
Example Gear: Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs/Life Jackets), dry bags of various sizes, water shoes, and fishing gear.
Community & Conservation Service Gear
"Leading through Service" is a core tenet of Troop 88. We need the right tools for our Adopt-a-Park projects at Bernasconi Park and our conservation service projects at locations like Lake Yosemite, Bear Creek, Lake McSwain/Exchequer, and Lake Hensley.
Example Gear: Heavy-duty work gloves, high-visibility safety vests, sturdy trash grabbers, assorted shovels and rakes, and 5-gallon buckets.
High Adventure Gear
Our scouts like to challenge themselves, and specialized gear keeps our scouts safe. This equipment is important for adventures such as Snow Camping and other high adventure opportunities like climbing.
Example Gear: 20-degree rated sleeping bags, snow shovels, gaiters, assorted climbing gear.
Uniforms & Activity Wear
Every scout needs two uniforms: Field Uniform (the classic tan and sash) and the Activity Uniform (our signature purple). To complete each uniform, scouts need appropriate hiking pants, hats, socks, and shoes to hit the trail safely. Did we mention our scouts are both constantly growing and hard on their uniforms? The gear closet will always be accepting items in this category.
Example Gear: Scouts BSA tan shirts, Troop 88 purple shirts or sweatshirts, merit badge sashes, patches, Scouting America hats, hiking boots, and hiking pants.
Contact Us
Reach out to us for inquiries or to coordinate gear donations. We’re here to help and provide more information.
Email: admin@scoutingmerced.org
Gearing Up with Gratitude
Take a look at the gear that makes our program possible! From the backpacks that carry us through Yosemite to the canoes we navigate in our Canoeing Series, these photos highlight the real generosity of our local community.
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