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Juggling all the supplies needed for the average scout troop requires both organization and space. All too often, the scout master is expected to give up their garage, shed, or spare room to house the grand assortment of mess kits, tents, fishing poles, and other equipment. Fortunately, there's an overlooked option that provides the perfect storage solution for everyone in the troop, and it's usually located nearby.

Storage Rental – The Basics

Most scouting groups only need a small, basic storage unit to house their gear. Although price varies by area, these unit types are generally low-cost, so they fit into most troop budgets. You will want to choose a unit with drive up access, though, so you aren't carrying gear for long distances.

A major benefit of a central storage unit is that there is no juggling of equipment each time an event is planned or there is a change in leadership. If all current leaders have keys and access codes to the unit, then any of them can pick up the gear when it is needed. There's also no need to find a new storage place when a leader steps down from their duties.

Gear Storage Tips

Anyone dropping off gear at the unit needs to be trained properly on how to store it. Ideally, you will have a scout member as quartermaster, whom will be in charge of preparing the gear for storage. It's still a good idea to have an adult leader inspect the unit though, so damage doesn't occur and cost the troop money.

Tents: Tents need to be set up and dried after every camp-out, even if it didn't rain. Dew and grass can make a tent moist, which can lead to mildew in storage. After the tents are dried, brush them off before stowing them away for storage.

Patrol boxes: The patrol box is effectively the mess kit and kitchen for each scout patrol, so care needs to be taken so they don't attract pests. Many modern boxes are kept inside large plastic tubs, which will deter most insects and rodents. If your boxes are made from the traditional wood, at least store spices and the cooking and eating implements in smaller plastic containers inside the box.

Cooking gear: Make sure cooking gear is cleaned thoroughly before packing it for storage. Cast iron needs to be washed and oiled so it doesn't rust, but don't let the kids use soap to wash it. Even a small amount of food can bring pests into your storage unit.

Packs and bags: If your troop supplies sleeping bags or back packs, make sure they are empty and dry before storage. Store sleeping bags unrolled and loosely packed inside sealed plastic trash bags. Cover packs with trash bags, too. The bag protects against pests and moisture damage.

Special Equipment: If your troop owns any special equipment, such as toboggans, snow shoes, or canoes, make sure they are dry and clean before storage. Moisture and dirt are the main issues that can damage your scout equipment in storage. To learn more about storage, contact a business like I-70 Self Storage.